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Melbourne is forecast to suffer 100/km winds tonight and tomorrow as a belt of strong gusts move up from Tasmania
Temperatures and snowfall could reach shocking levels compared to previous years, said David Taylor, who runs the East Coast Weather Facebook page
Mr Taylor, who has correctly predicted major weather events in the past, said that the icy conditions would impact huge areas of the country
'It will be slightly cooler than normal in the north but the real cold will be in the southern states and southeast Queensland,' Mr Taylor said
Meanwhile, Melbourne is forecast to suffer 100/km winds tonight and tomorrow as a belt of strong gusts move up from Tasmania.
It comes after an amateur weather forecaster claimed Australia is set for the coldest winter on record.
Temperatures and snowfall could reach shocking levels compared to previous years, said David Taylor, who runs the East Coast Weather Facebook page.
Mr Taylor, who has correctly predicted major weather events in the past, said that the icy conditions would impact huge areas of the country.
'It will be slightly cooler than normal in the north but the real cold will be in the southern states and southeast Queensland,' he told The Cairns Post.
Mr Taylor said he would not be surprised if it starts to snow in places where it has not snowed for a long time
Mr Taylor has explained that his forecast formula uses changes in sunspot activity, which enables him to successfully predict weather events in the past
'I wouldn't be surprised if there is snow in places where it hasn't snowed for a long time.'
Mr Taylor has explained that his forecast formula uses changes in sunspot activity, along with Global Forecast System modelling, and the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecast.
Mr Taylor said tracking sunspot activity has enabled him to successfully predict weather events in the past.
He was lauded for correctly predicting that 600mm of rain would fall in Townsville on February 28.
He said weather systems were susceptible to the 'butterfly effect' in which seemingly small changes can have vast and far reaching outcomes.
Mr Taylor said weather systems were susceptible to the 'butterfly effect' in which seemingly small changes can have vast and far reaching outcomes
Thousands of people flock to the beach in Sydney to escape the scorching 34C autumn blast before rain is expected to fall
People are told to prepare for a cold winter as a weather expert warns Australia could be on track for its 'coldest winter on record'
Two friends (left) look on towards the beach while a woman and her boyfriend take a selfie in the shallow waters (right)
The 34 degree heat called for perfect surfboarding fun as two swimmers carry their boards towards the beach on the hot sand
A group of friends smile and laugh as they enjoy the cool splash of the water in the scorching tempeartures
A woman is taking it easy on the hot day carrying a coffee cup and enjoying a stroll in the shallow waters of the beach
A pair of friends (left) take a dip in the cool water and look on at other swimmers, while a woman is getting her back lathered with sunscreen by her male friend (right)
A father throws his daughter up in air and she is seen smiling before he catches her (left). A woman helps carry her friend toward the beach (right)
Casino mogul James Packer has been spotted on a solitary cigarette break after checking in to a $5000-a-night mental health facility in Boston.
Packer, 50, checked in to The Pavilion at McLaren Hospital on Thursday night, accompanied by his mother and friend Guy Jallan.
Dressed in a snow jacket, loose long pants and sneakers on Saturday, the former director of Crown Resorts was seen strolling before sitting on a bench to finish his cigarette.
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Australian billionaire James Packer seen taiing a step outside in the cold to have a smoke break during his time at the psychiatric hospital where he checked into in Boston
Packer, 50, checked in to The Pavilion at McLaren Hospital on Thursday night, accompanied by his mother and friend Guy Jallan
Dressed in a snow jacket, loose long pants and sneakers on Saturday, the former director of Crown Resorts was seen strolling before sitting on a bench to finish his cigarette
He had a pensive look on his face as he moved through the snowy grounds of the top medical facility, ahead of a visit from a female friend.
The woman, described as a friend of the family, was dropped off at McLaren hospital and carried a large black bag with her.
She was seen speaking with Packer as they headed inside the building, the businessman leading the way as she tied up her hair.
Packer has received an outpouring of support from his friends and family, with mother Ros flying to Boston to be with him when he checked in to the psychiatric facility, and friends close by throughout the process.
Roslyn Packer exiting her hotel heading to visit James in his Boston psychiatric hospital
Packer has received an outpouring of support from his friends and family, with mother Ros flying to Boston to be with him when he checked in to the psychiatric facility, and friends close by throughout the process
On Wednesday, the business tycoon stepped down as director of Crown Resorts, citing 'mental health issues'
On Friday, Ros was seen heading out of her nearby hotel to spend time with her son at the hospital, indicating she will likely be staying close throughout his treatment.
Packer has reportedly been working on rebuilding his life, with reports claiming he had asked his ex-wife Erica to 'take him back' ahead of his admission to McLaren.
On Wednesday, the business tycoon stepped down as director of Crown Resorts, citing 'mental health issues'.
On Thursday, he checked in to The Pavilion at Boston's McLean Hospital, an 11-bed facility where the embattled business mogul will receive treatment.
The Pavilion charges $5000 a night for its exclusive 14-day program, The Daily Telegraph reported.
James Packer (pictured) checked into an exclusive mental health facility in Boston on Thursday night after sensationally quitting as director of Crown Resorts
Packer is also trying to reconcile with his second wife Erica, who mothered his three children
Joined by his mother Ros and friend Guy Jallan, Packer checked in to The Pavilion, where he will undergo testing and treatment for $5000 AUD a night
James Packer spotted entering one of the buildings of a psychiatric hospital in Boston, where he has checked in, with a friend who was seen being dropped off earlier in the day
McLean Hospital is considered the best mental health treatment centre in the United States, and Boston Globe journalist Alex Beam told the Telegraph the facility was 'the real deal', not a usual destination for celebrities putting up a front.
'McLean is a medical facility and not a fake medical facility like some of these spas in Arizona. Harvey Weinstein would not fit in there,' he explained.
'It's for people who can spare no expense. It's not where you hide out from the paparazzi or avoid a judge.'
Sylvia Plath was a patient of McLean Hospital, as were musician Ray Charles and mathematician John Nash.
The pair are believed to remain on good terms, with the family spending time together in Aspen
Ms Packer has reportedly declined to rekindle their romance after creating a stable life for her family in Los Angeles
Friends also allege Erica does not wish to expose her children - Indigo, 9, Jackson, 8, and Emmanuelle, 5 - to their father's 'seismic' mood swings
In addition to seeking help with his mental health, Packer is also believed to be seeking the support of his ex-wife, who mothered his three children.
The 50-year-old has made multiple attempts to reconcile with Erica Packer, who has turned him down, The Daily Telegraph earlier reported.
Packer is reportedly wanting to 'turn back the clock' by reuniting with his second wife in the hopes he can pick up the pieces the dark cloud of depression tore apart.
'Turning back the clock five years might be what James wants but it won't help Erica,' a family friend told the publication
'She has finally got her life together and has created a stable life in Los Angeles for her kids.'
Friends also allege Erica does not wish to expose her children - Indigo, 9, Jackson, 8, and Emmanuelle, 5 - to their father's 'seismic' mood swings.
Erica's snub is unsurprising after Packer left the model to pursue bachelorhood and to expand his casino empire.
'He made friends only with people he believed could help him generate money and jettisoned everyone else. He became ruder, more poorly behaved than he had ever been before,' a former friend alleges.
It is believed Packer has come to the belated realisation his ex-wife offered 'support' and 'stability' to his turbulent life in the public eye.
It is believed Packer has come to the belated realisation his ex-wife offered 'support' and 'stability' to his turbulent life in the public eye.
Despite rejecting her ex-husband's advances, Erica has long been a pillar of support for the casino tycoon
They are often photographed together and appear to get along well as they co-parent their three children
Despite rejecting her ex-husband's advances, Erica has long been a pillar of support for the casino tycoon.
They are often photographed together and appear to get along well as they co-parent their three children.
The 40-year-old brunette visited Packer in Aspen at Christmas as he holidayed with socialite Kylie Lim.
James has been unlucky in love, with his recent failed engagement to Mariah Carey reportedly costing him between $6 and $13 million.
He married his first wife Jodhi Meares in 1999 and the couple separated in 2002.
Packer made his mental health struggle public upon deciding to step down as director of his beloved casino business.
'Mr Packer is suffering from mental health issues. At this time he intends to step back from all commitments,' Mr Packer's private investment vehicle CPH said in a statement.
Packer stepped down as director of Crown Resorts, citing 'mental health issues' (Crown pictured)
James has been unlucky in love, with his recent failed engagement to Mariah Carey (pictured) reportedly costing him between $6 and $13 million
One of Australia's richest people, with a personal fortune estimated at $4.1 billion, Packer announced on Wednesday he would 'step back from all commitments' indefinitely.
The only son of late media mogul Kerry then flew to Mexico following his shock resignation.
His mother Roslyn Packer, 80, was also seen getting off a direct flight from Sydney in Los Angeles.
For confidential support in Australia call the Lifeline 24-hour crisis support on 13 11 14.
A British newspaper editor has been found guilty in Dubai of killing his wife with a hammer and sentenced to 10 years in prison.
Francis Matthew, the former editor of the English-language Gulf News for the country, had faced the possibility of the death penalty for the killing of Jane Matthew in July 2017.
The family of Jane Matthew, 62, said 'justice has not yet been done' after he was sentenced.
Francis Matthew (left), the former editor of the English-language Gulf News for the country, had faced the possibility of the death penalty for the killing of Jane Matthew (right) in July 2017
The family of Jane Matthew said 'justice has not yet been done' after he was sentenced
In a statement issued after they attended the sentencing, the victim's family said: 'Jane was a loving wife, mother, daughter, sister and aunt.
'Losing her in such a brutal manner has left the family both bewildered and shocked.
'We feel that justice has not yet been done as we realise that the actual sentence served may be less than the 10-year sentence.
'We hope that this sentence is changed on appeal.'
Matthew, who was accused of the premeditated murder of his wife, pleaded not guilty to the charge when he appeared in a Dubai courtroom in December last year.
On July 4 last year, Dubai police say they were called to Matthew's three-bedroom villa in the Jumeirah neighbourhood.
There, they say they found the body of his wife of more than 30 years, and the editor told them robbers had broken into the home and killed her.
During a later interrogation, however, police say Matthew told them his wife had grown angry with him because they were in debt and needed to move.
Matthew said he got angry when his wife called him a 'loser' and told him 'you should provide financially', according to police
Matthew said he got angry when his wife called him a 'loser' and told him 'you should provide financially', according to police.
He told police his wife pushed him during the argument. He then got a hammer, followed her into the bedroom and struck her twice in the head, killing her, according to a police report.
The next morning, Matthew tried to make it look like the house had been robbed and later went to work like nothing had happened, throwing the hammer in a nearby rubbish bin, police said.
The family continued in their statement: 'We attended the Dubai Courts today, and our family has been saddened by the sentence given to Francis Matthew, Jane's killer.
'In the defendant's own version of events, he collected the murder weapon, a hammer, in the kitchen and carried it down two corridors of the house to the bedroom.
In a statement issued after they attended the sentencing, the victim's family said: 'Jane was a loving wife, mother, daughter, sister and aunt'
'There was time for him to consider his actions - instead he delivered two hammer blows to the front of Jane's head. He made no attempt to call an ambulance afterwards.
'We also know...that Jane had been aware for months that the villa was due for demolition.
'The defendant has admitted that rows over money had occurred frequently for some time. Ongoing arguments, about money or a house, can arise in any marriage and cannot justify this killing.'
Gulf News previously has said Matthew served as its editor from 1995-2005 and then became an editor-at-large at the newspape
Gulf News previously has said Matthew served as its editor from 1995-2005 and then became an editor-at-large at the newspaper.
He was still with the newspaper at the time of the killing, though the Gulf News now refers to him as a former employee.
News of the killing shocked staff at the influential English-language daily newspaper, where Matthew worked for 22 years.
The couple were well-known members of Dubais large British expat community.
Matthew was a part of the Dubai Offshore Sailing Club while his London-born wife taught at an English language school.
They had lived in the country for 30 years and were married in Chippenham, Wiltshire, in 1985.
Nirmala Janssen, who helped launch a newspaper called Xpress with Matthew three years ago, previously told the Mail: Francis was amazingly devoted to his family, especially his son who recently left university.
He was over the moon for him. They were going to go off and see him graduate.
They were an extremely devoted couple I have no idea what happened. Everybody is speculating.
Jane was a lovely woman. She was always nice, always very polite, and friendly. And Francis is a man who is loved by everybody.
Abdul Hamid Ahmed, the editor-in-chief of the Gulf News, said: We are shocked and saddened at this tragedy. Francis was editor of the paper from 1995 to 2005.
On July 4 last year, Dubai police say they were called to Matthew's three-bedroom villa in the Jumeirah neighbourhood
He is a well-respected journalist, known for his keen insight into the Middle East.
Both Francis and Jane have played a very active role in the British expatriate community over the past 30 years.
Matthew was educated at 38,000-a-year Winchester College in Hampshire.
He wrote on professional networking website LinkedIn: I majored in sciences with biology, chemistry and maths A-levels, supported by a fourth A-level in history of art that woke me up to the wider world of the mind.
He graduated from Exeter University in 1979 with a degree in Arabic and Islamic studies and worked at The Economist before travelling to the Gulf in 1990.
Matthew was not present in the Dubai Court of the First Instance for the verdict read by Judge Fahad al-Shamsi, which is common in courts in the United Arab Emirates.
Matthew's lawyer could not be immediately reached. Matthew can appeal against his sentence.
Convicted road rage killer Kenneth Noye, 70, has moved to an open prison just 30 miles from where his victim's father lives
The father of a man stabbed to death in a vicious road rage attack has slammed the 'insensitive' decision to allow convicted murdered Kenneth Noye to move to an open prison just 30 miles from the home where he lives.
Kenneth Noye, 70, is serving a life sentence for the 1996 road-rage killing of 21-year-old Stephen Cameron on the M25 in Swanley, Kent.
The career criminal - once cleared of slaying a policeman after claiming self-defence was jailed for a minimum of 16 years in 2000 after he stabbed the young electrician in a row over his girlfriend's driving.
But Noye has now been cleared for day release from category D prison Standford Hill in Kent, meaning he has permission to go out for trips and work placements.
The decision has been condemned by Stephen's father, Ken, 71, who lives just 30 miles from the prison where Noye resides.
Speaking to Sunday Mirror, Ken, whose wife, Toni, died two years ago, said: 'It's all wrong. Stephen never got a chance at life. Noye should be in jail for the rest of his days.
'I'm dreading the day he is allowed out.'
Noye, who could be released on parole next year, moved to the prison on the Isle of Sheppey, where previous inmates include disgraced MP Jonathan Aitken, to be closer to his sons, Kevin and Brett, as well as his estranged wife, Brenda, 68.
It is understood that he has completed an anger management course during his time in prison.
Stephen Cameron, 21, was viciously stabbed by Kenneth Noye in 1996 on the M25 in Swanley, Kent, during a road rage incident, as his girlfriend Danielle Cable watched on in horror
The cold-blooded murder of Stephen Cameron in May 1996 shocked the nation and sparked an international manhunt.
Noye had cut in front of a van driven by Stephens 17-year-old fiancee Danielle Cable.
When Stephen shook his head, Noye stopped at the red lights, got out of his car and punched him, but Stephen retaliated.
Noye then returned to his Land-Rover Discovery to grab a knife and plunged it into Stephens heart.
Ken Cameron, with wife Toni, who died two years ago, has condemned the decision to allow Kenneth Noye to move to an open prison just 30 miles away from where he lives
Danielle Cable watched in horror as Noye fatally stabbed her boyfriend.
Noye, a career criminal once jailed for conspiring to handle gold from the 1983 26million Brink's Mat heist at Heathrow Airport, was prime suspect for the frenzied attack.
Police discovered he had fled to France by helicopter and then to Spain by private jet, but he was tracked down in Spain and Miss Cable identified him as he sat in a restaurant.
She has since changed her identity amid fears that Noye has put a 1million bounty on her head.
The Land Rover driven by Kenneth Noye when he committed the vicious M25 murder in 1996
Noye, who repaid 3million to the authorities in 1994, is still believed to have millions waiting for him when he leaves prison.
He was extradited in 1998 and convicted of Stephen Cameron's murder in 2000.
In 1985, Noye stabbed police officer John Fordham 10 times. A jury found him not guilty of murder or manslaughter on the grounds of self-defence.
Britain will suffer its biggest national humiliation since the Suez crisis if the country stays tied to the EU after Brexit, Jacob Rees Mogg today warns.
The Tory MP and leading Brexiteer warned the campaign to try to reverse the referendum outcome is gaining momentum in the UK.
But he said that the UK must not stay essentially tied to the EU by 'sleight of hand' and this would be a betrayal of the millions who voted for Brexit.
His warning comes amid claims the PM has betrayed fishermen by allowing the EU to maintain control of Britain's fishing waters during the Brexit transition.
Mr Rees-Mogg is holding talks with Theresa May later this week to discuss the concerns of Brexiteers.
Jacob Rees Mogg (pictured, centre, earlier this week at a protest against the Brexit transition deal's agreement on fishing, along with Tory MPs Craig MacKinlay and Anne Marie Trevelyan) said that the UK must not stay essentially tied to the EU by 'sleight of hand' and this would be a betrayal of the millions who voted for Brexit
He said when Britain leaves the EU at 11pm on 31 December next year not single extra power will come back to the UK because of the transition deal struck.
Writing in The Express, he said: 'If this was then to become the permanent state it would be one of the greatest failures in our island story. Is this a reasonable fear?
'It is at least possible, many things that were meant to be temporary have ended up being perpetual.
'Income tax is perhaps the most famous example but it is by no means alone. The natural inertia of bureaucracies means that unless there is strong political impetus, the status quo pertains.
'This would be a humiliation on the scale of Suez. It was then that the establishment decided that the only option for them was to manage decline, that there were no more broad sunlit uplands and that by our own efforts we could never succeed.
Theresa May, pictured in Brussels on Friday, is due to hold talks with Jacob Rees-Mogg this week
'This led to the view that because we could not do well we should not even try.
'Yet the embarrassment of Suez was caused by a plot hatched in secret and then only followed halfway to its conclusion.
'Reversing Brexit would be abandoning something worthy because the establishment does not like it.'
Britain was left humiliated on the world stage when it ordered a botched invasion of Egypt in 1956 to regain control of the strategically important Suez canal.
Britain launched the invasion with Israel and France, but quickly the tripartite succumbed to international pressure to withdraw its troops.
The episode was widely seen as summing up Britain's waning power and left it demeaned globally.
Nigel Farage join fishermen in protesting against the Brexit transition deal which keeps control of the UK's fishing waters with the EU for 19 months after Brexit day
The former Ukip leader tosed dead fish into the Thames outside Parliament to protest at the deal
Mr Rees-Mogg, who is head of the European Research Group - an influential group of pro Brexit Tory MPs - said voters backed Brexit because they wanted to save democracy.
And he demanded that ministers follow through on their promise and take back control of the UK's fishing waters after Brexit.
He said that if Britain does not cut ties totally with Brussels after the 19 month transition deal then it would 'make fools of us all'.
He added: It must not be allowed to happen, the real gains need to be grasped and the ghost of Suez exorcised. Managing decline is not enough.'
His warning comes after Owen Smith was sacked as Labour's shadow Northern Ireland Secretary after he called for a second Brexit referendum on the deal.
While the row over whether Vote Leave breached electoral spending limits has fuelled concerns of a Remainer plot to cast doubt on the outcome of the referendum.
Children with Down's syndrome are treated unfairly by the Government and not put on organ transplant lists, it has been claimed.
Those with the syndrome are discriminated against as they may not live as long as other children, campaigners claim.
A petition calling for 'people with disabilities, such as Downs Syndrome' to be as entitled to organ transplants as everyone else' has reached nearly 16,000 signatures.
Children with Down's syndrome are treated unfairly by the Government and not put on organ transplant lists (file photo)
When the petition hit 10,000 signatures the Government responded by saying 'In the UK people with disabilities who need an organ transplant are assessed according to their needs in the same way as any other potential recipients.
They insisted all patients undergo 'careful assessment' before they are placed on the transplant waiting list.
There have been further claims parents are being discouraged from seeking transplants for their Down's syndrome children as they are unable to give informed consent and are unlikely to have the discipline to maintain the strict regimen of medicine to prevent organ rejection.
Parents have spoken of their anguish over the struggle to get organ transplants for their children.
Kirsty MacCuish, 28, has a nine month-old daughter who was born with Down's syndrome and a small hole in the heart. She said her daughter Amelia will need surgery as she gets older.
Amelia is alike to 60 per cent of children who are born with a heart defect.
Ms MacCuish, told the Sunday Express it 'doesn't seem fair' that she will have to jump through more hoops than other children as she already has 'complex health problems'.
'Our children's lives matter just as much as any other child' she said.
A petition calling for 'people with disabilities, such as Downs Syndrome 'to be as entitled to organ transplants as everyone else' has reached nearly 16,000 signatures
The life expectancy of those with Down's syndrome is only 60, 21 years below the national average of 81.
Penny Green, director of the Down's Heart Group charity, insisted that Down's syndrome children are not getting referred by cardiac units.
She told the Sunday Express that there are two hospitals in the UK that carry out child heart transplants, Great Ormond Street in London and Freeman Hospital in Newcastle.
Parents are being discouraged from seeking transplants for their Down's children as they are unlikely to have the discipline to maintain the strict regimen of medicine, it has been claimed
'While they are fully prepared to assess a child with Down's as any other child it seems Down's children aren't getting that far because cardiologists at a local level are making an assumption that a Down's child won't be accepted because of life expectancy and the ability to comply with the drug regime they have to take for the rest of their lives' she said.
NHS Blood and Transplant's medical director Professor John Forsythe said that every patient is assessed on an 'individual basis in terms of prognostic and quality of life'.
'Transplant teams work closely with families and carers so patients with disabilities can give informed consent and follow post-transplant care plans.'
'Cardiologists assume that a Down's child won't be accepted because of life expectancy and the drug regime' he added.
The election watchdog misled the High Court in a row over the legality of a donation made by pro Brexit campaigners during the referendum, judges have ruled.
The Vote Leave campaign has been plunged into controversy after it emerged it gave 625,000 to the BeLeave pro Brexit group days before the vote in June 2016.
The money went directly to the Canadian data firm Aggregate IQ (AIQ) to pay for online ads in the final push of the campaign.
Staff at the official Brexit group - which was fronted by Boris Johnson and Michael Gove - have insisted the Electoral Commission gave them the green light to make the donation.
But lawyers acting for the Commission denied the claim in legal papers submitted to the High Court.
However, in a ruling handed down on Friday, Lord Justice Leggatt and Mr Justice Holgate, said the claim made by the watchdog was 'misleading'.
The Vote Leave campaign - headed by Boris Johnson and Michael Gove - has been plunged into controversy after it emerged it gave 625,000 to the BeLeave pro Brexit group days before the vote in June 2016
They said: 'In asserting that it had never given advice that Vote Leave could lawfully make the donation it did, the Commission was making a statement which, though literally true, was misleading.'
The judges uncovered an email sent by the watchdog's guidance adviser Kevin Molloy which effectively gave the go ahead for the donation.
In the email to Vote Leave he said: 'If you are supplying material to other campaigners without having a co-ordinated plan or agreement then the material is likely to be a donation from you to the other campaigner.
'If the donation is over 500 it will be reportable by the other campaigner.
'You would not need to report the costs of the material in your spending return unless you use the material itself.'
The ruling comes as the Vote Leave referendum campaign has been plunged into controversy amid claims it flouted election rules to overspend.
Mr Sanni, right, who was in a relationship with Mr Parkinson, left, for 18 months accused his ex-boyfriend of putting his Pakistani family in danger by 'outing' him
The campaign group was allowed to give cash to other campaigns - but only if it did not direct how it was spent as this would be a breach of the law.
But Shahmir Sanni, 24, a Vote Leave volunteer turned whistleblower, said Vote Leave bosses directed how the 625,000 cash given to BeLeave was spent.
He said the BeLeave group - led by fashion student Darren Grimes - was given no choice in how it was spent and told the money must go to AIQ.
Mr Sanni was in a relationship with Stephen Parkinson - the Vote Leave staffer who now works as political secretary to Theresa May.
He claims that while at BeLeave he ran all of his speeches and decisions past Mr Parkinson - and that effectively Vote Leave pulled the strings of the smaller group to get around spending limits.
The claims have been strongly denied by Mr Parkinson, who in his denial revealed he was in a relationship with Mr Sanni - effectively outing him as gay.
Poisoned Russian double agent Sergei Skripal is said to have had a secret ex-girlfriend in Salisbury who is too afraid to come forward with information.
The mystery woman, understood to also be from Russia, had been dating the 66-year-old and has been left 'terrified' by the nerve agent attack in the Wiltshire city on March 4.
She could potentially have knowledge of his whereabouts in the crucial period which led to his poisoning along with his daughter Yulia.
The pair remain in a critical condition after they were poisoned with the highly lethal nerve agent Novichok as it emerged three children were taken to hospital after taking bread from Mr Skripal to feed ducks in Salisbury.
Sergei Skripal, 66, and his daughter Yulia, 33 (pictured) remain in critical condition following being poisoned with the highly lethal nerve agent Novichok
Russia has vehemently denied any responsibility for the poisoning
A mutual friend of Mr Skripal and his former girlfriend told the Sunday Telegraph the mystery woman was too frightened to come forward because of the possible repercussions.
The source told the paper: 'She is incredibly scared. When she saw the news about what happened she said to me, "That's my ex-boyfriend". She's really worried.'
Although it is not known if she does hold any crucial information, she is said to be too afraid to tell police about Mr Skripal's whereabouts on the days leading to the attack because she doesn't want to be publicly identified.
The three children - all boys - are said to have taken bread from the double agent to feed ducks at a park, according to the Sunday Mirror.
They were taken to hospital to be treated for poisoning.
After weeks of speculation, a police source has told the Sunday Mirror that the lethal agent was smeared on the door handle of Mr Skripal's BMW.
But while the mystery of how they were poisoned seems to have been solved, one element of the shocking incident still has police officers baffled.
It is understood both Sergei and Yulia Skripal's phones were turned off or four hours on the day they were poisoned, according to The Sun.
It means the GPS tracking would not have been on, meaning police would not be able to pick up their locations using the usual means.
It comes a day after a friend of the former spy revealed Mr Skripal wrote to Vladimir Putin asking to be pardoned and to be able to visit his home country.
The former Russian intelligence officer, who came to Britain in 2010 as part of a spy swap, regretted being a double agent and wanted to visit his family, his friend Vladimir Timoshkov said.
The attempted assassination sparked an diplomatic crisis between Russia and Britain, which has been supported by its allies in apportioning blame to the Kremlin.
On Friday, EU leaders promised an 'unprecedented' diplomatic response to the attack after backing Theresa May's assertion that Moscow was responsible.
Disgraced former deputy mayor Salim Mehajer appears to be in trouble again this time for allegedly supplying painkilling prescription medication.
The property developer, who is currently in Silverwater prison following allegations he staged a car accident to get out of facing court, was allegedly selling the 'anxiety and pain killing drugs'.
In a raid on his Lidcombe property in November last year police allegedly found 50 alprazolam tablets, commonly traded under the name Xanax, and 174 tablets of Enzone and Targin.
Disgraced former deputy mayor Salim Mehajer appears to be in trouble again this time for allegedly supplying painkilling prescription medication
The property developer, who is currently in Silverwater prison following allegations he staged a car accident to get out of facing court, was allegedly selling the anxiety and pain killing drugs
7News also reported police were expecting to charge Mehajer with drug supply shortly
Police have waited to release details of the alleged drug haul because they were waiting for results to confirm what the drugs were, 7News reports.
7News also reported police were expecting to charge Mehajer with drug supply shortly.
Police told Daily Mail Australia the investigations into the items allegedly seized at the time of the raid are ongoing.
Mehajer first made headlines for his 'wedding of the century' to now estranged wife Aysha in 2015.
The procession featured four helicopters, a squadron of luxury cars, a battalion of drummers, a red carpet and a cake nearly taller than the bride.
Mehajer first made headlines for his 'wedding of the century' to now estranged wife Aysha in 2015
In a raid on his Lidcombe property in November last year police allegedly found 50 alprazolam tablets, commonly traded under the name Xanax, and 174 tablets of Enzone and Targin
Mehajer was later fined for illegally closing down a street for the big day.
He has been in trouble since - facing court over the assault of a taxi driver, alleged insurance fraud and allegedly perverting the course of justice.
He is due to appear in court on Wednesday.
A Gold Coast mum is suing four doctors who allegedly failed to detect a lump in her breast because and she claims two doctors told her she was 'too young' to have breast cancer, court documents show.
Dannielle Porter, 32, is suing the doctors in the Brisbane District Court, alleging they breached their duty of care by allegedly failing to send her for a mammogram, ultrasound or a biopsy, the Courier Mail reports.
The mother-of-two seeks $232,000 in damages for infertility, difficulty moving her left arm, and breast scarring, according to court documents.
Dannielle Porter, pictured with husband Luke Peat, visited at least five doctors between 2012 and 2015 before she was diagnosed with stage three cancer in her left breast in December 2015
Anchita Karmakar, a GP from Harbour Town Day and Night Surgery (pictured) on the Gold Coast is one of four doctors being sued by a cancer survivor for allegedly not detecting her breast cancer, court documents show.
She visited at least five doctors between 2012 and 2015 before she was diagnosed with stage three cancer in her left breast in December 2015 which later spread to lymph nodes, according to court documents.
It is alleged in court documents that Ms Porter expressed her cancer fears to Gold Coast plastic surgeon Terrence Scamp, who allegedly told her on March 2013, that a 'lumpy' and 'hard' area on her left breast was 'not cancer because you're too young', according to the publication.
She is also suing John Arbuckle, an Arundel cosmetic surgeon who she consulted in January 2012, court documents show.
She alleges in court documents she told him she had severe pain' in her left breast and she claims he breached his duty of care because he allegedly 'did not perform a physical examination'.
Ms Porter is also suing GP Anchita Karmakar of Harbour Town Day and Night Surgery, claiming she allegedly failed to perform a examination of her breasts or refer her for a mammogram or biopsy in March 2013, according to court documents.
Dr Karmakar referred her to plastic surgeon Craig Layt in June 2013, who allegedly told her 'you're too young for breast cancer' and allegedly did not refer her for a mammogram, an ultrasound or biopsy, Ms Porter claims in court documents.
In January 2015, she saw GP Suhana Rajum, who she claims also said she was too young for cancer but later referred her for an ultrasound.
Dannielle Porter, is suing four doctors in the Brisbane District Court (pictured), alleging they breached their duty of care by allegedly failing to send her for a mammogram, ultrasound or a biopsy, according to court documents
Dr Rajum is not being sued.
The doctors have not filed a defence, according to the Courier Mail.
In 2016, almost $30,000 was raised across Australia for Ms Porter to have the operation she needed to remove her spreading cancer after 2GB presenter Ben Fordham shared her story on his radio program.
'Seeing the generosity of strangers who wanted to help us out, that was the most overwhelming feeling,' Ms Porter said.
'We appreciate everyone's help because without it, as a young family with two young children, we couldn't have get through without that financial support.'
Britain could refuse to pay the 40billion Brexit divorce bill if the UK does not get a trade deal, David Davis today said.
The Brexit Secretary hailed the good progress which has been made in negotiations with Brussels.
But he said that 'nothing is agreed until everything is agreed' and the UK could take its financial offer off the table if a free trade deal is not thrashed out.
The Cabinet minister was suffering from a bad bout of food poisoning - and kept a sick bucket by his side during the interview.
Asked directly on the BBC's Andrew Marr show if the UK could take back the money offer, Mr Davis said Britain could 'if we don't get the free trade deal'.
Mr Davis, who had been sick overnight, also joked about his illness, telling the presenter: 'If the cameras suddenly switch to you your audience will no what happened.'
He also promised that Britain would regain control of its fishing waters after the Brexit transition deal finishes on New Year's Eve 2019.
The Brexit Secretary hailed the good progress which has been made in negotiations with Brussels - but warned that nothing is agreed until everything is agreed
David Davis also promised that Britain would regain control of its fishing waters after the Brexit transition deal finishes on New Year's Eve 2019. The poorly minister kept a sick bucket by his side for the interview as he was feeling under the weather
It comes after accusations that Theresa May betrayed fishermen by keeping control of the waters with Brussels for the 19-month transition.
What are the key points agreed in the Brexit transition deal? Brexit Secretary David Davis and EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier were all smiles as they unveiled the Brexit transition deal Rights of EU nationals Britain has agreed that EU nationals arriving in the country during the transition period will have the same rights as Europeans living in the UK now. Free trade deals Britain will be able to negotiate and sign free trade deals around the world during the transition period. However, they will only come into force after the transition period has ended. The transition period The transition period will end on 31 December 2021 - meaning Britain will have a 21 month implementation phase. The Irish border Britain and the EU promised to keep a soft Irish border. Britain says it hopes to use technology to come up with plans to have an invisible border as part of the free trade deal. If nothing is agreed then a 'backstop' agreement will come into force meaning the UK would agree to align closely enough with EU rules to avoid a hard border. Divorce Bill: Britain signed up to the Brexit divorce bill, which is around 40billion. Advertisement
Mr Davis told the show: 'In 2019 fishing will be on the current arrangements...and then (after the transition) we are going to be an independent coastal state making our own negotiations with our neighbours.
'It will be under our control.'
But he hinted that Britain's waters could still be traded away in the future, saying: 'We will negotiate with our neighbouring states so we have access to their waters and they to ours.
'But it will be under our control.'
Mr Davis's comments come after a Brexit breakthrough was achieved this week when the EU signed up to the transition deal.
It means negotiations can now move on to trade talks.
Theresa May will mark the one-year countdown to Brexit with a day-long tour of the UK on Thursday.
She will embark on a Road To Brexit trip to show her determination to deliver an EU exit that works for every community.
On Thursday, Britain will be exactly 12 months away from formally bidding farewell to Brussels.
The Prime Minister will seek to meet workers and families in every nation of the UK.
But she has been warned by leading Brexiteer and Tory MP Jacob Rees-Mogg that Britain must have a clean break from the EU after the transition deal.
He warned the campaign to try to reverse the referendum outcome is gaining momentum in the UK.
But he said that the UK must not stay essentially tied to the EU by 'sleight of hand' and this would be a betrayal of the millions who voted for Brexit.
He said when Britain leaves the EU at 11pm on 31 December next year not single extra power will come back to the UK because of the transition deal struck.
Writing in The Express, he said: 'If this was then to become the permanent state it would be one of the greatest failures in our island story. Is this a reasonable fear?
Theresa May (pictured with her husband Philip on the way to church today) been warned by leading Brexiteer and Tory MP Jacob Rees-Mogg that Britain must have a clean break from the EU after the transition deal.
Theresa May (pictured playing with the dog Blitz outside church today) has got EU leaders to sign up to a Brexit transition deal
'It is at least possible, many things that were meant to be temporary have ended up being perpetual.
Theresa May to go on a Brexit tour to mark one year countdown to departure Theresa May will mark the one-year countdown to Brexit with a day-long tour of the UK on Thursday. She will embark on a Road To Brexit trip to show her determination to deliver an EU exit that works for every community. On Thursday, Britain will be exactly 12 months away from formally bidding farewell to Brussels. The Prime Minister will seek to meet workers and families in every nation of the UK. Advertisement
'Income tax is perhaps the most famous example but it is by no means alone. The natural inertia of bureaucracies means that unless there is strong political impetus, the status quo pertains.
'This would be a humiliation on the scale of Suez. It was then that the establishment decided that the only option for them was to manage decline, that there were no more broad sunlit uplands and that by our own efforts we could never succeed.
'This led to the view that because we could not do well we should not even try.
'Yet the embarrassment of Suez was caused by a plot hatched in secret and then only followed halfway to its conclusion.
'Reversing Brexit would be abandoning something worthy because the establishment does not like it.'
Britain was left humiliated on the world stage when it ordered a botched invasion of Egypt in 1956 to regain control of the strategically important Suez canal.
Britain launched the invasion with Israel and France, but quickly the tripartite succumbed to international pressure to withdraw its troops.
Five British men have reportedly been arrested after a Thomas Cook flight from Manchester to Las Vegas had to divert to Winnipeg in Canada.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police confirmed to local media the men were arrested with help from the Canadian Border Services Agency for mischief and causing a disturbance.
'Mischief' is a more serious charge than 'causing a disturbance' under Canadian law and typically involves destroying or damaging property.
Five British men have reportedly been arrested after a Thomas Cook flight from Manchester to Las Vegas had to divert to Winnipeg in Canada (pictured: Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport where the plane was forced to land)
A spokesman told the Winnipeg Sun: 'None of the males resisted officers and all were escorted off the plane in handcuffs without incident.'
The plane, an Airbus A330, landed in Winnipeg around 11.15am local time on Saturday morning and departed for Las Vegas just over two hours later.
A Thomas Cook Airlines spokesman said: 'Flight MT2924 from Manchester to Las Vegas on Saturday was diverted to Winnipeg in Canada as result of disruptive passengers.
'Five passengers were offloaded in Winnipeg. Our flight then continued to Las Vegas with a delay of 2 hours 40 minutes.'
The spokesman said the airline did not fly from Winnipeg so there was no way they would be able to return to the UK with Thomas Cook Airlines from there.
He added: 'It's a police matter now so I can't go into any more detail.'
Pictured is an Airbus A330 plane similar to the one the men had been travelling in before they were escorted off in handcuffs
The Thomas Cook flight 2924 eventually arrived in Las Vegas more than two and a half hours behind schedule.
The incident was initially described by a spokesman at Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport as a medical emergency - but the airline told local media the situation was not a medical issue.
There were no reports of any injuries.
The five men said to have been hauled off the plane have not been named.
When Dr Andrew Slack went to Melbourne on holiday from Queensland, he never expected to return home a hero.
But to a worried family that is what he became when he stepped up and found a missing 68-year-old woman with Alzheimer's waist-deep in a creek.
Maureen Van Deuren was last seen on High Street, Scoresby, around 2.25pm on March 22 before her family reported her missing.
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Maureen Van Deuren (pictured), 68, went missing on March 22. Police feared for her safety due to her age and her Alzheimer's
Dr Andrew Slack (pictured) was on holiday from Queensland when he heard police helicopters - he went to his local Eyewatch page on social media and saw Maureen was missing
Police were concerned due to her age and health so they used helicopters to widen their search.
That is when Dr Slack heard the choppers and became curious - so he checked the local Eyewatch page.
He and his family decided they should help.
It was Dr Slack who found Maureen in Dandenong Creek where she was cold, confused but happy to see the doctor.
Dr Slack told 7 News that he shone his torch on Maureen and asked if it was her.
To which he simply replied 'yes'.
She suffered a cut to the back of the head but is expected to be released from hospital soon.
Dr Slack found Maureen waist-deep in Dandenong Creek where Maureen was 'cold and confused'
Maureen's family are happy to have her back.
Henk Van Deuren, Maureen's husband, drove around for ten hours trying to find his missing wife.
He also told the program that 'without [Dr Slack] we wouldn't have found her - not alive, anyway'.
Dr Slack and the police have taken the time to note the importance of social media in these instances and how if you can help, you should
More than 100 passengers on board a flight from Germany were stranded yesterday after a co-pilot 'reeking of alcohol' was arrested in the cockpit just moments before take-off.
German police detained the 40-year-old on the Portuguese airline Portugalia in Stuttgart on Friday evening.
In a statement, police said they found the pilot in a 'highly intoxicated condition' and received a complaint from an airport official who said he was 'walking unsteadily'.
German police detained the 40-year-old on the Portuguese airline Portugalia in Stuttgart on Friday evening (stock image)
Stuttgart prosecutors suspended the co-pilot's flying licence and fixed a 10,000-euro (8,700) bail.
The Portugalia flight TP523 from Stuttgart to Lisbon which had 106 passengers on board was subsequently cancelled.
The airline, which is a subsidiary of the national carrier TAP, said it would 'open an enquiry and take necessary measures' and apologised to passengers for the inconvience caused.
It also revealed that the earliest possible rearranged flight would be on Monday - three days after the pilot was detained.
TAP Air Portgual tweeted: 'We apologise for the situation and for all the inconvenience it may cause you. Your flights are now rescheduled for March 26th, which is, at the moment, the first day with seats available.'
The 106 passengers had to stay in a hotel overnight on Friday as the airline could not find a new crew to take them to Lisbon on short notice.
Artist Damien Hirst has been criticised for the stalling renovation of his 3million house, Toddington Manor, 13 years after he bought it
Neighbours living close to Damien Hirst's dilapidated Cotswolds manor 'wish he would get on and do something with it' more than 13 years after he purchased the Grade I-listed house.
The Turner Prize-winning artist - who controversially made his name with pickled sharks and a diamond-encrusted skull - bought the 124-acre Toddington Manor in 2005, for 3million.
But years later, little renovation appears to have been carried out at the property, which Historic England has deemed 'at risk', save for a vast network of scaffolding and swathes of polythene sheeting.
Speaking to the Sunday Telegraph, Joe Humber, chair of Toddington parish council on Gloucestershire, said: 'People with a view of Toddington Manor are a bit fed up. It is not illegal to cover a property with scaffolding, but it is not the best look.'
Built in the gothic style, Toddington Manor was designed by Charles Hanbury-Tracy, 1st Baron Sudeley and built between 1819 and 1840.
When the Houses of Parliament needed to be rebuilt after a fire in 1834, an architectural competition was held and Hanbury-Tracy headed the jury.
Notably, the winning design by Charles Barry had been modeled on Toddington.
In 1894, poverty forced the fourth Lord Sudeley to sell it. Retired businessman David Wickens then bought it in the early Seventies and ran it as a 5,000-a-year school for foreign students.
Toddington Manor in Gloucestershire was built in the 19th Century by Charles Hanbury-Tracy
Hirst has come under fire by neighbours for taking his time over the Grade I-listed repair work
After the school closed, the building stood empty for 20 years, falling into disrepair.
In 2004, there were plans to turn the manor into a hotel, but local residents waged a campaign to prevent this and the property was sold to Hirst and his then-wife, Californian designer Maia Norman, a year later.
At the time, the 52-year-old artist, who is said to be worth 270m, spoke of his plans to turn the manor into a family home and later, a gallery to house his artworks.
Hirst, 52, with his famous shark pickled in formaldehyde, has amassed a 270m fortune
A sculpture from Hirst's recent exhibition, Treasures From The Wreck Of The Unbelievable
However, residents have now become concerned that apart from some interior work, dry rot treatment and roof renovation, little has been completed.
Historic England, which monitors 'at risk' properties, said in a statement: 'We would like to see the future of Toddington secured and repairs undertaken which would allow the temporary roof to be dismantled, ultimately with the aim of full repair and occupation.'
A spokesman for Hirst's company, Science Ltd, said: 'Damien has always recognised that the restoration would be a 'lifetime's work' and due to a number of other projects - including the opening of Newport Street Gallery in London and his Treasures show in Venice - work at Toddington has been on hold.'
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has apologised for the pain caused by anti-Semitism in 'pockets' of his party.
Mr Corbyn was criticised by several leading Labour MPs after he defended a controversial mural and his party has been gripped by accusations of anti-Semitism since he became leader.
He has now said that he is 'sincerely sorry for the pain which has been caused' by anti-Semitism which occurred in 'pockets within the Labour Party'.
The Labour leader has now said that he is 'sincerely sorry for the pain which has been caused' by anti-Semitism which occurred in 'pockets within the Labour Party' (file pic)
Mr Corbyn said: 'Labour is an anti-racist party and I utterly condemn anti-Semitism, which is why as leader of the Labour Party I want to be clear that I will not tolerate any form of anti-Semitism that exists in and around our movement. We must stamp this out from our party and movement.
'We recognise that anti-Semitism has occurred in pockets within the Labour Party, causing pain and hurt to our Jewish community in the Labour Party and the rest of the country.
'I am sincerely sorry for the pain which has been caused.'
He went on to say that his party has deep roots in the Jewish community and will campaign to increase confidence in Labour among the community.
Mr Corbyn said: 'Our party has deep roots in the Jewish community and is actively engaged with Jewish organisations across the country.
'We are campaigning to increase support and confidence in Labour among Jewish people in the UK.
'I know that to do so, we must demonstrate our total commitment to excising pockets of antisemitism that exist in and around our party.
'I will be meeting representatives from the Jewish community over the coming days, weeks and months to rebuild that confidence in Labour as a party which gives effective voice to Jewish concerns and is implacably opposed to antisemitism in all its forms. Labour will work to unite communities to achieve social justice in our society.'
His comments come after deputy leader Tom Watson earlier described the mural as 'horrible' before defending the leader's handling of the row.
Mr Corbyn has faced a barrage of criticism for criticising the decision to remove the painting, which depicts a group of 'hook-nosed' men around a Monopoly board.
He has admitted the painting is offensive and insisted he did not see it properly when he leapt to its defence on Facebook.
Mr Watson, Labour's deputy leader, was confronted with the offensive image live on the BBC's Andrew Marr show today.
He said the painting was clearly anti-Semitic and offensive, but defended Mr Corbyn's handling of the row - saying he has apologised.
Meanwhile the Board of Deputies, Britain's leading Jewish group, is holding a protest outside Parliament tomorrow to voice their anger at Mr Corbyn over anti-Semitism.
Tom Watson (pictured today) said the anti-Semitic mural Jeremy Corbyn defended was 'horrible' - but defended the leader's handling of the row
The 'enough is enough' protest has been timed to coincide with the meeting of the parliamentary Labour party - where Mr Corbyn is expected to be met with anger over the mural if he turns up.
Mr Watson said: 'My reaction is that was a horrible and anti-Semitic mural that was rightly taken down.
Jewish group call protest over Labour anti-Semitism row Britain's leading Jewish group is mounting a protest tomorrow over anti-Semitism in the Labour Party. The Board of Deputies are urging supporters to go to Parliament Square for the 'enough is enough' protest. It has been timed to coincide with the meeting of the parliamentary Labour party - where Jeremy Corbyn is expected to be met with anger over the mural if he turns up. In a post online, the Board said: 'Day in day out we the Jewish community face increasing antisemitism. Enough is enough. 'The leadership of the Jewish community will be delivering a letter to the Parliamentary Labour Party in advance of its meeting at 6pm. 'We call on members of our community and all those who oppose antisemitism to join us in Parliament Square at 5:30pm to show solidarity.' Advertisement
'You are showing it to me on a 32 inch screen on national TV and I've seen it over a 1,000 times on twitter.
'That is very different from seeing it on Facebook on the move.'
Andrew Marr challenged the Labour frontbencher saying you don't need glasses to sport that the painting is clearly offensive.
But Mr Watson continued to try to defend his party boss, saying: 'That is why Jeremy has expressed regret and apologised for that, and say it was right the mural was taken down.'
The Labour leader has expressed 'regret' that he 'did not look more closely' at the work by artist Kalen Ockerman.
When Mr Ockerman complained on Facebook in 2012 that the mural was to be removed, Mr Corbyn replied: 'Why? You are in good company. Rockerfeller destroyed Diego Viera's mural because it includes a picture of Lenin.'
Many Labour MPs including Chuka Umunna and Luciana Berger have hit out at Mr Corbyn over defending the image.
Mr Watson said that rather than focus on Mr Corbyn the row should prompt Labour to work harder to root out anti-Semitism.
He has now admitted the painting - pictured here - is offensive and insisted he did not see it properly when he leapt to its defence on Facebook
He said: 'It is anti-Semitic and horrible.'
He added: 'I'm very very sorry that people feel hurt by this.'
Labour has been dogged by anti-Semitism rows ever since Mr Corbyn was elected leader in 2015.
He has recently been exposed for being a member of a Facebook group where anti-Semitic material was posted.
And his close ally Ken Livingstone is suspended from the party after saying that Adolf Hitler supported Zionism by backing the deportation of Jews in the 1930s to Israel.
A Catholic monk who administered the last rites to a hero French gendarme minutes before he died from wounds caused by a terrorist's bullet said the officer's 'superhuman sacrifice' had been inspired by his immense religious faith.
Arnaud Beltrame, 44, was gunned down on Friday after helping end a rampage by Islamic State fanatic Redouane Ladkdim around the South West town of Carcassonne.
Ladkdim, 26, was shot dead by police after killing three other people while screaming his support for ISIS.
Father Jean-Baptiste, of the nearby Lagresse Abbey, confirmed the slain officer had a Catholic marriage as he lay in a hospital dying in the early hours of Saturday morning.
On Sunday, mourners gathered at the Saint Etienne Church in Trebes for a service of remembrance of the hero officer.
A Catholic monk said French gendarme Arnaud Beltrame's (pictured) 'superhuman sacrifice' on Friday had been inspired by his immense religious faith
On Sunday, mourners gathered at the Saint Etienne Church in Trebes for a service of remembrance of victims, including the hero officer who died from his wounds on Saturday
Lieutenant-Colonel Arnaud Beltrame, 44, was shot and stabbed after taking the place of a woman whom terrorist Radouane Lakdim had been using as a human shield during his attack on a supermarket in the small town of Trebes on Friday
The monk was a close friend of both the gendarme and his partner, Marielle Vandenbunder-Beltrame, 39, and had been preparing to marry them in church on June 9th.
Father Jean-Baptiste said the couple was extremely devout, and had regularly attended his abbey for religious teaching as they prepared to wed religiously.
Quoting the Bible reference John 15:13 in reference to Lt Col Beltrame, the monk said: 'He knew, as Jesus told us, that ''There is no greater love than to give one's life for one's friends.''
'He knew that if his life began to belong to Marielle, it also belonged to God, to France, to his brothers in danger of death.
'I believe that only a Christian faith animated by charity could ask for this superhuman sacrifice.'
Speaking to the conservative French journal Valeurs Actuelles (Current Values), Father Jean-Baptiste said: 'It was through a chance meeting during a visit to our abbey, which is a Historical Monument, that I met Lieutenant-Colonel Arnaud Beltrame and Marielle, who had just married civilly on August 27, 2016.'
Father Jean-Baptiste, of the nearby Lagresse Abbey, confirmed the slain officer had a Catholic marriage to his partner Marielle Vandenbunder-Beltrame (right) as he lay in a hospital dying
Muslim men and other mourners carry olive branch wreaths as they arrive at the Saint Etienne Church in Trebes in southwest France for a service of remembrance on Palm Sunday
Father Jean-Baptiste, of the nearby Lagresse Abbey, said: 'Passionate about the gendarmerie, he has always had a passion for France, her greatness, her history, her Christian roots that he rediscovered with his conversion'
'We got on very quickly and they asked me to prepare them for their religious wedding, which I was going to celebrate near Vannes on June 9th.
'We spent many hours working on the basics of married life for almost two years. I had just blessed their home on December 16th and we were finalising their canonical marriage record.
Redouane Lakdim, 25, killed four people during the rampage in France
'Arnaud's very beautiful declaration of intent [to get married in Church] reached me four days before his heroic death.
'This young couple regularly came to the abbey to take part in masses, services and teachings, especially to the Our Lady of Cana group. They were part of the Narbonne team. They were here last Sunday.
'Intelligent, sporty, loud and lively, Arnaud spoke readily of his conversion.
'He was born into a family who did not practice their faith, but he went through a genuine conversion around 2008, at almost 33 years old.
'He received his first communion and confirmation after two years of teaching, in 2010.
'After a pilgrimage to Sainte-Anne-d'Auray in 2015, when he asked the Virgin Mary to meet the woman of his life, he become friends with Marielle, whose faith is deep and discreet.
'The engagement was celebrated at the Breton abbey of Timadeuc at Easter 2016.
'Passionate about the gendarmerie, he has always had a passion for France, her greatness, her history, her Christian roots that he rediscovered with his conversion.'
Police are pictured in the supermarket car park after the terrorist was killed
Masked police officers are pictured at the scene - where the hero officer took the place of a female hostage
The monk continued: 'By taking the place of hostages, he is probably animated with passion for his officer's heroism, because for him, being a policeman meant protecting them. But he would have known the incredible risk he took.
'He also understood the promise of religious marriage he had made to Marielle, who was already his wife and loved him dearly, I'm a witness.'
French Interior Minister Gerard Collomb said that Lt Col Beltrame 'fell as a national hero' and 'died for his country' after heading into the U-supermarket in the small rural town of Trembes.
Mr Collomb said that 'France will never forget the heroism, bravery and sacrifice' of the married officer.
A mother who reached 'breaking point' after three decades caring for her autistic son has relived the night she attempted a murder-suicide with her disabled son.
Yvette Nichol avoided jail after she attempted to murder her autistic son at their Melbourne home two years ago.
The 63-year-old mother pleaded guilty to attempted murder but was placed on a community corrections order.
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Yvette Nichol, 60, avoided jail time after she attempted to murder her disabled son. She blames the lack of disability support system drove her to 'breaking point'
She now has feelings of shame and remorse for her actions, which she says will take a long time to overcome.
'We were going together and I wasn't leaving him behind,' she told 60 Minutes on Sunday night's episode.
'No mother or father should should go through what I went through, none.'
Ms Nichol had been the primary carer for her autistic and epileptic son Brett, 34, for all his life until she tried to kill him and herself at their Eltham North home in May 2016.
'I was very tired and not realising,' she said.
'It felt like the light had gone off and there was nothing... I felt there was nothing else out there for him.'
Her marriage broke down a year earlier and she reached out for help from authorities but was getting little support.
She blames the disability support system for her behaviour after her calls to National Disability Insurance Scheme went unanswered.
Brett had harrowing night terrors, and these had been getting more frequent and severe in the years leading up to the incident.
After writing apologetic letters to her loved ones, she attempted to take her life and that of her son.
'I can't do this anymore, I can't watch him suffer,' Ms Nichol said.
But she woke and so did he, and feeling regretful, called an ambulance.
'I just said what I'd done and to send help as soon as possible,' she said.
At the time of the incident, Nicol was badly sleep-deprived and depressed, her lawyer Tim Marsh said.
'She acted in love, not in anger, hatred or desire to gain,' Mr Marsh said.
Ms Nichol shared her story with Australia to expose the system that has left so many elderly parents still caring for their intellectually disabled children at home.
Like Wilf, 90, and his wife Faye, 88, who have been trying to find a home for their intellectually disabled son Rodney since the 1980s.
They are still looking for a place today and had this plea for Federal Social Services Minister Dan Tehan.
'We're just about ready to die and we've got a 60-year-old son. What's going to happen to him?' Wilf said.
'How would you feel if you were in the same boat as us? There's no escaping death. We're being pushed to the point of desperation.'
Yvette Nichol avoided jail after she attempted to murder her autistic son in their Melbourne home in May last year
Ms Nichol had this advice for other parents struggling to care for their disabled adult children.
'Scream, call every service possible and tell them you're not coping,' she said.
Ms Nichol is now trying to rebuild her life and hopes to be reunited with her son one day.
'It's taken a long time, I've cried an otion of many tears,' she said.
'I'm different, not the same person. But I know there's hope and there's a future for my son and me. That hopes comes from surviving this and knowing that I've got the fight in me now to make a difference.'
Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467.
Police have launched an appeal to find two sisters aged nine and 15 who went missing one day apart.
Ashara Wallace, 15, and her nine year old sister Alliyah both went missing from their home address in Lambeth, South London.
Ashara has not been seen since she went missing on Friday while her sister Alliyah has not been seen since 4pm on Saturday.
Ashara Wallace, 15, (left) vanished on Friday night while her nine-year-old sisiter Alliyah (right) went missing from Lambeth, South London
The pair do not have previous history in going missing from home and officers in Lambeth are currently working on the case.
The Metropolitan Police described the two girls as 'vulnerable' in their appeal and believe the pair are together, despite going missing on separate days.
They tweeted: 'Help us find vulnerable missing sisters Alliyah and Asharah Wallace aged 9 and 15 from #Lambeth.
'Asharah is missing since Friday, Alliyah is missing since Saturday and may be with her sister.
'Anyone who knows where the girls are should call Lambeth CID by dialling 101.'
Boris Johnson has torn into claims Vote Leave flouted election spending rules - and said the Brexit campaign won 'fair and square'.
The Vote Leave campaign has been plunged into controversy after it emerged it gave 625,000 to the BeLeave pro Brexit group days before the vote in June 2016.
A whistleblower has claimed that Vote Leave bosses directed how the money was spend in a breach of Electoral Commission rules.
But the Foreign Secretary, who along with Michael Gove was one of the leading faces of Vote Leave, has dismissed the claims at utterly ludicrous.
Writing on Twitter, he said: Observer/C4 story utterly ludicrous, #VoteLeave won fair & square - and legally.
'We are leaving the EU in a year and going global #TakeBackControl #GlobalBritain.'
Labour's deputy leader Tom Watson today said the police should look into the investigation if necessary.
Boris Johnson (pictured in London on Wednesday) who along with Michael Gove was one of the leading faces of Vote Leave, has dismissed the claims at utterly ludicrous
The Foreign Secretary, who along with Michael Gove was one of the leading faces of Vote Leave, has dismissed the claims at utterly ludicrous
His intervention comes after whistleblower Shahmir Sanni claimed Vote Leave broke the law by channeling cash to the smaller BeLeave group.
The Electoral Commission said they were allowed to do this as long as they did not direct how the money was actually spent.
But Mr Sanni said volunteers at BeLeave - run by fashion student Darren Grimes - were told by Vote Leave how to spend the money.
They were told the money must be directly given to the Canadian data firm Aggregate IQ (AIQ) to pay for a flurry of online ads in the final push of the campaign.
But Mr Sanni told Channel 4 News: 'I know that Vote Leave cheated ... I know that people have been lied to and that the referendum wasn't legitimate.'
He said that Stephen Parkinson - a Vote Leave boss who now works as Theresa May's political secretary, told him directly how to spend the money.
Mr Parkinson denies the claim and has revealed that he and Mr Sanni were in a relationship at the time in a move critics say outed Mr Sanni as gay.
Mr Watson told the BBC's Andrew Marr show: 'Let's remember, the people who were at the front of this campaign are now Cabinet minsters. We need to make sure that they were not aware of what was going on.
'That's why the Electoral Commission should get the resources they need, and the police should be resourced to investigate if necessary.'
Mr Parkinson, right, pictured here with David Cameron, is one of Theresa May's longest-standing aides having moved with her from the Home Office to Downing Street
Shahmir Sanni, pictured, accused Vote Leave used the BeLeave campaign to get around strict spending limits set by the Electoral Commission at the time of the Brexit referendum
Mr Sanni went to the Electoral Commission with two other pro-Brexit friends on Thursday, who say they helped the Vote Leave campaign two years ago.
Their lawyers have given the election watchdog signed statements.
Mr Sanni told the broadcaster he was initially a Vote Leave outreach volunteer but he was then assigned to BeLeave.
Vote Leave said it did not recall Mr Sanni working as a volunteer, but he was 'like hundreds of others who occasionally visited the offices'.
Mr Sanni said that he and BeLeave's co-founder Mr Grimes always reported to Mr Parkinson.
'There was no time where anything BeLeave did didn't go through Stephen,' he said.
Tech mogul and husband of the notorious fashion designer Diane von Furstenburg said he thinks 'all men are guilty' in regards to the #MeToo movement.
Barry Diller, chairman of mega-media and internet company InterActiveCorp (IAC) and Expedia, told the New York Times he believes the movement has permanently changed Hollywood and the media industry.
Diller said he sees the effects of the movement 'in our companies, where the relationships between people are changing.'
'I hope in the future for some form of reconciliation,' he explained.
Barry Diller, tech mogul and husband of the notorious fashion designer Diane von Furstenburg said he thinks 'all men are guilty' in regards to the #MeToo movement. he is pictured at a Yahoo Finance summit in October 2017
Diller said he sees the effects of the movement 'in our companies, where the relationships between people are changing.' He is pictured left in October 2017, and right at the 2017 Met Ball with Diane von Furstenburg
'Because I think all men are guilty. I'm not talking about rape and pillage. I'm not talking about Harveyesque. I'm talking about all of the spectrum.
'From an aggressive flirt. Or even just a flirty-flirt that has one sour note in it. Or what I think every man was guilty of, some form of omission in attitude, in his views.'
'From an aggressive flirt. Or even just a flirty-flirt that has one sour note in it. Or what I think every man was guilty of, some form of omission in attitude, in his views,' Diller told the New York Times. He is pictured with von Furstenburg in February 2017
The 76-year-old also commented on how the #MeToo movement has started to impact the way men and women react in the workplace.
Speaking more about the #MeToo movement - Diller said he once called out Harvey Weinstein for being a bully early on in their relationship.
He recalled that years ago in Cannes, while he was working as cheif executive of Univversal, Stacey Snider, head of the movie division, confided in him that Weinstein had 'treated her terribly and made her cry.'
Diller said he confronted Weinstein the next day, telling him: 'Harvey, don't ever treat an executive at my company that way. Don't you ever talk to anyone in that manner.'
But the disgraced media mogul didn't like being shamed, and Diller said Weinstein told him: 'I'm going to throw you off the terrace.'
'And this gorilla, because he looks like a gorilla, starts walking towards me, right?' Diller said about the encounter.
'And truly, I was scared. I thought, how, without cutting and running like a chicken, do I stop him? And somehow a bear came into my mind.'
He said he then put himself into a 'menacing stance,' which is what anyone who comes into contact with a bear is supposed to do, in an effort to ward Weinstein off.
'It so surprised him that he stopped and I got out with a small amount of honor,' Diller said.
Diller also spoke about the political climate and President Trump, who he said he met years ago when they were both in their 30s in New York. He said at the time he did not like Trump and hoped he would never have to speak to him again. Diller is pictured with former Democratic presidential candidate and Hillary Clinton and Oscar de la Renta in 2003
Diller also spoke about the current political climate and his relationship with President Trump, who he has known since Donald's early career days.
The pair met once when Diller was in his mid-30's and Trump invited him to lunch. He left the meeting thinking he hoped to never meet him again, and said that over the decades, though they ran into each other socially, 'I literally never spoke to him again.'
He joked that he hopes Trump, who once referred to Diller as a 'sad and pathetic figure' in a 2015 tweet, is being blackmailed by Russia.
'I would so love it if he were being blackmailed by Putin,' he said.
'That would make me very happy. This was a man of bad character from the moment he entered adulthood, if not before. Pure, bad character. Ugh, Trump.'
Diller has close ties to the Clintons, and explained that he put Chelsea Clinton on the board of two of his companies.
He said that before Trump ran for president he may have considered Ivanka for a similar role, but explained that since she became first daughter his opinions have changed.
'I would sit next to her every once in a while at dinner,' Diller said about Ivanka, referring to a time before she became involved with politics.
'And I, as everyone did, was like "Oh my god, how could this evil character [Trump] have spawned such a polite, gracious person?" I don't think we feel that way now.'
New South Wales drivers eligible to claim a green slip refund have been slugged with an administrative free that's been slammed as a 'secret tax'.
Drivers have been eligible to claim between $10 and $125 under the shake-up, which followed a reduction in the cost of green slips in December.
The State Government said $300 million in refunds would be electronically returned to motorists who have filled out the online form.
However, drivers that are eligible for a refund are charged a non-refundable fee administrative fee to have their claim processed.
New South Wales drivers eligible to claim a green slip refund have been slammed with a 'secret tax'
Drivers have been eligible to claim between $10 and $125 under the shake-up, which followed a reduction in the cost of green slips in December
Prices have been reduced for most classes of vehicles under the previous scheme
The Minister for Finance, Services and Property Victor Dominello confirmed the charge of $7.87 to process a green slip refund, The Sydney Morning Herald reported.
He defended the fee, claiming it will be used for other government agencies and would also be used to reduce next year's medical levy.
Shadow Minister for Innovation and Better Regulation Yasmin Catley, said the charge was 'a slap in the face to NSW motorists' who are claiming refunds for the already expensive green slip prices.
Catley claims the fee will bring in more than $40 million for the Berejiklian government.
'The government is offering a second rate insurance scheme and it's a slap in the face to NSW vehicle owners,' she said.
The Minister for Finance, Services and Property Victor Dominello confirmed the charge of $7.87 to process a green slip refund
Motorists will need to create an account on MyServiceNSW and lodge their claim during night time hours Monday to Saturday, or any time on Sunday
Refunds can then only be applied for at night, after 7pm and before 7am, from Monday to Saturday, and at any time on Sunday.
Drivers have been asked to exercise patience will submitting their claim, as the high volume of users had caused technical delays on the website.
Refunds could take up to ten days to be processed before arriving in the nominated bank account, with unclaimed refunds to go towards a new motor accidents scheme.
Applications will only be accepted up until September 1, with funds not handed out to go towards helping people injured in car accidents.
Two new lawyer hires announced last week now won't be joining President Trump's legal team that is helping him navigate the Russia investigation by Special Counsel Robert Mueller.
'The president is disappointed that conflicts prevent Joe diGenova and Victoria Toensing from joining the presidents special counsel legal team,' the president's personal lawyer Jay Sekulow said in a statement Sunday to the New York Times.
Sekulow said that the two lawyers would still be able to assist the president with matters outside the Russia probe and so 'the president looks forward to working with them.'
The news comes after President Trump fumed on Twitter Sunday morning over the media narrative that he's having trouble finding legal representation.
'Many lawyers and top law firms want to represent me in the Russia case...dont believe the Fake News narrative that it is hard to find a lawyer who wants to take this on,' Trump wrote.
President Trump's personal lawyer Jay Sekulow told the New York Times that two of the attorneys who were supposed to join the president's special counsel legal team would not be doing so because of 'conflicts'
Attorneys Joe diGenova (left) and Victoria Toensing (right) had been announced as hires for the president's legal team dealing with the Mueller probe. On Sunday, another attorney for the president told the New York Times that they had 'conflicts' preventing that from hap
President Trump dashed off two tweets early Sunday morning arguing that his legal team for the Russia probe was in good shape
President Trump waves as he leaves Mar-a-Lago on Sunday. Earlier, he took to Twitter to protest a media narrative that he was having trouble finding lawyers to join his team handling his response to Special Counsel Robert Mueller's Russia probe
'Fame & fortune will NEVER be turned down by a lawyer, though some are conflicted,' the president continued, foreshadowing the announcement that his two latest hires wouldn't be joining the team.
The president said the problem is that a 'new lawyer or law firm will take months to get up to speed (if for no other reason than they can bill more), which is unfair to our great country.'
And he said he was 'happy with my existing team.'
That team is one player down after attorney John Dowd announced that he was leaving.
Dowd had been key to molding Trump's legal defense in the special counsel's Russia investigation.
Trump's attorneys, including Dowd, have been negotiating with special counsel Robert Mueller over the scope and terms of an interview with Trump.
Dowd, according to the New York Times, resigned after Trump signaled he planned to ignore the lawyer's advice and sit down for an interview with investigators.
Dowd, the Times said, viewed the interview as too risky.
The choice of diGenova also seemed risky as he had floated conspiracy theories on the Fox News Channel that the FBI and the Department of Justice had framed the president on the Russia matter.
Meanwhile, Trump again publicly said he wished to sit down with Mueller, telling reporters at the White House 'I would like to' when asked whether he would meet with the special counsel.
Mueller is investigating Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election and whether there was any collusion with the Trump campaign.
Trump once again on Sunday insisted there was 'NO COLLUSION.'
A young boy who was found wandering barefoot near Campbelltown on Sunday afternoon has been reunited with family.
The boy described as being of Pacific Islander/Maori appearance with black hair and is believed to be aged between three or four years old was found on Guise Road, Bradbury, about 2pm.
Police have thanked the media and public after a boy was reuinted with his parents after he was found alone in Campbelltown
He was taken into Cambelltown Police Station where police put out an urgent request to members of the community and organisations to help locate the boy's parents.
His parents contacted the police about 7.30pm on Sunday evening and they were all reunited about three hours later.
Police thanked the media and the community for their assistance.
Police are failing to investigate crimes against children and are regularly not sharing 'personal information' with social workers as it could breach data protection laws, leaked documents reportedly revealed.
Privacy fears have apparently left officers scared to share information about 'at risk' children with social services departments across London.
The failings highlighted in the leaked police and council documents shockingly reflect the issues raised in such cases as Baby P, the 17-month-old who was tortured to death in Haringey, north London, in 2007, and eight-year-old Victoria Climbie, who was brutally murdered at the hands of her guardians in 2000.
Pictured: Baby P, the 17-month-old who was tortured to death in Haringey, north London, in 2007
Both were killed under the noses of police, NHS and social service departments.
It was found multiple authorities knew of Victoria's abuse and had 12 collective opportunities to prevent her death.
Baby P was also failed by nearly everyone who came into contact with him. There were 60 visits from social workers as well as medics and police in the eight months before his death.
Baby Peter's mother, Tracey Connelly, told the authorities she had a boyfriend but they did not ask who he was or insist on meeting him.
Had they done so they would have discovered that the killer had previously been questioned by police on suspicion of torturing his grandmother.
However systems were put in place after Victoria's death to link the Metropolitan police with all the children's services departments in every London borough - - so that all important information could be easily shared.
Merlin was created meaning officers could share details with other authorities.
Yet a serious case review of Jahzara Fordes death, whose throat was slashed by her father in 2014, found that the police continued to not share information with social services.
Valerie Forde told officers at Stoke Newington police station in February that year that Roland McKoy, father to her 22-month-old daughter Jahzara, was threatening to 'burn down the house' with her and the children inside.
She also informed a detective that he made 'threats to kill her and her family' yet according to a serious case review, the incident was reported as 'criminal damage' with no credible threats to kill' revealed the Sunday Times. The officer also didn't write anything about the incident on Merlin.
However, the horrors of this mother and daughter murder case have not manifested into officers using the Merlin system more.
In fact, leaked emails reportedly reveal that senior child-abuse detectives are privately demanding frontline officers not to use the programme as they believe it to be 'an ineffective and impractical system'.
They are told not to 'disclose Merlin records directly to other agencies', in breach of the Met's rules.
And internal figures reportedly show that in 2010 the number of 'pre-assessment check request' logs made on the London system was 28,258 - this fell by more than half in 2016.
Pictured: Eight-year-old Victoria Climbie, who was brutally murdered at the hands of her guardians in 2000
One reason for the reluctance to log information is due to the 'personal information' about the suspects that the record would hold.
The worry by officers that they don't have the 'consent' to do this has left the system in 'complete meltdown', a whistleblower claimed.
This mirrored worries revealed in the official report into the death of Baby P, by Lord Laming, who noted concerns about 'breaking privacy law'.
He said: 'Whilst the law rightly seeks to preserve individuals' privacy and confidentiality, it should not be used as a barrier to appropriate information sharing between professionals.
'The safety and welfare of children is of paramount importance, and agencies may lawfully share confidential information about the child or the parent, without consent, if doing so is in the public interest.'
MailOnline have approached the Metropolitan police for a comment.
Three children are understood to have been taken to hospital after taking bread from Sergei Skripal to feed ducks in the Salisbury park where the double agent was found poisoned.
The youngsters were rushed to hospital for blood tests amid fears they had come in contact with the deadly nerve agent Novichok.
Mr Skripal, 66, is thought to have given the children - all boys - the bread to throw into the river in Avon Playground, but one of the boys ate the slice handed to him.
Soldiers in chemical hazard suits decontaminate after removing and wrapping the tent covering the Salisbury bench where Russians Sergei and Yulia Skripal were found on March 4. This is where the three children are said to have taken the bread from him
Mr Skripal, 66, is thought to have given the children - all boys - the bread to throw into the river in Avon Playground (pictured), but one of the boys ate the slice handed to him
Soldiers cover themselves in forensic suits as they comb the park for clues nearly three weeks after the attack
The incident, thought to be on the same day the Skripals were poisoned, was confirmed by Public Health England, according to the Sunday Mirror, and a security source told the paper: 'To try to kill Skripal is one thing, but now it seems children may have been caught up in it.
'It shows whoever did this didn't care who they killed or maimed.'
It is understood the children were eventually given the all-clear, but the park is still cordoned off with forensic officers combing for clues.
Sergei Skripal, 66, and his daughter Yulia, 33, are still fighting for their lives in hospital after the poisoning on March 4.
They were found slumped on a bench in Avon Playground having dined at the Italian restaurant Zizzi.
It is thought the lethal nerve agent was smeared on the door handle of the former double agent's BMW.
Theresa May has laid the blame squarely at door of Vladimir Putin, which has paved the way for a political tit-for-tat between Westminster and Moscow.
Soldiers in Chemical Hazard suits decontaminate after removing and wrapping the tent covering the Salisbury bench where Russians Sergei and Yulia Skripal were found
It is understood the children were eventually given the all-clear, but the park is still cordoned off with forensic officers combing for clues
Sergei Skripal, 66, and his daughter Yulia, 33, are still fighting for their lives in hospital after the poisoning on March 4. They were found slumped on a bench (pictured) in Avon Playground having dined at the Italian restaurant Zizzi
Britain's accusations that Moscow was behind the poisoning of former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal in England 'border on banditry', Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was quoted as saying by RIA news agency on Sunday.
He said: 'We are stating that this is quite unprecedented - international affairs bordering, maybe, on banditry.
'What stands behind this? Is it Britain's internal problems or the problems of Britain's cooperation with its allies or something else? Looks like this is not our business.'
Moscow has denied responsibility for the March 4 attack on Skripal and his daughter, the first known offensive use of a nerve toxin in Europe since World War Two.
Britain expelled 23 Russians as a result and Moscow retaliated by ordering out the same number of Britons.
Dr Jenny Harries, Deputy Medical Director at PHE said: 'Assessing people who might have come into contact with the chemical or Mr Skripal and his daughter has been taking place throughout the incident.
'As part of that work we have contacted a number of people, they have had thorough medical checks and all of them are fit and well.
'We would like to emphasise that the risk to the general public is low.'
In a new CBS 60 Minutes interview, set to air Sunday night, porn star and President Trump's alleged ex-paramour, Stormy Daniels, dishes about her life off-screen.
Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, grew up in a rough neighborhood in Baton Rouge, Louisiana - where she developed a passion for riding horses and writing.
The bubbly blonde entertainer and mother-of-one, spoke over the phone about her background with The New York Times, ahead of the 60 Minutes airing.
'At first I thought I wanted to be a journalist,' Daniels explained, while expressing her love for animals and a possible career in veterinary work growing up.
Trump's alleged ex-mistress, Stormy Daniels, opened up about her background. She is pictured in Las Vegas above in June 2006
Daniels is passionate about animals, and more particularly, horses. She is seen above riding one in this Instagram photo
Porn star is a married mother-of-one. Daniels is seen with her 7-year-old daughter above in this Twitter picture
Daniels, who has described herself as 'smart' on social media, is also remembered as 'serious' and 'unobtrusive' from her earlier years, according to her former colleagues.
'I wasn't like the popular girl, and I wasn't the jock, and I wasn't the ditz. I don't know. I was just sort of in the middle of the road,' Daniels told the Times about her status in school.
She continues to compete in equestrian shows, which she takes very personally, one of her trainers, Dominic Schramm, told the Times.
'She does well,' Schramm said of her hobby riding horses. 'She can be quite hard on herself.'
Daniels is seen in her interview with Anderson Cooper, to be broadcast on 60 MINUTES Sunday, March 25 on the CBS Television Network
Trump and his former alleged mistress Daniels are seen smiling above in 2006
And trainer Packy McGaughan said: 'She blends right in... a pretty girl riding a horse.'
While Daniels didn't follow the career paths she once envisioned, she has stayed true to herself.
At her 10-year high school reunion, Daniels sported a smile and spoke proudly to her childhood schoolmates, telling the Times that 'everybody already knew' about her adult film job.
Before working in porn, Daniels had her first experience stripping at the early age of 17. She later began working at the local Gold Club in Geismar.
She is currently on her third marriage to drummer and porn producer, Glendon Crain, whose professional name is Brendon Miller. The pair have a 7-year-old daughter.
Daniels appears to be having fun on a roller coaster with her 7-year-old daughter in this Twitter picture
Daniels' husband and daughter have stayed out of the limelight in the wake of her legal storm with President Trump.
Daniels, 39, reportedly accepted $130,000 in 'hush money' from Trump over their alleged romp session prior to the 2016 election.
She apparently told Trump and his personal lawyer she would return the money in full after she made the alleged affair public.
She explained details about her lawsuit and quest to refund the sum in a statement seen on her Crowd Justice page.
'I recently made an offer to return the $130,000 I was previously paid if it was agreed that I could simply tell the truth publicly. Mr. Trump and Mr. Cohen did not even bother to respond,' Daniels wrote.
A normally-chatty Trump has kept quiet about the ordeal. He previously denied all allegations about the extramarital affair.
The spotlight has recently has shifted over to another woman - Karen McDougal - a former Playboy Playmate who claimed to CNN she and Trump had sex on their first date back in 2006.
McDougal, 46, alleged she went home sobbing after Trump offered her cash in exchange.
NRA enthusiasts have been accused of photoshopping the Teen Vogue cover that features Emma Gonzalez, a Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School student who survived the Parkland shooting on February 14.
A video and photos circulating on Twitter show Emma Gonzalez tearing up a copy of the Constitution, however it is fake.
She is actually tearing up a paper target on the cover of the magazine, while her fellow classmates stand in solidarity behind her.
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A fake image of Gonzalez ripping up the Constitution circulated on social media. The real video shows her tearing up target paper
Emma Gonzalez, a Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School student who survived the Parkland shooting on February 14, rips up target paper for Teen Vogue cover
Teen Vogue tweeted the cover of their March issue featuring some of the students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School
Teen Vogue tweeted the cover with with the caption: 'We, the youth of the United States, have built a new movement to denounce gun violence and call for safety in all of our communities. This is only the beginning.'
The cover attracted a lot of attention from Trump followers and NRA supporters alike.
Many were quick to condemn and attack the high school students on Twitter with one person writing: 'Look at these little oppressors. I hope my daughter never lives in the world they imagine.'
The cover attracted a lot of attention from Trump followers and NRA supporters
Many people in the Twittersphere were quick to condemn and attack the high school students
Many were unimpressed with Gonzalez ripping the paper and looking angry
Many were unimpressed with Gonzalez ripping the paper with one man sarcastically tweeting: 'Oh no. You tore up a target. Wherever will we find more...paper?' while another user wrote: 'Let the children lead us...into ripping a target in half and scowling.'
However there were some people in support of the children. 'I'm glad for the first time in human history people are against murder,' the twitter user said.
Saturday's rally in Washington DC to fight gun control marked the biggest youth protest since Vietnam.
However there were some people in support of the children. 'I'm glad for the first time in human history people are against murder,' the twitter user said
Hundreds of thousands of people turned out for the DC event, with 800 more events being held across world.
The rally, which was organized by the survivors of the massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, saw 175,000 people protest in New York.
30,000 were counted in Atlanta and Pittsburgh and 15,000 people attended a rally in Parkland, Florida - where 17 high school students were killed last month.
The movement had a global outreach, with die-ins being held in Berlin and London and marches taking place in Sydney, Mumbai, Tokyo, and Paris as well.
Despite the rally's across the US on Saturday to protest gun control, many people were still against the high school children
Some social media users blamed the youngsters, claiming they were puppets being used by politicians and seniors
Twitter users condemned the children for their lack of intelligence
The gun control debate continues to rage on both sides with people still arguing it's infringing on their Second Amendment rights
People were very outspoken on Twitter against the high school students
Gonzalez was one of the lead speakers on Saturday. She stood silent on stage for six minutes and 20 seconds - the same amount of time it took Nikolas Cruz, 19, to kill 17 or her classmates and injure 15 others with an AR-15 that he had obtained legally.
She took the crowd by surprise with her uncomfortable silence, prompting the crowd to cheer support and chant 'Never again,' as it seemed they thought she had lost her words due to emotion. Then a time went off, and she spoke.
'Since the time that I came out here, it has been six minutes and 20 seconds. The shooter has ceased shooting and will soon abandon his rifle, blend in with the students as they escape, and walk free for an hour before arrest,' she said when she began to speak again.
People didn't take the Teen Vogue cover seriously and tweeted sarcastic remarks
A lot of Twitter users weren't interested in listening to the young high school students
'Fight for your lives before it's someone else's job,' she said, ending her time of silence.
Gonzalez, who has been an outspoken voice among the Parkland survivors, used the minutes of silence to punctuate an an already moving speech.
'Six minutes and 20 seconds... In a little over six minutes, 17 of our friends were taken, 15 were injured and everyone, absolutely everyone, in the Douglas community was forever altered,' she said.
Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School student Emma Gonzalez (center) listens with other students during the March for Our Lives Rally in Washington, DC on Saturday
Gonzalez was pictured with fellow protesters and classmates at the Washington DC rally
'Everyone who was there understands. who has been touched by the cold grip of gun violence understands. For us, long, tearful chaotic hours in the scorching afternoon sun were spent not knowing.
'No one understood the extent of what had happened. No one could believe that there were bodies in that building waiting to be identified for over a day.
'No one knew that the people who were missing had stopped breathing long before any of us even knew that a code red had been called. No one could comprehend the devastating aftermath or how far this would reach or where this would go.'
She went on to honor some of the lives lost on that day, at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.
People took part in the March For Our Lives rally against gun violence in Washington DC
Davidson, 37, a father-of-four and a 15-year veteran of the FDNY, died on Thursday
The Fire Department of New York continues to mourn their fallen hero and honor his memory by sharing details of his life of purpose.
Michael Davidson, 37, died in the line of duty on Thursday after suffering critical injuries as he battled a fire that broke out on the Harlem set of a film starring Edward Norton and Bruce Willis.
His colleagues have shared pictures of the 15-year veteran firefighter and the family he leaves behind: his wife Eileen, and their four children; Brooke, seven; Joseph, six; Emily, three; and Amy, one.
Alongside the pictures posted to Instagram, those who worked with Davidson told of the men who they knew as a leader who was always the first to run into a dangerous situation while holding a nozzle to try to save lives.
'Mike was on the Lieutenant list and he would have made a terrific Lieutenant. He could take charge, he could take direction, he had all the qualities that would make a good officer,' said Captain Robert Allen, a 34-year veteran of the FDNY who served with Davidson at Engine Company 69.
The hero firefighter is survived by his wife wife Eileen, and their four children; Brooke, seven; Joseph, six; Emily, three; and Amy, one (not pictured)
Davidson's colleagues have taken to social media to honor the man they knew as a leader
Davidson has been posthumously promoter to Lieutenant.
Allen also worked with Davidson's father Bobby and met him as a young boy already hanging out at the fire station.
Firefighting was the family business, with Bobby serving 26 years mostly at the same station as his son, and Davidson's brother Eric being an 11-year veteran at Engine Company 88 in the Bronx.
'It was nice to watch a friend's son following in his father's footsteps,' Allan added.
Lt Ray McCormack, on his part, spoke of Davidson as a man who never stopped until getting the job done. He recalled a difficult three-alarm fire in 2005 in which Davidson continued to fight the fire even after sustaining burn injuries to both hands.
'Mike didn't stop. There was no stopping him. Room after room of fire, where some may stop and back up and try again, he just kept going,' said Lt Ray McCormack
One of Davidson's fellow firefighters recalled watching him grow up at the fire station where his father Bobby worked for 25 years - the same station Davidson would go on to work at
The team's bravery during that fire were awarded a citation for their heroic actions, but to McCormack, the credit that day was all Davidson's.
He said: 'What [Davidson] was able to do that night was amazing. He made the rest of us look great, we all got his credit that night because he did such a good job.
'He didn't stop. Where some people might back up and start again, Mike didn't stop. There was no stopping him. Room after room of fire, where some may stop and back up and try again, he just kept going.'
Actor Edward Norton, who was on the scene of the fire, has also honored Davidson and vowed to support his family.
Davidson, who had been previously honored with citations for heroic actions, has been posthumously promoted to Lieutenant
Actor Edward Norton, who was on scene at the fire, has also honored the firefighter
'I have never witnessed firsthand that kind of bravery. I'm in awe of that kind of selfless courage. It's devastating to contemplate that one of the men we watched charging in there lost his life. Please send a prayer of thanks for the spirit and courage of Michael Davidson,' he wrote on Instagram on Saturday.
While the actor first vowed to establish a way to support Davidson's family through this difficult time, he later learned the NYPD Foundation has already set up a scholarship fund for the hero's four children.
Norton also fact-checked some reports that the fire started in the set of his movie, saying it 'actually appears to have started in the basement cellar of the building we were working in.
Norton vowed to help Davidson's family through the difficult time in any way he can and asked his followers to donate to his children's education fund, set up by the FDNY
The actor also clarified that, despite reports, he wasn't the first to spot the fire and alert others
He also clarified that, despite reports, he was not the one who smelled smoke and raised the alarm about the fire. He said he was actually outside of the building setting up a shot at the time and it was an assistant director who first realized something was wrong.
'I cannot praise the professionalism of our crew highly enough. Had our team not noticed the situation and responded and alerted the fire department with the speed they did, I believe the residents of the building above would have perished,' he added.
You can donate to Davidson's family by visiting www.fdnyfoundation.org/donate/ and selecting 'Firefighter Michael Davidson's Children's Educational Fund' from the drop-down menu.
She has been a school shooting survivor for half her life, and now Lauren Milgram is becoming an activist.
Lauren, 12, was in Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut when 20 children and six adults were killed in one of the worst school shootings in history.
And on Saturday Lauren became one of the 800,000 who marched down Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington DC to fight for stricter gun laws.
Lauren's life was saved by her first grade teacher Kaitlin Roig-DeBellis, who hid her and 15 other students in a tiny bathroom off their classroom on December 14, 2012.
Sandy Hook survivor Lauren Milgram, 12, joined the 800,000 people who were part of March For Our Lives in Washington DC on Saturday
Lauren was in Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut when 20 children and six adults were killed in one of the worst school shootings in history
Speaking out was not something that Lauren (pictured in 2012) could do five years ago, as she was forced to grapple with the loss of many of her friends
Now Lauren and her 15-year-old brother Dalton, a fellow Sandy Hook survivor, are marching for lives - and hoping to save them as well.
'I'm marching because I don't want this to happen to any other children,' she told CNN.
'We can't keep living like this. It should've happened a long time ago...after all these shootings, there really should have been change.'
Lauren said she has been inspired by the survivors of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas massacre in Parkland, Florida, who organized March For Our Lives.
Lauren and her 15-year-old brother Dalton (pictured), a fellow Sandy Hook survivor, said they have been inspired by survivors of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School massacre
Lauren, Dalton, and their parents boarded a bus from Newtown at 5am to reach the rally, carrying signs that read 'Enough'
'It's amazing that the Parkland students are doing it already,' she said. 'They're so ahead in this generation, at this age they're making such a big difference.'
Speaking out was not something that Lauren could do five years ago, as she was forced to grapple with the loss of friends like a boy named Daniel Barden.
To this day Lauren still wears a heart necklace that Barden gifted her before that tragic day.
Lauren's parents said they have likewise been inspired by the Parkland students, who have helped motivate them to join the protest.
'These Parkland kids, my hats off to them,' Eric Milgram told CNN. 'My kids sadly weren't old enough to speak out.'
People display portraits of Sandy Hook elementary school shooting victims as they take part in the March for Our Lives in New York on March 24
More than 400 people from Newtown attended March For Our Lives in DC, where they heard speeches from Sandy Hook survivor Tommy Murray (center)
Matthew Soto (pictured), whose sister Victoria was killed during the Sandy Hook shooting, also gave a rousing speech during the march
'But we, as parents, I won't say that we failed them, but we were too polite to speak out. These Parkland kids, they will not be silenced they will not be muzzled.'
Lauren, Dalton, and their parents boarded a bus from Newtown at 5am to reach the rally, carrying signs that read 'Enough'.
Among the 800,000 people in Washington DC were more than 400 students, teachers, and parents from Newtown.
Some carried signs that read 'I am a Sandy Hook survivor', while others simply wrote 'Am I next?' or 'PTSD'.
Matthew Soto, whose sister Victoria was one of the six educators killed during the massacre, told the crowd: 'This is not okay. We do not have to live like this'.
The Sandy Hook survivors made a banner to gift to the Parkland student survivors
Hundreds of thousands of people filled Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington DC on Saturday for the March For Our Lives against gun violence
Soto paid tribute to his sister, a first grade teacher, and then spoke directly to the Parkland survivors, according to BBC.
'We know your pain,' he said. 'We know what you are going through and we are inspired by your fight for change.'
'We need to use our voices because we cannot change the past, we can only fight to change and build a better future.'
Tommy Murray, now a junior at Newtown High School, also spoke at the rally and lamented that nothing has changed in the five years since the tragedy.
'I have attended vigils, I have protested in front of the gun lobby in our town, I have sent letters to Congress,' Murray said.
'I traveled to DC to meet with Congress to beg them to do something to stop gun violence. But they did nothing.'
More than 800 March For Our Lives events were held around the world on Saturday
A high-achieving teenager who is 'immune to brutality' and a toddler with a 'marked interest in shooting people' are just two disturbing examples of how British children taken to Syria to live under Isis have been affected by the terrorist group.
Hundreds of pages from secretive family court hearings, relating to youngsters exposed to extremism by their families, reveal how one five-year-old boy yelled 'shame' whenever he saw a woman in a dress, rather than a full burqa.
Another young girl from Yorkshire, whose mother's iPhone pin code was '0911', was taught a pro-Jihadist chant linked to Osama bin Laden by her family.
Court papers have revealed the impact on children returning to the UK after living under ISIS and chillingly show that some have become immune to images of killings and brutality
The court papers, disclosed as part of a Sunday Times investigation into youngsters who have been exposed to extremism, reveal that at least 20 children have been removed from their families and placed into foster care or other relatives, while others have had their passports taken away.
According to the investigation, a two-year-old boy, known for legal reasons as 'Y', lived in Raqqa, Syria, for a period of time and was made to pose with an AK-47 assault rifle. The boy, now four, returned to Britain in 2015 and lives with a grandparent.
In a judgement handed down at the Royal Courts of Justice in London, Ms Justice Russell said: 'The evidence of the social worker is that Y is all too aware of what a gun is and becomes overexcited by the suggestion of guns and shooting, and runs around mimicking shooting and makes noises of gunfire.'
In another case, a 16-year-old girl from Tower Hamlets, east London, who attempted to travel to Syria in December 2014, was removed from a flight just minutes before take-off. Police discovered terrorist material at her family home.
Presiding over the case, Mr Justice Hayden said of the high-achieving student: 'She gave some of the most disturbing evidence I have ever heard from a child, or, for that matter, an adult. She told me how violent beheadings, point-blank shootings through the brain and images of mass killings no longer had any impact on her.'
Chilling: 'Caliphate Cubs' who have been enrolled into ISIS training camps for children stand dressed in full combat gear and hold AK47 assault rifles in front of ISIS' infamous black flag
More than 100 British women are thought to have travelled with their children to the Middle East to join Islamic State and other terrorist groups.
Chilling videos and images used for propaganda show how youngsters are enrolled into special training camps for children, with pre-teen boys being awarded AK47 assault rifles for good behaviour and firing machine guns.
These so-called 'Cubs of the Caliphate' are deemed a terror threat and could potentially 'commit atrocities' on their return to Britain, according to one leading counter terrorist expert.
These two young 'soldiers' were featured in a disturbing ISIS video released in 2016
Commander Dean Haydon, head of the Met's Counter Terrorism Command, said earlier this year: 'A child in a war zone would have seen some pretty horrendous things.
'Some terror groups are training children to commit atrocities.
'We need to not just understand the risk the mother poses, but the risk that any child poses as well. We look at them on a case-by-case basis and they may be arrested.'
In 2016, a report by Europe's law enforcement agency also indicated that the terror group had been actively indoctrinating a generation of youngsters to become the next ISIS fighters.
This 2016 ISIS video allegedly showed children being trained as the next generation of fighters
A report from the Quillam Foundation said: 'The future of children born and raised in Islamic State is a pertinent and pressing problem, requiring the immediate attention of the international community.
'There are currently 31,000 pregnant women within the caliphate.
'As many as 50 children from the United Kingdom are growing up on jihad in Islamic State, and no prior research examines what will happen to them if they choose to return.'
ISIS supporters are known to use children in their videos and images to demonstrate how youngsters are being groomed with the terror group's radical ideology.
Isa Dare, who travelled to Syria from South London with his mother, Khadijah, in 2016, was filmed apparently detonating a bomb and killing a car full of prisoners
They include Isa Dare, a four-year-old who was filmed apparently detonating a bomb and killing a car full of prisoners.
He had travelled to Syria with his 26-year-old mother, Khadijah Dare, from Lewisham, South London, in 2012.
JoJo Dixon, the son of one-time punk rocker SallyJones, from Kent, was shown in a nine-minute ISIS video appearing to execute a captured prisoner in a firing squad.
The 12-year-old and his mother, dubbed Jihadi Sally, were both killed by a Predator missile near the border of Iraq and Syria in June last year.
Hollywood actor Antonio Banderas returned to his roots this weekend as he took part in Palm Sunday festivities in Spain.
The 57-year-old joined fellow worshippers at a religious festival as part of his role as an officer for a Roman Catholic brotherhood.
Banderas, who makes the pilgrimage back to his home city of Malaga each year for the event, was joined by his girlfriend Nicole Kimpel.
The eccentric star, who was also pictured alongside his daughter Stella del Carmen Banderas, recently debuted a shaved head and eyebrows.
Spanish actor Antonio Banderas takes part in Palm Sunday procession in his home city of Malaga at the start of Holy Week
Banderas and his girlfriend Nicole Kimpel smile inside a church before taking part as a penitent in the Lagrimas and Favores festivities
A hooded Banderas (middle) poses with flamenco dancer Sara Baras (left) before the start of the procession of Our Lady of Tears and Favours
Wearing a traditional white robe, the actor was seen gestating as he took part in the annual Saint Mary of Tears and Favours procession
The eccentric star, who was also pictured alongside his daughter Stella del Carmen Banderas, recently debuted a shaved head and eyebrows
Banderas returned to his roots this weekend as he took part in Palm Sunday festivities in Spain
Wearing a traditional white robe, the actor was seen gestating as he took part in the annual Saint Mary of Tears and Favours procession.
The star also threw on a black hood as he arrived at San Juan Bautista church during Holy Week celebrations.
Antonio added to his ensemble with a wide wicker belt, upon which sat a series of small leather straps, with two supporting a pair of wooden mallets.
Once inside the church, the star was tasked with ringing a bell as part of the service.
The haunting processions take place each Easter in Spain, with penitents wearing gowns and conical hoods - a tradition that was meant to maintain their anonymity - as they carry life-size effigies of Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary through city streets.
Banderas began dating Nicole Kempel, 37, in 2014, shortly after his 19-year marriage to Melanie Griffith ended.
The 57-year-old joined fellow worshippers at a religious festival as part of his role as an officer for a Roman Catholic brotherhood
The brotherhood: Antonio was joined by a large number of fellow pentintents as he took part in the festivities
Antonio wore a wide wicker belt, upon which sat a series of small leather straps, with two supporting a pair of wooden mallets
Banderas began dating Nicole Kempel (left) in 2014, shortly after his 19-year marriage to Melanie Griffith ended
The well-known cartoon characters decorating everything from sugary breakfast cereals to ice creams could soon be banned - because they make junk food more appealing to children.
Old favourites like the Coco Pops monkey, the Paddle Pop lion and Toucan Sam - the Fruit Loops mascot could be the first to go.
The suggestion comes from Associate Professor Gary Sacks, of Deakin University, according to the Herald Sun.
The well-known cartoon characters decorating everything from sugary breakfast cereals to ice creams could soon be banned
The suggestion comes from Associate Professor Gary Sacks, of Deakin University
Professor Sacks, who is an obesity expert, claims the cheerful cartoons encourage children and teens to eat unhealthy foods.
'Images such as the Paddle Pop lion, Coco the monkey, the Nesquik bunny and M&M's characters are attractive to youngsters,' he said.
He believes marketing restrictions should be placed on sugary foods - including the imagery they use to sell their products as well as the time of day they can be advertised.
He also believes unhealthy food should not be marketed at sporting events.
The World Health Organisation has assessed Australia as meeting its commitments to marketing toward children.
Professor Sacks, who is an obesity expert, claims the cheerful cartoons encourage children and teens to eat unhealthy foods
Police are searching for man who allegedly punched a five-year-old boy in the face while riding the subway on Saturday in Brooklyn.
The incident occurred on the Brooklyn-Queens Crosstown Local G train at around 4.25pm Eastern, which the boy was riding with his mother.
The suspect reportedly punched the child in the face while on the train, taunted him, then ran off the subway at the Bergen Street station in Cobble Hill, according to the New York Daily News.
The suspect was quoted as saying, 'Are you going to cry to yo mommy?' after the attack, police said.
Police are searching for man who allegedly punched a five-year-old boy in the face while riding the subway on Saturday in Brooklyn, at around 4.25pm
The child was taken to NYU Langone Health-Cobble Hill following the incident.
There, he was treated for bruising and swelling on the left side of his face.
A witness snapped photos of the man suspected of the attack, which the police released on Sunday.
NYPD are now asking that anyone who may know this man please help authorities locate him.
The suspect is believed to be a 6-foot-tall black man appearing to be around 20 years old and weighing about 160 pounds, based on eye witness photos
The suspect reportedly punched the child while riding the Brooklyn-Queens Crosstown Local G line, taunted him, then ran off the subway at the Bergen Street station in Cobble Hill
In addition to sharing the photos, police described the suspect as a 6-foot-tall, 160-pound black man who appeared to be about 20 years old.
The photos taken by the witness show him wearing a long-sleeved, olive green shirt under a black jacket with two white stripes along the shoulders, arms, and down the middle of the hood.
He also had on black sneakers and beige cargo pants at the time of the assault.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). All calls will be kept confidential.
The tragic story of 'Poland's Anne Frank' who was killed during the Second World War has given a harrowing insight into what life was like in Nazi Germany.
Renia Spiegel was just 18-years-old when the Nazis invaded Przemysl, a city in south-east Poland, and began to round up Jews.
Some 22,000 were gathered for deportation to death camps but Renia hid herself in an attic on the outskirts of the Jewish ghetto where the Nazis were rounding up Jews.
There, she penned her diary - pages from school exercise books which had been bound together - which was nearly 700 pages long by the time Germans found and shot her in 1942.
She had begun writing it at the end of January 1939, eight months before Germany's invasion of Poland triggered the Second World War.
Renia Spiegel kept a diary during the Second War World but was eventually killed by the Nazis in July 1942
Her last entry, dated July 25, 1942, was shortly before her death at the hands of Nazi officers.
The diary reappeared in New York City in late 1960s and her story remained a relative secret until a few years ago. But Renia's younger sister, Elizabeth Bellak, 87, wants her legacy to live on.
The journal has been published in Poland and is currently being translated into English, while a documentary is also set to be made. In Speigel's native Poland, the diary has helped launch a national poetry competition.
Renia's tragic demise is all the worse as she writes about her aspirations to travel to France.
In April 2, 1939, she wrote: 'I learn French now and if there is no war, I might go to France. I was supposed to go before, but Hitler took over Austria then Sudetenland, Czechoslovakia... and who knows what he will do next. In a way, he affects my life, too.'
She also details how she has fallen madly in love with a student called Zygmunt Schwarzer, just a few months before the Nazis marched into her town and destroyed her perfect bliss forever.
Their first kiss took place on June 20, 1941, just as the Germans were preparing to launch their invasion, dubbed Operation Barbarossa.
By 1942, the relationship between Renia and Zygmunt, who was two years older, seemed to become more passionate in nature.
Just a few days before her 18th birthday, she wrote: 'Now I know what the word ecstasy means.
Renia's diary was almost 700 pages along and remained a secret until recently, where it has since been made into a book
'I almost understand it. It is indescribable; it is something that is the best, which only two loving creatures can do. And for the first time I felt this longing to become one, to be one body and to feel more.'
Just five days after writing about what appears to be the consummation of her relationship with Zygmunt, Renia's world is turned upside down by the war which had finally reached her doorstep.
She wrote: 'There is killing, murder. God, for the umpteenth time I humble myself in front of you, help us, save us! God, let us live, I beg you.'
Zygmunt managed to sneak Renia and her sister out the ghetto they had been forced into, putting her sister, just 12 at the time, into the care of a Christian family.
Renia, along with Zygmunt's parents, were hidden in the attic of his uncle's building. His uncle, Samuel Goliger, was a member of the Judenrat, who were put in charge by the Nazis to administer ghettos and were given the privilege of living outside the ghetto's walls.
In her diary, she pleaded for God to save them, but two days later on July 30, 1942, she was rounded up with Zygmunt's parents and shot dead.
Renia's sister, Elizabeth Bellak, wants her sister's story to live on after the Jewish girl was shot dead by Nazis in 1942
A day after they were killed Zygmunt returned to the house from his own hiding place and found Renia's diary. He added his own entry into the diary, writing: 'Three shots! Three lives lost!' he wrote.
'It happened last night at 10:30 p.m. Fate has decided to take my dearest ones away from me. My life is done. All I can hear are shots, shots... Shots! My dearest Renia, the last chapter of your diary is complete.'
Tomasz Magierski, a Manhattan filmmaker who has been researching Renia's story for the last few years, told the New York Post it could have been neighbours of Nazi-imposed Jewish ghetto administrators who turned her in.
'It's an enigma,' he said. 'We're not sure if it was the Polish neighbours or members of the Judenrat who gave them up.'
Bellak immigrated to New York with her mother, as did Zygmunt, who gave them the diary.
She told the New York Post that she and her mother struggled to read the diary but that it had passed it onto filmmaker Magierski, who read the diary in three days and has made trips to Poland in an attempt to solve the puzzle of Renia's last remaining days.
He said: 'This is the best story never told.'
The baby he fathered by his own step-daughter was as the result of a one-off 'mistake', Errol Musk the South African father of the tech billionaire Elon Musk, has revealed.
The 72-year-old has been accused of bringing 'shame on the family' by his ex-wife and mother of Jana Bezuidenhout who is 42 years younger than the wealthy businessman.
Errol disclosed that his sixth child, Elliot Rush, was conceived 'in the heat of the moment' after Jana had been thrown out by her boyfriend.
Billionaire Elon Musk's estranged father has had a baby with his own stepdaughter who is 42 years his junior, MailOnline revealed
Errol Musk, 72, father of the Tesla Motors chief, has a 10-month-old baby boy called Elliot Rush Musk with his stepdaughter Jana Bezuidenhout, 30 (pictured)
'I do not want to call it a mistake because no child wants to hear that they were a mistake,' he told Rapport newspaper.
'It happened one evening when Jana's boyfriend threw her out of the house and she had slept over at my house. You have to understand I've been single for 20 years and I'm just a man who makes mistakes.'
He said Jana and their son now lived on the same property as him, in Langebaan, an hour outside Cape Town, but they are not in a relationship.
The extraordinary revelation by MailOnline last week offered an explanation for the bitter family feud that has engulfed one of the world's richest families.
Errol was branded 'evil' and 'a terrible human being' by Elon Musk, the Tesla Motors chief, who said his father had done 'almost every evil thing you can possibly think of'.
Thirty-year-old Jana's mother, Heidi-Mari Musk described her former husband as 'a bad man' who had 'ruined everything' for the family.
Jana (pictured) was four years old when Errol married her mother, Heide. Errol's relationship with Jana is said to be one of the reasons he is estranged from his billionaire son, Elon
Jana is pictured here last year with her mother Heide cradling Elliot Musk, who is the baby son of her former husband and her daughter. Next to them is her daughter with Errol, Asha Muak
Jana (pictured) lived with Elon when she was growing up. Heide, his second wife, was a widow with three young children when she met Errol. Her first husband died in a car crash and Errol helped raise her little ones Jock junior, Jana and Harry
'He has caused an incredible amount of pain for me and his children and now brought shame on the family again. We are furious that he could make his own stepchild pregnant. And that he blows it out for the world.
'We have tried to get peace in our hearts, but he has now ruined everything,' she told the newspaper.
Heide, his second wife, was a widow with three young children when she met Errol. Her first husband died in a car crash and Errol helped raise her little ones Jock junior, Jana and Harry.
Errol already had three children of his own from his first marriage to High School sweetheart, the model and socialite Maye Haldeman Elon, his brother Kimbal and sister Tosca. Errol and Heide had two daughters called Alexandra 'Ali' Musk and Asha 'Rose' Musk.
Errol is pictured here holding his son Elon as a baby. He says he gave Elon and his two siblings a luxury upbringing in Pretoria before Elon earned his first billion dollars at the age of 30
Elon Musk stands beside a rocket on March 19, 2004 in El Segundo, Los Angeles. He is worth 20 billion and launched a Tesla car into space - but has not spoken to his father for 18 months
In a recent interview Errol (pictured) admitted that his 30-year-old girlfriend 'Jana' had given birth to his baby, although he failed to disclose that she was his stepdaughter
Asked for his response to Heide's criticism, Errol today said he found it strange that she had lashed out at him, claiming that she begged him to take her back 'every month'.
Elon, the 46-year-old SpaceX founder who has a 20 billion fortune, reportedly went 'berserk' when he learned that his step-sister Jana, who lived with him as a youngster, was having his father's child.
The space explorer spared no punches in an interview with American Rolling Stone magazine about his feelings towards his father.
'He was such a terrible human being, you have no idea,' he said with tears running down his face.
'My dad will have a carefully thought-out plan of evil. He will plan evil. Almost every crime you can possibly think of, he has done. Almost every evil thing you could possibly think of, he has done. It's so terrible, you can't believe it.'
President Trump and first lady Melania Trump won't be together when tonight's 60 Minutes interview with porn star Stormy Daniels airs.
White House Deputy Press Secretary Lindsay Walters said Sunday, 'The first lady will be staying in Florida as is their tradition for spring break.'
Walters was responding to questions about the first lady's schedule, as she wasn't listed as flying back to Washington, D.C., with the president Sunday night on Air Force One.
President Trump will be apart from his wife when tonight's Stormy Daniels interview airs. Trump, seen heading to the airport Sunday, will return to Washington, D.C., while Melania Trump stays in Florida for Barron Trump's spring break
President Trump gives a double thumbs up as he heads to the airport Sunday. He'll arrive at the White House just in time to catch his alleged ex-mistress' interview on 60 Minutes as porn star Stormy Daniels speak publicly for the first time
First lady Melania Trump (left) will be staying in Florida for Barron Trump's (center) spring break, as President Trump (right) flies back to Washington, D.C., this evening
President Trump (right), seen leaving Air Force One on Friday with Melania Trump (center) and Barron (left) in tow, will arrive back at the White House 40 minutes before the explosive Stormy Daniels interview is set to air
Only one preview clip has been released of the 60 Minutes interview with Stormy Daniels and in it she doesn't speak. She's expected to provide details of an alleged affair with President Trump that started in 2006, several months after Barron Trump was born
Stormy Daniels, an adult film actress, was paid $130,000 by President Trump's personal lawyer Michael Cohen in exchange for signing a non-disclosure agreement just weeks before the 2016 presidential election
In the only clip made available of the interview thus far, CNN's Anderson Cooper (right) says to porn star Stormy Daniels (left), 'I guess I'm not 100 per cent sure why you're doing this.' Daniels was bound by a non-disclosure agreement to keep quiet
Trump is expected to touch down at the White House 40 minutes before the explosive interview airs.
The first couple spent the weekend at the 'Winter White House,' the Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida, after a week of sending out mixed message about the state of their marriage.
On Friday, Melania Trump took a separate motorcade to Joint Base Andrews, a day after CNN aired an interview with one of the president's alleged mistresses, former Playboy Playmate Karen McDougal.
Hours before that interview aired on Thursday, the first lady had tweeted a picture of the couple, smiling and standing close to each other on the Truman Balcony, showing off the recent Washington snowfall.
'Greetings from @WhiteHouse,' Melania Trump wrote.
McDougal, who spoke to CNN's Anderson Cooper, the same journalist Daniels sat down with for the 60 Minutes Q&A, said she 'had unprotected sex' with the then-reality TV star after they met in 2006.
The Trumps were married in January 2005.
On Thursday, hours before the interview with ex-Playboy Playmate Karen McDougal aired, Melania Trump (right) tweeted out a photo of she and the president (left) looking happy as they showed off the fresh snowfall in the South Lawn by standing on the Truman Balcony
McDougal said she developed feelings for Trump during their 10-month affair.
'What can you say except I'm sorry?' she said, thinking of the now-first lady. 'I'm sorry, I wouldn't want it done for me.'
Daniels, who, like McDougal, had been bound from speaking about her relationship with Trump due to a non-disclosure agreement, is expected to detail her alleged affair with the president, which also started in 2006 several months after the birth of Barron Trump.
On January 12, the Wall Street Journal broke the story that President Trump's personal lawyer Michael Cohen had paid Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, $130,000 in October 2016 in exchange for her signing a non-disclosure agreement to keep quiet about an alleged decade-old affair with the GOP nominee.
The president has denied having affairs with Daniels and also McDougal.
Throughout the rest of the month of January, the Trumps were seldom seen together.
They were photographed returning from Mar-a-Lago on January 15.
More details about the alleged affair came out on January 17, when In Touch Weekly published a long-buried interview conducted with Daniels.
The Trumps rode in the same motorcade after the president delivered his State of the Union address on January 31, with the first lady opting to take a separate ride to the Capitol Building, with her spokeswoman saying it was simply so she could spend more time with her guests.
In the meantime, FLOTUS had ditched plans to travel to Davos, Switzerland to be at her husband's side when he addressed the World Economic Forum.
Instead she made a solo visit to the Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C., before heading to the airport to make an unannounced trip to Mar-a-Lago, for a spa day.
In recent weeks, however, the first lady has spoken at a number of events including one last Monday where she was the opening act for her husband, as they both spoke of the opioid epidemic while in Manchester, New Hampshire.
On Monday, the president (left) and first lady (right) held hands as they walked across the South Lawn of the White House to board Marine One en route to Manchester, New Hampshire to speak about the opioid crisis
When Melania Trump (left) briefly stumbled President Trump (right) held her tight to ensure she didn't fall. The Trump marriage is being closely watched in light of the allegations porn star Stormy Daniels is expected to make Sunday night when her 60 Minutes interview airs
While she kept a low profile throughout January, when the Stormy Daniels news first broke, first lady Melania Trump (left) has spent a lot of time in the public eye lately, including showing some public displays of affection toward President Trump (right)
En route to that trip, she walked arm-and-arm with the commander-in-chief as they boarded Marine One.
On Tuesday, the first lady said that she was well aware that people were skeptical of her tackling the issue of cyber-bullying, seeing that she's married to someone who often tweets nasty things about his political rivals.
'I have been criticized for my commitment to tackling this issue, and I know that will continue, but it will not stop me from doing what I know is right,' the first lady said.
After the McDougal interview aired, Melania Trump continued going about her business as first lady, speaking at the International Women of Courage awards ceremony, and hosting kid chefs at the White House.
She, again, took a separate motorcade to leave town, but joined the president on board Air Force One and was photographed arriving at Mar-a-Lago beside him and 12-year-old Barron, who just celebrated a birthday this week.
Now she'll remain with Barron in Florida for spring break as the president returns to Washington, D.C., and will have to deal with the fall-out from the Daniels' interview.
60 Minutes has kept the contents close to its chest, as the only pre-released video features interviewer Anderson Cooper telling Daniels, 'I guess I'm not 100 per cent sure why you're doing this.'
In the clip, she doesn't speak.
On Sunday, some of the president's allies were already pushing back on the interview, with Newsmax CEO Christopher Ruddy charging that Daniels' telegenic lawyer Michael Avenatti had worked for Democratic candidates and thus the whole thing was a political stunt.
'This is politically motivated to hurt and embarrass [Trump] in some way,' Ruddy said on ABC's This Week. 'And, you know what, at the end of the day the poll numbers for the president are up.'
Trump's approval rating is now sitting in the mid-40s.
'So I think the American people are really dismissing this as political witch hunts,' Ruddy said.
The first lady's spokeswoman Stephanie Grisham also came to her defense Sunday night.
'While I know the media is enjoying speculation & salacious gossip, Id like to remind people theres a minor child whos name should be kept out of news stories when at all possible,' Grisham wrote on Twitter.
Military and intelligence chiefs from Britain and the US have vowed to work together to take on the cyber threat posed by enemies like Putin's Russia.
Top brass from the two countries held talks about how they can 'counter and defend ourselves' from the new threat of cyber warfare.
And the leaders from GCHQ, the UK's joint forces command (JFC) and the US National Security Agency (NSA) released an unprecedented statement of intent.
It comes amid warnings that Vladimir Putin is ordering Russian hackers to target UK and US infrastructure to spark chaos.
The joint statement comes amid warnings that Vladimir Putin (pictured in the Kremlin last week) is ordering Russian hackers to target UK and US infrastructure to spark chaos
Relations between the Kremlin and Westminster have plunged to a fresh low in the wake of the Salisbury poison attack.
What is the Novichok nerve agent used against the Skripals? The Novichok nerve agent used against former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia is among the most deadly poisons ever created. They were secretly developed by the Soviet Union during the height of the Cold war in the 1970s and 1980s. Communist scientists developed the poison so it would not be able to be detected by Nato's chemical detection equipment. They come in the form of a ultra-fine powder, Novichok is up to eight times more potent than the deadly VX gas. Victims who are poisoned by the powder suffer muscle spasms, breathing problems and then cardiac arrest. There is a known antidote to the nerve agent - atropine can block the poison. But doctors find it very tricky to administer the antidote because the dose would have to be so high it could prove fatal for the person. Novichok poisons are highly dangerous to handle, requiring the expertise of skilled scientists in a sophisticated lab. Dr Vil Mirzayanov, former Chief of the Foreign Technical Counterintelligence Department at Russias premiere, was among the team of scientists who helped develop the agent. Advertisement
The joint statement comes after talks in the US involving GCHQ director Jeremy Fleming, JFC commander General Sir Christopher Deverell, and US Admiral Mike Rogers, commander of US Cyber Command and director of the NSA.
They said: 'Our organisations work extremely closely together to help keep the United States and United Kingdom safe.
'Our discussions focused on how best we deploy and develop our cyber capabilities to counter, and defend ourselves against, malign activity around the world.
'This co-operation has been part of our shared history for over 75 years, and will continue to be vital in protecting our countries.
'Every day our brilliant people share information and ideas as they counter shared threats in an increasingly digital world. We thank them for everything that they do.'
Last week the authorities in the US and UK announced that an Iranian-based group of hackers had targeted universities and other institutions in an attempt to steal secrets.
Washington said the Mabna Institute had links to the Tehran government.
Officials on both sides of the Atlantic are also concerned about Russian cyber attacks while North Korea has been blamed for the WannaCry attack which hit NHS hospitals.
An intelligence source said the talks in the US covered the 'full range of topics' including 'the work that we do together on hostile state activity'.
As well as advanced counter-cyber capabilities, the UK has declared it has the ability to launch its own strikes.
Earlier this month a potential cyber strike was one of the options reported to have been under consideration in response to the Salisbury nerve agent attack.
Former GCHQ boss Robert Hannigan said the UK had 'advanced abilities in offensive cyber' but launching an online strike was not a 'trivial thing'.
'It's a bit like launching a military conflict and I don't think anybody would benefit from that.'
Russian former spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia (pictured together) are still fighting for their lives in hospital after being poisoned by the nerve agent Novichok
Russian former spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia are still fighting for their lives in hospital after being poisoned by the nerve agent Novichok.
Downing Street says the Kremlin in responsible for the attack by either ordering it directly or losing control of their chemical weapon stocks.
Mr Putin and his ministers have failed to given the British authorities an explanation as to hoe the poison was used on British soil in an attempted murder, Theresa May has said.
She has expelled 23 Russian spies living under diplomatic cover in the UK from the country in retaliation for the attack.
EXCLUSIVE: Sabina Nessa, 28, had arranged to go on a first date at The Depot bar in Pegler Square, Kidbrooke Village, south-east London, last Friday night but she never made it. She was attacked in a park at around 8.30pm, and her body found on Saturday near the OneSpace community centre hidden under a pile of leaves. Reports have suggested her attacker was a stranger. No one reported her missing after she failed to make the rendez-vous, said police. A friend told MailOnline: 'Sabina was going on a date on Friday night when she left her flat. It was a first date. She was going to meet this guy in the local pub, The Depot.' The friend added: 'I don't know whether they knew each other before or they had met online but I know it was a first date.' The revelation comes as Detective Chief Superintendent Trevor Lawry says police are concerned the killer could strike again as investigations into her murder continue, but said there was nothing to suggest it would happen.
Britain's oldest men will both turn 110 this week, but one will no longer accept birthday cards from the Queen because there is 'no point'.
Robert Weighton will turn 110 on Thursday. He was born in Hull on March 29 1908 and survived both World Wars and lived in five countries in his long life.
The centenarian was the middle of seven children and has three children of his own, 10 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren.
Robert Weighton celebrates his 110th Birthday on Thursday. He will be one of the only people to reach that age in UK history
Robert Weighton with one of his 25 great grandchildren
Robert Weighton celebrating his 95th Birthday in 2003
Mr Weighton shares the honour as Britain's oldest man with Alfred Smith of Perth, Scotland.
The pair, who were both born when Edward VII was King, made contact three years ago and have been sending birthday cards to each other ever since.
Neither of them are aware which one is the oldest.
Mr Weighton saw a story about Mr Smith, who has two children, in 2015 and wrote to him.
He said: 'I have already sent my card off to Alfie and I am sure I will receive mine eventually.
'His granddaughter is the one that is able to write and she sends the letters to me.
'I spoke to him last at Christmas and I hope he receives my card in the next few days.
'It is extraordinary that the two oldest men in Britain were born on the same day.'
On his 109th birthday, Mr Smith, a former farmer, told STV: 'I can't just do everything that I'd like to do. I'm very careful when I walk, if we go out.
'I never thought I'd reach this age but I feel very good for 109.
'I don't have any pains and I sleep well. I'm not worried very much about anything.'
He added: 'Will I live to 110? I would like to!'
Mr Smith was given a 'certificate of long service' from the Church of Scotland last year.
Rt Rev Russell Bar, moderator of Church of Scotland said at the time 'Of all the many people I have met during my year as Moderator, Alfred Smith is one of the most remarkable.
Mr Weighton shares the honour as Britain's oldest man with Alfred Smith (pictured) of Perth, Scotland, who shares the same birthday
Alfred Smith, Britain and Scotland's oldest man, was visited at his home on his 109th birthday by Moderator of the Church of Scotland, Rt Rev Russell Barr
'At 109 years old he retains a lively sense of humour, a continuing interest in life, including the life of the church, and he is a great story teller.
'It was a privilege to meet him and some of his family and to offer him my warmest congratulations.'
Mr Smith was born in Invergowrie, Scotlandt, the fifth of six sons.
He emigrated to Canada, along with four of his brothers, in 1927 but returned after five years and then worked as a lorry driver.
During the Second World War Mr Smith was in the Home Guard, and married Isobel when he was 29. They raised two children, together but Mrs Smith died 15 years ago, aged 97.
Mr Weighton, who was born before women had the vote, the Pearl Harbour attack, the sinking of the titanic, and the Russian revolution now lives alone in Alton, Hampshire.
The great-grandfather has started turning down birthday cards from the Queen after receiving too many.
However, Mr Weighton says he would begin welcoming cards from the Royal Family if there was a change of monarch during his lifetime.
He said: 'I am not having any more from the Queen. There is no point having one every year.
Robert Weighton with six of his 25 great grandchildren in 2008
Robert Weighton (centre) with Grandson Magnus, eldest son David, Daughter-in-law Sue and Son Peter.
Robert Weighton in 2007 aged 99
'I have been sent quite a lot since I turned 100, but it is just another day for me. I celebrate all days the same now.'
Mr Weighton said his final card from her majesty was for his 107th birthday which showcases her smiling directly at the camera.
'I want to remember her by that picture, she looks very relaxed.'
On Thursday, he will join the elite list of British supercentenarians, describing people who have lived to at least 110.
The Gerontology Research Group, that validated their age claims says that have been about 140 people reach the age of 110 in British history.
There are five living British supercentenarians, the oldest of whom is Bessie Camm from Rotherham, born 20 June 1904, aged 113.
As of Thursday, there will be two more on the list.
Robert Weighton with his grandson Magnus in 1997
Robert Weighton celebrating his 95th Birthday in 2003
Mr Weighton is still mobile and attends coffee mornings and clubs with other local people.
He added: 'I walk to Waitrose a couple of times a week for my weekly shop. I only need to pay 5 per day for my food.
'I do a lot of speaking, I go to clubs and schools to talk about my life and what it was like during the war.'
Unsure what the secret is to his longevity, Mr Weighton has lived in Japan, Taiwan, Canada and the USA in his lifetime.
While in Hong Kong in 1937 he married his wife Agnes, who he met while teaching English in Taiwan.
With his wife, who passed away in 1997, Mr Weighton spent much of their retirement volunteering as marriage councillors and helping at youth groups.
He was a refugee in Canada during World War II as his family were unable to return to Britain in 1939.
Mr Weighton's ability to speak Japanese meant he was hired by the British Political Warfare Mission to decipher enemy messages, and also worked to disrupt the morale of the Japanese.
He added: 'I have seen the whole world fall apart twice.
Robert Weighton with Great granddaughter, Poppy, born on the same day 90 years apart, Poppy will be turning 20 on Thursday, picture in 2006
Robert Weighton (front left) with his children, right to left, Peter (deceased), David (eldest) and Dorothy (youngest) in 2008 celebrating his 100th birthday
'The world is in a state of uncertainty right now. Nobody knows what is is going to happen about Brexit, Russia or in Syria. It is a very uncertain future.
'I am very well aware that a lot of people don't reach my age. A lot of people don't even reach 50.
'They are the ones who ought to get the attention, not myself. I have never faced starvation like some of them.'
Mr Weighton does not consider his age to be an 'accomplishment' and says each year is just as important as the last, adding: 'It is not something that I have worked for. It is just something that comes around, sort of like measles.'
BOB'S STORY
Robert Weighton at his home in Alton, Hampshire, he says he has no idea why he has lived so long
England's oldest man, Robert Weighton, turns 110 this Thursday and will exchange cards with his exact contemporary in Scotland, Alfred Smith.
The pair learnt only three years ago that they were born on the same day in 1908, when Edward VII was king.
Mr Weighton was born in Hull, one of seven children of a vet, and 110 years on is still very much his own man.
He lives in his own independent flat in a care centre in Alton, Hampshire, walks to Waitrose a couple of times a week, budgets 5 a day for food, and takes a keen interest in current affairs. That is partly because he has seen just how bad the news can be.
His first memory is of being ill with mumps in 1913 and a year later seeing fires started by a Zeppelin bombing raid in the First World War.
In an age when education after 14 often had to be paid for by parents, his father could afford to keep him at school until 16, then complete a marine engineering apprenticeship.
But when he qualified the Great Depression was taking hold, so he left for the Far East. After two years in Japan learning the language, he moved to a job teaching English in a Taiwanese missionary school.
He found a wife too, Agnes, marrying her in Hong Kong in 1937. Their first son David was born the following year.
When the Second World War started they took young David first to Canada, then America and were there when Japan attacked Pearl Harbor.
Americans had regarded the war in Europe as something they didnt want to get mixed up in, he said. Pearl Harbor changed that absolutely.
His skills as a Japanese speaker won him a job in the US with the British Political Warfare Mission, producing propaganda and deciphering enemy messages. He returned to England in 1946 by which time two more children, Peter and Dorothy, had arrived.
I went back to engineering, then lectured at City University in London for 25 years, he said. It was a technological college, none of the high-brow subjects they have now.
He and Agnes retired to Alton. She died in 1995 aged 86, and son Peter died in 2014. Mr Weighton now lives in a care complex of 46 privately owned flats, with wardens on hand to help when needed.
A birthday party is planned, but he denied that living to 110 is an achievement, saying: All Ive got to do is sit in a chair.
He has also tired of the congratulatory messages from the Queen, saying she looked a bit miserable in the pictures.
He says the current global situation is a total muddle youve got Trump, Putin, and political stalemate in Britain. On Brexit he is a remainer, but adds: Ive not lost my pride in being a Yorkshireman or British.
Sadly for those seeking advice on longevity, he had nothing to offer, saying: I have absolutely no idea why Ive lived so long. I just havent died yet, thats all.
ALF'S STORY
Alfred Smith, pictured, is the oldest man in Scotland and says porridge is the cause of his long life
Like many a good Scotsman, Alfred Smith is certain about the cause of his long life porridge.
Talking of his great longevity, he said: Porridge is helpful, and having a job you enjoy, going on to admit that he treats himself by adding both sugar and milk to his breakfast.
He adds: I do ask myself why me? Why have I lived so long when others havent?
Mr Smith was born the fifth of six sons to farmers John and Jessie Smith in the village of Invergowrie, near Dundee. After education at the local primary school he moved on to the selective Harris Academy in Dundee now a comprehensive which he left at 14.
After school, the inter-war years were hard and at the age of 19, in 1927, he and four of his brothers emigrated to Canada together to seek their fortune.
He and one of his brothers set up their own farm in Govan, Saskatchewan, choosing the location because it sounded Scottish. Sadly they were cursed with tough weather including droughts, hail and washed-out crops.
Five years later Mr Smith returned to Scotland, following the death of his father, and started earning a living by driving lorries for his brother George as they took over the family farm.
In 1937 he married wife Isobel, and she helped him as moved on to running his own farm in Perthshire, where they raised their children, Irene and Allan.
Farming was an important business in the Second World War, with food supplies to Britain being attacked by the Germans, so Mr Smith kept at it, while serving in the Home Guard.
He did not retire until he was 70 in 1978, 40 long years ago but kept his hand in by regularly showing up at the farm until he was in his 80s. His wife Isobel died in 2003, aged 97. Mr Smiths son Allan, who had worked alongside his father on the land for four decades, sadly died two years ago, aged 76.
Mr Smith himself lived alone until around then, but since a fall has shared a home with his daughter Irene Noble, a sprightly 80-year-old, in St Madoes, Perthshire. He has two grandchildren, with one, grandson Iain Smith, having followed in his fathers footsteps by both emigrating to Canada and marrying an Isobel.
He has also maintained links with religion. First a member of the Free Church, he switched to the Church of Scotland in 1945 and has remained a worshipper to this day.
Last year he was honoured to have a birthday visit from the Moderator of the national churchs General Assembly, the Right Rev Russell Barr.
Mr Smith said: It is wonderful to have a visit from the Moderator. How he finds time to see me is quite something. I have always loved the church as it has given me so much over the years.
He still enjoys a game of Scrabble, and is considered so remarkable that US scientists at Boston University contact him every year to do a blood test and ask him if he knows who the Prime Minister is. He does.
His daughter Mrs Noble said: Dad smoked until he was 80 thats the secret to living to 109.
A charitable day turned sinister when a group of volunteer cleaners found a severed head near a Texas lake.
About 300 volunteers for Texas Adaptive Aquatics were in the middle of the annual Trash Bash when a mother-daughter duo came across the gruesome discovery along Lake Houston on Saturday, Fox26 reported.
Even more shockingly, just 20 minutes before another volunteer had found a gun.
Whether the two findings are related remains under investigation.
Volunteer cleaners came across a severed human head by lake Houston on Saturday
Twenty minutes before the head was found inside a bag, another volunteer had found a gun
The young daughter was the one to first spot the human head when she found a plastic bag that seemed heavy, said Roger Randall with Texas Adaptive Aquatics, a charity that helps disabled children get involved with water sports.
The head appears to have been of a young woman with red hair, according to the mother and daughter who found it.
Homicide detectives canvassed the area after the human remains were found, searching both the water and surrounding land for more evidence.
The mother and daughter who found the head said it seemed to be of a young woman with red hair, but investigators have not yet determined the age, sex, or ethnicity
Detectives showed up at the scene and searched both the water and area around where the head was found by volunteers for Texas Adaptive Aquatics
They went through all the trash bags by hand, detective Andrew Barr told Fox26.
But investigators were unable to definitively confirm the sex, age or ethnicity of the head.
Medical examiners will now work to identify the remains and police will go through their missing persons data base as part of the ongoing investigation.
Texas high school student ran away from home after being abused and beaten by her parents because she refused an arranged marriage.
Maarib Al Hishmawi, 16, whose parents reported her as missing in late January, was found in mid-March, Fox News reported.
She was last seen leaving Taft High School in Bexar County on January 30
Maarib Al Hishmawi, 16, ran away from home after being abused and beaten by her parents because she refused an arranged marriage
Al Hishmawi was discovered by an organization in mid-March who took her in and looked after her.
Police revealed her parents, Abdulah Fahmi Al Hishmawi, 34, and Hamdiyah Saha Al Hishmawi, 33, allegedly beat her with a broomstick and poured hot cooking oil on her when she refused to marry a man in another city.
Apparently the parents agreed to the arranged marriage in exchange for $20,000.
Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar said on Friday: 'This young lady, at various times over that time period was subjected to some pretty bad abuse because she didn't want to be married to this person.'
'Several times it was reported to us that this young lady was abused with hot cooking oil being thrown on her body. She was beat with broomsticks,' Salazar added.
Abdulah Fahmi Al Hishmawi, 34, (left) and Hamdiyah Saha Al Hishmawi, 33, (right) were taken into custody on Friday and face charges of continuous violence against a family member
'At least at one point, she was choked almost to the point of unconsciousness.'
Al Hishmawi was placed under Child Protective Services custody along with her five siblings, who are between the ages 5 and 15.
The parents were taken into custody on Friday and face charges of continuous violence against a family member.
The man who was arranged to be married to Al Hishmawi may also be charged in the case.
A 22-year-old Maryland woman has been charged in the killing of her 80-year-old great-grandmother.
Montgomery County police said Shannon Marci Jefferson Lozano is charged with first-degree murder in the death of Doris Elizabeth Shelton.
Lozano was ordered jailed without bond and is expected to appear in court Monday.
The Washington Post reports that Shelton was found unresponsive Friday afternoon by her husband, who told police he saw his great-granddaughter running away. Lozano lived in Wheaton with her great-grandparents.
Shannon Marci Jefferson Lozano (pictured) was charged with first-degree murder in the death of Doris Elizabeth Shelton, county police said
Montgomery police said officers from the Maryland-National Capital Park Police apprehended Lozano a short distance from the house.
Police said that while being questioned, Lozano 'made a statement implicating herself in the assault of her great-grandmother'.
Police didn't disclose a motive.
Court records said Shelton suffered blunt-force trauma and multiple cutting injuries.
The boyfriend of an aspiring model who has been missing since last month shot and killed himself after a police chase Thursday night.
Chris Spotz, 33, lead police on a chase through Los Angeles County, from Hespeira to Coronona, driving a stolen Toyota Tacoma.
At the end of the chase Spotz fatally shot himself with a handgun, police told NBC Los Angeles.
The man was identified as Spotz on Saturday, and said to be the boyfriend of missing model Adea Shabani.
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Chris Spotz, 33, lead police on a chase through Los Angeles County, from Hespeira to Coronona, before fatally shooting himself with a handgun. The man was identified as Spotz on Saturday, and said to be the boyfriend of missing model Adea Shabani
Shabani was last seen near her home in Hollywood on February 23, and family members are now offering a $25,000 reward for any information about her whereabouts
Friends say she left the front door of her at her residence in the Duet apartments (pictured) unlocked
Shabani is a 25-year-old Macedonian woman who went missing at the end of February.
She was last seen near her home in Hollywood on February 23, and family members are now offering a $25,000 reward for any information about her whereabouts.
During Thursday's chase police thought the car was connected to a homicide in Los Angeles County. Spotz is pictured above
Shabani moved to Los Angeles less than two years ago to pursue a career in modeling and acting, according to friends.
She graduated from high school in Skopje, Macedonia in 2007 before attending the American University in Paris, where she graduated in 2010.
During Thursday's chase police thought the car was connected to a homicide in Los Angeles County.
Cops deployed two spike strips in an effort to slow down the driver during the pursuit, but he evaded them and continued onto the freeway.
He then got off of the highway, and when officers attempted a felony traffic stop pulled out his handgun and shot himself, dying at the scene.
Details of that homicide, including when it occurred and the name of the victim or any potential suspects, have not yet been released.
Police now believe Shabani might not be alive and continue to search for her or for a body.
Shabani is a 25-year-old Macedonian woman who went missing at the end of February
She graduated from high school in Skopje, Macedonia in 2007 before attending the American University in Paris, where she graduated in 2010
Disabled BBC journalist Frank Gardner (pictured) claims he was left stranded for '100 minutes' before he could get off his plane from Ethiopia on Saturday morning
The CEO of Heathrow Airport agreed to meet BBC journalist Frank Gardner today after staff 'lost his wheelchair' and left him stranded on his plane for nearly two hours.
Gardner said yesterday the failure of ground staff to bring his wheelchair to him after his plane landed from Ethiopia amounted to a breach of his human rights, branding it a 'disgrace'.
Despite staff being given instructions to take the chair to him from the hold, Gardner who was left paralysed after Al Qaeda sympathisers shot him in Saudi Arabia in 2004 says they took it into the terminal and it was not brought back to him for an hour and 40 minutes.
'If you can't walk and your wheelchair's been taken away into the terminal, that is your legs gone,' he said.
'That is your mobility gone. It's a basic human right. I am pretty seething about it.'
The journalist began expressing outrage at his ordeal in a series of tweets posted from the plane after his Ethiopian Airlines flight landed yesterday morning. But today he announced the airport's CEO John Holland-Kaye met him to discuss his grievances.
He described his meeting with Mr Holland-Kaye as 'one of the most productive of my life'.
Writing about it on Twitter, the journalist described their talk as '1 of the most constructive hrs of my life! [sic]'
He wrote: 'Just spent (hopefully) 1 of most constructive hrs of my life!
'Heathrow CEO took notes as we went thru disabled passengers' probs at airports.
'We covered hi-lift failing to turn up, wchairs getting taken off into terminal + more thoughtful attitudes needed twds disabled.'
He added he was 'grateful for him listening patiently' about the experiences of disabled flyers at the airport and had identified 'three areas for improvement'.
A Heathrow spokesman told MailOnline Mr Holland-Kaye 'apologised unreservedly' for Mr Gardner's bad experience.
They said they discussed better information sharing between the airport and airlines, simplifying the wheelchair reservation system and additional training for staff.
The spokesman added the airport was 'very glad' to have had the opportunity to discuss such an important issue.
Expressing his frustration on Twitter yesterday, he said: 'I am so utterly sick of Heathrow Airport ground staff 'losing' my wheelchair.
Over 70 minutes after landing back from Ethiopia I'm still stuck on an empty plane while they try to find it. Just when is the UK's premier airport going to stop treating disabled passengers this way.'
In another message, he said he had been left stranded at Heathrow before.
He wrote: 'Odd that I can travel around the Middle East and elsewhere without a hitch. Yet time and again Heathrow Airport loses my wheelchair on arrival.'
When the airport tweeted an apology, a furious Gardner replied: 'Apology not accepted. You do this nearly every time.
'You create a case number then it happens again the next time.'
In a subsequent interview with BBC Radio 4's Today programme, he absolved the airline from blame, pointing out that he had checked that the carrier had left specific instructions for it to be brought into the plane.
He said: 'Ultimately the buck stops with the airport. The airline transports the wheelchair.
'They give specific instructions which I checked that they'd done to make sure it comes up to the door But then ground staff, as they often do, decide to go and take it off to the terminal. Why?'
Gardner last night revealed that John Holland- Kaye, the chief executive of Heathrow Airport, had subsequently emailed him a personal apology.
But he told The Mail on Sunday: 'I am not interested in personal apologies. What I am interested in is action on behalf of other people in a similar situation. It's got to stop.'
A spokesman for Heathrow last night said airlines and 'their ground staff' would be reminded of their obligations to disabled passengers.
Today Mr Gardner revealed Heathrow Airport's CEO John Holland-Kaye had agreed to meet him to discuss his grievances.
Meanwhile, the Equality and Human Rights Commission said it would write to Heathrow to make sure the airport had proper procedures in place for dealing with disabled passengers.
Chief executive Rebecca Hilsenrath said: 'Time and again this happens to Frank and other disabled passengers at Heathrow. It is not acceptable.'
Disabled passengers yesterday took to Twitter to offer their support. One wrote: 'Sympathise with Frank Gardner. Countless times this has happened 2us [sic]. Stuck on plane, waiting for W/C.'
Night has descended on another day of protests in Barcelona, which saw the city's downtown filled with angry Catalans protesting the detention of fugitive former leader Carles Puigdemont in Germany.
Police dressed in riot gear struck demonstrators with batons as they tried to push back crowds advancing on the office of the Spanish government's representative in Catalonia.
Other protesters rallied in front of the office of the European Commission.
Catalan Mossos d'Esquadra regional police officers stand amid smoke from a smoke bomb during clashes with pro-independence supporters protesting the detention of fugitive former leader Carles Puigdemont in Germany
A sister protest erupted in the northern city of Girona, where Puigdemont was mayor before he became regional president in 2016.
Thousands answered the call by a pro-independence grassroots group to protest in the Barcelona's center hours after Puigdemont was detained by German police.
It comes after protests swept the city on Friday, continuing into Saturday, triggered by Spain's High Court jailing of five Catalan politicians who played a role in the region's declaration of independence.
However, a grassroots group in favor of Catalonia staying a part of Spain called for another gathering at the same time in Barcelona to show their support for the Constitution in front of the office of the Spanish government's representative in Catalonia.
Puigdemont fled from Spain in October following an illegal declaration of independence by the region.
His lawyer Jaume Alonso-Cuevillas confirmed German police stopped him on Sunday when he was crossing the border to enter Denmark.
Spanish intelligence officers used a tracking device hidden in Puigdemont's car to follow him from Finland and orchestrate the arrest.
Spanish news website OK Diario described the device as "the size of a fingertip" and said it had been placed manually in the Belgian-plated Renault Espace he was held in after he crossed the border into Germany from Denmark.
It quoted a source involved in the surveillance operation on Puigdemont following his rushed decision to leave Finland on Friday to head back to Belgium as saying: "The tracking device can be hidden in countless places thanks to its size.
"The movement of the vehicle always has to be confirmed by field agents or international police forces who co-operate to make sure that inhibitors can't frustrate the follow."
Intelligence officers from Spain's National Intelligence Centre are also said to have kept tabs on Puigdemont through satellite tracking of his mobile phone.
They tipped off German authorities once he had entered Germany so he could be held on a European Arrest Warrant Spanish judge Pablo Llarena reactivated on Friday after Puigdemont flew to Helsinki from his Belgian hideaway to give a speech.
Flames rise from a burning trash container during clashes between riot police and demonstrators
A man sits on the ground holding his head as Catalan Mossos d'Esquadra regional police officers clash with protesters after sundown
A firefighter douses a burning trash container, set alight during street clashes in Barcelona
Protesters hold a banner while waving pro-independence Catalan Esteleda flags during the demonstration outside the EU Commission offices in Barcelona
The former Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont is understood to have been detained by German police
A vehicle believed to have been carrying Carles Puigdemont left a police station in Schuby, Germany, this afternoon
The car was accompanied by a police escort. Puigdemont will appear in court tomorrow
Police armed with batons strike protesters gathered in the heart of Barcelona today
Protesters shout slogans opposite riot police blocking the road leading to the central government offices in Barcelona
Protesters stretched a black banner across streets in the centre of the city which read 'It's just about Freedom'
Catalonian riot police members and protesters clash after demonstrators were called to the streets by the Republican Defense Committee
Puigdemont will appear before a judge tomorrow, court officials said.
'The sole purpose of this appearance is to verify the identity of the person arrested. The regional tribunal of Schleswig-Holstein in the town of Schleswig will then have to decide if Mr Puigdemont has to be taken into custody' in view of handing him over to Spain, the court said.
The court will then decide if Puigdemont will be formally taken into custody pending extradition proceedings, it added.
Judges 'will establish on the basis of documents provided by the Kingdom of Spain... if Mr Puigdemont's transfer to the Spanish authorities is legally founded,' the court said.
It added that the 55-year-old was currently in detention without providing further details.
Riot police block the road leading to the government offices in Barcelona
A protester holds a mask of Catalonia's former president Carles Puigdemont who has been detained in Germany
Protesters shout slogans while holding signs calling for the release of jailed Catalan separatists
The Schleswig prosecutor's office said in a statement that 'the question of whether Mr. Puigdemont has to be taken into extradition custody, will then have to be determined by the higher regional court in Schleswig.'
The statement says that the court will check, based on extradition documents by Spain, if the handover of Puigdemont to Spanish authorities is 'legally permissible.'
Another former Catalan minister wanted by Spain for her role in last year's independence bid was also 'making arrangements' to surrender to authorities in Scotland, where she had fled to.
A few hours after Puigdemont was arrested in Germany, a spokesman from Police Scotland said: 'We can confirm that we are in possession of a European arrest warrant for Clara Ponsati.
A protester scuffles with riot police during the third day of protests
A woman commands riot place to hold their ground as they attempt to contain the protest
'We have made a number of enquiries to try to trace her and have now been contacted by her solicitor, who is making arrangements for Ms Ponsati to hand herself into police.'
Scotland's leader says officials are legally obliged to follow the extradition procedures for a fugitive Catalan politician in Scotland, even though her government strongly opposes Spain's decision to arrest and imprison Catalonia's separatist leaders.
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said that Scotland's support for Catalan self-determination is 'well-established,' adding on Twitter on Sunday: 'I know that many will wish @scotgov was able to do or say more - I understand that.'
But she said that Scottish officials must follow extradition laws, and that the independence of the legal system must be respected despite the government's political views.
Spain's Supreme Court said Friday it would prosecute 13 key Catalan separatists including Ponsati for 'rebellion', a crime which carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in jail.
A protester shouts in the face of a riot officer who holds his ground
Hawkers sell Barcelona football t shirts to pro-independence protesters
A Texas woman says a chiropractor sexually assaulted her when she was heavily pregnant and seeking help for back pain.
In a lawsuit filed this week, the woman claims Junaid Farooqui molested her in March of 2016 at the Central Health Clinic in Richardons, just outside of Dallas, as first reported by the Dallas News.
He appears to be a serial offender, having been arrested twice last year on charges related to sexual misconduct.
The alleged victim was just six days from giving birth when she went to the clinic seeking relief from sciatica pain. Instead, she was assaulted as her mother and son waited in another room, she claims.
In a lawsuit filed this week, a woman claims Junaid Farooqui (pictured molested her in March of 2016 at the Central Health Clinic in Richardon when she was heavily pregnant
During the consultation in question, Farooqui allegedly asked the woman to put on a hospital gown and said he would perform a cervical exam to see how dilated she was.
The woman noted his office was equipped similarly to a gynecology office.
Because she had never visited a chiropractor before, she didn't know if a cervical exam was standard procedure, but felt assured by the fact the nurse who was in the room didn't seem alarmed.
The nurse, as well as Central Health Clinic and Cottonwood Park Business, is also listed in the lawsuit.
Farooqui eventually told the nurse he wanted to finish examining the alleged victim alone because she was a 'special case' and moved her to another room, the suit claims.
The chiropractor allegedly told the woman he had to cover her backside because it was 'distracting him', that she was beautiful and needed to get a divorce (stock photo)
Once she was left alone with the chiropractor, he allegedly asked her to lie on the examination table and told her he had to cover her backside because 'it was distracting him'.
Farooqui examined her hands and feet and then moved her to yet another room, which the lawsuit describes as only being illuminated by a nightlight.
There he allegedly told the woman she was beautiful and needed to leave her husband, before claiming her baby was in the wrong position and he would have to perform a 'prenatal massage' to loosen her vaginal walls.
Then, the chiropractor began to rub her genitals, immediately alarming the woman who asked him why he was doing it.
'I do this so often that I have women that find this so relaxing that they have a release. It is OK if you do that,' Farooqui said, according to the lawsuit.
The alleged victim refused to comply and sat up, as Farooqui claimed he had done nothing wrong and left the room.
She cleaned the oils he had rubbed on her, feeling 'dirty and used', and left the establishment.
The woman's lawsuit says she gave birth just six days after the alleged incident and was later informed that her baby had never been in the wrong position.
Farooqui was arrested twice last year on charges related to sexual misconduct (Pictured is the Richardons Police Department)
She claims the birth was 'clouded by the guilt and shame she was experiencing' after being assaulted and was fired from her job after she began experiencing panic attacks from the trauma.
According to the lawsuit, which seeks $200,000 to $1 million in damages, there are 'at least three other women who had also filed similar complaints' against the chiropractor.
Last September, Farooqui was charged with three counts of sexual assault and after being released on bail was taken into custody again in December on charges of indecency with a child by sexual contact and assault.
He posted bail again and was released, and is currently awaiting trial on those charges, according to records obtained by the Dallas News.
Farooqui's licence was suspended last October over the woman's claims.
If he is found guilty of the criminal charges he faces, his licence will be revoked.
Ali Muhammad Brown pleaded guilty on Tuesday to killing a college student in New Jersey and admitted he fatally shot three men
A man who said he was on a jihad to avenge U.S. policy in the Middle East pleaded guilty on Tuesday to killing a college student in New Jersey and admitted he fatally shot three men in the Seattle area in spring 2014.
The Asbury Park Press reports that Ali Muhammad Brown entered a guilty plea Friday to first-degree robbery and a weapons charge in the June 2014 robbery in Point Pleasant Beach.
Brown earlier pleaded guilty to shooting 19-year-old Brendan Tevlin as the victim sat at a traffic light in West Orange, a few miles from Newark.
He's currently serving a 35-year term for a West Orange robbery and has yet to plead in the Washington state cases.
He said he killed the men because 'all these lives are taken every single day by America, by this government. So a life for a life.'
Brown earlier pleaded guilty to shooting 19-year-old Brendan Tevlin (pictured) as the victim sat at a traffic light in West Orange, a few miles from Newark
According to prosecutors Brown views US military intervention in the Islamic world as that 'evil' against which he must act.
The New Jersey slaying victim, Brendan Tevlin was shot at a West Orange traffic light on June 25, 2014. The 19-year-old University of Richmond student was driving to his home to Livingston.
According to prosecutors Brown views US military intervention in the Islamic world as that 'evil' against which he must act
At the time authorities in Seattle said that Brown described himself to detectives as a strict Muslim who was angry with the U.S. government's role in Iraq, Iran and Afghanistan because of the death of innocent civilians and children
At the time authorities in Seattle said that Brown described himself to detectives as a strict Muslim who was angry with the U.S. government's role in Iraq, Iran and Afghanistan because of the death of innocent civilians and children.
Brown told investigators he carried out the killings in retaliation for U.S. military action in the Middle East, and described himself as a strict Muslim.
In his journal, Brown said he was interested in receiving jihadist training.
Former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum suggested that the students who took to the streets Saturday to protest in support of stricter gun laws would be better served learning something like CPR to prepare them for the next mass shooting.
'How about kids, instead of looking to someone else to solve their problem, do something about maybe taking CPR classes or trying to deal with situations that, when there is a violent shooter that you can actually respond to that,' Santorum, a Republican, said Sunday on CNN's State of the Union.
Santorum, who got voted out of office in 2006, tried to suggest that those who participated in Saturday's 'March for Our Lives' rallies across the country weren't taking appropriate actions because they were merely asking lawmakers to pass 'phony' gun laws.
Former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum is getting hammered by gun control activists by suggesting students would be better served learning CPR - in preparation for the next shooting - as opposed to protesting in order to enact stricter gun laws
Activist David Hogg also chimed in suggesting that the NRA might need CPR performed on it after this November's midterm elections. Hogg and other Parkland, Florida student activists have called on Americans to vote out lawmakers not in support of stricter gun laws
Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School student David Hogg speaks onstage at March For Our Lives in Washington on Saturday. Former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum suggested that the students would be better served learning a skill like CPR
Former Sen. Rick Santorum made the comments during a panel discussion on CNN's State of the Union Sunday show. During the program he suggested student activists should be focused on 'What am I going to do to actually help respond to a shooter?'
Another panelist, liberal Van Jones (far right) said he didn't want his son, who is entering high school, to have to worry about learning CPR so he could help a friend that had gotten shot. 'I want him focused on algebra and other stuff,' Jones said
'They took action to ask someone to pass a law,' Santorum pointed out to host Brianna Keilar. 'They didn't take action to say, "How do I, as an individual, deal with this problem? How am I going to do something about stopping bulling within my own community? What am I going to do to actually help respond to a shooter?"'
'Those kinds of things where you can take it internally and say, "Here's how I'm going to deal with this. Here's how I'm going to help this situation," instead of going and protesting and saying, "Oh, someone needs to pass a law to protect me,"' Santorum went on.
CNN's Van Jones, who was part of the panel discussion, noted how his son was about to be high school age.
'I want him focused on algebra and other stuff,' Jones argued. 'If his main way to survive high school is learning CPR so when his friends get shot ... that to me, we've gone too far.'
'I'm proud of these kids. I know you're proud of these kids too,' Jones said to Santorum.
The former Pennsylvania senator agreed, but continued to make his point.
'I'm proud of them, but I think everyone should be responsible and deal with the problems that we have to confront in our lives. And ignoring those problems and saying they're not going to come to me and saying some phony gun law is gonna solve it,' Santorum continued. 'Phony gun laws don't solve these problems.'
He also suggested that a much broader discussion about school safety was needed beyond all the talk of guns.
Santorum's comments immediately got noticed by Everytown for Gun Safety program manager Erica Lafferty, whose mother Dawn Lafferty Hochsprung had been the principal of Sandy Hook Elementary School, and died defending her kids.
'Rick Santorum's words are an insult to the kids of Parkland, my family and to the countless others who have had loved ones taken by gun violence,' Lafferty said in a statement Sunday.
'My mother was killed while protecting her students at Sandy Hook School. For anyone to suggest that the solution to gun violence is for kids to learn CPR is outrageous, and indicative of the NRA's desire to do or say anything except strengthen America's weak gun laws,' Lafferty said.
Santorum's comments also got the attention of Marjory Stoneman Douglas senior David Hogg, one of the most vocal students to survive the Parkland, Florida, Valentine's Day massacre.
It was Hogg and his classmates who organized Saturday's rallies.
'I think @RickSantorum might need to learn CPR for the NRA following midterms,' Hogg tweeted Sunday afternoon.
Hogg and other Parkland, Florida student activists have called on Americans to vote out lawmakers not in support of stricter gun laws.
Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson visited British troops stationed in Estonia in a show of strength against Vladimir Putin weeks after the poisoning of a Russian spy in Salisbury strained relations between Britain and Russia.
Mr Williamson will also meet with Estonian president Kersti Kalijulaid, Prime Minister Juri Ratas as well as Defence Minister Juri Luik.
He addressed the UK-led NATO Enhanced Forward Presence battlegroup at the military base in Tapa on Sunday in his first stop during his two-day visit to the Baltic state.
The UK-led NATO mission, consisting of a 1,200 troops of mostly British and French personnel, is stationed in the tiny county which shares around 180 miles of border with Russia.
Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson visited British troops stationed in Estonia in a show of strength against Vladimir Putin
Mr Williamson addressed the UK-led NATO Enhanced Forward Presence battlegroup at the military base in Tapa on Sunday
Moscow has carried out a number of military exercises on its side of the border, including one last year that reportedly involved around 100,000 troops.
The aggression led to thousands of Estonians joining the Estonian Defence League the civilian army that aims to stop invasions.
However, unlike Ukraine, Estonia is part of NATO and so, an attack on Estonia would be considered an attack on every member of NATO.
'Russia's becoming an ever-greater threat and what we are seeing right across the eastern front in countries such as the Ukraine and Estonia is an increasingly aggressive stance,' he told ITV earlier this month.
'Russia's changing the way they actually fight and raise the level of conflict.'
He indicated that the UK would change the way it dealt with the increasing threat from Russia.
'Russia's being assertive, Russia's being more aggressive, and we have to change the way that we deal with it because we can't be in a situation in these areas of conflict where we are being pushed around by another nation,' he said.
Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson addresses UK troops of the NATO Enhanced Forward Presence battle group at the military base in Tapa
The UK-led NATO mission, consisting of a 1,200 troops of mostly British and French personnel, is stationed in the tiny county
Mr Williamson's visit comes just three weeks after Sergei Skripal, 66, and his 33-year-old were found collapsed on a bench in Salisbury
Mr Williamson's visit comes just three weeks after Sergei Skripal, 66, and his 33-year-old daughter were found collapsed on a bench in Salisbury.
They are both in a coma after being poisoned with a nerve agent on March 4 identified as the Soviet-made 'Novichok' by the government.
Moscow denies any involvement in the attack on the Skripals and has accused Britain of orchestrating a campaign against it.
The Kremlin also hit back at Mr Williamson after he blasted Russia in the wake of the Salisbury incident.
'Frankly, Russia should go away and shut up,' Mr Williamson said last week.
It prompted Moscow to hit back at Mr Williamson by calling him a 'market wench' and 'fishwife'.
Mr Williamson will also meet with Estonian president Kersti Kalijulaid, Prime Minister Juri Ratas as well as Defence Minister Juri Luik
Gavin Williamson looks at weapons during a visit to the military base in Tapa, Estonia
'Russia's becoming an ever-greater threat and what we are seeing right across the eastern front in countries such as the Ukraine and Estonia,' Mr Williamson has previously said
British troops are pictured during the visit from Gavin Williamson to the NATO battlegroup
Britain and Russia have expelled 23 of each other's diplomats in tit-for-tat exchanges, while Moscow has also shut down the operations of the British Council cultural organisation in its territory.
On Saturday, the BBC reported that Skripal had written to Putin several years ago asking for a pardon for selling secrets to British intelligence.
On Sunday, the EU's diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini held crisis talks with the bloc's ambassador to Moscow after he was recalled over the poisoning of the Skripals.
EU leaders summoned envoy Markus Ederer back to Brussels for consultations as international pressure builds on Moscow over the attempted assassination.
At a summit on Friday, the bloc unanimously backed Britain's assessment that the Kremlin was to blame for the incident - the first offensive use of a nerve agent in Europe since World War 2.
The core of the battlegroup has been made up of the 1st Battalion of the Royal Welsh of the British Army since October
Gavin Williamson is shown around the base during his visit to the British-led NATO Enhanced Forward Presence battlegroup
In a brief statement on Sunday, Mogherini's office said she had held 'consultations with the Head of European Union Delegation in the Russian Federation'.
No further details were given beyond saying Ederer would 'continue institutional consultations in the coming days'.
A number of European countries are expected to take further steps to punish Moscow on Monday, with the Czech Republic, Lithuania, Denmark and Ireland considering expelling Russian diplomats.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Friday that further coordinated actions were 'necessary' to respond to the attack, while French officials have said Paris too was ready to act.
For millions the Biggin Hill airfield is forever linked with the bravery of the air crew who died defending the country against the Luftwaffe in the Battle of Britain.
But now some 78 years on a new conflict has emerged at the famous site on the south-east edge of London.
Campaigners say the bricks being used for a new memorial museum have been imported... from Germany.
White bricks from Germany are being used in the restoration of St George's Chapel at RAF Biggin Hill
They are already opposed to the design of the building next to St George's RAF chapel and say the bricks should have been sourced from the UK.
Rita Radford said: 'We were deceived over plans for special hand-made bricks to be used for the construction.
'Instead we now have German bricks being imported for works at the most famous RAF station in the world.
We feel that is the ultimate insult.' She is also angry that a Grade II-listed vestry which housed a stained glass window honouring air crew had to be removed to make way for the new building.
Wienerberger, the company supplying the bricks, operates in 30 countries and so the origin of the materials may never be known
It is being built beside the chapel which is flanked by a Spitfire and Hurricane and where the names of the 454 Biggin Hill air crew who lost their lives in the Second World War are listed.
Campaigners maintain they were told last year that a mixed colour of bricks would be used for the museum.
Instead last week they found stacks of almost white bricks made by the Austro-German firm Wienerberger ready to be used.
The firm, founded in Vienna in 1819, had many of its plants destroyed by Allied bombers in the war.
Biggin Hill: 'The Strongest Link' Biggin Hill Fighter Base played a decisive part in the Battle of Britain - earning it the nickname 'The Strongest Link'. It served as one of the principal fighter bases and oversaw the protection of London and the South East of England. Fighters based at Biggin Hill claimed 1,400 enemy aircraft, at the cost of the lives of 453 crewmen and women. Spitfires and Hurricanes were both based at Biggin Hill from a number of squadrons. Because of its important role, the airfield itself became a target. Between August 1940 and January 1941, the base was targeted by the Luftwaffe twelve times. Bombers destroyed workshops, stores, barracks and hangars, killing 39 on the ground. Advertisement
Pilots have a last look at their maps before taking off from Biggin Hill on an RAF exercise during the Second World War
Queen Elizabeth and Winston Churchill inspect the 600 (City of London) and 615 (County of Surrey) Squadrons at the Royal Air Force Station at Biggin Hill during the Second World War
Searchlight operators keep and eye out at the School of Anti-aircraft Defence at Biggin Hill
Scramble! Spitfire fighter pilots rush to get airborne during World War Two
But it is now the world's largest producer of bricks and in the 1980s bought the large Oltmanns Group in Germany before opening plants in many areas of the country.
Air Chief Marshal Sir Michael Graydon, a former Chief of the Air Staff, said: 'It seems a shame we were unable to find British-made bricks.' However, Air Commodore Andrew Lambert said he would welcome bricks provided by a German firm 'and their source should be highlighted in a spirit of reconciliation'.
Planning permission for the changes proposed by the Biggin Hill Memorial Museum Trust whose patron is Winston Churchill's great-grandson Randolph Churchill was granted by Bromley Council.
It refused to comment but a spokesman for the trust said the brick being used has a hand-made finish and was chosen 'following wide public consultation and guidance from Historic England to ensure that the colour, tone and finish complement St George's Chapel of Remembrance'.
The spokesman claimed the brick had been made by Wienerberger at a plant in the Netherlands.
The true genesis of the brick may never be known as Wienerberger operates in 30 countries.
Haas' new VF-18 has been dubbed the 'white Ferrari' for a good reason, but Force India's Otmar Szafnauer believes the F1 rule-book should perhaps impose limits on the technical partnerships which exist between teams.
Since its arrival in F1, Haas has enjoyed a close collaboration with Ferrari, the Italian manufacturer supplying not only its engine to the US outfit but also a fair amount of technical support to help elaborate its chassis with the assistance of Dallara.
This year's VF-18 - especially its bodywork - bears a close resemblance to last year's Ferrari SF70-H, which is no coincidence.
Haas armed with 'best car ever' - Grosjean
But some in the paddock are starting to point a finger at the Haas approach which conveniently eludes part of a team's crucial design process.
"If you compare Haas with a 'normal' new team like Caterham, they had good resources and had good people and then didn't score a single point," explains Force Szafnauer.
"Meanwhile Haas is at about the same level as us and this year may be ahead.
"But I recall that their pace of development slow down during the year -- maybe because Ferrari start to focus on their own problems. I don't know."
In any case, Force India's chief operating officer would likely support a call from teams to clamp down on the Haas 'cloning' approach, or at least establish its limits.
"At the moment only the issue of limiting budgets is discussed, but I think it's also worth looking at how Haas goes about things," he says.
"If there are no controls, it will end up like Indycar where one company makes the best cars and everyone buys from them. But formula one should not be like that.
"I'm not saying Indycar is bad, it's just a completely different series," he added.
Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers
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Giving birth for the third time was a surprisingly relaxed affair for Sacha Marling.
After a leisurely breakfast at home in East London, by 9am she was in bed on the maternity ward calmly having her hair braided by her equally calm birth partner, ready for a planned caesarean section.
She had her carefully packed overnight bag and some healthy snacks for energy. What Sacha, 32, most definitely hadnt brought along was her husband, Mark.
He wouldnt be attending. Everyone had decided, after what happened the last two times, it was much better for all concerned if he simply went to work as usual. Sachas mum, Cheryl, 62, would be her birth partner.
Sacha and Mark Marling with their kids Amelia (10 months), Freddie (seven years old) and Oliver (five years old). After struggling to cope with the first two births, Mark decided to stay away on the third
We did think about him being there, says Sacha. But then we discussed it and I said: Actually, when you were at my previous birth you were a bit of a pain.
'I basically told him I would be better with my mum. He took it on the chin and in the end he said: Yes, I agree, maybe I shouldnt come.
While it is now an established trend for fathers to be there throughout labour and delivery, Sacha and Marks experience is not as uncommon as you might think.
As a recent survey revealed, as many as one in eight 12 per cent of men miss their childs birth. Of course, a significant number of these are due to circumstance, but it would seem there remains a small group of men who stay away through choice.
Sacha and Mark have had three very different experiences with the births of their children Freddie, seven, Oliver, five, and Emilia, ten months.
After Sacha told Mark he was 'a bit of a pain' at the birth of their second child and far from ideal company at the first, they decided he'd steer clear of the delivery of Emelia (pictured)
Mark, a fleet manager, and bank clerk Sacha were determined hed be present for the birth of Freddie but events did not go as either had planned.
Marks first taste of his wifes fiercely independent attitude to childbirth was when after a day spent walking (she was determined her son would arrive on his due date) she insisted on finishing her roast dinner before going to hospital.
Sacha, mum Cheryl and Mark drove to the hospital, but by the time midwives realised Freddie was in breach position and Sacha needed an emergency caesarean, poor Mark was already feeling woozy.
Id always seen myself as a dad who wanted to experience the whole childbirth, he says. But Im not very good with doctors and nurses. Then one of the doctors took me outside and said: If we dont get the baby out now, we could lose mum, and or baby
Sacha says: He came back in the room, completely white, with his eyes glazed over and said: I dont feel good.
'The anaesthetist was like: Youre not coming in the room.
I was crying because I was worried about Mark, he was crying because he was worried about me and Mum was the go-between.
In the end Freddie was fine and healthy. Mum got the first cuddle, then Mark, then me. Two years later, things were different again at the natural birth of Oliver, five weeks prematurely.
Mark was adamant he was going to be there, says Sacha, laughing. But while I was in labour he kept rubbing my leg, touching my arm and telling me it was going to be OK and really got on my nerves. Im pretty sure I swore at him a few times.
The midwives had to tell him to sit in the corner because I was getting the hump with him rather than concentrating on having the baby.
Or as Mark puts it: Im quite an affectionate person and I thought little things like back rubbing would help, but obviously they didnt. At one point she had her fingers embedded in my cheek, like a psychopath.
The delivery room tension was soon forgotten with Olivers safe arrival. But by the time Emilia was due last year, Sacha was certain that she would cope better without Marks support.
Compared to my previous deliveries, it was a lot calmer. I feel really cruel saying it, but it was less stressful him not being there, she says.
Mark still has twinges of regret although not about the arrival of his daughter, who he did not meet until she was nine hours old.
My eldest son was held by my mother-in-law before me, and he is a nannys boy, he still runs to her for everything, says Mark. Everybody talks about that unique bond you create at birth and I still feel Ive missed out on that.
But Sacha says: In all aspects of labour you get judged. When people asked about the birth a lot of them found it a bit weird that he wasnt present, but for us, in the long run, I think it was the best decision.
Alisa Gomez, 21, and Ali Solomon, 22 and their son Aiden, 15 months, at their home in Sutton.Alisa dreamed of a water birth with Ali in the pool, but he is so scared of blood that he couldn't go to hospital with her
Not so long ago, the delivery room was a predominantly female domain. In the Sixties only about a quarter of men in the UK attended the birth of an infant and only as the Seventies progressed did all hospitals even allow fathers in the room.
More recently, efforts have been made to get men more actively involved in childbirth, to make the ante and postnatal experience more inclusive.
There are facilities so men can stay with their wives in hospital, while antenatal classes include sessions dedicated to the male perspective.
There is also an increased emphasis on the importance of the shared experience and it has become common for men to describe seeing their child enter the world as the best moment of their lives.
Indeed, it has become so much the norm for the father to be present that making an alternative choice can be fraught with difficulties.
One professional couple said there was a huge stigma associated with their decision for him not to be present at the birth of his child two years ago.
Ross and Sophie Jones, a couple in their 30s, were thrilled to discover she was pregnant.
Mr Solomon's son (pictured) was born without her father present as he is too frightened of blood
But as Ross says: Even from the start I began to feel a sense of dread and fear I didnt think I could face being at the birth, but how on earth was I going to tell Sophie that?
As the months went by it just got worse I cannot stand the sight of blood or body fluids and knew I would be a nervous wreck at the birth. When I finally told Sophie she thought I would just get over it. I didnt.
Sophie , meanwhile, assumed her husband would come round to her way of thinking, so much so that it was only when she was seven months pregnant that they addressed the issue.
We ended up talking to our midwife about it and it was then I realised that Ross was deadly serious, say Sophie. I was really angry with him at first he was supposed to support me and be there for me.
But I came to realise that trying to force him to be there wasnt right for him and also risked messing up my birth all that anxiety and fear in the room can be contagious and I might just end up worrying lots about him or getting angry.
The birth went smoothly, with Sophies midwife and her sister, and the decision did not impact on their relationship.
Some husbands say their decision to steer clear of the birth of their child was met with confusion and hostility
Ross says: I felt a lot of guilt but also an incredible relief when I knew I wouldnt have to be there. I came back just as Sophie was settled into bed, feeding our new baby and having some toast.
It was wonderful to see our new baby boy and I was so proud of Sophie. I didnt feel I had missed out it would have been a disaster if I had been there.
But the reaction from friends and colleagues was dreadful. I knew beforehand people might not approve but hadnt realised they would decide this meant I was a terrible dad and a wimp. The stigma was, and is, just overwhelming.
The couple may have another baby but Ross has already decided that he most certainly will not be at the birth. Midwife Claire Chaubert agrees that being the man who isnt there is not an easy choice.
I think for the majority of men, its a really positive experience. But I have seen it be an absolute mess because the guy doesnt want to be there, and effectively feels he has to be.
We have come full circle from not being there to now that if you are not there, then there is a huge amount of judgment.
Adequately prepared, she says, most men can cope but in cases where a husband cant deal with the experience, the impact on the birth is stark.
Stress and anxiety transmit very strongly to a woman in labour. That can lead to the release of adrenaline, a direct antagonist of oxytocin, the hormone which helps the uterus to function.
The result, she says, is longer and more difficult births.
One midwife we spoke to said she had seen a patient request an epidural, not for her own benefit, but for her partners. The mum-to-be felt she couldnt put her husband through the agony of watching her in pain, even though she felt confident she didnt need the painkiller.
Alisa Gomez, 21, had a complicated birth lasting four days, with a failed epidural ending in a painful ventouse delivery yet she still wishes partner Ali Solomon, 22, had been with her for the birth of their son Aiden, now 16 months.
Alisa Gomez and Ali Solomon with Aiden in Sutton after Ali was unable to attend a water birth because of his fear
Ali, a government accounts agent, is a hands-on father who will happily change nappies and delights in his son, but says he was too squeamish to face the birth.
Alisa admits she probably had unrealistic expectations when she told her midwife that her ideal plan was a water birth, with him behind me, supporting me.
She says: When Ali said that wasnt possible, because he didnt even want to be there, it was a shock. I knew he was squeamish but I thought this was one of the moments where he would put that behind him and be with me.
With hindsight, she admits she was probably naive. If he cuts himself he cant look, I have to clean it up for him. I shouldnt have been surprised, but I thought this is an amazing time in our life, our child is being born.
I thought he would man up and be in the moment with me.
There were tense conversations in the months before the due date. Even after the final decision was made and Alisa enlisted her sister as her birth partner at eight months, she continued to pray every night he would be there.
Ali , meanwhile, says that he wrestled with his decision, knowing how important it was to Alisa.
I thought about it really hard, he says. Meanwhile, he admits both his mother and Alisas gave him a hard time.
In the end, the birth was so gruelling that Alisa admits it was probably the best decision.
I think he would have fainted it would have been too much for him.
She is not the only woman to feel more confident and able to cope alone. A study of 1,300 mothers revealed one in four had found their partner more annoying than helpful in the delivery room.
What Alisa didnt know until this conversation was that Ali nearly did attend the birth.
He actually got as far as putting his shoes and coat on and walking to the door of their home after Alisas sister called to say the baby was on the way.
But he couldnt quite make it out of the house.
I turned around, he says. I do think it would have been different if I had been there, Id have had an [immediate] emotional attachment to him at the time, but I dont think Im any less attached to him now because of it.
When I tell the story I dont tell people I wasnt in the room. If they probe I tell them, but I dont want them thinking that I dont want to accept my responsibilities or that Im a bad parent.
Midwife Claire says this is why it is important that men and women are prepared for childbirth.
My job is to make the birth work for everybody, says Claire. I want the couple to have the best possible experience. And in the vast majority of cases it is right for the guy to be present.
But for some men it is an awful, uncomfortable place and it is very unfair that there is a stigma.
Salim Mehajer's bankruptcy trustees may investigate $20million that he and his father allegedly sent to Lebanon two years ago.
The former deputy mayor, who is behind bars accused of staging a car accident to get out of facing court for bashing a taxi driver, allegedly sent the funds after making millions developing and selling apartments in Sydney.
Police are said to have prepared a report on the alleged transfer to hand to the Australian Tax Office.
Sydney businessman Salim Mehajer has been declared bankrupt by a Federal Circuit Court judge after one of his companies failed to pay a debt of over $200,000 to its creditors
The company which built a staircase (pictured) at his lavish Lidcombe home supported the bankruptcy application
There is no suggestion that the alleged transfer was illegal, but it attracted police attention due to the large sums involved, reported The Australian.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted New South Wales Police for comment.
It comes after it was revealed that Mehajer has been accused of selling anxiety and pain killer drugs.
In a raid on his Lidcombe property in November last year police allegedly found 50 alprazolam tablets, commonly traded under the name Xanax, and 174 tablets of Enzone and Targin.
Police delayed releasing details of the alleged drug haul because they were waiting for results to confirm what the drugs were.
Mehajer was declared bankrupt by a Federal Circuit Court judge on Tuesday after one of his companies failed to pay a debt of over $200,000.
The petitioning creditor for the bankruptcy order was the liquidator of Mehajer's property development business, SM Project Developments.
Other creditors, including the Australian Taxation Office and the company which built a staircase at his lavish Lidcombe home, supported the application.
Judge Justin Smith on Tuesday rejected his lawyer's argument that the bankruptcy notice was invalid.
Mehajer's multi-million-dollar estate, including his Lidcombe home (pictured) will now be managed by a trustee who will take control of his property and financial affairs
Mehajer made headlines after causing chaos and shutting down streets during his lavish wedding to now former wife Aysha
The order means Mehajer's multi-million-dollar estate will be managed by a trustee who will take control of his property and financial affairs - and deal with his creditors.
Legal costs of the bankruptcy application totally $20,524 will also come out of his estate.
The bankruptcy order comes as the 31-year-old faces a string of criminal charges.
His dream of becoming prime minister is well and truly shattered, as he continues to fight legal battles including electoral fraud claims and allegations he breached an AVO taken out by his former wife.
Mehajer was convicted of assault occasioning actual bodily harm after he threw an EPTPOS machine at the driver's face outside Sydney's Star casino in April last year.
He is accused of staging a car crash to avoid court over the matter - and defrauding an insurance company after he insured his Mercedes for over $150,000.
During a bail hearing last month, Mehajer said his situation was 'an absolute mess', with frozen bank accounts affecting his business, family, employees and investors.
Being incarcerated and having only one phone call a day was making it 'ever so difficult' to turn his fortunes around, Mehajer said.
'I am here between four walls and letting everything collapse... this is going to be a catastrophe,' he predicted.
Mehajer could face a lengthy jail term if convicted of perverting the course of justice and conspiring to cheat and defraud over the alleged staged crash.
Perverting the course of justice attracts a maximum sentence of 14 years in prison.
The 31-year-old is currently behind bars awaiting trial after allegedly faking a car crash to avoid a court appearance over the assault of a taxi driver
Mehajer is accused of staging the car crash and defrauding an insurance company, days after he'd insured his Mercedes for more than $150,000
The businessman was also last month found guilty of assaulting Channel Seven journalist Laura Banks.
The incident took place outside Day Street police station on April 2 last year, where Mehajer had been taken early that morning following the taxi driver incident.
Ms Banks had been standing in the doorway of a Porsche trying to quiz Mehajer when he slammed the car door against her.
He was found guilty of assault occasioning bodily over the incident, which left her with hand and back injuries.
The bankruptcy order comes as the 31-year-old faces a string of criminal charges
Mehajer will remain behind bars until his matter over the alleged staged car crash is heard on March 28.
He first captured the public's attention in 2015 when his wedding shut down streets in Sydney's west.
He hired four helicopters that landed in a local park, while his fiancee Aysha travelled with a $50 million motorcade of 45 motorbikes and 35 luxury cars.
In a later television interview, he stood at a lectern and said he would like to be prime minister.
'I'd like to make my way up to the very top spot,' he said. 'That would [be] my dream come true.'
Mehajer was last month found guilty of assault occasioning bodily harm against TV reporter Laura Banks (left) outside a Sydney police station last year
A married fine art professor had sex with a student half his age before he went on to mark her final dissertation, a tribunal has heard.
Dr Jonathan Dronsfield, 54, was sacked by Reading University after it emerged that the pair had sex in a hotel following a boozy night out at a London gallery opening.
Now he is claiming unfair dismissal, and he has also suggested that he would not have been fired for sleeping with a student if he were a female academic.
Dr Jonathan Dronsfield, a fine art lecturer at Reading University, was sacked after it emerged he had slept with a student whose dissertation he later marked
Dr Dronsfield, an associate professor who was teaching art theory, admits sleeping with his 25-year-old pupil, but claims he should not have been sacked because they had sex only once and she had 'made a pass' at him.
Their affair emerged when the student's former boyfriend alerted the university, claiming Dr Dronsfield had 'multiple sexual relationships' with students and regularly plied them with alcohol.
It is not against university rules for staff to sleep with students, but it is forbidden if they are teaching them. The hearing, at Watford Employment Tribunal, was told that Dr Dronsfield drank cocktails with the student after a visit to a gallery in London before going back to a hotel for sex in 2011.
A month later the woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, texted him saying: 'You should have some great sex tonight', adding: 'I'm being made to drink lots of shots.'
She also messaged Dr Dronsfield asking: 'Have you ever had sex by a bonfire?'
Later in 2011 she texted him saying: 'The flashbacks during sex. The flashbacks whilst drinking with art people. The flashbacks of a certain someone... do you get those too sometimes too? x.'
In 2013 her ex-boyfriend emailed the university claiming: 'He has been having sex with students who he is responsible for tutoring.
'I do not know how frequently this happens, but I do know he frequently has students come to his office for a late night meeting about their dissertations which usually involves large quantities of alcohol.
'I think someone in a position of trust and authority is abusing their position on a regular basis to have sex with young girls.'
He added: 'She was going through a breakdown during her degree. She was in a vulnerable place and he took advantage. He was marking her work and advising on her academic activity. She tells me she had sex with him twice, but that he pushed for more.'
Dr Dronsfield was sacked in 2014 for having a sexual relationship with a vulnerable student, failing to report the relationship and abuse of power leading to a conflict of interest. No evidence of a 'predatory intent' was found by university investigators and it was concluded that the affair had no impact on the student's dissertation, which he marked.
Dr Dronsfield claims they had sex only once in a hotel after exchanging links to erotic film Emmanuelle and that she turned up to his office with alcohol.
Their affair emerged when the student's former boyfriend alerted the university. Pictured: The Hopkins Building, Reading University
Dr Dronsfield was sacked in 2014 for failing to report the relationship and abuse of power leading to a conflict of interest. Pictured: Reading University campus
In his witness statement, Dr Dronsfield, from Clapham in south London, said: 'We had a one-off sexual encounter which we had subsequently discussed in a mature and adult way and in a mutual expectation that there would be no more such encounters.
'I strongly reject any assertion that I abused my power or exerted an influence over her. At no point did I make any advances towards her.
'She continued to send me unprompted texts and email messages over the summer which were flirtatious. I am appalled at any suggestion I use alcohol to take advantage of students.'
He told the tribunal: 'I'm not going to buy into this paternalistic projection of a 25-year-old woman that she is vulnerable by virtue of being a woman or a student or subjugated to the power of an academic.'
Dr Dronsfield initially lodged a claim of sex discrimination. He later withdrew it and instead maintained simply that he had been unfairly dismissed. He previously complained to the university: 'There is also the case of sexual discrimination: were the genders reversed would the outcome have been the same? Answer, No.'
The tribunal will give its decision later.
Turkey crowns, crackers, baubles, wreaths and stollen these traditional components of the festive season always fly off the shelves at Christmas.
But in an apparent attempt to make the tills ring twice a year, they are now being repackaged by supermarkets as Easter products.
And if that wasn't enough of a seasonal mix-up, Mother Nature is following the stores' lead, with snow likely to fall over much of the country as we tuck into our hot cross buns this year too.
According to tradition, fish should be eaten on Good Friday and lamb on Easter Sunday.
However, a glance at the supermarket shelves reveals an increasing number of Christmas-style alternatives.
Trying to mask Christmas products as Easter alternatives, Aldi is selling turkey crowns (pictured) along with pigs in blankets, blue stilton and smoked salmon
Sainsbury's is selling 'Easter crackers' as part of the new 'second Christmas' trend
At Aldi, turkey crown is on sale as an Easter product, along with pigs in blankets, blue stilton and smoked salmon.
And Waitrose is stocking an egg-shaped panettone, a traditional Italian Christmas cake, with chocolate chips instead of the usual dried fruit.
The supermarket makes no effort to mask the sales ploy.
Stuart Owens, Waitrose product developer, said: 'Panettone is a popular choice with our customers and we want to offer them the chance to enjoy it outside of the festive period.'
Meanwhile, Marks and Spencer's 'Easter entertaining' section includes a turkey breast joint and a turkey with stuffing dish.
'And British branches of Dutch store Hema are selling 'Easter stollen' a variation on the traditional German Christmas cake.
'This is far more strategic than supermarkets wheeling out their old Christmas stock,' said Charles Banks, co-founder at food trends firm The Food People.
The stores aren't just rebranding food Easter wreaths (pictured), many with egg decorations, are being sold by Marks and Spencer, John Lewis and notonthehighstreet.com
And to further upset traditionalists, shops are even stocking designer Easter trees (pictured), baubles and crackers.
'The UK has a uniquely competitive supermarket culture. This drives innovation as companies fight for differentiation by developing new products.
'Supermarkets are targeting consumers with food that they already associate with celebration, family time and relaxation.'
The stores aren't just rebranding food Easter wreaths, many with egg decorations, are being sold by Marks and Spencer, John Lewis and notonthehighstreet.com.
And to further upset traditionalists, shops are even stocking designer Easter trees, baubles and crackers.
However, chocolate remains the big seller. Researchers Mintel say we spend 375million a year on Easter confectionery, around 70 per cent of all Easter spending.
A Met Office spokesman said it will get 'increasingly colder' across the UK later this week, although conditions should not be as bad as recent icy snaps.
'Temperatures will drop below freezing during the nights, while northern and central areas face the possibility of snow over the Easter weekend.'
Nine in ten Easter eggs don't have the word 'Easter' on the front of the packaging, The Sun newspaper claimed yesterday.
Critics said selling chocolate eggs with no mention of Easter was 'cynical'.
Critics said selling chocolate eggs with no mention of Easter was 'cynical'.
Stormy Daniels (pictured) told all about her alleged affair with Donald Trump
Anderson Cooper: For sitting here talking to me today you could be fined a million dollars I mean aren't you taking a big risk?
Stormy Daniels: I am.
Anderson Cooper: I guess I'm not 100% sure on why you're doing this.
Stormy Daniels: Because it was very important to me to be able to defend myself
Anderson Cooper: Is part of talking w-- wanting to set the record straight?
Stormy Daniels: 100%.
Anderson Cooper: Why does the record need to be set straight?
Stormy Daniels: Because people are just saying whatever they wanted to say about me, I was perfectly fine saying nothing at all, but I'm not okay with being made out to be a liar, or people thinking that I did this for money and people are like, "Oh, you're an opportunist. You're taking advantage of this. Yes, I'm getting more job offers now, but tell me one person who would turn down a job offer making more than they've been making, doing the same thing that they've always done?
Anderson Cooper: A lotta people are using you for a lotta different agendas.
Stormy Daniels: They're trying to. Like, oh, you know, Stormy Daniels comes out #MeToo. This is not a 'Me Too.' I was not a victim. I've never said I was a victim. I think trying to use me to-- to further someone else's agenda, does horrible damage to people who are true victims.
Stormy Daniels' real name is Stephanie Clifford. She's 39 years old, from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and has been acting in, directing, and writing adult films for nearly 20 years. She was one of the most popular actresses in the adult industry when she was introduced to Mr. Trump at a celebrity golf tournament in Lake Tahoe in July, 2006. She says he invited her to dinner, and she met him at his hotel suite.
Anderson Cooper: How was the conversation?
Stormy Daniels: Ummm (LAUGH) it started off-- all about him just talking about himself. And he's like-- "Have you seen my new magazine?
Anderson Cooper: He was showing you his own picture on the cover of a magazine.
Stormy Daniels: Right, right. And so I was like, "Does this-- does this normally work for you?" And he looked very taken-- taken back, like, he didn't really understand what I was saying. Like, I was-- does, just, you know, talking about yourself normally work?" And I was like, "Someone should take that magazine and spank you with it." (LAUGH) And I'll never forget the look on his face. He was like--
Anderson Cooper: What-- what was his look?
Stormy Daniels: Just, I don't think anyone's ever spoken to him like that, especially, you know, a young woman who looked like me. And I said, you know, "Give me that," and I just remember him going, "You wouldn't." "Hand it over." And-- so he did, and I was like, turn around, drop 'em."
Stormy Daniels, an adult film star and director whose real name is Stephanie Clifford is interviewed by Anderson Cooper of CBS News' 60 Minutes program
Anderson Cooper: You-- you told Donald Trump to turn around and take off his pants.
Stormy Daniels: Yes.
Anderson Cooper: And did he?
Stormy Daniels: Yes. So he turned around and pulled his pants down a little -- you know had underwear on and stuff and I just gave him a couple swats.
Anderson Cooper: This was done in a joking manner.
Stormy Daniels: Yes. and-- from that moment on, he was a completely different person.
Anderson Cooper: How so?
Stormy Daniels: He quit talking about himself and he asked me things and I asked him things and it just became like more appropriate.
Anderson Cooper: It became more comfortable.
Stormy Daniels: Yeah. He was like, "Wow, you-- you are special. You remind me of my daughter." You know-- he was like, "You're smart and beautiful, and a woman to be reckoned with, and I like you. I like you."
Anderson Cooper: At this point was he doing The Apprentice?
Stormy Daniels: Yes. And he goes, "Got an idea, honeybunch. Would you ever consider going on and-- and being a contestant?" And I laughed and-- and said, "NBC's never gonna let, you know, an adult film star be on." It's, you know, he goes, "No, no," he goes, "That's why I want you. You're gonna shock a lotta people, you're smart and they won't know what to expect"
Anderson Cooper: Did you think he was serious, or did you think he was kind of dangling to get you to wanna be involved him?
Stormy Daniels: Both.
Anderson Cooper: Melania Trump had recently given birth to-- to a son, just a few months before. Did that-- did he mention his wife or child at all in this?
Stormy Daniels: I asked. And he brushed it aside, said, "Oh yeah, yeah, you know, don't worry about that. We don't even we have separate rooms and stuff."
Anderson Cooper: Did you two go out for dinner that night?
Stormy Daniels: No.
Anderson Cooper: You had dinner in the room?
Stormy Daniels: Yes.
Anderson Cooper: What happened next?
Stormy Daniels: I asked him if I could use his restroom and he said, "Yes, you know, it's through those-- through the bedroom, you'll see it." So I-- I excused myself and I went to the-- the restroom. You know, I was in there for a little bit and came out and he was sitting, you know, on the edge of the bed when I walked out, perched.
Anderson Cooper: And when you saw that, what went through your mind?
Stormy Daniels: I realized exactly what I'd gotten myself into. And I was like, "Ugh, here we go." (LAUGH) And I just felt like maybe-- (LAUGH) it was sort of-- I had it coming for making a bad decision for going to someone's room alone and I just heard the voice in my head, "well, you put yourself in a bad situation and bad things happen, so you deserve this."
Anderson Cooper: And you had sex with him.
Stormy Daniels: Yes.
Anderson Cooper: You were 27, he was 60. Were you physically attracted to him?
Stormy Daniels: No.
Stormy Daniels says she had unprotected sex with Donald Trump and spanked him with a magazine that had his face on the cover, even though she wasn't physically attracted to him
Anderson Cooper: Not at all?
Stormy Daniels: No.
Anderson Cooper: Did you want to have sex with him?
Stormy Daniels: No. But I didn't-- I didn't say no. I'm not a victim, I'm not--
Anderson Cooper: It was entirely consensual.
Stormy Daniels: Oh, yes, yes.
Anderson Cooper: You work in an industry where condom use is-- is an issue. Did-- did he use a condom?
Stormy Daniels: No.
Anderson Cooper: Did you ask him to?
Stormy Daniels: No. I honestly didn't say anything.
Anderson Cooper: After you had sex, what happened?
Stormy Daniels: He said that it was great, he had-- a great evening, and it was nothing like he expected, that I really surprised him, that a lotta people must underestimate me-- that he hoped that I would be willing to see him again and that we would discuss the things we had talked about earlier in the evening.
Anderson Cooper: Being on The Apprentice.
Stormy Daniels: Right.
Daniels says she and Mr. Trump stayed in touch. She says he invited her to a Trump Vodka launch party in California, as well as to his office in Trump Tower in New York.
Anderson Cooper: So he definitely wanted to continue to see you.
Stormy Daniels: Oh, for sure. Yes.
Stormy Daniels: And this was not a secret. He never asked me not to tell anyone he called several times when I was in front of many people and I would be like, "Oh my God, he's calling." They were like, "Shut up, the Donald?" And I'd put him on speakerphone, and he wanted to know what I was up to and "When can we get together again? I just wanted to give you a quick update, we had a meeting, it went great. There's-- it's gonna be spectacular, they're totally into the idea," and I was like mhmm that part I never believed.
Anderson Cooper: Did you still get the sense that he was kind of dangling it in front of you--
Stormy Daniels: Oh, for sure, oh yeah.
Anderson Cooper: To keep you interested, to keep you coming back.
Stormy Daniels: Of course, of course. I mean, I'm not blind. But at the same time, maybe it'll work out, you know?
Anderson Cooper: Did you view it as this is a potential opportunity. "I'm gonna see where it goes?"
Stormy Daniels: I thought of it as a business deal.
In July 2007 -- a year after they met -- Daniels says Mr. Trump asked to meet with her privately at his bungalow at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Los Angeles to discuss a development regarding her possible appearance on Celebrity Apprentice.
Stormy Daniels: I remember arriving, and he was watching Shark Week. He made me sit and watch an entire documentary about shark attacks.
Anderson Cooper: It wasn't at that point a business meeting, it was just watching Shark Week.
Stormy Daniels: Yeah.
Anderson Cooper: Did you have sex with him again?
Stormy Daniels: No.
Anderson Cooper: Did he want to?
Stormy Daniels: Yes.
Anderson Cooper: How do you know he wanted to?
Stormy Daniels: Because he came and sat next to me and, you know, touched my hair, and put his hand on my leg, and r-- referenced back to how great it was the last time.
Anderson Cooper: How did you get out of it?
Stormy Daniels: Well, I'd been there for, like, four hours. And so I then was like, "Well, before, you know, can we talk about what's the development?" And he was like, "I'm almost there. I'll have an answer for you next week." And I was like, "Okay, cool. Well-- I guess call me next week." And I just took my purse and left.
According to Daniels, Mr. Trump called her the following month to say he'd not been able to get her a spot on Celebrity Apprentice. She says they never met again and only had sex in that first meeting in 2006. In May 2011, Daniels agreed to tell her story to a sister publication of In Touch magazine for $15,000 dollars. Two former employees of the magazine told us the story never ran because after the magazine called Mr. Trump seeking comment, his attorney Michael Cohen threatened to sue. Daniels says she was never paid, and says a few weeks later, she was threatened by a man who approached her in Las Vegas.
Stormy Daniels: 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.
Anderson Cooper: You took it as a direct threat?
Stormy Daniels: Absolutely.
Stormy Daniels: I was rattled. I remember going into the workout class. And my hands are shaking so much, I was afraid I was gonna-- drop her.
Anderson Cooper: Did you ever see that person again?
Stormy Daniels: No. But I-- if I did, I would know it right away.
Anderson Cooper: You'd be able to-- you'd be able to recognize that person?
Stormy Daniels: 100%. Even now, all these years later. If he walked in this door right now, I would instantly know.
Anderson Cooper: Did you go to the police?
Stormy Daniels: No.
Anderson Cooper: Why?
Stormy Daniels: Because I was scared.
When a gossip website reported a few months later that she'd had an affair with Mr. Trump, Stormy Daniels publically denied it. Five years later, Donald Trump won the Republican nomination for president.
Stormy Daniels: Suddenly people are reaching out to me again, offering me money. Large amounts of money. Was I tempted? Yes-- I struggle with it. And then I get the call. "I think I have the best deal for you."
Anderson Cooper: From your lawyer?
Stormy Daniels: Yeah.
The deal was an offer not to tell her story. It came from Mr. Trump's attorney Michael Cohen. In return for signing this non-disclosure agreement, Cohen would pay her $130,000 dollars through a Delaware-based limited liability corporation he had established in mid-October 2016 called essential consultants. Daniels says the agreement was appealing because it meant she would receive some money but also not have to worry about the effect the revelation of the affair would have on her child who was now old enough to watch the news. She signed the agreement eleven days before the election.
Anderson Cooper: Was it hush money to stay silent?
Stormy Daniels: Yes. The story was coming out again. I was concerned for my family and their safety.
Anderson Cooper: I think some people watching this are going to doubt that you entered into this negotiation-- because you feared for your safety. They're gonna think y-- that you saw an opportunity.
Stormy Daniels: I think the fact that I didn't even negotiate, I just quickly said yes to this v-- very, you know, strict contract. And what most people will agree with me extremely low number. It's all the proof I need.
Anderson Cooper: you feel like if you had wanted to go public, you could have gotten paid a lot of money to go public--
Stormy Daniels: Without a doubt. I know for a fact. I believe, without a shadow of a doubt, in my heart, and some people argue that I don't have one of those, but whatever, that I was doing the right thing. I turned down a large payday multiple times because one, I didn't wanna kiss and tell and be labeled all the things that I'm being labeled now. I didn't wanna take away from the legitimate and legal, I'd like to point out, career that I've worked very hard to establish. And most importantly, I did not want my family and my child exposed to all the things that she's being exposed to right now. because everything that I was afraid of coming out has come out anyway, and guess what? I don't have a million dollars. (LAUGH) You didn't even buy me breakfast.
Anderson Cooper asked Daniels whether she was 'taking a big risk' speaking to him
15 months after she signed the non-disclosure agreement, in January 2018, the Wall Street Journal published this story, quoting anonymous sources, saying that Mr. Trump's attorney Michael Cohen had paid her for her silence. Daniels says she was not the source of the story. But once it was published, she says she was pressured by her former attorney and former business manager to sign statements that Michael Cohen released publically, denying she'd had an affair with Mr. Trump.
Anderson Cooper: So you signed and released-- a statement that said I am not denying this affair because I was paid in hush money I'm denying it because it never happened. That's a lie?
Stormy Daniels: Yes.
Anderson Cooper: If it was untruthful, why did you sign it?
Stormy Daniels: Because they made it sound like I had no choice.
Anderson Cooper: I mean, no one was putting a gun to your head?
Stormy Daniels: Not physical violence, no.
Anderson Cooper: you thought that there would be some sort of legal repercussion if you didn't sign it?
Stormy Daniels: Correct. As a matter of fact, the exact sentence used was, "They can make your life hell in many different ways."
Anderson Cooper: They being
Stormy Daniels: I'm not exactly sure who they were. I believe it to be Michael Cohen.
President Trump's attorney Michael Cohen has denied ever threatening Stormy Daniels. The payment Cohen made to her is now the subject of complaints to the Justice Department and the Federal Election Commission, alleging that it was an illegal campaign contribution.
What makes the dispute between Stormy Daniels and the president more than a high-profile tabloid scandal is that her silence was purchased eleven days before the presidential election, which may run afoul of campaign finance laws. The president's long-time lawyer Michael Cohen says he used $130,000 of his own money to pay Stormy Daniels. Cohen has said the money was not a campaign contribution. But Trevor Potter, a former chairman of the Federal Election Commission appointed by President George H.W. Bush, told us he doesn't agree.
Trevor Potter: The payment of the money just creates an enormous legal mess for I think Trump, for Cohen and anyone else who was involved in this in the campaign.
Anderson Cooper: Are you saying that can be seen as a contribution to benefit a campaign?
Trevor Potter: I am. it's a $130,000 in-kind contribution by Cohen to the Trump campaign, which is about $126,500 above what he's allowed to give. And if he does this on behalf of his client, the candidate, that is a coordinated, illegal, in-kind contribution by Cohen for the purpose of influencing the election, of benefiting the candidate by keeping this secret.
The payment Stormy Daniels received is the subject of complaints by watchdog groups to the Department of Justice and the Federal Election Commission, which Trevor Potter used to be chairman of. He's now president of the non-partisan Campaign Legal Center, which supports the enforcement of campaign finance laws.
Anderson Cooper: If the president paid Michael Cohen back, is that an in-kind campaign contribution that the president should've then reported?
Trevor Potter: It is. If he was then reimbursed by the president, that doesn't remove the fact that the initial payment violated Cohen's contribution limits. I guess it mitigates it if he's paid back by the candidate because the candidate could have paid for it without limit.
Anderson Cooper: What if the president never reimbursed Michael Cohen?
Trevor Potter: Then he is still out on the line, having made a illegal in-kind contribution to the campaign.
Anderson Cooper: You're saying this is more serious for Michael Cohen if the president did not pay him back?
Trevor Potter: Yes. I think that's correct.
We wanted to speak with Mr. Trump's attorney Michael Cohen about this, but he did not respond to our calls and written request for comment. Cohen told The New York Times last month he used his own personal funds to facilitate a payment of $130,000 to Stormy Daniels and said, "Neither the Trump Organization nor the Trump Campaign reimbursed me for the payment." this past week, Cohen told Vanity Fair magazine, "What I did defensively for my personal client, and my friend, is what attorneys do for their high-profile clients. I would have done it in 2006. I would have done it in 2011. I truly care about him and the family -- more than just as an employee and an attorney."
Michael Avenatti: It's laughable. It's ludicrous. It's preposterous.
Anderson Cooper: Lawyers don't do that, you're saying. You-- you--
Michael Avenatti: Ever.
Michael Avenatti is Stormy Daniels' attorney. He's a Los Angeles trial lawyer who is suing the president in a California court, seeking to have Stormy Daniels' non-disclosure agreement -- or "NDA" -- declared invalid, in part because the president never signed it on the lines provided for his alias -- "D.D.," David Dennison.
Anderson Cooper: Michael Cohen has said, "Look, this had nothing to do with the election." He would've made this agreement months before.
Michael Avenatti: So why didn't he? It just slipped his mind? It's just a coincidence that, in the waning days of the campaign, he thought to himself, "Oh, you know, I know I've been thinkin' about this for years. Perhaps now is a good time to get that NDA executed with Stormy Daniels."
Avenatti disputes the notion that Cohen was working in a purely personal capacity when he arranged the hush money for Stormy Daniels. He's found documents that show Michael Cohen used his Trump Organization email address in setting up the payment. He also says the non-disclosure agreement Stormy Daniels signed in 2016, when she was represented by a different lawyer, was FedExed to Cohen at his Trump Organization office in Trump Tower in New York.
Michael Avenatti: That is a copy of the Federal Express confirmation
The cover letter from Daniels' previous attorney also identifies who he thought Michael Cohen was working for.
Michael Avenatti: To Mr. Cohen as executive vice president and special counsel to Donald J. Trump, the Trump Organization, again-- listing the 5th Avenue address. this idea that there's a separation now between Mr. Cohen, individually, and the Trump Organization or Mr. Cohen, individually, and Donald Trump, it-- it-- it's nonsense.
Anderson Cooper: There are people who argue that this much ado about nothing, that if this was not a story about, an adult film actress and the President of the United States, no one would pay attention.
Michael Avenatti: This is about the cover-up. This is about the extent that Mr. Cohen and the president have gone to intimidate this woman, to silence her, to threaten her, and to put her under their thumb. It is thuggish behavior from people in power. And it has no place in American democracy.
Avenatti points to this recent court filing in which the president's lawyers claim Daniels is already liable for damages "in excess of $20 million" for unspecified violations of her non-disclosure agreement. And in that article in Vanity Fair this past week, Michael Cohen said that when he wins damages from Stormy Daniels, "I might even take an extended vacation on her dime."
Anderson Cooper: You're saying they're tryin' to intimidate her.
Michael Avenatti: There's no question. You threaten someone-- with a $20 million lawsuit, it's a thuggish tactic. It's no different than what happened in the parking lot in Las Vegas.
Anderson Cooper: People make threats in lawsuits all the time. People, you know, say, "You're gonna have to pay a lot of money when you lose this-- this case."
Michael Avenatti: People don't threaten people with $20 million lawsuits, that they're gonna take their home and take an extended vacation on the money they receive. People don't conduct themselves like this. They don't. And they shouldn't.
Anderson Cooper: Stormy Daniels did sign the agreement. She got $130,000. Isn't she welching on a deal?
Michael Avenatti: No, she's not welching on a deal, 'cause there never was a deal.
Anderson Cooper: But she still took the money.
Michael Avenatti: She took the money. But the fact of the matter is Mr. Trump never signed the agreement. He was obligated to sign the agreement in order for the agreement to spring into effect.
That's not true, according to Michael Cohen, who has said only his signature was required. What was also required under the non-disclosure agreement was for Stormy Daniels to turn over all "video images, still images, email messages, and text messages," she had regarding Mr. Trump.
Anderson Cooper: Did you do that?
Stormy Daniels: I can't answer that right now.
Anderson Cooper: You don't want to say one way or the other if you have text messages or other items?
Stormy Daniels: My attorney has recommended that I don't discuss those things.
Anderson Cooper: You seem to be saying that she has some sort of text message, or video, or-- or photographs. Or you could just be bluffing.
Michael Avenatti: You should ask some of the other people in my career when they've bet on me bluffing.
Anderson Cooper: In college and law school, you did opposition research for Democratic political operative Rahm Emanuel. Some people looking at that would say you're politically motivated,
Michael Avenatti: I haven't done anything in politics in over 20 years.
Anderson Cooper: But this is not the usual case you take on. You were a former Democratic operative. And you're talking about deposing the president. That sounds political."
Michael Avenatti: No, it sounds righteous.
Anderson Cooper: How so?
Michael Avenatti: Because my client is credible. She's tellin' the truth.
Trevor Potter, the former chairman of the Federal Election Commission, says the agency's investigations often take a long time and usually result only in monetary penalties. But there is another scenario that could present a problem for the president: special counsel Robert Mueller's inquiry into Russian interference in the 2016 election. In March, the Washington Post reported that the "special counsel has examined episodes involving Michael Cohen," including his efforts to launch a Trump-branded project in Moscow in the fall of 2015 when Mr. Trump was seeking the Republican nomination.
Anderson Cooper: is there any way that special counsel Robert Mueller could investigate the Stormy Daniels payment?
Trevor Potter: Yeah that's the wildcard here.
Anderson Cooper: As a prosecutor, you wanna get leverage over somebody that you could then use to get them to give you other information on which--
Trevor Potter: Correct.
Anderson Cooper: --you're really interested in?
Trevor Potter: Correct.
That's what special counsel Mueller appears to be doing with Paul Manafort, Mr. Trump's former campaign chairman, who faces multiple charges including tax and bank fraud.
Anderson Cooper: Paul Manafort has been charged with crimes that don't have anything to do with Russia in some cases.
Trevor Potter: Well, and that certainly preceded the campaign. And so-- clearly, the Justice Department, the deputy attorney general who is ultimately in charge of this, has determined that looking at what Manafort did in other contexts-- is relevant to the investigation. And I think you can say exactly the same thing about Cohen. He was-- involved-- indisputably with Trump Organization activities with Russia and negotiations with the Russians. Mr. Cohen is in the middle of a place that's of great interest to the Special Counsel.
Anderson Cooper: Is there any recent precedent for p-- prosecuting somebody for an undisclosed campaign contribution?
Trevor Potter: As it happens, there is. There's sort of a pretty spectacular one.
Former Senator John Edwards was prosecuted, but never convicted, for payments a supporter and his campaign finance chairman made a year before the 2008 election to a woman who'd had Edwards' child.
Trevor Potter: I think the Edwards case is not as strong as the facts we have so far in the Trump case.
Anderson Cooper: Why do you think the potential case against Cohen or Trump is a stronger case than the Edwards case?
Trevor Potter: The timing of it. It wasn't the year before the election. It's right in the middle of the run-up to Election Day. When-- Trump's conduct with women was a prime campaign issue. In fact, it was what everyone was focused on.
White House press secretary Sarah Sanders did not respond to our request for comment from the president. But we did receive a letter from Mr. Trump's attorney Charles Harder, who asked that we show on camera and read on air one of the statements Stormy Daniels signed in January, denying reports she'd had an affair with Mr. Trump. It says, in part:
"My involvement with Donald Trump was limited to a few public appearances and nothing more."
Anderson Cooper: If Stormy Daniels denied the affair in 2011, which you say is a lie, denied the affair in early January 2018, denied the affair in late January of 2018, doesn't that hurt her credibility? I mean, she's lying, she's lying, she's lying.
Michael Avenatti: I think there's no question that it calls into question her credibility. I also think that there's no question that when the American people take all of the facts and evidence into consideration, that they are going to conclude that this woman is telling the truth. And Anderson, to the extent that Mr. Cohen and the president have an alternative version of the facts let them come forward and state it unequivocally.
Anderson Cooper: But come on. You would not sign statements one, two, three times about something which you knew to be a lie.
Michael Avenatti: If the President of the United States' fixer made it clear to me, either directly or indirectly, that I needed to sign it, and I was in the position of Stormy Daniels, I might sign those statements
Stormy Daniels: I felt intimidated and s-- honestly bullied. And I didn't know what to do. And so I signed it. Even though I had repeatedly expressed that I wouldn't break the agreement, but I was not comfortable lying.
Anderson Cooper: How do we know you're telling the truth?
Stormy Daniels: 'Cause I have no reason to lie. I'm opening myself up for, you know, possible danger and definitely a whole lot of s***.
Anderson Cooper: But, you know, there is a potential ups-- financial upside maybe somebody will want you to write a book. Maybe, you know, you can go on a bigger tour and make more money--
Stormy Daniels: That's--
Anderson Cooper: --dancing?
Stormy Daniels: That's a lot of ifs. I could also get shunned. I mean, I could automatically be alienating half of my fanbase right at this very moment.
Anderson Cooper: Jenna Jameson-- another well-known-- adult film actress said recently about you, "The left looks at her as a whore and just uses her to try to discredit the president. The right looks at her like a treacherous rat. It's a lose-lose. Should've kept her trap shut."
Stormy Daniels: I think that she has a lotta wisdom in those words.
Anderson Cooper: The president watches 60 Minutes, if he's watching tonight, what would you say to him?
Stormy Daniels: he knows I'm telling the truth.
A mother is trying to find a man she had a one night stand with 15 years ago, so she can introduce him to their teenage daughter.
Terri Reid, 32 from Blackpool, slept with the man after meeting him in the city in January 2003.
The only thing she remembers about him is that he is Welsh and was 'tall, dark and handsome'.
Nine months after she met the man, she gave birth to a baby girl who she named Chanell.
Terri Reid, 32, and her daughter Chanell are appealing to find Chanell's father who had a one night stand with Ms Reid in 2003
Ms Reid, who still lives in Blackpool, said she met the man at a nightclub in the town when she was 17.
After spending the night with him, they went their separate ways but she found herself pregnant a few weeks later.
She said that the man from Wales is definitely her daughter's father and she know wants Chanell to meet him.
She said: 'Chanell is old enough now to understand and she wants to find her dad.
'I'm doing this for her.'
Ms Reid says that her daughter is now old enough to meet her father but admits that all she really remembers is that he is Welsh
She isn't sure how old the man was but as he was in Blackpool with his family at the time, she believes he was near her age.
Ms Reid, who works as a mental health nurse, said: 'I think he was in the town on holiday with his friend and their families so he couldn't have been much older than I was at the time, maybe a year or two.
'I was out with my friend, her brother and we ended up in a nightclub in the middle of Blackpool.
'It's not there any more and I can't remember its name.'
Terri Reid, pictured in around 2005, gave birth to her daughter nine months after the one night stand in Blackpool
She admits that her memories of the night are unclear, adding: 'I don't even know his name now, it's been so long.
'All I know is that he was Welsh for certain and he might have been called Liam.
'He had the accent but as for where in Wales I couldn't place it. It was just a Welsh accent to me.
'We got talking in the club, which I think was called Sanuk, and then went back to my friend's flat which was above a Chinese takeaway.
'The next day we went our separate ways and he went back to his hotel in the town.'
The 32-year-old mother wants to help her daughter, who is growing into a fantastic young woman, connect with her father.
She said: 'It's unfortunate it was a one night stand. I admit that was maybe wrong but I have a beautiful daughter from it.
'She's wanted for nothing growing up. She's happy and my big family have helped and been great.'
Chanell, pictured as a little girl at her home in Blackpool, wants to know who her dad is after asking about him two years ago
However, she admits that Chanell began to ask about her father two years ago.
She revealed: 'I explained to her the situation and she understood and now I think she's old enough to grasp it fully.
'I want to do it for her, to help her find him.
'We don't want anything from him, just that Chanell would like to know who her dad is.
'She wants to do this appeal with me so here we are. We are trying to see if he's still out there.
'It would be nice to know he's out there somewhere and maybe wants to know we have a daughter together.'
A woman has been shot and wounded by police after she allegedly tried to break into a residence with a firearm and brick.
Police were called to a two-story residence on Sunday afternoon in Staten Island, New York, because Lori Gjenashaj, 41, was trying to break in.
This come just one day after Gjenashaj allegedly choked her former best friend's new best friend at her child's PTA meeting.
New York Police Department officers stopped a GMC SUV during a vehicular pursuit with who they believed was the Gjenashaj after she tried to flee the scene.
She reportedly produced a firearm and refused to get out of the vehicle.
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Pictured is the home Lori Gjenashaj tried to break into with a gun and brick before she took off in her GMC SUV
Gjenashaj was shot in the shoulder by NYPD officers after she refused to drop her firearm (pictured) at a traffic stop. She allegedly tried to break into a Staten Island, New York, residence earlier that day
NYPD Chief of Patrol Rodney Harrison spoke to press on Sunday after the incident occurred. He said the police warned Gjenashaj before they fired five shots into her vehicle. One bullet hit her in the shoulder
Police said they asked Gjenashaj to drop the firearm, which has been identified as a starter pistol, and exit the SUV.
She refused so the officers fired five shots into the vehicle and hit her once in the shoulder.
The home that Gjenashaj tried to break into before she drove off was allegedly her mother-in-law's house.
Gjenashaj has been taken to Richmond University Hospital and is said to be in stable condition.
NYPD Chief of Patrol Rodney Harrison said the incident is still under investigation at this time.
The 41-year-old nurse was already charged with a misdemeanor one day prior to the shooting.
She was arrested on Saturday at her child's PTA for causing a criminal obstruction to breathing on a 39-year-old female, NBC New York reported.
Gjenashaj allegedly called her child's classmate a sexually graphic name after the play and it caused an altercation with a mother, Staten Island Live reports.
But she was released by police later that evening with an appearance ticket.
Police said the incident on Saturday evening is not related to the shooting earlier today.
Behind the officers is where the incident occurred in Staten Island, New York. The suspect was taken to Richmond University Hospital where she is said to be in stable condition
A daughter has revealed her family's life on the run from the FBI and Scotland Yard over drug smuggling charges against her dad.
Tyler Wetherall, 34, writes about how her family had lived in 13 houses and five countries by the time she was nine in her new memoir No Way Home, due out April 3.
Wetherall was born in 1983 in San Francisco to a British model mother and Benjamin Glaser, who'd go on to be charged as one of the kingpins of a drug cartel that, among other offenses, had smuggled 30 tons of Thai marijuana into the US in the early 80s.
'It was the era of Ronald Reagan's war on drugs,' Wetherall told the New York Post in an interview promoting the memoir. 'If you were caught, the sentences were draconian.'
Tyler Wetherall, 34, writes about how her family had lived in 13 houses and five countries by the time she was nine in her new memoir No Way Home , due out April 3
Growing up with her sister Caitlin, two years older, Wetherall had no idea about her father's criminal connections. She just knew that they moved all the time.
'We never questioned any of the moves, but I hated each one,' said Wetherall, who lives in Brooklyn.
In June 1985, the FBI was closing in on the smuggling operation, and the family fled to Rome.
The new memoir is due out on April 3
From there, they moved to Portugal, and then the south of France, where fellow fugitives among their neighbors included exiled Haitian dictator 'Papa Doc' Duvalier and Saudi arms dealer Adnan Khashoggi.
'[They] would exchange information on how to get by, how to get your kid into school under a fake name and how to spend money [that had been obtained illegally],' Wetherall said.
Wetherall's mother soon insisted that they return to her native UK, however. In 1987 the couple divorced.
As Wetherall and her mom and sister got on with life in Bradford on Avon, Glaser went on the lam. Sometimes they'd spend weekends and holidays with him in London or the French Alps.
Through it all, Wetherall never realized her father's criminal connections.
Then in 1993, when she was 9, inspectors from Scotland Yard showed up at her home and confiscated all of the family's papers and photographs - even Wetherall's schoolgirl diary.
Glaser was already on the run though, and a tip about the raid sent him fleeing from England on a fake passport. A week later, Wetherall's mom sat the girls down and explained that they wouldn't be able to visit him anymore.
'You are not going to be able to see Dad for a while,' she began, according to Wetherall. 'He had to leave the country for legal reasons something he needs to explain to you himself.'
Wetherall writes that her dad eluded authorities for years before he was brought to justice
Over the next few years, the only contact they had with Glaser was through letters and brief phone calls- never enough for the authorities to track him.
Then in October 1995, Scotland Yard and the FBI received a tip that Wetherall and her sister were visiting their dad in St. Lucia, where he was working as a hotel manager.
Glaser slipped away again, but four months later he returned to St. Lucia and was nabbed by authorities.
'A lot of men in his position would have left their families, but Dad still wanted to be a big part of our lives,' said Wetherall. 'It was [a] testimony to what an amazing father he was despite some of his reckless decisions.'
Glaser was convicted an sentenced to 10 years in prison, later reduced to five years and ten months. He is now free and an investment advisor living in northern California.
Wetherall says that she has been angry at her dad for all he put the family though, but has learned to forgive him.
'I have huge admiration for my dad,' she said. 'He is a true adventurer.'
Jeremy Corbyn will use billions of pounds of foreign aid to spread Left-wing and feminist ideals across the world, Labour said last night.
He would also abandon the Tory principle of spending the aid budget in the British national interest.
Labour has pledged to bring in the UK's first 'explicitly feminist' international development policy to 'challenge patriarchy' by tripling funding for women's groups. Mr Corbyn said he would challenge 'global elites' and 'redistribute power'.
Labour said taxpayers' money would be spent on a new Social Justice Fund to support political activists in the developing world. Pictured: Jeremy Corbyn in Stretford, Manchester
The Department for International Development has been criticised in the past for supporting certain projects intended to empower women.
This included spending 9million on Ethiopia's version of the Spice Girls, Yegna, which the DfID has now stopped funding, admitting the money could be better spent elsewhere.
Mr Corbyn would oppose privatisation, push for a global wealth tax and 'tackle the root causes of inequality'. Labour said taxpayers' money would be spent on a new Social Justice Fund to support political activists in the developing world.
Funding for schemes involving fossil fuels would be scrapped to promote a climate change agenda. And DfID would be represented on the government body responsible for sanctioning arms sales.
Following abuses of power and sexual exploitation in the aid sector, Labour's new aid plan A World For The Many Not The Few promised to transfer power away from the aid industry and into the hands of people and communities. 'We must find ways to unite across borders in solidarity against elite control of our global economy,' it says.
Regarding its support of women, the party said it would ensure all foreign and trade policy had 'positive gender impacts'.
'A Labour government will implement the UK's first explicitly feminist international development policy,' it said. The report pledged a 'gender transformative approach' across all of DfID's work as well as 'gender budgeting'.
It called for an international commission to explore the possibility of a global wealth tax, as proposed by Left-wing economist Thomas Piketty.
Jeremy Corbyn and Diane Abbot at the Labour local elections campaign launch in Stretford Sports Village, Manchester. Corbyn said he would oppose privatisation and push for a global wealth tax
Aid money would be channelled towards helping countries tackle tax avoidance, and low income countries would be given preferential trade access.
Labour would end British support for public-private partnerships overseas and privately-funded aid firms. There would be no more cash for fee-paying schools and private finance initiative healthcare schemes. The party accused the Conservatives of 'simplistic charity' rather than promoting social justice and criticised Tories for 'shifting the focus of the aid budget from poverty reduction alone to what it called the national interest'.
Aligning the DfID's funding to the 'short-term' national interest would end and Labour would focus on the 'moral purpose of poverty reduction'.
The report also claimed Britain should be happy to continue giving financial support to India, even though it is now rich enough to afford its own space programme, because aid cash can help tackle inequality.
Mr Corbyn said in the foreword to Labour's report: 'The Conservatives won't challenge the rigged system that has created global crisis because they are at the heart of that system.
'They reduce aid to a matter of charity, rather than one of power and social justice. Worse, they seem ever too ready to abandon our development commitments to the world's poorest. We don't have to accept the world that global elites are building for us. Let's take on the root causes of poverty, inequality and climate change, and not just their symptoms.'
David Cameron enshrined in law the pledge that the UK spends 0.7 per cent of national income on foreign aid. British aid spending now far exceeds the average among other developed economies.
He found fame on Sophie Monk's season of The Bachelorette but was later accused of threatening revenge porn and previously leaving a man 'paralysed' in a street attack.
And Blake Colman has this week admitted the West Australian that he didn't leave the house for two months when his chequered past was exposed last year.
The 'villain', who returns to reality TV in Bachelor In Paradise on Sunday, said he had a social media ban and refused to go to events for fear of being judged.
'I didn't leave the house for two months': The Bachelorette 'villain' Blake Colman admitted he became a recluse after his chequered past was exposed
'A lot happened to me after the show and there are some things I can't change and I made some mistakes,' he told the publication.
'I just sort of took that time away from social media and I didn't actually leave the house really for two months.'
He continued: 'I was invited to all of these events and I couldn't go because I was just thinking how... I can't change the past but how can I make the future better?'
Blake hit the headlines last year when he was investigated by police after his ex-girlfriend, The Bachelor's Jen Hawke, accused him of threatening to leak nude photos she had sent him when they were dating.
Scandal: Blake hit the headlines last year when he was investigated by police after his ex-girlfriend, The Bachelor's Jen Hawke (pictured), accused him of threatening to leak nude photos she had sent him when they were dating
'Blake and Jen called it quits following a rocky romance earlier this year, but things really went south after Jen told Blake that she had found somebody else,' a source told Daily Mail Australia at the time.
'It was two days after she told Blake she'd moved on. Blake had made his debut on The Bachelorette as the show's 'villain' character that day, and Jen's friends couldn't believe she had dated such a horrible guy.'
'Jen posted to her private Facebook page that her phone was going crazy with people sending messages about her former boyfriend, who was one of Sophie's contestants on the show. She also posted that she was happy to get rid of her 'douche' ex,' the insider went on.
Oh dear: A source close to Jen told the Daily Mail that Blake sent her a barrage of insults and threatened to sell nude photos of her to the media, after seeing a Facebook post about being happy she was rid of her 'douche' ex
'After reading Jen's post Blake completely lost it. He started sending her a barrage of insults, accusing her of the ultimate betrayal. Then, he threatened to sell nude photos of her to the media,' the source claimed.
They continued: 'These photos were sent to him while they were still dating- so you can imagine how upset Jen was by these threats.'
This isn't Blake's first brush with the law, as in April 2017 he was convicted of a horrifying Perth assault which took place in August 2015.
Failed romance: Jen made the claims after Blake appeared on The Bachelorette in a failed attempt to win Sophie Monk's heart
Perth Now reported that Blake pleaded guilty to the sickening street attack, which left his victim, Tristan Cooper, 'unconscious, paralysed and bleeding from the head'.
According to the victim, the incident took place after a night out when Tristan tried to intervene in an argument between two groups of men.
'He just came running up and with all his body weight sort of grabbed me in the back of the head,' Tristan, 31, told the paper.
Blake released a statement via a Channel 10 publicist at the time, stating 'I am truly remorseful and accepted full responsibility for my actions', News Corp reported.
Despite Ferrari's win in the Australian Grand Prix, Red Bull's Helmut Marko believes Mercedes' overall supremacy will remain intact until 2021, and suggests F1 intervene to install engine parity between the sport's manufacturers.
Mercedes has made no secret of the progress over the winter of its already dominant power unit. But adding insult to its rivals' injury, the German team also enjoys a surplus of power in qualifying thanks to a little button on the Silver Arrows steering wheel which activates the engine's 'party mode'.
For Marko, it's a depressing state of affairs, not only for Mercedes' rivals but also for F1 fans who were hoping for a closer battle in 2018.
"Mercedes is playing with everyone," said Marko.
"They can decide with their power modes how far ahead they are. But this time they apparently got it wrong and are too far ahead.
"I said to Ferrari: Mercedes is five tenths ahead and they said no. But everyone has been asleep," he added.
"With that engine, no one can beat Mercedes," Marko insisted. "They're in a different world.
"We have a very good car and that's why we're close. But with these engine regulations, it will be the same until 2021."
In a bid to rein in Mercedes' superiority, Marko believes the FIA and F1 needs to step in before 2021 to install engine parity between Mercedes, Ferrari, Renault and Honda.
"Even Ferrari is waking up now," said the Austrian.
"They begin to realise that they will never catch Mercedes with these engines.
"We need engine parity, which was always promised," Marko continued. "But these engines are much further apart than 3 per cent apart. So the FIA has to act now."
McLaren-Renault boss Eric Boullier agrees: "Mercedes designed a very competitive engine from the beginning and it seems difficult to reach them.
"I think now we need Liberty and the FIA to be sufficiently restrictive to close the gap and have more cars fighting on the track," he is quoted by Marca.
Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers
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The last time we saw her marching was in her much-derided and swiftly pulled, 2017 Pepsi advertisement.
But this time Kendall Jenner had a serious political statement to make, as she wore a denim jacket with an anti-Donald Trump slogan in Los Angeles on Saturday.
The model, 22, rocked an image of the commander in chief with the slogan He Ain't My President as she joined Hailey Baldwin in the March For Our Lives rally.
Marching along! Kendall Jenner, 20, joined Hailey Baldwin in the March For Our Lives rally in Los Angeles on Saturday
Shout out: The model, 22, rocked an image of the commander in chief with the slogan God Save Us... He Ain't My President as she joined the March For Our Lives rally
Backlash: The short film was accused of trivializing civil rights and political protests as she was seen making the peace with a can of fizzy drink
Kendall has not had the best of luck with political statements in the past, following the backlash from her infamous Pepsi advertisement.
The short film was accused of trivializing civil rights and political protests as she was seen making the peace with a can of the fizzy drink.
But this time round, it seems Kendall has a genuine point to make.
She and Hailey were joined by Jaden Smith at the march that was organized after the Parkland, Florida high school shooting that left 17 dead on February 14.
Rare view: She rarely shows her political side
Impressive: Daring to impress, the Keeping Up With The Kardashian star looked casual chic in a white tee and and cream pants
Hair story: Her trademark tresses were pulled back in a messy ponytail as loose tendrils brushed her petite shoulders
While the West Coasters did their thing in LA, Kendall's sister Kim Kardashian joined the throng on the streets of Washington.
The Washington D.C. rally featured a group of entertainers - including Ariana Grande, Miley Cyrus, and Jennifer Hudson - that performed for the crowd.
'We're fighting for change and love and safety and for our future. I love you all so much,' the Ariana told the crowd after her rousing rendition of Be Alright.
And Miley got the crowd to sing along with her captivating The Climb performance.
Paired: She paired the revolutionary style with a set of white and red Adidas sneakers and a set of retro shades
Shiny strut: Hailey rocked a pair of black shiny leggings
Leather additions: Hailey rocked a black leather jacket as well
Two peas in a pod: They both rocked retro shades and new sneakers
LA mayor Eric Garcetti compared the moment to the civil rights movement, adding: 'It's time to protect kids and not protect guns.'
Some 800 other events are being held around the world, with the main Washington DC march as the one that students hope will finally force congress to change gun laws.
More than 500,000 people were expected at the main rally in the country's capital, which began at noon on Pennsylvania Avenue between 3rd street and 12th street NW but large crowds had already formed by 8:30 a.m.
The global event has been orchestrated by the survivors of the Parkland massacre in Florida on February 14.
Action since the 17 students and staff members killed in the attack has so far seen tens of thousands stage school walkouts and has thrust the gun debate into the national consciousness.
Signage: Kendall carried a March For Our Lives banner
Crowd: Kendall and Hailey were among a large crowd for the rally
Slogan time: Hailey wore a MFOL black hoodie
Friendly support:They were joined by Jaden Smith in support of the march that was organized after the Parkland, Florida high school shooting that left 17 dead on February 14
Dedicated: Kendall and Hailey both made sure their voices were heard as they marched among thousands of activists
She's the radio starlet who isn't shy to give fans a warts-and-all description of her dating and sex life.
And Mel Greig, 36, has once again raised eyebrows when she described being confronted with a 'd*ck pic' from her ex-boyfriend after he brutally dumped her without warning.
'After re-connecting with a few conversations, he thought that he could woo me with a dick pic,' she bluntly wrote in an article published on Yahoo Be this Sunday.
He thought that he could woo me with a d*ck pic: Mel Greig has revealed why she refused to take back an ex-boyfriend after he brutally dumped her without warning
Mel explained that seeing an image of her ex's appendage did little to re-ignite the flame of lust, however.
'The beautiful piece of art that used to give me so much joy was now a foreign object that didnt give me any kind of thrill. It didnt tempt me into re-igniting our relationship at all,' Mel explained.
'There was nothing wrong with it specifically, it was what was wrong with him that was putting me off,' Mel wrote.
'The beautiful piece of art that used to give me so much joy was now a foreign object': Mel explained that seeing an image of her ex's appendage did little to re-ignite the flame of lust
Blindsided: Earlier in the blog post, Mel dished on her brutal breakup, confessing that she was left blindsided by her boyfriend's decision to end things
Earlier in the blog post, Mel dished on her brutal breakup, confessing that she was left blindsided by her boyfriend's decision to end things.
Likening herself to Married At First Sight's Dean Wells- who was left heartbroken after being dumped by Tracey Jewel- Mel admitted that it took her an entire year to get over the split.
Mel is no stranger to heartbreak, having recently revealed that she was 'scammed her out of her savings' by an ex-lover, after she let him move in with her after their first date.
Previously she also alleged to Confidential that her ex-husband Steve Pollock cheated on her.
The couple were married in 2014, but split 18 months later after Mel claimed he stepped out on her and 'absolutely broke my heart'.
Its remote, barren and dangerous yet news reaches me that Prince Harry has his heart set on a honeymoon in Namibia with Meghan Markle
Its remote, barren and dangerous yet news reaches me that Prince Harry has his heart set on a honeymoon in Namibia with Meghan Markle.
Contrary to reports suggesting that he will whisk Meghan off to the Caribbean after the wedding on May 19, I hear Harry will instead turn to luxury lodge company Natural Selection to organise an adventure in the huge south-west African country.
A source says Harry and Meghan have been advised to use a number of different lodges to keep people guessing about their whereabouts.
One of Natural Selections newest attractions is the Hoanib Valley Camp, a four-hour drive by car from the nearest town. The 500-a-night lodge is still being built but, intriguingly, is due to be completed in May.
The chances of bumping into hordes of camera-wielding tourists will be pretty remote in Namibia.
It is one of the least populated places in the world, home to the highest sand dunes on the planet, and the deepest canyon in Africa.
The indigenous population is the 50,000-strong Himba tribe.
One of Natural Selections newest attractions is the Hoanib Valley Camp, a four-hour drive by car from the nearest town. The 500-a-night lodge is still being built but, intriguingly, is due to be completed in May
In Namibia, black rhino and desert-adapted giraffe and elephants can all be tracked on foot.
Natural Selection declined to comment last night.
l I hear that Meghans hen party will be organised by Soho House groups global membership director Markus Anderson. The groups 300-year-old stately home Babington House in Somerset has emerged as a favourite to host the event.
We know him as the straight-talking Sherlock, but in real life it seems Benedict Cumberbatch, below, has gone all Hollywood by hiring a monk. My spies first spotted the Old Harrovian with a spiritual adviser backstage at the Graham Norton Show, and the man has been popping up by Benedicts side ever since. My source says: Benedict was very zen backstage and spent the whole time talking to someone who looked like a monk, which the crew found highly amusing.
I wonder if the move could be connected to the stars fascination with Buddhism he has talked of going on a retreat with a Buddhist teacher to clear and purify the mind. His spokeswoman was unavailable for comment yesterday.
Oxford Universitys student magazine, The Isis, is under surveillance by the Home Office thanks to its unfortunate name.
The arts and culture publication, which has 7,500 readers and 4,300 followers on Facebook, has been plagued since 2014 by pesky extremists seeking to join up despite the fact that its Brideshead Revisited-style pieces about life at the university are surely not what theyre after.
We get sent emails and Facebook messages by people who think we are the terrorist group Islamic State, says editor Emily Lawford.
Weve been reporting them to the police and now I think our emails are being monitored by the Home Office.
I wonder what the late thriller writer Graham Greene once a contributor to the 126-year-old mag, would have made of it all.
Supermodel, fashion icon, party animal and now Kate Moss can add matchmaker to her CV. I hear that she has set up Sascha von Bismarck the younger brother of her boyfriend Nikolai with Ella Richards, the grand-daughter of Rolling Stones hellraiser Keith Richards.
Ella and Sascha joined Kate and Nikolai in Lima last week, where they attended the wedding of Prince Christian of Hanover to Peruvian-born fashion designer Alessandra de Osma. Saschas mother Debbie, a close friend of Kates, also joined the celebrations but she is being coy over whether her son and Ella, 21, are an item.
I couldnt help noticing that the two couples, pictured left, bear a striking resemblance to each other. And the similarities dont end there: Kate and Ella are models, while Nikolai and his brother, 23, are both photographers.
Supermodel, fashion icon, party animal and now Kate Moss can add matchmaker to her CV. I hear that she has set up Sascha von Bismarck the younger brother of her boyfriend Nikolai with Ella Richards
Soprano Claudia Boyle wants fans to take pictures during her sexed-up production of La Traviata
Sexy soprano's plot for a cool opera
Soprano Claudia Boyle wants fans to take pictures during her sexed-up production of La Traviata and post them on Instagram to make opera cool.
Laughter and sex are the best ingredients for a good opera, so do feel free to take pictures, said the 33-year-old, right as Violetta in the production, at a VIP performance at Londons Coliseum last week. And director Daniel Kramer backs her plan: Ignore anyone snooty, take pictures and get drunk, he advises.
Senior Royals claim to avoid watching Netflix drama The Crown, but they may want to keep an eye on series three as I hear Britains foremost political playwright has been tasked with adding some razor-sharp edge to Peter Morgans script.
James Graham, 36, grew up in Mansfield and attended a local comp before going on to read drama at Hull University, so his life is as far removed from the London elite as you can get.
He has plenty of knowledge of the political landscape in the 1970s the setting for the next series of The Crown thanks to his West End hit This House, a biting satire about the ruling class during the same decade.
They were famously embroiled in a VERY public Instagram feud amid rumours that they were dating back in 2016.
But after Keira Maguire, 30, dramatically announced she'd never be 'desperate' enough to date 36-year-old Michael Turnbull- before Michael unceremoniously blocked her on Instagram- it seems the pair are friends again.
Apparently burying the hatchet, the upcoming Bachelor In Paradise cast-mates shared a friendly selfie on Sunday as they attended the Australian Grand Prix.
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They're friends again! Bachelor In Paradise's Keira Maguire and Michael Turnbull pose for a selfie together at the Australian Grand Prix...after he infamously blocked her on Instagram
In the image, shared to Keira's Instagram story, Keira pouted from beneath a black cap while pulling a peace sign to the camera.
Meanwhile, Michael gazed wistfully at the camera, donning a tight black shirt.
Social media sensation Keira and real estate agent Michael infamously clashed in 2016, after they were the subject of romance rumours.
Rivals! Social media sensation Keira, 30, and real estate agent Michael, 36, infamously clashed in 2016, after they were the subject of romance rumours
Keira publicly denied romance reports and claims Michael blocked her on Instagram after she asked him not to post a photo of them together taken at the My Face My Body awards in Sydney.
'Clearly it's not true. As if let's just think about the situation for a second. I would not date him. I'm not desperate let's just face it,' she sniped.
Michael also took a swipe by describing Keira as 'not my type' to Daily Mail Australia.
Awkward: Keira publicly denied romance reports and claims Michael blocked her on Instagram after she asked him not to post a photo of them together
Over it? In November, NW Magazine reported that Keira had a 20-minute meltdown and threatened to leave Fiji after being forced to go on a date with Michael on Bachelor In Paradise
In November, NW Magazine reported that Keira had a 20-minute meltdown and threatened to leave Fiji after being forced to go on a date with Michael on Bachelor In Paradise.
'She was rattling off half a dozen names [of Bachelors] and putting them all under the umbrella of 'absolutely not suitable,' an insider told the publication.
'She was actually quite foul with her language, most of her answers wouldn't have been suitable for TV.
The source added: 'She feels betrayed, she thought she would have an opportunity to have someone sweep her off her feet ... [she] signed on to get set up with a good guy - not someone she already knows and dislikes.'
Prince Harrys former girlfriend Cressida Bonas has a bone to pick about an upcoming marriage but thankfully its fictional.
In her latest and most eccentric role, the actress plays a dog jealous of its owners fiancee.
She wears an animal mask for the part in The Dog Beneath The Skin, written by WH Auden and Christopher Isherwood, and leaps about the stage as the pet whose owner Alan is due to marry his beloved Iris.
Prince Harry's former girlfriend Cressida Bonas, an actress, plays a dog jealous that is jealous of her owner's new fiancee. Pictured right is her on stage as the character
When Alan holds up a photograph of his fiancee, Ms Bonass canine character barks loudly. Alan explains that the dogs behaviour was as if he were jealous.
The play, at Londons Jermyn Street Theatre, has had mixed reviews, but critics have praised 29-year-old Ms Bonass portrayal.
Prince Harry was introduced to Ms Bonas in 2012 by Princess Eugenie, but they broke up two years later. Ms Bonas is believed to have been invited to the Princes wedding.
Standing side by side, they look like sisters.
Candice Cameron-Bure and daughter Natasha, 19, posed together at Saturday's Kids Choice Awards at The Forum in Inglewood, California.
The Full House star, 41, embraced a youthful vibe donning a black leather shirt and white crop to the Nickelodeon festivities.
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It takes two! Candace Cameron Bure and daughter Natasha could have been mistaken for sisters during Saturday's Kids' Choice Awards in LA
Candace's playful look made it clear she was there to have fun.
The Hallmark Network star's skirt featured a belt, and layers of flounces while cutting at her mid-thigh to show off her toned stems.
A cropped white tee shirt offered up a hint of belly and Candace carried a fun clutch in her hand.
She added an extra kick of style with copper sneaker-heels with black laces on foot.
Fun with fashion: Full House star Candace, 41, embraced a youthful vibe donning a black leather shirt and white crop to the festivities
You glow girl! Candace's daughter had her caramel-brown ombre styled into romantic waves while dusting a bronze glow on her face
Best tressed: The star styled her blonde into textured tendrils while playing up her blue eyes with some smokey shadow and splashing berry colored gloss on her lips
Leg's get going! daughter Natasha flaunted her fantastic gams in a thigh-skimming white dress with long bell sleeves and a plunging neckline
She styled her blonde into textured tendrils while playing up her blue eyes with some smokey shadow and splashing berry colored gloss on her lips.
Besides her, daughter Natasha flaunted her fantastic gams in a thigh-skimming white dress with long bell sleeves and a plunging neckline.
She accented her already alluring cleavage with a collection of necklaces, complemented by powder-blue heels.
Natasha, who publisher her book Let's Be Real: Living Life as an Open and Honest You last year, had her caramel-brown ombre styled into romantic waves while dusting a bronze glow on her face.
Playing footsie! She added an extra kick of style with copper sneaker-heels with black laces on foot
Star-studded! The 2018 Kids' Choice Awards were certainly a star-studded affair with Heidi Klum, Kat Graham, Tiffani Thiessen and Yara Shahidi making up just a handful of the talent on the orange carpet
The 2018 Kids' Choice Awards were certainly a star-studded affair with Heidi Klum, Kat Graham, Tiffani Thiessen and Yara Shahidi making up just a handful of the talent on the orange carpet.
John Cena will be returning as the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards host for the second year in a row.
Speaking about the honor, Cena said: 'It's a wonderful environment. I compare it to a WWE event where the show is absolutely 100 percent made for the audience. Being in front of a live audience for so long so many night in a row, I think it prepares you for the chaos of a live television production which is so, so fun'.
She rose to fame in 1993 after representing Sweden in the Miss World Beauty pageant.
And Victoria Silvstedt, 43, proved she is still the belle of the ball as she stepped out in an eye-catching beaded gown at the annual Rose Ball in Monte-Carlo, Monaco.
The sheer nude dress, embellished with thousands of tiny sequins and beads, was clinched around Victoria's waist highlighting her svelte frame.
Model looks: Victoria Silvstedt, 43 proved she is still the belle of the ball as she stepped out in an eye-catching beaded gown at the annual Rose Ball in Monte-Carlo, Monaco
The former Playboy model sported a shorter hairstyle and let her platinum tresses fall around her youthful face.
Victoria added yet more glitz to her outfit with a gold choker which also featured beaded detailing.
Her dewy skin looked radiant as Victoria kept her make-up simple, adding lashings of mascara and a pale glossy lip.
Swedish beauty: The sheer nude dress, embellished with thousands of tiny sequins and beads, was clinched around Victoria's waist highlighting her svelte frame
Ageless: Shirley Bassey, 81, also put on an age-defying display as she made an appearance at the ball in an eye-catching fluffy pink jacket
Shirley Bassey, 81, also put on an age-defying display as she made an appearance at the ball in an eye-catching fluffy pink jacket.
The Welsh powerhouse stunned in a sparkling star-studded gown which she accessorised with a pair of silver earrings.
Shirley added to her glam ensemble with a swipe of shimmering eye-shadow and a red lip.
Royalty: Princess Caroline of Hanover looked glowing in a pale pink outfit as she arrived at the ball next to fashion royalty Karl Lagerfeld.
Pretty in pink: The daughter of Grace Kelly added glitz to her frilly frock with a starfish-shaped jewelled necklace and a pair of pearl-dropped earrings
Signature style: Karl Lagerfeld donned his signature black suit and tie and statement sunglasses to the glamorous event
Princess Caroline of Hanover looked glowing in a pale pink outfit as she arrived at the ball next to fashion royalty Karl Lagerfeld.
The daughter of Grace Kelly added glitz to her frilly frock with a starfish-shaped jewelled necklace and a pair of pearl-dropped earrings.
She gave herself some added height with a pair of pink satin stilettos as she smiled for photographers.
Karl Lagerfeld donned his signature black suit and tie and statement sunglasses to the glamorous event.
Flowers for the princess: Princess Grace of Monaco created the Rose Ball in 1954 which is organised every year by the Monte-Carlo SBM group
Frills: Princess Caroline gave herself some added height with a pair of pink satin stilettos as she smiled for photographers
Exclusive event: The event is held in the prestigious Salle des Etoiles restaurant in the Sporting Monte-Carlo
Princess Grace of Monaco created the Rose Ball in 1954 which is organised every year by the Monte-Carlo SBM group.
The event is held in the prestigious Salle des Etoiles restaurant in the Sporting Monte-Carlo.
Currently presided by Prince Albert II and Princess Caroline of Hanover, the Rose Ball is a symbol of glamour.
It brings together the elite and international high society from across the globe and the proceeds of the charity event go to the The Princess Grace Foundation.
Guest of honour: Currently presided by Prince Albert II and Princess Caroline of Hanover, the Rose Ball is a symbol of glamour
She recently flaunted her enviable figure while holidaying with her boyfriend 'Muggy' Mike Thalassitis.
However Megan Mckenna has revealed that she is terrified of stripping off in public ahead of her upcoming Full Monty performance.
The 25-year-old hoped the performance would help her overcome her insecurity of being naked around anybody apart from Mike.
Baring all: Megan Mckenna has revealed that she is terrified of stripping off in public ahead of her Full Monty performance
The plan seems to have only increased her fears as she told the Sun on Sunday that she had been worrying about it since the day she signed up.
Megan had a practice rehearsal in front of her close friends and family in a bid to boost her confidence but all it did was make her more nervous.
She is now worried about how she will feel baring all in front of millions.
Facing her fears: The 25-year-old hoped the performance would help her over come her insecurity of being naked around anybody apart from Mike
Despite her idyllic break in Barbados initially being the perfect distraction Megan added that she was still stressing even while on holiday.
She said people think, because she is young and on Instagram, she should be fine with it, but she insisted she still has her insecurities.
Megan added: 'I've never done this before, I'm not a Page 3 model and I'm just not used to taking my clothes off in front of people.'
Insecurities: The plan only increased her fears she told the Sun on Sunday claiming she had been worrying about it since the day she signed up
Looking for support: Megan had a practice rehearsal in front of her close friends and family in a hope of boosting her confidence but all it did was make her more nervous
The TOWIE beauty refuses to get naked in front of her friends and said that she becomes a closed book, which has only worsened since she rose to fame.
Her confidence has been lifted by new beau Mike who she said is constantly telling her how beautiful she is which makes her feel sexy.
Former Celebrity Big Brother contestant Megan added that although her man loves all of her body his favourite parts are her bum and stomach.
Distraction technique: Despite her idyllic break in Barbados initially being the perfect distraction Megan added that she was still stressing even while on holiday
Part of Megan's fear stems from the fact she could face backlash after she appears on the show from 'harsh' fans who troll her.
Speaking on the issue Megan said: 'I've been told I have the body of a ten-year-old boy, which is nasty and spiteful.
'People say things like, "This girl has such small t*ts she should get a boob job."'
The trolling has previously reached extreme lengths when a boy got hold of her phone number and called her up to shout 'pancake t*ts' down the phone.
Insta influencer: She said that people have told her that because she is young and on Instagram she should be fine with it, but Megan insists she still has her insecurities
Although the TV personality is self-conscious about her breast size and has considered surgery she believes being natural is best for her.
Megan has admitted to having lip fillers for the past few years but claimed the allegations she has had a nose job are ridiculous.
The songstress will be performing alongside Liberty X star Michelle Heaton, 38, who had a preventative mastectomy in 2016 and TV presenter Victoria Derbyshire, 49, who has battled cancer and had a mastectomy in 2015.
Megan is appearing on the show in honour of her Grandad Roy Daden who died aged 77 from prostate cancer.
The Real Full Monty: Ladies Night screens on Thursday on ITV.
When it comes to working out, Ashley Graham doesn't take the easy option.
The 30-year-old model showed off the intense regimen she endures to keep in shape when she posted a video of herself in the gym on Saturday.
In the Instagram post, the Levi's model lifts weights while a woman sits atop her shoulders and works out with her own dumbbells.
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Work it! Ashley Graham, 30, showed off the kind of intense workout regimen she endures to keep in shape when she posted a video of herself in the gym on Saturday
The 5ft9.5 beauty is clad all in black for her intense workout.
The body activist slipped her shapely gams into a pair of full length leggings, while her upper half was clad in a T-shirt emblazoned with the word: 'DOGPOUND'.
Graham's wavy brunette tresses are held back in a pony tail and she is makeup free for the day of exercise.
More energy: In the Instagram post, the Levi's model lifts weights while a woman sits atop her shoulders and works out with her own dumbells
Happily married: The Target model has been married since 2010 to Justin Ervin, a videographer she met in a Christian church. Seen here earlier this month
The backstage host of Miss Universe 2017 shows off her raw strength as she lifts a bar carrying two heavy kettlebell weights - all while carrying a woman on her shoulders.
To make the exercise all the more difficult, the woman atop Ashley is lifting her own set of weights.
The Target model has been married since 2010 to Justin Ervin, a videographer she met in a Christian church.
Back in black: The 5'9 1/2" beauty is clad all in black for her intense workout
Lift for this: The body activist slipped her shapely gams into a pair of full length leggings, while her upper half was clad in a T-shirt emblazoned with the word: 'DOGPOUND'
'We are going to totally have kids,' Ashley told ET back in 2016.
'We are probably going to do it in the next few years. Just another part of my brand building!'
Ashley currently co-judges cycle 24 of Tyra Banks modeling competition America's Next Top Model airing Tuesdays on VH1 alongside image architect Law Roach and Paper creative director Drew Elliot.
The article quoted Hoang Binh Quan, member of the CPV Central Committee and head of the Committees Commission for External Affairs, as saying that Vietnams strategies to promote regional and global integration during over 30 years of Doi Moi (reform) have helped the country escape from underdevelopment to join the group of middle-income developing countries.
Vietnams position in the international arena has been raised and the country wishes to enhance relations with strategic partners and major countries for national security and development, he said.
Regarding Party leader Trongs official visit to France, member of the Party Central Committee Quan stated this is an important political event and is the first France visit by the highest Vietnamese leader in the past 13 years. The visit offers a chance for the two countries to review their cooperation, assess potential and map out orientations to foster their strategic partnership signed in 2013.
France is one of the leading trade partners of Vietnam in Europe, with two-way trade in 2017 reaching US$4.62 billion. France is now home to 7,000 Vietnamese students and postgraduates. Bilateral collaboration has been also promoted in the fields of culture, health, education-training, justice, administrative reform, customs and defence-security, along with decentralised cooperation.
According to the article, PCC member Quan also mentioned Frances assistance to Vietnam in addressing AO/dioxin-related issues, saying that overcoming consequences of the toxic chemical requires a great effort of Vietnam and support from the international community. Vietnam appreciates Frances cooperation in health research, with French researchers having organised symposiums on chemical products and serious consequences of AO/dioxin on human health since 1970.
Vietnam wants French experts to continue research on genetic mutations as well as treatments for victims of different generations, the official stressed.
Milla Jovovich and her third husband, Paul W. S. Anderson, brought their daughter Dashiel Edan to join the tens of thousands attending the March For Our Lives rally in downtown Los Angeles on Saturday.
The Kiev-born 42-year-old realized some might consider her hypocritical demanding 'common sense gun laws' since she's built her entire career on being a glamorous, gun-toting action star.
'People say i shouldnt speak about common sense gun laws because i use guns in my films. That my making violent films is partly responsible for the shooting epidemic in America today,' the Fifth Element alum - who boasts 9.3M social media followers - explained on Instagram Friday.
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Joined the tens of thousands attending: Milla Jovovich and her third husband, Paul W. S. Anderson, brought their daughter Dashiel Edan to the March For Our Lives rally in downtown Los Angeles on Saturday
Defended herself: The Kiev-born 42-year-old realized some might consider her hypocritical demanding 'common sense gun laws' since she's built her entire career on being a glamorous, gun-toting action star
'I know that many fans around the world watch my films and don't go pick up guns and use them in their classroom afterwards. It's only here that it happens.'
Jovovich (born Milica Jovovic) marched from Pershing Square to Grand Park while raising up a neon poster which read: 'Automatic weapons belong in the military not in schools!'
And while there was no sign of their 10-year-old daughter Ever Gabo, the 53-year-old Englishman cradled little Dashiel, who will celebrate her third birthday on April 1.
Unfortunately, Milla's second sign featured the the word amendment misspelled declaring: 'Slavery was also legal when the second ammendment was written.'
The Fifth Element alum explained on Instagram Friday: 'That my making violent films is partly responsible for the shooting epidemic in America today. I know that many fans around the world watch my films and don't go pick up guns and use them in their classroom afterwards. It's only here that it happens'
Jovovich (born Milica Jovovic) marched from Pershing Square to Grand Park while raising up a neon poster which read: 'Automatic weapons belong in the military not in schools!'
Celebrate her third birthday on April 1! And while there was no sign of their 10-year-old daughter Ever Gabo, the 53-year-old Englishman cradled little Dashiel
Unfortunately, Milla's second sign featured the the word amendment misspelled declaring: 'Slavery was also legal when the second ammendment was written'
'It was so beautiful and so powerful. I'm so happy I could be there!' the Toyota spokesmodel gushed after the event.
'I hope the students of Parkland are feeling proud today seeing the massive movement they have started. The energy today in downtown LA was electric. I felt so proud to march today with my family and our friends.'
The Robot Chicken guest star and her family were joined at the Everytown for Gun Safety demonstration by their friends Oly & Julia Obst as well as Glenwyn Irvine and several children.
Anderson - who's worked with his muse in seven films - penned a revision of Lionsgate sci-fi action thriller Hummingbird, which Milla begins filming this summer, according to Deadline.
The Toyota spokesmodel gushed: 'It was so beautiful and so powerful. I'm so happy I could be there! I hope the students of Parkland are feeling proud today seeing the massive movement they have started'
Jovovich added: 'The energy today in downtown LA was electric. I felt so proud to march today with my family and our friends'
Demonstrators: The Robot Chicken guest star and her family were joined by their friends Oly & Julia Obst as well as Glenwyn Irvine and several children
And on December 27, Jovovich wrapped her role as Nimue the Blood Queen in Neil Marshall's 2019 Hellboy with her 'favorite actors' David Harbour and Ian McShane.
In Lionsgate's demonic reboot, the Lip Sync Battle champ portrays a medieval British sorceress seeking to destroy humankind.
This year, the Zoolander 2 funnywoman has three films coming out - Rob Reiner's Iraq thriller Shock and Awe, James Franco's sci-fi flick Future World, and Alan Yuen's action flick The Rookies.
Due out next year! On December 27, the Lip Sync Battle champ wrapped her villainous role as Nimue the Blood Queen in Neil Marshall's Hellboy reboot with her 'favorite actors' David Harbour and Ian McShane
Noel Edmonds has revealed his thoughts on Ant McPartlin's embattled state following the TV presenter's drink-driving charge - which led him to check into rehab for a second time this week.
Hopeful that Ant will recover, the former Deal Or No Deal host, 69, suggested that the TV host, 42, should distance himself from the 'flippant people who pander to his ego' in a recent interview with The Sun.
Instead, the Telly Addicts star stated that the Britain's Got Talent presenter requires help and support from 'rock-solid people'.
Hope for recovery: Noel Edmonds suggested that the TV host, 42, should distance himself from the 'flippant people who pander to his ego' in a recent interview with The Sun (pictured June 2016)
The former BBC Radio 1 DJ continued: '[He should be surrounded by] people he respects and that speak with love', during this difficult time in his life.
'When you go to the darkest place, all reason and logic deserts you and you are very dependent on having good people around you.'
MailOnline has contacted Noel's representatives for comment.
Help: The Telly Addicts star stated that the Britain's Got Talent presenter requires consolation and support from 'rock-solid people' (pictured January 23)
Noel found himself in a dark place a decade ago, after his company Unique Group collapsed during a battle against HBOS - which was later taken over by Lloyds.
In an interview with The Mail On Sunday in September 2017, he confessed he nearly committed suicide as corrupt financiers plundered his fortune.
With a 300 million claim against Lloyds, he admitted: 'They drove my businesses into the ground and cost me my home, my marriage and very nearly my life as I was driven to the edge of suicide.'
Looking out: The former BBC Radio DJ stated that Ant should be surrounded by 'people he respects and that speak with love' during this difficult time (pictured September 2006)
Noel's suggestions come after it was revealed Dec will present Saturday Night Takeaway alone following Ant's drink-driving charge and subsequent return to rehab earlier this week.
The presenter initially checked into rehab in June last year for an addiction to painkillers.
The Newcastle native released a statement on Twitter earlier in the week, making the announcement. It read: 'Whilst I never thought I'd be in this position, after much discussion and careful consideration we've decided that the remaining two shows of this series of Saturday Night Takeaway will go ahead.
Former troubles: The embattled presenter initially checked into rehab in June last year for an addiction to painkillers
'We made a promise to take hundreds of deserving winners to Florida to watch the series finale, and we will honour that.
'Everyone at ITV and the Takeaway team feels we owe it to the audience to complete the series. Dec x.'
The likes of series regulars Stephen Mulhern and Scarlett Moffatt will be on hand to help, with rumours that Holly Willoughby or Cat Deeley could replace Ant for the finale duo of episodes, airing on March 31 and April 7 at 7PM.
They were Married At First Sight's golden couple who won over a legion of fans with what appeared to be their deeply held affection for each other.
But now, after confirming their split after weeks of speculation, bride Sarah Roza has broken her silence saying: 'I would not wish what happened to me on my worst enemy.'
The sassy redhead, 39, spoke about her ill-fated romance in a comment left on her celebrity medium pal Harry T's Instagram this weekend, appearing deeply wounded after her split.
'I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy': Married At First Sight bride Sarah Roza has offered a cryptic post in response to her break-up announcement to husband Telv Williams
'Ohhhh my darling Hazza... you are always there for me, thank you xx You know just how tough it's been for me for ages...' she wrote in a comment underneath a post about her on his page.
'I would not wish what happened to me on my worst enemy, it's just heartbreaking but I'm sure my heart will recover and I will love again,' she added.
Quickly becoming fan favourites on the show for their seemingly genuine affection, their relationship quickly became mired in a number of scandals earlier this month, involving husband Telv.
"It's been tough for me for ages": Sarah responded to a supportive post from her best friend, celebrity medium, Harry T
'I can't allow my innate standard to be compromised,': On Saturday night, Sarah said let fans know she and Telv had called it quits, following weeks of speculation
In a leaked e-mail, appearing to be from Telv to a Married At First Sight producer dated February 17, it slammed Sarah, revealing the father-of-two had blocked her number.
'Had a chat to Sarah... I have blocked her number and refuse to have anymore talks,' the father-of-two wrote.
'I wanted to try and get along strictly for publicity... I no longer want anything to do with this woman.'
'They were bored and decided to hire a stripper': Footage has surfaced of Married At First Sight contestant Telv Williams appearing to snort a line of white powder off a stripper's bottom
In another eyebrow-raising scandal, Daily Mail Australia obtained a number of leaked Facebook chat messages which saw Telv vow to 'thong some b**ch on TV' then going on to describe Sarah as 'my future ex-wife.'
'I just did a 30 minute Skype interview for Married At First Site (sic) ...I'm gunna thong some b**ch on national tv,' the usually polite groom boasted in a series of posts dated August 2017.
'Good laughs ahead hopefully... the wetty will be lit when I'm on.'
A shock scandal occurred again this month, a video surfaced showing Telv snorting an unidentified white powder off a stripper's behind, while holding two bags of the powder in his mouth.
Reported in Woman's Day magazine, an anonymous source told the publication: 'Telv wasn't at a bucks party in the video, he was hanging out at a mate's place. They were bored and decided to hire a stripper to party with.'
Claims: According to the Woman's Day article, Telv's alleged behaviour in the footage is 'nothing out of the ordinary' as he 'loves partying'
According to Woman's Day, Telv's alleged behaviour in the footage is apparently 'nothing out of the ordinary' as he 'loves partying'.
In an unrelated matter, Telv to assaulting a man during a violent street brawl in November 2002 in Portland, Victoria when he was just 18.
Court documents reveal he was charged with two counts of assault in company, and one each of assault by kicking, unlawful assault and affray.
He pleaded guilty to one count of assault in company and received a 12-month good behaviour bond and a $200 fine. No conviction was recorded and the other charges were dropped.
'I no longer want anything to do with this crazy woman': It comes after Daily Mail Australia published a leaked email sent by Telv to a MAFS producer that confirmed his split with Sarah
Controversy: In the email, Telv refers to his onscreen wife Sarah (right) as 'crazy' and claims to have blocked her number on his phone
Scandal prone: In an unrelated matter, Telv pleaded guilty to assaulting a man during a violent street brawl in November 2002 in Portland, Victoria when he was just 18
Former Miss World Australia winner Erin Holland led the Aussie A-list arrivals at the Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix, Heineken Saturday event in Melbourne.
The 28-year-old former beauty queen set hearts racing in a flirty frock as she was joined by Australian model Natalie Roser and a slate of VIP guests.
The dress code for Melbourne's must-attend-event was high-octane glamour and Erin certainly put the pedal to the metal in the fashion stakes.
Glamour on the grid! Erin Holland stuns in a flirty dress as she joins model Natalie Roser at Australian Grand Prix Heineken Saturday event in Melbourne
The statuesque model flaunted her trim pins in a Contessa dress by sought-after Australian brand, Pasduchas.
The statuesque model certainly pulled-off the print pairing of florals and black polka dots heavily featured on the dress.
The brunette beauty added a hint of va-va-voom to her feminine frock by donning a pair of ankle-length pale pink leather high-heeled boots.
High-octane glamour: The brunette beauty added a hint of va-va-voom to her feminine frock by donning a pair of ankle-length pale pink leather high-heeled boots
Feminine frock: The statuesque model certainly pulled-off the print pairing of florals and black polka dots heavily featured on the dress
Pretty in pink: The Far North Queensland beauty styled her luscious locks into soft curls while she kept her makeup palette light and bright by opting for strong brows, dewy skin and pink lips
She styled her luscious locks into soft curls while keeping her makeup palette youthful and bright by opting for strong brows, dewy skin and pink lips.
Meanwhile, her fellow model compatriot Natalie swapped her bikini for a racy red ensemble.
Glamour on the grid: Natalie Roser swapped her bikini for a racy red ensemble and neutral suede flats
The blonde beauty showed of her slender frame and bronzed stems in a figure-hugging knee-length dress.
The leggy model was built for comfort and for speed as she opted for neutral suede flats.
The Aussie beauties were grinning from ear to ear as they put on a leggy display for onlookers at the star-studded event.
Leggy display: The 28-year-old former beauty queen set hearts racing in a flirty frock as she was joined by Australian model Natalie Roser and a slate of VIP guests
Model behaviour: The Aussie beauties were grinning from ear to ear as they engaged in idle chit-chat at the star-studded event
At one stage during the exclusive event, Erin and Australian actor and comedian, Ash Williams cuddled up to one another.
The funnyman was all smiles as he posed alongside the genetically blessed beauty queen.
Formula fun: At one stage during the exclusive event, Erin and Australian actor and comedian, Ash Williams cuddled up to one another
Elsewhere, Florence Alexander stepped out at the Australian Grand Prix event ahead of the highly anticipated premiere of the Bachelor In Paradise on Sunday evening.
The reality TV star donned a boho-chic ensemble, consisting of a pair of black frayed daisy dukes, a blue blouse and a gold-studded belt.
The blonde beauty capped off her offbeat outfit by donning a pair of black knee-high boots.
The reality TV star donned a boho-chic ensemble, consisting of a pair of black frayed daisy dukes, a blue blouse and a gold-studded belt
The Bachelor In Paradise contestant posed alongside fellow Bachelor alumni, Lisa Carlton.
The Bachelor reject certainly added some glamour to the grid as she donned a pair of white, high-waisted flared trousers and a plunging, mid-riff baring floral blouse.
The leggy beauty left her blonde mane to hang loosely by her shoulders and added a simple clutch bag to complete her look.
Reality TV alumni: The Bachelor In Paradise contestant posed alongside fellow bachelor alumni, Lisa Carlton
Va-va-voom: The Bachelor reject certainly added some glamour to the grid as she donned a pair of white, high-waisted flared trousers and a plunging, mid-riff baring floral blouse
She's just jetted into Australia with husband Joel Madden, and their two young children.
And on Sunday, American socialite and designer, Nicole Richie, 36, was spotted enjoying a day out on Sydney Harbour with her man and his twin brother, Benji.
Nicole showcased her slim figure on the day, wearing a backless black costume and tiny denim shorts, with her swimsuit revealing her faded angel wing tattoos and unusual circular marks on her back.
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What's on Nicole's back? Richie reveals unusual circle marks and a set of faded angel wing tattoos as she enjoys a day on Sydney Harbour in a swimsuit and TINY ripped shorts
The marks on Nicole's back could be a result of cupping therapy - an alternative treatment where suction from the cups are believed to help the body with circulation and healing.
Nicole went makeup free on the outing, and had her short blonde locks tied back and off her face into a neat bun.
The former Simple Life star wore aviator shades and carried a Goyard bag.
Relaxed: Nicole went makeup free on the outing, and had her short blonde locks tied back and off her face into a neat bun
Treatment marks? The marks on Nicole's back could be a result of cupping therapy - an alternative treatment where suction from the cups are believed to help the body with circulation and healing
Ready for a day on the harbour: Nicole, Joel (seen) and Benji were seen hopping on a small black boat which took them from the wharf to a yacht
Nicole, Joel and Benji were seen hopping on a small black boat which took them from the wharf to a yacht.
Good Charlotte stars Joel and Benji were spotted wearing all-black and caps and sunglasses.
Good Charlotte have been performing a string of shows in Australia and will play a show in Sydney at the Hordern Pavilion on Monday.
Their trademark! Good Charlotte stars Joel and Benji were spotted wearing all-black and caps and sunglasses
Rock on: Good Charlotte have been performing a string of shows in Australia and will play a show in Sydney at the Hordern Pavilion on Monday
Tour life: They will then head to Brisbane for a show on Wednesday
They will then head to Brisbane for a show on Wednesday.
Joel and his family are familiar with Sydney, after the musician filmed four seasons of Channel Nine's The Voice Australia in the city.
It's unclear whether Joel and Benji will appear as guests on the new series.
Like locals: Joel and his family are familiar with Sydney, after the musician filmed four seasons of Channel Nine's The Voice Australia in the city
Filming a segment? It's unclear whether Joel and Benji will appear as guests on the new series
They spent the morning lending their voices to a powerful movement.
But Kendall Jenner, 22, and Hailey Baldwin, 21, seemed to be in need of refreshments as they stopped by the Little Beach House in Malibu, Calif. on Saturday afternoon.
The supermodels were spotted leaving the celebrity hot-spot in Kendall's black Ferrari, just hours after marching through the streets of downtown Los Angeles during the March For Our Lives event.
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Friends! Kendall Jenner, 22, and Hailey Baldwin, 21, seemed to be in need of refreshments as they stopped by the Little Beach House in Malibu, Calif. on Saturday afternoon
Kendall rocked a 90s-inspired ensemble complete with wide-legged cream pants and a white T-shirt with a large red print across the front.
She slicked back her short raven-hued hair into a low ponytail with a tiny pair of dark sunglasses covering her eyes.
Hailey looked equally as comfortable sporting an over-sized grey sweatshirt as a dress, paired with white trainers.
Nice ride! The supermodels were spotted leaving the celebrity hot-spot in Kendall's black Ferrari, just hours after marching through the streets of downtown Los Angeles during the March For Our Lives event
Throwback: Kendall rocked a 90s-inspired ensemble complete with wide-legged cream pants and a white T-shirt with a large red print across the front
Cute: Hailey looked equally as comfortable sporting an over-sized grey sweatshirt as a dress, paired with white trainers
The last time we saw her marching was in her much-derided and swiftly pulled, 2017 Pepsi advertisement.
But this time Kendall Jenner had a serious political statement to make, as she wore a denim jacket with an anti-Donald Trump slogan in Los Angeles on Saturday.
The model rocked an image of the commander in chief with the slogan He Ain't My President as she joined Hailey Baldwin in the March For Our Lives rally.
Dressed down: She slicked back her short raven-hued hair into a low ponytail with a tiny pair of dark sunglasses covering her eyes
Marching along! Kendall Jenner, 20, joined Hailey Baldwin in the March For Our Lives rally in Los Angeles on Saturday
Shout out: The model, 22, rocked an image of the commander in chief with the slogan God Save Us... He Ain't My President as she joined the March For Our Lives rally
Backlash: The short film was accused of trivializing civil rights and political protests as she was seen making the peace with a can of fizzy drink
Kendall has not had the best of luck with political statements in the past, following the backlash from her infamous Pepsi advertisement.
The short film was accused of trivializing civil rights and political protests as she was seen making the peace with a can of the fizzy drink.
But this time round, it seems Kendall has a genuine point to make.
She and Hailey were joined by Jaden Smith at the march that was organized after the Parkland, Florida high school shooting that left 17 dead on February 14.
Rare view: She rarely shows her political side
Impressive: Daring to impress, the Keeping Up With The Kardashian star looked casual chic in a white tee and and cream pants
Hair story: Her trademark tresses were pulled back in a messy ponytail as loose tendrils brushed her petite shoulders
While the West Coasters did their thing in LA, Kendall's sister Kim Kardashian joined the throng on the streets of Washington.
The Washington D.C. rally featured a group of entertainers - including Ariana Grande, Miley Cyrus, and Jennifer Hudson - that performed for the crowd.
'We're fighting for change and love and safety and for our future. I love you all so much,' the Ariana told the crowd after her rousing rendition of Be Alright.
And Miley got the crowd to sing along with her captivating The Climb performance.
Paired: She paired the revolutionary style with a set of white and red Adidas sneakers and a set of retro shades
Shiny strut: Hailey rocked a pair of black shiny leggings
Leather additions: Hailey rocked a black leather jacket as well
Two peas in a pod: They both rocked retro shades and new sneakers
LA mayor Eric Garcetti compared the moment to the civil rights movement, adding: 'It's time to protect kids and not protect guns.'
Some 800 other events are being held around the world, with the main Washington DC march as the one that students hope will finally force congress to change gun laws.
More than 500,000 people were expected at the main rally in the country's capital, which began at noon on Pennsylvania Avenue between 3rd street and 12th street NW but large crowds had already formed by 8:30 a.m.
The global event has been orchestrated by the survivors of the Parkland massacre in Florida on February 14.
Action since the 17 students and staff members killed in the attack has so far seen tens of thousands stage school walkouts and has thrust the gun debate into the national consciousness.
Signage: Kendall carried a March For Our Lives banner
Crowd: Kendall and Hailey were among a large crowd for the rally
Slogan time: Hailey wore a MFOL black hoodie
Friendly support:They were joined by Jaden Smith in support of the march that was organized after the Parkland, Florida high school shooting that left 17 dead on February 14
Dedicated: Kendall and Hailey both made sure their voices were heard as they marched among thousands of activists
She had pal Heidi Klum help her rinse off the green slime after getting covered in the goop during the Kids' Choice Awards.
And once she was cleaned up, Mel B was out on the town, heading to dinner with her daughters Pheonix, Angel and Madison as well as ex Stephen Belafonte's daughter Giselle.
The 42-year-old star was pictured arriving at Boa Steakhouse in West Hollywood wearing a figure hugging jeweled catsuit.
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Girls night: Mel B hit the town with her three daughters Angel, Phoenix and Madison as well as her ex Stephen Belafonte's daughter Giselle on Saturday
Clean up crew! The singer had a little help from pal Heidi Klum to rinse of the green slime from
In a Twitter post shared by Klum, 44, the America's Got Talent judges squeezed into a shower together to remove all the slime from the awards show.
'Clean up crew' Heidi captioned the photo which showed her with the shower head pointed down on Mel.
Earlier in the day the Spice Girl was a doting mom as she brought her children along to the Kids' Choice Awards at The Forum in Inglewood, California.
She wowed the crowd wearing a sparkling sheer jumpsuit while posing with her girls on the orange carpet.
Covered: The duo got totally slimed at the awards show on Saturday at The Forum
Worked up an appetite: The Spice Girl was all smiles as she headed to Boa Steakhouse with her girls
Shady lady: The star wore some funky angular sunglasses
Underwear on show: Mel looked amazing in the glittery catsuit which she teamed with silver heels
Protective: Giselle took care of the littlest, Madison, six, by holding her hand
Red carpet divas: Earlier Mel B played the role of doting mother as she brought her children along to the Kids' Choice Awards at The Forum in Inglewood, Calif. on Saturday afternoon
Mel's fit figure was on full display in the skin-tight jumpsuit emblazoned with thousands of sparkling studs.
The long-sleeved, high-neck number was worn with black undergarments and paired with shiny silver heels.
She kept a pair of sunglasses over her eyes and slicked back her long chestnut-colored hair into tight bun.
Daughter Pheonix Chi, 19, showed off her toned tummy wearing a white crop top paired with baby blue joggers.
Cute: The 42-year-old songstress wowed the crowd wearing a sparkling sheer jumpsuit while posing with her three kids on the orange carpet, as ex Stephen Belafonte's daughter Giselle joined the family
Wow! Mel's fit figure was on full display in the skin-tight jumpsuit emblazoned with thousands of sparkling studs
She added another shade of blue to her ensemble with a darling leather jacket as she stood beside her mother.
Angel Murphy Brown, 10, glistened in a short grey and pink sequined jersey dress paired with metallic sneakers.
Her youngest daughter, Madison Brown, six, looked lovely wearing a billowing white dress with adorable polka dots.
Joining the group was Giselle Belafonte, 13, the daughter of her ex-husband Stephen.
Shades: She kept a pair of sunglasses over her eyes and slicked back her long chestnut-colored hair into tight bun
Sparkling: The long-sleeved, high-neck number was worn with black undergarments and paired with shiny silver heels
He recently accused the Spice Girl of lying about the origin of injuries, suggesting she covered up her wounds sustained as a result of her addiction by claiming they occurred at his hands.
In new legal documents filed by Stephen in order to obtain visitation rights for stepdaughter Angel, the film producer claims Mel lied about domestic violence in order to turn her daughter against him, according to TMZ.
Phoenix (whose father is Jimmy Gulzar) and her younger sisters Angel (whose father is Eddie Murphy) and Madison (whose father is Stephen) have been directly mentioned in the documents, with claims about violence that took place in front of them, in the home.
Stephen cites an incident which occurred in 2014 in London, in which Mel claimed he had slammed her head against a door.
In February, Mel B was delighted to be in the charming company of her former band mates from her Spice Girls days ahead of their hotly anticipated reunion.
Family: Her daughters Phoenix, 19, Angel, 10, and Madison, six, smiled alongside ex Stephen Belafonte's daughter Giselle, 13
Bachelor in Paradise stars - and rumoured lovers - Apollo Jackson and Laurina Fleure attended the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Melbourne on Sunday.
The pair, who are rumoured to have enjoyed a fling while filming the reality dating series in Fiji, looked very cosy as they arrived at the event.
Their co-star and Bachelorette alumni Jarrod Woodgate joined the pair and looked somewhat awkward as he stood next to the two to pose for photographs.
Third wheel! Bachelor in Paradise stars - and rumoured lovers - Apollo Jackson and Laurina Fleure attend Formula 1 Grand Prix in Melbourne
The three joined the likes of Elyse Knowles, Marcia Hines, DJ Havana Brown and Mick Fanning at Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit.
Laurina, 34, looked stunning in a fitted floral dress.
Its beige material was peppered with blue, white and green detail, which really made her freshly sunbaked skin pop.
Carrying a small handbag with a chain handle and wearing strappy sandals in the same hue, she kept her accessories simple wearing a watch and gold earrings as well as a thin gold bracelet.
Three's company? Bachelorette alumni Jarrod Woodgate joined Laurina and Apollo for photos and looked somewhat awkward as he stood next to the two to pose for photographs
Apollo, 24, looked smart yet casual in a pair of grey trousers and a black shirt.
Leaving his top two buttons unfastened, he matched his belt and suede shoes to his shirt.
An item? Claims arose that Laurina and Apollo enjoyed a fling while filming Bachelor in Paradise in Fiji, which is set to hit screens this Sunday
A suited and booted Jarrod joined in the rumoured couple's fun for the day.
Wearing a double-breasted, plaid suit he looked every inch the millionaire vineyard manager - although his pose, half a metre away from Laurina with a fixed smile, was slightly awkward.
Claims arose that Apollo and Laurina enjoyed a fling while filming Bachelor in Paradise in Fiji, which is set to hit screens this Sunday.
Apollo is a lucky man! Laurina appeared on a special episode of Family Feud during which host Grant Denyer dropped a few hints at romance between her and Apollo
During a Bachelor-themed Family Feud episode on Monday evening, Jarrod Woodgate, Michael Turnbull, Davey Lloyd and Apollo Jackson went face to face with Laurina Fluere, Tara Pavlovic, Lisa Hyde and Florence Alexandra.
Throughout the episode, show host Grant Denyer dropped a few hints about a number of hot and heavy romances on the Fijian island namely, Apollo and Laurina.
During a brief chat with Laurina about what she's looking for in a partner, the model responded: 'OK, I want a man who's spiritual, compassionate, caring, affectionate, gentle, loving, tall, dark, and handsome'
Following her statement, the camera panned to Apollo, leaving fans suspicious about a potential Fijian fling.
want a man who's spiritual, compassionate, caring, affectionate, gentle, loving, tall, dark, and handsome' Laurina has made no secret of what she's looking for in a man
Later during the show, Grant asked Apollo if he's still sleeping in a single bed.
To which Apollo replied: 'No, no!'
Apollo continued to share that following his heartbreak and departing the Bachelor Mansion on Sophie Monk's season, he hasn't been dating anyone else.
'I've just been sort of focusing on family and career and I went travelling for a bit,' he said.
Celebrities and A-listers alike flocked to Melbourne on Sunday for the annual extravaganza that is the Grand Prix.
And gracing the red carpet during the famed event, Bachelor and Bachelorette favourites were seen taking their media wall snaps to elevated levels.
First in line, the recent many-a-wedding-goer couple Georgia Love and Lee Elliott switched up their ordinary paparazzi snap for a playful pash.
Sultry in stripes! Gracing the red carpet at the Melbourne Grand Prix on Sunday, Bachelorette couple Georgia Love and Lee Elliot packed on the PDA
The television reporter opted for a joyful striped dress in an array of silky orange, green, pale blue and magenta hues.
Sitting off her shoulder, the 70s-inspired dress stood as Georgia's statement piece.
Keeping her hair in signature beached waves, the Pancare Foundation ambassador kept her makeup neutral, adding rust and rose hues to her lips and cheek area.
Army of kisses! Next in line saw the most recent Bachelor couple, also sprinkling a touch of PDA to their media wall moment
Her 29-year-old plumber counterpart was snapped also in a vertical striped white shirt, worn atop a pair of white skinny jeans.
Next in line saw the most recent Bachelor couple, also sprinkling a touch of PDA atop their media wall moment.
Matching in white tops and navy blue bottoms, Matty J and Laura Bryne were hands-on while cosying up for their shot.
That's a new pose! Also matching in white tops and navy blue bottoms, Matty J and Laura Bryne were hands-on while cosying up for their shot
The Sydney based couple looked causal chic, with Laura adding a pop of colour to her otherwise nautical look in the way of orange-hued mule slides.
Keeping her hair down and dishevelled, the beauty opted for sweet touches of dusty pink across her lips and cheeks to complete her look.
Matty J was ever-cool while donning a khaki bomber jacket, while keeping his white polo shirt untucked atop his ankle-rolled dark denim jeans.
Also in attendance saw other famed Australian personalities, including the likes of Bachelor stars Jarrod Woodgate, Laurina Fleure and Apollo Jackson, Elyse Knowles, Brooke Meredith and Mick Fanning, Osher Gunsberg, Scotty James and Ivy Miller.
Also in attendance: Brooke Meredith and Mick Fanning graced the media wall while dressed to the nines at Melbourne's annual car racing event
Ahead of the drama! Bachelor stars Jarrod Woodgate, Laurina Fleure and Apollo Jackson also showed face ahead of the dramatic season premiere on Sunday
Rumoured couple? Laurina Fleure and Apollo Jackson cuddled up for snaps, following a romance rumours ahead of Bachelor in Paradise
What can't she do? Elyse Knowles dazzled in a vintage-inspired jumpsuit while beaming from ear-to-ear at the event
Happy in love! Bachelor in Paradise host Osher Gunsberg attended the event with his wife Audrey Griffen
Since rising to fame as The X Factor's third winner in 2006, she's spent a considerable amount of time living in Los Angeles.
And Leona Lewis revealed that she felt compelled to count herself among the hundreds of thousands of people who stepped out across the US for the March For Our Lives anti-gun violence rallies on Saturday.
Standing before a heaving crowd of fellow protesters gathered in downtown Los Angeles, the 32-year-old London native added a British voice to the event - and revealed her own experience with gun violence.
Standing in solidarity: Leona Lewis threw her support behind the March For Our Lives anti-gun violence rally in Los Angeles on Saturday
The Bleeding Love hitmaker, who was was forced to back out of a scheduled performance at the event after falling ill, said: 'Nothing was going to stop me from coming here and using my voice to support these incredible and inspiring young students, showing such bravery at a time of such indescribable sorrow.
'Their strength in pushing for real change to end the atrocious gun violence in this country is why I stand here today to support them, side by side and hand in hand to say, enough.
'I was personally touched by gun violence several years ago when a 17-year-old boy was shot and killed in my community. I witnessed the devastation this caused his family and us his peers.'
Voices: The British beauty joined local student Rachel Iribe, who she introduced on stage
She continued: 'I spend much of my time in this country and, although I may not be a citizen, I want you to know that the UK hears you. And today at the US Embassy in London there were protests.
'We hear you and we stand with you, because being saved from gun violence is a right that everyone deserves. And I ask that we all raise our voices together to stand up and say, no more.'
She then welcomed 'amazing' local student Rachel Iribe to the stage, after crediting her with being one of the organisers of the march.
Experience: The 32-year-old London native spoke about her own experience with gun violence
Following her appearance at the event, Leona took to her Instagram account to share a clip of her speech and a series of photographs of herself taking to the streets in a T-shirt emblazoned with the words 'March For Our Lives Los Angeles'.
She wrote: 'So inspired by all of the students who came out and raised their voices against gun violence today.
'I was supposed to sing at the protest but came down with a cold, still nothing could stop me from being there to support this incredibly impassioned youth led rally! These young people are the future and protecting them should be our highest priority.
Snapshot: After making a speech, she took to Instagram to shares shots of herself at the event
Flags: The Bleeding Love hitmaker and her pal waved March For Our Lives flags at the rally
'It was beautiful and awe inspiring to witness everyone coming together to uplift the message of putting an end to gun violence. Thank you for having me, I stand with you #endgunviolence.'
The star's boyfriend Dennis Jauch also shared the same images on his own account as he gushed of her efforts: 'I just love this woman so much. You stand up for the voiceless, fight for equality & support our youth.
'You inspire me to be a better human. Make sure you go and support @marchforourlives to fight for better gun laws.'
California dreaming: The star has spent a considerable amount of time in Los Angeles since soaring to fame following her successful stint on The X Factor in 2006
The main event was held in Washington, DC, but another 800 events took place around the world in cities such as New York City, Seattle, San Francisco, Portland, Las Vegas, Indianapolis, Chicago, Houston, Denver, Pittsburgh, Boston, Miami, Atlanta, Nashville and other areas.
Globally, events were held in Paris, London, Berlin, Sydney, Mumbai, Tokyo.
The devastating February 14 mass shooting at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida - in which 17 people were killed by Nikolas Cruz - served as the catalyst for the event, which was attended by students of the school.
The teens were joined by a raft of stars including George and Amal Clooney, who donated $500,000 to the event, Jimmy Fallon, Steven Spielberg, Ariana Grande and Miley Cyrus. Performers on the day included Andra Day and Jennifer Hudson.
PM Phuc gave an order to kick-start the construction of the VND12 trillion (US$528 million) plant at an investment promotion conference in Quang Nam province in 2017.
After one year, the first phase of the project was completed with half of the designed capacity of 100,000 units per year.
Covering an area of 30.3ha at the Chu Lai Open Economic Zone, the plant is equipped with cutting-edge technologies, meeting global standards of Japans Mazda Group.
Also on March 25, Thaco inaugurated the international shipping route linking Chu Lai and Japan, and welcomed the first vessel transporting automobile spare parts and equipment from Japans Hiroshima prefecture to the Chu Lai Port in order to serve Thaco Mazda factorys production.
Thaco inaugurates the international shipping route linking Chu Lai and Japan in Quang Nam on March 25. (Photo: NDO)
Tran Ba Duong, Thaco Chairman, said the group plans to build another wharf and has invested VND600 billion in expanding the arterial road from the Chu Lai Port to Da Nang-Quang Ngai Expressway, and building a double-decker roundabout interchange between National Highway 1A, the North-South railway, and the arterial road.
PM Phuc said that the event marks the development of not only Thaco but also Quang Nam province.
He lauded cooperation between Mazda and Thaco over the past time, saying that the collaboration has contributed to the Vietnam-Japan relationship.
Vietnam encourages the development of the auto industry, he said, adding that the Government will devise policies to ensure equality between locally-made automobiles and imported ones.
The leader asked Thaco to roll out a specific plan to operate the plant effectively and safely, meeting demands of both domestic and foreign markets.
He also called on Japans Mazda Group to continue transfer technologies to Thaco, especially the production of components, and support the company in completing the second phase of the project as scheduled.
ITV have pledged their allegiance to Ant and Dec after rumours swirled they were set to be replaced on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!
The Daily Star reported that ITV bosses were set to axe Ant and Dec from the upcoming series of I'm A Celebrity and were looking for fresh talent to replace them, following Ant McPartlin's arrest and subsequent charge for drink-driving.
However an ITV spokesman told MailOnline the duo will never be replaced, saying: 'It is utter nonsense to suggest that Ant and Dec are set to be replaced on Im A Celebrity.
Denied: ITV have pledged their allegiance to Ant and Dec after rumours swirled they were set to be replaced on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!
A spokesman for Ant and Dec also denied the claims
This comes reports that staff on the hit show were fearful the next series would be scrapped due to Ant, 42, going into rehab, and that producers had concerns over Declan Donnelly, 42, presenting solo.
A source said that a lot of crew members were 'in tears' over the uncertainty but that bosses had reassured them the show would go ahead 'no matter what'.
Rehab: The Daily Star reported that ITV bosses were set to axe Ant and Dec from the upcoming series of I'm A Celebrity and were looking for fresh talent to replace them, following Ant McPartlin's arrest and subsequent charge for drink-driving (pictured in January 2018)
The source told the publication: 'There's a very real possibility that Ant won't be available to present the next series of the jungle.
'While Ant and Dec are a big part of the show, they aren't bigger than the show. They are confident it would still work without them.
'If their return is going to be a problem, producers aren't afraid to axe them from the format and get new presenters in.'
Fan favourites:However an ITV spokesman told MailOnline the duo will never be replaced, saying: 'It is utter nonsense to suggest that Ant and Dec are set to be replaced on Im A Celebrity'
Ant and Dec have fronted the hit reality show filmed in Australia since its first series in 2002, and have become firm fixtures over 17 series.
This comes amid claims Dec Donnelly and his wife Ali Astall are reportedly expecting their first child.
According to The Sun, the pair, who wed in 2015, are 'delighted to be expecting - especially since they have been trying for some time.'
It is alleged that the couple first learnt they were pregnant soon after Dec left the Australian jungle after the last series of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Oh Here! finished in December.
Hit: Ant and Dec have fronted the hit reality show filmed in Australia since its first series in 2002, and have become firm fixtures over 17 series (pictured with series 17 winner Georgia Toffolo)
Fan outrage: Fans flocked to social media to voice their outrage at the rumours
Fury! Fans have been tweeting their anger amid rumours the pair would be dropped from ITV's hugely popular show
'They have been keeping the pregnancy a closely guarded secret, but now that Ali is safely over 12 weeks, they are starting to let people know,' it is claimed of the happy news, with the source quickly adding that they have told 'key people at ITV'.
Ali has reportedly told her close colleagues and will be stepping away from work commitments to 'look after herself' and to enjoy an 'easy' pregnancy.
'They have both always wanted a family but worried that it might not happen for them.'
A representative for Dec and Ali refused to comment on the claims when approached by MailOnline.
Ant - who split from wife Lisa Armstrong earlier this year after 11 years of marriage - was arrested and charged for a drink drive incident over the weekend and has since made the quick decision to return to rehab earlier this week.
One onlooker, Jake Spencer, said the Britain's Got Talent star was argumentative towards cops when they tried to put him in a police car after he failed a breath test.
He told The Sun newspaper: 'Ant looked in a right state and was acting argumentatively toward a policewoman. I couldn't believe it when I saw who it was.
'The woman was trying to arrest him and get him in the police car but he clearly wasn't having it. He was not making it easy for her and he seemed to be trying to wriggle out of her clutches. He was not in a good way.
'Eventually she got him in the police car. There were about six or seven police cars in total.'
It is thought Ant veered into the wrong lane after coming round a sharp bend, hitting a green Mini before crashing into a BMW X5. A three-year-old girl was taken to hospital to be checked over as a precautionary measure.
She has already been linked to her Bachelor In Paradise co-star Jake Ellis, amid claims she's the contestant most likely to get engaged.
And Tara Pavlovic appeared to confirm rumours that she's now dating Jake, 31, as she said he was 'smiling and winking' at her while she was doing an interview.
The Queensland native, 28, dropped another hint as she dished that they had 'lots of ups and downs' in Fiji but came out of the show 'strong'.
'He's smiling and winking at me now!' Tara Pavlovic appeared to confirm rumours that she's now dating Jake Ellis, 31, as she said he was 'smiling and winking' at her while she was doing an interview
'Hes here now. Were doing publicity together. Hes smiling at me, winking at me. Hes so cute,' she told Marie Claire.
She added: 'Hes a nice guy, hes really friendly. Everyone loves Jake.'
The nanny explained that the duo didn't have an easy journey on Bachelor In Paradise.
'Jake and I had a rollercoaster ride in Fiji. Lots of ups and downs for us but we came out strong,' the Bachelor star revealed.
Hmm: The Queensland native, 28, dropped another hint as she dished that they had 'lots of ups and downs' in Fiji but came out of the show 'strong'
What a tease! She refused to say if they are together, however, teasing: 'Youll have to wait and see. I cant confirm or deny'
She refused to say if they are together, however, teasing: 'Youll have to wait and see. I cant confirm or deny.'
It comes after the Gold Coast native revealed what she's looking for in a man - and her answer may surprise you.
Speaking to BW on Saturday, the 28-year-old said she goes for 'ordinary' Australian blokes who wear 'high vis' to work.
'I want an ordinary guy!' Bachelor In Paradise's Tara Pavlovic reveals her perfect man wears 'high-vis and buys ready meals from Woolies because he can't cook'
'The kind of guy I go for is in his high-vis at Woolies,' Tara said.
'(He's) picking up a meal you can just heat up because he doesn't know how to cook.'
Tara explained that she isn't attracted to men who are obsessed with their physical appearance.
'Masking insecurity': Tara explained that she isn't attracted to men who are obsessed with their physical appearance
Ahead of the premiere on Sunday, Sportsbet has named Tara as the most likely contestant to get engaged during the show.
The bookmakers' odds will come as a surprise to fans, who are expecting that Jarrod Woodgate will propose to Keira Maguire.
Sportsbet has correctly identified the Bachelor and Bachelorette winners for the last three years in a row.
Not Keira and Jarrod? Ahead of the premiere on Sunday, Sportsbet has named Tara as the most likely contestant to get engaged during the show
On Friday, all signs pointed to Jake Ellis being Tara's most likely suitor.
In February, Woman's Day also linked Tara to Samual Cochrane, claiming that the paid had bonded at a 'bogan-themed party'.
Bachelor in Paradise Sunday at 7.30pm on Network Ten
Coming soon! Bachelor in Paradise Sunday at 7.30pm on Network Ten
They share a passion for all things glamorous and rarely step out before TOWIE cameras without being pulling out all the sartorial stops.
So it came as no surprise that Georgia Kousoulou, 26, and Chloe Sims, 35, counted themselves among the numerous well-heeled guests who were in attendance at billionaire Umar Kamani's 30th birthday bash in Cheshire on Saturday night.
The reality TV beauties wowed in figure-hugging gowns as they stepped out for the exclusive Oscars-themed event, which was held at the PrettyLittleThing.com founder's sprawling mansion.
Lifestyles of the rich and famous: Chloe Sims, left, and Georgia Kousoulou, right, attended billionaire Umar Kamani's 30th birthday bash in Cheshire on Saturday night
Chloe stepped out in an full-length ivory gown, which featured a single sleeve and cutout feature, running from the side of her torso to the width of her back.
Standing tall in strappy heels, she wore her ombre tresses in Old Hollywood waves with a centre-parting, while a generous serving of makeup added an extra touch of pizzazz to her eye-catching look.
Meanwhile, her TOWIE co-star turned heads in a plunging black camisole minidress, which featured a side bow and allowed her to show off her toned and tanned legs.
Turning heads: The pair caught the eye as they walked the red carpet in figure-hugging gowns
Black to basics: Chloe turned heads in a plunging black camisole minidress, which featured a side bow and allowed her to show off her toned and tanned legs
In the details: Standing tall in strappy heels, she accessorised with a watch, bracelet and rings
Ivory gown: Chloe stepped out in an full-length ivory gown, which featured a single sleeve and cutout feature, running from the side of her torso to the width of her back
Tress-ed to impress: She wore her ombre tresses in Old Hollywood waves with a centre-parting, while a generous serving of makeup added an extra touch of pizzazz to her look
With her ombre locks coiffed to perfection in a sleek, bone-straight style, she followed her pal's lead with an application of bold makeup that included bright red lipstick, a deep blush and lashings of mascara.
Inside the bash, they were joined by a host of familiar faces, including Georgia's boyfriend Tommy Mallett and fellow TOWIE star James Argent.
Also in attendance were Richard Blackwood, Dean Gaffney and his girlfriend Rebekah Ward, and Mario, who performed on the night for the raucous crowd.
Chloe took to her Instagram account to document the fun-filled stay, including their train ride up north from London and their subsequent night at the bash.
Strike a pose: Chloe posed up a storm as she took to the red carpet at the exclusive gathering
Back to back: While their dresses were very different, each star opted to go for backless gowns
Hair we go again: Georgia's ombre locks fell beyond her shoulders in a bone-straight style
Special guest: Their TOWIE co-star James Argent, left, was also on hand for the celebration, posing for a snapshot with billionaire birthday boy Umar Kamani, right
On the list: Georgia's beau and TOWIE co-star Tommy Mallett, right, was also in attendance
Birthday boy Umar, whose actual birthday fell on Wednesday, is one of the world's youngest billionaires, with an estimated net worth of 1.05billion.
Umar and his brother Adam co-founded PrettyLittleThing.com in 2014, after seeing the success of their father Mahmud Kamani's fashion firm Boohoo.com.
A number of stars from TOWIE - including Chloe and Georgia - have modelled for Umar's brand, with some also getting their own capsule collections.
Georgia and Chloe have spent the past few days partying together and were seen attending the launch of SOSU by Suzanne Jackson's false eyelash range at Spring Restaurant in London on Friday.
Couple: Actor Dean Gaffney, 40, attended with his glam 24-year-old girlfriend Rebekah Ward
Beau: Coronation Street's Brooke Vincent stepped out with her footballer beau Kean Bryan
Stepping out in style: Attendees pulled out all the sartorial stops for the glamorous gathering
Growing family: Actor Adam Thomas showed off his flair for fashion as he arrived with his radiant wife Caroline, who is expecting their second child together
Hollywood theme: The lavish celebratory gathering was given a Hollywood and Oscars theme
Georgia's outing came after she revealed that she initially regretted having her nose done, saying she was left devastated when cruel trolls taunted her for looking like Michael Jackson.
The ITVBe star, who always 'hated' her natural nose, said she is now finished with surgery following the rhinoplasty in November 2017 and wants nothing else done.
'I remember crying to my my mum, saying, "Oh my God! Have I done the right thing? Have I changed my face?"' she told new magazine.
She went on to say: 'Those first few weeks were the worst. I was like, "Oh my God, what have I done?" After surgery, you do feel like, "Have I ruined myself?"
The lads: The birthday boy posed for a snap with US singer Mario, who performed on the night
Wealthy: Umar is one of the world's youngest billionaires, with an estimated fortune of 105B
Suits you: Not to be outdone, the many of the male guests came to the event suited and booted
Taking the plunge: Tanya Bardsley wore a deeply plunging green dress as she arrived at the gathering with her dapper footballer husband Phil
Casually cool: Boxer Chris Eubank Jr looked casually cool in an all-black outfit with a white tee
'I was looking at myself thinking, "Do I look that bad?" I had to remind myself, no I wanted this done.'
Opening up about her deep body insecurities, Georgia revealed the reason behind her new nose as she admitted her 'mum and all aunties' her undergone the same procedure and it was something she 'always wanted to do'.
Meanwhile, her friend Chloe is no stranger to going under the knife, having had two boob jobs and bum lifts in the past.
Showing off her enhanced figure, the mother-of-one dazzled at the event as she teamed a low-cut khaki latex vest with camouflage trousers.
Beaming broadly, the make-up artist seemed in great spirits on the night as she partied with the likes of best friend Lauren Pope and Love Island's Olivia Buckland.
Action: During the bash, Chloe took to her Instagram Live account to share clips of the action
Pout and about: The reality star also dutifully pouted for the camera in a series of sultry selfies
Puckering up: A male reveller was seen planting a kiss on the side of Chloe's head at the party
We like to party: The friends and co-stars were in good spirits as they partied the night away
Chill: Among the party snaps was also an image of her looking serene before things kicked off
Journey: Chloe documented her train journey up north from London with her group of friends
Before the big bash: Before getting ready for her big night out, she posed for a pre-glam selfie
She flew to Brussels earlier this month to undergo a facelift, after claiming a surgeon 'f**ked up' her face last autumn.
And Katie Price proudly showed off the results post-surgery as she attended the opening of new club Fest in London on Saturday night.
The former glamour model, 39, sported a very plump pout as she posed on the red carpet before making her way into the swanky nightclub.
Confident display: Katie Price proudly showed off the results post-surgery as she attended the opening of new club Fest in London on Saturday night
Katie, who was joined by close pal Michelle Heaton, partially covered the scars of her recent reconstructive surgery under a khaki cap, while drawing attention to her voluptuous lips with a Barbie pink lip-gloss.
The mother-of-five slipped her svelte figure into a simple black shirt, which she paired with skintight black leggings and a camouflage jacket, which she tied around her trim waist.
She added a boost to her leggy fame with patent black heeled boots and styled her brunette tresses in a sleek straight look.
Inflated pout: The former glamour model, 39, sported a very plump pout as she posed on the red carpet before making her way into the swanky nightclub
Eye-catching: Katie partially covered the scars of her recent reconstructive surgery under a khaki cap, while drawing attention to her voluptuous lips with a Barbie pink lip-gloss
Casual: The mother-of-five slipped her svelte figure into a simple black shirt, which she paired with skintight black leggings and a camouflage jacket, which she tied around her trim waist
Having fun: The starlet partied the night away with close pal Michelle Heaton
Following her surgery earlier this month, the TV star told MailOnline: 'I instantly feel better after [Dr] Frank [Plovier] treated me. He is the only surgeon I've trusted over the years and the only one I wanted to correct the work.
'I am so happy with Frank's work, he really has restored my confidence. He is very loyal and an incredible surgeon!'
In pictures obtained by The Sun, the former Celebrity Big Brother champion was seen in a wheelchair and with drainage tubes swinging from her her as she left the clinic to go home.
Head turner: She added a boost to her leggy fame with patent black heeled boots and styled her brunette tresses in a sleek straight look
Meanwhile, Michelle donned a black jumpsuit for the occasion, teasing a glimpse of her cleavage with its sheer paneling
Katie has undergone reconstructive facial surgery with the clinic to correct the 'botched' procedure she had in September elsewhere.
She was seen sporting a swollen face under the bandages, bruising and wounds that the tubes were collecting blood from. She also had purple rings under her eyes.
It's likely Katie will have to take time off work and not wear make-up as she recovers from the new procedure, and will have to be looked after and have her bandages changed regularly.
Stunning: Michelle posed up a storm on the red carpet as she was joined by two pals
Revealing: Chantelle Leigh and Beau Mckenzie (R) opted for skin-flashing ensembles for the club launch
Partying in style: Chantelle beamed as she cosied up to a mystery male at the new Camden club press launch
Time to party: Big Brother star Lotan Carter also turned up to the event with a male companion
Over the moon: Following her surgery earlier this month, the TV star told MailOnline: 'I instantly feel better after [Dr] Frank [Plovier] treated me'
In September, Katie took to Instagram to demonstrate the facelift procedure to her followers, who watched on in horror as her 'sagging' cheeks and jawline were raised.
She went to Turkey in November, where she had dental work done on her teeth.
This resulted in an allergic reaction to penicillin and she was seen shortly after with a swollen face.
The star rose to fame as glamour girl Jordan, notably for her surgically enhanced breasts. Since then, she has admitted to having a total of eight boob jobs as well as botox, lipo, fillers, veneers and a nose job.
Last month, the mother-of-five spoke at the Cambridge Union, saying 'people have surgery to look like me even though my surgery went wrong' and insisted then that she would soon be 'getting it sorted'.
The Loose Women star's personal life has been chequered with more than just cosmetic mishaps, after her mum Amy was diagnosed with a terminal lung condition last year.
She also discovered her sex-addicted husband Kieran Hayler was having an affair with their nanny.
But Katie's widely-discussed reunion with her husband appeared to be all but confirmed by his mother, who took to her Instagram account in January to post a shot of the duo before making a cake for his 31st birthday on Thursday.
Dr Firas Al-Niaimi, Group Medical Director at sk:n, weighed on Katie's work, as he told MailOnline: 'Its crucial to ensure you book in to a reputable clinic.
'You should have a consultation with a medical professional who will ask about your medical history, check that you are suitable for the procedure and you can ask questions and raise any concerns.
'Then the injectable will be prescribed and administered by a trained, healthcare professional with a prescribing qualification; it shouldnt be a beauty therapist, as they are not medically trained and do not hold prescribing qualifications.'
They both shot to fame to last year's Love Island, winning legions of fans with their beach blonde locks and stunning figures.
And Danielle Sellers and Chyna Ellis showcased their phenomenal bikini bodies as they took to the beach in Spain on Thursday.
Danielle, 22, wowed as she slipped her curves into a slinky multicoloured bikini top which plunged to show off her ample assets and featured white cups with panels of gold, blue, pink and green.
Beach babes: Danielle Sellers (L) and Chyna Ellis (R) showcased their phenomenal bikini bodies as they took to the beach in Spain on Thursday
Busty display: Danielle, 22, wowed as she slipped her curves into a slinky multicoloured bikini top which plunged to show off her ample assets and featured white cups with panels of gold, blue, pink and green
Revealing her taut midriff and slender waist as she walked along, beach babe Danielle also flaunted her toned and endless legs in the high-cut bikini bottoms while enjoying a refreshing dip.
Her beach blonde tresses were styled in loose waves while the star opted for minimal make-up, including a swipe of bronzer, fluttery lashes and a pearlescent pink gloss.
At one point it appeared that Danielle was at risk of a wardrobe malfunction as she undid her swimsuit and held her hands over her cleavage.
Meanwhile Chyna, 23, who enjoyed a brief romance with lothario Jonny Mitchell in the Love Island villa, dazzled in a racy black lace string bikini as she commanded attention on the beach.
Refreshing: Revealing her taut midriff and slender waist as she walked along, beach babe Danielle also flaunted her toned and endless legs in the high-cut bikini bottoms while enjoying a refreshing dip
Blonde bombshell: Her beach blonde tresses were styled in loose waves while the star opted for minimal make-up, including a swipe of bronzer, fluttery lashes and a pearlescent pink gloss
Sultry: The star reclined in the surf as she enjoyed a refreshing dip
Cleavage: At one point it appeared that Danielle was at risk of a wardrobe malfunction as she undid her swimsuit
Strike a pose: The star flashed her ample bust as she sultrily reclined in the surf
Cheeky: The star flashed a little more cleavage than intended as she strutted along
The scanty top flattered her pert cleavage, tiny waist and taut abs as she strolled along, striking a series of sultry poses in the sand.
The high-waisted thong bottoms also revealed a cheeky glimpse of her peachy posterior as well as her toned legs.
Her caramel tresses were worn loose and flowing over her shoulders.
Striking a serene pose in the surf, Chyna accentuated her striking features with soft mascara and a glossy lip, finishing her look with aviator sunglasses.
Toned: Danielle flashed her enviable swimsuit frame as she playfully reclined
Pert: The star flashed her arm tattoo as well as her cleavage as she stared into the distance
On her own Love Island: The star looked like a beach babe as she strolled along
Busty: The star washed her hands in the crystalline waters while showing off her eye-popping cleavage
Basking: Danielle looked serene as she took a moment to sunbathe on the beach
Strut: The star showcased her lithe frame as she walked up the shoreline
Aside from her raunchy modelling work, Danielle enjoyed her 'five minutes' on 2017's smash hit reality show.
The blonde bombshell lamented she was 'so gutted to be home so soon' after she was dumped from the series in the early stages when she failed to find love.
Unfortunately the reality star hasn't had much luck in the dating pool since either after her short-lived romance with blogger Jack Maynard ended.
Relax: The star slipped on a pair of leopard print shades as she lay down
Coiffed: Her tresses were styled in loose, beachy waves as she lay down in the sands
Making a splash: Danielle splashed her toned frame with water as she cooled down
Taking a dip: The star revealed her enviable frame in the vibrant bikini
Work it: The star pushed her tresses back from her face as she sat on the sand
The pair's budding love story came to an end amid claims the brief I'm A Celeb star didn't 'see her as girlfriend material'.
In February, Danielle got tongues wagging on the showbiz circuit when she cosied up to her rumoured ex 'Muggy' Mike at a London shop opening.
Mike and Danielle first sparked romance rumours last autumn after they attended a string of events together but their fling was short-lived.
Lacy: Meanwhile Chyna, 23, who enjoyed a brief romance with lothario Jonny Mitchell in the Love Island villa, dazzled in a racy black lace string bikini as she commanded attention on the beach
Toned: The scanty top flattered her pert cleavage, tiny waist and taut abs as she strolled along, striking a series of sultry poses in the sand
Natural beauty: Striking a serene pose in the surf, Chyna accentuated her striking features with soft mascara and a glossy lip, finishing her look with aviator sunglasses
Cheeky: The high-waisted thong bottoms also revealed a cheeky glimpse of her peachy posterior as well as her toned legs
Working her angles: The star struck a confident pose in the surf during her holiday
Leggy: Chyna flashed her enviable legs as she struck a confident pose in the sea
It was even claimed Mike found himself embroiled in a 'heated' row with their co-star Theo Campbell at the Sixty6 Magazine launch party, held in October.
Mike was said to have clashed with Theo after his former Love Island co-star was 'rude' about Danielle.
Chyna also failed to find love in the villa but she was whisked off her feet and away to Budapest on a budding romance with Jonny Mitchell after the show.
Cheeky: The star flashed her pert posterior as she fell to her knees on the sand
Peachy: The star wore a pair of tiny thong bikini bottoms for her beach day
Revealing: The blonde beauty looked confident as she posed on the sand
Beach bae: Chyna looked radiant as she sat on some rocks and gazed out to sea
Scanty: The star looked sensational as she leaned down to sit on the sand
Taut: Chyna revealed her toned midriff as she leaned back and smiled
But it all came crashing down when the hunk claimed they were 'keeping it open' when he was stood right next to her during the live reunion show.
The pair became locked in a bitter war of words on social media where Chyna branded him a 'pr**k' and a 'snake' for brutally dumping her on live television.
Chyna mended her heartache when she moved on with Jordan Davies, of Ex On The Beach fame, when they filmed Ibiza Weekender together.
Leggy: The star revealed her enviable frame as she struck a sultry pose
Peachy: The star flashed her peachy posterior as she walked along the shore
Blonde beauty: Chyna flashed her taut midriff as she sat on a rock
Reality romance: Chyna also failed to find love in the villa but she was whisked off her feet and away to Budapest on a budding romance with Jonny Mitchell after the show
Their love story was short-lived as the sparks in September fizzled out by December with the golden-haired beauty claiming he was 'too intense'.
She told The Daily Star in December: 'It's a bit of an awkward one to be honest. We were together, but we're not anymore. I dumped him.
'I do really like Jordan, he's a lovely boy but he's too much for me right now. I just want to focus on myself. I wish him all the best.'
Most recently, Chyna got tongues wagging when she reunited with her former Love Island flame Theo Campbell at a London-based event.
They're yet to grace screens on the hotly anticipated Bachelor spin-off series that kicked off its premiere episode on Sunday.
And Laurina Fleure, 34 and Jarrod Woodgate, 31, have been getting cosy ahead of their debut on the show.
Speaking on The Project on Sunday evening ahead of Bachelor in Paradise, the duo were confronted with a question about their seemingly close relationship.
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'We love each other': Laurina Fleure, 34 and Jarrod Woodgate, 31, respond to question about who gets engaged on Bachelor In Paradise
When asked if the impending marriage proposal set to hit screens during the series involved them, the pair remained coy.
However, when asked if something was brewing between Laurina and Jarrod, the busty model shared: 'We do love each other.'
Quick to finish her statement, the raven-haired beauty added: 'Whether that's as friends or as lovers, you will have to wait and find out.'
Define love: Speaking on The Project on Sunday evening ahead of the Bachelor in Paradise premiere episode, the duo were confronted about their relationship status
While the series is never short of shocking drama, fans are banking on the dramatic proposal being between Jarrod, but rather with villain Keira Maguire, 31.
The duo have been previously snapped pashing seaside and dodging the limelight during the Portsea polo together, following filming the show in Fiji late last year.
And fans speculate that Jarrod is mere episodes away from gearing up to get down on one knee.
What will it be? Quick to finish her statement, the raven-haired beauty added: 'Whether that's as friends or as lovers, you will have it wait and find out'
Ahead of the widely believed engagement set to hit screens, Keira dropped hints at the relationship while speaking on KIIS FM's The Kyle and Jackie O Show.
'I really like Jarrod, he's a really nice guy,' she said with caution.
'I really like him, I think when I watched The Bachelorette I looked at him a different way to other people 'cause I know what happens and I know how it can be portrayed and twisted.'
She's the Love Island host, who's known for her bubbly persona and self-depreicating humour.
And Sophie Monk took a cheeky swipe at fellow Channel Nine star Karl Stefanovic on Sunday, while riding in an Uber.
Days after Karl and brother Peter were mired in controversy over a leaked phone call, the fun-loving blonde joked about the scandal.
Cheeky: Sophie Monk took a cheeky swipe at fellow Channel Nine star Karl Stefanovic on Sunday, while riding in an Uber
'In an Uber... don't worry I didn't say anything,' she captioned a video on Instagram.
The clip shows the former Bachelortette star riding in the back of a car with a friend and waving to fans.
Sophie is not the only star to weigh in on Karl's drama.
''In an Uber... don't worry I didn't say anything': Days after Karl (L) and brother Peter (R) were mired in controversy over a leaked phone call, the fun-loving blonde joked about the scandal
Last week, former Studio 10 host Jessica Rowe took a less relaxed approach in her response and slammed the Stefanovic siblings.
The 47-year-old appeared on Studio 10, where she defended her 'dear friend' Georgie Gardner after it was revealed Karl criticised his Channel Nine co-host during the explosive phone chat.
Weighing in: Sophie's not the only star to respond to the scandal. Last week, former Studio 10 host Jessica Rowe took a less relaxed approach in her response and slammed the Stefanovic siblings
'I suppose because Georgie's one of my dearest friends, no the phone call shouldn't have been recorded,' she said.
'But I don't think these two [Karl and Peter] are victims. I think If you have nothing nice to say about someone, do it behind closed doors. Do not do it on speakerphone where people are listening.'
She added: 'Georgie is an incredible journalist, she is not neutral about anything, she's strong, she's committed, she's passionate. I'm sick of blokes saying negative things about women.'
Defending Georgie: Jessica said 'I don't think these two [Karl and Peter Stefanovic] are victims. I think If you have nothing nice to say about someone, do it behind closed doors. Do not do it on speakerphone where people are listening'
According to New Idea this week, Karl was heard 'angrily' complaining about Lisa Wilkinson's replacement, Georgie, during a 'b*tchy' conversation with Peter while he was in the back of an Uber car.
Last week, a source close to Karl's team told Daily Mail Australia: 'Karl is heading to court over the leaked Uber tape.'
'The Nine frontman will issue legal proceedings against the global rider-share scheme.'
High praise: 'Georgie is an incredible journalist, she is not neutral about anything, she's strong, she's committed, she's passionate. I'm sick of blokes saying negative things about women,' Jessica said. She is pictured with Georgie (L) at the 'Women and Freedom' Photographic Exhibition and Auction on July 29, 2004 at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, in Sydney
A Nine spokeswoman reportedly confirmed to The Daily Telegraph that the Stefanovics will not have to offer a 'sincere formal 'apology to Georgie for what was said.
The siblings allegedly spoke about Nine News and Current Affairs head honcho Darren Wick, Today's Mark Calvert and 60 Minutes' Kirsty Thomson during their chat, which took place when Peter was in an Uber and speaking to his brother Karl on loudspeaker.
Jessica's appearance on Studio 10 comes nearly two weeks after her abrupt departure from the Channel Ten show on March 9.
Out: Jessica's appearance on Studio 10 comes nearly two weeks after her abrupt departure from the Channel Ten show on March 9
It was recently claimed that network executives were gearing up to axe her as part of drastic cost-cutting measures however a rep denied the report.
An Insider told The Sunday Telegraph that the embattled network, which went into voluntary administration last year, wanted to reduce costs by up to $500,000 a year.
'There was a plan in place to eliminate one presenter and the decision was made it would be Jessica Rowe,' an unnamed source said.
New addition: The report comes just months after former Today co-host Lisa Wilkinson joined the network with a rumoured $2 million pay packet
'The writing has been on the wall for a long time.'
Jessica first joined Studio 10 back in 2013.
In a previous statement to Daily Mail Australia, a Channel Ten spokesperson dismissed the report as 'total fiction.'
'The story is completely false. It is total fiction. Jessica Rowe resigned,' they said.
The report comes just months after former Today co-host Lisa Wilkinson joined the network with a rumoured $2 million pay packet.
See you in court! Channel Ten has slammed a 'spiteful' former Studio 10 producer who claimed the network 'wanted to fire Jessica for a year'
Jessica is an accomplished media personality and has graced TV screens for more than 20 years.
She was a co-host of Channel Ten's evening news, before defecting to Nine in 2006, where she briefly appeared alongside Karl as host of the Today show.
Jessica previously made clear that Channel Ten had been 'nothing but supportive' of her decision.
She's used to overseeing total transformations on her hit show Project Runway.
But Heidi Klum is about to turn her skills to real estate, as it's reported the top model has splashed a whopping $5.1 million on a New York loft, which needs a total renovation.
TMZ report the mum of four, 44, has dropped the cash on a penthouse which is totally gutted.
Project! Heidi Klum is about to turn her skills to real estate, as it's reported the top model has splashed a whopping 5.1 million on a New York loft, which needs a total renovation
The report claims Heidi bought the 5,000 sq. feet SoHo loft, with 12 ft. high ceilings, last month.
But it will be some time before the beauty can move in as aside from the original columns and beams, the space is a shell.
With views of One World Trade Center and beyond thought, the new pad could be worth millions more once Heidi renovates the space, which was used as an art studio for 30 years.
A representative for Heidi has been contacted by MailOnline for comment.
Big plans: The report claims Heidi bought the 5,000 sq. feet SoHo loft, with 12 ft. high ceilings, last month
Heidi films Project Runway in New York and is an East Coast regular, so could be renovating the penthouse to become her city base.
The star and her children spend most of their time at her $9 million Bel Air mansion on the west coast.
Heidi purchased the opulent mansion for a $9.8million back in 2013, after splitting from husband Seal.
The eight bedroom house sits atop 12 acres of land in the highly coveted celebrity enclave.
Busy on the west coast: While her hit show Project Runway films in New York, Heidi is currently in Los Angeles shooting the new season of America's Got Talent, which she joined in 2013
While Project Runway films in New York, Heidi is currently in Los Angeles shooting the new season of America's Got Talent, which she joined in 2013.
Fans can catch the model on the 13th season - premiering May 29 in the US on NBC - alongside Howie Mandel, Melanie Brown, Simon Cowell, and host Tyra Banks.
Heidi also serves as lead judge and executive producer of cycle 13 of Germany's Next Top Model.
She's currently expecting her second child with Emmerdale star husband Adam Thomas - and recently revealed that she'll be giving birth to a girl.
And Caroline Thomas looked radiant as she joined her actor spouse at a lavish bash thrown to celebrate their billionaire pal Umar Kamani's 30th birthday in Cheshire on Saturday.
The blonde beauty, who is 31 weeks pregnant, displayed her prominent baby bump in a claret red dress as she hit the Hollywood-themed party with a dapper Adam, 29.
We like to party: Adam Thomas and his pregnant wife Caroline attended their billionaire pal Umar Kamani's lavish 30th birthday bash in Cheshire on Saturday night
With her golden tresses swept to one side in bold waves, she highlighted her natural beauty with a flattering palette of makeup.
Meanwhile, Adam displayed his flair for fashion in a cream tuxedo jacket, which he teamed with black trousers, a bow tie, bowler hat and snappy patterned scarf.
Accessorising with a pair of blue tinted shades, the expectant father appeared to be in a decidedly upbeat mood as he partied the night away with her wife.
Bumping along nicely: Caroline, who is 31 weeks pregnant, displayed her prominent baby bump in a claret red dress as she hit the Hollywood-themed party with a dapper Adam
Dapper gent: Meanwhile, Adam displayed his flair for fashion in a cream tuxedo jacket, which he teamed with black trousers, a bow tie, bowler hat and snappy patterned scarf
Their outing came a day after Caroline's first baby blog was published on OK!'s website, in which she spoke about her joy of welcoming a younger sister for the couple's two-year son Teddy.
'Im so happy Im having a girl, because now I have one of each,' she wrote. 'Myself and Adam have discussed it, and now theres no pressure to have another one because I think if this baby had been a boy, wed have tried again to have a girl.'
However, Caroline admitted that she has endured ill health this time, explaining: 'I loved being pregnant first time round, but at the start of this pregnancy I was really unwell. I was a little bit sick when I was pregnant with Ted, but I could still get on with things, but this time round Ive been so poorly.'
Proud parents: Caroline and Adam are already the proud parents of two-year-old son Teddy
And her health woes have even weighed on the couple's thoughts about extending their family any further: 'Because I was so poorly at the beginning of this pregnancy, Im more doubtful than I was about having more children,' she wrote.
Earlier this month, Caroline took to Instagram to reveal her recent near-miss with a conman after nearly giving out her bank details in a phone scam.
The blonde beauty warned fans that she had received a call saying she owed money in tax, and only realised it was a scam when Adam listened in on the conversation.
In the lengthy post, Caroline explained that she had called back a fake number that left a voicemail explaining they were from Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs.
Illness: Caroline recently opened up about the illness she's experienced during her pregnancy
Attaching a photo showing the fake number she wrote: 'I had the most horrible experience yesterday... I called the number back, the extremely professional man on the end of the phone asked me for my name so he could find me on his system, he then told me my address.
'Asked if I had a pen and paper and if I could write down the crime reference number, arrest warrant number and his personal officer number explaining he worked for HMRC.
'He then informed me I was owing 1723.80 for tax and that I could be facing up to 50,000 fine and up to five years imprisonment.
'I always make sure that all my bills are paid on time but as he was so believable and knew so much information about me he had me doubting myself, had I or my accountant made a mistake?
Decisions: Caroline admitted that her health woes have led to her questioning whether she wants to extend her family further following the birth of her daughter
'Some of you may have guessed by the end of a 15 minute phone call, me in floods of tears and @adamthomas21 slamming the phone down, we realised it was a scam, I am not stupid and would never give my bank details to anyone over the phone but I was just lucky that I had my husband with me.
'Some of you might believe you are too streetwise to be scammed but the frightening and persuasive, clever individual on the other end of the phone had me (at nearly 8 months pregnant) in a state I havent been in for years.'
Caroline finished the post by warning her followers: 'Please be so careful and vigilant with who you trust, I dont want anyone to go through what I did yesterday! How do these people sleep at night???'
Adam and Caroline tied the knot in a romantic ceremony held at Delamere Manor, Cheshire, on August 27, 2017.
He's one half of acclaimed pop-punk band Good Charlotte.
And on Sunday, Benji Madden was seen exploring Sydney ahead of the band's Australian tour.
The American guitarist, who's married to Hollywood star Cameron Diaz, appeared relaxed in an all-black ensemble while taking in some sightseeing with friends.
Looking good! Benji Madden was seen exploring Sydney on Sunday, ahead of Good Charlotte's Australian tour
The 39-year-old wore a long-sleeved black shirt by famed Japanese brand A Bathing Ape.
Benji completed his casual look with black knee-length baggy shorts with a pair of black and white-brimmed leather trainers.
To accessorise the look, the 'The Anthem' hit artist layered two thick gold-chain necklaces atop his shirt.
Bit shady? The 39-year-old was seen alighting the boat in a long-sleeved black shirt by famed Japanese brand A Bathing Ape
Black on black! To add to his all-black ensemble, Benji opted for black knee-length baggy shorts with a pair of black and white-brimmed leather trainers
Keeping in theme with his all-black ensemble, Benji topped his looked with black button earrings.
Before landing in Australia in late February, the star shared his excitement to return Down Under stating in particular for its good coffee.
On theme! Keeping in theme with his all-black ensemble, Benji topped his looked with black button earrings
He said his world tours have allowed him to taste coffee around the world, but his favourite brews come from Australia.
'In LA there's a few Australian coffee shops that have opened and now I go there,' he told The Herald Sun.
Adding: Coffee in Italy and some places in Europe is great, but there's just something about Australian coffee.'
The participation also aims to show Vietnams viewpoints on global issues of common concern, thus contributing to improving the position of the legislative body in particular, and Vietnam in general, in the international arena, the NA Chairwoman told IPU President Gabriela Cuevas Barron during their meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, on March 24 afternoon (local time). The meeting took place immediately after NA Chairwoman Ngan and her entourage arrived in Geneva to attend the 138th IPU Assembly (IPU-138) on the same day.
Chairwoman Ngan described the IPU as a venue for the Vietnam NA to learn from the operational experience of parliaments worldwide in order to complete and improve the quality of its operations, and called for more support from IPU President G. Cuevas Barron during the process.
Thanking the IPU President for attending the 26th Annual Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF-26) in Hanoi last January, the senior legislator said the Presidents presence demonstrated her special sentiments and support for the NA as well as the land and people of Vietnam.
She expressed her belief that President G. Cuevas Barron and the IPU would continue to closely coordinate and assist IPU member parliaments, including the Vietnamese NA, in conducting activities that aim to accelerate the implementation of the commitments to sustainable development goals (SDGs).
She also praised the active and proactive contributions of the IPU leader to the unions operational reform through her initiatives so as to raise the unions role in regional issues.
The senior Vietnamese legislator said she believes that President G. Cuevas Barron would realise her commitments to turning the IPU into a more effective, transparent and responsible organisation that works to ensure the common interests of its member parliaments, including the Vietnamese NA.
The Vietnamese legislature also acknowledged the IPUs support in implementing the 1992 Constitution, and other activities such as hosting IPU-132, she said, stressing that thanks to such assistance, the Vietnamese NAs role in the IPU has been elevated, as reflected through the fact that Vietnam was elected to the IPU Executive Board, the most supreme agency of the IPU, for 2008-2012 and 2015-2019.
For her part, President G. Cuevas Barron applauded Vietnams participation in the IPU activities, noting her hope that the country would continue to raise its voice and participate in multilateral forums such as the IPU and the APPF.
The union has drafted the IPU Strategy during 2017-2021 with many action programmes and inclusive policies, she said, urging the Vietnamese legislature to continue its support for the organisation.
IPU President G. Cuevas Barron, who is also a Mexican Senator, highlighted the fruitful relationship between Vietnam and Mexico, which are both members of the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
She pledged to promote cooperation between the IPU and its member parliaments, including the Vietnamese NA.
It is the hotly-tipped TV remake of Joan Lindsay's Australian 1967 novel which features a largely female-dominated cast.
And Picnic At Hanging Rock's lead actors have insisted there wasn't a 'single moment' of rivalry or bad feeling among the stars.
'Having a set full of girls, there might have been an expectation it would get catty or jealous. But we didn't have a single moment of it,' Ruby Rees told the new issue of Vogue Australia.
Exciting: 'There wasn't a single moment of jealousy': Picnic At Hanging Rock cast discuss working on a 'set full of girls' ahead of the critically acclaimed remake's debut (pictured L-R stars Lola Bessis, Natalie Dormer, Lily Sullivan, Ruby Rees and Harrison Gilbertson)
She added: 'The ensemble is going to make this show. It was an amazing, massive, powerful female cast.'
Her co-star Madeleine Madden added that it was 'fabulous' working with so many women on set.
'You've got all these women from different backgrounds and at different points in their lives and careers and we're all coming together to tell this story through a feminist gaze about how strong women can be and what we can achieve when we come together,' she said.
Madden and Rees reunited with co-stars Lily Sullivan and Samara Weaving for the Vogue Australia shoot a month from the Australian debut of the six-part series.
The Foxtel's Picnic At Hanging Rock drama series has been met with universal acclaim after its international premiere at theBerlin Film Festival on Monday.
The Fremantle Australia production, which stars Lily Sullivan, Game of Thrones actress Natalie Dormer and Ruby Rees, opened the TV section of the prestigious festival and sold out the 850-seat theatre.
Acclaimed: The new series is due to air on Foxtel's Showcase on May 6, 2018
And the series lived up to expectation as it garnered 'overwhelmingly positive' reviews from harsh critics, and a standing ovation from the audience reports The Daily Telegraph.
Cast members also received extended applause during a Q&A session.
The 1975 mystery drama was based on the popular novel by Joan Lindsay and was about the disappearance of several schoolgirls.
Stars of the show Lily Sullivan and Ruby Rees told News Corp it was surreal to walk the red carpet for the festival's TV Program on Monday.
Wow factor: The Fremantle Australia production opened the TV section of the prestigious festival and sold out the 850-seat theatre (pictured L-R stars Harrison Gilbertson, Lily Sullivan, Dieter Kosslick, Lola Bessis, Ruby Rees, Jo Porter and director Larysa Kondracki)
Lily, who plays lead character Miranda Reid, said she was overwhelmed by the experience, describing it as 'nuts!'
'Oh my god, this is like a fantasy, a sick fantasy, just so incredible,' she gushed.
Lily's co-star Ruby said the experience at Berlin's film festival was made all the more special because of the hard work making Picnic At Hanging Rock.
'It was a hard shoot, especially at the Rock, but the work ethic was there,' she explained.
'Every single person on that shoot was aware we were making something incredibly special.'
Talented: Lily Sullivan (R ) who plays lead character Miranda Reid said it was a 'fantasy' to appear at the festival
Leading lights: (L) Lily wowed in a feathered pink dress as co-star Natalie (R) wowed in a blush gown and leather jacket
Picnic At Hanging Rock's director Larysa Kondraki made a fashion statement, flashing a 'Future Is Female' T-shirt at onlookers.
Natalie looked rock star chic with the star wearing a leather jacket over her ball gown.
Absent from the red carpet was Yael Stone, who is on doctor's orders to stay in Australia.
The Orange Is The New Black star is expecting her first child with partner Jack Manning in May.
The new series is due to air on Foxtel's Showcase on May 6, 2018.
She's known for her down-to-earth attitude and hilarious one-liners.
But fans will finally see Tara Pavlovic lose her cool on Monday's Bachelor In Paradise, with the 27-year-old storming off in a flurry of tears after being confronted by some of her castmates in a preview for the episode.
The dramatic moment happens after Tara's friend and castmate, Brett Moore, is questioned by a producer over whispers that he has a girlfriend outside of the show.
'Tara's definitely protecting Brett': Bachelor In Paradise's Tara Pavlovic storms off in tears after being accused of 'protecting' her friend Brett Moore, who has a girlfriend outside of the show
'Tara's definitely protecting Brett,' says Lisa Hyde in her confessional.
The brunette adds: 'Why would you keep a guy in that has a girlfriend on the outside?'
The pressure appears to be too much for Tara, who runs off crying.
'Why would you keep a guy in that has a girlfriend on the outside?' Lisa Hyde (pictured) is one of the Paradise cast members who questions Tara
'I don't wanna be here!' she wails as she stomps off in tears.
Brett having a girlfriend became a plot point during Sunday's premiere of Bachelor In Paradise.
Florence Alexandra recently told Now To Love that Brett is dating Stephanie Boulton from Matty J's season of The Bachelor.
'I don't wanna be here!' Tara storms off set in tears after the pressure becomes too much
Shady! Brett having a girlfriend became a plot point during Sunday's premiere of Bachelor In Paradise
According to Florence, the pair were both approached to do the spin-off, so they decided to split since their relationship was never 'that serious.'
'They both agreed they weren't officially together and agreed to do it to see what happens,' she said. 'It's not fair to other people.'
Brett appeared on Sophie Monk's season of The Bachelorette, but received little screen time and was eliminated in the fifth episode.
He's the American actor, who is best known for his role in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.
And Alan Tudyk has shared his secret to making it in Hollywood, as he gears up to headline Supanova Comic Con and Gaming Expo in Queensland next month.
Speaking to The Herald Sun this week, the A Knight's Tale actor said staying single is the key to breaking the cut-throat Hollywood industry.
'Dont get married until later': US actor Alan Tudyk who is set to travel to the Gold Coast to headline Supanova Comic Con and Gaming Expo next month has shared his secret to making it in Hollywood
'Don't get married until later. You have to focus on auditions and your career a lot. It's sad but it's true,' Alan shared with the publication.
The 47-year-old married choreographer Charissa Barton in 2016, after claiming to have been very selfish and placing his career first prior.
The actor further shared with the publication that the couple see Australia as a dream retirement spot and have been keeping a watchful eye on the property market Down Under.
Hollywood fame with a cost: 'Don't get married until later. You have to focus on auditions and your career a lot. It's sad but it's true,' Alan shared with the publication
Having spent a fair amount of time in Australia, the star said he knows which streets in Sydney the couple would opt to live and, if in Melbourne, Fitzroy would be their go-to.
Recalling a trip down memory lane, the actor revealed that his last memory of Australia was with the late Carrie Fisher.
While on a shopping trip, Alan said: 'We went shopping and she bought all these bizarre hats and she was giving David Hasselhoff sh*t for a pair of pants he was wearing making fun of him in the nicest way possible.'
Next moves: Having spent a fair amount of time in Australia, the star said he knows which streets in Sydney the couple would opt to live and, if in Melbourne, Fitzroy would be their go-to
The actor recently spoke to AAP, speaking fondly of late Heath Ledger having spent quality time with the famed Australian while filming A Knight's Tale in 2001.
'He was one of those people that had a real contagious personality, he was very Australian to me,' he shared with the publication.
'[Heath] was mischievous. He was always playing around. He would play tricks on the film's producer. He hid the producer's expensive jacket that he was showing off at the top of this really high pole,' he fondly recalled.
A tribute: 'Heath was mischievous. He was always playing around. He would play tricks on the film's producer. He hid the producer's expensive jacket that he was showing off at the top of this really high pole,' Alan fondly recalled of Heath Ledger
Alan will land in Australia next month to talk about his roles in the famed Star Wars flick.
The Supanova convention takes place from April 21-22 at the Melbourne Showgrounds and from April 28-29 at the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre.
She's the Spanish-born actress who calls Australia home.
And Elsa Pataky is now set to star in the first ever Netflix drama series to be produced in her adopted country.
The 41-year-old wife of Chris Hemsworth has landed a lead role in the streaming service's forthcoming supernatural show, Tidelands.
'It came at the perfect moment': Elsa Pataky is set to star in Netflix's upcoming series Tidelands, the first drama from the streaming service to be produced in Australia
'It came at the perfect moment,' Elsa gushed during an interview with The Daily Telegraph on Monday.
The blonde beauty will play the role of Adrielle Cuthbert in the ten-part series, which centres around a group of dangerous half-humans half-water sirens.
The series begins filming this week, which is serendipitous timing for the star.
Working parents: Elsa and her husband Chris Hemsworth will juggle parenting duties as Elsa commences work on her new series
'My kids have started school and I'm ready to get back to work. I'm excited to be working in this market and to be able to work in what I now call home,' she further told The Telegraph.
Whilst shooting the series it's believed Elsa will juggle parenting duties with her husband Chris Hemsworth.
The couple reside in Byron Bay and share three children, five-year-old daughter India, and three-year-old twin sons, Tristan and Sasha.
'I'm excited to be working in this market': Elsa is happy to be making a new Netflix drama in the home country of her husband Chris Hemsworth
Speaking of her role in the new Netflix series, Elsa revealed she was relieved to hear she wouldn't be required to put on an Australian accent.
'It is very difficult. I don't think I could do it. It is an international project so there will be lots of accents,' she explained to The Telegraph.
Netflix has produced some of the biggest television shows in recent memory, so her new gig on Tidelands could catapult Elsa to further fame.
Whilst she may not yet have matched her husband's screen success, the actress has appeared in a number of Fast & The Furious films as well as the cult hit, Snakes On A Plane.
She has been travelling the world after splitting from her boyfriend of three years Sam Thompson.
And Tiffany Watson proved she is embracing single life as she enjoyed a steamy smooch with a mystery man while soaking up the sun at a pool party in Miami on Saturday.
Her holiday romance comes after her former flame revealed he has moved on from the 24-year-old reality star, admitting they no longer speak to each other following their break-up last year.
Letting her hair down: Tiffany Watson has proved she is embracing single life as she enjoyed a steamy smooch with a mystery man while soaking up the sun at a pool party in Miami on Saturday
Flaunting her toned physique in a skimpy black bikini, which was adorned with pale gold stitches, Tiffany soon attracted the attention of the bearded hunk.
The blonde beauty, who recently jetted to Thailand with pal Frankie Gaff, put on a sizzling display in the two-piece, which showed off her ample assets and washboard abs.
According to onlookers, the pair danced before sharing a passionate smooch, with Tiffany wrapping her arms around her male companion, before he headed off into the crowd.
Smooch: Flaunting her toned physique in a skimpy black bikini, which was adorned with pale gold stitches, Tiffany soon attracted the attention of the bearded hunk
Holiday romance: According to onlookers, the pair danced before sharing a passionate smooch, with Tiffany wrapping her arms around him, before he headed off into the crowd
Tiffany has been making the most of her newfound freedom since bowing out of Made In Chelsea earlier this year.
In 2018 alone, she has already enjoyed trips to Australia, Mexico, Hong Kong and Thailand, before jetting off to Miami on Thursday.
The reality star recently spilled the beans on the inner-workings of Made In Chelsea and discussed how she felt being forced into sharing every part of her life.
Tiffany left behind a rocky year on the show which saw the demise of her romance with Sam.
Party time! The television personality took to Instagram to share a snap of her dancing with her pal in the water at the fun pool party
Travelling the world: Tiffany has been making the most of her newfound freedom since bowing out of Made In Chelsea earlier this year
The blonde reflected on having to share her private life with Sam on the series and admitted everything boiled over between the two in 2016 during a trip to the Maldives when she had to tell him she had slept with someone else.
Speaking to The Sun on Sunday, the reality star revealed she found it 'stressful' to play out that part of her relationship on TV after she was faced with having another cast member reveal her lie to Sam when she wanted to protect him.
She told the publication: 'I said we just kissed when actually we slept together. I had told one of the other cast members and she was going to tell him, so I had no choice but to admit what happened.
'I flew back to London sitting next to Sam and he wouldnt talk to me for the whole 22-hour flight. They didnt film that part but the whole thing was very stressful.
Sultry: The starlet flaunted her eye-popping cleavage in a black beach dress as she posed with her pal Rachel ahead of the event
'I was in love with Sam, we even discussed getting married, and being on TV put pressure on the relationship. There were some things I didnt want to film because I wanted to protect him, but I knew I had to.'
At the end of season 13, Tiffany and Sam decided to go on a Ross and Rachel-style 'break', and agreed to see other people which appeared to be the beginning of the end.
Despite them being 'allowed' to do this, things turned nasty when Sam had a fling with fellow MIC cast member Mimi Bouchard.
While Mimi was never Tiff's 'friend' this caused much drama, and there were many tears when the pair reunited in Ibiza and back in London for season 14.
Sizzling display: Tiffany has been keeping her fans updated on her travels with a slew of bikini-clad snaps
In February, Tiff - who is a fitness enthusiast and a vegan activist on the side - confirmed she had left the London-based show via a spokesperson to MailOnline, but suggested it's more of an open-exit.
'Tiff has taken a break for now to concentrate on a number of exciting projects including TV as well as the opening of her vegan restaurant with her sister and her lifestyle/stationary business 365 which she launched a few months ago,' the spokesperson said.
'She also has a number of trips coming up for work and leisure as well as her best friend's wedding where she is her maid of honour so its a busy few months and seemed the right time to step back and work on all the exciting things she has coming up and give them her all,' they added.
She is the star of Freeforms's Grown-ish.
Yara Shahidi pulled double duty on Saturday as she walked the red carpet at the Kids' Choice Awards soon after speaking at the March For Our Lives rally in Los Angeles.
The 18-year-old activist also took to Instagram to share an original poem about gun violence titled When Guns Have More Rights Than You.
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Busy bee: Yara Shahidi pulled double duty on Saturday when she walked the red carpet at the Kids' Choice Awards soon after speaking at the March For Our Lives rally in Los Angeles
'Today I stand in reverence of the students whove experienced such personal tragedy and have used their voices to unite. To take action,' she captioned her post.
'Today we join them and March For Our Lives. Today we reclaim our right to safety.'
Yara spoke at the event along with several other celebrities including Willow Smith, Jaden Smith, and Amy Schumer.
She wore a sand colored hoodie that said: 'you matter.'
'Today I stand in reverence of the students whove experienced such personal tragedy and have used their voices to unite. To take action,' she said on Instagram. 'Today we join them and March For Our Lives. Today we reclaim our right to safety'
'You matter': Yara spoke at the event along with several other celebrities including Willow Smith, Jaden Smith, and Amy Schumer
Just hours before the march began, Shahidi shared her gun violence poem on social media.
'When a gun has more rights than you. It may sound like hyperbole but it's true,' she recited in her beginning lines.
'Only 15 years after our celebration of red, white, and bluethe right to bear arms. But in all other conversations about civil rights our government was lukewarm.'
Her poetic outcry for government action has more than 450,000 views on social media.
Switching gears: On Saturday night, the Black-ish actress swapped her marching shoes for a pair of Jimmy Choo heels
Dressed to impress! She wowed in a white polka-dot Rosario ensemble for the Kids' Choice Awards that took place at The Forum in Inglewood, California
On Saturday night, the Black-ish actress swapped her marching shoes for a pair of Jimmy Choo heels.
She wowed in a white polka-dot Rosario ensemble for the Kids' Choice Awards that took place at The Forum in Inglewood, California.
Inside the event, Yara teamed up with Shake It Up star Zendaya and Magic Mike hunk Channing Tatum for some fun and games that included a snowball fight with the crowd.
It's on: Inside the event, Yara teamed up with Shake It Up star Zendaya for some fun and games that included a snowball fight with the crowd
Fast friends: Shahidi posed with Zendaya and Magic Mike's Channing Tatum backstage at the show. She wore a pair of bright red pants, an over-sized sweater, and Gucci tennis shoes
Florence Alexandra received a shock on Sunday night's Bachelor In Paradise premiere when she was warned to stay away from Jake Ellis.
The blonde beauty was told not to trust Jake by Tara Pavlovic, who told her that he has a reputation on the Gold Coast as a ladies man.
'I live on the Gold Coast and everyone has been there,' Tara told a stunned Florence.
'I live on the Gold Coast and everyone has been there!' Tara Pavlovic warned Florence Alexandra about Jake Ellis on Sunday's Bachelor In Paradise premiere
She then said that so many people ask 'Have you got a Jake Ellis story?', implying that the handsome marketing manager had been around the block.
Speaking privately to the camera, Tara said: 'A lot of people I know, know Jake.'
She continued: 'He's a nice guy, happy to have a conversation with him. Would I date him? Absolutely not.'
'Have you got a Jake Ellis story?' Tara said that many people on the Gold Coast have a 'story' about being with Jake, causing Florence to become concerned
Oh no! Florence was shocked as she heard the information about Jake, who she had already hooked up with before in the outside world
Florence later expressed her fears that the whispers were true, which caused her to get into a huge fight with Jake after she confronted him about it.
It seems that the Dutch stunner was right to be concerned, as shortly after the episode aired The Bachelor's Jen Hawke took to Instagram to remind fans that she has her very own Jake Ellis story.
'Who do I know other than Flo that has a Jake Ellis story?' Jen said sarcastically.
'Who do I know other than Flo that has a Jake Ellis story?' Shortly after the episode aired The Bachelor's Jen Hawke took to Instagram to remind fans that she had a fling with Jake
She then followed the question by posting a photo of herself with Jake, which was accompanied by a poll that asked users: 'Do you have a Jake Ellis story?'
Jen and Jake dated for around five months in 2016, but the pair split right before Jen joined The Bachelor.
The 28-year-old also dated The Bachelorette's Blake Colman.
Her boyfriend David Platt has been struggling to cope following his horrific rape ordeal.
And Coronation Street's Shona Ramsey is determined to unearth the reason behind why her beau is acting so strangely, after feeling hurt when he repeatedly avoided sex.
The cast were spotted filming on set for the hit ITV soap, with the brunette beauty -played by Julia Goulding- meeting another of Josh Tucker's victim in an interesting plot twist.
Coronation Street's Shona Ramsey is determined to unearth the reason behind why her beau is acting so strangely, after feeling hurt when he repeatedly avoided sex
Tracking down a former garage where the villain used to work, Shona asks Dec if he knows of the mechanic.
However, when she mentions Josh's name to the garage worker, he turns hostile, refusing to talk about his former colleague.
Feeling confused, Shona watches as Dec storms off after their brief conversation.
Detective: The cast were spotted filming on set for the hit ITV soap, with the brunette beauty -played by Julia Goulding- meeting another of Josh Tucker's victim in an interesting plot twist
Ahead of the scenes, Julia wrapped up in a cosy red jacket as she joked around with crew members.
The latest development comes after David (Jack P. Shepherd) was drugged and sexually abused by Josh Tucker (Ryan Clayton) on last Friday's episode.
ITV producers focused on the aftermath of the terrifying rape, with David keeping what happened a secret from everyone he knows.
Viewers watched as Josh arrived at the Platt's household, acting as if nothing had happened following the horrific ordeal.
Traumatised, David ran outside to throw up before returning to confront Josh.
Uncovering the truth: Tracking down a former garage where the villain used to work, Shona asks Dec if he knows of the mechanic
Past victim: However, when she mentions Josh's name to the garage worker, he turns hostile, refusing to talk about his former colleague
'What are you doing coming here?' he said. 'I've had my last drink from you. Whatever you put in it you didn't knock me out completely. I know what you did, I can still feel it. You're twisted.'
Josh tried to manipulate David, saying the sex was consensual and that they 'both wanted it'.
'You were all over me like a rash and now suddenly now you've gone all caveman,' he said.
Heartbreaking: Coronation Street fans described being moved to tears after watching David Platt struggle to come to terms with being raped on Monday night
Distressing scenes: However, the soap's latest male rape storyline has caused outrage amongst show viewers, with Ofcom receiving more than 200 complaint
'Just save the drama, we were both wasted, we both wanted it,' before claiming he was laying the blame on Josh because he was worried about Shona discovering what had happened.
The soap's latest male rape storyline has caused outrage amongst show viewers, with Ofcom receiving more than 200 complaints.
Defending the storyline on This Morning last Friday, Corrie boss Kate Oates suggested that the uproar has been caused due to it being a male rape.
She began: 'I think it's because it's a male rape it's in a different category. It's a double standard against male.'
Despite the controversy, legions of fans praised the soap for shedding light on the subject of male rape.
She's retired her Victoria's Secret wings but Alessandra Ambrosio is still flying all over the world.
On Sunday, the supermodel took to social media to share some envy-inducing snaps from her trip to South Korea.
The 36-year-old traveled to the Asian country for work, but that didn't stop her from taking in all of the sights.
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'Stairway to heaven': Alessandra Ambrosio shared some snaps from her envy-inducing trip to South Korea on Sunday
In one post, the brunette beauty posed on the 'stairway to heaven' with her hands calmly placed in the 'gian mudra' position on her knees, as she looked like the epitome of relaxation.
Clad in a shiny black puffer jacket, Alessandra showed off her A-list style as she teamed her outfit up with a white shirt and cotton pants.
Ready for all of the day's walking, the covergirl sported white lace-up sneakers embellished with gold stars and colorful stripes.
Showing her 'true colors': The supermodel took in all of the sights and posed in front of some of the breathtaking scenery
Not one to be shy in front of the camera, the Brazilian native playfully posed in front of the breathtaking views.
In one picture, she wrote: 'I see your true colors... Korea,' alongside an emoji of two hands raised up in celebration.
Showing off her stunning looks, the international model tied her brown tresses back in a tight bun and wore-fresh faced makeup under a pair of circle glasses with gold rims.
No days off: The brunette beauty walked alongside photographer Milan Blagojevic as she showed off her surroundings
Tranquil escape: The mother-of-two shared that she was visiting Wawoojeong Temple, which houses over 3,000 Buddha statues
Walking alongside photographer Milan Blagojevic, the bombshell showed off the breathtaking scenery around her in an Instagram video.
'How amazing is this,' the statuesque stunner added, as she shared that she was visiting the Wawoojeong Temple.
According to a Korean travel site, the temple is home to at least 3,000 Buddha statues - including one that is about 10 feet high.
'How amazing is this!' The covergirl enjoyed her day off as she walked along colorful trails
Daydreaming: In one picture, the Brazilian beauty posed alongside some 'Korean wishing stones'
Taking in the peaceful surroundings, Alessandra also posed with some 'Korean wishing stones.'
The mother-of-two enjoyed the relaxing day after news broke that she reportedly split from her fiance of 10 years, Jamie Mazur, last week.
The supermodel has yet to confirm the shocking split. She shares her two children - daughter Anja, nine, and son Noah, five - with the businessman.
Pictures have emerged from the scene outside of Kanye West's office on Friday, where an Adidas worker who was involved in the rapper's Yeezy shoe collection was injured after a large 3D printer reportedly fell onto his foot.
According to TMZ's sources, a worker at the Calabasas Tech Center - where the 40-year-old rapper's office is located - was airlifted to the hospital after sustaining the injury.
The website reported that the man works for Adidas and had also been involved on the rapper's shoe line.
Medical attention: Pictures have emerged from the scene outside of Kanye West's office on Friday, where an Adidas worker who was involved in the Yeezy shoe liner was injured after a large 3D printer reportedly fell onto his foot on Friday
Adidas and Yeezy have a footwear collaboration called the Adidas Yeezy Boost.
The website claims the heavy machinery was possibly used in making the Yeezy shoes.
Paramedics, an ambulance, and a stretcher are all seen just outside the office.
The photographs appear to have been taken in the parking lot of the office building.
Accident: The man, who is in his early 20's and works on the rapper's Yeezy shoe line, was helping to move the equipment when the incident occurred, according to the website
The man, who is in his early 20's, was helping to move the equipment when the incident occurred, according to the website.
The individual is said to have worked for Adidas, which has a collaboration with Kanye's Yeezy shoe wear line called the Adidas Yeezy Boost.
According to an insider for the publication, the employee let out a loud scream and was stuck under the piece of machinery for several minutes and it took at least seven people to lift it.
An employee at Kanye West's company had to be airlifted to the hospital after a severe accident according to TMZ on Friday (the rapper is pictured leaving his Calabasas warehouse back in January)
Police told TMZ that they responded to a call regarding the incident after 5pm on Friday afternoon and confirm the report that people were able to lift the machine off the man.
However law enforcement said that the injury was so severe that it required an airlift transportation for emergency health care.
It remains unclear how severe the injury is.
According to an insider for the publication, the worker let out a loud scream and was stuck under the piece of machinery for several minutes and it took at least seven people to lift it (the 40-year-old rapper is pictured in New York last month)
Peace: Kanye West was seen arriving at a restaurant in Los Angeles on Sunday afternoon just days after the incident
The senior Vietnamese legislator used the occasion to thank the Indonesian parliamentary delegation for attending the 26th Annual Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF-26), which took place in Vietnams capital city of Hanoi in January 2018.
She said the Vietnam-Indonesia strategic partnership has served the practical interests of their people, while contributing to peace, stability and development in the region, and connecting the country members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
NA Chairwoman Ngan applauded the affiliation in national defence-security between Vietnam and Indonesia, as well as their efforts to push the signing of an agreement on joint patrols and the establishment of a hotline between the two countries naval forces and a policy dialogue mechanism at the deputy defence ministerial level.
In reply, Bambang Soesatyo suggested that the Vietnamese and Indonesian legislative bodies intensify the exchange of all-level delegations and supervise the implementation of the signed agreements. He noted his hope for enhanced legislative ties, contributing to boosting the Indonesia-Vietnam relationship.
The Speaker thanked Vietnam for its support to Indonesia in becoming a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for 2019-2020, and emphasised that Indonesia backs Vietnams bid to run for a non-permanent seat in the council for 2020-2021.
In the sphere of economy, the Speaker said Indonesia calls for Vietnamese investment in oil and gas exploration and exploitation, expressing his wish that Vietnam would be one of the largest trade partners of Indonesia.
The senior Vietnamese legislator voiced her hope that the Speaker would urge the competent Indonesian agencies to seek measures to soon end the negotiations on the demarcation of exclusive economic zones in the waters where the two sides delimited the continental shelf boundary in 2003 and that the two sides will soon sign a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in seafood and fisheries, and set up a hotline against illegal fishing.
Lauding Indonesias coordination in repatriating Vietnamese fishermen, NA Chairwoman Ngan proposed that the two sides handle the issue in a humanitarian spirit, and in line with the strategic partnership as well as their ASEAN membership.
She appealed to the two countries to continue to work closely with each other and with other ASEAN members in order to intensify intra-bloc cooperation and solidarity and maintain peace, stability and cooperation in the region, while joining hands with other nations in settling the East Sea issue by peaceful measure and on the basis of regulations of international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (1982 UNCLOS), and the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), towards the early conclusion of a Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC).
Regarding their bilateral legislative ties, the NA Chairwoman suggested that the two sides step up delegation exchanges, with attention paid to the cooperation between specialised committees through information and experience sharing, as well as coordination at international parliamentary forums, especially the IPU and APPF. She invited Speaker Bambang Soesatyo to visit Vietnam at an early date.
The same day, NA Chairwoman Ngan had a meeting with the Vietnamese mission in Geneva, the staff of the Vietnamese Embassy and representatives of the Vietnamese community in Switzerland.
He has been a regular on the soap since arriving in Walford less than two years ago.
But EastEnders' character Shakil Kazemi, played by Shaheen Jafargholi, is already set to meet a sticky end as he will reportedly be 'killed off in a shock stab attack'.
The move is understood to be part of 'big clear-out' on the programme as producers say goodbye to some key characters in order to keep it feeling fresh.
Spoiler: Shakil Kazemi played by Shaheen Jafargholi is set to meet a sticky end as he will reportedly be 'killed off in a shock stab attack'
Plans are already in place for other favourites to leave the show as well as those who have already left including Richard Blackwood, Lee Ryan, Jenna Russel and Maggie Steed.
A source told the The Daily Star Sunday: 'Producers are having a big clear-out, waving goodbye to some massive characters to make sure the show feels fresh.
'No firm decisions have been made but it's highly possible Shakil's attack could be a big part of his exit story line.'
Commotion: This is part of 'big clear-out' on the programme as producers say goodbye to some key characters in order to keep it feeling fresh
The source added that actor Shaheen, 21, would like to return to music when he leaves the long-running show.
The star first entered the spotlight on Britain's Got Talent aged 12 and singing is one of his main ambitions.
The cast were spotted filming the fallout from the brutal knife attack which involved Shakil and Keegan Baker.
Further exits: Plans are already in place for other favourites to leave the show as well as those who have already left including Richard Blackwood, Lee Ryan, Jenna Russel and Maggie Steed
Stills from the forthcoming episode show the furore as Keegan, played by Zack Morris, and Shakil are attacked by a gang.
They also show Keegan stood next to his friends mother, Carmel, who is played by Bonnie Langford.
Fans will see the story line play out this spring to mark the tenth anniversary since former star Brooke Kinsella's brother was brutally murdered.
EastEnders representatives have been contacted for further comment.
She attended the March For Our Lives rally in Washington, D.C. on Saturday.
And Kim Kardashian West reflected on the experience Sunday as she posted a picture of her husband Kanye West carrying their daughter North, age four, on his shoulders at the protest.
The 37-year-old makeup mogul also revealed Kanye's father, Ray, had joined them at the rally.
Memorable moments: Kim Kardashian West reflected on the D.C. March For Our Lives rally Sunday as she posted a picture of her husband Kanye West carrying their daughter North, age four, on his shoulders
'Having my daughter march along-side her grandfather and parents was a day I hope she remembers forever,' the star said on Instagram.
She went on to say: 'I know that the younger generation will vote to change these gun laws that so desperately need to be changed.
'Hearing these stories yesterday and meeting so many families affected by gun violence was heart breaking and I hope when it comes time to vote we all step up and vote to protect our children.'
The reality star had announced via Twitter that she would be participating in the march.
There he is: Ray stood behind Kim, wearing sunglasses and a hat, at the rally
'Having my daughter march along-side her grandfather and parents was a day I hope she remembers forever,' the 37-year-old makeup mogul said on Instagram
Doting father: Kanye looked lovingly at his daughter North West as they headed to the protest
For a cause: Kim happily posed with fans while marching in the country's capital city
'So ready to March today,' she tweeted.
'We stand in solidarity with the survivors of gun violence & students who are calling for action on common sense gun safety laws at #MarchForOurLives around the country.'
The event was led by the student survivors of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting.
17 people were killed on February 14 when gunman Nikolas Cruz opened fire with an AR-15 inside the Parkland, Florida school.
Other celebrities in attendance included Lin Manuel Miranda, Miley Cyrus, Demi Lovato, and Halsey.
The Wests were photographed alongside rapper Common.
Taking to Twitter, Kim wrote: 'Im so happy I got to share this moment with these two'
Loving moment: Kim and Kanye dote on their daughter as they watch the march
Many of Hollywood's elite have been vocally supportive of the gun control rally and eager to donate funds.
George Clooney and his wife Amal donated half a million dollars to the Washington D.C. march as did Oprah Winfrey and Steven Spielberg.
More than 200,000 people attended the main march in the country's capital, which began at noon on Pennsylvania Avenue.
A helping hand: George Clooney and his wife Amal donated half a million dollars to the Washington D.C. march as did Oprah Winfrey and Steven Spielberg
They jetted off to Japan to treat their fans to a set of electric performances during their Summer Hits Tour this week.
And Little Mix members Perrie Edwards, Jade Thirlwall and Leigh-Anne Pinnock appeared in high spirits as they enjoyed a lively night out at a club in the East Asian country on Sunday evening.
However, fans were quick to point out bandmate Jesy Nelson's absence from their fun-filled night, and as a result, her loyal followers flooded her account with questions on her whereabouts.
Having the times of their lives: Little Mix members Perrie Edwards, Jade Thirlwall and Leigh-Anne Pinnock enjoyed a lively night out at a club in the East Asian country on Sunday evening
In a series of clips posted on Perrie's Instagram story, the beaming trio showcased their best dancing skills as they rocked out to their chart-topping hits Power and Reggaeton Lento.
The blonde beauty, 24, flaunted her killer physique in a PVC bralet, while South Shields native Jade, 25, opted for a more casual appearance in a chic turtleneck jumper and denim jeans.
Former waitress Leigh-Anne, 26, - who can be seen in the clip for only a few seconds - flashed a glimpse of her toned figure in a form-fitting strapless dress.
Working it! South Shields native Jade, 25, opted for a more casual appearance in a chic turtleneck jumper and denim jeans
Rocking out: Former waitress Leigh-Anne - who can be seen in the clip for a few seconds - flashed a glimpse at her toned figure in a form-fitting strapless dress
Fans were quick to pick up on missing member Jesy - who also visited Japan with her bandmates - as she has been absent from social media for the past five days.
Her latest Instagram snap showcased a picture of her pup, which she captioned: 'Sleeping little bear.'
Flooding her account with worry, one fan wrote: 'I'm worried about you jes!'
'Sleeping little bear': Jesy's latest Instagram snap showcased a picture of her pup - posted five days ago
'Are you ok ...Why your not partying with the girls we want you to have fun', others penned.
'We miss you love, hope you're okay.'
However, some followers believe that the Romford native is just on a break from social media, insisting that there is nothing to worry about.
'Are you ok?': Fans were quick to pick up on missing member Jesy - who also visited Japan with her bandmates - as she has been absent from social media for the past five days
'Calm down everyone she's fine she recently liked Perries photo she probably just wants to take a break from social media and enjoy her trip xx'
'I'm sure Jesy is alright and she's probably just taking some time off social media to enjoy her trip. Little mix are with their families so she might just be hanging around with her family. You guys need to calm down.'
Meanwhile, her fellow bandmates have documented their Japan trip with typically stunning snaps.
'Calm down': However, some followers believe that the Romford native is just on a break from social media, insisting that there is nothing to worry about
Well-documented: Meanwhile, her fellow bandmates have shared snaps from their Japan trip with typically stunning snaps
Best pals: Jade and Perrie showed off their daring ensembles as they visited a store
These comments come after reports about Jesy's desires to hit the bright lights of Hollywood as the songstress is keen to kick start her acting career.
The pop princess attempted to conquer the big screen when she was much younger, taking on roles as extras in a few films before making it big on The X Factor in 2011, but sources told The Sun that Jesy has her sights firmly set on acting.
A source close to Jesy told the publication: 'Jesy was in a few movies when she was little, and acting is something that she has always dreamed of pursuing.
According to the tabloid, Jesy was so impressed by fellow X-Factor contestant Harry Styles, who made a successful film debut in the Christopher Nolan blockbuster Dunkirk, that she wants to follow suit and take on her own major role.
New venture? Recent reports have revealed Jesy's desires to hit the bright lights of Hollywood as the songstress is keen to kick start her acting career
The Power hitmaker is apparently keen on finding herself a Hollywood agent in to help her crack the industry.
However, fans of the Brit girl group shouldn't be too worried about the band potentially taking a back step for Jesy's acting dreams.
The source continued: 'The girls have an agreement in place that anything to do with Little Mix will always come first for them.
'The band is 100 percent their priority, so any possible acting jobs for Jesy in future would have to fit around their plans.'
She's the Gold Coast 'bogan' who won over a legion of fans with her down-to-earth personality on The Bachelor last year.
But Tara Pavlovic has now been accused of 'diva behaviour' on set of Bachelor in Paradise.
On Monday, a source told New Idea she was 'out of control'.
'Out of control': Tara Pavlovic has been accused of 'diva behaviour' on Bachelor in Paradise
The magazine reported: 'She was actively causing trouble, stirring things up and spreading gossip.'
After her likable presence on The Bachelor, the 28-year-old apparently surprised producers of the spin-off with her 'destructive' behaviour.
It comes amid claims Tara has a 'secret boyfriend' she concealed from the cast and crew.
'Actively causing trouble': After her likable presence on The Bachelor, Tara apparently surprised producers of the spin-off with her 'destructive' behaviour
In the past, Tara has been linked to a mystery man outside the franchise.
It was also rumoured she turned down the role of the Bachelorette because she was involved someone.
Woman's Day claimed on Monday that the man in question is Ben Kelly, the brother of former Bachelorette star Sian Kelly.
She's not single? It comes amid claims Tara has a 'secret boyfriend' she concealed from the cast and crew, who Woman's Day has identified as Ben Kelly (pictured)
A 'source' reportedly told Woman's Day Tara was hoping Ben would be on the show.
'Tara told others if Ben came in, he'd be the one getting the rose.'
Daily Mail has contacted Tara, Ben and Network Ten for comment.
The Warriors have heaped more misery on Canberra, with a stunning final minute field goal from Shaun Johnson securing a famous 20-19 win.
Down by seven points with four minutes to go at GIO Stadium on Saturday, Issac Luke crossed for the New Zealand team's third converted try before Johnson's kicking heroics broke Raiders hearts.
After being on the losing end of 30-28 scorelines in the first two rounds, the Raiders led for the whole game until Johnson sunk the hopes of the home side.
The Warriors now go 3-0 for the first time in their history, while Canberra are winless ahead of trip to Manly next Saturday.
It was all the Raiders early, with hooker Siliva Havili crossing for the opening try in the seventh minute shortly after Warriors star Adam Blair was sent to the sin bin.
The home side's momentum continued when they went up 12-0 as veteran Sia Soliola dished off to Elliot Whitehead for a superb try two minutes later to capitalise on the Warriors being a man down.
But the Raiders' defensive woes continued when the Warriors scored through Peta Hiku in their first attacking opportunity with Blair still off the field.
Sam Williams ensured the Raiders led 13-6 at half-time when he slotted a field goal only seconds before the break.
Nick Cotric barged his way over in the corner early in the second half to put the Raiders up 17-6 after skipper Jarrod Croker pulled the ensuing kick wide.
Tohu Harris then crossed in the corner for the Warriors after 59 minutes to give them a sniff.
A-League golden boot winner Bruno Fornaroli has returned to his regular goalscoring ways, netting and assisting in Melbourne City's 3-0 win over Western Sydney.
The Uruguayan looked back to his old self in City's dominant display over the Wanderers, in front of just 6,354 fans at AAMI Park on Saturday night.
Fornaroli opened the scoring before Michael Jakobsen headed home a first A-League goal and Stefan Mauk iced the match.
A bumper weekend of sport and rotten weather sunk City's attendance, but Warren Joyce's team didn't care.
They ran riot over a desperately poor Wanderers team.
Going into the match Western Sydney were in sixth position, with a solid run of form under Josep Gombau and needing a win to shore up a finals place.
They didn't manage a shot on target for 89 minutes and will limp out of the finals positions if Brisbane can beat bottom-placed Wellington on Sunday.
City's result - which ends a winless six-week run - takes them closer to a home final.
After starting on top of the Wanderers, City looked set to go into the break without a deserved lead until Nathaniel Atkinson's heroic run on 42 minutes.
The Tasmanian took the ball from his own box into the Wanderers half, laying a decisive - if unintended - touch from Daniel Arzani's cross that allowed Fornaroli to rocket home an opener.
It was Fornaroli's first goal from open play this season after a severe ankle injury sidelined him for six months.
Arzani was his usual lively self, attracting plenty of attention from defenders and working Vedran Janjetovic in the Wanderers goal.
He was involved once more in City's second, teeing up Luke Brattan at a corner who crossed perfectly for Jakobsen.
City's third goal was the easiest on the eye, with Fornaroli taking control of the ball at the top of the box and flicking a backheel in Mauk's direction to score.
Resuscitation and trauma rooms at the new Royal Adelaide Hospital are not fit for purpose, creating risk for patients, the incoming South Australian government says.
SA's new health minister Stephen Wade says SA Health has informed him the new state government that the rooms in the $2.3 billion hospital are too small.
"In the short term, minor structural modifications in two of the resuscitation rooms involving repositioning and relocating equipment are being undertaken to improve the ability of the RAH to deal with level one trauma," Mr Wade said on Sunday.
"But the advice makes clear in the longer term the creation of two larger resuscitation-trauma rooms must be considered.
"The modification of two existing rooms would require major structural work, involving architects, engineers and builders at a substantial cost to taxpayers."
Mr Wade said it was extremely disappointing that just six months after the new Royal Adelaide Hospital was opened the incoming state government would need to assess the need for major modifications.
The RAH is one of the two major trauma services designated to care for South Australia's most severely injured patients.
It provides emergency, trauma and critical care 24 hours a day, seven days a week, treating approximately 1800 trauma patients each year or about 70 per cent of the state's major trauma cases.
The hospital is also a major trauma referral centre for Alice Springs and can take patients from other parts of the Northern Territory along with western Victoria and western NSW.
Warriors prop Sam Lisone faces a possible two-match ban for raising his elbow on Canberra utility Aidan Sezer twice in as many minutes late in their NRL match on Saturday.
The incidents add further controversy to the Warriors' last-gasp win, given neither incident was penalised and the Raiders conceded field goals at the end of both sets.
Shaun Johnson's second field goal gave the Warriors a one-point win.
Both of Lisone's carries came off kickoffs, with his charge in the 78th minute forcing Sezer to grab his neck before playing on.
However, the second hit-up one minute later ended with Sezer collapsing to the ground and momentarily holding his neck before scrambling back to join the defensive line.
While the on-field referees picked up the incident, the NRL match review committee deemed the contact worthy to charge Lisone for a grade one dangerous contact to the head.
Taking the early guilty plea on both will result in a one-game suspension.
Sezer was also the victim of a late shot in the back from Adam Blair which resulted in the Warriors forward being sin-binned in the 7th minute.
Blair has been issued with a grade one dangerous contact charge but despite prior non-similar offence in the last two years, will be free to play next weekend if he takes the early guilty plea.
Malcolm Turnbull has paid tribute to the "heroism" of firefighters and resilience of regional communities following devastating blazes in Victoria's southwest.
The prime minister visited damaged buildings at Cobden on Sunday, a week after 26 homes, 63 sheds and thousands of livestock were destroyed in a series of bush and grass fires.
"Nature throws her worst at us time and time again - fires, floods and it brings out the solidarity, the love, the community spirit, the resilience of Australians again and again," Mr Turnbull told reporters.
Former Labor minister Leon Bignell has claimed victory in his seat of Mawson, the last to be decided in the South Australian election.
The final count on Sunday left Mr Bignell 115 votes ahead after preferences despite trailing his Liberal opponent Andy Gilfillan on the primary count.
He pledged to continue to work hard for his constituents whether they voted for him or not.
"I will be doing everything I can to help you and your family, community groups, businesses and schools," he said in a Facebook post.
"It is a huge responsibility to represent my 24,000 bosses. I won't let you down."
He also paid tribute to his Liberal opponent, who he said gave his "absolute all".
"I had never seen a rival make more phone calls or knock on more doors than you did," Mr Bignell said.
"What I liked most was we could have a joke, we could say nice things about each other and we could have a beer together.
"There was never a cross word between us or our teams."
Mr Gilfillan described the election count as a "bit of a nail-biter".
"Although I am now the one with highest primary vote, I have not won," he said.
Mr Bignell's win will leave Labor with 19 seats in parliament's 47-seat House of Assembly while the new Liberal government will control 25 and there will be three independents.
With more than one million ballots now counted across the state, the Liberals received 38 per cent of the primary vote compared to 32.8 per cent for Labor.
Nick Xenophon's SA-BEST party finished with 14.1 per cent and unable to win a single lower house seat.
The SA Electoral Commission will start to officially declare results from Monday, though it will take longer to finalise the count in the upper house where the Liberals and Labor are likely to each win four of the 11 seats up for grabs with SA-BEST taking two and the final seat going to the Greens.
This is an important political event, contributing to creating a new momentum, and establishing the framework and orientations to deepen the Vietnam-France strategic partnership; promote political and diplomatic relations, expand trade and economic relations, as well as foster cooperation in other fields between the two countries.
The Vietnamese people are happy to witness the achievements that France has obtained in recent years. The French economy is the fifth largest in the world. The country is currently ranked third in the world by service exports with a GDP of more than US$2.5 trillion in 2017, a 1.8% increase over 2016. France is home to many leading global businesses and has a time-honoured tradition in industrial invention, a high quality education system, and large investment in research and development. France ranked fifth in the world for offshore investment with more than US$1.2 trillion. France is now Europes leading producer and exporter of agricultural products; while, ranked fourth in mechanical engineering and third in aviation in the world. It has strength in the fields of energy, telecommunications, financial services -banking, tourism, pharmaceuticals, and fashion, among others.
It can be seen that after 45 years of the establishment of the Vietnam-France diplomatic relations, in which the Vietnam-France strategic partnership was established in 2013, the friendship and cooperation between the two countries continues to be broadened and developed in all fields. France considers Vietnam as a priority and important partner in the region. The Communist Party of Vietnam has a time-honoured relationship with the French Communist Party, as well as established relations with the French Socialist Party and the French Republican Party. The two countries regularly exchange high-level delegations. France welcomed Party General Secretary Le Kha Phieu in 2000 and Party General Secretary Nong Duc Manh in 2005. The two sides have deployed a number of cooperative mechanisms, such as the Vietnam-France Defence Policy Dialogue; the annual High-level Economic Dialogue; and the Decentralised Cooperation Conference, etc... The two sides have also cooperated effectively in many international and regional forums such as the United Nations, ASEM, ASEAN - EU and the International Organisation of La Francophonie.
Regarding economic cooperation, France is one of the leading trade partners of Vietnam in Western Europe with two-way trade in 2017 reaching US$4.6 billion, up 11.6% compared to 2016. In 2017, France ranked third among the European countries, and 16th among 125 countries and territories investing in Vietnam, with 513 valid projects worth US$2.8 billion. France is a leading European ODA provider for Vietnam, and Vietnam is the second largest beneficiary nation of French ODA in Asia, with a total committed capital of US$18.4 billion since 1993. Frances direct investment in Vietnam mainly focuses on IT, agriculture, and the processing and manufacturing industries.
The exchanges and cooperation between the two countries have been expanded in many fields such as culture, health, education and training. There are currently 7,000 Vietnamese students studying in France. France regards Vietnam as a top priority in Asia and the third priority in the world in terms of cultural and scientific-technical cooperation. The French Government allocates approximately EUR5 million(US$6.1 million) for cultural cooperation with Vietnam each year. With 14 projects worth US$188 million, France ranks seventh among countries and territories in terms of tourism investment in Vietnam, which considers the EU nation as a key source of tourists.
The official visit to France by Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong takes place when the two countries are holding the first high-level meeting since France has had a new president, and at a time when the two countries are celebrating the 45th founding anniversary of diplomatic ties and five years of the strategic partnership between Vietnam and France. This is also the first visit to Western Europe by Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong during the 12th National Party Congress and takes place in the context of the Vietnam-EU trade relations entering the new period. It is believed that the official visit to France by Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong will create a momentum to consolidate and deepen the strategic partnership between Vietnam and France, contributing to enhancing Vietnams position in Europe. The visit takes place in the context that Vietnam is continuing to achieve important achievements of historical significance in the renewal process, as well as maintaining political and social stability with deep regional and international integration. The prestige of the country has also been improved.
May the official visit to France by Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong be crowned a success, bringing the Vietnam-France strategic partnership to a new height, meeting the aspiration of the two peoples, contributing to peace, stability, and prosperity in the region and around the world.
Perth Glory have stayed alive in the race for the A-League finals and made Melbourne Victory's job of finishing third all that harder with a 1-0 win at nib Stadium.
Glory remain in eighth position despite the fourth straight home win but are a point behind sixth placed Western Sydney Wanderers and goal difference off seventh placed Brisbane Roar.
Having been earlier booked for simulation, striker Andy Keogh secured the win with a headed goal in the 44th minute for Glory.
It will still be tough for Perth to reach the finals with games against Sydney FC, Newcastle Jets and Brisbane to come, but it keeps them with a sniff.
It ended a run of three A-League wins for Victory who remain two points off third placed Melbourne City.
They are only two points ahead of fifth placed Adelaide United too with games against the Wanderers, Wellington Phoenix and Sydney FC to finish.
It was Victory who had the best early chance with a Leroy George volleyed strike well saved by Glory 'keeper Liam Reddy who tipped it into the crossbar.
Kosta Barbarouses shot on the rebound was also blocked.
Keogh then had a sighter with a header in the 41st minute. Three minutes later he was delivered a ball on a platter from Scott Neville as he headed it home for his sixth goal of the campaign.
Both teams created some decent second half chances. But Glory had the better run of it and deserved to hold on for the 1-0 win as the Perth rain tumbled down.
Australia's Lucas Browne has thanked concerned fans for their messages of support after he was rushed to hospital following his brutal sixth-round TKO to Dillian Whyte in London.
The 38-year-old was floored by a powerful left hook from Whyte in a bout for the WBC Silver title which left him flat out on the canvas and needing urgent attention from ringside medics.
There were genuine fears inside London's O2 arena for Browne's well-being on Saturday night but after a tense five minutes the Sydney fighter was able to get up before being stretchered out of the venue and taken to hospital wearing an oxygen mask.
Browne, the former WBA belt holder, sustained a bad cut over his left eye in the opening round of the fight which, he said, hampered his vision.
But on Sunday morning he was able to update worried supporters using social media.
He tweeted: "Hi everyone. Thanks very much for the love and support. It wasn't my night and massive respect to @DillianWhyte for his performance. My eye was giving me trouble from the second and you can't protect from what you can't see. I'm all good and I will be back."
Browne's promoter Ricky Hatton had earlier tweeted: "just to let everyone know @lucasBrowne is ok.waiting for a scan at the moment but sitting up and talking. So hoping everything is ok."
Australia's Main Event TV host Ben Damon, later tweeted pictures of Browne sitting up in bed at the Royal London hospital saying he was OK and has since posted that the fighter was fit to board a flight home to Sydney.
Eddie Hearn, boss of the event's promoter Matchroom, told AAP after the fight: "It was a nasty one. Of course you are concerned when that happens. Lucas hit the floor hard. He was taken to hospital as a precaution."
The defeat was Browne's first loss in 26 professional fights and meant he missed out on the chance to become the No.1 contender for the WBC heavyweight title held by American Deontay Wilder.
While hinting in his message that he will return, Browne's defeat has left him with an uncertain future at the top level.
Londoner Whyte, meanwhile, looks set for a big payday either against Wilder or even the winner of next week's unification showdown between WBA/IBF champion Anthony Joshua and New Zealand's Joseph Parker, the WBO belt holder.
Firefighters are on high alert as damaging winds sweep Victoria following bush and grass fires in the state's southwest.
The cold front was forecast to bring average gusts of between 50 and 60 km/h overnight into Monday before easing in the afternoon.
Fire authorities were concerned the winds could put pressure on containment lines around the Cobden, Terang, Camperdown, Gazette and Garvoc fires, burning for more than a week.
But the biggest risk to communities was smoke billowing from several peat fires, which led to the evacuation of 55 aged care residents from Cobden, and the opening of relief centres in the town and at nearby Terang.
Peat fires are made up of partially-decayed vegetation, and produce stinking and irritating gases which particularly affect those with heart or lung conditions.
Health assessments are available at the Terang Civic Hall for people exposed to the smoke.
The concerns escalated as Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull visited Cobden on Sunday to speak to residents and firefighters hit by the previous weekend's fires.
At least 160 fires broke out from last Saturday, driven by strong winds, and unusually hot and dry weather.
More than 60 sheds, 26 houses and thousands of livestock were destroyed but no one died.
"Nature throws her worst at us time and time again - fires, floods and it brings out the solidarity, the love, the community spirit, the resilience of Australians again and again," Mr Turnbull told reporters from Cobden.
"People looked after themselves and looked after their neighbours, knocked on doors, made sure that people were home, that they got out and confirmed that houses they thought were empty, were empty."
One of Formula One's fiercest rivalries appears to have cooled with Sebastian Vettel claiming a shock Australian Grand Prix win over fellow four-time world champion Lewis Hamilton in Melbourne.
Mercedes driver Hamilton looked to have further stoked their feud when he admitted wanting to wipe the smile off Vettel's face ahead of the F1 season opener.
But instead of giving Hamilton stick after claiming back-to-back Albert Park victories on Sunday, Ferrari's Vettel offered an olive branch.
Asked if there was extra satisfaction in beating Hamilton in light of his comments, Vettel said: "Not really.
"He was joking (about the comment) and I believe him.
"We are old enough. We don't need to go down to that level.
"We don't have a problem with each other."
That wasn't the case not so long ago.
Last June their rivalry reached boiling point when Hamilton called Vettel a "disgrace" for appearing to deliberately ram him at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
And Hamilton upped the ante before the 2018 season even started, saying he was "expecting the worst" from Vettel.
It set the stage for a Titanic battle the likes Formula One had never seen before.
It marks the first time in F1 history two four-time world champions have gone toe to toe in a season.
They are racing to equal Argentine great Juan Manuel Fangio's five world crowns.
Only Michael Schumacher (seven) has won more.
But Vettel couldn't see why they couldn't get along in 2018.
"It's fine apart from a point (Azerbaijan) last year," Vettel said.
"Even though we are very different people I think we share a common passion, that makes us equal.
"We all love racing and try to do our best while we are in the car and beat everyone else.
"I don't see why we can't just all get along with each other."
Asked if there was any reason why they shouldn't get along, Hamilton said: "I don't think so, no."
Vettel even backed his rival when Hamilton claimed there was not a "party mode" on his engine that many believed helped the Briton claim a lap record and pole position on Saturday.
Hamilton's extraordinary effort prompted speculation the Mercedes gun had used a special qualifying engine mode or "party mode" and questioned its legality.
Asked if he thought Mercedes' engine qualifying mode was legal, Vettel said: "I think so, I think Lewis was right yesterday.
"I don't think the gain he had in time was down to engine - it was clear he just had a very good lap."
It remains to be seen if the love-in continues in round two at Bahrain on April 9.
Tasmania has emerged as Australia's new hot spot for film and TV production with Hollywood studios eyeing the state for major projects.
A rash of films and TV series, including Nicole Kidman's Oscar-nominated Lion, Rosehaven, The Kettering Incident and Australian super producer Bruna Papandrea's new period film The Nightingale, has defined Tasmania as a viable but untapped option for Hollywood and other filmmakers.
"There are people absolutely looking at it [Tasmania] now," Screen Australia chief executive Graeme Mason told AAP.
"We have had more going on in Tasmania in the last two years than probably the last dozen added together."
The Queensland, NSW and Victorian governments have aggressively pursued Hollywood for major productions with blockbuster action franchises and other genres, including Aquaman,Thor, Pirates of the Caribbean and horror flick Winchester starring Helen Mirren, shot on the Australian mainland in recent years.
The Tasmanian government and its film-TV business unit, Screen Tasmania, have an advantage when courting directors and location managers scouting potential shoot locations.
"Tasmania provides a physical landscape which looks like nowhere else," Mr Mason said.
The recent uptick in production in the state has also created film infrastructure to support bigger projects, with talented Tasmanian crew now able to remain home instead of flying north or overseas for work.
"There is crew there now and amazing landscapes very different to anything else you will get, so Tasmania is having a real moment," Mr Mason said.
Tasmania and the other states had the spotlight shone on them last week in New York during the four-day inaugural Australian International Screen Forum.
Melbourne police are reaching out for public help to identify a man who assaulted a woman on a street in Carlton in February.
A 25-year-old woman told police she was walking north on Swanston Street about 10.15pm on February 3 and a man followed her for several blocks.
She says the man approached her near the intersection of Lynch Street and Swanston Street, and sexually assaulted her before running off when she started screaming.
Investigators believe the man may have a distinctive gait and have released CCTV video and an image as they seek public help in identifying him.
Doctors are worried recent changes by Bupa will leave hospital patients with higher out of pocket costs.
Revealing its latest annual report card on private health insurance, the Australian Medical Association singled out the insurer's new gap cover arrangements.
The insurer will now only be providing maximum benefits for patients in hospitals with Bupa contracts, AMA President Michael Gannon said on Monday.
The association is worried the changes will mean patients will not only need to confirm their preferred doctor has a gap arrangement with Bupa, but also if that doctor has admitting rights with a hospital Bupa has a contract with.
"Public confidence in private health insurance is already at an all-time low," Dr Gannon said in a statement.
"These changes will further devalue policies, which are a major financial burden for Australian families, and will place dangerous pressure on the already stressed public hospital system."
Bupa clarified its changes on March 7, revealing customers will still be able to use the Medical Gap Scheme in public hospitals if they pre-book their treatment as a private patient at least two working days before they're admitted.
In the annual report card, Dr Gannon also reiterated his association's call for an end to so-called junk policies and said Australians should carefully consider what cover they need.
The Turnbull government has announced reforms to insurance policies and and how they are classified - into gold, silver, bronze and basic categories.
But the association says it's important the changes are more than rebadging with a new label.
It also warns that without affordability being addressed, insurance membership rates will continue to fall and the viability of the entire health system will be threatened.
From April 1, premiums will increase by an average 3.95 per cent.
Health Minister Greg Hunt has insisted it's the lowest approved rise in 17 years.
The first of 10 new drug and booze buses has hit the road in Victoria, with police hoping its new features will give them the edge in the war against drink and drug drivers.
The purpose-built, bright blue bus features LED floodlighting technology and a state-of-the-art electronic control system, meaning drivers won't be able to miss it.
"This will allow for easier set-up and pack up, meaning the buses can be moved more easily to cover more areas for testing," Assistant Commissioner Doug Fryer said ahead of the unveiling on Wednesday.
A Sydney Uber driver has been bashed by four men after he asked them to get out of his car because of their behaviour.
The 28-year-old driver picked up the group in Caringbah on Sunday afternoon and when they were asked to get out of the car, police have been told the group pushed the driver to the ground and repeatedly punched and kicked him in the head.
Police say other drivers pulled up on Taren Point Road to try and intervene and a woman's car was kicked by one of the passengers when she tried to take photos.
The men - all in their early 20s - have been charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm in company and affray and will face Sutherland court next month.
A new report showing the poorest Australians are supporting the richest is bolstering Labor's opposition to the Turnbull government's company tax cuts.
An Anglicare report found that $68 billion in taxpayer dollars is spent keeping the "wealthiest households wealthy", costing workers about $37 a week.
"This is why Labor has determined we want a fair system," Labor senator Doug Cameron told reporters in Canberra on Monday.
"Workers that are battling to put food on the table, to put shoes on their schoolkid's feet are subsidising the rich and wealthy."
Senator Cameron says Labor wants to make sure the "rorts in the tax system are gone" and that people shouldn't be subsidising negative gearing and capital gains tax.
The Anglicare report looked at the cost of tax measures that benefit the richest 20 per cent of Australians.
These include capital gains tax and superannuation concessions, private education and health tax exemptions, negative gearing and discretionary trusts.
It found these totalled $68 billion annually.
By contrast, the annual cost of the Newstart allowance, the main income support payment while people are unemployed and looking for work, comes in just under $11 billion a year.
"Following the latest round of welfare cuts, these numbers tell us that something has gone badly wrong," Anglicare Australia executive director Kasy Chambers said.
"We have become a country that cuts from the poorest to give to the richest."
Report author Emma Dawson, from Per Capita, said high-income earners cost the budget more than any single welfare recipient group.
"Too often, the political narrative around our tax and transfer system demonises the most disadvantaged Australians," she said.
In an interview granted to the Vietnam News Agency on the occasion of the official visit to France by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong from March 25-27, he briefed the associations major activities to support Vietnamese people during their past struggle for national liberation as well as the present national construction.
The AAFV has contributed to developing relations between Vietnam and France and other countries, said Jean Pierre Archambault, who is also editor-in-chief of Perspectives France-Vietnam magazine.
The association has closely coordinated with the Vietnam Red Cross Society, supported war victims, especially those affected by Agent Orange (AO)/dioxin, he said, adding that it has accompanied Vietnamese-French Tran To Nga in the lawsuit against 26 US chemical firms for producing chemical toxins sprayed by the US army during the war in Vietnam in the 1960-1970 period.
Besides, the AAFV has raised its voice protecting Vietnams sovereignty and sovereign right in the East Sea, he said.
In the combat against climate change, the association has showed its solidarity with Vietnam, one of the nations hardest hit by global warming and sea level rise, Jean Pierre Archambault added.
He affirmed that bilateral and multilateral cooperation projects form an important content of the associations action plan, adding that apart from participating in conferences relating to health issues in Vietnam, the AAFV has closely cooperated with many French companies and the Vietnamese businesspersons association in France to enhance economic ties between the two countries.
He said one of the associations tasks is helping French people understand more about Vietnam, as well as its history, civilisation, achievements and challenges.
To that end, the AAFV has organised a range of seminars, film screenings and exhibitions, and run Perspectives France-Vietnam magazine in order to popularise the bilateral relationship.
The association has launched an award for research studies on Vietnam by young French people, and plans to encourage partners to participate in the organisation of the day of friendship and solidarity associations with Vietnam in 2019, said Jean Pierre Archambault.
The Southern Highlands and Shoalhaven regions have topped the list of NSW unemployment 'hotspots' where nearly 30 per cent of people under 24 are struggling to find work.
Five NSW regions have been highlighted in the Unfair Australia report released by the Brotherhood of St Laurence on Monday.
Youth unemployment levels in south coast towns including Nowra, Mittagong and Ulladulla sit at 28.9 per cent, the report says.
This compares with the national youth unemployment rate of 12.2 per cent, which is more than double the nationwide average of 5.5 per cent for people of all ages.
The Murray region, taking in the towns of Albury, Tocumwal, Jerilderie, Deniliquin recorded the second highest rate of youth unemployment, with 21.5 per cent of youth out of work
The Coffs Harbour-Grafton region came in third at 19.8 per cent; followed by the Central Coast at 18.6 per cent; and New England-North West region at 16.6 per cent.
Brotherhood of St Laurence executive director Conny Lenneberg says rural areas and outer suburbs carry the heaviest burden, and she has called for action from governments and employers in those communities
"Stubborn rates of youth unemployment are not just a concern for families or the welfare sector," Ms Lenneberg said in a statement on Monday.
The report used Australian Bureau of Statistics data released in earlier this month.
Across NSW the youth unemployment rate reached 10.8 per cent in the 12 months to January 2018.
Nationwide youth unemployment is highest in outback Queensland where 67.1 per cent of young people are out of work, the report said.
Up to $10 million in NSW government funding has been assigned to the clean-up of asbestos-contaminated parts of Tathra, where a devastating bushfire razed close to 100 properties.
Just over a week after the fire tore through the small Sapphire Coast seaside town, Premier Gladys Berejiklian said on Monday the government will assign the funding to help in the clean-up operation.
Speaking to reporters in Tathra, Ms Berejiklian said the money is already available to fire victims, and the state government is also providing financial assistance to people with uninsured properties.
A man accused of a double murder in central Queensland nearly 25 years ago has also been charged with drug trafficking.
Robert Grayson, 26, and Derek Van Der Poel, 23, were last seen alive in Gladstone in May 1993 and had been guarding marijuana crops for Russell James Williams, 51, who is accused of killing them.
On Monday police said Williams had also been charged with trafficking in dangerous drugs, adding to existing charges of two counts of murder, and one count of producing dangerous drugs.
Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton claims it was in the "public interest" to grant a visa to a foreign au pair, after using his ministerial powers to intervene in her case.
The visa was granted after a young woman's bid to enter Australia was ruled unlawful following her detention at Brisbane International Airport.
Over the past two years Mr Dutton's department has been trying to suppress key details of the case and the reasons underpinning the decision.
AAP sought access to details surrounding the case under freedom of information laws, but documents supplied were heavily redacted citing privacy concerns. AAP is now awaiting an outcome from the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.
An au pair is a person under 30 who travels abroad for a temporary period and lives with a host family. They generally receive free board, meals and spending money in exchange for child care and light housework duties.
In this case, a young woman had her eVisitor visa cancelled at the Brisbane airport on June 17, 2015, which rendered her an "unlawful non-citizen" under migration laws
AAP understands she made a phone call to a contact while detained at the airport and was "quickly" granted a new visa which allowed her to lawfully enter Australia.
A document tabled in parliament shows the woman was granted a tourist visa (subclass 600) after Mr Dutton used his ministerial discretion to intervene in the case.
"Having regard to this person's particular circumstances and personal characteristics, I have decided to exercise my discretionary powers... as it would be in the public interest to grant this person a visa," the parliamentary document says.
"I have decided that as a discretionary and humanitarian act to an individual with ongoing needs it is in the interests of Australia as a humane and generous society to grant this person a (visa)."
An Immigration official familiar with the visa cancellation process at the airport was "very surprised at this unusual set of events".
"It is hard to see how the grant of the new visa ... was genuinely in the public interest," the source told AAP.
"It is not very common for visas to be granted at the border after the visa a person arrived on is cancelled."
The source said usually people were put on the next available flight home.
Analysis of ministerial discretion statements for 2015 tabled in parliament shows the bulk of these visas are granted to asylum seekers requiring bridging or temporary humanitarian visas or former residents returning to Australia.
A former department official told AAP under the ministerial discretion powers "the minister is God. He can do whatever he likes."
Ministerial submissions concerning the au pair did not involve consultation with the department secretary or the head of Customs.
Mr Dutton has declined to explain why it was in the public interest to grant a visa to the woman and refused to shed light on her "ongoing needs".
Mr Dutton has denied he personally knew the au pair and that she worked for him or his family. The minister and his wife Kirilly have three young children.
"The decision did not breach the statement of ministerial standards," Mr Dutton told AAP in 2016.
Ministerial standards under the Turnbull and Abbott governments state: "it is critical that ministers do not use public office for private purposes."
"Ministers are required to ensure official decisions made by them as ministers are unaffected by bias or... considerations of private advantage."
"Ministers must ensure they act with integrity - that is through the lawful and disinterested exercise of statutory and other powers available to their office."
During the Administrative Appeals Tribunal hearing earlier this month, AAP's lawyer Surya Palaniappan argued the news outlet was not seeking the woman's name and that releasing details which might relate to her employer would not specifically identify her.
She said there were strong public interest grounds for disclosing further information from the FOI documents.
"Even if the minister has somewhat of an unfettered discretion under the Migration Act, he's nevertheless subject to these (ministerial) standards," she told the hearing.
The department's lawyer Brooke Griffin argued disclosure of personal information of the au pair, including country of origin, employer and conversations with Border Force officials, would be unreasonable because it would breach privacy and make her identifiable.
"There is no evidence whatsoever, before the tribunal, of any personal link between the minister and the (au pair)," she argued.
"Nor could it be said that the release of the personal information ... will shed any light whatsoever on the allegation... at the moment it is mere speculation."
Tribunal member Chris Puplick, a former Liberal senator, promised to make a decision on the case "reasonably expeditiously" but gave no time frame.
A projection at the inaugural grant ceremony for The Kim Wall Memorial Fund in New York City
Parents and friends of Kim Wall honored her memory in New York Friday on what would have been the slain Swedish journalist's 31st birthday.
Wall's remains were discovered in plastic bags over a series of weeks after she vanished while interviewing Danish inventor Peter Madsen aboard his homemade submarine.
Madsen currently is on trial in Copenhagen in the grisly case that sent shockwaves worldwide, with charges including premeditated murder, desecration of a corpse and sexual relations other than intercourse.
Wall's parents, Ingrid and Joachim Wall, along with her brother and some hundred friends -- many who knew Wall during her time at Columbia University's graduate journalism school -- gathered to celebrate the life of the plucky freelance journalist, presenting a scholarship of $5,000 to a Danish woman inspired by Wall.
Wall's family, along with the US International Women's Media Foundation, established the annual award in the late journalist's honor.
The grant's first winner, Anne Hermann, plans to put the funds towards investigating Danish colonialism in Greenland.
"Thank you Kim for being a beacon for generations of journalists to come," Hermann said.
Anne Kristine Hermann (L), Grantee of the Kim Wall Memorial Fund, with Tom Wall, Ingrid Wall and Joachim Wall during the inaugural grant ceremony for The Kim Wall Memorial Fund
Wall's mother Ingrid called it "comforting" that the fund already boasted $200,000 in donations, saying "we know the fund will live on for a long, long time."
"That gives us some kind of help in this misery."
Wall's parents will soon return to Copenhagen to attend the trial.
Ingrid Wall, herself a former journalist, said the scholarship aims to help "courageous young women who want to get out in the world and make a difference. That's very important to us because that's what Kim did."
"She was really out and talking to people," she said. "When you don't meet people, you miss so much; she wanted to go out in their own environment."
Paul Cezanne's "The Artist's Father, Reading 'l'Evenement'" (1866) paid tribute to his major sources of support as a then-fledgling artist -- his father Louis-Auguste Cezanne and novelist Emile Zola, who was also a literary critic at "L'Evenement"
What happens when an artist who devoted most of his career to painting landscapes and still lifes turns to the people he knows best?
That is the central premise of an international show of 59 portraits by France's Paul Cezanne opening Sunday at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, the first ever dedicated to this aspect of his oeuvre.
Of the 1,000 paintings the 19th century Provencal painter created during his lifetime, only about 160 are portraits, mostly of his close friends, family and domestic servants.
But it is perhaps in that collection that the evolution of Cezanne's individualistic, revolutionary vision is clearest, as he deconstructs space by boldly painting his wife with vanishing lips or applying layer upon layer of thick paint with a palette knife.
He may have studied Old Master works, but Cezanne "exploded" traditional ways of representing space and volume on a picture plane, said Mary Morton, co-curator of the show and head of the National Gallery's department of French paintings.
Cezanne in many ways paved the way to modernism: even the pioneering Cubist Pablo Picasso, born 42 years after the French painter, called him the "father of us all."
He relies on a "modernist understanding about how visual perception works... It's not stable, it's not linear, it's not from a single point, it's not coherent," Morton told AFP.
Texture was also key. In "Antony Valabregue" (1866), the artist's submission to the official Salon art exhibition in Paris critical for launching careers, Cezanne's rough-hewn style is on full display.
Cezanne's "Seated Man" (1905-1906), right, part of a series of portraits painted outdoors outside his Les Lauves studio, is an example of how the artist broke down an image into small patches of color later in his career
The jury took the coarsely layered paint and the poet-sitter's defiant and inelegant pose, fists clenched on his thighs, as a slap in the face -- and rejected it.
So roughly had Cezanne treated both the surface and the subject that one jury member commented he had painted not just with a knife but with a pistol.
- 'Unconventional' -
"He is displacing the conventional place that you look for portraiture, which is the face, and that you're expecting a likeness," said Morton, who received a top French civilian honor this week for her contributions to the arts.
"It means that it's perhaps in the color, it's in the shape, it's coming through in an unconventional way."
Cezanne's portraits of his wife, Hortense Fiquet -- who unlike her husband came from a modest background and lacked advanced education -- are especially confounding.
Often unflattering, the pictures show her with an angled oval face, her hair pulled back and parted down the middle. She never smiles.
Some are more sympathetic, such as "Madame Cezanne in a Red Armchair" (circa 1877) -- but that was painted before their marriage or shortly thereafter. In it she is shown seated on a plush red throne of a chair contrasting with a golden green and blue wallpaper pattern.
In one work from the "Madame Cezanne in a Red Dress" (1888-1890) series, she sits undisturbed in a blue room, her yellow chair and the wall tilting chaotically behind her.
Cezanne painted "Gustave Geffroy" (1895-1896) to thank the art critic for writing sympathetically about him, but the artist was said to have grown increasingly resentful of the writer over many sittings, leaving the hands and face unfinished
Co-curator John Elderfield does not, however, see Cezanne's renderings of his wife as commentary on a possible lack of affection in a couple that largely lived apart.
"If (art dealer Ambroise) Vollard is to be believed, he did more than 100 sittings for his portrait. She has about 30 portraits, so that's 3,000 hours. Wouldn't you be a bit fed up sitting there?" asked Elderfield, chief curator emeritus of painting and sculpture at New York's Museum of Modern Art.
"I think that even though facially it seems she's expressionless, it doesn't mean he doesn't care about her."
But Morton does not hesitate to factor in the quality of the relationship, or at least what's known of it.
"There's a really tough time after they're married," she said. "I think there's tension and melancholy, and you get that in a lot of these. I don't think he had an easy time with people."
The show runs through July 1 in Washington, the last stop of a tour that took in the Musee d'Orsay in Paris and London's National Portrait Gallery.
Sue Scott's life was saved by an experimental cancer treatement trial, and she has celebrated five years cancer-free
In the winter of 2013, Sue Scott, then 36, had already planned her own funeral.
Her cervical cancer was spreading fast. Multiple rounds of chemotherapy, radiation and surgery had all failed. Tumors were invading her liver and colon, and squeezing her ureters.
Her last chance was to enroll in an experimental trial in which doctors were trying to partially replace patients' immune systems with T-cells that would specifically attack cancers caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted infection.
Within a few months, her tumors completely disappeared.
This March, she celebrated five years cancer-free and according to her doctors appears to be fully cured.
"One of the biggest rewards is being a source of hope, and being an ear for other people," said Scott, who works as a realtor in Washington and advocates for cancer patients in her free time.
The trial at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, a US government-funded research hospital, was a breakthrough because it offered the first evidence that immunotherapy, which has already seen some success in blood cancers and melanoma, could work against cervical cancer.
A closer examination of why Scott's cells worked so well has also led to a new discovery that may be helpful in killing other kinds of solid tumors.
Lead investigator Christian Hinrichs of the National Cancer Institute told Scott the news at her follow-up visit to the NIH in February.
"Straight out of you, we got that gene sequence and now we can put it in anyone's cells and make their cells attack cancer the same way," he said.
"So that is something we are working on, trying to bring it to the clinic to see if it will work."
- Doctor survived cancer -
The trial was unusual in another way, too. Hinrichs, 46, is a cancer survivor himself.
He had an ocular melanoma, a rare kind of cancer that affects six in every one million people.
Dr Christian Hinrichs, lead investigator at the National Cancer Institute, had a rare kind of cancer that cost him his right eye
The small, cancerous spot was discovered in his right eye when he was in his late 20s, then a young cancer surgeon at the start of a promising career.
He underwent nearly a dozen radiation and laser treatments, each time believing the cancer was gone. But it always came back.
Finally, the only choice was to remove the affected eye, a surgery he underwent in 2005.
"Having experienced cancer and having worried about it coming back influences how you do research," Hinrichs told AFP.
"I really wanted treatments where if the cancer came back, we would have a solution to that problem."
- Seeking a target -
A person's immune system will naturally try to kill off any invader, including cancer, but usually falls short because tumors can mutate, hide, or simply overpower the white blood cells that lead the attack, known as T-cells.
Immunotherapies that have seen widespread success, such as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR-T) cell therapies, mainly target blood cancers like lymphoma, myeloma and leukemia, which have a tumor antigen -- like a flag or a signal -- on the surface of the cells so it is easy for immune cells to find and target the harmful cells.
But many common cancers lack this clear, surface signal.
Hinrichs' approach focuses on HPV tumors because they contain viral antigens that the immune system can easily recognize.
"What is very appealing about this cancer is the virus is right in the cancer," explained Miriam Merad, professor of oncological science at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York.
Merad, who is not involved with Hinrichs' work, described his approach as "very clever" and "absolutely critical" to unlocking the mystery of why some people respond to immunotherapy and others do not.
- Stunning response, or failure -
In Scott's trial, the strategy was to surgically remove one of her tumors, and isolate the T-cells that were already trying to attack it.
Aricca Wallace, pictured in 2014, was along with Sue Scott one of two women in a trial for whom an experimental cancer treatment worked; the approach failed for 16 other women
Researchers took these tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and grew billions of them to re-infuse in her blood, creating an army of immune fighters.
Besides Scott, it worked for one other patient, Aricca Wallace, now a 41-year-old mother of two teenage boys in Kansas City, Missouri and also considered fully cured after five years.
But the approach failed for the other 16 women in the trial.
To explore what had worked and why, Hinrichs took another look at the cells that were infused in Scott and Wallace.
He found they indeed were targeting HPV. But in Wallace, most of the T-cells were intent on destroying abnormal proteins that were unique to her tumor.
And in Scott, about two-thirds of the cells that cleared away her cancer were all targeting another tumor signal, a protein called KK-LC-1.
This protein is also expressed in cancers that currently affect about a half million people worldwide, including some triple negative breast cancers -- one of the most stubborn and lethal forms of breast cancer -- certain stomach cancers, non-small cell lung cancers and cervical cancers.
The researchers had found a new target.
"It was quite surprising," said Hinrichs.
"It is an example of where the science led us somewhere different than where we thought it might go."
- Next steps -
Hinrichs' lab hopes to open the first clinical trials on cancers that express KK-LC-1 in about a year. International patients are welcome to apply.
Researchers cannot say how often these experimental trials work or give a percentage rate for success. The study sizes are just too small.
Deputy director of the National Cancer Institute's Center for Cancer Research Ronald Gress told AFP that Hinrichs' approach is "certainly promising."
"He represents one of the more unusual options and at the same time, an option that may truly be able to help the patients."
For Scott, learning that her cells could lead to other cures in the future was what she described as a "full-circle" moment.
"There is something innate in me that is going to help others? That is pretty exciting."
US airmen greet the plane of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, US Marine Corps General Joseph Dunford, as he arrives on Wake Island in the Pacific during a visit on February 2, 2018
Life on Wake Island seems, much of the time, rather sedate.
The blank "Flight Movement" board at this tiny airfield in the middle of the Pacific promises zero flights, and no movement.
But every day or so, a US military plane touches down to refuel or deliver cargo, bringing a burst of activity to one of the world's most remote places.
The miniscule coral atoll, which pops up unexpectedly from the ocean's steel-grey expanse, seems an unlikely place to find a permanent military presence.
It is located more than 2,000 miles (3,500 kilometers) west of Hawaii, and four US troops live here year round.
Thanks to more than a century of military history and a changing power dynamic in the region, this speck of sand and stones will continue to pack an outsized strategic punch for America.
"There's so much honor here on Wake," says Air Force Captain Marc Bleha, describing how the island saw one of the first US engagements of World War II, when Marines repelled a Japanese attack just days after the bombing of Pearl Harbor.
A World War II-era bunker is seen by a beach on Wake Island
"It's humbling to think back... to when Marines were defending the island. They were running from bunker to bunker."
The Japanese came back days later, reinforced and better organized, and this time they took the island. Several US bunkers and other remnants of the conflict remain largely intact.
The coral beaches, once stained with wartime blood, are now strewn with plastic rubbish, grim evidence that parts of the Pacific have become a gyre of manmade waste.
Bleha, who is on a yearlong tour overseeing three enlisted men, ensures a permanent military presence on the island, where the sun sets long before mainland America's day has even begun.
All told, 85 people live here on a semi-permanent basis, contracted in one way or another to keep the island running.
Today, after decades of relative calm across the Pacific region, Wake Island is taking on renewed strategic importance.
Residents continually comb the beach for waste but more washes up daily, a testament to the amount of manmade rubbish in the ocean
China is aggressively growing its military and pushing its footprint deeper into the Pacific, and wants to coax neighbors to shed old economic and military ties to the United States and partner with Beijing.
- American isolationism? -
Officials like to talk about America's Pacific presence as vital for "projecting power" into the region, where rivals like China are writing a narrative that President Donald Trump and his tariff-imposing, "America First" agenda mean the US no longer cares about what happens here.
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, US Marine Corps General Joseph Dunford (C in red shirt), speaks to reporters on Wake Island on February 2, 2018
"Obviously I reject that," General Joe Dunford, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told reporters traveling him following a visit to Wake Island last month.
"If you look at the health of our alliances in the region... The evidence reflects anything other than a decline in Pacific power. We have enduring interests here, we have enduring commitment and an enduring presence in the Pacific."
That presence is visible across the region, including on Wake and Guam -- located 1,500 miles further west -- and at a string of US bases on Japan, South Korea and elsewhere.
US Air Force security guards enjoy a moment on the beach at Wake Island
Wake Island also plays a key role in America's efforts to block a ballistic missile attack from a rogue regime such as North Korea.
The Missile Defense Agency uses the atoll to test its missile-interceptor systems designed to smash into a rocket headed toward US soil.
Dunford's Pacific trip came on the heels of other visits by senior Trump officials, including Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, then-secretary of state Rex Tillerson and the president himself.
They want to show that as China rises, America is not reducing its hold on the Asia-Pacific, where to a major extent it has underwritten regional security since the end of World War II.
During his brief visit to Wake Island, Dunford, a Marine four-star, paid his respects at a small monument to the US Marines and sailors killed during Japan's invasion and occupation.
A worker at Wake Island's airfield will stamp visitors passports if they ask
The concrete memorial, topped with the Marine Corps' globe-and-anchor motif, reads: "Enemy On Island, Situation In Doubt," memorializing the radio transmission the atoll commander sent his comrades in Hawaii during the Japanese invasion.
Fourth grade children study englash the Star School in Arizona, a charter educational facility that wants to revitalize the Navajo language
In the heart of Arizona's high desert, one of America's greenest schools is protecting the planet and its endangered culture by drawing inspiration from Native American values.
Classes at the STAR School, on the edge of the vast Navajo Nation reserve, are divided between English and -- when the fast-paced curriculum allows -- the local native language, known as dine.
In kindergarten, a teacher shows a handful of toddlers traditional weaving, while the children of elementary school age, some in traditional braids, discuss the rudiments of fiction writing or computing.
"I like this school because I have many family members here," one softly-spoken but happy girl, 11-year-old Akura, tells AFP.
The school's stellar name -- an acronym for "Service to all Relations" -- emphasizes the Navajo philosophy that every living thing is connected, from the smallest plant to the largest mammal.
"We teach children traditional peacemaking. We haven't had a fist fight in eight years," says the school's founder, Mark Sorensen.
"I've been a principal for 40 years and I can tell you, it's extraordinary."
The STAR, which caters to pupils of up to the end of middle school, generates all its electricity from two wind turbines and 300 solar panels.
It is an initiative born of ideology but also necessity, with no power grid out in the sticks, some 25 miles (40 kilometers) from the nearest city, Flagstaff.
"It has been estimated that between the Arizona and Nevada deserts (solar) panels could power half the country," says Sorensen, an ecologist who has been "off the grid" for years.
- 'Historical trauma' -
Mark Sorensen, founder of Star, an off-the-grid environmental school that teaches mostly Navajo Students, shows the wind and solar energy installation that provides all the electricity to the school
He founded the STAR school 17 years ago with his wife, paying for the first building with his own credit card.
The campus is now home to 130 students and has added a gym and a greenhouse, where students grow vegetables and herbs that are used in the canteen.
They learn to live in "renewable" mode but also become familiar with techniques in cultivating vegetables that have almost disappeared from dinner tables in the remote region where food is scarce.
The Navajo community, plagued by poverty and rife with drug addiction, domestic violence and health problems such as diabetes, still suffers from "historical trauma," as the locals term it.
In the mid-19th century, about 9,000 Navajos were driven off their land by the US military, deported on foot and marched hundreds of miles to be interned at Fort Summer in New Mexico.
A treaty was signed in 1868 authorizing them to become part of a federally-recognized protected area, the Navajo Nation reservation.
The children were sent away to boarding schools, where they were bullied and their language proscribed.
"It's a model that was used all over the world, with the aborigine people of Australia, everywhere," says Sorensen.
"Schools were this place where psychological violence was made to the people and the culture. There's lots of pain and anger among native families about school."
The STAR School and others like it are at the forefront of attempts to revive a culture that has been eroded by the Anglo-Saxon influx onto native lands.
- Internal conflict -
Eighth graders complete a scientific project that serves their community -- including one group that won a scholarship from Samsung for fashioning a simple bucket into a low-cost, low-energy air conditioning system.
As with any other public institution, the STAR School is not without its internal conflicts and competing priorities.
To hold on to its funding, it has to educate to the standard of local public schools, which means pupils attaining average C grades in what the US News rankings site describes as one of the worst states for education.
Non-native teachers lament the fact that attention to tradition impinges on class time which would otherwise be devoted to reading or mathematics.
Navajo teachers, on the other hand, complain that just two hours a week is dedicated to the study of their endangered language.
"(The authorities) tell you what to teach -- that this is more important than that -- and it's always the dominant western culture," says Revalane Nez, who'd like to spend time on stories of Navajo heroes and other aspects of history and culture.
She does what she can to keep her heritage alive via a Navajo culture club, a spring wellness camp and Navajo language camp.
But in Navajo families, it is sometimes only the grandparents who still speak the language fluently, while television blares out English in every home.
The once-bustling port of Hodeida, a key entry point for UN aid to Yemen, now receives a trickle of deliveries
Yemen's rebel-held port of Hodeida, a lifeline for a war-battered country dependent on food imports, remains "a wasteland" three months after a Saudi-led coalition said it lifted a blockade.
The assessment by humanitarian and port officials comes as Saudi Arabia and its regional allies push into the fourth year of their military intervention in Yemen.
The operation, launched in March 2015 with the goal of rolling back Iran-backed Shiite Huthi rebels and restoring Yemen's internationally-recognised government to power, has contributed to what the United Nations calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis.
The UN Security Council warned earlier this month that conditions in Yemen are deteriorating and having a "devastating" impact on civilians, with 22.2 million now in need of humanitarian assistance.
The status of Hodeida, the country's largest seaport and gateway to the majority of its aid-dependent population, offers a window into the nation's dire plight.
In February, food imports were half of the monthly national requirement, according to the United Nations agency for humanitarian affairs.
The world body said those food shipments, critical to a nation on the verge of famine, were "the lowest" since the UN began inspecting cargo in May 2016.
- Broken cranes -
The once-bustling port of Hodeida now receives a trickle of deliveries, with some ships entering only to remove empty containers and haul them away.
"Hodeida should be supporting more than 20 million Yemenis. It should be the source of at least 70 percent of all imports to Yemen," Suze van Meegen, a protection and advocacy adviser with the Norwegian Refugee Council, told AFP.
"Instead it's like a wasteland."
Van Meegen in late February visited the port for a firsthand view.
AFP requested permission from Hodeida port authorities to visit but has not yet been granted access.
"The most striking thing at the port is the destruction of the five gantry cranes," van Meegen said, referring to infrastructure bombed by coalition warplanes in the first six months of their intervention.
The UN says February food shipments, critical to a nation on the verge of famine, were 'the lowest' since it began inspecting cargo in May 2016
The old cranes are now obstacles to movement at the port, and the storage area where containers were once stacked four high is largely empty, she said.
Some 5,000 day labourers have been let go since the bombing of the cranes, according to port authorities.
Van Meegen said that four mobile US-purchased cranes delivered in January -- while welcomed by humanitarian groups -- do not have the same capability as the old ones.
"The cranes destroyed in 2015 could transport 30 containers each hour," she said. "The four mobile cranes delivered by the US will help with offloading very small quantities of cargo."
The truck-mounted cranes have an offloading capacity of 60 tons but cannot necessarily reach a large container ship, said Robert Foley, a US-licensed chief mate who has sailed on numerous container ships.
He said they are "much slower and more laborious than the traditional gantry crane".
"If the ports lose their ability to operate the gantry cranes, it stops or slows down the rate of cargo operations," Foley told AFP.
- Ships at sea -
Fuel deliveries amounted to only 24 percent of Yemen's needs in February, while food met 51 percent, causing sharp price rises of both.
"For whatever reason, the amount of food and fuel required to meet needs in Yemen is not coming in through Hodeida and it is likely there are some deliberate actions being taken to cause it," said van Meegen.
"We can't say the blockade is in place. The de facto blockade is still in place."
The biggest obstacle, according to authorities at Hodeida port, is out at sea.
"There is only one authority which has the power to give permission for the ships or prevent them," port director Dawood Fadel told AFP.
"That is the coalition warships."
In November 2017, the coalition tightened a blockade of Yemeni ports in response to a rebel ballistic missile attack that targeted Riyadh international airport.
That embargo was eased under international pressure in December for a 30-day period, extended another 30 days, then left in apparent limbo when it expired February 18.
Colonel Turki al-Malki, spokesman for the Saudi-led coalition, said Saturday that the port was "fully open" and carrying out inspection procedures in cooperation with the UN Verification and Inspection Mechanism.
"The coalition cooperates closely with UNVIM to ensure a safe and regulated environment for maritime shipping, both commercial and humanitarian," Malki said.
He accused the Huthis of levying fees on critical goods to fund their war chest and Iran of smuggling in weapons for the rebels.
The inspection mechanism -- established to ease coalition concerns of arms shipments -- clears cargo in Dubai, Salalah in Oman and other regional ports before vessels are allowed to proceed.
All ships must ultimately pass through the coalition's fleet.
As of March 15, there were six vessels awaiting coalition clearance to dock, nine cleared to enter and four unloading, according to the UN.
"Ships are still being allowed to sail to the port and discharge their goods but it's a lengthy and complicated process through the Saudi authorities," said van Meegen.
* Investigators from Britain's data watchdog searched the London offices of Cambridge Analytica, the data analytics firm at the centre of a storm over allegations it improperly harvested Facebook data to target US voters.
About 20 officials concluded the search around 0300 GMT on March 24.
* Italy's center-right bloc and the anti-establishment Five Star Movement joined forces on March 24 to elect a speaker for each chamber of parliament, in what could be a test run for a possible government alliance in the wake of an inconclusive March 4 general election.
The new Senate speaker is veteran politician Maria Elisabetta Alberti Casellati from media mogul Silvio Berlusconi's Forza Italia party.
* Turkey's military and its Syrian rebel allies have taken full control of northwest Syria's Afrin region, a Turkish army source said on March 24, as aid workers distributed food to people in the area.
* Chanting "never again," hundreds of thousands of young Americans and their supporters answered a call to action from survivors of last month's Florida high school massacre and rallied across the country on March 24 to demand tighter gun laws.
More than 800 demonstrations were scheduled in the United States and abroad, according to coordinators, with events as far afield as London, Mauritius, Stockholm and Sydney.
* Beijing issued an orange alert over air pollution Sartuday (March 24) night.
The air pollution is to last from Monday to Wednesday, said Beijing's air pollution emergency response office.
* The number of Italians at risk of poverty has risen from 15 million to 18.1 million people in a decade.
Between 2006 and 2016, the "risk of poverty or social exclusion" rose by four percentage points to affect 30 percent of Italy's population, according to a new report by CGIA think tank out on March 24.
Dunya (2nd R) and her classmates are returning to school after more than two-months of holiday
Eight-year-old Dunya Saboori implores her mother to let her put on her blue shalwar kameez uniform. This weekend marks the beginning of the Afghan school year and she wants to be on time.
"It's nearly 7:00 am and we're going to be late," Dunya complains as she sits on a floor cushion in the family's living room in Kabul, scooping up fried eggs with chunks of bread as her mother Maliha prepares backpacks and locates headscarves.
It is a scene played out in millions of homes around the world. But in war-torn Afghanistan the routine of getting children to and from school is fraught with danger.
In a conflict with no frontline, civilians are frequently caught up in the deadly violence.
Suicide attackers tend to strike during rush-hour when streets are choked with pedestrians and traffic -- the same times that parents are often dropping off or picking up their children from school.
Sana (L), 5, and her elder sister Dunya (behind) are among more than eight million children enrolled in schools across Afghanistan this year
After a more than two-months' long holiday, which Dunya spent mostly at home with her younger sisters Sana, five, and Sama, three, studying English and Dari with a tutor, she is excited to see her friends again.
Deteriorating security in the Afghan capital, where Taliban and Islamic State militants have launched multiple deadly attacks in recent months, has further restricted the freedom of many children.
- 'Civilians are in danger' -
As the girls eat their breakfast and sip sweet, black tea with their father Baqi, Maliha is in near constant motion, going from room to room ensuring the family will be ready to leave the house on time.
A few minutes before 7:00 am, Maliha dresses Dunya and Sana in their well-ironed uniforms, covers their dark hair with black scarves, and slides their arms through the straps of their new backpacks.
The sisters are at the top of their respective classes, Maliha says proudly.
Before leaving, Sana runs out of the living room and returns moments later exclaiming: "I saw myself in the mirror!"
Maliha would like to be able to drop off and pick up her daughters without worrying about bombs going off
In the stairwell, Maliha, who is studying medicine, helps her daughters put on their shoes and then guides them downstairs to their father, who is warming the car and anxious about arriving at his work, the Afghanistan Medical Council, on time.
As the Saboori family drives slowly through the narrow lanes of their middle-class neighbourhood, squeezing past other cars, dozens of children in spotless uniforms walk with their mothers and fathers to school.
Dunya and Sana are among more than eight million children enrolled in schools across Afghanistan this year, education ministry figure show. Around 40 percent are girls.
But 3.5 million other school-age children will miss out due to school closures, grinding conflict and poverty.
Afghanistan's general literacy rate is one of the lowest in the world -- just 36 percent, according to the Afghan National Association for Adult Education.
Deteriorating security in the Afghan capital, where Taliban and Islamic State militants have launched multiple deadly attacks in recent months, has further restricted the freedom of many children
As many schools resumed classes on Saturday, President Ashraf Ghani said improving the country's education system would be a priority for his government this year.
Among other things, Ghani pledged $200 million for the construction of 6,000 school buildings over the next two years.
But security is a bigger concern for many parents. Baqi and Maliha would like to be able to drop off and pick up their daughters without worrying about bombs going off.
"Civilians are in danger everywhere -- this is a concern for all Afghan families," Baqi says.
Ride-hailing apps like the Grab motorcyle-taxi seen here are denting the fortunes of traditional three-wheeled bajaj taxis in Indonesia
Auto-rickshaw driver Zainuddin used to make decent money navigating Jakarta's congested roads and narrow alleyways.
But now US-based Uber, Google-backed Go-Jek and Singapore's Grab are locked in a race for ride-hailing app supremacy in Southeast Asia's biggest economy, denting the fortunes of traditional three-wheeled bajaj taxis that once ruled Indonesia's roads.
"Our income has fallen between 70 and 80 percent since ride-hailing apps came on the scene," said Zainuddin, who like many Indonesians goes by one name.
There were some 14,000 bajaj on Indonesia's roads by 2015, according to the latest official figures.
By contrast, Go-Jek alone claims 900,000 drivers and some 15 million weekly active users. It launched in 2010.
Google and Singapore's sovereign wealth fund Temasek have announced investments in Go-Jek, which has been valued at as much as $5 billion although it's little known outside Asia.
Southeast Asia's ride-hailing market more than doubled in two years to some $5 billion in 2017 and it's expected to reach $20 billion by 2025, with Indonesia set to account for some 40 percent of it, according to research done by Google and Temasek.
Go-Jek, which also reportedly won funding from Chinese internet giant Tencent, has said it is mulling an initial public offering as it looks to grow in Indonesia and beyond.
That could inflate its army of motorcycle taxis, private cars and other services -- from massage and house cleaning to grocery shopping and package deliveries -- all available at users' fingertips.
Dragging behind its regional rivals, Uber is reportedly selling parts of its Southeast Asian operations to rival Grab in exchange for a stake in the Singaporean company.
- No more haggling -
The ride-hailing trio offer fixed-price rides that take haggling out of the equation, a welcome change for former bajaj customer Tetty Iskandar.
"I haven't taken a bajaj in years," said the 35-year-old housewife, who used to ride the three-wheelers to go grocery shopping.
For some, sitting in a tuk-tuk as it teeters and rumbles over Jakarta's roads offers a connection to an older way of life
"You had to bargain with the drivers to get cheap fares. And you would already have done bargaining a lot in the market. Sometimes I felt so tired and just wanted to get home."
The vast archipelago of some 260 million people has a relatively low per-capita car ownership rate.
And vehicle owners often choose to leave their ride at home, opting instead for a fixed-price motorcycle that can zip through Jakarta's epic traffic congestion -- at a bargain-basement prices.
That is threatening bajaj -- not to mention regular cabs and ubiquitous motorbike taxis known as ojek -- which arrived in Indonesia during the 1970s.
The motorised rickshaw quickly made inroads under its namesake company, which hailed from India.
The name bajaj is now inked into Jakarta's lexicon after supplanting traditional bicycle taxis.
A distinctive blue model of the vehicle is still a common sight and while pollution-spewing older models are outlawed, some still ply the narrow alleyways of Indonesia's sprawling capital.
Government efforts to reduce traffic snarls by reintroducing bicycle taxis could further chip away at the market share of bajaj, which cannot operate on highways and certain busy streets.
- 'Nostalgic feeling' -
Still, bajaj backers point out that the little tuk-tuks are safer than motorcycles which have higher injury and fatality rates.
"They are still a very useful means of transport when you have to go through small alleys and roads in Jakarta," said Danang Parikesit, president of the think tank Indonesia Transportation Society.
For some, sitting in a tuk-tuk as it teeters and rumbles over Jakarta's roads offers a connection to an older way of life.
"Riding bajaj has a unique sensation, a nostalgic feeling," said faithful customer Budiyanto.
In central Jakarta, bajaj line a curb, their drivers smoking or sleeping as swarms of motorbike drivers sporting Go-Jek or Grab windbreakers zip by on their way to collect customers.
Even if they wanted to switch to ride-hailing apps, it's too late for some older drivers.
"I cannot shift to an app-based motorcycle taxi because of my age," said driver Sutardi.
"Companies require that their drivers not be over 60."
Despite the threat of technology, some insist bajaj have a future, especially among customers who don't want to get soaked on the back of a motorbike or while waiting for a hired car during the months-long rainy season.
"Customers don't like to get wet," tuk-tuk driver Zainuddin said.
"It's not good for people when the rain comes, but bajaj drivers will be happy."
Freed Dapchi schoolgirls wait to meet Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, who has vowed to do 'everything in our power to bring Leah back safely'
Residents of the Nigerian town of Dapchi were hoping for the release of the last schoolgirl kidnapped by Boko Haram, following encouraging indications from the authorities after the militants returned more than 100 youngsters they had seized.
Her released schoolmates said the girl, Leah Sharibu, is a Christian who remained in captivity because she refused to convert to Islam.
"There is so much expectation in the town following the news that the last remaining girl will be released," Kachalla Bukar, father of one of the schoolgirls recently freed, told AFP late Saturday by phone from the town in the northeastern state of Yobe.
"We were told she was on her way but she has not yet been brought," said Kachalla, who is the spokesman of the abducted schoolgirls' parents union.
The authorities had asked shopkeepers to close Saturday afternoon in anticipation of her arrival.
National police chief Ibrahim Idris told reporters Saturday in Maiduguri, capital of neighbouring Borno State, the girl "may be released today".
Idris said he cancelled a visit to Dapchi to avoid any "security hitch" in the town before Leah's arrival, without providing further details.
In all, 105 of the 111 schoolgirls abducted on February 19 from their boarding school in Dapchi were released on Wednesday, raising questions about possible ransom payments.
They were brought back by members of Boko Haram in nine trucks and dropped by the school.
- 'High spirits' -
According to witnesses contacted by AFP, the girls were held on an island on Lake Chad, which is a known stronghold for fighters loyal to Boko Haram factional leader Abu Mus'ab al-Barnawi.
Five of the girls died in captivity, according to their colleagues.
A girl freed by Boko Haram walks with her father in the town of Dapchi, which is hoping for the imminent release of the last schoolgirl held by the militants
On Saturday, soldiers deployed in Dapchi disappeared from the town's checkpoints, raising hopes for Leah's imminent release.
"We believe the news of the girl's release is true because the body language of the security personnel, police and military, indicates the girl is on her way home," said resident Tijjani Goni.
"The town is in high spirits and full of anticipation," Goni said.
"The sudden withdrawal of soldiers from checkpoints is a clear sign the girl is coming," said fellow Dapchi resident Sanda Masida.
President Muhammadu Buhari vowed on Twitter to do "everything in our power to bring Leah back safely".
The Dapchi kidnapping revived painful memories in Nigeria of the April 2014 abduction of over 200 schoolgirls from Chibok, a town also in the northeast, which caused global outrage.
While some of the Chibok girls have been freed in exchange for ransom and the release of top Boko Haram commanders, a total of 112 remain in captivity.
Boko Haram has repeatedly targeted schools giving a so-called Western education in the mainly-Muslim region as part of an insurgency that has killed at least 20,000 people and displaced more than 2.6 million since 2009.
While a 2015 offensive launched by Buhari successfully reclaimed swathes of territory back from the jihadists in Nigeria, the group still stages deadly attacks on both military targets and civilians.
Syrians prepare to evacuate Arbin, in one of the few remaining rebel-held pockets of Eastern Ghouta, near Damascus, on March 24, 2018
Residents of a ravaged pocket of Syria's Eastern Ghouta were preparing Sunday for a new round of evacuations from the rebel enclave near Damascus, AFP's correspondent said.
Hundreds of rebels, their relatives and other civilians left a string of towns late Saturday after Faylaq al-Rahman, the rebel faction that controls the area around Arbin, agreed to a negotiated withdrawal.
The deal is expected to see some 7,000 people bussed from Arbin and Zamalka towns and the district of Jobar to a rebel-dominated part of northern Syria.
Arbin residents on Sunday morning were packing whatever they could in anticipation of a new round of evacuations, an AFP correspondent there said.
But buses expected to transport the evacuees to Idlib province had not yet arrived, and it was unclear what time the process would start.
Since February 18, the Syrian government has waged a fierce air and ground assault on Eastern Ghouta, capturing more than 90 percent of the onetime rebel bastion.
At least 1,600 civilians have been killed in the onslaught, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor.
Syrian state media says at least 107,000 civilians have fled.
Damascus is now using settlements negotiated by regime backer Russia to clear the last three rebel-held pockets of Ghouta.
A first deal saw the withdrawal of hardline Islamist rebels Ahrar al-Sham from the town of Harasta last week.
The second agreement, with Faylaq al-Rahman, was announced on Friday and evacuations began the following evening.
Talks are also underway for a deal over the third and final rebel-held pocket of Ghouta, which is held by Jaish al-Islam and includes the largest town in the area, Douma.
At least one worshipper was killed and eight others were wounded in the attack on Nabi Akram mosque in Afghanistan's western city of Herat
Two suicide attackers struck a Shiite mosque in Afghanistan Sunday, killing at least one person and wounding eight others, officials said, in the latest assault against the Muslim minority claimed by the Islamic State group.
The men stormed the grounds of the mosque in the western city of Herat, but security guards shot dead one of them. The other blew himself up before reaching the hall where worshippers were praying, provincial governor spokesman Jilani Farhad told AFP.
At least one worshipper was killed and eight others were wounded in the attack on Nabi Akram mosque, Farhad said, adding all the victims were civilians.
The casualty toll was confirmed by deputy police chief Aminullah Amin.
The area around the mosque was cordoned off by police and ambulances were seen rushing victims to hospitals in the city, an AFP photographer at the scene said.
The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack, saying via its propaganda arm Amaq: "An infiltrator attacked a Shiite husseiniya (mosque) in the Jaharso region in the city of Herat in western Afghanistan."
IS regularly targets Shiites in an attempt to stir up sectarian violence in the Sunni-majority country.
Its local franchise in Afghanistan claimed an attack in Kabul last Wednesday that killed at least 33 people and wounded dozens more, many of them teenagers.
A suicide bomber blew himself up among a crowd of people celebrating Nawrooz, the Persian new year holiday, in a heavily Shiite neighbourhood.
Zimbabwe's former first lady Grace Mugabe allegedly "spirited large consignments of ivory to China, the United Arab Emirates and the United States"
Zimbabwean police are investigating former ruler Robert Mugabes wife Grace, accused of smuggling ivory worth millions to underground foreign markets, a state-owned weekly reported Sunday.
The Sunday Mail said investigators from the parks and wildlife authority handed documents to police showing that the former first lady "spirited large consignments of ivory to China, the United Arab Emirates and the United States among other destinations."
Police spokeswoman Charity Charamba confirmed receiving a report but declined to elaborate when questioned by AFP.
The Sunday Mail said the report accused Grace Mugabe of ordering officials to grant her permits to export the ivory as gifts to the leaders of various countries.
"Once outside Zimbabwe, the 'gifts' would be pooled together with other consignments of the product and routed to black markets," The Sunday Mail reported.
A senior official in the presidency, Christopher Mutsvangwa, told the paper the government was tipped off by an unnamed whistleblower.
"Police and whistleblowers laid a trap for suppliers believed to be working for Grace Mugabe," Mutsvangwa said.
"The culprits were caught and that is how investigations started. When we were confronted with so much evidence, there is no way we could ignore."
The paper said police may question the former first lady soon.
Grace Mugabe was tipped alongside the current President Emmerson Mnangagwa to succeed Mugabe, who ruled Zimbabwe since independence from British colonial rule in 1980 until he was forced to step down in November 2017 following a military takeover.
She earned the sobriquet "Gucci Grace" for her lavish lifestyle.
Zimbabwe has suffered rampant poaching of elephants, targeted for their ivory tusks which are used for ornaments and medicines.
At least 400 elephants died from cyanide poisoning in Hwange, Zimbabwes biggest national park in the northwest of the country, between 2013 and 2015.
But parks director-general Fulton Mangwanya said poaching had declined since Mugabes ouster.
"Poaching levels have dropped sharply in Hwange because the market has been disturbed," The Sunday Mail quoted him as saying.
Freed Dapchi schoolgirls wait to meet Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, who has vowed to do 'everything in our power to bring Leah back safely'
The schoolgirls kidnapped by the Boko Haram jihadist group in Dapchi, northeastern Nigeria, were reunited with their families on Sunday after spending nearly five weeks in captivity.
The 105 girls, covered head to toe in burkas, arrived aboard five buses in the town of Dapchi, in Yobe state, where they were greeted by their parents at the boarding school from where they were snatched on February 19.
After their release on Wednesday they had spent three days in the national capital Abuja and were greeted by President Muhammadu Buhari.
Kachalla Bukar, the father of one of the girls who is spokesman for the parents, said they were flown to the major northern city of Maiduguri from Abuja, then transferred under military escort to Dapchi.
Top officials were on hand for a solemn ceremony in which the parents regained custody of their children.
"My joy knows no bounds," Mai Saleh Gaji told AFP after being reunited with both his daughter and his grand-daughter. "The nightmare of the kidnap will not deter me from sending them to school," he added.
But for Ali Gashomu, the kidnap of his daughter just hours after she was enrolled at the school for the first time had left him "traumatised and terrified" and undecided about whether she should return.
Information Minister Lai Mohammed said the girls were released following negotiations with the insurgents and that no ransom payment or prisoner swap was carried out.
"All they demanded was a ceasefire that would open a safe corridor for returning the girls," he said Sunday, adding that the week-long truce began on March 19.
The girls were among 111 seized last month, of whom five died apparently during the violent hostage-taking or in the trucks that took them away.
- Held on Lake Chad island -
Their release leaves one schoolgirl, Leah Sharibu, still in the hands of the kidnappers, reportedly because she is a Christian who has refused to convert to Islam.
Buhari on Friday pledged to do "everything in our power" to obtain Leah's freedom.
Authorities earlier expressed optimism that she would be released at the weekend.
But on Sunday, a spokesman for the national police said that comments by national police chief Ibrahim Idris had been "misunderstood and misquoted".
The police "reiterates that it has no information yet on the release of the last Dapchi schoolgirl," he said.
According to witnesses contacted by AFP, the girls were held on an island on Lake Chad, which is a known stronghold for fighters loyal to Boko Haram factional leader Abu Mus'ab al-Barnawi.
The Dapchi kidnapping revived painful memories in Nigeria of the April 2014 abduction of over 200 schoolgirls from Chibok, a town also in the northeast, which caused global outrage.
While some of the Chibok girls have been freed in exchange for ransom and the release of top Boko Haram commanders, a total of 112 remain in captivity.
Boko Haram -- which means "Western education is forbidden" in Islam -- has repeatedly targeted schools providing Western education in the mainly Muslim region as part of an insurgency that has killed at least 20,000 people and displaced more than 2.6 million since 2009.
While a 2015 offensive launched by Buhari successfully reclaimed swathes of territory back from the jihadists in Nigeria, the group still stages deadly attacks on both military targets and civilians.
Jordan hosts hundreds of thousands of Syrians who have fled war in their country since 2011 in camps such as this one
Human Rights Watch criticised on Sunday Jordan's decision to end medical protections for Syrian refugees residing outside of camps in the kingdom.
Jordan, which hosts hundreds of thousands of Syrians who have fled war in their country since 2011, took a "step forward" and another "step back for urban refugees", granting them legal status while revoking health subsidies, HRW said.
On March 4, Jordan began to regularise the status of thousands of vulnerable refugees who live outside camps, a move aimed at protecting them from arrest and facilitating better access to education and employment opportunities.
The decision came less than two months after authorities in January moved to revoke the eligibility of Syrians living outside camps to receive subsidised healthcare.
"The move to regularise the status of Syrian refugees in Jordan's urban areas means that they no longer have to live underground, promising a better future for their children," said Bill Van Esvald, senior children's rights researcher at HRW.
"Jordan and its international donors should not undermine these improvements by pulling the rug out from under refugees on health care that families are already struggling to afford."
Syrian refugees in Jordan had access to free healthcare from 2012 to 2014. Since then they had received the same subsidies as uninsured Jordanians, the watchdog said.
January's decision, which is expected to affect 30,000-50,000 Syrians, will require refugees in urban areas to pay the same rates as other foreigners at public hospitals "with 80 percent up-front", HRW said.
Jordanian officials have not explained the reasons for the change in their medical protection policy, but have in the past pointed to the exorbitant cost of providing healthcare services to refugees, it said.
From the beginning of the Syrian conflict in 2011 though 2016, Jordanian authorities spent nearly $2.1 billion (1.7 billion euro) on health services for Syrians, the rights group said.
More than 650,000 Syrian refugees are registered with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Jordan while Amman says the kingdom is hosting more than one million refugees from Syria.
Funds provided by international donors for Syrian refugee medical care in Jordan met only 66 percent of what was needed for 2017, HRW estimated.
As of February, the UNHCR had only received $17.8 million of the $274.9 million budget it needs for Jordan in 2018, it said.
Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School student Emma Gonzalez (C) gathers with other students on stage during the March for Our Lives rally
Student organizers of gun control rallies that drew hundreds of thousands to US streets vowed Sunday there will be no letup in their campaign for reform.
The nationwide protests on Saturday were by far the largest in nearly two decades, part of a reignited gun control debate sparked by last month's killings at a Florida high school.
"This is not the end. This is just the beginning," Emma Gonzalez, a leader of the movement, said on CBS's "Face the Nation."
Gonzalez, 17, is a student at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, north of Miami, which was traumatized into action last month after 14 students and three staff were killed by a former student armed with a military-style rifle.
She captivated Saturday's rally in Washington, the nation's largest, with a tearful eulogy for her dead schoolmates.
"Get out there and vote," she pleaded, following a lengthy silence to symbolize the timespan of the shooting spree.
In a country with more than 30,000 gun-related deaths a year, Gonzalez is among those calling for legislative action.
"We're going to be revving up for the elections" this November, when Congressional seats will be at stake, Gonzalez said on CBS.
"Over the summer we're going to try to go around to colleges and... reach out to the kids locally around the country."
Crowds pack the streets to take part in the March For Our Lives rally against gun violence in Washington
Cameron Kasky, a fellow student from Stoneman Douglas, said the rallies -- including the Washington protest that filled streets around the US Capitol building -- prompted many voter registrations and discussions.
"So the fact that this movement has so many people realizing that it's important to get out to the polls is what I think is one of the best things that we've accomplished," Kasky said on "Fox News Sunday."
The students said that Washington has done little, despite some initial signs that President Donald Trump would take greater action after the Parkland shooting.
Trump's administration is increasing aid to states that want to arm school staff, endorsed minor legislation to improve background checks by gun dealers, and announced a commission on school safety, among other measures.
"I was not impressed, at all," Kasky said, noting that churches, nightclubs and theaters as well as schools have all been targeted by gunmen.
He and other students want assault weapons and high-capacity magazines banned, and the age limit raised to 21 for gun purchases.
"What causes all these shootings? What's the one thing to tie everything together? There's no specific mental health problem that makes all these shootings happen, it's the weapon," Kasky said.
- Students aren't going away -
"And the fact that they aren't taking any action toward it is proof that we need to keep on going."
He and Delaney Tarr, another Stoneman Douglas student, suggested Trump had backed away from firmer action after he met with the powerful National Rifle Association lobby group.
Mercedes Schlapp, a senior White House advisor, told Fox News that Trump "has taken immediate action" to address gun safety.
"We want to make sure that the good people are the ones who are able to carry the firearms," Schlapp said.
Students hold portraits of victims of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, Florida, during a protest for tighter gun laws in Los Angeles, California
"We want to keep the firearms out of the hands of dangerous individuals," she said. "That's what we are focused on."
In an editorial, The Washington Post said the measures taken by Trump and Congress so far are welcome, but just "baby steps."
The newspaper said the students have made clear "they aren't going away" in their push for action.
Ohio's moderate Republican Governor John Kasich, a possible 2020 presidential contender, agreed that his party could face an electoral backlash if Congress does not act on gun control.
"I really do believe that," he told CNN, adding that the students' momentum must continue.
"If they don't keep it up, those that want no change will just sit on their hands."
The students got some implicit support on Sunday from Pope Francis, who did not specifically mention the gun protests but urged youth not to be silenced.
"Dear young people, you have it in you to shout," the pontiff told the traditional Palm Sunday mass in Vatican City.
Five Stars Mouvement (M5S) leader Luigi Di Maio smiles after Five Stars Mouvement (M5S) deputy Roberto Fico (unseen) was elected Chamber President during the second session at the Chamber of Deputies in Rome on March 24, 2018
The two sides battling for power in Italy on Sunday made clear that negotiations for a new government will start from scratch, despite reaching a deal over parliamentary speakers.
Saturday's agreement between the rightwing coalition and the anti-establishment Five Star Movement (M5s) will allow them to begin consultations with Italian President Sergio Mattarella over who will lead the new government.
In an interview on Sunday in the Corriere della Sera, M5S leader Luigi Di Maio said "the match" to see who will win power was in no way related to the battle of parliament speakers.
"But starting today, those who want to work for the people know that there is a reliable and serious force who will talk with everyone and advance together for the good of the country," he added.
He claims M5s' right to lead the country after it secured 32.6 percent of votes in the lower house, the largest of any single party, after campaigning to cut taxes, amend pension reforms and improve youth unemployment.
However, a right-wing coalition led by Matteo Salvini, which includes former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi's Forza Italia party, together secured 37 percent.
"The next head of government needs to be proposed by the right," Salvini declared on twitter on Sunday.
His priorities include the abolition of pension reforms and lowering taxes as well as a revision of European treaties and the eviction of illegal immigrants.
On Saturday, an agreement between the two sides saw a member of the anti-establishment Five Star Movement (M5S), Roberto Fico, elected speaker of the lower house, the Chamber of Deputies.
In return, Elisabetta Alberti Casellati, a Forza Italia member, was voted head of the upper house, the Senate.
Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni, who led Italy's previous centre-left government, meanwhile, officially tendered his resignation.
He will continue to manage the day-to-day affairs of the government until a new one was formed, the presidency said in a statement.
Days before polls open in Egypts presidential election, President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi visited a military base in North Sinai, appearing in uniform and vowing to return after the vote to celebrate the security forces victory against the deviants.
During his visit, El-Sisi was filmed dining and chatting with the troops.
Do not hesitate to use all force against them, he told soldiers, referring to the battle against terrorism concentrated in the North Sinai province.
Suffering from economic hardship was nothing compared to the collapse of the state, he said.
Keen on a high turnout, regardless of the expected final result, the government has been working to ensure polls are safe and open to all. The interior ministry and military have been beefing up security nationwide ahead of the elections.
Last month, the Daesh terrorist group issued a 23-minute video threatening to conduct attacks during the Egyptian elections.
The group warned Muslims in Egypt to stay away from polling stations and avoid large gatherings, vowing to carry out attacks during the domestic vote. It has also levelled threats against Egypt's Christian community.
In February, the security forces had launched Operation Sinai 2018, a comprehensive counter-terrorism effort targeting extremists and criminal organisations in northern and central Sinai, as well as parts of the Nile Delta and the Western Desert.
Despite increased security measures ahead of the polls, a car bomb went off in Alexandria on Saturday, killing two policemen and injuring several others. The intended target was Alexandria Security Director Mostafa El-Nemr, who is said to have survived unharmed. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the car bombing.
Unruffled by the race, El-Sisi made two public speeches last week, calling on Egyptians to "make Egypt's voice heard by participating in the ballots, regardless of their political orientation.
He said the participation of citizens in the poll would show the world "how nations are built, describing them as loyal sons who answer the call of duty.
Other than that, the 64-year-old incumbent seems to have been unconcerned about the upcoming electoral battle, leaving his campaign team and supporters to win votes while he continues with his normal presidential duties, with national security figuring high on the list.
Election mood
Over the weekend, major television and radio stations have been playing patriotic songs that call on Egyptians to participate in the elections, as well as the national anthem, and a song sung by the Egyptian armys shock troops.
Voters will be going to the polls across Egypt over three days, starting Monday, with the winner scheduled to be announced by the National Elections Authority (NEA) on 2 April.
Egyptians living abroad have already cast their votes, attending polling stations from 16 to 18 March, although the results of those ballots will not be announced until the final election results are issued.
Around 59 million Egyptians are eligible to vote, according to NEA statistics.
El-Sisi's only rival in the election is Moussa Mostafa Moussa, the head of the Ghad Party, and a man who has publicly declared himself a supporter of El-Sisi's policies.
A last-minute entrant to the race, Moussa submitted his application to register as a candidate just an hour before the deadline for registration. Several weeks earlier, Moussa had been collecting endorsements for El-Sisi to run for a second term.
He has said that he entered the race after other prospective candidates dropped out, with the aim of avoiding a one-name election.
Many of the capitals streets and public places boast banners advertising local business or residents support for El-Sisi, while the presidents official campaign billboards are on display in major squares.
By contrast, pro-Moussa banners have been harder to spot in Cairo, apart from around his party headquarters in the downtown area.
It's not my fault
Nearly a week ahead of this year's vote, El-Sisi appeared on screens in a glossy pre-recorded TV interview package, which was broadcast by a number of major channels.
He told his interviewer that he should not be blamed for the election seeming to be a one-horse race.
"It's not my fault," he said. "I swear to God, I wish there had been ... 10 of the best [candidates] and [for people to] choose. But we are not ready yet. Isn't it a shame?" he said.
He made the comments in response to a 10-minute clip comprised of interviews with dozens of citizens around the country, who aired their grievances about their fears of imprisonment, tough economic conditions and soaring living costs.
El-Sisi hinted that the problem lay in Egypt's over 100 political parties not fielding any candidates.
Earlier this year, several high-profile figures, including leftist lawyer Khaled Ali, former MP Mohamed Anwar El-Sadat and former prime minister Ahmed Shafiq, dropped out of the presidential race before it even began, citing "the absence of any possibilities for fair competition.
Two other possible candidates former military chief of staff Sami Anan and Colonel Ahmed Konsowa were arrested after announcing their intention to stand for breaching the laws of military service by running for office before ending their service and without seeking the army's permission.
Egyptian authorities have rejected accusations that candidates were pressured to withdraw.
Not a puppet
In numerous TV and newspaper interviews, Moussa, El-Sisis only competitor, has made the same assertion, namely that hes not a puppet of the current regime.
During his final press conference before the electoral showdown, the politician, who has been a figure of fun on social media, told Ahram Online that the competition is serious and "very strong.
In interviews, he has made few policy pledges besides his "patriotic obligation" to protect the country from the Muslim Brotherhood.
He said he expects 60 percent of eligible voters to head to the polls, far more than the 47 percent turnout in the 2014 vote that brought El-Sisi to office.
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Julius Mada Bio, pictured, accused Ernest Bai Koroma of attempting to derail Tuesday's presidential run-off
Sierra Leone's opposition candidate Julius Maada Bio on Sunday accused outgoing leader Ernest Bai Koroma of attempting to derail Tuesday's presidential run-off through the courts to keep his party in power.
The High Court on Saturday ordered the National Electoral Commission (NEC) to halt preparations for the vote until an election fraud complaint lodged by a lawyer linked to the ruling party is resolved.
Bio, who won the March 7 first round by a slim margin for the Sierra Leone People's Party (SLPP), is due to run against Koroma's hand-picked successor, Samura Kamara, who will represent the ruling All Peoples' Congress (APC).
"The motivation behind the APC injunction is very clear: they do not want a runoff presidential election to proceed because they know the verdict of the overwhelming majority of Sierra Leonean electorate will not be in their favour," Bio told a press conference.
He said Koroma would bear responsibility "for anything that follows after" a delayed or cancelled election, before evoking fears of "large-scale violence and ethnic cleansing".
The APC broadly relies on the Temne and Limba people in its northern strongholds, while the SLPP is more popular in the south with the Mende ethnic group.
- Bitter campaigning -
Some candidates and supporters have used ethnic slurs at campaign rallies, and the police and international observers have raised concerns over such rhetoric in recent weeks.
Bio further urged Koroma to "allow the conduct of the runoff presidential election to proceed as scheduled and accept the results of the election," adding the president would bring Sierra Leone "to the brink of chaos" if he failed to step down at the end of his mandate on March 27.
Koroma has served a maximum of two terms, but raised eyebrows last year when he said he would stay on as party chairman of the APC once he leaves the presidency.
The SLPP candidate, who briefly served as head of state in a 1996 junta government, alleged the president wanted to provoke violence in order to call a state of emergency and rule by decree.
Sierra Leone emerged from a brutal civil war in 2002 and has remained largely peaceful since then, despite occasional flare-ups around election time, but memories of a conflict in which more than 50,000 died remain potent.
A group of civil society organisations said Saturday the court decision was "frustrating and depressing", as the March 7 vote was declared credible by national an international observers.
"We expect our judiciary to correct its past," the group said in a statement, evoking a post-war truth and reconciliation commission statement that condemned judges for "failing to stand up to state tyranny".
US Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin said unless a deal is reached with China, Trump will implement tariffs targeting sectors in which Washington says Beijing has stolen American technology
US Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin on Sunday insisted President Trump intends to implement $60 billion in tariffs on Chinese imports, saying the measures will benefit the economy long-term.
Speaking on "Fox News Sunday," Mnuchin said unless a deal is reached with China, Trump will implement the tariffs targeting sectors in which Washington says Beijing has stolen American technology.
"We are going to proceed with our tariffs. We are working on that," he said.
China warned the US on Friday that it was not afraid of a trade war as it threatened tariffs on $3 billion worth of US goods in response to Trump's new measures.
Mnuchin repeated Trump's assertion that "we are not afraid of the trade war" -- but added he had had "very productive conversations with the (Chinese) vice premier."
"I'm cautiously hopeful we reach an agreement, but if not we are proceeding with these tariffs. We are not putting them on hold unless we have an acceptable agreement that the president signs off on," he said.
Meanwhile, despite slumps on the stock market in the wake of Trump's announcement, the Treasury secretary said the measures spell long-term benefits for the economy.
"The market will go up and down in the short term (but) the real important issue is where will it be longer-term," Mnuchin said.
"I think what we're doing is, long-term, very good for the economy, which was pressing for free and fair trade and to the extent that China is willing to open up their markets."
"If they open up their markets, it's an enormous opportunity for US companies."
Uber's self-driving cars were 400 times worse than Waymo before the fatal Arizona crash, according to a leaked internal report.
The firm's cars were unable to reach 13 miles (21km) without human intervention, while cars made by the Google subsidiary Waymo could drive 5,600 miles (9,000km).
According to a 100-page company document, Uber was also struggling to meet various other safety goals in the weeks before the crash.
For instance, the cars were having trouble driving through construction zones and next to tall vehicles.
The CEO of Google's Waymo has since said that the recent death of a pedestrian in an accident involving an autonomous Uber car would not have occurred with his company's technology.
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According to a 100-page company document, Uber was also struggling to meet safety goals in the weeks before the crash. An image from a test in Pittsburgh last winter is pictured
'At Waymo, we have a lot of confidence that our technology would be able to handle a situation like that,' John Krafcik told a car dealership conference in Las Vegas on Saturday.
He added that Waymo's vehicles had clocked more than eight million kilometers (4.9 million miles) on routes frequented by pedestrians since 2009 without being involved in a fatal accident.
But he said he was nevertheless troubled by the incident when an autonomously-operating Uber struck and killed a pedestrian on March 18 in the US state of Arizona.
The woman had been walking in the street in the city of Tempe when she was hit, and died from her injuries in a hospital.
As a result of the accident, Uber suspended its self-driving tests which it had been conducting in Tempe, San Francisco, Pittsburgh, and Toronto, Canada.
It also raised fears about the future of such cars, which supporters claim will dramatically reduce accidents.
According to the company document obtained by The New York Times and two people familiar with the issue, prior to the accident Uber's test drivers were being asked to do too much.
For example they were told to go on solo runs when they were meant to work in pairs.
The CEO of Waymo, John Krafcik, tasked with developing driverless cars, has said the recent death of a pedestrian in an accident involving an autonomous car would not have occurred with his company's technology
The second person was in charge of tracking the system's performance as well as labelling data on a laptop.
Some employees expressed concerns over safety and said they worried going solo would make it harder to remain alert during hours of driving.
Sources suggests one driver was also fired for falling asleep at the wheel.
Another was spotted air drumming as the autonomous car passed through an intersection.
Police in Arizona are still investigating the incident and have released footage of the moment Elaine Herzberg, 49, was hit by the self-driving Volvo SUV. According to a 100-page company document, Uber was also struggling to meet safety goals in the weeks before the crash
As a result of the accident, Uber suspended its self-driving tests which it had been conducting in Tempe, San Francisco, Pittsburgh, and Toronto, Canada. This image shows National Transportation Safety Board investigators examining the self-driving Uber vehicle involved in the fatal accident
HOW DID AN UBER AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE HIT AND KILL A WOMAN IN ARIZONA? A self-driving Uber vehicle struck and killed a pedestrian in the first death involving a fully autonomous test vehicle on March 19, 2018. The accident prompted the ride-hailing company to suspend road-testing of such cars in the US and Canada. The Volvo SUV was in self-driving mode with a human back-up operator behind the wheel in Tempe when a woman walking a bicycle was hit. Elaine Herzberg, 49, died in hospital. Police have said that the victim, 49 year old Elaine Herzberg, stepped out in front of the car suddenly and they do not believe the car was to blame. Uber suspended its self-driving vehicle testing in the Phoenix area, Pittsburgh, San Francisco and Toronto. The testing has been going on for months as car makers and technology companies compete to be the first with cars that operate on their own. Uber's self-driving car crash that led to the death of a mother-of-two could have been avoided, driverless vehicle experts have claimed. Cortica, a firm that develops artificial intelligence for autonomous vehicles, has analysed the dash cam video. The company concludes the car, which failed to brake or swerve before the collision, had enough time to react and potentially save Ms Herzberg's life. Speaking to CNET, Cortica's CEO Igal Raichelgauz said the firm's self-driving AI system detected Ms Herzberg 0.9 seconds before impact. At this point the car was around 50 feet (15 metres) away. He said the autonomous car's cameras and radar system should have had enough time to pick up the pedestrian and react to the situation. Driverless cars are fitted with a system of cameras, radar and lidar sensors that allow them to 'see' their surroundings and detect traffic, pedestrians and other objects. An AI computer system then decides what actions the car takes to avoid a collision - a setup that is supposed to work as well at night as during the day. A top executive for the maker of Lidar sensors used on Uber's self-driving car said she was 'baffled' as to why the vehicle failed to recognise Ms Herzberg. Advertisement
Dara Khosrowshahi, Uber's chief executive, was due to visit Arizona in April.
People working in the development group were under pressure to give him an issue-free ride in an autonomous car.
The trip was called 'Milestone 1: Confidence' in the company documents, writes Wral Tech Wire.
It is still unclear how the crash affects the company's long-term plans.
The company said their vehicles would have to be safer than human drivers before they would commercialise it.
'As we develop self-driving technology, safety is our primary concern every step of the way,' said Matt Kallman, an Uber spokesman.
'We're heartbroken by what happened this week, and our cars remain grounded. We continue to assist investigators in any way we can.'
The woman had been walking in the street in the city of Tempe when she was hit, and died from her injuries in a hospital. Pictured is the mother-of-two's bicycle following the incident
The footage appears to back up Vasquez's (left) claims that she was alert during the ride and nothing she could have done would have prevented the fatal collision. She told police that Herzberg (right) stepped out in front of her with a bicycle carrying multiple shopping bags
"Saudi air defence forces intercept a missile northeast of Riyadh," Saudi state news channel Al-Akhbariya said
Saudi forces intercepted a Yemeni rebel missile over Riyadh on Sunday, in the latest strike on the capital which coincides with the third anniversary of the Saudi-led coalition's intervention in Yemen.
The Iran-aligned Huthi rebels claimed their target was Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport, with residents reporting loud explosions and bright flashes in the sky shortly before midnight.
Authorities reported no immediate casualties from the attack, which comes after the US defence secretary last week urged Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during his visit to Washington to pursue "urgent efforts" to end Yemen's wrenching conflict.
The Huthi-run Al-Masira television channel claimed the rebels also fired multiple missiles at airports in southern Abha, Jizan and Najran provinces, but Saudi state television only reported the attack on Riyadh.
"Saudi air defence forces intercept a missile northeast of Riyadh," Saudi state news channel Al-Akhbariya said in a brief report.
The attack is the latest in a series of Huthi missiles fired at Riyadh since November, all of which Saudi forces say they intercepted.
The first attack, which also targeted Riyadh international airport on November 4, triggered the tightening of a longstanding Saudi-led blockade of Yemen -- already on the verge of famine.
Another attack on December 19 targeted Riyadh's Yamamah palace, the official residence of King Salman.
Saudi Arabia has accused its arch foe Iran of supplying the missile to the rebels, a charge Tehran strongly denied.
The Huthis expelled pro-government forces from the capital in September 2014 and went on to seize swathes of the impoverished Arabian Peninsula country.
This prompted a military coalition led by Saudi Arabia to intervene in Yemen on March 26, 2015, to help the government push back the Shiite rebels.
Since then, around 10,000 people have been killed and 53,000 wounded in Yemen, triggering what the United Nations has called the world's worst humanitarian crisis.
The United Nations says living conditions in the war-scarred country have reached catastrophic levels and that 8.4 million people face imminent famine.
Saudi Arabia and its military allies -- armed by the US and Britain -- could stand guilty of war crimes, Amnesty International said on Friday.
Numerous rounds of UN-sponsored peace talks have failed to stem the bloodshed in Yemen.
The Huthis plan a huge rally in Sanaa on Monday to mark the war's third anniversary.
Jacob Zuma, pictured in February 2018, stepped down as president of South Africa under pressure from his ruling African National Congress party in the wake of a slew of corruption scandals
Disgraced former South African president Jacob Zuma could appear in court within weeks on charges of corruption, fraud and money laundering in connection with a decades-old $5 billion arms deal, reports said Sunday.
Quoting sources close to the case, news websites News24 and TimeLive said the first hearing could take place in Durban on April 6.
Prosecutors in the case allege that Zuma took kickbacks from the purchase of fighter jets, patrol boats and other arms manufactured by five European firms including British military equipment maker BAE Systems and French company Thales.
It was announced last week that Zuma, who resigned as president last month, would face prosecution over the deal signed in the 1990s.
However, a spokesperson for the elite Hawks police investigative unit told the eNCA news channel the date for the hearing had not yet been confirmed.
Hangwani Mulaudzi said it was hoped that it would be finalised within the next week.
Zuma stepped down under pressure from his ruling African National Congress party in the wake of a slew of corruption scandals.
Zuma's criminal charges relate to the arms procurement deals struck by the government in the late 1990s and from which he is accused of profiting corruptly to the tune of four million rand ($345,000, 280,000 euros).
Prosecutors in 2009 decided to drop the corruption charges against Zuma just months before he became president. Last year a court ruled against that decision, leading to the path to last month's decision to prosecute.
State prosecutors previously justified dropping the case by saying that tapped phone calls between officials in then-president Thabo Mbeki's administration showed undue interference.
However, National Director of Public Prosecutions Shaun Abrahams, told a media briefing in Pretoria on March 16 he believed there were "reasonable prospects of a successful prosecution of Mr Zuma on the charges listed in the indictment".
Zuma would face one count of racketeering, two counts of corruption, one of money laundering and 12 counts of fraud.
"I am of the view that a trial court would be the most appropriate forum for these issues to be ventilated and to be decided upon," said Abrahams.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesman Luvuyo Mfaku confirmed to AFP earlier that Thales would also face prosecution, alongside Zuma.
If found guilty, Zuma could face a lengthy prison sentence.
Britain's Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson (pictured here) and International Development Secretary Penny Mordaunt urged Iran to change course on the military intervention in Yemen in a joint statement
Britain on Monday urged Iran to stop sending weapons into Yemen and instead use its influence to end the conflict, as the Saudi-led coalition's military intervention enters its fouth year.
Saudi Arabia has been leading an aerial bombing campaign in support of the government and against the Iranian-backed Huthi rebels.
The United Nations has found Tehran in violation of an arms embargo on Yemen by failing to block supplies of missiles and drones to the Huthis.
In a joint statement, Britain's Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson and International Development Secretary Penny Mordaunt urged Iran to change course.
"If Iran is genuinely committed to supporting a political solution in Yemen -- as it has publicly stated -- then it should stop sending in weapons which prolong the conflict, fuel regional tensions, and pose threats to international peace and security," they said in the statement.
"We question why Iran is spending significant revenue in a country with which it has no real historical ties or interests, rather than using its influence to end the conflict for the good of the Yemeni people."
The Huthis expelled pro-government forces from the capital Sanaa in September 2014 and went on to seize swathes of the impoverished Arabian Peninsula country.
This prompted the Saudi-led coalition to intervene militarily on March 26, 2015.
Since then, around 10,000 people have been killed and 53,000 wounded in Yemen.
The war has created what the UN describes as the world's worst humanitarian crisis.
It is seen as both a civil conflict and a proxy war between regional titans Saudi Arabia and Iran.
Johnson and Mordaunt said: "We support the Saudi-led coalition's efforts to restore legitimacy in Yemen, as accepted by the UN Security Council."
GULFPORT, Miss. (AP) - Even Father Jesus isn't above the law of man.
A Mississippi city has denied a proposal for a church by a man named Father Jesus, saying he failed to have a professional engineer draw up the plans.
Jesus said the church he's calling "Saints of the Most High" wouldn't be very big -- just 12-feet by 24-feet (27 sq. meters), and he'd begin with just three members.
The Sun Herald of Biloxi reports that area residents questioned what Jesus stands for during a Gulfport Planning Commission meeting on Thursday.
Jesus reportedly said he's been diagnosed as paranoid schizophrenic, and changed his name to Father Jesus after a revelation that he embodies the spirt of Jesus.
Commissioners were more concerned about building code compliance.
___
Information from: The Sun Herald, http://www.sunherald.com
STROUDSBURG, Pa. (AP) - Punxsutawney Phil is a wanted ... groundhog.
A Pennsylvania sheriff's officer has put up a wanted poster for Phil.
The handlers of the groundhog last month said the furry rodent called for six more weeks of winter after seeing his shadow. The Monroe County Sheriff's Office says that expired last week, yet a spring storm brought more snow to the Northeast on Wednesday and Thursday.
Cpl. Scott Martin tells WBRE-TV he created the poster and placed it on the "wanted wall" because he is sick of snow in the spring.
The poster claims Phil is wanted for deception. Phil is described as having "brown and grey hair, brown eyes, sharp teeth."
Records dating to 1887 show Phil has predicted more winter 103 times while forecasting an early spring just 18 times.
CAIRO (AP) - A bomb placed under a nearby car exploded Saturday in the coastal city of Alexandria as the city security chief's convoy passed by, killing two policemen and wounding four others, the Interior Ministry said.
Local media reports said Gen. Mostafa al-Nimr survived the explosion and he was seen on a local TV channel in good condition while inspecting the area of the blast shortly after it took place.
The Interior Ministry had earlier reported only one policeman killed in the blast which occurred in the vicinity of a police station in the city's central Roshdi district.
Security members stand guard as investigators search the area after a bomb placed under a nearby car exploded Saturday, March 24, 2018 in Alexandria, Egypt, as the city security chief's convoy passed by, killing at least one policeman and wounding four others, the Interior Ministry said. Local media reports said Gen. Mostafa al-Nimr survived the explosion and he was seen on a local TV channel in good condition while inspecting the area of the blast shortly after it took place. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the explosion, which happened in the vicinity of a police station in the central district of Roshdi. (AP Photo/Mohamed Khalil)
Health Ministry spokesman Khaled Megahed told The Associated Press that two policemen were killed and five others wounded in today's explosion.
No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.
The attack comes just days ahead of Egypt's presidential election, in which President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi is virtually certain to be re-elected. It also comes during a massive security operation involving land, sea and air forces in areas covering north and central Sinai and parts of Egypt's Nile Delta and the Western Desert, along the porous border with Libya.
The Interior Ministry said the explosive device had been placed under a car and it detonated as the convoy passed by.
State-run MENA news agency said the public prosecutor has ordered an investigation into the incident.
Egypt has for years been struggling to contain an Islamic insurgency spearheaded by a local affiliate of the extremist Islamic State group in the turbulent Sinai region but attacks on the mainland have also occurred.
The country has been under a state of emergency since April 2017, when suicide bombings struck two Coptic Christian churches in Alexandria and Tanta on Palm Sunday in an attack claimed later by the Islamic State group.
Security members search the area after a bomb placed under a nearby car exploded Saturday, March 24, 2018 in Alexandria, Egypt, as the city security chief's convoy passed by, killing at least one policeman and wounding four others, the Interior Ministry said. Local media reports said Gen. Mostafa al-Nimr survived the explosion and he was seen on a local TV channel in good condition while inspecting the area of the blast shortly after it took place. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the explosion, which happened in the vicinity of a police station in the central district of Roshdi. (AP Photo/Mohamed Khalil)
Security members stand guard as investigators search the area after a bomb placed under a nearby car exploded Saturday, March 24, 2018 in Alexandria, Egypt, as the city security chief's convoy passed by, killing at least one policeman and wounding four others, the Interior Ministry said. Local media reports said Gen. Mostafa al-Nimr survived the explosion and he was seen on a local TV channel in good condition while inspecting the area of the blast shortly after it took place. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the explosion, which happened in the vicinity of a police station in the central district of Roshdi. (AP Photo/Mohamed Khalil)
CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) - In a story March 24 about the death of Venezuelan musical educator Jose Antonio Abreu, The Associated Press reported erroneously that Abreu was 79 at the time of his death. He was 78.
A corrected version of the story is below
Creator of Venezuelan youth orchestras Abreu dead at 78
Jose Antonio Abreu, the Venezuelan government economist turned musical educator who created a network of youth orchestras since replicated in dozens of countries around the world, has died at age 78
By JOSHUA GOODMAN
Associated Press
CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) -- Jose Antonio Abreu, the Venezuelan government economist turned musical educator who created a network of youth orchestras that has been replicated in dozens of countries around the world, died Saturday. He was 78.
His death was announced by the newspaper El Universal, where his brother Jesus Abreu is president. No cause was given, but Abreu had been known to be battling several illnesses ever since he retired from El Sistema, as the musical education program is known, a few years ago.
Abreu was the teacher to generations of Venezuelan classical music performers. His most famous protege, Gustavo Dudamel, musical director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, tweeted a picture of the two Saturday dedicated to Abreu "with devoted love and eternal gratitude."
President Nicolas Maduro also mourned the loss.
"The Venezuelan people that you so loved today are crying for you Maestro," Maduro said in a message posted on social media along with a photo of the two at a meeting in the presidential palace in 2014. "We are comforted by knowing that your legacy will remain alive in the hands and voices of the children of the youth orchestras."
Born in the western city of Valera in 1939, El Maestro, as Abreu was almost universally known in Venezuela, studied music from an early age. But he initially put his artistic aspirations on hold to become an economist, teaching at two universities in Caracas, and later entering politics.
Well into his 30s in 1975, he formed a small orchestra of a dozen young musicians that would become the seed for El Sistema. Four decades later, the government-financed program claims to currently put 1 million Venezuelan children in contact with classical music through a network of hundreds of youth choirs, orchestras and music centers spread across the country.
Internationally, its teaching model has spread to more than 60 countries, while its marquee Simon Bolivar Youth Orchestra is a fixture in top-flight concert halls from New York to London.
But more recently the sterling reputations of the institution - and Abreu - have taken a hit as a result of the program's close ties to Maduro, whose socialist administration has been accused of undermining Venezuela's democracy.
In 2014, amid a wave of deadly anti-government unrest, Abreu and Dudamel appeared alongside Maduro on national TV celebrating a recent European tour and reviewing blueprints for the government-funded "Dudamel Hall" designed by L.A.-based architect Frank Gehry.
Around the same time the book "El Sistema: Orchestrating Venezuela's Youth" by British musicologist Geoffrey Baker was published, describing Abreu as a politically cunning, autocratic and vengeful visionary as much feared as loved. The book also faulted El Sistema for fostering a culture of top-level corruption, favoritism and improper sexual relations between teachers and pupils.
An Associated Press investigation last year found that El Sistema had for more than a decade claimed Abreu held a doctorate in petroleum economics from the University of Pennsylvania. The Ivy League school had no record of Abreu ever attending, and his brother Jesus Abreu later confirmed to AP that the doctorate did not exist. He said it had been incorrectly listed on the El Sistema website as a result of an administrative error.
Abreu never publicly responded to the criticisms as he retired from public view shortly after the book's publication. But El Sistema disputed Baker's characterization and Abreu's many backers, include even some government critics, said it overlooked his musical achievements and the successful building of one of the few institutions in Venezuela to have endured almost two decades of polarizing, socialist rule.
Arts educator Marshall Marcus witnessed up close El Sistema's birth as a young musician living in Venezuela during the late 1970s oil boom. In 2012, he established the Sistema Europe, a network of youth ensembles from 25 countries inspired by the Venezuelan model.
He acknowledged that the organization hasn't evolved as quickly as its track record for musical excellence. But he rejected Baker's emotionally charged language comparing El Sistema to the mafia and slavery, saying the book might only serve to incense critics who accused Abreu of being too cozy with the government on which El Sistema's survival depends.
"It may be an autocracy but it's one that has allowed thousands of people to flourish," Marcus told AP in 2014. "If that's a tyranny, it sure doesn't feel like one."
Egypt's Alexandria security directorate announced on Saturday that the death toll from the bombing in Alexandria earlier today which unsuccessfully targeted the citys security director has risen to two policemen, Al-Ahram Arabic news website reported.
The interior ministry said in a statement that an improvised explosive device placed under a car detonated as security director Mostafa El-Nemrs convoy was passing in El-Moaskar El-Romany Street.
El-Nemr was unharmed in the attack.
The two policemen who died in the attack were 45-year-old Aly Galal and 19-year-old Abdalla Mohamed Abdallah.
Another five policemen were injured in the attack, including three of El-Nemrs bodyguards, according to Al-Ahram.
The minister of interior has visited the site of the attack, which he described as "a desperate attempt to disrupt the security and stability of the country," according to a statement by the ministry.
Egypts prosecutor-general Nabil Sadek has ordered that the High State Security and Sidi Gaber prosecution inspect the scene and take statements from the injured.
Egypt's Prime Minister Sherif Ismail condemned the attack in a statement issued by the cabinet.
"These desperate attempts by terrorist powers and the countries that support them aim to affect the positive atmosphere that Egypt is witnessing, which will only increase the determination of the Egyptian state to continue on its political path and economic programme, and will not hold Egyptians back from continuing the democratic process and development efforts," the statement said.
The attack comes days before Egypt is set to hold the 2018 presidential elections, which will take place from Monday to Wednesday.
Egypt's interior ministry and army have been beefing up security nationwide ahead of the elections, where incumbent President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi is facing the head of the Ghad Party Moussa Moustafa Moussa.
No group has so far claimed responsibility for the Alexandria attack.
Saturdays assassination attempt is the first against a security official since end of 2016, which witnessed a number of attacks that included a failed assassination attempt on a senior judicial official in September 2016, and the October 2016 assassination of an army brigadier general who had previously served in North Sinai, where the armys war against terrorism is concentrated.
It is also the first major attack in the Mediterranean city since the April 2017 bombing of St Mark's Cathedral, which killed 18 people during Palm Sunday celebrations.
Egypt has recently witnessed a number of deadly terrorist attacks on civilians, the deadliest being an attack on worshippers at a North Sinai mosque in November 2017, which killed more than 300 people.
Nearly a month later, two gunmen killed nine people at the Mar Mina Church in Helwan, southern Cairo ahead of Coptic Christian celebrations in December.
Egypt launched Comprehensive Operation Sinai 2018 on 9 February, which targets terrorist and criminal elements and organisations in northern and central Sinai, as well as parts of the Nile Delta and the Western Desert.
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COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - Ricardo Clark scored his first goal for Columbus and Cristian Martinez had two assists to help the Crew beat D.C. United 3-1 on Saturday.
Clark headed home a corner kick by Federico Higuain to give Columbus a 2-1 lead in the 40th minute. Higuain, who scored his 50th MLS regular-season goal on March 10, has 50 career assists to become the 19th player in league history with at least 50 goals and 50 assists.
The Crew's Milton Valenzuela, a 19-year-old defender, scored his first MLS goal to open the scoring in the 20th minute, putting away a cross from Martinez. Yamil Asad tied it 10 minutes later, trapping a cross from Luciano Acosta at the top of the box and blasting it into the net to make it 1-1.
Martinez beat a defender on the left side and fed Pedro Santos for a side-footer that gave Columbus (3-0-1) a 3-1 lead in the 42nd.
United (0-2-2) are winless in their last eight games, dating to last season.
The teams were without seven combined players - five from D.C. United - due to international duties.
MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) - The Latest on a contest naming the best beard in Vermont (all times local):
8:45p.m.
A contest to choose the man with the best beard in Vermont has given top honors to a man sporting mountain man-style facial hair.
The event benefits Make-a-Wish Vermont, the organization that helps grant wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions. Organizers say Saturday's contest brought in $45,000.
The contest's 2018 Top Beardie was Chip Fortune, of Colchester, whose unkempt beard won over the judges.
Other winners were: Troy Headrick, of Burlington, urban beard; Louie Coli, of Westford, freestyle beard; Dillon Mears, of Plainfield, people's choice; and Steve Jalbert, of Barre, top fundraiser.
They receive a plaque, a gift card for beard care products and bragging rights.
Celebrity judges included "the most interesting man in the world" Jonathan Goldsmith, who formerly promoted Dos Equis beer, and 2017's Top Beardie Bryan Sturge.
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11:38 a.m.
The man who made his fame as the "most interesting man in the world" while pitching Dos Equis beer is lending his expertise with his perfectly coiffed facial hair to judge a contest naming Vermont's best beard.
Jonathan Goldsmith, whose close-cropped beard was a key part of his persona as the cigar-smoking sophisticate, is judging Saturday's Best Beardies competition in Burlington. It's sponsored by the Vermont chapter of the Make-a-Wish Foundation.
Montana's Make-a-Wish organization is also into the best-beard fray. Vermont is betting maple syrup against Montana's bison steaks it can find a better beard.
Top prize for the different categories are a plaque, a gift card for beard care products and bragging rights.
Last year's competition raised nearly $30,000 for Make-a-Wish. This year, organizers hope to raise more.
NEWARK, N.J. (AP) - Keith Kinkaid made 35 saves and the New Jersey Devils took another major step toward making the playoffs for the first time since 2012 with a 2-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday night.
Nico Hischier and Kyle Palmieri scored for New Jersey, which has elevated its playoff chances with wins in five of seven games - including outstanding efforts in beating the two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins and the Eastern Conference-leading Lightning on consecutive nights.
The Devils had to work for this one. They took a 2-0 lead into the third period and saw the margin halved when Ondrej Palat scored on a power play early.
New Jersey Devils players celebrate a goal by right wing Kyle Palmieri, center, as Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Dan Girardi (5) skates by during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Saturday, March 24, 2018, in Newark, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Kinkaid saved the lead - and the win - with a diving save on a close-in attempt by Ryan McDonagh with just over two minutes to play and the net wide open.
Andrei Vasilevskiy had 30 saves as the Lightning lost for only the third time in 16 games (12-3-1).
Hischier, who set up Taylor Hall's overtime winner in Pittsburgh on Friday night, gave the Devils the lead, tapping the rebound of a shot by fellow rookie Will Butcher into an open net at 17:51 of the first period.
Palmieri doubled the lead at 10:59 of the second period, beating Vasilevskiy with a snap shot from between the circles for his 21st goal.
Kinkaid stopped 24 shots in the first two periods, and benefited in the second when Nikita Kucherov, the league's leading scorer, missed the net on a breakaway.
The Lightning were furious with linesman Steve Miller late in the second period when J.T. Miller was hit with a delay of game penalty for a faceoff violation with Tampa Bay about to go on a power play. Miller kicked three players out of the faceoff circle, starting with Steven Stamkos of the Lightning, Travis Zajac of the Devils and then Miller.
Kucherov left the ice at the end of period, yelling at the officials and bouncing his hand like a yo-yo to simulate the non-faceoffs.
NOTES: The Devils signed G Cam Johnson to a one-year, entry-level contract, which will start next season. He is a college free agent who completed his senior season at the University of North Dakota. ... D Ben Lovejoy was out of the Devils' lineup for the first time since Dec. 30 and replaced by Mirco Mueller, who was playing for first time since Feb. 22. Mueller had an assist on Hischier's goal.
UP NEXT
Lightning: Return home to face Arizona on Monday.
Devils: Host Carolina on Tuesday in second of four-game homestand.
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New Jersey Devils center Nico Hischier, right, of Switzerland, scores a goal on the Tampa Bay Lightning during the first period of an NHL hockey game, Saturday, March 24, 2018, in Newark, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New Jersey Devils center Nico Hischier, right, of Switzerland, celebrates his first period goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning during an NHL hockey game, Saturday, March 24, 2018, in Newark, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Tampa Bay Lightning center Tyler Johnson, center, shoots at New Jersey Devils goaltender Keith Kinkaid (1) as defenseman Andy Greene (6) helps defend during the first period of an NHL hockey game, Saturday, March 24, 2018, in Newark, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New Jersey Devils right wing Kyle Palmieri, left, is checked by Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Ryan McDonagh during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Saturday, March 24, 2018, in Newark, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
An officer shot and wounded a knife-wielding man inside a New York City Whole Foods store.
The shooting happened just before 8.30pm Saturday at a Whole Foods in Harlem.
Police say a 28-year-old man brandished a knife and advanced toward officers who were responding to a 911 call.
Video and photos from the scene show the man being wheeled away on a stretcher as crowds gather outside the Whole Foods
Police say an officer shot and wounded a knife-wielding man inside a New York City Whole Foods store
Police say a 28-year-old man brandished a knife and advanced toward officers who were responding to a 911 call
'After several commands to drop the knife, one officer discharged two rounds, striking the suspect,' said NYPD Assistant Chief Kathleen O'Reilly, ABC7 reported.
'I can say that there were no shoppers in danger,' she reassured.
The officer is fine but was treated for tinnitus.
The 28-year-old suspect, whose name has not been disclosed, was taken to Harlem Hospital in stable condition.
The shooting happened just before 8.30pm Saturday at a Whole Foods in Harlem
'I saw people running - I ran out, too - I wasn't risking it,' said Whole Foods employee Malik Wright.
One shopper said people were running from the escalator screaming.
'They say he tried to swing a razor, something metal, and they shot him in his chest,' said the suspect's friend, Papito Abreu.
The store was shut down due to the crime scene investigation inside.
Video and photos from the scene show the man being wheeled away on a stretcher as crowds gather outside the Whole Foods, NBC New York reported.
Police say no one else was injured in the shooting and that the knife was recovered.
The store was shut down due to the crime scene investigation inside
Former President Barack Obama said Sunday that negotiations with North Korea on its nuclear weapons program are difficult, partly because the country's isolation minimizes possible leverage, such as trade and travel sanctions against Pyongyang.
'North Korea is an example of a country that is so far out of the international norms and so disconnected with the rest of the world,' Obama told a packed hall in Tokyo.
He stressed that the effort to get North Korea to give up nuclear weapons remains difficult, but said countries working together, including China, South Korea and Japan, to pressure the North is better than nations working alone.
He noted that past U.S. efforts on Iran's nuclear weapons were more successful because there was more leverage, but that there's little commerce and travel with North Korea to being with.
Former U.S. President Barack Obama, left, and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe pose for photographers in front of Kyubey, a Japanese sushi restaurant, at Ginza shopping district In Tokyo Sunday, March 25, 2018
Obama says negotiations with North Korea on its nuclear weapons program are difficult, partly because the country's isolation minimizes possible leverage, such as trade and travel sanctions against Pyongyang
'That makes them less subject to these kinds of negotiations,' he said of North Korea.
Obama was speaking at an event sponsored by a Japanese nonprofit group during an Asia-Pacific trip that included earlier stops in Singapore, New Zealand and Australia. Obama's work after leaving office has been focused on nurturing young leaders.
Obama, welcomed by a standing ovation, said that the U.S.-Japan alliance remains strong, and that the U.S. is committed to defending Japan.
'North Korea is a real threat,' he said.
In this May 27, 2016, file photo, Obama delivers remarks, at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima, western Japan
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attends a grand military parade celebrating the 70th founding anniversary of the Korean People's Army at the Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang in this photo released by KCNA on February 9
'Our view has always been that we would prefer to resolve these issues peacefully,' he said, adding that otherwise 'the cost in terms of human life would be significant.'
He acknowledged that progress on a nuclear-free world will likely take a long time as long as Russia and the U.S. can't agree to reduce their stockpiles.
Obama also reflected on his 2016 visit to Hiroshima, one of two Japanese cities where the U.S. dropped atomic bombs in the closing days of World War II. His visit was the first by an American president.
Almost all American presidents tend to be relatively popular in Japan, which views the U.S. as its most important ally.
But many Japanese particularly appreciate Obama's efforts on denuclearization and remember with fondness his trip to Hiroshima and his message of working toward a world without nuclear weapons.
'It was an extraordinarily powerful moment for me,' Obama recalled.
AMMAN, Jordan (AP) - Warring sides in Yemen and their international backers must stop blocking or delaying aid deliveries, a top official in the U.N. children's agency said Sunday, warning that such practices have contributed to worsening malnutrition among children and hampered efforts to fight cholera.
Geert Cappelaere, UNICEF's director for the Middle East and North Africa, spoke as civil war in the Arab world's poorest country - a proxy battle between regional rivals Saudi Arabia and Iran - enters its fourth year.
The fighting pits Iran-backed Shiite Houthi rebels against Yemen's internationally recognized government, which is allied with a Saudi-led military coalition. The war started in March 2015 when the coalition began pounding the Houthis with airstrikes after they took control of the capital, Sanaa.
FILE - In this April 13, 2017, file photo, Yemenis present documents in order to receive food rations provided by a local charity, in Sanaa, Yemen. Geert Cappelaere, UNICEF's director for the Middle East and North Africa, briefed reporters in Amman, Jordan on Sunday, March 25, 2018, after returning from Yemen, saying warring sides in Yemen and their international backers must stop impeding or delaying aid deliveries. Cappelaere said such practices have contributed to worsening malnutrition among children and hampered efforts to fight cholera and other potentially deadly diseases. (AP Photo/Hani Mohammed, File)
The stalemated war has damaged Yemen's infrastructure, crippled its health system and pushed it to the brink of famine. The country now suffers the world's worst humanitarian crisis, with more than 22.2 million people in need of assistance. Malnutrition, cholera and other diseases have killed or sickened thousands of civilians over the years.
Cappelaere briefed reporters in the Jordanian capital of Amman on Sunday, after returning from Yemen.
He called for an end to what he said was a brutal war against Yemen's 11 million children.
In the absence of a political settlement, the combatants and their backers must ensure free access for aid shipments, without conditions, he said.
Cappelaere said precious weeks and months have been lost in haggling over the delivery of key supplies, such as solar power equipment, water pipes and fuel, to ensure access to clean water as aid agencies try to contain cholera and watery diarrhea.
"The minimum we should be asking for is that all children, boys and girls, in every single part of Yemen are reached with the minimum assistance," he said.
Last year, more than one million Yemenis suffered from cholera and watery diarrhea, he said, adding that the next outbreak is likely only weeks away, with the start of the rainy season.
He said severe acute malnutrition among children has doubled in the past three years, from 200,000 in 2015.
Close to two million children in Yemen are not getting an education, up by almost half a million since 2015, an increase driven by war and conflict-linked poverty, he said. Some 2,500 schools have been destroyed or are no longer used for their original purpose, he said.
Cappelaere said his agency is seeking close to $350 million in aid for Yemen in 2018.
"That's peanuts, compared to the billions of dollars that are currently invested in fighting the war," he said. "So, international community, you have to decide where your priorities are. You continue investing in weapons, you continue investing in fighting, or you invest in children."
The U.S. has been backing the Saudi-led military campaign against Houthi rebels, despite criticism over the heavy civilian casualty toll.
The Trump administration told Congress last week that it plans to approve an arms sale to Saudi Arabia valued at more than $1 billion. The State Department said the package includes up to about 6,700 U.S.-made anti-tank missiles, along with servicing, maintenance and parts for helicopters and tanks already in the kingdom's arsenal.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is currently visiting the U.S.
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Associated Press writer Karin Laub in the West Bank contributed reporting.
PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) - President Donald Trump on Sunday defended his decision to sign a $1.3 trillion federal spending bill despite his misgivings, pointing to billions in new funding for the military and national security.
Trump said on Twitter from his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida that because of the military funding, "many jobs are created and our Military is again rich." He said building his signature border wall "is all about National Defense."
Since grudgingly signing the bill on Friday after threatening a veto, Trump has faced fierce criticism from conservatives who have accused him of caving to congressional Democrats. The president said Friday at the White House he was "very disappointed" in the package, in part because it didn't fully pay for his border wall. But Trump said he had "no choice" because the nation needed to fund the military.
A motorcade with President Donald Trump aboard passes a security checkpoint en route to the president's Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Fla., Saturday, March 24, 2018. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
Trump sought $25 billion for his border wall, but the plan included much less - $1.6 billion for building new sections of wall and replacing older sections. Trump tweeted Sunday that much can be done with the money and it's "just a down payment."
He said the "rest of the money will come" and again reiterated that Democrats "abandoned" young immigrants seeking protections. Trump on Friday noted that the bill failed to extend protection from deportation to some 700,000 "Dreamer" immigrants due to lose coverage under a program the president himself has tried to eliminate.
Trump's veto threat had put him at odds with top members of his administration and Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan, who urged him to sign the bill. But prominent conservatives have criticized the massive spending plan, warning that it could add to the nation's debt.
The president on Friday warned Congress that he would "never sign another bill like this again." He called for the Senate to overhaul its rules to allow for simple-majority votes on all bills and urged Congress to provide him with a line-item veto power to kill specific spending items he disagrees with. The Supreme Court ruled in 1998 that a congressionally passed line-item veto was unconstitutional.
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On Twitter follow Ken Thomas at https://twitter.com/KThomasDC
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - Recreational marijuana isn't legal in Florida, despite a widely shared online report that the Legislature had passed a measure legalizing use.
The website yourdailyideas, in a story dated from Orlando, Florida, reported lawmakers had agreed on legalization to "jump-start the economy."
First, Florida's Legislature and governor are based in the capital, Tallahassee. And lawmakers did not act on any recreational marijuana bills, said Karol Molinares, deputy communications director for the Florida House of Representatives' Democratic Office.
Seventy-one percent of Florida voters in 2016 approved a constitutional amendment for the legalization of medical marijuana. Lawmakers produced a bill in the next session to implement rules and regulations. However, Molinares said lawmakers couldn't agree on the number of retail locations that would be allowed to open. The Department of Health has been tasked with drawing up and implementing new rules.
Marijuana for medical use has been available in the state to those who qualify; registered patients in the state have had access to medical marijuana since 2017.
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This is part of The Associated Press' ongoing effort to fact-check misinformation that is shared widely online, including work with Facebook to identify and reduce the circulation of false stories on the platform.
Rashad Williams, 42, is serving 30 years for attempted murder and other crimes
A Connecticut inmate is fighting the state in federal court after officials were ordered to pay him $300,000 in a lawsuit over a beating he took from another prisoner - but gave him less than half the total after subtracting costs of his incarceration.
Rashad Williams, serving a 30-year sentence for attempted murder and other crimes, says officials used a state law on recouping imprisonment costs from inmates to reduce the penalty for violating his civil rights.
His lawyer, J. Tyler Butts, said the state's move violated federal civil rights law and blunted the law's goal of deterring human rights abuses.
'The State has gone to significant lengths to attempt to reduce its liability and to deny Mr. Williams full compensation for his damages,' Butts wrote in a court document.
He accused officials of 'a pattern of behavior demonstrating the State's clear disregard' for Williams' rights.
Butts and state officials declined to comment for this story.
In court documents, state officials wrote Williams cannot legally seek the remainder of the lawsuit award and the state has not waived its immunity from his court action.
Butts argues the U.S. Constitution invalidates state laws that interfere with federal law, which applies in Williams' case.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Connecticut agrees with Williams.
'Effectively what they're doing is using state law to get themselves off the hook for a federal law violation,' said Dan Barrett, legal director for the ACLU chapter.
'It would violate federal law for the Correction Department to effectively discount the judgment it or its employees have to pay by claiming the prisoner has to pay for the cost of his incarceration.'
In 2010, Williams and a violent gang member were placed in a cell together at Northern Correctional Institution in Somers (pictured) and he was beaten, injuring his head, back, ankle and knee. He was awarded $300,000 compensation
To make matters worse for Williams, the state now is seeking more than $50,000 from him to pay public defender costs and other expenses.
Officials have frozen $65,000 in his inmate trust account.
Williams, 42, of East Hartford, was convicted of attempted murder, assault and other crimes in 2004 in connection with a botched car wash robbery in New Britain.
The robbers and victims got into a shootout, killing one of the robbers and injuring a victim.
In 2010, Williams and a violent gang member were placed in a cell together at Northern Correctional Institution in Somers, despite Williams' objection.
According to court documents, handcuffs were taken off the gang member first and he kicked and stomped Williams while Williams was still handcuffed.
Williams suffered injuries to his head, back, ankle and knee.
Williams sued prison officials in federal court, where a jury determined a prison guard, Capt. Dennis Marinelli, violated Williams' rights by having him placed in the same cell as the gang member.
He was awarded $300,000.
Connecticut law allows the state to take up to half of any legal award or settlement inmates receive, as well as certain property they own
Most states have laws allowing prisoners to be charged for incarceration costs.
Connecticut law allows the state to take up to half of any legal award or settlement inmates receive, as well as certain property they own.
The state collected nearly $4.8 million from inmates in the 2016-2017 fiscal year.
Cases like Williams' are not common, defense lawyers say.
In a similar case in Missouri cited by Williams, a federal judge ruled in 1991 that the state could not take $3,000 awarded to a prisoner who was sexually harassed by a prison teacher.
The ruling was upheld by a federal appeals court.
Williams' request for the remainder of his legal award is before a federal judge in Hartford.
CHERRY HILL, N.J. (AP) - The federal government will spend a record $4.6 billion this year to fight the nation's deepening opioid crisis, which killed 42,000 Americans in 2016.
But some advocates say the funding included in the spending plan the president signed Friday is not nearly enough to establish the kind of treatment system needed to reverse the crisis. A White House report last fall put the cost to the country of the overdose epidemic at more than $500 billion a year.
Former U.S. Rep. Patrick Kennedy, a Democrat who served on President Donald Trump's opioid commission last year, said there are clear solutions but that Congress needs to devote more money to them.
FILE - In this Thursday, Dec. 8, 2016 file photo, Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., head of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Activities (JCCIC) speaks to reporters on Capitol Hill in Washington, as preparations continue for the inauguration and swearing-in ceremonies for President-elect Donald Trump. A $4.6 billion federal spending plan signed Friday, March 23, 2018, by Trump to fight the nation's deepening opioid crisis "provides the funding necessary to tackle this crisis from every angle," said the Missouri Republican who is chairman of a subcommittee overseeing much of the funding. "It's another major step in our effort to get this epidemic under control and save lives." (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
"We still have lacked the insight that this is a crisis, a cataclysmic crisis," he said.
By comparison, the Kaiser Family Foundation found the U.S. is spending more than $7 billion annually on discretionary domestic funding on AIDS, an epidemic with a death toll that peaked in 1995 at 43,000.
States also have begun putting money toward the opioid epidemic. The office of Ohio Gov. John Kasich estimates the state is spending $1 billion a year to address the crisis. Last year, New Jersey allocated $200 million to opioid programs, and the budget proposal in Minnesota calls for spending $12 million in the coming fiscal year.
A spokesman for Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker, a Republican who also served on the Trump commission, said the federal government still needs to do more.
"Governor Baker encourages members of Congress to work together on a plan forward to fully fund the bipartisan recommendations," spokesman Brendan Moss said.
The commission's chairman, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, declined through a spokesman to comment.
The opioid allocation is part of the $1.3 trillion budget appropriation Trump signed Friday. In a budget deal full of compromises, this was one element both parties heralded.
Addiction to opioid painkillers, including prescription drugs such a Vicodin and OxyContin and illicit drugs such as heroin and fentanyl, is causing deep problems across the country. It's being blamed for shortened life expectancies, growing burdens on foster care systems, and strains on police and fire departments.
The budgeted response amounts to about three times as much as the federal government is spending currently to address the epidemic, not counting treatment money that flows through Medicaid and Medicare. A spokesman for the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services said the agency does not track how much money it spends on drug treatment.
"This bill provides the funding necessary to tackle this crisis from every angle," U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt, a Missouri Republican who is chairman of a subcommittee overseeing much of the funding, said in a statement. "It's another major step in our effort to get this epidemic under control and save lives."
The biggest chunk of new money in the congressional appropriation - $1 billion - is to be distributed to states and American Indian tribes. States with the highest overdose mortality rates would receive larger shares, a provision that's important to hard-hit states with small populations such as West Virginia and New Hampshire. Every state would receive at least $4 million.
The plan also includes $500 million for opioid-related research and hundreds of millions more to expand treatment availability.
Andrew Kolodny, the co-director of an opioid policy research group at Brandeis University, said he believes it would take a 10-year commitment to funding $6 billion annually to build a system that would make medication-assisted treatment accessible to everyone who needs it.
The federal appropriation also contains money for law enforcement and equipment to help identify and intercept opioids at borders and ports of entry.
Van Ingram, executive director for the Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy, said he believes law enforcement is not the key to solving the epidemic but appreciates the additional federal money for policing.
"We are many years into this drug epidemic and the worst one in our history, and there have never been any new dollars for law enforcement to speak of," he said.
Providing law enforcement in Kentucky with naloxone, a drug that can reverse overdoses, is a major expense for his office. Federal help is now available to defray some of those costs.
Some of the federal money also will go toward helping people being released from prison avoid the drugs and to expand specialized courts for veterans and people with drug dependency.
The federal spending plan also incorporates language inspired by the 2016 death of a 30-year-old woman, who overdosed on pain pills she was prescribed as she left a hospital following surgery.
The woman, Jessie Grubb, received the pills from a Michigan hospital despite medical records reflecting her past heroin addiction and recovery. Under the law, federal authorities are encouraged to establish procedures for health care providers to share information about addiction histories.
"In honor of Jessie, but really in honor of thousands of families and recovering addicts, this legislation will go a long way to save lives," Grubb's father, David Grubb, said this past week from the family's home state of West Virginia.
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Associated Press writer John Raby in Charleston, West Virginia, contributed to this report.
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FILE - In this Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2016 file photo, President Barack Obama hugs David Grubb, as his wife Kate, watches at right, before signing the 21st Century Cures Act in the South Court Auditorium in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on the White House complex in Washington. The Grubb family, from Charleston W.Va., lost their daughter, Jessie, in the spring of 2016 after a long battle with substance abuse. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
This undated photo provided by her father, David, shows Jessie Grubb. A $4.6 billion federal spending plan to fight the nation's deepening opioid crisis incorporates language inspired by the 2016 death of the 30-year-old Jessie, who overdosed on pain pills she was prescribed as she left a hospital following surgery. (David Grubb via AP)
FILE - In this Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2017 file photo, former Rep. Patrick Kennedy, D-R.I., greets people as he arrives for a President's Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis meeting in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on the White House Complex in Washington. Kennedy, a Democrat who served on Trump's opioid commission, said Congress needs to recognize the epidemic as "a huge gorilla on the nation's shoulder" and spend billions more. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)
FILE - In this Monday, March 14, 2016 file photo, Gov. Charlie Baker becomes emotional as he speaks after signing sweeping legislation aimed at reversing a deadly opioid addiction crisis, at the Statehouse in Boston. A spokesman for Baker, a Republican who served on the Trump commission on opioids, said, "Governor Baker encourages members of Congress to work together on a plan forward to fully fund the bipartisan recommendations." (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
FILE - In this Aug. 25, 2016, file photo, Ohio Gov. John Kasich speaks at the Regional Judicial Opioid Initiative opening summit in Cincinnati. His office estimates the state is spending $1 billion a year to address the opioid crisis. (AP Photo/John Minchillo, File)
Egypt's State Information Service has slammed a number of foreign media outlets for ''propagating" a story by The Times, in which a British journalist said she was deported from the country.
In a statement, the SIS criticised the foreign media outlets for reporting on claims in a Times article by correspondent Bel Trew in which she said she was deported from Egypt in February after being arrested while carrying out interviews in Cairo.
The SIS described her account as "launch[ing an] unwarranted attack in an unprofessional workmanlike manner against the so-called oppression of freedom of the press, opinion and expression in Egypt.
The SIS said Trew, who was accredited with the Egyptian press centre, violated Egyptian law and regulations governing the work of foreign correspondents in Egypt by not applying for a temporary press card from the press centre, which they said were required as "due to technical reasons" the 2018 press cards had not yet been issued.
Trew, the state body said, "has not applied to the press centre to issue a temporary card," citing this as a violation of Egyptian law.
It also accused her of practicing journalism without a permit 40 days after the press centre began to issue the temporary IDs, and said she used while reporting her story "video and photography equipments without having the necessary permits from the relevant authorities through the press centre", citing this as a second violation of Egyptian law.
"As a result of these two flagrant violations, the Egyptian relevant authorities took its decision to deport the British journalist, by virtue of text of articles 13 and 19 of the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights which has been ratified by Egypt and in conformity with which Egypt has issued its code on entry and stay of foreigners," it said.
Trew was working on a story on the issue of illegal migration shortly before she was arrested, interrogated, and then driven to Cairo airport to take a flight to London, she wrote.
"I am on a list of undesirable people and if I attempt to return I will be re-arrested. I cant go back to my home of seven years. Nobody can explain why," Trew wrote.
The SIS affirmed its keenness on the freedom of press and expression, which it said was underscored by the number of accredited foreign correspondents in Egypt.
SIS also said that Egypt has not deported a single foreign correspondent since the January 2011 Revolution "despite the difficult circumstances the country has been witnessing ever since."
It said that the freedom of press and expression for all foreign correspondents in Egypt was guaranteed by the Egyptian constitution.
"The State Information Service considers this statement, besides being a clarification of the truth, a response and a correction of what some foreign newspapers and media outlets accredited in Egypt have published in this regard," the statement concluded.
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LAGOS, Nigeria (AP) - Relatives say more than 100 girls recently released by the Islamic extremist group Boko Haram have been reunited with their parents in northern Nigeria.
Bashir Manzo, head of the group of parents whose children were abducted, told The Associated Press that the children were reunited with their parents Sunday.
Five of the schoolgirls kidnapped in mid-February died during the ordeal, and one Christian girl remains in captivity.
Recently freed School girls from the Government Girls Science and Technical College Dapchi, pose for a photograph after a meeting with Nigeria President, Muhammadu Buhari, at the Presidential palace in Abuja, Nigeria, Friday March 23, 2018. Nigeria's president welcomed to his official residence more than 100 girls who were released by Boko Haram Wednesday after being kidnapped last month.(AP Photo/Azeez Akunleyan)
Authorities have said they believe the girl will soon be released, though Manzo said even if true it would take several days for Boko Haram to reach Dapchi from their hideouts.
The Nigerian government denies that it paid a ransom for the release of the schoolgirls, who were returned in the middle of the night to the center of town last week.
BOISE, Idaho (AP) - Idaho is not the most obvious place to attract members of the Russian punk collective Pussy Riot.
But even in the Republican stronghold that strongly supports President Donald Trump, Pussy Riot members carved out time late Saturday to swing by the largest city in the state, Boise, during their first North American tour.
"There is power in doing what we want, and not what they want," said Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, who spent nearly two years in prison with another group member for a protest against Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2012. "Thank you for supporting us."
Nadezhda Tolokonnikova of Pussy Riot performs at El Korah Shrine during Treefort Music Fest in Boise, Idaho, Sunday, March 25, 2018. The show began on Saturday. (AP Photo/Otto Kitsinger)
The balaclava-clad women who rose to global prominence with daring outdoor performances in their home country brought a show to Idaho that was more political rally than traditional concert, featuring anti-fascist, anti-Trump messages. It comes as a special counsel investigates Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election and whether there was any collusion with the Trump campaign.
Idaho is the only Republican-dominant state that Pussy Riot is visiting during their North American tour, which has consisted of stops in bigger, left-leaning cities like Portland, Oregon; Seattle; and Chicago.
They were drawn to Idaho by the small but increasingly popular Treefort Music Fest, which launched in 2011 as a hyper-local indie-rock music festival but has since attracted worldwide interest. Other groups pushed a political agenda, but Pussy Riot is one of the most contentious to appear at the five-day event.
They played their political music videos on a screen on a dark stage as audience members raised their fists in solidarity. Attendees danced and cheered as the group played "Police State," which came out on the anniversary of Trump's election, and "Make America Great Again," a 2016 hit released a week before the presidential election that focuses on a call to action.
"Pussy Riot has been on my radar for several years," said Boise resident Adnan Muminovic, who was standing in line for nearly two hours to ensure he got a spot for the show. "I'm Bosnian, so I'm not fan of the leadership in Russia. I wanted to throw my support behind them tonight."
Hundreds of other people stood outside the building, wrapping along the block and hoping to catch a peek of the group, which declined an interview request from The Associated Press.
"I think it's really exciting that they're here," said Karissa Manske of Boise, who was waiting in line. "I think it's easy to get bogged down with everything going on in the news, but having this politically charged group come to Boise means something. I knew I had to see them."
Yet, even after braving the long lines, many in the back of the venue left several songs into the group's set.
People wait in line to get into a performance by Pussy Riot at El Korah Shrine during Treefort Music Fest in Boise, Idaho, Saturday, March 24, 2018. (AP Photo/Otto Kitsinger)
Pussy Riot performs at El Korah Shrine during Treefort Music Fest in Boise, Idaho, Sunday, March 25, 2018. The show began on Saturday. (AP Photo/Otto Kitsinger)
Nadezhda Tolokonnikova of Pussy Riot performs at El Korah Shrine during Treefort Music Fest in Boise, Idaho, Saturday, March 24, 2018. (AP Photo/Otto Kitsinger)
Pussy Riot performs at El Korah Shrine during Treefort Music Fest in Boise, Idaho, Sunday, March 25, 2018. The show began on Saturday. (AP Photo/Otto Kitsinger)
CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) - Thousands of Venezuelans paid homage Sunday to Jose Antonio Abreu, parading past the coffin of the economist turned visionary musical educator who created a network of youth orchestras that has been replicated around the world.
His coffin was delivered with military honors to the headquarters of the program, where the concert hall was converted into a chapel. Students of varying ages took turns playing pieces by Bach, Beethoven and other composers.
The death of the 78-year-old Abreu was announced Saturday by his family. No cause was given, but he had been known to be battling several illnesses since he retired a few years ago from running the musical education program known as El Sistema.
CORRECTS AGE - Musicians play during the wake for music educator Jose Antonio Abreu, at an auditorium in Caracas, Venezuela, Sunday, March 25, 2017. Abreu, founder of Venezuela's network of youth orchestras known as 'El Sistema' or The System, died at age 78 on Saturday, March 24. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)
CORRECTS AGE - A picture of music educator Jose Antonio Abreu is displayed during his wake at an auditorium in Caracas, Venezuela, Sunday, March 25, 2017. Abreu, founder of Venezuela's network of youth orchestras known as 'El Sistema' or The System, died at age 78 on Saturday, March 24. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)
CORRECTS AGE - A girl plays the violin outside of auditorium where the wake for music educator Jose Antonio Abreu is held in Caracas, Venezuela, Sunday, March 25, 2017. Abreu, founder of Venezuela's network of youth orchestras known as 'El Sistema' or The System, died at age 78 on Saturday, March 24. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)
CORRECTS AGE - People applaud in honor of the late Jose Antonio Abreu during his wake at an auditorium in Caracas, Venezuela, Sunday, March 25, 2017. Abreu, founder of Venezuela's network of youth orchestras known as 'El Sistema' or The System, died at age 78 on Saturday, March 24. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)
Relatives, musicians and friends attend the burial of music educator Jose Antonio Abreu at a cemetery in Caracas, Venezuela, Sunday, March 25, 2018. Abreu, founder of Venezuela's network of youth orchestras known as 'El Sistema' or The System, died at age 78 on Saturday, March 24. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)
Musicians attend the burial of music educator Jose Antonio Abreu at a cemetery in Caracas, Venezuela, Sunday, March 25, 2018. Abreu, founder of Venezuela's network of youth orchestras known as 'El Sistema' or The System, died at age 78 on Saturday, March 24. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) - Yemen's Shiite rebels fired a barrage of ballistic missiles targeting Saudi Arabia late Sunday on the third anniversary of a kingdom-led war in Yemen, with fragments of one missile over Riyadh killing one person and wounding two.
The casualties were the first in Saudi Arabia's capital since the Saudi-led war in Yemen began in March 2015, though previous rockets fired by the Yemeni rebels have caused deaths in other parts of the kingdom.
The rebels known as Houthis said they launched a missile attack targeting Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport and other sites, again showing their ability to strike deep into the neighboring kingdom amid the stalemated war in Yemen, the Arab world's poorest country.
The barrage likely will spark new criticism of Iran's role in the conflict as well, as the Houthis identified some of the missiles fired as a type that the United Nations and the West say comes from Tehran.
The Saudi military said it intercepted seven ballistic missiles fired by the Houthis at the kingdom, three of them targeting Riyadh, two targeting Jazan and one apiece targeting Najran and Khamis Mushait.
The Saudi-owned satellite news channel Al Arabiya aired footage that it said showed Patriot missile batteries firing at the incoming Houthi missiles. Online videos showed what appeared to be a missile fuselage lying on a street in Riyadh.
One Egyptian national was killed and two other Egyptians suffered wounds when a fragment of a missile over Riyadh fell on a residential neighborhood, the state-run Saudi Press Agency said.
Houthi ballistic missiles have increased in range over time, with the first one targeting Riyadh fired on May 19, 2017, according to the United Nations. A Nov. 4 launch previously targeted King Khalid International Airport, showing the missiles had a range of over 1,000 kilometers (620 miles).
The Nov. 4 attack saw the Saudi-led coalition escalate its attacks. It wasn't immediately clear how the coalition would react to Sunday's attack, though the barrage marks some 90 Houthi ballistic missile launches targeting Saudi Arabia.
Al Masirah, a Houthi-run satellite news channel, identified some of the missiles fired as the Burkan, or Volcano, missile. The United Nations, Western countries and the Saudi-led military coalition fighting in Yemen all say the Burkan mirrors characteristics of an Iranian Qiam ballistic missile. They say that suggests Tehran either shared the technology or smuggled disassembled missiles to the Houthis who then rebuilt them.
Iran long has denied supplying arms to the Houthis, though a growing body of evidence contradicts their claim.
Meanwhile, the U.S. provides logistical support and weaponry to the Saudi-led coalition, which has been criticized for its airstrikes on Yemen killing civilians, as well as a blockade of Yemeni ports that has brought the country to the edge of famine.
Over 10,000 people have been killed in the conflict, which began after the Houthis and their allies seized Yemen's capital, Sanaa, in September 2014 and began a march south.
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Jon Gambrell on Twitter: www.twitter.com/jongambrellap. His work can be found at http://apne.ws/2galNpz .
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) - The latest on Saudi Arabia reporting deadly missile attack staged on kingdom by Shiite rebels in Yemen (all times local):
3 a.m.
Saudi Arabian authorities say one person has been killed and two others wounded in a ballistic missile attack on the kingdom's capital by Yemen's Shiite rebels.
The death was reported early Monday by the state-run Saudi Press Agency, which quoted a civil defense official in Riyadh.
Saudi Arabia's military earlier said it intercepted seven ballistic missiles fired by Yemen's Shiite rebels known as Houthis late Sunday.
The missile attack came on the third anniversary of the start of the Saudi-led war in Yemen.
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2:50 a.m.
Saudi state media are reporting that the kingdom's armed forces have intercepted a ballistic missile over Riyadh fired by Shiite rebels in Yemen.
State television aired a segment early Monday saying the missile was shot down over the Saudi capital. The Saudi-owned Al Arabiya satellite news channel aired footage that it says shows Patriot missile batteries firing at the ballistic missile.
Al-Masirah, a satellite news channel run by Yemen's Shiite rebels called Houthis, says Houthi rocket forces targeted King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and other targets in Saudi Arabia.
The ballistic missile attack comes on the third anniversary of the launch of a Saudi-led war on the Houthis and their allies, who hold Yemen's capital, Sanaa.
A raft of high-profile appointments have been announced in a bid to strengthen the board of the beleaguered Scottish Police Authority (SPA).
Gordon Dewar, chief executive of Edinburgh Airport, and Mary Pitcaithly, who served as chief counting officer for the Scottish independence referendum in 2014, are among seven new faces joining the board.
A recruitment drive was launched after a torrid year for the police oversight body, during which it lost both its chairman Andrew Flanagan and chief executive John Foley amid serious and sustained criticism over transparency, governance and decision-making at the SPA.
Mary Pitcaithly, chief counting officer for the Scottish referendum, is among the new appointees (Andrew Milligan/PA)
Mr Dewar and Ms Pitcaithly, the outgoing chief executive of Falkirk Council, will be joined by NHS Health Scotland chair David Crichton, former deputy chief constable of Lothian and Borders Police and Sacro chief executive Tom Halpin and chair of Historic Environment Scotland Jane Ryder.
Martyn Evans, chief executive of the Carnegie UK Trust, and Michelle Miller, outgoing chief social work officer at Edinburgh Council, complete the new appointments.
Justice Secretary Michael Matheson said: These new members will bring a broad range of skills and experience to the SPA, further strengthening it as it continues to scrutinise Police Scotland.
Their backgrounds and successful track records in a number of fields will enhance the SPA as we approach the fifth anniversary of police and fire reform.
This, coupled with the improvements in governance, engagement and strategic leadership that the new chair has initiated, will better enable the SPA to address the many new and evolving demands on Scottish policing.
SPA chair Susan Deacon added: I am delighted to welcome these new members to the board.
They are all highly accomplished in their fields and bring with them a range of senior experience in leadership, governance and strategic change, as well as a passion and commitment for policing and public service.
I look forward to working with them as we take forward the development of policing in Scotland both now and in the future.
Green campaigners are claiming a significant victory after plans for an open-cast coal mine were turned down by the Government amid fears about climate change.
Banks Minings application to extract three million tonnes of material from a site near the scenic Druridge Bay in Northumberland was initially agreed by planners, but Communities Secretary Sajid Javid has blocked the proposal.
Protesters had said the plan would damage local wildlife and badly affect local tourism.
Communities Secretary Sajid Javid `called in the decision amid environmental concerns (Stefan Rousseau/PA)
And environmentalists argued the UK should not give the mine the green light while urging other countries to reject fossil fuels.
In Mr Javids explanation for overturning the application, he concluded overall the scheme would have an adverse effect on greenhouse gas emissions and climate change of very substantial significance.
Ive made a decision on planning permission for a surface coal mine at Highthorn, Druridge Bay, Northumberland taking into account all evidence and material considerations, inc. potential environmental impacts, Ive refused the application my letter: https://t.co/1CGFCPBZMe? Sajid Javid (@sajidjavid) March 23, 2018
A spokesman for Mr Javids department said: He has considered all the evidence heard at the public inquiry, together with the recommendation of the Planning Inspector.
His decision took account of all material considerations, including the potential environmental impacts of the scheme.
For Rose Dickinson, of Friends of the Earth, it was a significant victory.
FANTASTIC NEWS! Thanks to 1000's of you, the UK Govern't has seen sense: there will be NO climate wrecking opencast coal mine at beautiful #DruridgeBay! This is a big decision that sends a powerful message: fossil fuels must stay in the ground. Please RT. #SavedDruridge pic.twitter.com/54BXS59Hu2 Friends of the Earth - since 1971 (@friends_earth) March 23, 2018
She said: This is the first coal mine ever to be rejected in the UK because of climate change impacts a vindication for everyone who has been calling for fossil fuels to be left in the ground.
The science is clear that we need to leave 80% of all proven fossil fuel reserves unburned to avoid dangerous global warming. Thats why the Government has done the right thing today by rejecting this mine.
Mr Javid called in the application for a public inquiry, citing climate change concerns.
Campaigners, including local community group Save Druridge, presented evidence about how the mine would impact Northumberland and contribute internationally to climate change.
Banks Mining had initially persuaded local councillors to back the scheme to extract coal, sandstone and fire clay as it would create more than 100 jobs and boost the local economy.
The bay is a regional beauty spot and attracts an annual gathering of skinny dippers.
Protesters said the plans would have affected otters, dolphins and pink-footed geese.
A British journalist has been expelled from Egypt as authorities in the country crack down on the media ahead of the upcoming presidential elections.
Bel Trew, The Times Cairo correspondent, was ordered to leave late last month having been detained three weeks ago, according to the newspaper.
The journalist was driven to the airport by police and made to board a flight to London.
(Rowan Staszkiewicz/PA)
I've lived in #Egypt for 7 years, it's my beloved home and I'm not sure when I can return. I was arrested after doing an interview and threatened with military trial unless I got on a plane. Like others, I still don't know what happened:https://t.co/m5EmyP8bg7 Bel Trew (@Beltrew) March 24, 2018
A spokeswoman for The Times said: The circumstances of her detention and the threats made against her were sufficiently outlandish to suggest that a mistake had been made, based on a misunderstanding.
We have since been trying to ensure her safe return to Cairo, in time to cover the presidential election. It is now clear that the authorities have no intention of allowing her to return.
The Times deplores this attempt by the Egyptian authorities to intimidate the media and suppress our coverage.
This is sadly in line with the increasingly oppressive environment that President Sisi has created for both domestic and international press.
Ms Trew says she had been listed as a persona non-grata and that Cairo authorities have reportedly threatened to re-arrest her if she attempts to return.
The speaker of Catalonias parliament has suspended a scheduled vote to elect a jailed separatist leader as the new regional president.
Speaker Roger Torrent announced to the chamber on Saturday that there would be no vote on the candidacy of Jordi Turull, a former regional minister.
Mr Turull was one of five high-profile separatists sent to jail without bail on Friday by a Supreme Court judge for their alleged role in a failed independence bid by Catalonia from the rest of Spain in October.
Roger Torrent, speaker of Catalan Parliament (Manu Fernandez/AP)
The separatist majority of the Catalan parliament had the chance to elect Mr Turull on Thursday, but the far-left wing of its bloc sunk his chances by abstaining.
The Egyptian police said they had killed six Hasm terrorist group members believed to be behind a failed assassination attempt on Alexandrias security chief on Saturday, which left two policemen dead and injured several others.
In an official statement, Egypt's interior ministry said the terrorists were killed on Sunday dawn following a shootout in a residential apartment in Beheira governorate, around 89 kilometres from the Mediterranean city which witnessed Saturday's attack.
The ministry identified three of the terrorists, adding that the three men were wanted by the authorities in a 2017 Supreme State Security case related to the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood's "militant wing."
The killed members of the cell were led by fugitive Brotherhood leader Bassem Gad, who the interior ministry said was responsible for ordering an execution of Saturday's attack in Alexandria.
According to the statement, Gad ordered the cell members to detonate a car bomb targeting El-Nemrs convoy.
The cell has also received orders from leaders of the Muslim Brotherhood abroad to target a number of prominent figures and vital facilities in Alexandria, Beheira, and Kafr El-Sheikh.
The interior ministry said in a Saturday statement that an improvised explosive device placed under a car detonated as El-Nemrs convoy passed through El-Moaskar El-Romany Street in Alexandria.
Hasm did not claim responsibility for the attack through its social media channels.
The attack came two days before Egypt hold the 2018 presidential elections, which will take place from Monday to Wednesday.
Egypt's interior ministry and military have been beefing up security nationwide ahead of the elections, where incumbent President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi is facing the head of the Ghad Party Moussa Mostafa Moussa.
Short link:
Claims that the officially designated Brexit campaign cheated during the European Union referendum have sparked fury.
The claims centre around Vote Leaves links to another campaign BeLeave which it helped fund.
Shahmir Sanni, who worked on the campaign, claimed Vote Leave used it to get around strict spending limits set by the Electoral Commission.
Vote Leave has strongly denied wrongdoing and said the 625,000 donated to BeLeave was within the rules.
But Mr Sanni told Channel 4 News: I know that Vote Leave cheated I know that people have been lied to and that the referendum wasnt legitimate.
Were going on a path of Brexit based on lies, based on cheating, based on essentially a scam. Brexit insider accuses Vote Leave of cheating- in response the PMs political secretary denies the claims and outs the accuser as gay #TheBrexitWhistleblower https://t.co/NWMQSmElof pic.twitter.com/OCjf2nAK5g Channel 4 News (@Channel4News) March 24, 2018
Cabinet ministers Boris Johnson, Michael Gove and Chris Grayling were among senior politicians involved in the Vote Leave campaign.
Deputy Labour leader Tom Watson said: The leaders of Vote Leave are senior cabinet ministers. We need answers about what really went on.
Boris Johnson and Michael Gove at Vote Leave HQ after winning the referendum (Stefan Rousseau/PA)
But Mr Johnson said Vote Leave won fair and square and legally.
Mr Sanni was in a relationship with senior Vote Leave figure Stephen Parkinson now Theresa Mays political secretary at the time of the referendum and claimed through his lawyers he was outed by the Number 10 aide in the run-up to the Channel 4 disclosure.
These allegations that Vote Leave deliberately broke spending rules are very serious. The leaders of Vote Leave are senior cabinet ministers. We need answers about what really went on. https://t.co/HAu19mVihd Tom Watson (@tom_watson) March 24, 2018
Mr Parkinson said he was saddened by the factually incorrect and misleading statements by Mr Sanni and his lawyers.
Liberal Democrat Brexit spokesman Tom Brake said police should be called in.
These allegations are stunning and touch directly on one of Theresa Mays closest advisers, he said, adding: These allegations must be examined by the police.
Observer/C4 story utterly ludicrous, #VoteLeave won fair & square - and legally. We are leaving the EU in a year and going global #TakeBackControl #GlobalBritain Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) March 24, 2018
If they represent what happened it is outrageous and shameful.
The referendum had a very narrow outcome. One of the biggest exercises in democracy must not turn out to be one of Britains biggest electoral frauds.
The allegations centre on Mr Sannis claims that BeLeave was controlled by Vote Leave rather than an independent campaign.
Mr Sanni said: In effect they used BeLeave to over-spend, and not just by a small amount Almost two-thirds of a million pounds makes all the difference and it wasnt legal.
But Mr Parkinson said: At the relevant time during the referendum period, the commission advised Vote Leave that it was permissible to make a donation in the way it proposed to do to BeLeave.
The idea that the campaign was legitimate is false. A Brexit insider accuses Vote Leave of cheating - in response the PMs political secretary denies the claims and outs the accuser as gay. #TheBrexitWhistleblower https://t.co/NWMQSmElof pic.twitter.com/fgodmo7ZY0 Channel 4 News (@Channel4News) March 24, 2018
Twice since the referendum the commission has investigated this matter, and twice it has found no evidence of wrongdoing. A third investigation into the same issue is currently taking place.
The Electoral Commission has not contacted me in relation to any of these inquiries, but I will of course be happy to assist in them if they wish me to do so.
I firmly deny the allegations in the programme.
I had no responsibility for digital campaigning or donations on the Vote Leave campaign, and am confident that I stayed within the law and strict spending rules at all times.
Mr Grimes also denies all the allegations, Channel 4 said.
A Vote Leave spokesman said it had twice been cleared on this matter by the Electoral Commission adding: As has been the case throughout, Vote Leave is obligated to review to the extent it can after this long elapsed period since the referendum all such allegations, and is doing so.
We will as appropriate share any relevant findings with the Electoral Commission, again as we have always done.
An Electoral Commission spokeswoman said: The commission has a number of investigations open in relation to campaigners at the EU Referendum; it does not comment on live investigations.
Countries around the world have switched off the lights for Earth Hour, a global call for international unity on the importance of climate change.
Buckingham Palace in London... (Jonathan Brady/PA)
...took part in the Earth Hour campaign (Jonathan Brady/PA)
Piccadilly Circus in London was also left in the dark (WWF/PA)
Tower Bridge in London before... (WWF/PA)
...and after it switched off its lights (WWF/PA)
Jordanians light candles that form the Earth Hour logo, in an official attempt to be registered in the Guinness Book of Records for the largest candle-shaped World Hour logo, in Amman (Raad Adayleh/AP)
The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature arranged 11,440 candles on a hilltop in the capital of Amman (Raad Adayleh/AP)
The candles spelled the Earth Hour motto of 60+ (Raad Adayleh/AP)
The Millennium Monument, a landmark of the Hungarian capital with its illumination switched on prior to the Earth Hour event... (Tamas Kovacs/MTI via AP)
...and the same monument with its illumination switched off (Tamas Kovacs/MTI via AP)
The landmark India Gate monument is seen lit, top, and then in darkness after the lights were turned off for one hour (Oinam Anand/AP)
A Filipino girl plays with a light toy in observance of Earth Hour (Bullit Marquez/AP)
David Davis has insisted that a solution will be found to the Irish border issue after Brexit and a trade deal with Brussels is now incredibly probable.
The Brexit Secretary said a trade deal the most comprehensive one ever would make the border problem much easier to solve.
Mr Davis said the Government was committed to protecting the Good Friday Agreement at all costs.
David Davis (Ian Forsyth/PA)
There is a risk in trying to focus just on the downsides because the real likely outcome the overwhelmingly likely outcome is option A, he told BBCs Andrew Marr show.
Option A is that we get a free-trade agreement, we get a customs agreement, all of those make the Northern Ireland issue much, much easier to solve.
"There is a risk in trying to focus just on the downsides" Brexit Secretary @DavidDavisMP tells #marr
"The real likely outcome is 'Option A'...getting a free trade agreement, a customs agreement...all of those make the Northern Ireland issue much easier" pic.twitter.com/kZXyH2Rbxt The Andrew Marr Show (@MarrShow) March 25, 2018
The EU withdrawal deal includes a fallback option of Northern Ireland effectively continuing to remain in the customs union, but Mr Davis said either the UK-EU trade deal or new technology could prevent that.
When challenged that there were no other borders of that kind in the world, Mr Davis told the Andrew Marr Show: We have got a whole load of new technology now.
He added: There are ways to do this, you cant just say we havent done it anywhere else, we havent attempted to do it anywhere else.
Pressed on Labours planned amendment to Brexit legislation which would enshrine the commitment to no hard border in law Mr Davis said he would have to see what they came up with.
But he added: We will not allow a return to the borders of the past, we will preserve at all costs the Belfast Agreement.
Although Mr Davis said the progress meant it was now incredibly probable, very, very highly probable that there would be a final deal, you can never stop making arrangements for a potential no-deal scenario.
He told the show it was like insurance: You dont expect your house to burn down, its less than a one in 100,000 chance, but you have house insurance anyway.
A Sunday Times report suggested Mr Davis has privately threatened to resign if Britains fishermen are not handed control of their waters again from 2021.
He defended the deal struck with Brussels during his Andrew Marr Show appearance during which he was battling illness.
He said: We will negotiate with our surrounding states so that we have access to their waters and theirs to ours, and markets and so on, but it will be under our control.
It will not any longer be under the qualified majority voting arrangements we currently have.
.@DavidDavisMP says UK will get big, comprehensive trade deal with EU
"It will not be like Norway" he tells #marr pic.twitter.com/WTCunpZMH5 The Andrew Marr Show (@MarrShow) March 25, 2018
Mr Davis denied that the UK was ultimately heading towards a Norway-style relationship with the EU.
It will be nowhere like Norway, he said.
This will not really look like any other deal as it stands at the moment, it will be a free-trade deal, a comprehensive one, the most comprehensive one ever even the European Union is now using words similar to that.
That would deliver us a lot of access, but it will not be like Norway.
Meanwhile, prominent Tory Eurosceptic Jacob Rees-Mogg will warn that failure to stand up to Brussels in the talks could leave the UK humiliated on a scale not seen since the Suez crisis.
In a speech on Thursday marking a year until Brexit, the European Research Group chairman will say: It would be an admission of abject failure, a view of our politicians, of our leaders, of our establishment that we were not fit, that we were too craven, that we were too weak to be able to govern ourselves and that therefore we had to go crawling back to the mighty bastion of power that is Brussels.
He will add: As with the disaster of Suez it would end up being a national humiliation based on lies.
President Donald Trump has defended his decision to sign a 1.3 trillion US dollars (900 billion) federal spending bill despite his misgivings, pointing to billions in new funding for the military and national security.
President Trump said on Twitter that because of the added military funding, many jobs are created and our Military is again rich.
He says building his signature border wall is all about National Defence.
President Donald Trump (Susan Walsh/AP)
The president sought 25 billion US dollars (18 billion) for his border wall, but the plan includes much less just 1.6 billion US dollars.
President Trump tweeted that it is just a down payment and the rest of the money will come.
Conservatives have criticised the president for signing the giant budget bill.
The president said on Friday he was disappointed with the package, but needed to sign it to fund the military.
Boris Johnson has dismissed as ludicrous claims the Brexit campaign he backed broke election spending rules, amid calls for the police to investigate.
The claims centre around Vote Leave the officially designated campaign in the 2016 referendum and its links to the BeLeave group which it helped fund.
Whistleblower Shahmir Sanni, who worked on the campaign, claimed Vote Leave used BeLeave to get around strict spending limits set by the Electoral Commission.
Boris Johnson said claims about the Vote Leave campaign were `ludicrous (Mary Turner/PA)
Observer/C4 story utterly ludicrous, #VoteLeave won fair & square - and legally. We are leaving the EU in a year and going global #TakeBackControl #GlobalBritain Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) March 24, 2018
Vote Leave has strongly denied wrongdoing and said the 625,000 donated to BeLeave was within the rules.
But Mr Sanni told Channel 4 News: I know that Vote Leave cheated I know that people have been lied to and that the referendum wasnt legitimate.
Cabinet ministers Mr Johnson, Michael Gove and Chris Grayling were among senior politicians involved in the Vote Leave campaign.
Foreign Secretary Mr Johnson said Channel 4 and Observer stories based on Mr Sannis testimony were utterly ludicrous and Vote Leave won fair and square and legally.
I respect the motives and understand the feelings of those who voted to remain in the EU. But 17.4 million opted to leave in a free and fair vote and the result must be respected. Its our job now to work to overcome division Michael Gove (@michaelgove) March 25, 2018
Mr Gove, who was campaign co-chair for Vote Leave, said the result of the referendum must be respected.
I respect the motives and understand the feelings of those who voted to remain in the EU, he said.
But 17.4 million opted to leave in a free and fair vote and the result must be respected. Its our job now to work to overcome division.
Deputy Labour leader Tom Watson told BBC1s Andrew Marr Show: Theresa May needs to make sure the Electoral Commission has the resources to fully investigate the allegations made that there was criminal collusion.
Because lets remember, the people that led these campaigns are now senior Cabinet members, and I think we need to make sure that they were not aware of what was going on, and thats why I think the resources are needed, and if needs be the police should be resourced to investigate as well.
Liberal Democrat Brexit spokesman Tom Brake also suggested the police should be called in.
The allegations centre on Mr Sannis claims that BeLeave was controlled by Vote Leave rather than an independent campaign.
The idea that the campaign was legitimate is false. A Brexit insider accuses Vote Leave of cheating - in response the PMs political secretary denies the claims and outs the accuser as gay. #TheBrexitWhistleblower https://t.co/NWMQSmmJZF pic.twitter.com/wvCnSwpCte Channel 4 News (@Channel4News) March 25, 2018
Mr Sanni said: In effect they used BeLeave to over-spend, and not just by a small amount Almost two-thirds of a million pounds makes all the difference and it wasnt legal.
Mr Sanni was in a relationship with senior Vote Leave figure Stephen Parkinson now Theresa Mays political secretary at the time of the referendum and claimed through his lawyers he was outed by the Number 10 aide in the run-up to the Channel 4 disclosure.
Mr Parkinson said he was saddened by the factually incorrect and misleading statements by Mr Sanni and his lawyers.
He said: I cannot see how our relationship, which was ongoing at the time of the referendum and which is a material fact in the allegations being made, could have remained private once Shahmir decided to publicise his false claims in this way.
Mr Parkinson said he had no responsibility for digital campaigning or donations on the Vote Leave campaign and was confident that I stayed within the law and strict spending rules at all times.
Commons Leader Andrea Leadsom told Sky News Sunday with Niall Paterson it was an incredibly difficult area but Stephen Parkinson has said the reason for his statement was because the context of the background of these allegations is very important.
Health and Social Care Secretary Jeremy Hunt defended Mr Parkinson as someone of the highest integrity, adding there are two sides to these stories.
He told ITVs Peston on Sunday: The critical question here is first of all was the campaign properly conducted? Also, did anything that happened that shouldnt have happened if that was the case actually affect the result?
Tory MP Heidi Allen told Peston on Sunday: The whole thing feels pretty filthy and when you mix personal relationships and works it can get messy, as it has done here.
"It feels like a bit of a smokescreen." @heidiallen75 reacts to Stephen Parkinson's statement responding to allegations that Vote Leave broke electoral spending rules. pic.twitter.com/sddKv8zJId Peston (@itvpeston) March 25, 2018
She said the row over Mr Parkinson and Mr Sannis relationship feels like a bit of a smokescreen and you need to separate the gossip and the discrediting from what actually happened.
An Electoral Commission spokeswoman said: The commission has a number of investigations open in relation to campaigners at the EU Referendum; it does not comment on live investigations.
BBC newsreader George Alagiah said his cancer was caught very late and may have been detected earlier if England had similar screening procedures to Scotland.
The 62-year-old presenter, who lives in London, discovered his stage four bowel cancer had returned before Christmas.
In Scotland both men and women are automatically offered screening for bowel cancer every two years from 50 years old yet in England it starts at 60.
Always knew cancer could come back but still tough dealing with disappointment. Harder for my family. I know what I have to do: stay calm, stay content, stay fit and let doctors do their best. George Alagiah (@BBCAlagiah) January 15, 2018
The chance of survival for five years or more for those with stage four bowel cancer is less than 10% however if it is caught at stage one the chances are near-100%, according to Cancer Research UK.
Speaking to The Sunday Times, Mr Alagiah said: Had they had screening at 50, like they do in Scotland I would have been screened at least three times and possibly four by the time I was 58
We know that if you catch bowel cancer early, survival rates are tremendous. I have thought: why have the Scots got it and we dont?
The Sri Lankan-born newsman, who is married with two sons, then tweeted on Sunday: My cancer was caught late, very late.
Earlier screening is the key. Simply no reason why others should have to go through all the treatment that Ive had.
He was initially diagnosed with the disease aged 58 in 2014 after noticing blood in his stools.
It had spread to his liver and lymph nodes and he endured rounds of chemotherapy and several operations, including the removal of most of his liver.
In October 2015 he announced his treatment was over and returned to BBC News At Six.
George Alagiah at Buckingham Palace, after collecting his OBE from the Queen (Fiona Hanson/PA)
Mr Alagiah told the newspaper he was supporting a campaign by Bowel Cancer UK to make screening available to everyone in England from 50.
The disease kills nearly 16,000 men and women annually in the UK, the charity said.
It is the second most common cause of cancer death in the UK, behind lung cancer.
Mr Alagiah joined the BBC in 1989 and spent many years as one of the corporations leading foreign correspondents before moving to presenting.
He has been the face of News At Six since 2007.
Professor Anne Mackie, director of programmes for the UK National Screening Committee said: The UKs independent screening committee is currently consulting on some possible changes to the current bowel cancer screening programme.
This includes starting screening at an earlier age.
All comments will be considered by the committee ahead of its formal recommendation in the summer. Until this time, the programme will remain unchanged.
The new Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) will be rolled out nationally as part of the bowel cancer screening programme in 2018/19 and will detect more cancers earlier and save more lives.
German police say they have detained fugitive Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont on a European arrest warrant.
Police in the northern state of Schleswig-Holstein said highway police arrested Mr Puigdemont on Sunday morning near the A7 main road that leads from Denmark into Germany.
They said Mr Puigdemont is currently in police custody and refused to give further details.
A Spanish Supreme Court judge charged 13 Catalan separatist politicians with rebellion on Friday for their attempts to make the region independent of Spain, dealing a heavy blow to the secessionist movement.
A protest in support of Catalonian politicians who have been jailed on charges of sedition, in Barcelona (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)
The judge ordered international arrest warrants for the six Catalan officials who are fugitives, including Mr Puigdemont.
The German news agency dpa reported that deputy state prosecutor Ralph Doepper, who is based in the northern town of Schleswig, said a German court would likely decide by Monday whether Mr Puigdemont would remain in custody pending the outcome of his extradition case.
Spain said its intelligence services and police worked with German police to orchestrate the arrest.
Mr Puigdemont was arrested while travelling from Finland back to Belgium, where he has been living since fleeing Spain in October following an illegal declaration of independence by Catalonias parliament.
Elsa Artadi, a member of the Catalan parliament considered to be in Mr Puigdemonts inner circle, wrote on Twitter: Spain does not guarantee a fair trial, only revenge and repression.
Thousands of Catalans gathered in central Barcelona to protest against the arrest.
A pro-independence demonstrator holds a poster with a photo of deposed leader of Carles Puigdemont during a protest in Barcelona (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)
They joined a rally in front of the office of the European Commission in Barcelona and organisers planned to march to the German Consulate.
There was a similar protest in the northern city of Girona, where Mr Puigdemont was mayor before he became regional president in 2016.
Violence flared in Barcelona as angry Catalans protested against the detention of fugitive former leader Carles Puigdemont in Germany.
Police dressed in riot gear were striking demonstrators with batons as they tried to push back a large crowd advancing on the office of the Spanish governments representative in Catalonia.
Catalan police blocked the street and issued a call for people not to gather.
Thousands answered the call by a pro-independence grassroots group to protest in the city centre hours after Mr Puigdemont was detained by German police.
Carles Puigdemont will appear in court on Monday (Martti Kainulainen/Lehtikuva via AP)
He fled from Spain in October following an illegal declaration of independence by the region.
Prosecutors in Germany said Mr Puigdemont will appear in court on Monday.
The Schleswig prosecutors office said the question of whether Mr Puigdemont has to be taken into extradition custody, will then have to be determined by the higher regional court in Schleswig.
It said the court will check, based on extradition documents by Spain, if the handover of Mr Puigdemont to Spanish authorities is legally permissible.
The van taking Carles Puigdemont to a prison in Neumuenster (Carsten Rehder/dpa via AP)
Mr Puigdemont was detained on Sunday morning in Germany on an international warrant near the road leading from Denmark to Germany.
A Spanish Supreme Court judge charged 13 Catalan separatist politicians with rebellion on Friday for their attempts to make the region independent of Spain, dealing a heavy blow to the secessionist movement.
A protest in support of Catalonian politicians who have been jailed on charges of sedition, in Barcelona (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)
The judge ordered international arrest warrants for the six Catalan officials who are fugitives, including Mr Puigdemont.
Spain said its intelligence services and police worked with German police to orchestrate the arrest.
Mr Puigdemont was detained while travelling from Finland back to Belgium, where he has been living since October.
A pro-independence demonstrator holds a poster with a photo of deposed leader of Carles Puigdemont during a protest in Barcelona (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)
Elsa Artadi, a member of the Catalan parliament considered to be in Mr Puigdemonts inner circle, wrote on Twitter: Spain does not guarantee a fair trial, only revenge and repression.
The Egyptian parliament's Arab affairs committee has strongly denounced Turkey's military action in Syria and Iraq and its racial cleansing of Kurds in the area.
The committee, led by Saad El-Gammal, said on Sunday: "Turkey's dictator Recep Tayyip Erdogan's criminal military adventures in Syria and Iraq represents a grave violation of international law and an aggression against the sovereignty of the lands of the two countries."
"This is a new mass extermination war and it reminds us of Turkey's massacre of the Armenian people during the first World War," the statement said.
It deplored that "both Russia and the United States are turning a blind eye to Erodgan's war crimes and its racial cleansing operations against the Kurds in Syria and Iraq."
"This is a signal that Erodgan has reached clandestine deals with both Russia and the USA to let him free direct his attacks and commit his war crimes against the two peoples of Syria and Iraq," it added.
The committee's statement argued that "it is clear that dictator Erdogan's internal failures have forced him to mount military adventures against Turkey's neighbours in a way that poses a threat to international peace and stability in the Middle East."
"It is also deplorable that the United Nations and the Security Council have so far kept silent and refrained from adopting any resolutions that could lead to Turkey's withdrawal from Syrian and Iraqi territory," it said.
Turkey has maintained its long-term policy of supporting terrorist groups, providing them with safe havens, and helping them to mount terrorist attacks in Syria, Iraq and Libya and infiltrate their lands."
"In this respect, nobody can ever forget that a Turkish vessel carrying hundreds of explosives, ammunition and weapons was captured by Greek coast guards some months ago before heading to Libya to deliver these military supplies to terrorist groups there," it read.
The statement also wondered "why Western human rights organisations have so far refrained from issuing any public condemnation of Turkish subversive policies which push the Middle East into a cauldron of endless wars?"
"These organisations are just good in issuing reports on human rights conditions in Egypt every now and then," it said.
The statement concluded by stating that "there are high hopes that the friendly Turkish people will revolt against dictator Erdogan as wel as the country's corrupt political leadership because they know that Erdogan's military adventures and follies will bring a lot of havoc to them and their lives in the long run."
The statement urged the Arab League, Arab leaders and Arab peoples to take a united stand against aggressive Turkish policies in the Arab world.
"We need a firm and united stand against Turkey politically, economically, culturally and socially," the statement accentuated.
Head of the Arab Affairs Committee Saad El-Gammal told reporters that he hopes that the Arab summit, scheduled in Riyadh in April, will adopt a united Arab stand against Turkey's Erdogan.
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The death toll in a shopping centre fire in a Siberian city has risen to 37 and 69 others are missing, many of them children.
The Russian state news agency Tass quoted firefighters as saying that 40 of the missing at the Winter Cherry mall in Kemerovo are children.
The report also said that an additional 43 people have been injured in the blaze.
Smoke rises above a shopping centre in the Siberian city of Kemerovo (Russian Ministry for Emergency Situations photo via AP)
There has been no immediate information on the cause of the fire on Sunday in the city 1,900 miles east of Moscow.
But Tass reported that the blaze started on the top floor of the mall.
The shopping mall, which opened in 2013, has a cinema, petting zoo, childrens centre and bowling, Tass reported.
Iran should stop sending weapons into Yemen if it is genuinely committed to supporting a political solution to the conflict, two Cabinet ministers have said.
For three years Saudi Arabia, which backs Yemens internationally recognised government, has led a coalition bombing campaign against the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels.
In a joint statement Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson and International Development Secretary Penny Mordaunt highlighted how a UN panel of experts recently concluded that Iran is in non-compliance with UN Security Council Resolutions.
Boris Johnson and Penny Mordaunt highlighted how a UN panel of experts recently concluded that Iran is in non-compliance with UN Security Council Resolutions (Dominic Lipinski/PA)
The UN experts said in their report to the UN Security Council earlier this year that Iran had failed to prevent the direct or indirect supply, sale, or transfer of items including ballistic missiles.
If Iran is genuinely committed to supporting a political solution in Yemen as it has publicly stated then it should stop sending in weapons which prolong the conflict, fuel regional tensions, and pose threats to international peace and security, they said in the statement.
We question why Iran is spending significant revenue in a country with which it has no real historical ties or interests, rather than using its influence to end the conflict for the good of the Yemeni people.
In recent months there has been reports of a number of ballistic missiles fired towards Saudi Arabia from Yemen by the Houthi rebels.
Within the statement issued by the two Cabinet ministers, they said Saudi Arabia has the right to defend itself against security threats including missiles launched from Yemen.
Mr Johnson and Ms Mordaunt also added: We support the Saudi-led Coalitions efforts to restore legitimacy in Yemen, as accepted by the UN Security Council.
The UK has sold 4.6 billion worth of arms to Saudi Arabia since airstrikes in Yemen began, according to the Campaign Against Arms Trade.
Saudi Arabia has faced criticism over its role in Yemens civil war, with warnings the kingdom was orchestrating what will potentially become the worst famine in the last 50 years.
Mr Johnson and Ms Mordaunt highlighted how the humanitarian crisis triggered by the conflict has left more than 22 million people in need of assistance.
In the last eight months alone, an additional one million people found themselves without the necessities such as food and medicines that they need to survive, the statement adds.
With the rainy season fast approaching, the crisis could be made even worse if there is another surge in the cholera outbreak the number of suspected cases reported over the last year is already well over one million.
They said the UK has been at the forefront of the international response and is the third largest humanitarian donor to Yemen.
British help and intervention has included food, water and sanitation, plus the funding of a new cholera response programme that aims to vaccinate 1.1 million against the disease.
Calling on all parties to return to the negotiating table to find an inclusive political solution, Mr Johnson and Ms Mordaunt also warned that without de-escalation and a political settlement millions of civilians risk starvation.
We call upon countries of the region and the international community to redouble their efforts in support of this goal, and for parties to the conflict to allow unhindered commercial and humanitarian access throughout Yemen, including for fuel, and for the government of Yemen to pay public sector salaries across the country, they added.
We will continue to play our part in restoring the peace and security needed for Yemenis to resume normal lives.
A vast mansion which was the biggest private residence in Britain could be as well-known as Chatsworth or Blenheim Palace in a few years time, according to the charitable trust which is working to restore it for the nation.
But the final bill to save Wentworth Woodhouse could hit 200 million.
It is a year since the huge country house, which is hidden in the South Yorkshire countryside just outside Rotherham, was bought by the Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust for 7 million.
This modest purchase price the cost of a flat in parts of central London is just the beginning of a mammoth investment needed by the trust as it works to reverse decades of decay.
CEO of the Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust, Sarah McLeod (Aaron Chown/PA)
Trust chief executive Sarah McLeod believes that the total bill could be between 150 and 200 million.
This is because the task she faces is epic.
Wentworth Woodhouses 606ft facade is wider than Buckingham Palace a building it stood in for during the filming of Oscar-nominated movie Darkest Hour and its floor area is about the same as the Grand Kremlin Palace in Moscow.
It is reputed to have 365 rooms, although no-one seems to know for sure as it has cupboards the size of an average family lounge.
Ms McLeod said: Occasionally, I find a new room Ive not found before.
The current priority is to make the nearly four acres of roof watertight a job which is being funded by 7.6 million earmarked by chancellor Philip Hammond in his 2016 budget.
Ms McLeod said the complete renovation could take more than 20 years but she is confident Wentworth Woodhouse will become a national landmark much sooner than that.
She said: I dont think it will take anything like 20 years for that to happen, I think that will happen much sooner.
The Marble Saloon room (Aaron Chown/PA)
Ms McLeod said the trust was taking care not to blow Wentworth Woodhouses trumpet too early especially as she currently has a staff of just 15, compared with the 1,000 people who ran the house and estate in its heyday.
She said: We need to ensure, before hoards of people come and visit us, that were in a position to really look after them when they get here.
Theres a lot of groundwork going on behind the scenes. But I think, certainly over the next three to five years, we will see a huge change in both the trust itself and how the site is seen by the public.
Ms McLeod said the masterplan for the houses future was close to completion and will inevitably involve a mix of uses for Wentworth Woodhouse almost certainly a visitor experience, definitely an event location and probably some of it will be converted into homes.
She said: A big part of this process is consultation talking to the community around us, talking to the people of South Yorkshire and finding out what they want for this site.
After all, this is not a privately owned house any more. This is now owned by a charitable trust which, by definition, means its owned by the nation for the benefit of the nation.
The chapel inside Wentworth (Aaron Chown/PA)
Ms McLeod said people will soon be given the opportunity to write messages on the back of each of the 14,000 slates which will be laid on the roof of the state rooms and last for 200 to 300 years.
This kind of initiative will form part of the massive fund-raising push but the trust will look to public grants and substantial private donations to provide much of the truly huge sums involved.
Ms McLeod said: Weve made huge progress this year, Im really, really proud of what weve achieved,
She added: How many people get to come to work in a Grade One listed mansion every day? Its fantastic.
Tony Blair will call the Governments Brexit strategy dangerously irresponsible as he steps up calls for a second European Union referendum.
The former prime minister will argue that Theresa May is trying to avoid spelling out the detail of her plans until we are irreversibly out of Europe.
He will say Parliament has the chance to change the direction of the process by legislating for another referendum on the terms of the Brexit deal.
Tony Blair will make a fresh intervention on Brexit (Victoria Jones/PA)
People say that there will be disillusion if Brexit doesnt happen. Personally, I doubt this if it is the result of a fresh say on the final deal, he will say.
But even if true, the bigger disillusion will be when those who voted for Brexit because they feared the future shaped by free market globalisation, realise they are now conscripts in an adventure to embrace it more fully.
This is the awesome responsibility which now rests with Parliament.
Mr Blairs latest intervention comes after Owen Smith was sacked from Jeremy Corbyns shadow cabinet after calling for a second public vote, risking deepening divisions within Labour over the approach to Brexit.
In a speech in Westminster, Mr Blair will say the Governments whole approach to the negotiation so far has been based on trying to satisfy both wings of the Conservative Party.
The approach has become known as cakeism over claims the Government is trying to have its cake and eat it .
Mr Blair will say: As time goes on, it will become crystal clear that the Governments original negotiating position was built on sand.
They will realise that they are in mortal danger of putting a proposition to Parliament which will not pass.
Either it will mean divergence from Europe in which case, the business community will protest the damage and MPs may take notice of that.
Or it will mean alignment with Europe in which case the diehard Brexiteers will cry foul and the British people will wonder why we are leaving.
The approach will be to try to fudge the problem supported by Brexiteers until the date of the UKs departure, Mr Blair will say.
Ministers will hope that the terms of the new relationship are sufficiently vague to let the fiction of cakeism continue.
It is this strategy that Parliament has a duty to foil, Mr Blair will say, arguing that the Governments approach is deeply, dangerously irresponsible.
The ex-premier will argue that the Government should spell out the choice facing the country either a close relationship with the EU which would risk failing to fulfil the central Brexit promise of control over laws or divergence from Brussels which could disrupt trade and damage the economy.
The sensible strategic course for the Tories is to share the responsibility, he will say.
Resolve the dilemma before March 2019. Put the proposition to Parliament.
If it succeeds, then no one can say we voted in Parliament in ignorance. Even better let the MPs have a free vote.
Then let the people make the final judgment.
Children in the north of England are being left behind by their southern counterparts as they face a double whammy of entrenched deprivation and poor schools, a study has concluded.
The report by the Childrens Commissioner for England, Anne Longfield, says pupils in the North West, North East and Yorkshire and the Humber are less likely to do well in secondary school, more likely to go to a poor school and more likely to leave education early.
It found that a child on free school meals living in Hackney, London, was three times more likely to go to university than a similar child in Hartlepool, while London children on free school meals were 40% more likely to achieve a good maths and English GCSE grade than children in the North.
Childrens Commissioner for England Anne Longfield said a child on free school meals living in Hackney, London, was three times more likely to go to university than a similar child in Hartlepool (Handout/PA)
More than half of the schools serving the Norths most deprived communities were below a good rating, the report added, as they endured the problems of weak leadership, poor governance and difficulties recruiting staff.
The commissioner has called on the Governments Northern Powerhouse project to give youngsters the same attention as economic regeneration, otherwise she warned its promise would not be fulfilled.
Mrs Longfield said: Children growing up in the North love and are proud of the place they live.
They want a future where they live near their family and community and they want jobs and opportunities to rival anywhere else in the country.
The Northern Powerhouse and the new devolved mayors provide a once in a lifetime opportunity to drive that ambition.
While many children in the North are thriving, there are huge gaps between the poorest Northern kids and those in the South.
Too many children in the North are facing the double whammy of entrenched deprivation and poor schools. They are being left behind.
We need to ask why a child from a low income family in London is three times more likely to go to university than a child who grows up in Hartlepool.
The Northern Powerhouse will only succeed if children are put at the heart of the project.
If the North is to flourish it needs to grow and retain the talents of all its children and truly offer the opportunities in life they hope for.
Among the reports recommendations are improving the Norths secondary schools in the most deprived areas as a priority with a renewed focus on teaching recruitment and leadership.
Otley-born Mrs Longfield, who still lives in West Yorkshire, also calls for the requirement of each local area to have a plan to ensure children are in apprenticeships, training or education until the age of 18.
A Government spokesman said it was investing in schools in the north and in projects that improve pupils chances from an early age.
He said: As the Childrens Commissioner notes, many children in the north are now thriving, but there is more to do.
Our Northern Powerhouse programme includes 3.4 billion investment in projects to boost the local economy, 12 million to spread good teaching practice in English and improve early literacy, and schemes that help families to support their childs education at home.
Theresa May faces calls from almost 100 MPs to establish a cross-party commission to address the crisis in NHS and social care.
The move is an attempt to break the political deadlock that has blocked repeated attempts to decide how to organise and fund services to cope with Britains ageing population.
Signatories to the letter calling for a parliamentary commission include 21 select committee chairmen and 30 former ministers, and the move has the support of a former Treasury mandarin.
The move has enjoyed cross-party support (Aaron Chown/PA)
98 MPs including 21 Select Committee chairs wrote to the PM last week calling for action. We need a whole system approach to NHS, Social Care & Public Health funding that looks at what it needs now & into the long term, and that actually delivers it pic.twitter.com/f4IEkkddkJ Sarah Wollaston (@sarahwollaston) March 25, 2018
Health Select Committee chairwoman Sarah Wollaston said: We call on the Government to act with urgency and to take a whole system approach to the funding of the NHS, social care and public health.
On behalf of all those who rely on services, we need to break down the political barriers and to agree a way forward.
A parliamentary commission would involve a cross-party group of MPs and peers looking at the issue in the same way measures to reform the banking system were examined in the years following the financial crash.
Dr Wollaston said: We believe this is the best way to examine what funding is needed both now and into the long term and to seek a consensus on the options for sharing the costs.
This year we mark the 70th anniversary of our NHS and we believe that the public want their vital health and care services to be given the funding needed to meet rising demand.
Tory Dr Wollaston co-ordinated the letter with fellow select committee chairmen Liberal Democrat Norman Lamb and Labours Frank Field.
Also involved were former shadow care minister Liz Kendall and ex-Treasury permanent secretary Lord Macpherson of Earls Court.
Mr Lamb, care minister in the coalition government, said: We need a fundamental review of health and care funding in order to safeguard the quality of these services in the longer-term and to finally deliver equal access to treatment for those who suffer from mental ill-health.
This will inevitably involve difficult choices which no political party has been prepared to make.
The letter said system-wide pressures over recent weeks could not be wholly blamed on flu and the cold snap, but reflect more serious underlying issues facing the NHS, public health and social care.
The MPs say they are seriously worried that the Governments promised green paper on social care will fail to make progress and instead called for an approach examining the system as a whole.
They warned: Without action, patients will experience a serious further decline in services and the blame for that will be laid squarely at the door of politicians.
Mr Lamb said the commission should consider the case for a ring-fenced NHS tax.
Health and Social Care Secretary Jeremy Hunt has acknowledged such a move could enjoy public support as part of the effort to find more cash for the system.
He said people would be prepared to see some of their own taxes going into the NHS but they want to know that money is actually going into the NHS and social care system.
On ITVs Peston on Sunday, he said: We are a taxpayer-funded system, so in the end if were going to get more resources into the NHS and social care system, it will have to come through the tax system and also through growth in the economy.
Mrs Mays official spokesman said the Prime Minister would respond to the letter in due course.
The spokesman added: Funding for the health service is at record levels and we have invested 9 billion into the NHS and social care in the spring and autumn budgets.
Right now we are operating on a five-year forward plan, which is the NHSs own plan, which they came forward with.
A hard Brexit could damage Scotlands renewables industry by cutting off access to vital labour and funding, Nicola Sturgeon will warn.
Scotlands First Minister will urge the UK Government to provide clarity on the future of the sector as she addresses the Scottish Renewables annual conference in Edinburgh.
The speech falls in the week that marks one year until the UK is due to exit the European Union (EU).
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will warn Scotlands renewables sector is at risk from a hard Brexit (Andrew Milligan/PA)
Ms Sturgeon will highlight the importance of the industry to Scotlands economy, with more than a third of the UKs renewable energy produced north of the border.
She is expected to say: Scotland has internationally recognised research expertise in renewables.
We also have incredible renewable resources, and a long history of engineering excellence. Those assets give us the basis for a thriving renewables sector and supply chain.
Brexit makes this work rather more challenging. If we are taken out of the single market, it will hinder our supply chain and reduce our skills base.
If we are outside the internal energy market it could affect our influence on issues such as energy regulation and cross-border energy flows, something which is of increasing importance.
And, arguably more damaging to our ambitions, we could also lose access to EU funding.
Scotland has benefited from one of the biggest investments ever made by the European Investment Bank the 500 million of funding they provided for the Beatrice offshore windfarm.
Scotland has also done disproportionately well from EU support for research and innovation in the renewables sector. We want that to continue.
Although the overall outlook for this sector is hugely positive, we need the UK Government to provide clarity on these points. A hard Brexit could potentially cause harm to our supply chain and skills base; our influence on big decisions on issues such as regulation and energy flows; and our access to funding.
Its a good example of why arguing for the least damaging approach to Brexit for continued single market and customs union membership is a core part of the day to day business of government.
Irish missionaries are spearheading a bid to plant a million trees as part of the re-greening of one of Africas most parched regions.
The Republic has been invited by the United Nations to take a leadership role in helping deliver the Great Green Wall and combat desertification in a massive swathe of land south of the Sahara known as the Sahel.
The Laudato Tree Project, run by the Society of African Missions (SMA), hopes to create a lasting legacy from the Popes visit to Ireland this August.
Irish President Michael D Higgins is expected to deliver a major speech on the issue of desertification and the countrys response in Dublin on Monday.
Don Mullan, spokesman for the Society of African Missions, which runs The Laudato Tree Project (PA)
Don Mullan, a spokesman for the Society of African Missions (SMA), said: As the emerald island, Africas Great Green Wall gives Ireland an opportunity to establish a new beginning and demonstrate a new commitment to achieving promises made during the Paris Accord.
Africas green wall, when completed, will span 13 countries. It will measure 8,000km long (4,970 miles) and 15km wide (nine miles).
The UNs proposal would also involve schools, parishes and community groups in planting trees in Ireland, increasing biodiversity and contributing to atmospheric improvement.
Mr Mullan added: We will be asking the Government to consider matching every tree we plant in Ireland with 5-10 along the Great Green Wall.
The project takes its name from a 2015 papal encyclical by Pope Francis, Laudato Si, on caring for the environment, and is intended to be a visible expression of the encyclicals intervention.
The Pontiff is visiting Ireland this summer as part of the World Meeting of Families in Dublin.
Mr Mullan said: We are hoping that this will become a legacy project for the World Meeting of Families with the hope that the groups coming will bring the idea of the Laudato Tree Project back to their respective countries with the intention of increasing biodiversity at home while championing the cause of Africas Great Green Wall.
We are hoping this might become a world movement in support of Africa.
The executive secretary of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, Monique Barbut, will meet the President and members of the Government this week.
Mr Mullan added: The UN have put forward a major proposal to Ireland in terms of taking a leadership role in Europe and the international stage in helping progress, develop and accomplish the Great Green Wall.
He said: Unlike the wall proposed along the US-Mexican border, this is a wall the whole world can believe in.
It is about combating global warming and helping to provide food, jobs and a future for the millions of people who live in a region that is on the frontline of climate change.
Ireland has one of the lowest forest coverage levels in Europe and Mr Mullan said that needed to be increased to promote biodiversity and as a statement of intent that Ireland is serious about meeting its greenhouse targets and delivering on commitments made during the Paris Accord.
He and his colleagues are pressing for Government support as a way of redressing perceived shortcomings surrounding green energy use.
A range of views have been expressed about whether Ireland is on track to meet its 2020 renewable energy targets.
Irish government chief whip Joe McHugh is to co-ordinate a high-level ministerial meeting this week in Dublin with those behind the plan.
He said: This is a hugely ambitious project and when you think about it, its exactly the type of global response thats needed to tackle climate change.
Ive seen the impact on rural communities in Africa and at the heart of it its about protecting life and preserving livelihoods and communities in some of the hardest hit parts of the planet.
Its time to open our hearts and minds to big ideas like this.
More domestic airports in the country would be developed to accommodate 60-seater aircraft, Civil Aviation and Transport Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said while commencing civil aviation at the Batticaloa Domestic Airport today.
The airport after renovation was declared open by President Maithripala Sirisena on July 2016.
However, operations were deferred as the airport had to conform to international civil aviation requirements, which are now fulfilled, the Ministry said.
The Batticaloa airport, which has a 1,066 metre long and 46-metre wide runway, was installed with a new runway lighting system and a new passenger terminal building at a cost of Rs. 1,400 mn.
Minister De Silva said the civil aviation service in the country would be expanded so as to serve local and foreigners.
The airport was renovated with the intention of promoting domestic airlines and also to expand local and foreign tourism in the Eastern Province, he said.
I hope that we could be able to increase tourist attraction trough the domestic air service. Such airports are much needed in the country especially when the country is being developing economically and socially, he said.
The Ministry said the Government encouraged establishment of flying schools and related industries.
The Government understands the need of having scheduled air services between domestic airports for sustained promotion of internal air transport and any airline, which commences scheduled flights to Batticaloa, would be given free landing and parking for a period three months from date of opening of the airport for civil use, the ministry said.
The Ministry said that currently Cinnamon Air was operating twice daily scheduled flights to Batticaloa and a few more airlines have indicated willingness to commence scheduled flights to Batticaloa airport.
The airport has a total land space of 145.2 hectares and the portion thereof amounting to 75.9 hectares has been retained by Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) for continued operation of its air base.
Separate access has been provided for civilians to enter the airport without the need of undergoing the strict security screening process.
The Civil Aviation Authority took over the Batticaloa Airport which had been used by the military for its operation for nearly three decades during the war.(By Darshana Sanjeewa)
When the Sri Lankan government temporarily blocked Facebook and some other social media platforms in a bid to control the spread of anti-Muslim violence that erupted in Kandy recently, the Colombo-based ambassador for the US and the High Commissioner for Britain - both posted remarks on Twitter lamenting the restriction on freedom of expression, and lauding the benefits of social media. The racist Mahasohon Balakaaya groups leader and other key suspects in the criminal activity had only just been arrested. Sri Lankan authorities were of the view that pulling the plug on social media for those few days checked the spread of hate speech and helped save lives.
The arrogance displayed by the two western powers in criticising a host governments actions to quell a riot imperfect though those efforts may have been manifested at the same time that they engaged in berating Sri Lanka at the 37th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva for alleged war crimes during a 30-year war that was waged against terrorism - not against the Tamil community as some would have us believe. The US and UK, the main sponsors of resolution 30/1, base their charges on the flawed Darusman report,in spite of the strenuous efforts of a member of Britains own parliament, Lord Naseby, in-exposing the questionable nature of the claims. For Sri Lankans, the ongoing travesty in Geneva set the backdrop for the Facebook controversy that unfolded more or less simultaneously.
The social media giants data misuse scandal came into the media spotlight within days of the lifting of the social media restrictions and revoking of the state of emergency in Sri Lanka. There was an outcry on both sides of the Atlantic, following a whistle-blowers revelations that a British firm hired by Donald Trumps 2016 campaign had used the personal data of 50 million Facebook users (mostly in the US) without their consent, to psychologically profile them and then deliver material with a view to influencing the outcome of the 2016 US presidential election.
According to reports, both Democrats and Republicans in the US have summoned Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg to appear before Congress, along with the CEOs of Google and Twitter.In Britain, Zuckerberg has been asked to give evidence before a parliamentary committee about the use of personal data by the British firm Cambridge Analytica. Cambridge Analytica itself reportedly faces an investigation by British regulators, over breach of privacy issues. The firm is described in Wikipedia as a British political consulting firm which combines data mining, data brokerage, and data analysis with strategic communication for the electoral process.
"For Sri Lankans, the ongoing travesty in Geneva set the backdrop for the Facebook controversy that unfolded more or less simultaneously"
Facebook users data had been harvested by means of an app which invited users to participate in a personality quiz, according to whistle-blower Christopher Wylie, formerly of Cambridge Analytica. While 270,000 people had taken the quiz, the personal data of 50 million had been mined via friend networks, he reportedly said.
Facebook has accused the data scientist who developed this app of having lied in passing the data on to the Cambridge Analytica, reports say. Cambridge Analytica has denied any wrongdoing, but has suspended its CEO, and Facebook has suspended the firm from its platform. The app developer Aleksandr Koganon on the other hand accuses Facebook of fabrication. He is reported by CNBC to have claimed in an internal email to university colleagues that it was clearly stated that the users were granting us the right to use the data in broad scope, including selling and licensing the data.If that was the case, one cannot help but wonder why he did not make this revelation in a more public manner. The finger-pointing may go on for some time before the public gets a clearer picture of what exactly happened. Zuckerberg meanwhile has publicly apologised for mistakes his company made in handling the data of 50 million users.
The Facebook scandal has triggered some heated debates, broadly over two issues. One relates to the need to protect an individuals privacy vs freedom-of-expression related questions arising from governmental attempts to regulate media - in this instance social media, which is harder to control. In the wake of Sri Lankas 7-day Facebook ban there was talk of a need to introduce monitoring mechanisms etc. These rumblings have created very real concerns over the possibility of state surveillance of the possible misuse of such powers and the inevitable media chill that would result. The other debate sparked by revelations on Cambridge Analyticas dubious consultancy activities, was the whole question of influencing election outcomes in other countries, which seems to have become an industry nowadays. Heres where American double standards come into high relief. The USs history of meddling in democratic elections outside its borders goes back many decades, way before the advent of social media. From the overthrowing of leaders like Mossadeq in Iran (1953) to Lumumba in the Congo (1961) to Allende in Chile (1973) and coups in various other parts of the world, Washingtons role in installing US-friendly governments, no matter how brutal and dictatorial they may be, is well documented.
"Facebook has accused the data scientist who developed this app of having lied in passing the data on to the Cambridge Analytica, reports say"
In more recent times, Wikileaks disclosures from US diplomatic cables showed that Americans trained anti-government groups and individuals to foment unrest leading to the colour revolutions that overthrew authoritarian regimes in the Arab world. Key leaders of the movements in Egypt, Bahrain and Yemen were trained by the Americans in campaigning, organizing through new media tools and monitoring elections, a New York Times report of April 2011 revealed. The money came from the International Republican Institute, the National Democratic Institute and Freedom House all of which are known to be pass-through groups for CIA funding.These operations were carried out under the banner of promoting democracywhich, incidentally, has become a familiar buzz- phrase in Sri Lanka too in recent years.A dead give-away of Washingtons role in the 2014 coup in Ukraine which ousted its democratically elected president Viktor Yanukovich, was Asst. US Secretary of State Victoria Nulands infamous leaked phone conversation with the US ambassador in Kiev, in which the two discussed whom they hoped to install in the new government etc.
"The use of social media tools by anti-government groups is an interesting element in these latter-day uprisings. Analysts seem to agree that they played a catalytic role. "
The use of social media tools by anti-government groups is an interesting element in these latter-day uprisings. Analysts seem to agree that they played a catalytic role. Did social media like Facebook and Twitter cause the revolution? No. writes Sam Gustin in Wired.com.But these tools did speed up the process by helping to organize the revolutionaries, transmit their message to the world and galvanize international support.
If the US has no qualms about meddling in elections around the world to dislodge democratically elected leaders and set up puppet or client regimes of its liking, its worth asking, isnt it a bit rich how its political establishment is raising a firestorm over alleged Russian interference in the 2016 US presidential election? And if Washington is training youth in foreign countries to use social media in a process of destabilizing governments, can it afford to complain when those same tools are being used against its own political class - as the recent revelations regarding the misuse of Facebooks user data show?
Egypt has demanded updates over British investigations into the death of an Egyptian 18-year-old student, who was beaten outside a shopping mall in the UK in February and later passed away, the foreign ministry said on Sunday.
"The foreign minister's assistant for European affairs, Amr Ramadan, received the UKs ambassador to Egypt, John Casson, where he affirmed Egypt's stance on getting detailed updates on investigations being carried out by the British authorities into the death of Mariam Moustafa," ministry spokesman Ahmed Abu Zeid said.
Ramadan said Egypt asked to know the motive behind the assault on Moustafa to ensure that people behind the attack are arrested and held accountable.
Moustafa, a college student, was attacked by a group of women on 20 February outside Nottingham's Intu Victoria Shopping Centre.
She was taken to hospital and placed in an induced comba, but died last week; an initial post-mortem investigation was inconclusive.
The assistant foreign minister also hinted during the meeting at the importance of expediting forensics procedures to determine the causes of death accurately, while updating the Egyptian side on medical reports related to Moustafa since her referral to the hospital following the attack.
Separetely, Abu Zeid said in the statement that Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry ordered the Egyptian consulate in London to hire an independent expert mandated with following up with procedures made by the British forensics authority and prepare an independent report over the causes of death.
Egypt's demand comes few days after British police investigating the death of Mostafa said the assault on the teenager was not racially motivated, despite initial claims to that effect, and that a number of suspects have now been identified.
Last week, Immigration and Expatriates Minister Nabila Makram has said that Egypt will insist on obtaining justice for the victim.
The statements by the Egyptian minister came one day after footage surfaced online showing the moments before the attack, where one of the alleged attackers can be heard saying "she needs to be beaten up."
Moustafa's death has sparked anger at home, with Egyptian MPs criticising the British police for the conduct of the murder investigation and alleging that racial motivations or medical negligence led to her death.
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Nuwan Udaya Gunathilaka alias Kudu Nuwan has been arrested with a hand grenade, in Kadawatha by the Special Task Force (STF) today.
Kudu Nuwan was a suspect in the attack on the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation (SLRC) on December 27, 2007.
The STF said that there were cases pending against him for murder, sexual assaults, extortion, drug peddling and underworld activities.
The 39-year-old suspect was handed over to the Kadawatha Police.
He was produced in the Mahara Magistrates Court.
Eye care charity Giving Sight-Giving Life gives free cataract and other eye care service free to the poor-Community Ophthalmologist Dr Asela Abeydeera pioneers service to the cataract-affected poor through the charity
Dr. Asela Abeydeera examining a patient at the the Karuna Community Eye Care Service Centre, Maharagama
Cataract ultimately results in complete blindness
A simple, quick, painless, low cost surgery can restore eyesight
Many people in our country who remain blind due to various reasons a few of them being non-awareness, no access to resources due to poverty, distance or lack of someone to accompany, and also because of fear
Currently, there are more than 100,000 people in Sri Lanka who have gone blind because of cataract and thousands are added to this number every year.
It has been estimated that there would be over 1 million people expecting to go through the cataract surgery in Sri Lanka during the next five years.
Cataract, ultimately results in complete blindness, but amazingly, a simple, quick, painless, low cost surgery can restore eyesight. Even though such a simple treatment is available, there are so many people in our country who remain blind due to various reasons a few of them being non- awareness of the possibility to cure the condition, not being able to access resources due to poverty, distance or maybe lack of someone to accompany, and also because of fear and lack of trust in treatment.
Giving Sight-Giving Life is a community service project, initiated by Dr Asela Abeydeera, President of the Sri Lanka Association of Community Ophthalmologists of (SLACO) supported by principle funding agency- the Karuna Trust.
How Giving Sight-Giving Life began
Giving Sight-Giving Life was launched only six months ago, on September 9, 2017.
Dr Asela Abeydeera, the pioneer of this project has secured funding of the Karuna Trust to open an Eye Care Service Centre in Maharagama in order to carry out this project.
Dr Abeydeera is a Community Ophthalmologist, whose speciality is to prevent blindness by working in the community.
The Karuna Trust is a charitable trust of Mr Mahinda Karunarathne, a successful businessman.
Services rendered by the project
One of the main services rendered by the project is providing cataract patients of low-income families with free cataract surgeries.
During these six months, about 450 cataract surgeries had been performed through this movement. They have also provided around 200 free reading glasses to such patients.
In addition to this, more than 500 reading glasses have been provided for free to those whose eyesight weakens as they pass the age of 40.
The low-income families are selected after an interview process during examination and also after a certification by the Grama Niladhari and Secretary of the Pradeshiya Sabhas in the relevant authorities.
Anyone can walk in and get their eyes checked at the permanent eye clinic, The Karuna Community Eye Care Service Centre at 114/1, Dehiwala Road, Maharagama is open from morning to evening weekdays.
Optometrist, Shyama Wemalagunasekara, also the Director of the Sri Lanka Optometrists Association, manages the centre and refers the patients to cataract surgeries as a volunteering service, while also inspecting spectacles and conducting visual assessments.
Dr Abeydeera inspects patients on weekdays after 4.30 during his off hours.
Dr Nalin Gunasinghe also works one day. Even on weekends, Dr Abeydeera and his staff are engaged in the project.
There is also a steering committee Chaired by Mrs Sudharma Karunarathne, where they discuss further possibilities of enhancing the project.
Most people who walk in are those who are not able to afford treatment. They may have no income at all. In the beginning, the patients who came were from around Colombo, mostly Maharagama itself, Shyama Wemalagunasekara said.
But we now have patients coming here from all over the island Badulla, Hambantota and even Wellawaya, Ms Wemalagunasekara said.
Patients lined up for eye examination
Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana
Cataract and the cataract surgery
Having inquired about the nature of a cataract, Dr Asela stated that it was a condition where the lens in the eye loses its transparency becoming opaque causing the vision to be blurred and if not treated, will result in complete blindness.
The cataract surgery is the only cure for the condition. Through this simple surgery, the natural lens is removed and an artificial one is replaced. A lens can be bought for Rs. 1,800 and they are readily available in the market. The cataract surgeries conducted by the Giving Sight-Giving Life project, are carried out in the HelpAge Eye Hospital, Wellawatte, Lions Eye Hospitals in Pandadura and Kadawatha and Suwanetha Eye Hospital in Gothatuwa.
Once the patients are registered for surgery, surgery dates are fixed based on the availability of funds and eye surgeons in hospitals. We provide transport to the patients and bring them to the hospitals, conduct the surgery and then examine them the following day, a week after and a month later.
If the patients are unable to come for the follow up examinations, we go to where they live and render that service to them, Dr Abeydeera said.
The cost to get a cataract surgery done in the private sector can sometimes cost about Rs. 80,000. But we provide a low cost service, which costs only Rs. 8,500 which includes the cost of the lens, hospital bill, utilities and staff payments all of which are discounted. While the surgeries are conducted by a few hospitals that we are connected with, we provide the funding through our donors, he said.
Outreach Programmes
Giving Sight-Giving Life also conducts at least one outreach programme every month.
Dr Abeydeera and Opt. Wemalagunasekara recalled the outreache programmes conducted by them in Sithulpawwa, Aluthgama, Agalawatte, Hangwella, Deraniyagala.
They also informed about the upcoming outreach programmes to be conducted in Kamburupitiya, Akurassa and Hakmana.
We take portable equipment and set up eye clinics in villages and towns, which generally are out-of-the-way places. About 300 people usually turn up for checkups. Once we identify cataract patients, we register them for surgeries and do the needful.
We usually receive a request from a local authority or a community leader in the area to do an outreach programme, and we are always ready as time and money permits, to conduct them.
We meet many people who have become completely blind due to cataract at these outreach programmes and its amazing to see how they regain sight after going through the operation, Dr Abeydeera said.
Funding and donors
The main fund for the project is the Karuna Trust. The Eye Care Centre functions completely on funds provided by the Karuna Trust. We have also developed a website (www.givingsightgivinglife.lk) for the project through which we receive many donations and hope to receive even more.
We still need more funds in order to conduct outreach programmes. There are more than 200 patients who are still waiting for donors to fund their cataract operations Dr Abeydeera said.
Other initiatives
Dr Asela informed us that they are now conducting a programme in the Maharagama Education Division across over 20 schools where they train schoolteachers to identify schoolchildren with eyesight issues and direct them to us.
We have given the teachers an E-Card to do this and they have responded with lists of names of the children who need spectacles. We intend to bring them to the Eye Care Centre and issue them free spectacles. We have found a generous donor for this project alone. We hope to expand the programme to Hambantota and Bentota.
We have also taken the initiative to set up satellite centres in rural areas, so that people with impaired vision, especially because of cataract, can be identified and sent to us, and we are able to do what we can to treat them.
Muthumenika, who is almost blind due to cataract, praised everyone involved with the project.
To everyone, ones eyes are like a pair of jewels and should be always protected. Giving Life-Giving Sight is a truly meritorious initiative. We have been to both government and private hospitals, but we were not given a proper response or a good service. Here, we are provided a genuine voluntary service and for this the doctors, staff must be blessed by the Noble Triple Gem.
Evigin Nona, who has already gone through an operation via this movement two months ago could not stress the value of the meritorious deed provided to society.
I didnt even have to know which hospital conducted my surgery because I was transported to the required hospital and everything was provided. Now I can see. These programmes are required in our country because everyone cannot afford to buy a pair of spectacles or spend for a surgery. Through these noble services, poor people can benefit and live a healthy life. We thank the Karuna Trust and Giving Sight-Giving Life for serving our community and helping people this way.
In a day, where the rich become richer depriving the poor and needy of even the bare minimum that they are entitled to receive, serving our own community by not only providing free consultation and free spectacles but taking that extra step to conduct surgeries for cataract patients and see to it that they are fully recovered is a noble deed indeed.
The reality that a successful surgery can actually prevent such patients from becoming blind or even sometimes curing them of blindness is actually giving them their life.
For more information:
Karuna Community Eye Care Centre,
114/1, Dehiwala Road,
Maharagama, Sri Lanka.
Land Line: +94112745525,
Mobile : +94772914060
E-mail :
giving.sight.life@gmail.com
kakrunatrustlanka@gmail.com
Website: www.givingsightgivinglife.lk
For donations:
AC 81010542
Bank of Ceylon,
Homagama.
Swift Code BCEYLKLX
The Sri Lanka Navy today denied the Indian media reports of harassment against Tamil Nadu fishermen who forcibly entered the Lankan territorial waters near Katchatheevu islet in the recent past.
When Daily Mirror inquired of several reports published in the Indian media, Navy Deputy Media Spokesman Lieutenant Commander K K C Udayanga said it was a regular allegation made by several Indian media and was baseless.
According to SL Navy, over 1,000 fishermen across the Tamil Nadu coastal belt enters into Lankan territorial waters near Katchatheevu islet violating the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) three times per week.
However, he said the SL Navy only chase them away over to IMBL, however, no harassment was done to them.
I strongly denied the Indian media claims that we damage fishing equipment of Tamil Nadu fishermen. It has been identified by both the Indian and local naval authorities that the Southern Indian fishermen enter local waters on each Monday, Wednesday and Friday via Katchatheevu islet. It was our duty to protect the Lankan territorial waters and to prevent any illegal activity in our waters.
It has been a challenge not only to us but to Indian authorities to prevent violation of maritime boundaries by Tamil Nadu fishermen. However, we have given a specific attention on the said days to minimise their entry to Lankan waters.
We chase them according to the international protocol on such situations and also in the presence of the Indian Coast Guard officers. We do not have authority to cause any damage or harm to fishermen, he said.
Further, he said naval activities in the vicinity of Katchatheevu islet was in collaboration with the Indian Coast Guards and it always concerns the bilateral connection between the two countries.
Meanwhile, in a report published by the Hindustan Times Sunday (25) it had said that Over 2,000 Tamil Nadu fishermen were chased away by the Sri Lanka Navy and their nets cut off.
The fishermen from this island town had ventured into the sea in 565 boats on Saturday and were fishing off Katchatheevu when the Sri Lankan naval personnel came to the spot and snapped the fishing nets of 30 boats before driving them away, Rameswaram fishermen Association president S. Emerit alleged, the report added.
According to the report the fishermen had urged to take steps to retrieve Katchatheevu from the island nation and restore the traditional fishing rights of the Indian fishermen.
The long-standing dispute over Katchatheevu islet was settled following India ceding the Katchatheevu Island to Sri Lanka in 1974, however, it was reported that Tamil Nadu fishermen who constantly violate the Sri Lankan Maritime Border. (Thilanka Kanakarathna)
The Syrian army on Saturday paused its bombardment of Douma, the last rebel bastion near Damascus, a war monitor said, as insurgents prepared to leave the rest of their former enclave of eastern Ghouta.
Buses that will carry thousands of fighters, along with their families and other civilians, into exile in northwestern Syria began entering the southern part of eastern Ghouta.
It follows the departure of thousands of others on Friday from the town of Harasta in a similar deal for insurgents to depart with light weapons in return for surrendering their territory.
The buses queued at a crossing point before moving into the enclave along a road on the former front lines that had been cleared of barricades, debris and unexploded ordnance.
Some captives held by the insurgents were released and state television showed them leaving in a minibus.
The army was advancing into towns the rebels had retreated from in preparation for their exit, state television said. It broadcast pictures of the massive trenches and other fortifications the rebels were leaving behind.
It means only Douma is left of the opposition's eastern Ghouta enclave which a month ago the United Nations said was home to 400,000 people and constituted the rebels' main stronghold near Damascus.
The army offensive to capture it, heralded by one of the heaviest bombardments in the seven-year conflict with warplanes, helicopters and artillery, has killed more than 1,600 people, said the war monitor, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
Residents and rights groups have accused the government of using weapons that kill indiscriminately - inaccurate barrel bombs dropped from helicopters, chlorine gas and incendiary material that sets raging fires.
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his close ally Russia, which has helped his air campaign, have denied using all those weapons and say their offensive was needed to end the rule of Islamist militants over civilians.
EVACUATION
About 7,000 fighters, along with family members and other civilians who do not wish to come back under Assad's rule, were to leave the towns of Zamalka, Arbin, Ein Terma and Jobar starting on Saturday, rebels and state media said.
They will go to Idlib province in the northwest - the destination for many such "evacuations" after sieges and ground offensives forced numerous rebel enclaves to surrender in the past two years.
It will not mean an end to their experience of war. Syrian military and Russian air raids on Idlib have increased in the past week, killing dozens of people.
Idlib is also unsettled by fighting between the rebel groups. On Saturday, an explosion at a headquarters for al Qaeda's former affiliate killed at least seven people and injured 25 others.
The Britain-based Observatory said there were also negotiations with the Jaish al-Islam rebel group that controls Douma to release prisoners.
Russia will guarantee that civilians who remain in the areas recaptured by Assad will not be prosecuted, rebels said on Friday. However, rights groups have said some men were forcibly conscripted after fleeing the fighting.
Wael Alwan, spokesman for the Failaq al-Rahman group that was dominant in Zamalka, Arbin, Ein Terma and Jobar, was quoted by al-Hadath television on Saturday as saying he did not trust Russia's guarantees.
A Russian military webcam at the al-Wafideen crossing point near Douma showed small groups of civilians continuing to flee the danger of further bombardment into government territory on Saturday, carrying children and sacks of belongings.
Russia's military said on Saturday more than 105,000 people had left eastern Ghouta, including over 700 on Saturday.
Tens of thousands have fled their homes in the past week as the bombardment of Douma intensified and refugees from other parts of Ghouta found the basement bomb shelters already too full to take them.
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A suicide attack near a Shia mosque in the Western Afghan city of Herat killed at least one person and wounded eight others, police and health officials said on Sunday.
Militant group Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack, which followed another blast claimed by the group in Kabul last week, which killed around 30 people near a Shi'ite shrine as the city celebrated Nawruz, the Persian new year.
Deputy police chief Aminullah Amin said two bombers had tried to enter the mosque but were challenged by guards at the site who opened fire on them.
Health officials said one person was confirmed dead, with eight wounded but the final casualty figure may change.
Herat, one of the most prosperous cities in Afghanistan, has seen periodic episodes of violence but has not suffered the same level of attacks as the capital Kabul.
While sectarian violence in mainly Sunni Muslim Afghanistan was previously rare, a series of attacks over recent years, many claimed by Islamic State group, have killed hundreds of Shi'ites, many from the Hazara ethnic minority.
The violence has gone on alongside a general deterioration in security in Afghanistan as Taliban insurgents have fought government forces across much of the country, killing thousands of civilians every year.
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Former Catalan secessionist leader Carles Puigdemont was detained on Sunday in Germany by police acting on an international arrest warrant issued by Spain, his lawyer said.
Puigdemont had entered Germany from Denmark after leaving Finland on Friday when it appeared police would arrest him there and launch an extradition process requested by Spain.
The lawyer, Jaume Alonso-Cuevillas, did not say exactly where Puigdemont was in custody in Germany. He said only that Puigdemont, the former Catalan regional president, had been en route to Belgium where he has been living in self-imposed exile since late last year.
Puigdemont faces up to 25 years in prison in Spain on charges of rebellion and sedition for organising an illegal referendum for Catalonia that led to a unilateral declaration of independence in October.
"The president was going to Belgium to put himself, as always, at the disposal of Belgian justice," Joan Maria Pique, Puigdemonts spokesman, told Reuters.
On Friday Spanish Supreme Court judge Pablo Llarena ruled that 25 Catalan separatist politicians would face charges of rebellion, embezzlement and disobeying the state for their roles in organising the vote on secession.
German police said on Sunday they had arrested former Catalan secessionist leader in the northern state of Schleswig-Holstein on a European arrest warrant issued by Spain.
In a statement, police said Puigdemont was detained near a section of the A7 highway which cuts through the state from the city of Flensburg near the Danish border. Police did not say exactly where Puigdemont was being held.
"Schleswig-Holstein police are at this point in time unable to provide more details," it said, other than that Puigdemont was taken into custody at 11:19 a.m. (0919 GMT).
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A British newspaper editor in Dubai was found guilty Sunday of bludgeoning his wife to death with a hammer and was sentenced to 10 years in prison.
Francis Matthew, the former editor of the English-language Gulf News, had faced the possibility of the death penalty in the July 2017 killing of Jane Matthew, his wife of over 30 years.
Neither Matthew nor his lawyer were present in the Dubai Court of First Instance for the verdict read by Judge Fahad al-Shamsi, which is common in courts in the United Arab Emirates. Matthews lawyer, Ali al-Shamsi, said he would appeal the sentence.
A brother of Matthews wife, who was in court for the verdict, expressed disappointment.
Our family has been saddened by the sentence given to Francis Matthew, Janes killer. We believe the facts clearly demonstrate that this crime was a deliberate act, Peter Manning told The Associated Press in a written statement.
Dubai police say they were called to Matthews three-bedroom villa in Dubais Jumeirah neighborhood on July 4. There, they say they found his wife of over 30 years dead, and the editor told them robbers had broken into the home and killed her.
During a later interrogation, however, police say Matthew told them his wife had grown angry with him because they were in debt and needed to move. Matthew said he got angry when his wife called him a loser and told him you should provide financially, according to police.
Matthew told police his wife pushed him during the argument. He then got a hammer, followed her into the bedroom and struck her twice in the head, killing her, according to a police report. The next morning, Matthew tried to make it look like the house had been robbed and later went to work like nothing had happened, throwing the hammer in a nearby trash can, police said.
Manning, the slain womans brother, said the sequence of events proved the killing was premeditated.
In the defendants own version of events, he collected the murder weapon, a hammer, in the kitchen and carried it down two corridors of the house to the bedroom. There was time for him to consider his actions, Manning said.
Gulf News previously has said Matthew served as its editor from 1995-2005 and then became an editor-at-large at the newspaper. He was still with the newspaper at the time of the killing, though the Gulf News now refers to him as a former employee.
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Thousands of people, many carrying Catalan separatist flags, demonstrated in Barcelona on Sunday after German police arrested Catalonia's former president Carles Puigdemont, according to an AFP reporter on the scene.
They chanted "Puigdemont our president" and "Freedom for the political prisoners", as they made their way from the city's main boulevard, Las Ramblas, to the offices of the European Commission in the Catalan capital.
"This Europe is shameful!," they chanted outside of the European Commission offices.
German police arrested Puigdemont earlier on Sunday on an international warrant issued by Spain as he crossed over by car from Denmark.
Spain's supreme court said Friday would prosecute for "rebellion" 13 Catalan separatists, including Puigdemont, for their role in the region's failed bid to break away from Spain.
If found guilty, they face up to 30 years in prison. Twelve more face less serious charges such as disobedience.
"What they are doing these days is totally disproportionate, we are being treated like criminals for wanting independence," Rosa Vela, a 60-year-old teacher, told AFP at the demonstration.
Puigdemont left Spain for Belgium after the Catalan parliament on October 27 declared independence.
He had hoped to gain international support from there for the independence of Catalonia, one of Spain's wealthiest regions.
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I am looking at a lively market scene. Luscious fruits lining stalls, women in voluminous skirts with baskets, children playing, and the Andean sun setting in the distance. They are actually the details on an applique quilt called arpillera. This 3D textile art from the Peruvian Andes has a bewildering number of small images crafted from recycled bits of fabric. It's derived from the Spanish word for sackcloth or coarse cloth. People started making arpilleras in Chile as a form of political protest against the oppressive dictatorship of General Augusto Pinochet. Their pictures showed the violence, torture and repression they faced from the regime.
Today, arpilleras are created in a number of co-operatives located in the shantytowns of poor families that surround the capital city of Lima. It gives the women some extra income and a chance to express their creativity. There's a whole lot of details that go into the making of these quilts: I see scraps of fabric, vinyl and felt; even bits of straw and raffia. The arpilleras deal with common themes the women are familiar with, ranging from planting and harvesting potatoes and corn to stories of spinning and weaving wool, tending llamas and sheep to weddings and fiestas.
Pretty & sustainable
Peru has a wide variety of the most exquisite and colourful arts and crafts. Weaving is one of the most important crafts - my local guide in Cusco, Alex Medina, tells me that as Quechua was not a written language, weaving was the means of passing on knowledge and narrating stories to the next generation. Every handcrafted object had a meaning: ceremonial cups were not just for drinking, the patterns on clothes were not random motifs. The craft was an integral part of the cultural identity of the Peruvian people.
As I travel through the Peruvian Amazon, I see a host of sustainable products made from plants, roots, seeds and fibres with natural dyes. There are woven baskets and fans, tribal jewellery made from seeds and beads, straw animals and birds crafted from the fibre of the porcupine palm. I watch women selling mats and runners with shipibo embroidery in geometric black and red patterns. Shipibo is one of the ethnic groups of tribes in the Peruvian Amazon. It is said that the patterns are created by women after listening to songs of a local healer, which are influenced by the use of the hallucinogenic substance, ayahuasca. Each design starts in the centre and spreads out, portraying a map of the cosmos!
One of the most eye-catching Peruvian crafts that I see in craft galleries and markets around the country are retablos. This Andean folk art has miniature altar boxes with three-dimensional scenes from Biblical nativity, to stories of local agriculture, festivals and celebrations and musical instruments; market scenes and healing ceremonies... "This originated from Christian church art when Christian warriors carried small portable altars for worship when they travelled far away from their local churches," explains Mari, a Welsh lady who has the widest selection of Peruvian folk art at her gallery in Barranco, the Bohemian neighbourhood of Lima.
Many of these altar boxes have nativity scenes with local motifs - llamas instead of camels, and Jesus and Mary in indigenous garb. The doors and exteriors usually feature brightly painted flowers. There are also scenes from markets, celebrations and agricultural scenes. Usually, the figures are made out of a paste of gypsum, clay and potato flour. Over the years, the retablos have also become a mode of social commentary portraying terrorism, peasant slaughter, armed fights and political situations.
Folk favourites
Ayacucho in South Central Peru is the capital of folk art and crafts of the country from where a zillion crafts emanate. My favourite is the red clay churches with tiny figures peering out of windows and spilling out of balconies that are crafted to be installed on roofs of new homes to bless and protect the people from evil spirits, and are made in Quinua. Handcrafted in clay, they are then fired and painted in muted brown and beige.
Another craft that is prevalent is the wooden tablos of Sarhua that are painted with natural pigments from top to bottom and gifted to people with new homes or to a new member of the family. The story is told horizontally, from top to bottom. The tablos show the history of the family with portraits of the homeowners' families and friends, travelling musicians or harvests. The long plank shape was meant to fit on the ceiling of a family home, under the main roof beam.
Woven cloth was the most prized possession in ancient Incan civilisation. And today, weaving is the most popular craft that I see all over the country. Symbolism is very important in weaving with motifs used like puma, fish, sun and moon. The colours are created using natural plants and insects ground up to make the dye which is boiled in these pots. After drying, it is ready for the backstrap looms which we saw all over the country.
The Incas associated gold with the sun. Gold and silver pieces were used during the Spanish colonial period to decorate church altars and houses of the wealthy. Workers mostly came from Spain and Italy. Most of the jewellery that I see has references to spiritual connections of the Incas - with icons of Inca cosmology such as chakana, which represents the constellation of the Southern Cross, pachamama (Earth) and inti (Sun). Hojalatera or tinwork was once called the poor man's silver and was in danger of disappearing due to the advent of plastic items. But the artisans started making decorative pieces from recycled tin like candlesticks, Christian crosses and mirror frames instead of utilitarian products like buckets, and it's now a flourishing market here.
Deep in the high-ceilinged corridors of Taiwan's presidential office, calligraphers craft messages on behalf of the island's leaders as they seek to keep the traditional art alive.
Both the president and vice president appoint a personal scribe who creates everything from small notes to large scrolls, delivering congratulations and condolences to residents.
Yang Shu-wan is President Tsai Ing-wen's calligrapher, selected after applying for the position in 2016 when Tsai came to power.
Her workshop is hung with large swathes of red or white sheets, freshly decorated with traditional Chinese ink strokes and drying over metal racks.
"The style of characters should mirror the personality and I want to show the frank and unpretentious side of the president," 59-year-old Yang said.
She explained that she had met the president a number of times and spoken with her shortly after the leader took office, when she praised how beautifully Yang wrote her name.
"I also think she is personable and I want to show that other side of her through the calligraphy, using a script that is spirited and vivacious," Yang said.
Yang's brush set varies from thick to fine tips, enabling her to make bold or delicate marks on paper spread across a large wooden table, working with unwavering concentration.
Members of the public apply for the messages to mark birthdays from 80 and above, wedding anniversaries from 50 years as well as deaths of loved ones aged 70 or older. Temples and schools also ask for the calligraphy tributes from the president, which are all sent out free of charge, to commemorate anniversaries and achievements.
More than 11,000 such messages were issued by the presidential office last year.
Yang says one of her most memorable messages on behalf of the president, who is an animal lover, was a tribute to a golden retriever named Cherry that toured schools to promote animal protection before dying of an illness.
She describes how her work gives her inner calm and balance, and helps accumulate good karma.
"I write condolences for a person who passed away at 112 years and congratulate a couple celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary," she said. "I have come to realise that there is no constant in life and we should cherish every moment."
Yang sees calligraphy as one of the island's most important cultural assets and teaches the art to students. Her views are echoed by Susan Huang, official calligrapher of Vice President Chen Chien-jen, who says the art helps cultivate patience and persistence in children.
She says her characters are "balanced and calm" to reflect what she describes as Chen's gentle nature and that she writes them as if they were for her own family, seeing herself as a bridge between the government and the people.
"It gives me a great sense of accomplishment," she said. "I hope when people receive the messages I write, they will feel pleased or comforted."
In a groundswell of support for Kumareddiyarpuram villagers, thousands of people from all walks of life on Saturday night converged at the centre of Thoothukudi town and joined the agitation against expansion of Sterlite Copper Plant in the district.
The people, with conservatives putting their number between 15,000 to 20,000, joined the Kumareddiyarpuram villagers, who have been holding protests for the past two months against expansion of the plant, at Chidambara Nagar Bus Terminus and shouted slogans in favour of the protesters.
The villagers have vehemently opposed noxious gas leaks and bad effluent management for nearly 20 years and say that the expansion of the copper plant would further wreck their lives. They demand the expansion plans be abandoned and the entire plant be shut owing to environmental concerns.
The late-evening protests on Saturday were part of day-long shutdown in Thoothukudi called in favour of the protesters. The protests, according to eye-witness, had many resemblances to the Jallikattu agitation that rocked Tamil Nadu during 2017 Pongal.
The crowd that began to gather around 5 pm increased every hour and as darkness engulfed the town, people began flashing their mobile phones as a mark of protest against the expansion of Sterlite Copper Plant.
The protesters also cheered the speakers who spoke against the Sterlite plant and its expansion plans. The company shot into limelight when the Supreme Court in 2013 fined a whopping Rs 100 crore for polluting the area following a gas leak from the plant.
"I came to know of the protests through social media and I felt I should be on the ground supporting the people who are up in arms against the company. So, I came here to show my solidarity. We are not against development, but we also don't want people to die or suffer due to incidents like gas leak. The government should cancel the approval given for expansion," Sandhya, a working professional, said.
However, the Vedanta Group, which owns Sterlite Copper, said in a statement that the plant has received the necessary regulatory clearances for expansion and it will the development and well-being of all the communities around its operations will be ensured.
"Zero discharge systems, utilisation of waste for sustainable applications, energy efficient systems and stringent emission monitoring are the hallmark of Sterlite and these will only be strengthened through the expansion. The smelter plant is self-reliant in terms of power and water requirements and will not use any nearby natural resources," the statement further said.
Environmentalists contest the claims of the company saying expansion of the copper plant would further vitiate the atmosphere in and around the factory and would lead to endless problems for those residing near-by.
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A former Catalan minister wanted by Spain for her role in last year's independence bid is "making arrangements" to surrender to authorities in Scotland, where she had fled to, police said Sunday
A Spanish judge on Friday issued international and European arrest warrants for Clara Ponsati and other separatist leaders, including former regional president Carles Puigdemont.
After Puigdemont was arrested in Germany, a Police Scotland spokesman said: "We can confirm that we are in possession of a European arrest warrant for Clara Ponsati.
"We have made a number of enquiries to try to trace her and have now been contacted by her solicitor, who is making arrangements for Ms Ponsati to hand herself into police."
Her lawyer Aamer Anwar said she was "shocked, she's horrified but she's resolute" in preparing to fight the extradition bid.
"The Spanish authorities have overplayed their game," he told Sky News television.
"Repeatedly over the last several months, they have shown themselves to act outwith the norms of democracy, outwith the norms of judicial process and a fair and independent judiciary."
"It is a political prosecution is what will be argued, and, secondly, we do not think that the Spanish authorities can guarantee an independent judicial process that will treat Clara fairly."
Spain's Supreme Court said it would prosecute 13 key separatists including Ponsati for "rebellion", a crime which carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in jail.
Ponsati was a minister in the Catalan government when it declared independence from the rest of Spain following a referendum in October.
She fled later that month with Puigdemont and three other former ministers to Brussels, after Spain -- which declared the referendum illegal -- dismissed the Catalan executive and imposed direct rule.
Ponsati then returned to the University of St Andrews, northeast of Edinburgh, where she had formerly worked, and is a professor in the school of economics and finance.
She told the BBC earlier this month that the Madrid government and parts of the Spanish judiciary "were determined to violate human rights in order to repress the leadership of the Catalan referendum".
"As a member of the government that called for, organised, this referendum, I was pretty sure I would have gone to prison had I stayed," she said.
She condemned the imprisonment of Catalan leaders in Spain as an "outrage".
Ponsati has received support from members of the Scottish National Party, who hold power in the devolved government in Edinburgh and advocate secession from the United Kingdom.
However, Scottish first minister and SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon made clear Sunday that politicians "have no powers to intervene" in the extradition process.
"It is well established that the Scottish government supports the right of the people of Catalonia to determine their own future and that we strongly oppose the Spanish government's decision to seek the arrest and imprisonment of independence-supporting politicians," she said in a statement.
Ponsati did not respond to an AFP request for comment.
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Tech giant Microsoft will host 'AI for All' summit in Bengaluru on March 28 to showcase use cases of artificial intelligence across sectors.
The event will feature discussions around the benefits of artificial intelligence (AI), and how this can be used to amplify human ingenuity, a Microsoft India spokesperson told PTI.
"This is our first summit of its kind in the country. While we had an AI event last year for developers, this one is for a broader audience," the spokesperson added.
Participation is expected from industry representatives spanning across verticals like healthcare, auto and IT and IT-enabled services, among others.
The event will be addressed by global and Indian Microsoft executives, including Peggy Johnson (Executive Vice President, Business Development), Anant Maheshwari (President, Microsoft India) and Anil Bhansali, Managing Director at Microsoft India (R&D).
Besides, representatives from Microsoft's partners and customers will also speak at the event, showcasing use cases of AI across various areas.
The event will also showcase how AI can augment people's capability to be more productive and the potential of AI in India for both businesses and society at large.
There will also be a Design Thinking workshop around AI, the spokesperson said.
A Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) militant was today killed in an encounter with security forces in central Kashmir's Budgam district, police said.
Security forces launched a cordon and search operation during the night in Khan Mohalla of Arizal in Beerwah area of the district after receiving specific input about the presence of militants there, a police official said.
He said as the forces were conducting the searches, a militant tried to flee by coming out of a house and firing indiscriminately on the forces.
The security forces retaliated and the militant was killed, the official said.
He said the slain militant has been identified as Shafat Hussain Wani, a resident of Wagoora area of north Kashmir's Baramulla district.
Wani was affiliated with LeT since April 2017, the official said.
He said incriminating materials, including arms and ammunition, mobile phones and cash worth Rs 30000 have been recovered from the encounter site.
The official said a lady received an injury in her thigh when the hiding militant was trying to escape by firing indiscriminately.
She was evacuated to a hospital by the police and her condition is stable, he said.
Legal proceedings have been initiated by police and investigation taken up, the official said.
Confessional statements by 'Charlie', 'Romeo', 'Alpha' and five others are expected to be key evidence in the charge sheet filed in a court by the National Investigation Agency against 12 people, including Lashkar-e-Taiba chief Hafiz Saeed, for funding anti-national activities in the Kashmir Valley.
The NIA, while submitting the charge sheet in the case on January 18 this year, appended the eight confessional statements and code-named those who have given the statements as 'Charlie', 'Romeo', 'Alpha', 'Potter', 'Pie', 'Harry', 'Gama' and an unidentified person.
The NIA officials feel that the confessional statements will hold the key to nailing the culprits in the case.
The probe agency, which registered a case against separatists in the Kashmir Valley on May 30 last year, managed to secure confessional statements on the flow of money, especially from Pakistan, from eight people accused in the case related to the funding of terror activities in Kashmir.
A confessional statement is recorded before a judicial magistrate. The accused confirms in it that he or she is giving a statement without any pressure from the probe agency.
The entire process was video-graphed and no investigation officer was present in the court premises during the proceedings when the accused gave their statements before a magistrate last year. In case of retraction later, the agency can file a case of perjury.
The statements, made before a judicial magistrate, are aimed at tightening the case against separatists who allegedly funded stone-pelters and spread unrest in the Valley, the officials said on the condition of anonymity.
The host of witnesses listed by the NIA in its charge sheet included Naim-ul-Zaffar Geelani, son of separatist Syed Ali Shah Geelani, and Yasir Gaffar Shah, son of arrested businessman Zahoor Ahmed Shah Watali.
While Naim-ul-Zaffar Geelani has given a four-page recorded statement, Yasir Gaffar Shah has recorded an eight-page statement with the NIA. Both have been named as prosecution witnesses.
The probe agency, which arrested 10 people in connection with the case, filed a charge sheet against 12, including Saeed and Hizbul Mujahideen terror group's chief Syed Salahuddin, who are both in Pakistan.
The charge sheet also names 42 protected witnesses in its list of 232 people who would be examined during the proceedings. The witnesses have been protected under section 43(3) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act under which the name and address of the person are not mentioned during the court proceedings.
The 42 protected witnesses are also covered under section 17 of NIA Act which provides that the proceedings shall be held 'in-camera'.
Among those arrested by the NIA included Altaf Ahmed Shah, the son-in-law of Geelani, Watali, Geelani's close aides Ayaz Akbar, who is also spokesperson of the hardline separatist organisation Tehreek-e-Hurriyat, Peer Saifullah, Shahid-ul-Islam, spokesperson of the moderate Hurriyat Conference, Mehrajuddin Kalwal, Nayeem Khan, Farooq Ahmed Dar alias 'Bitta Karate', photo-journalist Kamran Yusuf and Javed Ahmed Bhat.
The NIA had registered a case on May 30 against the separatist and secessionist leaders, including unknown members of the Hurriyat Conference, who have been acting in connivance with active militants of proscribed terrorist organisations Hizbul Mujahideen, Dukhtaran-e-Millat, Lashkar-e-Taiba and other outfits and gangs, officials said.
The case was registered for raising, receiving and collecting funds through various illegal means, including hawala, for funding separatist and terrorist activities in Jammu and Kashmir and for causing disruption in the Valley by way of pelting stones on the security forces, burning schools, damaging public property and waging war against India, the probe agency had said in the FIR.
The FIR had also named organisations such as the two factions of the Hurriyat, one led by Geelani and the other Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, the Hizbul Mujahideen and the Dukhtaran-e-Millat, an all-women outfit of the separatists.
Kamran Yusuf and Bhat were released on bail last week by a special court.
India should play a major role in resolving the vexed Syrian refugee crisis, Jordan Prince Ali bin Al Hussein has said, citing the plight of millions in dire need of humanitarian assistance.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had met Jordan's King Abdullah II during his visit to the Middle Eastern country last month during which both the sides held extensive talks on different issues including security.
India and Jordan enjoy friendly ties since diplomatic relations were established in 1950.
Ali, ahead of the second Laureates and Leaders for Children Summit 2018 here, said that India and Jordan have very good diplomatic relations.
"Prime Minister Modi had recently visited Jordan during which both the countries had vowed to step up cooperation on a number of areas and held talks on several issues. India is a fast-growing economy and a powerful country. So we expect India to play a key role in resolving the Syria refugee crisis and other such issues," Ali told reporters yesterday.
The Summit, to be held from March 26 to 27, will bring together Nobel Laureates and World Leaders with youth from around the world to deliberate and develop a plan of action to address the challenges faced by children.
Ali is the co-organiser of the Summit.
Nobel Peace Prize winner Kailash Satyarthi said that India is the world's largest democracy. It is the land which gives the message of peace and humanity.
"India is home to the world's third-largest Muslim population where people have been living peacefully for the last several decades. Peaceful co-existence is India's heritage. So, it becomes the responsibility of the people and the Indian government to spread this message to the other parts of the world. These ideas can go a long way in resolving the Syria crisis," Satyarthi said.
India has been extending a helping hand to many countries including Afghanistan, Nepal and South Sudan, he said.
Abdullah II had visited India for three days last month, nearly three weeks after Modi travelled to Jordan as part of his trip to West Asia, including Palestine.
After extensive talks between the two leaders in New Delhi, the two sides had signed 12 agreements in a wide range of areas including defence, health and medicine.
Prince Ali said that Jordan has been playing a major role in tackling the refugee crisis in West Asia. Jordan's place is the second in the list of countries accepting most of the refugees.
"We hope to come up with great solutions to the issues of migrants including children in the Summit," Ali said.
Established by Satyarthi, the second edition of the Laureates and Leaders for Children Summit 2018 will be held at the King Hussein Bin Talal Convention Centre on the historic banks of the Dead Sea in Jordan.
More than 5.6 million Syrians have fled the country as refugees, according to the UN. Half of the people affected are children.
Healthcare centres, schools, and water and sanitation systems have been damaged during the course of the war between the Syrian government troops and the rebels.
An estimated 2.75 million Syrians are registered in Turkey, around 3.5 percent of the country's population, according to International Crisis Group, an independent body working to prevent wars and shape policies for a more peaceful world.
More than 13 million people in Syria are in need of humanitarian assistance, several studies have suggested.
Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg took out full-page ads in almost all of Britain's national newspapers today to apologise for a huge data privacy scandal.
"We have a responsibility to protect your information. If we can't we don't deserve it," the back page ads state.
Zuckerberg explained there was a quiz developed by a university researcher "that leaked Facebook data of millions of people in 2014".
"This was a breach of trust, and I'm sorry we didn't do more at the time. We're now taking steps to make sure this doesn't happen again," he said.
The statement reflects public statements Zuckerberg made last week after the row prompted investigations in Europe and the United States, and sent Facebook's share price plunging.
Zuckerberg repeated that Facebook had changed the rules so no such data breach could happen again.
"We're also investigating every single app that had access to large amounts of data before we fixed this. We expect there are others," he wrote.
"And when we find them, we will ban them and tell everyone affected."
There was no mention of the British firm accused of using the data, Cambridge Analytica, which worked on US President Donald Trump's 2016 campaign.
It too has blamed the University of Cambridge researcher, Alexsandr Kogan, for any potential breach of data rules.
Kogan created a lifestyle quiz app for Facebook which was downloaded by 270,000 people but allowed access to tens of millions of their contacts.
Facebook says he passed this to Cambridge Analytica without its knowledge. Kogan says he is being made a scapegoat.
Three Thanthai Periyar Dravida Kazhakam (TPDK) workers, who have been arrested in connection with the petrol bomb attack on BJP office here recently, were detained under Goondas Act today, police said.
Gopal alias Balan, Gautham and Jeeva were arrested a fortnight ago for hurling a petrol bomb at the BJP office on March 7 and lodged in the Central jail here. Coimbatore Police Commissioner, K Periaiah ordered their detention under Goondas Act, they said.
Accordingly, the orders were served on the accused in the prison, they added.
Meanwhile, a search is on to nab those who had hurled a petrol bomb at the house of BJP District President, C R Nandakumar in the city on March 21.
The Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) of the Uttar Pradesh police has busted an alleged terror-funding network linked to the terrorist outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and has arrested ten people from UP, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh.
According to the police sources here, the ATS has also recovered a huge amount of cash and some incriminating documents.
Sources said that of the ten people arrested, two had been in regular touch with the LeT terrorists in Pakistan and had been sending funds to them through fictitious bank accounts here.
An ATS official here said on Sunday that the terror funding network was spread in Bihar, UP and Madhya Pradesh.
He said that raids were conducted on a Gorakhpur based firm, that deals in mobile phones, on Saturday and some other places in Gopalganj in Bihar and Reewa in MP and ten people were nabbed.
Some of the arrested persons had more than two dozen bank accounts, the official added.
He said that some of the arrested persons received instructions from Pakistan based LeT terrorists and transferred funds into their accounts through fake bank accounts here. Funds were also transferred into the accounts in Nepal and some Gulf countries.
The ATS sleuths have seized the laptops, sim cards, pen drives and hard discs and were going through the documents, the official said adding that some more arrests could be made in the days to come.
An Army officer and two militants were injured in an encounter between a joint Army-police team and underground group NDFB (Songbijit) in Darrang district of lower Assam today, police sources said.
Acting on a tip-off on the presence of insurgents at Borjhar under Dhola police station, an operation was conducted. The militants opened fire at the security forces which also retaliated and an Army captain as well as two NDFB(S) ultras were injured in the exchange of fire, the sources said.
The officer, identified as Captain Prabhakar, suffered injuries on his hands and was given initial treatment, said the doctors treating him at a government hospital in Mongoldoi town.
He has been referred to Gauhati Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment, they said,
The two injured militants, identified as Marcus Basumatary and Simon Baglari, were out of danger, the doctors said. A handmade rifle with 15 live cartridges and some documents were recovered from the ultras, police said.
The 8th Hakawy International Arts Festival for Children, which took place between 8 and 13 Marchm would not be complete without the French presence.
This year French art was represented with two components: the performance H2ommes telling the story of a drop of water, and the movie Yellowbird (Gus, Petit oiseau, Grand voyage), a 2014 animated movie. The film was a new component of the festival which usually focuses around theatre plays, storytelling and workshops.
France is among guests of the Hakawy Festival since the initiatives beginnings.
In 2012, French artists from Le Velo Theatre brought to Egyptian children a play titled ya Lapin Dans la Lune. This was followed by the French percussion artists La Compagnie Sultan Bacchus in 2013, which presented Le Petit Vampire (2014), then Fred Teppes Tuiles (2015) and the return of Le Velo Theatre (2016) with a performance titled "Enveloppes et deballages."
Undeniably, H2ommes was among this Hakawys highlights, on the scale of this year as well as all editions of this fascinating festival.
In their visually captivating production, H2ommes let the story envelope the stage. The creators brought together the projections, shadows, an actor, a musician and props. The dreamy reality build throughout the show was born from the braiding of theatre with live music, where the singing and sound effects are all produced by one man seated on stage.
The musician is emotionally involved in the performance, reacts to events happening two steps from his instruments, including pots and pans alongside all possible tools that make sounds.
For Egyptian children and adults alike such a show is rarely, if at all, shown on local stages. As such it was a lovely change and refreshing for audiences raised on more traditional formats that dominate Egyptian performances.
Frances uniqueness was also expressed though the film, the Yellowbird, an animated movie whose story revolves around immigration.
Taking place in a French forest, the story revolves around an egg that hatches in a foreign environment among rabbits and a lady bug. The yellow bird eventually realises he is not a rabbit. By flying he can discover the world.
On a parallel line, a small family of birds is preparing to immigrate to Africa before winter hits the region and they die of cold. The head of the family has problems understanding the steel birds in other words, airplanes. They lay no eggs and they come from nowhere, dont live in families, and do not have a special purpose in flying over the forest.
In the film, immigration can be looked upon from two different angles. Northern immigration towards the south where there is prosperity and beautiful weather versus the cold that might lead to death; in other words, encouraging, in a subtle way, a colonial mindset.
On the other hand, introducing immigration as a natural activity that occurs even to birds brings it closer to the target audience, the children.
The characters in the film are drawn carefully. There are no evil characters. The charming innocent love story that occurs between the daughter bird and the yellow bird draws smiles and brings joy to the audience. And in spite of the minor struggle for power regarding who leads the family, the second in command in the traveling family accepts with difficulty the yellow bird's leadership and does not sabotage his leadership but eventually recognises the wisdom of the daring decision to take a plane to travel to Africa.
As is usual in French culture or the West in general, the concept of Africa is mentioned as a whole, or as one place, versus Europe where each region is mentioned. France, Spain and London are clearly discussed in the film. The term Afrique Noire or Black Africa is not mentioned in the film, but insinuated clearly.
Additional reporting: Ati Metwaly
Ahram Online and Al-Ahram Weekly are media sponsors of this year's Hakawy Festival.
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The communist government in Nepal is not pro-China but a vacuum of investment from India has led the Himalayan nation look for alternatives even as India is a natural partner, SAARC CII President Suraj Vaidya said.
"Nepal would always want to work with India, but I think India right now is looking at getting investment in India at the moment so there is a vacuum of investors in Nepal," Vaidya, who is a Nepalese entrepreneur, told PTI in an interview here.
He said Nepalese people also need jobs and want investment to come up but investment from India has dried up since long.
"So if no Indian investment is coming to Nepal, we have to look for other investments...Chinese are bound to become the largest investor in the world. What I want to tell India because we are a communist party, we are not pro-China," Vaidya said in an interaction on the sidelines of SAARC CII Business Leaders Conclave held between March 16-18.
"We should not fall into a death trap like Sri Lanka is falling into. We should be careful about that we should not allow Nepal to be used as a territory to go against India. My prime minister made this amply clear that we want to work with India and give us that space to work with India," Vaidya said.
Highlighting the need for investments, specifically after the deadly earthquake that rocked the country in April 2015, he said Nepal is squeezed between India and China and wants funds to come in.
"I speak this for Nepalese people that we are not brains one against the other. That politics is gone and dead, it doesn't exist today, but what exists is the investment.
The last investment from India was when the likes of Dabur, ITC and Unilever entered Nepal, but after the mid-1980s there have been no large Indian investors.
"The large investors have been Chinese and what's, even more, worrying for us is because Nepal is getting a very bad name for this. For most of the hydropower projects, licences are taken up by Indian companies, but today those large companies are selling the licences to the Chinese people and this is not something that Nepal wants," he stressed.
He said Nepal wants India to invest in the country but the selling of business licences to the Chinese is earning a bad name for the country and giving the impression as if Nepal is encouraging Chinese investment which is not the case.
Talking about the eight-nation South Asia Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) grouping, he said a leadership role by India will be critically important at this point where there is a growing sense of protectionism across the globe.
Last one year has seen a lot of inward looking protectionism affecting the international trade, specifically with the US pulling up some very major important regional cooperation which has sent a very wrong message.
With Brexit, it also sends a terrible message for regional cooperation, the eight-nation SAARC has much to achieve as the private sector is keen to invest in the region.
However, he said it is unfortunate that the regional political agenda overshadow the economic agenda of South Asia.
Vaidya emphasised for a greater political will amongst the SAARC countries to remove trade barriers to allow free movement of trade, services as well as people.
It is a hindrance that goods cannot move from India to Afghanistan through Pakistan, it is also a hindrance when Nepal cannot take goods from Bangladesh to trade with them directly because of the absence of motor vehicle act, he said.
"It is also a problem when Nepal cannot send power to Bangladesh which requires power because we don't have a transmission agreement. The governments have taken bilateral trade agreements at most of the times than multi-lateral agreements which is a problem," he said giving instances of problematic areas.
Speaking on the escalating tensions between Pakistan and India, Vaidya said there is no alternative to dialogue between the two nations to resolve tensions which will bode well for the rest of smaller nations such as Nepal and Bhutan in the region.
Continuing his attack on the Janata Dal (Secular), Congress president Rahul Gandhi today asked former prime minister H D Deve Gowda's party to come clean on its support to the BJP.
"JD(S), they have to make it clear whether they are the BJP's B team or not," Gandhi said at a public meeting here in the Vokkaliga belt of the old Mysuru region, considered a JD(S) stronghold.
"They (JD-S) have to make it clear whether they are supporting the BJP, if yes, why? The JD(S) stands for 'Janata Dal Sangh Parivar'," he added.
The Congress president, who is in the fourth round of campaigning in poll-bound Karnataka, is currently touring the old Mysuru region, where the Vokkaliga community has a significant presence. The JD(S) enjoys the support of the Vokkaligas.
The Assembly election is due in Karnataka by April-May.
Terming employment generation the "biggest problem" in the country, Gandhi attacked the BJP-led central government for "not" fulfilling the promises it had made to the people such as job creation and addressing the issue of farmers' distress.
Praising the Siddaramaiah government in the state, he said it had worked for the poor, downtrodden and backward communities.
Gandhi even credited the chief minister with running a "clean government".
Raising the Nirav Modi issue and alleging that the diamantaire had run away with Rs 22,000 crore, the Congress president questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's silence on the matter.
"What kind of chowkidari (watchman's job) is Narendra Modi doing," he asked.
Earlier in the day, Gandhi visited Beluru in Hassan district to pay homage to Congress MLA Y N Rudresh Gowda, who passed away yesterday.
A group of youth abused and attacked a Muslim girl for riding a bike along with a Hindu boy and a Hindu girl at Sawaipalya Cross in the city recently.
The girl was on her way to a friend's house at Kurubarapalya to collect notes. They asked whether she, being a Muslim, was not ashamed to be travelling with a Hindu boy.
The attackers took away Rs 2,500 in the girl's possession. They transferred the pictures in the girl's mobile phones to their phones and loaded them on to social networking sites. They visited the girl's house in the night and threatened her. The Doddapete police have registered a case and are investigating.
The Opposition DMK in Tamil Nadu on Sunday asked the government not to settle for anything "less than" the Cauvery Management Board (CMB) to ensure timely release of water by Karnataka from Cauvery river.
Sunday also saw rebel AIADMK leader T T V Dhinakaran holding a day-long fast in Thanjavur in the heart of the Cauvery delta region demanding immediate constitution of CMB.
At its regional conference held in Erode in western Tamil Nadu, the DMK adopted a "special resolution" urging the state government to ensure that the state's rights are not compromised within the sensitive Cauvery river water issue.
"The Tamil Nadu government should be uncompromising on (the stand of) setting up of CMB and should not let any other panel to be set up... and it should insist the Centre that CMB should be constituted at the earliest," the resolution moved by DMK working president M K Stalin said.
Stalin also warned of "massive protests" with the help of farmers if the CMB was not formed.
Speaking at the fast venue, Dhinakaran claimed that the BJP-led Centre will delay the formation of the CMB with an eye on the Assembly polls in Karnataka.
"The people of Tamil Nadu should fight for the formation of the CMB. Political parties in the state should keep their differences aside and show unity on the Cauvery issue," Dhinakaran said.
The BJP government at the Centre has made it easier for political parties to receive kickbacks, and for black money to fund political parties, said Supreme Court lawyer and activist Prashant Bhushan.
He was speaking at a discussion on 'Political corruption and dangers to democracy,' organised by Swaraj Abhiyan and Jana Sangrama Parishat in the city on Sunday.
Bhushan said several amendments to the law have made it easier for political parties to hide the source of their funding.
The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act was retrospectively amended in 2016 after the Delhi High Court ruled in 2014 against both the BJP and Indian National Congress for accepting donations from a foreign company, he said.
Now Indian entities owned by foreign companies can make donations to parties without violating the Act, so long as the foreign investment in the entity is less than 50% of the party fund.
Further, he said the electoral bonds which the BJP government had said would make electoral funding transparent, would actually achieve the opposite effect.
Since the bonds purchased from designated banks will not bear the name of the donor, no one would know where the money had come from, he said. Bhushan explained that if the government awards some contract to a foreign company, the kickback can be received in the form of electoral bonds through an Indian subsidiary.
He also said that there was "another big scam in the making" involving Mehul Choksi, billionaire jeweller and chief of Gitanjali Group.
Bhushan said that in return for a substantial loan from a private bank, Choksi had given a kickback to the spouse of the bank's CEO, through a "shady company" owned by the spouse.
Democracy has never before been under more strain with anti-corruption institutions being weakened, Bhushan said.
Social activist S R Hiremath, who was at the event, criticised the Congress government in the state for systematically weakening the Lokayukta institution.
The deewan of the Ajmer dargah, Zainul Abedin Ali Khan, has declared his son Nasiruddin Chisti as his successor, amid objections from some caretakers of the 12th-century shrine in Rajasthan.
He made the declaration on Saturday night at a traditional ceremony during the urs of Sufi saint Khawaja Moinuddin Chishti in Ajmer, which ends on Monday.
The deewan is the spiritual head of the shrine.
However, some of the khadims (caretakers) raised objections to Khan's decision and did not allow the father and son to enter the dargah's sanctum sanctorum together to perform a ritual on Saturday night, the police said.
"Khan wanted to enter the sanctum sanctorum with his son but was not allowed by the caretakers. The police had to intervene," a police officer said on Sunday.
After a discussion on Sunday, the khadims opened the gates and the father and son were allowed to enter the sanctum sanctorum, police said.
Other rituals and functions were not affected, Superintendent of Police (Ajmer) Rajendra Singh said.
China's capital city has given the green light to tech giant Baidu Inc to test self-driving cars on city streets, indicating strong support for the budding sector even as the industry reels from a fatal accident in the United States.
Beijing's move is an important step as China looks to bolster its position in the global race for autonomous vehicles, where regulatory concerns have come into the spotlight since the crash earlier this month. The accident in Tempe, Arizona, involving an Uber self-driving car, was the first death attributed to a self-driving car operating in autonomous mode, and has ramped up pressure on the industry to prove its software and sensors are safe.
Beijing has given Baidu, best known as China's version of search engine Google, a permit to test its autonomous vehicles on 33 roads spanning around 105 kilometres in the city's less-populated suburbs, the firm said in a statement.
Baidu is leading China's push in driverless technology, with Beijing keen to keep up with global rivals such as Waymo, the self-driving arm of Google parent Alphabet and Tesla. It has a major self-driving project called Apollo.
"With supportive policies, we believe that Beijing will become a rising hub for the autonomous driving industry," Baidu Vice-President Zhao Cheng said in the statement.
Two people close to DiDi Chuxing, China's dominant ride-hailing company which is also working on self-driving, said earlier this week firms developing autonomous vehicles were not likely to slow down plans for testing and developing "I am quite positive on the potential of the technology because autonomous technology makes vehicles far less prone to accidents than human drivers," one of the people said.
Baidu Chief Executive Robin Li tested his firm's driverless car on Beijing's roads last July, stirring controversy as there were no rules for such a test at the time. The firm hopes to get self-driving cars onto the roads in China by 2019.
Baidu said that before conducting tests on public roads, autonomous vehicles using its Apollo system would go through simulation tests as well as trials on closed courses.
NEW DELHI, DHNS: The railways has decided to develop major railway stations from its own money after it failed to get a good response from private investors for its Public Private Partnership (PPP) model.
"The national transporter will develop 68 major railways stations under
Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC) mode. In the list, three railway stations from Karnataka Yeshwanthpur, Mysuru and Dharwad are also included," said a railway ministry officials.
Under the EPC mode, the railway ministry will spend the money, contractors have to redevelop the stations and hand over to the ministry.
Instructions have been issued to zonal railway offices to start inviting tenders and complete the works with in a year. Redevelopment will ensure better passenger amenities including elevators, passenger rest room, drinking water facilities, modern electronic announcement, airport-like entry and exist systems, food courts and shopping complexes, said the official.
As per the estimate around Rs 4,000 crore is required for this project and the railway will spend from its own resources.
Though the government had earlier identified 100 railways stations for development with PPP model, so far only two stations Surat and Habibganj , in Bhopal, have been handed over to private investors for development.
Another 10 stations are being developed by National Building Construction Corporation, a state run company, said the official.
Second time in the last six months, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to meet heads of the major public sector enterprises (PSEs) on April 9. The intent is to ask them to increase efficiency and contribute more towards the country's GDP.
Official sources said that the meeting will discuss ways to enhance their contribution towards making of New India by 2022.
The Prime Minister is also expected to ask PSU chiefs to set a goal each for their organisation, and give their best to achieve the same by 2022. The goals may be uplift of a certain number of people in a definite geography out of poverty, or skilling youth and making them employable.
With the officials of key public sector units, the government is also planning to discuss the disinvestment plan of the Centre in the coming financial year. The government has not been able to meet its disinvestment target for some years now.
The PSU chiefs will make presentations before the Prime Minister on human resource management innovations, finance and corporate governance and how these can be leveraged to improve their efficiency.
The public sector has been contributing more in the nation-building and have enhanced their image as more efficient managers in the recent years, but Modi wants them to play a transformative role. "The meeting will deliberate on that new role," sources said.
Heads of IOC, NTPC, ONGC, and GAIL India, among others, are expected to take part in the meeting. Sources said that a major chunk of time will be devoted on finding ways to increase India's crude oil production.
In a major real estate deal, Indiabulls Real Estate (IBREL) has executed a definitive agreement with global private equity investor Blackstone Group to divest 50% stake in its prime commercial properties in Mumbai for
Rs 4,750 crore.
"IBREL has executed transaction documents with the entities controlled by Blackstone to divest their entire holding in certain subsidiaries, and thereby indirectly divesting 50% stake in Indiabulls Properties (IPPL) and Indiabulls Real Estate Company (IRECPL) at an aggregate enterprise value of around $1,461.5 million or Rs 9,500 crore," the company had said.
"Substantial part of sale proceeds would be utilised towards repayment of existing debts of the company and its subsidiaries, and for achieving sustainable long term growth and for further strengthening of their on-going businesses," it said. The transaction is expected to be completed by March 31.
Once this transaction is concluded, Indiabulls will cease its sole control over the two subsidiaries IPPL and IRECPL, Indiabulls added.
However, according to sources, the two subsidiaries hold premium commercial office assets, Indiabulls Finance Centre and One Indiabulls Centre, in central Mumbai.
Indiabulls in April last year had announced plans to restructure its business by creating a separate venture for commercial and leasing operations as part of efforts to focus on each segment.
State-owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) will invest about Rs 4,300 crore to expand network in 2018-19, and another Rs 5,000-6,000 crore is likely to be the utilised for government telecom projects, according to a top official.
The investment of Rs 4,300 crore earmarked for BSNL's own expansion will primarily go into strengthening the mobile network, upgrading broadband infrastructure and strengthening the core network, BSNL Chairman and Managing Director Anupam Shrivastava said.
"Rs 5,000-6,000 crore will be spent on the government projects like Bharat Net, Network for Spectrum, the Comprehensive Telecom Development Plan for the North East, as well as boosting connectivity to the Andamans with optical fibre network, and others," he said.
Other government projects that BSNL is executing, include providing bandwidth to the Lakshadweep islands, and connecting remote areas of Arunachal Pradesh, he said.
"The government is investing in large connectivity projects, where private players are not going. BSNL is being used as one of the vehicles to execute those projects and we do that work on behalf of the government," he said.
Shrivastava said that the telecom corporation will look at installing 12,000 mobile towers for 3G services and 10,000 for 4G services. This will have a provision for 100% expansion mapped to BSNL's 4G rollout and spectrum allocation.
Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan called upon the BJP workers to organise the party to ensure Prime Minister Narendra Modi's followers win the election in Karnataka.
Speaking at a meeting of Shakthi Kendra presidents and office-bearers of Mangaluru South unit of the BJP on Sunday, he said, "The government that is dividing the society is ruling Karnataka. The Congress-led government is engaged in atrocity on people. It believes in injustice and divide and rule and has no agenda of development. The BJP workers should work unitedly to bring down such an anti-people group governing the state."
Further, he said, "The Assembly election will be announced at any time. The elections are likely to be held in April-May. I have toured different parts of Dakshina Kannada and convened meetings. There is a change wave in Karnataka. The party workers should work hard to get the expected results in the upcoming elections."
Earlier, at a press meet, he made a scathing attack on the Congress-led state government on corruption and bad governance, saying, "The Congress government is mired in corruption. The law and order has deteriorated in the state. There is an increase in violence. The people of the state are craving for a change to bring down the Congress-led government that does not have any development agenda."
He said, "The BJP has been strengthened at the grass-roots level across the state. The party workers are ready to face the Assembly elections. The booth-level committee members are visiting the voters. The welfare programmes of the Modi-led government and anti-incumbency wave will help the BJP to win the election."
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested three senior Nagaland government officials in connection with its probe into alleged funding of terror groups such as the NSCN-K by defrauding the state exchequer, the agency said.
Director of the Directorate of Agriculture G Ikuto Zhimomi, executive engineer in the Directorate of Rural Development Ketouzo Peseyie and divisional accounts officer of the Directorate of Urban Development Sangtemchuba have been arrested from Dimapur, an NIA spokesperson said.
The three officers were posted in Kohima and will be produced before a special court on Monday, he said.
The case pertains to allegations of large-scale extortion and illegal tax collection on behalf of the banned terrorist organisation National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Khaplang) from various government organisations and others in Dimapur and Kohima.
The NIA said this illegal activity was being carried out under the directions of the self-styled Brigadier Isac Sumi of NSCN-K and other senior cadres of the outfit.
These officials, the spokesperson said, in their official capacity provided substantial amount to NSCN-K by way of contributing government funds to the banned outfit, thereby supporting it in its unlawful activities.
"The officials were arrested for paying huge amount of money to various underground factions such as NSCN-K, NSCN-R, Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN), Naga National Council (NNC) and others from 2012-2016," the spokesperson said.
"The facts were revealed during the scrutiny of the official documents including demand letters and payment receipts which were seized during the search operation carried out at 13 government offices in January last year," he said.
The agency had also arrested two NSCN-K cadres in this case earlier.
The documents seized from the accused and their interrogation revealed the involvement of the government officials in paying large sums of money to the tune of crores to the various terrorist factions, the spokesperson said.
Christians across Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts on Sunday observed the Palm Sunday, commemorating the triumphal entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem, ahead of his crucifixion and resurrection, marking the beginning of the Holy Week.
Devotees were seen flocking to their respective churches to mark the occasion. While Mangaluru diocesan Bishop Rev Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza concelebrated the holy mass at Rosario Cathedral, Udupi diocesan Bishop Rev Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo celebrated the Palm Sunday Service at the Mother of Sorrows Church in Udupi.
The faithful congregated in churches of various Christian denominations across the district and took out processions carrying palm leaves, symbolising the reception given to Jesus when he rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. Holding the blessed palm fronds in their hands, the devotees, irrespective of age, also took out processions in villages and towns. The faithful people will observe fast and hold special prayers in this week until Easter Sunday on April 1, marking Christ's resurrection after crucifixion on March 30, the Good Friday.
Seven former JD(S) legislators formally joined the Congress here on Sunday even as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah predicted doom for the regional party.
"Both H D Deve Gowda and H D Kumaraswamy know that the JD(S) will not get more than 25 seats," Siddaramaiah said at a massive rally as part of the Janaarshivada Yatra in his home turf Mysuru.
Former JD(S) MLAs B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan, N Cheluvarayaswamy, Bheema Naik, Ramesh Bandisiddegowda, Iqbal Ansari, Akhanda Srinivasamurthy and H C Balakrishna were formally inducted into the Congress by its president Rahul Gandhi amid a rousing response from the crowd. Three former JD(S) MLCs M C Nanaiah, Sarovar Srinivas and B Ramakrishna also joined the Congress.
Siddaramaiah said the seven rebel MLAs had jumped ship to the Congress as "they were fed up of the family politics" within the JD(S).
"The upcoming Assembly election is a choice between the Congress' secularism, BJP's communalism and the JD(S)' opportunism," Siddaramaiah said. He went on to make a stinging attack on Deve Gowda: "Your last dream to make your son the chief minister again will never come true."
No-confidence motion
Congress president Rahul Gandhi said the BJP was blocking a no-confidence motion in Parliament because it was scared. "For the last 10 days, a no-confidence motion is being blocked in Parliament because the government is scared. What has Modi done in the last four years," Rahul asked, going on to attack Modi over demonetisation, Rafale deal, unemployment and the Nirav Modi scam.
A sea of curious people gathered in the city to see Rahul and Siddaramaiah during their roadshow. The roadshow started from the British-era guest house all the way to the Maharaja's College Grounds, where the stage was set for the fourth leg of the Congress president's tour to conclude.
Compensation
At a corner meeting in Srirangapatna, KPCC president G Parameshwara announced Rs 5,000 as compensation for each victim of the balloon explosion that occurred on Friday. At least 10 persons, including children, were injured when the giant helium balloon went off. The balloon was part of the arrangements to welcome Rahul.
Rahul supports Darshan
At Pandavapura, Rahul met Darshan Puttannaiah, the son of Melkote legislator K S Puttannaiah who died recently. Darshan will contest from the constituency that his father, a noted farmer leader, represented. He will contest as a candidate of the Swaraj India party. Even as Rahul greeted Darshan, Energy Minister D K Shivakumar assured the public that the Congress would "stand in your support."
The Centre may take over Rs 4 lakh crore loan from the market this year to fulfil its fresh commitments ahead of the 2019 general elections.
The Ministry of Finance is expected to announce its market borrowing plan on Monday.
Sources close to the development told DH the loan amount may cross a few thousand crores above Rs 4 lakh crore in the first six months (April-Sept) of the coming financial year.
Two massive schemes a the National Health Protection Mission and hike in minimum support price for farmers at 50% more than the production cost a which have not been adequately funded in the Union Budget may have necessitated the move.
The government is keen to introduce the world's largest state-funded healthcare programme from August 15 though the Cabinet has approved two target dates, including October 2, sources said.
The government borrows from the market when its revenues are insufficient to pay for a given level of state spending. The flip side of a large borrowing is that it causes deficits and its impact is felt for several years to come.
The 2018-19 Union Budget has pegged the gross borrowing of the government at Rs 6.06 lakh crore. But this includes the interest payment on the past loans.
In 2017-18, too, the government had to borrow more from the market to finance its spendings as the revenues from Goods and Services Tax fell short of estimates.
In fact, an additional gross amount of Rs 50,000 crore that the government sought to borrow from the market in December was a substantial increase from what was budgeted and since 2012, the government had not taken such a big loan from the market.
The ministry officials had met primary dealers last week seeking suggestions for a smooth borrowing.
The Monitoring Group on Cash and Debt Management, too, held a meeting on Saturday. The meeting was also attended by RBI officials.
Sources said steps to improve the market appetite for government bonds also figured in the meeting.
The government is concerned about the rise in bond yields. Since August, the yields on government bonds have risen by more than 100 basis points over concerns of a possible rise in the Budget Deficit. The increase in bond yields will only add to the government's borrowing cost.
The government raises funds from the market through dated securities and Treasury bills having a maturity of less than one year.
A 35-year-old techie registered a complaint against the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) security staff after he lost his jacket with Rs 2,500 in cash.
The techie, Mahadeshwara, said he had gone to Dubai on an official assignment and returned to the city last Sunday.
At the KIA, he was asked to undergo security check near the immigration counter. He removed his jacket and kept it on a table for the security check. When he returned, the jacket was missing.
Later, officials sought two days time to search for his jacket. After two days, when the officials failed to find his jacket, he decided to file a complaint with the police.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) held four programmes in the city on Sunday to allay public fears about the functioning of electronic voting machines (EVMs). It also demonstrated the workings of Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machines that will be put to use in all the 224 Assembly constituencies in Karnataka for the first time.
The programme was held at four places: Cubbon Park, JP Park, Sankey Tank and Lalbagh West Gate. The commission also organised street plays to raise awareness about elections and an oath-taking programme on voting for students and youth.
At the Lalbagh West Gate programme, Sanjiv Kumar, Chief Electoral Officer, Karnataka, explained how the VVPAT machine works.
"The VVPAT machine attached to an electronic voting machine generates a paper slip with the name of the candidate and his/her symbol for whom an elector votes. The voter can see his/her voting details on a small screen for seven seconds on the VVPAT machine."
He continued: "The EVMs with VVPAT machines
are battery-operated standalone machines with no Internet, Bluetooth or mobile links and cannot be operated or controlled by any remote system. The public need not have any doubts about these machines."
Before the polling day, the poll panel will conduct three demonstrations of the EVMs and VVPAT machines for all political parties, he added.
The commission also plans to hold an election awareness drive across the city.
Awareness drive
"We will hold awareness programmes in parks, malls and other public spaces over the next month to create awareness about elections," said N Manjunath Prasad, BBMP Commissioner and District Election Officer.
The ECI is setting up a 24-hour call centre to help the public make poll-related complaints during the election season. The telephone number, 1950, will be toll-free. Callers can ask questions about elections and voting. They will later get SMSes and phone calls about the action taken on their queries.
The BJP government at the Centre has made it easier for political parties to receive kickbacks, and for black money to fund political parties, said Supreme Court lawyer and activist Prashant Bhushan.
He was speaking at a discussion on 'Political corruption and dangers to democracy,' organised by Swaraj Abhiyan and Jana Sangrama Parishat in the city on Sunday.
Bhushan said several amendments to law have made it easier for political parties to hide the source of their funding.
The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act was retrospectively amended in 2016 after the Delhi High Court ruled in 2014 against both the BJP and Indian National Congress for accepting donations from a foreign company, he said.
Now Indian entities owned by foreign companies can make donations to parties without violating the Act, so long as the foreign investment in the entity is less than 50% of the party fund.
Further, he said the electoral bonds which the BJP government had said would make electoral funding transparent, would actually achieve the opposite effect.
Since the bonds purchased from designated banks will not bear the name of the donor, no one would know where the money had come from, he said. Bhushan explained that if the government awards some contract to a foreign company, the kickback can be received in the form of electoral bonds through an Indian subsidiary.
He also said that there was "another big scam in the making" involving Mehul Choksi, billionaire jeweler and chief of Gitanjali Group.
Bhushan said that in return for a substantial loan from a private bank, Choksi had given a kickback to the spouse of the bank's CEO, through a "shady company" owned by the spouse.
Democracy has never before been under more strain with anti-corruption institutions being weakened, Bhushan said.
Social activist S R Hiremath, who was at the event, criticised the Congress government in the state for systematically weakening the Lokayukta institution.
The Consortium for Tobacco-Free Karnataka (CFTFK) has urged major political parties to include tobacco-control measures in their poll manifestos.
Dr Vishal Rao, cancer surgeon and member of the consortium, submitted the memorandum to Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee vice-president B L Shankar, BJP MLA S Suresh Kumar and JD(S) MLC and spokesperson Ramesh Babu, urging them to include in their manifestos policies and programmes that will lead to the prevention of tobacco-related diseases.
Among the major suggestions in the memorandum are a complete ban on the sale of drugs and tobacco products near educational institutions, rehabilitation of tobacco farmers, and public awareness on the harmful effects of tobacco.
A 34-year-old teacher at a madrasa was arrested by the Thalaghattapura police on charges of sexually assaulting a minor boy (12) for the past one year.
The suspect, Mohammed Zubair, is a resident of Avalahalli in South Bengaluru and was teaching Arabic at the madrasa for the past four and a half years.
Zubair was sent for medical examination and the police are conducting further investigations into the case. A senior police officer said the victim was being sent to the madrasa since last year after he failed the class IV exams. There are 60 students at the madrasa.
The victim told the police that Zubair sexually assaulted him ever since he joined the madrasa.
Zubair threatened the victim of dire consequences if he revealed this to anyone.
The victim recently fell ill and was sent to his grandmother's house in Shivajinagar to recuperate. During his stay here, the victim narrated his plight to his grandmother.
The victim's father, a mechanic in Shivajinagar, then filed a complaint.
The police have booked Zubair under POCSO Act and various other sections of the Indian Penal Code. The suspect was produced before the magistrate and later remanded to judicial custody.
Zubair has denied all the charges and even the management of the madrasa denied the allegations made by the victim and his parents.
Fewer people are using tobacco in Karnataka compared with almost a decade ago.
If 28.2% adults were consuming tobacco (smoking and smokeless) in 2009-10, the figure dropped to 22.8% in 2016-17.
According to the Global Adult Tobacco Survey 2 (GATS), 16.8% of men and 0.7% of women (8.8% of all adults) smoked tobacco in Karnataka in 2016-17, while 22.2% of men and 10.3% of women (16.3% of all adults) used smokeless tobacco. The findings were released last January.
The GATS monitors the use of tobacco (smoking and smokeless) among adults.
But Dr Athira Ramakrishnan, consultant ENT surgeon, Fortis Hospitals, said the decline did not mean the risk had reduced.
According to her, oral cancer caused by tobacco products was prevalent among those aged 60 and above, while hospitals now receive cases of oral cancer among people aged just 30.
The survey also showed that betel quid with tobacco, beedi and gutka are the three most commonly used tobacco products in the state. At least 9.4% of adults use betel quid with tobacco, while 5.9% each smokes beedi and uses gutka.
"Non-smoking tobacco such as betel quid is used by men and women engaged in hard labour. They usually get a high that helps them continue their work," Dr Athira said. She said that many younger women were coming to her for treatment for oral cancer.
Tobacco control
In a circular in September 2017, the health ministry asked states to authorise shops selling tobacco products. It also stipulated that shops selling tobacco products must not be allowed to sell non-tobacco items.
Vishal Rao, head and neck surgeon, who is also a member of the Consortium for Tobacco-Free Karnataka, said, "Karnataka hasn't taken any steps to monitor unlicensed shops selling tobacco products."
According to Rao, around 15% of minors in Karnataka are exposed to tobacco products, while the law enforcement remains poor. He suggested that vendors selling tobacco be mandated to obtain a licence from the local authority.
Lokesh M N, chief health officer, BBMP, said the circular hadn't come to the notice of his department.
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Security Colony was one of six cybersecurity companies selected by Austrade & AustCyber to take part in the Federal Governments Landing Pad program in San Francisco. In this exclusive series for Dynamic Business, Nick Ellsmore, co-founder of Security Colony shares his journey as he builds his second business (the first sold to BAE Systems) and introduces an Australian-built cybersecurity solution into the global market against the backdrop of the Californian startup and investment scene.
Diary Entry Five
In one of our earliest briefings in the Landing Pad, we were told things move faster in San Francisco. If you have a discussion that requires a follow-up, that follow-up should happen within hours, not days
They were right.
In Silicon Valley, every week feels like a month. Were trying to innovate the product, sharpen the messaging, re-build the marketing technology stack, raise our profile (Ive presented in 3 different states in the last 7 days), and sign up users all while trying to maintain a degree of stability and purpose about the changes that are being made, and ensuring we dont give our existing subscribers or our team whiplash from the speed of it all.
The sense of progress, though, is a powerful drug. There is no question in my mind that we would never have pushed this hard, on all fronts, back in Australia. While part of this is due to the sense of urgency from the 90-day set-period we have in DFATs Landing Pad, now that were on this trajectory we are laser focused on getting everything locked down, and into an operational process of execution in the next 6-8 weeks. Its an exciting time.
While in Seattle for one of my presentations, I re-read my favourite business article, Invention is a Flower, Innovation is a Weed, by Bob Metcalfe. In it, he talks about the grind of the sales process in building up his company 3Com.
It was maybe 2 or 3 degrees Celsius outside, so getting to my room, I was thrilled to find the heater was turned off, the room was cold, and when turned on, the heater had the enthusiasm of an American Idol contestant singing us to the break after just being told they had no future beyond a hamburger chain.
The hotels website, their guest folio and everything else I could find clearly said that the hotel restaurant closed at 10pm each night. At 8.30pm, I wandered down there to find the doors closed and a staff member explaining that tonight they decided to close at 8pm perhaps this is the hospitality industrys version of being agile.
Clinging to sanity, I attempted to use the coffee machine in my room, but it too was broken. This was probably for the best as the non-milk-derived milk-replacement (made primarily of high fructose corn syrup and powdered tears) didnt really seem like it would do the job. Ah, the glamour of travel.
As Metcalfe says in his article, if you keep doing this, day in, day out, for years on end, you will succeed. Most of the time its not the flash of genius that does it; its the grind of the sales process and its not always pretty.
Fortunately though, the Internet was fine. And if the Internet is fine, then so am I. I throw on some extra jumpers, walk through the freezing sleet for half a mile to grab some nachos, then back again to get back to work.
While the Landing Pads advice is to not try to cover Australian business hours, its almost unavoidable the time zone is simply too convenient. Being 19 hours behind, which effectively means 5 hours ahead and a day behind, the SF morning is peaceful and calm with only the residual email from Australias yesterday to deal with. At about 1pm in SF, it ticks over 8am in Australia, and things start warming up. Emails, Slack, Phone calls, SMSs everything starts pinging. This doesnt stop until about 11pm, when its 6pm back in Australia.
So, covering both time zones effectively means working from about 8am (to get a few hours of productive time before Australia comes online) through to about 11pm. Fridays are a half day in that 8am to 5pm is generally OK (since Australia is on the weekend), but then Sundays usually require a few hours of work as Australia is awake and kicking off the new week from lunchtime onwards.
Building companies is not for the faint-hearted, but its also enormously rewarding. Right here, right now, with a sleep cycle attuned somewhere between Sydney and San Francisco, I wouldnt have it any other way.
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Considered to be the Ten Best UFO Photos Ever Taken I am sure that we could add more pictures to this list but these are considered ten o...
By Independent , Mar. 24, 2018
Saudi Arabia opened its airspace for the first time to a commercial flight to Israel with the inauguration of an Air India route between New Delhi and Tel Aviv.
Flight 139 landed at Tel Avivs Ben Gurion Airport after a seven-and-a-half hour journey, marking a diplomatic shift for Riyadh that Israel says was fuelled by shared concern over Iranian influence in the region.
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Sigmar Gabriel: Turkeys Afrin operation is a message to US
Germanys former foreign minister Sigmar Gabriel uttered that Turkey gave a message to US by launching Operation Olive Branch.
Germanys former foreign minister slammed US administration for a grave strategic mistake in Syria by supporting the PKK/YPG terrorist group, despite legitimate security concerns of its NATO ally Turkey.
It seems that US evaluates the current tensions with Turkey as something temporary which can be contained, or it has lost sight of the geo-strategic role of Turkey. Sigmar Gabriel said in an opinion piece published by daily newspaper Tagesspiegel.
The Social Democrat politician, who served as the foreign minister in Chancellor Angela Merkels previous coalition government, has warned that US failure in addressing Turkeys concerns over PKK/YPG and growing alienation between the two NATO allies, would serve for the interests of Russia.
The first assessment would be a mistake. The second would have disastrous consequences, especially for us, Europeans. he stressed.
Turkeys Afrin operation is a message to the US Gabriel said, and underlined that Ankara seemed to be ready for paying any cost to prevent terrorist PKK and associated groups to take control of areas bordering Turkey.
The US administration long claimed that its military support to PYD and YPG, the Syrian branches of the PKK, was limited to fight against Daesh in the region.
Tal Rifaat residents ask Turkey to liberate city from YPG terrorists
Residents of northwestern Syria's Tal Rifaat gathered in the city to stage a protest, asking Turkey to help liberate their territories in the ongoing Operation Olive Branch.
Residents of Tal Rifaat city in northwestern Syria held a rally on Saturday demanding an Afrin-type Turkish military operation against the YPG/PKK terrorist group in their city. Moments of protest were viewed by unmanned aerial vehicles.
Protesters, including around 400 fighters from the Free Syrian Army, blocked the road between Azaz city and Sijo town amid calls for Turkeys Operation Olive Branch to include Tal Rifaat to free the city from the terrorist group.
Tal Rifaat residents ask Turkey to liberate city from YPG terrorists WATCH
The demonstrators later reopened the road after on the call of Turkish military personnel and local security forces.
The Turkish Army shared a video from the rally on its Twitter account.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) said last week AWB had co-operated to amend the contract terms after it raised concerns they were unfair.
It said the grain pool contracts originally included terms which potentially gave AWB power to unilaterally increase fees to growers, such as administration or management fees, after a contract had been accepted by a grower.
AWB could also potentially introduce new fees for growers as it determined after contracts had been signed and it could reject grain at its absolute discretion under previous contracts, the ACCC said.
ACCC deputy chairman Michael Schaper said investigation of AWBs contract terms followed a wider review of standard-form contracts used in the agriculture sector after new business-to-business unfair contract laws came into effect in November, 2016.
Most Australian farmers operate as small businesses and often deal with much larger multinational businesses, Dr Schaper said.
These amended contracts should provide more certainty and balance to grain trading transactions entered into with growers.
Dr Schaper said the amendments to AWBs grain pool contract terms ensured fees for its services will not vary or no new fees be imposed after a contract has been accepted by a grower.
Grain will only be rejected in limited circumstances.
The ACCC welcomes AWB amending these contract terms and reminds companies that they bear the responsibility of ensuring their standard form contracts comply with the unfair contract terms law, Dr Schaper said.
If the contracts dont comply, companies may be subject to investigation and potential enforcement action by the ACCC.
The ACCC will continue to focus on addressing bargaining power imbalances in agriculture.
The ACCC was provided with $11.4 million additional funding over four years to establish its agriculture unit to conduct investigations into agricultural supply chains and engagement in rural and regional areas.
It published a report on unfair terms in small business contracts in November 2016 following a review of small business contracts in a range of industries, including agriculture.
Created in the late 1930s as a government-operated single desk to market wheat, the Australian Wheat Board devolved into a grower-owned private company AWB Ltd after grain industry deregulation in 2008.
In 2010 it was acquired for $1.2 billion by Canadian crop services, fertiliser and agrichemicals giant Agrium which a year later sold the AWB trading and grain origination arm and GrainFlow storage and handling business to Cargill Australia Ltd, the local arm of another giant Canadian agribusiness.
AWB has an office in Perth and regional offices in Queensland and New South Wales, but most of its offices and representatives are throughout Victoria and South Australia.
Its harvest finance and grain pool products, in which growers elect to deliver grain into a pool and receive payments at specified intervals during the grain season, are also offered online.
AWB corporate affairs director Peter McBride said that at no time did AWB actually increase or introduce new fees after a grower had entered into a contract, or reject contract grain at its discretion
AWB has and continues to always publish all fees like remuneration earned by AWB, prior to customers contracting, McBride said.
GrainGrowers policy general manager Dave McKeon said the changes to small business contract laws introduced in 2016 were having a positive tangible impact for grain farmers.
p Improving the safety of quad bikes which are a leading cause of deaths on farms is one of nine critical consumer safety issues the ACCC will target this year.
Chairman Rod Sims announced the ACCCs product safety priorities at the National Consumer Congress in Sydney last week.
On average, 16 people die each year following accidents on quad bikes, with many more injured, including children, Mr Sims said.
Michael Jackson "would be proud" of his daughter Paris for her relationship with Cara Delevingne.
Michael Jackson
The 19-year-old star recently went public with her romance with the 25-year-old model and Paris' brother Prince has reportedly told friends that their late father would be thrilled by the romance.
A source told RadarOnline: "Prince has said their father would be proud of his daughter for following her own path, as she always has. Michael taught them that love knew no bounds, and that would include race or sexual orientation."
And friends agree, with the insider explaining that everyone is happy for Paris.
The source added: "This is indeed a loving healthy relationship between Paris and Cara. It is probably the healthiest and happiest relationship Paris has ever been in, and for that, her family has their full support."
Although Paris and Cara have been romantically linked for some time, they only went public last week when they were spotted kissing in the street during a double date with Paris' godfather Macaulay Culkin and his girlfriend Brenda Strong.
Cara and Paris reportedly met at the MTV Movie Awards last year and have been spotted on holiday together in London, Italy and the Czech Republic.
Speaking previously about their blossoming relationship, a source told The Sun: "They really hit it off at the MTV Movie and TV Awards in LA in May and have been hanging out since.
"Cara loves the fact Paris is the daughter of one of her musical heroes.
"She invited her to her Christmas Burberry X bash in London, before whisking her away to Venice then Prague the weekend after, where they celebrated Christmas early at the markets.
"They're both really into their music and have been spending nights singing and jamming on the guitar.
"It's early days, and Cara doesn't really have time for a proper relationship due to her non-stop filming commitments with Carnival Row, but there's no denying there's a spark."
Rosamund Pike wrote to Rob Marshall to ask to play Mary Poppins.
Rosamund Pike
The 39-year-old actress - who has sons Solo five, and Atom, three, with partner Robie Uniacke - felt it was worth reaching out to the filmmaker to let him know she was interested in playing the magical nanny in long-awaited sequel 'Mary Poppins Returns', but the role went to Emily Blunt.
She recalled to Total Film magazine: "[I wrote] 'Just so you know, I would really love to be Mary Poppins.'
"It's worth putting your hat in the ring for things sometimes."
When it comes to choosing her roles, Rosamund - who can next be seen playing a German terrorist in Jose Padilha's 'Entebbe' - wants to work with directors who are passionate about the project.
She explained: "I really want to know the director has to make the film. It's not just a job.
"I felt that very strongly with Jose for 'Entebbe.
"You want to know, Does this person have a strong take? Is it in their blood?"
Meanwhile, the British actress admitted she found it very "traumatic" working on 'Hostiles', in which she played a mother who lost her family in a violent attack.
She said: "I've had to live in a very, very dark place for a while.
"It was really traumatic. It felt very real.
"When I re-watch that, I feel it was something I lived, rather than something I acted in."
But Rosamund is thankful directors have given her opportunities to push herself with her performances.
She said: "I think it's to do with being free to experiment. I think directors see that I'm prepared to get my hands dirty.
"You test your limits of your comfort zone. It seems unnatural and yet you feel surprisingly comfortable... it's a chance to do something that potentially could fail. It's a risk, right?"
Following the release of their brilliant new single and EP, we got the opportunity to put some questions to Brighton duo ARXX, finding out a little bit more about their goals and ambitions, influences and inspirations, and more, in a new and exclusive interview.
ARXX's new EP 'Daughters Of Daughters' is out now
For those who may be new to your music, how best would you describe your sound?
ARXX are a female garage rock duo. We combine the angst of punk with infectious melodies bold riffs, and raw energy.
What challenges have you faced in the music industry so far?
Theres a couple of things that have been a bit tricky
As female artists, youre always going to struggle a bit to be taken seriously. Were very lucky that there are such inclusive scenes in Brighton and London, but theres no doubting its a bubble. Weve experienced quite a bit of sexist treatment, where people e.g. sound engineers and promoters have been really patronising and assumed we dont know what were doing because were women playing music. A lot of the issue is that the industry is so male dominated from the ground up, we would love to see more diversity especially in the tech side of things.
Also as an artist starting out now, at a time where development deals arent a thing anymore, it can be really tough to navigate yourself and be your own manager. Its hard to know what the next step should be and who to trust. People are always trying to catch you out and spend your money.
How difficult then would you say this career path is in terms of making a name for yourself?
Theres no two ways about it, its super hard. To be in a place with a great music scene like Brighton or London, you have to deal with being in a massively oversaturated environment. Theres so many bands now, and getting noticed is harder than ever so you have to have something about you. You have to be so sure of what you are and what youre doing, and always keep going.
How important is it for you to have creative control over the work you produce?
Incredibly important! When you strip everything away, were about the songs, so we have to protect that. Branding a band is also becoming increasingly important. You have to think of yourself as a product, and therefore what you want to stand for.
Where do you draw influence and inspiration from for your work?
I (Hannah, songwriter) have so many influences its absurd, but the two biggest influences on my songwriting are definitely Kate Nash and Bright Eyes. Listening to Kate Nashs Made Of Bricks taught me how to write music. Deap Vally are also a massive influence; I remember seeing them and thats when it clicked that we didnt need any more members because they managed to create so much ith just two people. The Daughters of Daughters EP is massively influenced by the music my Mum played me when I was younger hence the name. She showed me a lot of country music like The Dixie Chicks, Dolly Parton, and John Denver. Country music has a lot of badass female icons which is super cool and it always has really strong melodies. The anger and loudness in our music comes from the fact that I use music as an outlet for a lot of my emotions, so its largely influenced by my own personal experiences and mental health.
If you could collaborate with anybody going forward, who would you choose and why?
Hannah: Dolly Parton, shes my queen.
Clara: P!nk, shes been my idol forever.
Tell us a random, funny fact about you that not many people know.
We used to play shows together but we were in separate bands. We are both obsessed with Vans. Hannah has alpacas and Shetland ponies. Were massive fans of Alex Parks.
Do you have definitive aims or goals for your career?
Our biggest aim is to make music a viable career, where we dont have to work in retail anymore. Wed love to tour worldwide and get a really niche following in an obscure tiny country. Theres a few places wed love to play: Glastonbury SXSW, Concorde 2, and The Kentish Town Forum.
Where do you hope to be this time next year?
Hopefully on tour, making bigger steps, playing to bigger crowds, writing better songs, and loving it as much as we do now.
What should we expect from you in the coming weeks and months?
Right now were really focused on playing shows, and building our stamina and our following before going on tour in the summer. Were really pushing our new EP that launched on February 23, and were starting working on a music vieo. Were also getting enamel pins! Keep up-to-date with it all at www.arxxband.com.
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ARXXs new EP Daughters Of Daughters is out now, alongside single Tired Of You.
by Daniel Falconer for www.femalefirst.co.uk
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Montana Brown has been signed by Select Model Management.
Montana Brown
The 'Love Island' babe is said to have wowed the agency - which has helped kick-start the careers of Agyness Deyn and Sienna Miller - with her PrettyLittleThing campaign last year so much, they've decided to add her to their illustrious roster.
A source told The Sun newspaper: "Even 2017 'Love Island' winner Amber Davies has not landed a gig this big."
Montana's first gig will reportedly see her photographed by celebrity snapper David Yarrow - who recently took pictures of actress-and-model Cara Delevingne in close proximity to lions - in Iceland with wild horses.
It comes hot off the heels of reports that Montana has reportedly been romancing model Elliott Reeder since the end of last year after they met just before Christmas and, although they're keen to keep their relationship on the down low for the time being, things seem to be getting serious.
A source told The Sun Online: "Montana and Elliott met before Christmas, but they've only been officially seeing each other for the last few weeks. It's early days but they've got loads in common - they're both really into fitness and travelling. They want to keep things quiet but it's all going really well. He seems smitten!"
The news that the 22-year-old beauty is dating someone new will no doubt come as a huge blow to Matt Terry as just a few months ago he admitted they were dating.
He told BANG Showbiz when pressed on the rumours about them dating: "This one [is true], we are hanging out and getting to know each other.
"We've met each other a couple of times. She came and supported me on the show which was really nice. We get on really well. I am going with the flow so let's see."
Although Montana seems to be having no trouble finding love in the real world, she didn't have much luck in the 'Love Island' villa as she and Alex Beattie - who met in the sun-soaked property last summer - split shortly after they returned to the UK.
CUPERTINO (dpa-AFX) - Apple Inc. (AAPL) Chief Executive Tim Cook called for stronger privacy regulations that prevent the misuse of data in the light of the controversial leak of Facebook user information, according to reports. Cook called for 'well-crafted' regulations that prevent the information of users being put together and applied in new ways without their knowledge during a session on global inequality at the annual China Development Forum in Beijing on Saturday. Facebook co-founder Mark Zuckerberg belatedly apologized for failing to better control its customers' data following reports that it let Cambridge Analytica amass information on 50 million users. The social network's shares have tumbled 14 percent following the reports. Cook said his company had long worried that people around the world were giving up information without knowing how it could be used. 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.
SANTA MONICA, CA / ACCESSWIRE / March 25, 2018 / Even though it's still cold in many parts of the country, the real estate market is already heating up. According to February data from realtor.com, many areas are beginning to see a lot of movement in the housing market.
Javier Vivas, the director of economic research at realtor.com stated the following: 'Rapid mortgage rate jumps, and confirmation of a brighter economic outlook have inflated the pool of home buyers early in the year, putting an extra squeeze on the mid and entry-level market.'
Reclaiming Historical Highs
Now that winter is almost over, the listing prices for homes have already started their usual spring climb. In fact, they've recently reclaimed historical highs. Prices have already reached a median of $275,000, which was the peak for last summer.
This means we are likely to see the median price go even higher before this summer is over. For February the listing prices have increased 10 percent when compared to February 2017, according to Neil Shekhter, founder and CEO of Santa Monica-based NMS Properties.
Insufficient Housing Supply
The biggest problem is a lack of homes that are currently for sale. Housing inventory grew slightly from January at just 2 percent. However, it was down approximately 8 percent from the previous February. An increase in demand has all but extinguished the amount of new construction in recent months.
Some markets have seen the shortage for listings really intensify this past month. Buyers are scrambling to find homes and they're moving off the market much quicker than they were at this same time in 2017. Homes are now on the market a median of 83 days before being purchased.
Where Homes are Selling the Fastest
California cites are currently dominating the housing market. There is a town in Texas, however, that is among the top five right now. Realtor.com recently came up with its list of the hottest markets for real estate in the nation. They used key indicators of days that homes stayed on the market and listing views to find their results.
San Francisco remained in the number one spot while Midland, Texas rose from number 5 in January to the number 2 spot. California, however, still accounts for 13 out of the 20 top markets. The others in the top 20 belongs to Texas, Washington, Colorado, Indiana, and Ohio.
Spokane, Washington had the biggest jump, moving 13 spots from where the city had been in January. Fort Wayne, Indiana also moved up 9 spots. Spokane seems to be a hot spot for home buyers trying to escape high home prices in Seattle.
Launching NMS Properties in 1988, Neil Shekhter assumed the role of CEO in January 1995. The real estate management company focuses on multi-family and mixed-use properties in the Greater Los Angeles area and in Santa Monica. Over the course of 2017, NMS deployed 40 furnished apartments in Los Angeles, and Neil Shekhter plans to triple that number in 2018. The company currently manages some of its properties while testing a pilot with MY SUITE.
Neil Shekhter - Founder and CEO of NMS Properties
Apartments For Rent In Los Angeles by NMS Residential
Apartments For Rent In Santa Monica by NMS Residential
Contact Information: Gina Alberts - GAlberts@neilshekhterholdings.com
SOURCE: NMS Properties, Inc.
MOUNTAIN VIEW (dpa-AFX) - The U.K. government will direct Facebook Inc., Google, Twitter Inc. and other tech companies to simplify their data management policies for consumers after disclosures about recent breaches, the Sunday Times reported. The Sunday Times reported that Matt Hancock, the U.K. digital, culture and media secretary, told the newspaper that the digital powerhouses were failing to provide users with clear and concise terms and conditions for how personal data is used. His goal is to get the information onto one page. Facebook's service agreement has more than 3,700 words and Twitter has 11,000 words, the newspaper said. The government has summoned executives from Facebook, Google and Twitter to a meeting in April to discuss data management practices. 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.
Former NITI Aayog vice-chairman Arvind Panagariya has made a strong case for privatisation of public sector banks with the exception of SBI, saying that political parties serious of forming the government in 2019 should include the proposal in their manifesto.
New Delhi: Former NITI Aayog vice-chairman Arvind Panagariya has made a strong case for privatisation of public sector banks with the exception of SBI, saying that political parties serious of forming the government in 2019 should include the proposal in their manifesto.
Panagariya, who is currently a professor of economics at Columbia University, further said that predominance of scandals and NPAs in PSBs is only one albeit important reason for privatisation of PSBs.
"I firmly believe that privatisation of all PSBs except perhaps the State Bank of India should be on the election manifestos of all parties who wish to present themselves as serious candidates to form the government in 2019," he said in an interview to PTI.
Panagariya was replying to a query related to the recent banking frauds, including nearly Rs 13,000 crore at Punjab National Bank (PNB). The eminent economist further argued that efficiency and productivity too demand that the government relinquish its control of the large number of banks whose market valuation has dwindled despite the fact that they hold the bulk of the deposits.
Panagariya noted that it is disingenuous to argue, as many advocates of PSBs do, that achieving social goals of lending requires two-dozen banks in the public sector.
"The fact of the matter is that private sector banks have often performed better than public sector banks in delivering on their priority-sector-lending obligations," he pointed out.
Asked to comment on recent trade tensions, with US President Donald Trump targeting India, Panagariya said that he would not hesitate to liberalise India's trade further rather than risk the United States closing its markets to Indian goods.
On Nobel laureate Paul Krugman's recent comment that India story could end with mass unemployment, the former NITI Aayog vice-chairman admitted that Professor Krugman is surely right to point to the importance of manufacturing in the economic transformation of a developing country.
"I think manufacturing growth is essential for creating productive and well-paid jobs rather than escape mass unemployment," he said, adding that the economy is surely creating jobs.
"The problem we face is that it is creating very few jobs that fully exploit the potential of our workers," Panagariya insisted. Talking about overall economy, he said that India remains stable in macroeconomic terms.
"The GDP growth rate has been on the rising trend during the latest two quarters for which we have datait rose from 5.7 percent during the first quarter of 2017-18 to 6.5 percent in the second quarter and 7.2 percent in the third quarter. I expect the upward trend to continue," Panagariya asserted.
On protest by farmers across India, the economist said he always favoured cash transfers to rural BPL households in times of crop failures via Aadhaar-linked bank accounts.
"In the medium run, the government strategy of raising farmer incomes through marketing reforms and increased farm productivity are right on target," Panagariya said.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday expressed hope that direct flights over Saudi Arabia from Tel Aviv to Mumbai would soon materialise, days after Air India's maiden flight from New Delhi flew over Saudi airspace to Israel's economic hub
Jerusalem: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday expressed hope that direct flights over Saudi Arabia from Tel Aviv to Mumbai would soon materialise, days after Air India's maiden flight from New Delhi flew over Saudi airspace to Israel's economic hub.
Netanyahu in a Cabinet meeting indicated that the next goal is to allow direct flights over Saudi Arabia from Tel Aviv to Mumbai by Israeli flag carrier El Al.
El Al currently has four direct flights from Tel Aviv to Mumbai, but it must take a circuitous route to avoid Saudi airspace, and a flight that should take just under five hours, ends up taking about eight.
On Thursday, Air India's maiden flight to Israel landed in Tel Aviv, reducing the travel time substantially after Saudi Arabia for the first time allowed a commercial flight to use its airspace, indicating a thaw in relations between the Arab kingdom and the Jewish state.
State-run Air India introduced the direct thrice-a-week flight from New Delhi to Tel Aviv, heralding a new beginning in people-to-people contacts and diplomatic ties between India and Israel.
Saudi Arabia permitted Air India to use its airspace, enabling it to take a shorter route that covers the distance in 7.25 hours, about 2.10 hours less as compared to El Al, the only other airline that flies between Israel and India.
Though he did not mention El Al by name, Netanyahu said that following the Air India flights, "the goal that I hope we set for ourselves is that the next flight or flights will also include direct flights from Tel Aviv to Mumbai in five hours, less time than Tel Aviv to London. The significance of that would be enormous," the Jerusalem Post reported.
Saudi Arabia, while granting overflight rights to Air India for flights to and from Israel, has so far been unwilling to do the same for El Al.
Netanyahu characterised Air India's inaugural flight as "historic" saying "the significance of this is clear to everyone".
"Israel's economy will grow in two ways either with new products or through new markets," he said, adding "What we did here is to break through to huge new markets, and this is a very big change".
Netanyahu said that paving the way for the Air India flights is something that has taken a number of years, and creates "tremendous potential for Israel. I think the long-term significance for Israel will become clear later, but now there is no need to talk more about it, in order to ensure other similar developments".
Keralas ruling Communist Party of India (Marxist) may not have anticipated that it would have to bat for a road it opposed while it was in the Opposition.
Keralas ruling Communist Party of India (Marxist) may not have anticipated that it would have to bat for a road it opposed while it was in the Opposition three years ago.
The party is faced with such a predicament at Keezhattur, a party village in its citadel of Kannur, with a section of the party cadres and supporters carrying forward the stir it had dropped after coming to power in May 2016.
The bone of contention was the acquisition of 250 acres of pristine paddy fields for building a national highway bypass through the agrarian village. The CPM had opposed all the three alignments proposed by the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) for the bypass while it was in the Opposition.
The main argument was that it would sound the death knell for the paddy cultivation in the village and upset the ecosystem, leading to severe water shortage and other irreparable environmental hazards. However, the party changed its mind after the government led by it assumed office.
The leaders, who had spearheaded the agitation under the auspices of an action committee, backed out after Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan made it clear that development was the main agenda of his government and there will be no scope for protests under his dispensation.
However, a small group of 60 farmers led by Suresh Keezhattur defied the diktat and persisted with the stir under the banner of a collective called Vayalkilikal (literally, paddy birds), braving the repressive measures unleashed by the government and the party.
The CPM has been trying everything in its power to suppress the agitation. Eleven party members, who had associated with the agitation, were expelled from the party. An employment ban was imposed on Sureshs brother Ratheesh Chandroth, a head load worker registered with its trade union wing, for taking part in the agitation.
A wooden tent the farmers erected for the agitation was set ablaze allegedly by CPM workers from the neighbouring village on 14 March. This was after the farmers tried to prevent the NHAI officials who came for a survey of the land.
The party tried to turn the residents in the village against the agitators by dubbing the latter as anti-development. The party also sought to isolate Vayalkilikal by barring outsiders supporting them from entering the village. A kaval pura (watch-house) was set up in the field to check the activities of the outsiders.
The party Kannur leadership has been batting for the bypass through the village even after the state government relented a little and urged the Union government to explore the possibility of building an elevated highway in place of the bypass in the light of the mounting protests against the acquisition of the paddy fields.
The party organised a march from Keezhattur to nearby Taliparamba town with a declaration that the bypass will be built as per the current alignment couple of days after Public Works Minister G Sudhakaran wrote a letter to Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari suggesting the elevated highway in view of the mounting protests against the bypass.
Before the march, the proposed NH alignment was marked using red ribbons and putting up boards and party flags in the fields of those who have claimed to have given their consent for giving the land.
Unperturbed by the repressive measures, the farmers kicked off the second phase of their agitation on 25 March by holding a massive march titled Kerala to Keezhattur from Taliparamba to Keezhattur. Social and environmental activists and politicians from across the state participated in the march held under the aegis of the Keezhattur agitation solidarity committee.
The Vayalkilikal declared their intention to continue the struggle by re-erecting the tent burnt by the CPM workers. Nambradath Janaki, a 68-year-old farmer, who inaugurated a public meeting at the culmination of the march at the Keezhattur field, declared they will continue the fight till the government drops its stand on building the bypass through the paddy fields. She said she will not allow the road to come at the village until she dies.
Actor and Rajya Sabha member Suresh Gopi said that the farmers agitation in Kizhaattur was not only for the conservation of paddy fields and wetlands but also against the authoritarian approach of the Left Democratic Front government and the CPM.
The CPM has gained roots in Kerala through struggles. How can such a party show such intolerance towards an agitation being staged by poor farmers for a genuine cause? All people who love the environment will support the agitation, he added.
Former state Congress chief VM Sudheeran accused the government of acting like a feudal lord. He urged the government to shed its ego and find an amicable solution to the problem raised by the farmers in a democratic manner.
The same CPM which led the farmers agitations in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh has adopted the approach of rejecting the demands of the farmers in Keezhattur. I had not expected the CPM to take such a stand. One can oppose or agree to agitations but the party should not question the right of people conduct the agitations, he added.
The CPM has been opposing the agitation claiming that the agitators were a tiny minority and they had no support of the people. However, the massive attendance at the march has shaken the party so much so that it even dropped its threat to prevent outsiders from entering the village.
The Kannur party leadership had instructed the party cadres not to even show up at the march as any trouble would give mileage to the agitators. Kannur district secretary P Jayarajan had earlier claimed that 56 out of 60 farmers in the village had given their consent to give their land.
The remaining four farmers are pawns in the hands of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). We will not allow the agenda of the Sangh Parivar to succeed. The majority of the people in the village are for the bypass and the development it will bring, he added.
However, Suresh Keezhattur termed the claim a big lie. He said that the majority of the farmers in the village had not given their consent. According to him, the CPM has prepared the list by including those who have no land in the village.
As regards the party claim that the agitators had no support of the people, he said that the people who care about the future of the state have been supporting them. He said that the CPM cadres have started realising that the ideology that the party leaders flaunt is for the sake of power.
We have the support of genuine party workers who hold the ideology and party programmes sacrosanct, he added.
Eight persons of a family, including two toddlers, suffered burn injuries after a fire broke out at their house near Swami Vivekanand school in suburban Chembur.
Mumbai: Eight persons of a family, including two toddlers, suffered burn injuries after a fire broke out at their house near Swami Vivekanand school in suburban Chembur on Sunday, police said.
They said the fire, which started at around 1 pm, spread through the slum tenement because of the presence of a type of spirit that is used in manufacturing shoes.
"The house belongs to a shoe-maker. Eight persons from the family have been injured of which the condition of one, identified as Jagdish Jatholiya (45), is critical with almost 70 percent burns," the official said.
He added that the among the injured were three-month-old Tanuja Jatholiya and 15-month-old Chandni.
Two fire engines were rushed to the spot and the blaze was doused in half an hour, he said.
Tamil Nadu's anti-corruption bureau, said it has filed corruption cases against two former vice-chancellors of two major universities in the state.
Chennai: Tamil Nadu's anti-corruption bureau, the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) on Saturday said it has filed corruption cases against two former vice-chancellors of two major universities in the state.
In a statement issued in Chennai, the DVAC said it has registered a case against former Anna University vice-chancellor Rajaram and six others for allegations of corruption in the recruitment of teaching faculties in the varsity between 2013-2016.
The DVAC conducted searches at seven places in Chennai and Theni and 65 documents pertaining to properties worth about Rs 20 crore were seized.
The second case is against Vanangamudi, former Vice Chancellor, Tamil Nadu Dr. Ambedkar Law University and five others. According to DVAC, it is alleged that during his tenure, Vanangamudi entered into conspiracy with other accused and violated the admission procedure for Non-Resident Quota of 15 percent.
The DVAC organised search at six locations and 74 documents which reveals properties worth about Rs 95 lakh were seized during the search. Both the cases are under investigation, the DVAC said.
In February, the vice-chancellor of Bharathiyar University, Coimbatore, was arrested by the DVAC while demanding and receiving a bribe of Rs 30 lakh. According to DVAC, 67-year-old A Ganapathy was caught redhanded while receiving the bribe.
The DVAC has also booked Dharmaraj, a Professor of Chemistry for aiding Ganapathy. According to DVAC, Ganapathy had demanded the bribe from T.Suresh, Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry to complete his probation in the post.
The DVAC said Ganapathy received Rs 100,000 in cash and Rs 29 lakh in post-dated cheques. Ganapathy accepted the bribe amount at his residence in Coimbatore.
Meanwhile the state BJP unit said it is a matter of shame for the state intellectuals to see Vice Chancellors getting arrested on corruption charges and other irregularities.
Insurance regulator Irdai has extended the deadline for linking 12-digit unique identity number Aadhaar with various insurance policies until the SC decides on the matter.
New Delhi: Insurance regulator IRDAI has extended the deadline for linking 12-digit unique identity number Aadhaar with various insurance policies until the Supreme Court decides on the matter.
The Supreme Court of India in Writ Petition (vide order dated 13 March) extended the deadline of linking Aadhaar till the matter is finally heard and the judgement is pronounced.
The IRDAI decision to indefinitely extend the 31 March deadline comes in wake of the Supreme Court order. "For existing insurance policies, the date of linking Aadhaar is extended till the matter is finally heard and the judgement is pronounced by Hon'ble Supreme Court of India," the insurance regulator said in a circular to insurers.
In case of new insurance polices, the regulator said the policy buyer is allowed six months from the date of commencement of account based relationship to submit the Aadhaar number and PAN/Form 60 to the insurer. "In absence of Aadhaar, client shall submit any of the officially valid document as mentioned in the Prevention of Money-Laundering (Maintenance of Records) Rules, 2005," said Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (Irdai).
As per norms, Non Resident Indian policy holders are not required to surrender their policy for not having Aadhaar number. In absence of Aadhaar, NRI/Persons of Indian Origin/Overseas Citizens of India too can submit any of the officially valid documents as per the PMLA.
India should play a major role in resolving the vexed Syrian refugee crisis, Jordan Prince Ali bin Al Hussein has said, citing the plight of millions in dire need of humanitarian assistance
Amman: India should play a major role in resolving the vexed Syrian refugee crisis, Jordan Prince Ali bin Al Hussein has said, citing the plight of millions in dire need of humanitarian assistance.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had met Jordan's King Abdullah II during his visit to the West Asian country last month during which both the sides held extensive talks on different issues including security.
India and Jordan enjoy friendly ties since diplomatic relations were established in 1950.
Ali, ahead of the second Laureates and Leaders for Children Summit 2018 in Amman, said that India and Jordan have very good diplomatic relations.
"Prime minister Modi had recently visited Jordan during which both the countries had vowed to step up cooperation on a number of areas and held talks on several issues. India is a fast-growing economy and a powerful country. So we expect India to play a key role in resolving the Syria refugee crisis and other such issues," Ali told reporters on Saturday.
The summit, to be held from 26 to 27 March, will bring together Nobel laureates and world leaders with youth from around the world to deliberate and develop a plan of action to address the challenges faced by children.
Ali is the co-organiser of the summit.
Nobel Peace Prize winner Kailash Satyarthi said that India is the world's largest democracy. It is the land which gives the message of peace and humanity.
"India is home to the world's third-largest Muslim population where people have been living peacefully for the last several decades. Peaceful co-existence is India's heritage. So, it becomes the responsibility of the people and the Indian government to spread this message to the other parts of the world. These ideas can go a long way in resolving the Syria crisis," Satyarthi said.
India has been extending a helping hand to many countries including Afghanistan, Nepal and South Sudan, he said.
Abdullah II had visited India for three days last month, nearly three weeks after Modi travelled to Jordan as part of his trip to West Asia, including Palestine.
After extensive talks between the two leaders in New Delhi, the two sides had signed 12 agreements in a wide range of areas including defence, health and medicine.
Prince Ali said that Jordan has been playing a major role in tackling the refugee crisis in West Asia. Jordan's place is the second in the list of countries accepting most of the refugees.
"We hope to come up with great solutions to the issues of migrants including children in the Summit," Ali said.
Established by Satyarthi, the second edition of the Laureates and Leaders for Children Summit 2018 will be held at the King Hussein Bin Talal Convention Centre on the historic banks of the Dead Sea in Jordan.
More than 5.6 million Syrians have fled the country as refugees, according to the UN. Half of the people affected are children.
Healthcare centres, schools, and water and sanitation systems have been damaged during the course of the war between the Syrian government troops and the rebels.
An estimated 2.75 million Syrians are registered in Turkey, around 3.5 percent of the country's population, according to International Crisis Group, an independent body working to prevent wars and shape policies for a more peaceful world.
More than 13 million people in Syria are in need of humanitarian assistance, several studies have suggested.
Union Minister of State for Electronics and IT, and Tourism, KJ Alphons, continued his stout defence of the Aadhaar policy on Sunday.
Union minister KJ Alphons, continued his stout defence of the Aadhaar policy on Sunday, saying that the enrollees' biometric data is safe with the UIDAI and is absolutely secure.
The Union Minister of State for Electronics and IT, and Tourism had recently courted controversy when he said that Indian citizens shouldn't have a problem giving fingerprints or iris scans to the UIDAI especially since many don't mind stripping to get a US visa.
On Sunday, not only did he defend his statement but also termed Rahul Gandhi's allegations that the Narendra Modi (NaMo) app illegally acquired data from its users and that it was sold it to an American company named Clever Tap. He also asked people if they thought the prime minister would give the data to a private company while urging people not to believe in fake news
"Your bio-metric data is with UIDAI and let me assure you that it has not been breached, it's absolutely secure. We have given authorisation to govt agencies to access Aadhaar," the minister was quoted as saying by ANI.
On Friday, in a special address at the valedictory of the #Future digital summit in Kochi, Alphons had said, "Not one case of biometric data leak has come up in the past three-and-a-half years. The Centre has protected the data and this (hacking) is impossible because we are using the latest technology and upgrading it everyday," according to The Hindu.
He had also said, "We have absolutely no problems going and putting our fingerprints and the iris and getting your whole body naked before the white man at all. We have no problem. But when the government of India, which is your government, asks you your name and your address, nothing more, theres a massive revolution in the country saying its an intrusion into the privacy of the individual. I mean, how far can we go? Let the Supreme Court decide," reported The Indian Express.
On Saturday, the UIDAI denied a report by news website ZDNet that the Aadhaar programme has been hit by another security lapse that allows access to private information.
ZDNet reported that a data leak on a system run by a state-owned utility company, which it did not name, could allow access to private information of holders of the biometric Aadhaar ID cards, exposing their names, their unique 12-digit identity numbers, and their bank details.
But the UIDAI, which runs the Aadhaar programme, said there is no truth in this story and that they were contemplating legal action against ZDNet.
ZDNet could not immediately be contacted for comment on the UIDAIs response.
There has been absolutely no breach of UIDAIs Aadhaar database. Aadhaar remains safe and secure, the agency said in a statement late on Saturday.
Even if the claim purported in the story were taken as true, it would raise security concerns on database of that utility company and has nothing to do with the security of UIDAIs Aadhaar database, it said.
The city police on Sunday arrested four men for allegedly raping a 20-year-old college student.
Bhopal: The city police on Sunday arrested four men for allegedly raping a 20-year-old college student.
The accused, caught after she lodged the complaint this morning, were paraded through busy streets by the police.
While the alleged incident took place last evening, the woman lodged a complaint with the Maharana Pratap (MP) Nagar Police Station this morning, and all four accused were arrested within an hour, Deputy Inspector General of Police Dharmendra Choudhary said.
The accused were paraded through busy streets, and some women among the onlookers were seen thrashing them.
Of late, police in Madhya Pradesh have taken to parading habitual eve-teasers or those accused of sexual offences through streets, as a measure of deterrence after the government came under fire for the increase in crime against women.
The DIG said that Shailendra Dangi (21), who is the victim's senior in her college, called her to a restaurant in the MP Nagar locality on Saturday.
According to her complaint, after she met him, they had a fight over some issue. Shailendra snatched her cell phone and took her to his friend Sonu Dangi's room near Apsara cinema, she told police.
Sonu Dangi (21), Dhiraj Rajput (26) and Chiman Rajput (25) were already present in the room, according to the complaint.
Shailendra and Dhiraj threatened to kill her and her family, and raped her, while Sonu and Chiman helped the duo, she told police.
Afterwards, they let her go, but warned not to disclose the incident to anyone, she said.
All were booked for gang-rape as they were supposed to have acted with a common intention, additional superintendent of police Vikas Kumar Sahwal said. IPC sections 376 (rape), 376 (d) (gang-rape) and 365 (kidnapping) were pressed against them.
The accused confessed to the crime, DIG Choudhary said, adding that further probe is on.
When asked why police is parading the accused through the streets, Bhopal Inspector General of Police Jaideep Kumar said it has boosted women's confidence, and they are now coming forward to lodge complaints in such cases.
The parading has instilled a fear in offenders, he said.
Manohar Parrikar, being treated in the US for advanced cancer of the pancreas, is recovering and could be back in Goa within 'six to eight weeks', state minister Francisco D'Souza said.
Panaji: Goa chief minister Manohar Parrikar, being treated in the US for advanced cancer of the pancreas, is recovering and could be back in Goa within "six to eight weeks", state minister Francisco D'Souza said on Saturday.
The leader of the BJP legislative party also said that it was wrong to discuss leadership change in Parrikar's absence. "He is responding to treatment. His digestive system is working and he's recovering, which is all good news... his digestive system is working which is all good news," D'Souza told reporters.
Parrikar was admitted to a New York-based hospital earlier in March for treatment. After being admitted to the Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai twice since 15 February, he was flown to the US on 7 March for further treatment.
The Goa CMO has repeatedly maintained that Parrikar suffers from "mild pancreatitis".
D'Souza also said that discussing leadership change, when Parrikar is suffering from ill-health was in "bad taste". "It's in bad taste and uncalled for... No one should discuss on leadership change when the CM is taking treatment. Let's wait for two more months. He will be back by then," said D'Souza who is the seniormost BJP legislator and the Urban Development Minister.
The purchase of five S400 surface to air missile systems is acceptable as a defence ring for India's sensitive installations, but it does not compensate for a dwindling air force and India should seriously knock on the door for the F35 as a back up to the limited S400
India and Russia are ready to close deal on the S400 Triumf advanced surface-to-air missile system (SAMs), and a commerical contract is most likely to be signed during Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's visit to Russia in April this year. But where Indian Air force muscle is concerned, the atrophy set in two decades ago and it does not matter what options are placed on the table.
If we were a more military savvy and aware nation we would have indicted two governments for letting things slide and leaving India vulnerable. As a matter of fact vulnerable is a gentle word. We are wide open and the amazing part is we either pretend this is not true or that so long as the Indian ostrich keeps its head stuck in the sand there is no problem.
Every now and then we spike interest with a supposed purchase that invariably ends up grounded in accusations of corruption and the need of the hour turns into the dismay of the year...and more.
The latest in this dismal deterioration of our skies is the move to buy the S400 system, the Russian answer to the Patriot ring of aerial security. No one can cavil over the effectiveness of this Russian hi-tech safeguard except to say that it is back to snuggling in the Russian lap again and waiting patiently like Oliver for more when it comes to spare parts and maintenance documentation.
For some reason, we always end up snarling the shopping for hardware net when we attempt to spread it beyond the conventional markets. The Russian influence on New Delhi survives and though the US (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) THAAD is far stronger, the basic SAMs in the S400 are capable of striking incoming missiles and enemy aircraft including mobile command posts in the Airborne Warning and Control System (AWAC) category.
Why we have reduced the original 12 system to 5 (at a cost of Rs 39,000 crores) is obviously financial. Although, to be fair, it has a performance envelope of 400 kilometres and its other three missiles can destroy hostiles at 120 klicks, 40 klicks, and an in-your-face 12 klicks strategic positioning, which would offer a canopy to most of the country. But even then if the incoming is multiple, it is a moot point if five such systems are adequate, or, simply window dressing.
And this is no guaranteed shield when you see that Moscow has 80 around the capital and plans 56 battalions with eight systems each. The only good point is that the system is already being packaged to the Chinese and would neutralise their edge if we had the same. But we are at the back of the queue as we dither and even Turkey has moved ahead of us.
If this deal is to go through, it will be dependent on the quantity of the missiles that we obtain. And the training. This will take two years for first delivery and two years to activate and that is a long time to be weak in the air. Which we are and are still doing precious little about it.
The Russians probably have upgraded the NATO codenamed Growler S400 system to tackle the fifth generation F35 joint strike fighter which is an integrated air system in itself and will make all other fighters obsolete despite its teething problems.
The Russians believe that the S400 makes the F35 obsolete and even its stealth properties will not make it invulnerable to the S400 firepower and advanced radar capability. That is still to be seen and the US must be working feverishly to combat the S400 threat basically by targeting its pods and discovering a way to kill the missiles mid-air like dispatching a barrage of Tomahawks in its path based on the 'I shot a thousand arrows in the air, so one will hit the target' premise.
For India, the purchase of five such systems is acceptable as a defence ring for our sensitive installations, but it does not compensate for a dwindling air force and India should seriously knock on the door for the F35 as a back up to the limited S400.
It does not matter whether an air force has a Rafale, an F16, a range of Sukhois, the Swedish Gripen, the Eurofighter or a Mirage, none of these fighters can even come close. In fact, after US President Donald Trump demanded a trimming of the cost of the F35 by 10 percent earlier this year and forced Lockheed Martin to redo its sums, the aircraft is coming in at $86 million per unit which is less than what is being paid for conventional fighters. And far less than the Rafale which is way north of the $100 million mark.
Its weapon systems can find targets 2,000 kilometres away.
It will not be easy to make this deal but it is worth pushing the envelope. Trump has been flexible about the talks between the UAE and Saudi Arabia for possible sales to offset Irans adventurism as Washington sees it.
The opening dialogue was conducted at the Dubai airshow in November despite a deal with Israel in which there has to be a five-year gap in hardware sold to that country before another in the region can get a look in.
However, after the Jerusalem decision, Trump would like to make overtures to the Middle Easts stable and much-needed allies and ignore Israels protest having already sold it 24 planes. The Republic of Korea has also been sold 40 aircraft as a deterrent to China and the other nation to have got 52 is Norway, a founder member of NATO.
If the US wants to exert a pincer pressure on Beijing and also help in tampering down Pakistan, then it might be open to at least beginning negotiations with New Delhi.
But if we dont ask they wont sell.
Of all the seats going unclaimed in IITs in the five years since 2013, the IIT-BHU has reported maximum vacancies, according to data compiled by the HRD ministry.
New Delhi: Of all the seats going unclaimed in IITs in the five years since 2013, the IIT-BHU has reported maximum vacancies, according to data compiled by the HRD ministry.
The number of seats lying vacant in the premium institutes has seen a rising trend in the five years, except in 2014, prompting the ministry to set up a panel which made several recommendations to address the issue.
The committee, which was set up in 2017, submitted its report earlier in 2018. According to the ministry data, of the nearly 11,000 seats across the IITs, a total of 274 seats remained vacant from 2013, which included 15 (in 2013), five in 2014, 39 in 2015, 96 in 2016 and 121 in 2017.
As far as IIT-BHU is concerned, it recorded maximum vacancies across all 23 Indian Institutes of Technology since 2013. It had 32 vacancies in 2017, 38 in 2016, 28 in 2015, three in 2014 and four seats in 2013. The Indian School of Mines (which was upgraded to the status of an IIT in 2016) recorded 23 vacancies each in 2016 and 2017.
The IIT-Kanpur and the IIT-Hyderabad had all their seats taken between 2013 and 2017, while the IIT-Delhi recorded zero vacancy between 2013 and 2015. In 2016 and 2017, the IIT-Delhi had two seats vacant in each year.
As far as IIT-Bombay is concerned, it had all its seats filled in 2013, 2014 and 2015, while had two vacancies in 2016 and one in 2017.
"In order to minimise the vacancies in IITs, NITs and other Centrally-Funded Technical institutions (CFTIs), the HRD ministry constituted a committee to recommend suitable measures," a senior ministry official said. The committee recommended the institutions may review seats in each discipline based on employment opportunities, national requirement, available infrastructure and scope for future, he said.
"Some disciplines may be considered for closure or be kept in abeyance for a few years, if needed. New courses and disciplines may be introduced only after carrying out market opportunity analysis," he added. The committee also recommended streamlining the counselling process by having multiple rounds as well as taking other pro-active measures such as launching helpline to facilitate students in making choices, officials said.
An unidentified militant was killed on Saturday in an encounter with security forces in central Kashmir's Budgam district, police said
Srinagar: An unidentified militant was killed on Saturday in an encounter with security forces in central Kashmir's Budgam district, police said.
A woman was also injured in the incident, they said.
Acting on specific information about the presence of militants in Khan Mohalla of Arizal in Beerwah area of the district, security forces launched a cordon and search operation during the night, a police official said.
The militants, trying to flee, came out of the house and began firing indiscriminately, he said.
The forces retaliated, killing one militant, he added.
Arms and ammunition have been recovered from the site, the official said, adding that the identity of the slain militant and his group affiliation was being ascertained.
The police promptly took the injured woman to a hospital and her condition is now reported to be stable, the official said.
"The area is under cordon and searches are being conducted," he said.
Rajasthan governor Kalyan Singh has expressed displeasure over the financial discipline in universities of the state and sought clarification from vice-chancellors on the matter. In his letter to vice-chancellors, the governor directed them to take action on regular basis in financial matters.
Jaipur: Rajasthan governor Kalyan Singh has expressed displeasure over the financial discipline in universities of the state and sought clarification from vice-chancellors on the matter. In his letter to vice-chancellors, the governor directed them to take action on regular basis in financial matters.
Singh, who is the chancellor of state universities, received information that grants being received by varsities from various sources were not being utilised properly, a release quoted the governor has saying. He has expressed displeasure on this and wrote a letter to vice-chancellors seeking clarification on why the grants were not being used, it said.
Vice-chancellors were directed to inform the Raj Bhawan here of the current status of grants by 15 April, the release said. The governor has also asked them to constitute a committee for monitoring financial discipline, it said.
Singh mentioned that future grants would be stopped if a university does not utilise the fund, the release said. It is important to maintain financial discipline for the progress of any institution. For this. Vice-chancellors should review the financial management in a time-bound manner, it said.
With the West Bengal ruling party Trinamool Congress (TMC) and main Opposition BJP leaving no stone unturned in their Rama Navami preparations this year, the occasion was celebrated on a massive scale on Sunday.
Kolkata: With the West Bengal ruling party Trinamool Congress (TMC) and main Opposition BJP leaving no stone unturned in their Rama Navami preparations this year, the occasion was celebrated on a massive scale on Sunday.
While the TMC leaders termed their Rama Navami celebrations a symbol of harmony among the people, the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) termed the ruling party's participation as a victory of the Hindus and the Hindutva agenda.
Claiming that Rama Navami has become a social festival in Bengal, BJP National Secretary Rahul Sinha said the magnitude of the celebration marks the victory of their Hindutva agenda.
He also welcomed the rallies taken out by the Trinamool, claiming that the state ruling party had to finally bow their heads and acknowledge the importance of the Hindu population in Bengal.
"This is a big victory for the BJP and its Hindutva agenda. It is important that Trinamool Congress leaders had to bow down their heads to the Hindu population in the state. We welcome this. This is a victory for Lord Rama and Rama Navami," Sinha, who himself participated in a rally in Hoogly district's Chinsurah, told IANS.
Sinha said though the BJP was not organising any rallies, all its senior state leaders are participating in the processions organised by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and the Hindu Jagran Manch.
As many as six major Rama Navami rallies would be taken out in the city by the Sangh affiliate, with the rally from north Kolkata's Sovabazar expected to draw the biggest crowds.
State BJP president Dilip Ghosh, who was seen brandishing a sword at a rally in West Midnapore district's Kharagpur, said rallies with arms would be taken out in the area in the evening and claimed that so many people's participation shows the country is moving towards "Rama Rajya".
"There would be an armed rally in Kharagpur. I will carry weapons myself. This has been an old tradition here to conduct armed rallies. It would continue. It seems we are approaching towards Ram Rajya. Those who did not want it, are also wanting it now. I am sure Ram Mandir would also be built in Ayodhya," Ghosh claimed.
BJP leader Mukul Roy, who defected from the TMC last year, was also seen leading a rally in north 24 Parganas district's Newtown area.
"Arms are nothing but symbols. No one carries arms in the rally to indulge in fights. I think the Trinamool government is trying to create an unnecessary controversy over the armed rallies on Ram Navami," he pointed out.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee extended greetings on social media.
State Minister of Biotechnology and Statistics Ashish Banerjee took out a colourful procession with dancers dressed as Ram and Sita in Birbhum district's Rampurhat.
On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that 91 individuals may soon be placed on the no-fly list so that they cannot escape their loans and debts and take off for foreign climes to share a supper with Lalit Modi, Vijay Mallya and Nirav Modi. Except they have not been named.
It seems 91 is the magic number. In 2015, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) issued a list of 91 companies with the advisory that, as of now, they should not be invested in. There was a message in there. And they had been so named. On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that 91 individuals may soon be placed on the no-fly list so that they cannot escape their loans and debts and take off for foreign climes to share a supper with Lalit Modi, Vijay Mallya and Nirav Modi. Except they have not been named.
The story broke hard and then melted away in a day last week without gaining traction at any level. It should have been the third spear in the fiscal trident with demonetisation and Goods and Services Tax. When it was announced it sounded very impressive, but there were some obvious loopholes that turned the announcement into Swiss cheese.
For one: Why this odd figure? Why not 90 or 100? After all, there have to be more fiscal renegades in the country. The specific number indicates the list is ready if not publicly disclosed.
Which means that a plural number of politicians besides Parliament, support staff and bureaucrats know who is on the half-baked list or at least its rough draft.
It also means that for it to work it will be given to all the airlines and airports, seaports and private flights. Check-in and immigration screens will have a flag. Maybe the message will not go to the underground in human trafficking because we have yet to admit that it exists.
The chances of the 91 having been forewarned are enormous. As of now, the first 500 (or many more) major defaulters must already be trawling the waters of government and alerting their network of contacts to find out if they are on this bloody list. One must ask if the operative phrase is willful default, then what is the quantum of the willfulness in the refusal to return the loan?
Surely, if this was as serious as it should be the initiative to block the take-offs would have occurred sometime after midnight one night such as with the demonetisation announcement. While detractors might insist that reducing the currency notes to tissue paper was a bad idea and did not pay dividends, the fact is that where the timing was concerned it was perfect.
In comparison, this premature public statement of intent makes one wonder if the government is serious. What was the point of the happy warning by announcing something that now gives the 91 or 910 or 9,910 the opportunity to obfuscate matters and find escape routes?
Also, how good is it in law without the promulgation of an ordinance that in very clear terms gives the parameters of the eligibility to place one on this dubious honours list and, more importantly, what is the cutoff sum for which that party is in hock?
After all, how many thousands of individuals have loans that are now outstanding? If the cut-off is made then what of those who have lesser loans by lesser margins? It is not enough to say there will be more lists. That will not wash. Just like it happened with the overnight killing of the Rs 1,000 note and what followed, major sums can be splintered through submissive surrogates with a little bit of co-operation from the banks and some dexterous paperwork.
Will the banks co-operate? If history is an indicator, they will be slavering at the leash and coming up with ideas if it means getting their money back. You would have to be as naive as a sunflower (and as sunny) to conclude bankers do not collude. It is their bread and butter.
Especially since the flight of canaries singing who did what to whom would have their names in the lyrics.
Did I say flight?
Two suicide bombers attacked a Shiite mosque in Afghanistan's western Herat province on Sunday, killing three including the two terrorists and wounding nine others
Two suicide bombers attacked a Shiite mosque in Afghanistan's western Herat province on Sunday, killing three including the two terrorists and wounding nine others, an official said.
#UPDATE: A health official confirms to Ariana News that at least 3 people were killed and 9 others wounded in #Herat mosque attack. pic.twitter.com/k7ZRpkyN6G Ariana News (@ArianaNews_) March 25, 2018
Police spokesman Abdul Ahad Walizada said the toll may rise from Sunday's attack, The Associated Press said.
He said both bombers tried to enter the mosque but one was shot dead by guards before making it inside.
The other bomber died in the blast, according to Ariana News, taking the overall death toll to three.
Walizada was quoted as saying by Ariana News that the incident took place around 1 pm (local time) inside Rasul-e-Akram mosque in the 7th Police District during mid-day prayer. The wounded have been transferred to hospital. According to the news agency, the
Though AP said that no one immediately claimed responsibility, according to Ariana News, the attack was conducted by Islamic State.
An affiliate of Islamic State frequently targets the country's Shiite minority, which it views as apostates. Last week, an Islamic State suicide bomber targeted a group of Shiites marking the Persian new year in Afghanistan's capital, killing more than 30 people.
With inputs from AP
A parliamentary committee may recommend that the government file a review petition against the Supreme Court order diluting the provisions of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, according to panel members.
New Delhi: A parliamentary committee may recommend that the government file a review petition against the Supreme Court order diluting the provisions of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, according to panel members.
Members of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Social Justice, cutting across party lines, said they will raise the issue at the panel's meeting next week.
The committee will call officials of the social justice ministry to deliberate on the judgement, a member said on condition of anonymity.
The social justice ministry is the nodal ministry for the implementation of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
Members of the panel are of the opinion that the government should file a review plea against the judgement, another member said.
The 30-member committee headed by BJP MP Ramesh Bais is scheduled to meet next week to analyse the impact of the micro-credit finance scheme of the National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC).
The Supreme Court had last week ordered that there shall be no immediate arrest based on a complaint filed under the law.
Before arresting a public servant under the Act, a preliminary probe by an officer not below the rank of deputy superintendent is a must, the court had said.
Union ministers Ram Vilas Paswan and Ramdas Athawale have already demanded that the government file a review plea against the order. Many MPs of the BJP are also upset over the judgement and have conveyed their views to the party leadership.
Trade ministers and senior officials of India and China would deliberate upon ways to boost two-way commerce and reduce trade deficit in the Joint Economic Group (JEG) meeting in New Delhi on Monday.
New Delhi: Trade ministers and senior officials of India and China would deliberate upon ways to boost two-way commerce and reduce trade deficit in the Joint Economic Group (JEG) meeting in New Delhi on Monday.
The meeting assumes significance as India has time and again raised the issue of heavy trade imbalance with China and sought steps to facilitate Indian exports in areas including pharmaceutical and agricultural products and information technology services.
Commerce and Industry minister Suresh Prabhu and his Chinese counterpart Zhong Shan will discuss "how to balance the trade gap in the India-China Joint Economic Group meeting," a government official said.
Investment related issues are also likely to come up for discussion besides market access matters and other non-trade barriers.
Trade deficit with China stood at $36.73 billion during April-October this fiscal. Increasing trade deficit with China can be attributed primarily to the fact that Chinese exports to India rely strongly on manufactured items to meet the demand of fast expanding sectors like telecom and power.
Prabhu has recently said that India is keen to deliberate upon ways to reduce the trade deficit with China. "We will discuss that issue bilaterally," he has said.
The JEG was formed in December 1988 during the visit of the then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi to Beijing.
In 2011-12, the bilateral trade between the countries stood at $75.45 billion. While India's exports stood at $17.90 billion, imports were $57.55 billion. India's trade deficit with China has marginally dipped to $51 billion in 2016-17 from $52.69 billion in the previous fiscal.
The Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) of the Uttar Pradesh police has arrested ten persons, who it claimed were linked with Lashker-e-Taiba and allegedly involved in terror-funding activities.
Lucknow: The Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) of the Uttar Pradesh police has arrested ten persons, who it claimed were linked with Lashker-e-Taiba and allegedly involved in terror-funding activities.
"Ten persons were arrested from Gorakhpur, Lucknow, Pratapgarh and Rivan (MP) on Saturday by the ATS. These persons were involved in terror-funding on the directives from Pakistan," ATS IG Asim Arun told reporters.
The arrested men were identified as Naseem Ahamad, Naeem Arshad, Sanjay Saroj, Niraj Mishra, Sahil Masih, Uma Pratap Singh, Mukesh Prasad, Nikhil Rai alias Musharraf Ansari, Ankur Rai and Dayanand Yadav, he said.
"A member of Lashker-e-Taiba used to remain in contact with them and ask them to open bank accounts in fake names and direct them as to how much money is to be transferred to which account. Indian agents used to get 10 to 20 percent commission for this. Till now transactions of over Rs one crore have come to the fore," he said.
He claimed the arrested persons had links with the LeT and some of them even knew what was happening.
"Some them clearly knew what they were doing, while some considered it as a lottery fraud," the officer said, adding a detailed probe was on and more arrests likely. The role of the bank staff too would be probed, he said.
ATM cards, Rs 42 lakh cash, swap machines, magnetic card readers, three laptops, passbooks of different banks, a country made pistol and cartridges were recovered from the possession of the accused, he said.
A wanted man, who was carrying a reward of Rs 25,000 on his head, was killed while another was arrested in separate encounters in Saharanpur and Ghaziabad districts of Uttar Pradesh, in which two policemen were also injured, the police said on Sunday.
Saharanpur/Ghaziabad: A wanted man, who was carrying a reward of Rs 25,000 on his head, was killed while another was arrested in separate encounters in Saharanpur and Ghaziabad districts of Uttar Pradesh, in which two policemen were also injured, the police said on Sunday.
In Saharanpur, a notorious gangster, Salim, was killed in a shootout with the police, in which a sub-inspector of Mandi police station was injured, said Saharanpur Senior Superintendent of Police Bablu Kumar.
He said acting on a late night information that a gang has robbed a farmer of Rs 1 lakh and his motorcycle in Manoharpur village under Sarsawa police station area, a Swift Action police team was deployed to nab the criminals.
The SWAT team, comprising personnel of Sarsawa and Mandi police stations, spotted the gangsters coming on a bike from Chilkana and flagged them down to stop, but, ignoring the signal, they opened fire on police.
The police returned the fire, killing one of the gangsters, while another one managed to flee in the darkness. The slain gangster was identified as Salim, having a reward of Rs 25,000 on his head, Bablu Kumar said.
In the shootout, Sub Inspector Sachin Sharma was also injured, said the SSP, adding that the police, however, managed to recover the looted money and the bike of Manoharpur farmer Nawab besides a pistol and several rounds of cartridges from the gangsters.
In another incident at Vijay Nagar police station area of Ghaziabad, a local history-sheeter, carrying a reward of Rs 25,000, was arrested after an encounter with the police, Ghaziabad SSP Vaibhav Krishna said.
Sunder (35), hailing from Pilkhuwa town, was wanted in five cases of attempt to murder, killing and robbery, he said. SSP Krishna said the encounter took place around 8.15 pm near Akbarpur Bahrampur on NH-24. The man was on a bike, and when the police signalled him to stop, he opened fire on the police team.
The police officials returned the fire in which Sunder was shot in his right leg, Krishna said, adding Vijay Nagar SHO Naresh Kumar was also injured in the fire-fight.
Both Naresh Kumar and Sunder were being treated at a hospital, officials said.
A country-made pistol, knife and a few live cartridges were seized from Sunder, the official added.
A wanted criminal was shot dead in a gunfight here early on Sunday after he opened fire at the police with an AK-47 assault rifle, injuring three policemen, the Uttar Pradesh police said.
Noida: A man wanted in several cases was shot dead in a gunfight early on Sunday after he opened fire at the police with an AK-47 assault rifle, injuring three policemen, the Uttar Pradesh police said.
Shravan, 30, was carrying a reward of Rs 1 lakh on his head. He was wanted in over 12 criminal cases of murder, attempt to murder, kidnapping and vehicle thefts in Delhi and the National Capital Region.
"A native of Ghaziabad, Shravan was the mastermind of a gang that snatched an SUV from the driver of a media group in 2017 here. He also murdered a man in Delhi over personal animosity in 2016," Senior Superintendent of Police Ajay Pal Sharma said.
The incident took place near Parthala Chowk in the Phase 3 area. The police received a tip-off that Shravan and his associate were coming to the area.
"A team was deployed and all major roads were blocked with barricades," Sharma said.
"When police directed a Maruti Swift Dzire to stop, its occupants, Shravan and his associate, fired on police with the AK-47 and an automatic rifle. Shravan was injured in retaliatory firing while his associate managed to flee.
"Shravan was taken to a district hospital where he was declared brought dead. The three injured policemen have been admitted to a private hospital.
"For the last couple of days, a manhunt was on by Delhi Police and Uttar Pradesh Police to arrest him," the SSP said.
The rifles have been seized.
One villager was killed and four others were injured following clashes between locals and the police during a Ram Navami procession in Purulia's Beldi village on Sunday
One person was killed and four others injured following clashes between locals and the police during a Ram Navami procession in Beldi village in Purulia, West Bengal, on Sunday, according to several media reports.
One villager killed, around four injured following a clash between locals & police during a #RamNavami procession in Purulia's Beldi; police personnel also injured; visuals from hospital in Purulia #WestBengal pic.twitter.com/vuaTUOehwN ANI (@ANI) March 25, 2018
News18 reported that the Bajrang Dal held a Ram Navami rally in the area and were armed. The report added that no permission was granted for the rally.
The ruling Trinamool Congress and the Opposition BJP organised rallies and processions to celebrate Ram Navami in various parts of West Bengal, with the saffron party dubbing these rallies as the first step towards "uniting the Hindus" of Bengal.
The TMC, in a bid to counter the rallies by the BJP and Sangh affiliates, took out colourful processions and organised Ram puja in various parts of the state. They said, "BJP won't be able to use Ram Navami as an excuse to divide the people".
Ram Mandir Mahotsav Samiti also took out a procession in Siliguri, where people were seen brandishing swords, ANI further reported.
Ram Mandir Mahotsav Samiti took out a procession on the occasion of #RamNavami where people were seen brandishing swords, in West Bengal's Siliguri pic.twitter.com/UZudBIo0Hn ANI (@ANI) March 25, 2018
Claiming that Ram Navami has become a social festival in West Bengal, BJP national secretary Rahul Sinha said the magnitude of the celebration marks the victory of their Hindutva agenda.
Sinha welcomed the TMC rallies, claiming that the ruling party had to finally bow their heads and acknowledge the importance of the Hindu population in Bengal.
West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee last week directed the police not to permit any organisation to hold processions displaying arms during Ram Navami, barring those that had been doing so for a long time.
With inputs from agencies
Amit Shah has advised the Assam unit of his party to reach out to the people of the state, down to the grassroot level, keeping in view the upcoming 2019 Lok Sabha election, a party leader said.
Guwahati: BJP president Amit Shah has advised the Assam unit of his party to reach out to the people of the state, down to the grassroot level, keeping in view the upcoming 2019 Lok Sabha election, a party leader said on Sunday.
Shah advised the core committee members of the BJP's Assam unit to visit the districts and strengthen the party's base in the North Eastern state, inform the people about its manifesto for the upcoming panchayat polls and find out whether the benefits of the government schemes had reached the grassroot level.
"Amit Shah suggested that keeping in view the 2019 Parliamentary polls, the party should be strengthened in the state. He also wanted the core committee members to establish links with the people by visiting their homes," state BJP chief Ranjit Kumar Das said, while briefing reporters about the party's core committee meeting here in the presence of Shah last night.
Shah, who is on a two-day visit to Assam since Saturday, visited the Kamakhya temple on Sunday.
"The manifesto for the upcoming panchayat polls in the state was also discussed at the meeting and Amit Shah welcomed it," Das added.
Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said ministers, MPs, MLAs, booth and mandal committee presidents of each district and workers of the party attended the core committee meeting.
"We discussed Assam's development. Taking all the people of the state with us in the coming days, we want to strengthen the panchayati raj system," he told reporters.
"We have full confidence that the people of the state will extend their support to strengthening the panchayati raj system for bringing development in the rural areas," Sonowal said.
On reports about alliance partner Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) going alone in the panchayat polls to be held later this year, state BJP spokesperson Dilip Saikia said, "The alliance dharma will continue."
BJP president Amit Shah will be touring Karnataka for two days from Monday during which he will visit mutts associated with the Lingayat and Dalit communities.
New Delhi: BJP president Amit Shah will be touring Karnataka for two days from Monday during which he will visit mutts associated with the Lingayat and Dalit communities.
Besides visiting a number of mutts associated with various communities, including Lingayats and Dalits, Shah will also address farmers' and traders' meetings, take out a road show and attend party events in the poll-bound state, a BJP statement said.
Following the Siddaramaiah government's decision to accord minority religion status to Lingayats, who have mostly welcomed the move, Shah's visits to their holy places and meeting gurus is seen as part of his efforts to ensure that the community, the largest in the state, continues to back the BJP.
The Congress government's decision, political observers have said, is aimed at denting the vote bank of the BJP, which has declared BS Yeddyurappa its chief ministerial candidate.
Shah will go to Siddaganga mutt on Monday and seek the blessings of its seer, the statement said. He will on Tuesday visit Madara Chennaiah mutt, which has been traditionally associated with Dalits.
He will also visit the Bekkinkal, Sirgere and Muruga mutts among others during his visit to the state's central region. The BJP is making an all-out effort to unseat the Congress from the only big state where the grand old party is in power.
Congress president Rahul Gandhi has also been frequenting the state and visited holy places linked to different religions and castes.
Amit Shah's letter to Chandrababu Naidu is full of rhetoric, doesn't answer key questions such as why the special status for Andhra Pradesh has been denied and how far the special package has really grounded.
BJP president Amit Shah's letter to Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu is filled with rhetoric and doesn't answer key questions such as why the special status for the state has been denied and how far the special package has really grounded. The defence is replete with generalities and accusations against the state government. While giving Centre's version of issues, Shah fails to answer critical questions facing the government.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has left no stone unturned in ensuring the growth and prosperity of Andhra Pradesh, the BJP president asserted. But this is not a special favour accorded to the state suffering due to bifurcation thrust upon it, against its interests. The prime minister is constitutionally-bound to work for the growth and prosperity of every state, including Andhra Pradesh.
While asserting that it is the BJP that has led the voice of safeguarding the welfare of Telugu people in both the Telugu states, Shah laid the blame at the feet of the Congress, which not only mismanaged the bifurcation but also showed zero sensitivity towards the Telugu people. But Amit Shah conveniently ignored the fact that it was the BJP, then the Opposition, which was party to the 'mismanaged' exercise of bifurcation.
The Congress could not have ensured the passage of Andhra Pradesh state bifurcation Act without the active support of BJP. The BJP president failed to answer why his party-led Government of India has not comprehensively amended the bifurcation Act to remove its distortions to do maximum justice to Telugu people. It may be recalled that the Modi government, in its first Cabinet meeting, amended the Act to transfer the mandals due for submergence under the Polavaram Project from Telangana to Andhra Pradesh.
The Centre should have further amended it. Instead, the ruling party chose to curse the earlier Congress government. The people of Andhra Pradesh have already punished the Congress for its sins of bifurcation. Even the people of Telangana have not given it power for its parochial politics of bifurcation. Thus, the BJP can no longer defend its deeds by repeatedly referring to the Congress. Not just Shah, even the prime minister did the same thing in Parliament. This is only aimed at diverting the attention from the questions being posed to the NDA.
The BJP president further claimed that most of the promises made in the AP Reorganisation Act, 2014, are poised towards fulfilment and massive resources were allocated for the state. The BJP president's letter deliberately avoided any concrete or firm substantiation and chose to use abstract phrases such as 'poised towards fulfilment '. The claims of fulfilment of Act are far from reality as this Firstpost article pointed out.
Shah referred to devolution of 42 percent of central revenues (against 32 percent earlier): Amounting to an additional Rs 2 lakh crore to the states. All this makes it very obvious that any claim of discrimination against Andhra Pradesh is far from factual, Shah argued. This argument is fallacious on two counts: While increasing the percentage of central transfers, the Union government reduced the number of centrally-sponsored schemes under which the states were also getting funds.
Besides, in these four years, a number of cesses were imposed and the accruals under these would be appropriated by Centre. More importantly, the new devolution formula is nothing specific to Andhra Pradesh and is unrelated to the bifurcation context in which the state has a right to receive a lot more.
Shah, in his letter, stated that several new educational intuitions mentioned under Schedule 13 of the Bifurcation Act have been set up and they have started functioning. The state government allotted land worth Rs 12,000 crore for establishment of these institutions. But, barring All India Institutes of Medical Sciences, civil construction works have not been taken up in any educational institution. In the past four years, the Centre spent only Rs 600 crore for these institutions, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu told the Assembly on Saturday.
Shah said the Centre initiated action on five feasible infrastructural projects. But the TDP, in its detailed reply to Shah's letter, questioned why the BJP president failed to mention the reasons for the delay in grounding these projects, impediments and measures taken to overcome these obstacles.
Though Shah referred to several ongoing railway projects to paint give a picture that the Centre has done a lot for state, there were no details of the phases these projects were in and no time table for their completion. While stating that the Centre already accorded in principle approval for metro projects, Shah also said the Centre is awaiting revised proposal for the project. But Ch. Kutumba Rao, vice president of Andhra Pradesh State Planning Board, said the state would be at a loss if a revised proposal is sought as the current metro policy does not provide for central component.
With regard to ports, steel plants and railway zones, Shah's letter wants the people of Andhra Pradesh to be satisfied with empty rhetoric in the form of the 'Centre working out modalities to make this happen' and 'under active consideration'. This, four years after the NDA government assumed office.
It is surprising that the BJP president sought credit for the recommendations of a constitutional body like Finance Commission with regard to bridging the fiscal deficit. The Centre, meanwhile, refuses to settle the dispute over the estimation of revenue deficit between itself and the state. The letter stated that the NDA government has more than doubled the extent of central assistance to Andhra Pradesh as compared to the total funds allocated in the previous five years.
But, surprisingly, Shah failed to explain how much of this increase is due to the general buoyancy in Centre's revenues and therefore, what is due to Andhra Pradesh in normal course like any other state and how much is the result of Centre's commitment to Andhra Pradesh in the wake of bifurcation.
Even after the chairman and the members of 14th Finance Commission clarified that the commission was not asked to make any recommendation on the special status, it is bizarre that the leadership at the Centre still denies special status to Andhra Pradesh quoting the same commission. It is also irrational to show that Rs 1,000 crore was allotted for underground drainage work in Vijayawada and Guntur under the funds for the capital.
Thus, Shah's letter further infuriated the TDP and widened the gap between the two erstwhile allies. The BJP president's response is, more or less, the same that is put forth by the BJP state party leaders. Rather than achieving any clarity on the contesting claims of the Centre and state government, the war of words will only intensify.
Addressing a rally of BJP booth unit chiefs in Guwahati, Amit Shah asked the party members to work towards achieving this target.
Guwahati: Gearing up for the next general election, BJP president Amit Shah on Saturday set a target of 21 seats out of 25 parliamentary constituencies from North East in Lok Sabha polls in 2019.
Addressing a rally of BJP booth unit chiefs in Guwahati, he asked the party members to work towards achieving this target.
"I want to give a target for 2019 polls. We want to win more than 21 seats out of 25 seats from North East," Shah said in the rally.
"Except Mizoram, all other states in North East are ruled by NEDA (North-East Democratic Alliance) constituents. So all of you need to take it forward," Shah said, adding the party won eight seats from the region during last Lok Sabha polls in 2014.
The BJP needs to win maximum number of seats from North East to strengthen Prime Minister Narendra Modi so that development of the region continues.
The party chief also asked the Assam BJP unit to expand the network and appoint 'Page Pramukh' or in-charge of each page of the electoral list.
Shah attacked the Congress and said the northeastern part of the country lagged behind other regions post Independence due to faulty policies of the oldest political party of India. Assam was the fourth developed state in India after Independence but it was fourth from the bottom when Sarbananda Sonowal became the chief minister in 2016, he claimed.
"Congress' policy is divide and rule, while it is sabka saath sabka vikaas for BJP. During 2014 campaign, Modiji had promised to develop North East like the western part of India. Four years have gone and see the progress of the region done by him," he said.
Assam, he said, had got Rs 79,741 crore from the 13th Finance Commission during the UPA tenure which soared to Rs 1,55,292 crore in 14th Finance Commission during the Modi government.
Without naming former prime minister Manmohan Singh, Shah criticised him for allegedly not doing anything significant for the region despite being elected to the Rajya Sabha from Assam twice.
The BJP chief also listed a series of schemes and financial benefits provided to Assam and the other northeastern states during the NDA regime in the last four years.
"(With) the stand India has taken on Doklam issue under Prime Minister Modi, a message has been sent to the entire world. He has also solved the border dispute with Bangladesh, helping the (northeast) region to prosper," the BJP chief claimed.
He also highlighted the Assam government's thrust to make the state free from corruption, terrorism, foreigners and pollution.
"The insurgent groups of the region are surrendering one after another and development is on. The way NRC update is going on, the foreigner issue will also be resolved soon," Shah added.
It is in this context that the proposed Federal Front discussions in Kolkata on 19 March between Trinamool supremo and West Bengal chief Mamata Banerjee and Telangana chief minister and TRS supremo K Chandrashekhar Rao assumes immense significance
The distance between West Bengal and the Dravidian states is more psychological than geographical. In the Dravidian narrative, the north is larger than north itself. The east too becomes north in a narrative where north and south make up the whole domain. But no narrative fully covers reality. The east exists, often in a similar ideological stance against the north. The south doesnt exist in that narrative. But if one looks at the map of non-BJP states in the Indian Union, it is the south and the east that form a continuous belt that prevents the spilling over of the toxic Hindi-Hindu-Hindustan ideology into the holy waters of the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean.
This continuity is not incidental. This is the zone of the politics of federalism. This is the zone whose absence would have created a Hindu rashtra called Hindustan with Hindi as its national language in 1947. This is the zone whose presence created the flawed but still nominally federal democratic entity called the Indian Union as it exists. It is in this context that the proposed Federal Front discussions in Kolkata on 19 March between Trinamool supremo and West Bengal chief Mamata Banerjee and Telangana chief minister and TRS supremo K Chandrashekhar Rao assumes immense significance. A leader from the south is talking to a leader from the east without any Delhi partys mediation on forming a political front based on the principles of federalism: a federal front. Whatever be the future of this proposal, this already is a sign of changing times.
For the longest time, pro-federalism parties have either struggled alone or have been part of either Congress-led or BJP-led formations. The only time this was not true were the brief periods of National Front and United Front. In the first case, the Congress was the common enemy. In the second instance, it was Congress at the start of a long decline and a resurgent BJP at the start of its take-off.
Only in Tamil Nadu, Jammu and Kashmir, Nagaland, Manipur, Punjab, and Mizoram have Centre-state relationship and power-sharing issues become sustained mass political questions. That is now changing. In fact, it has been changing for a few years, unbeknownst to Delhi chatterati. What they are waking up to is something that has been in the discourse of non-Hindi states for quite some time.
The idea of a federal front is not new. This was also mooted before the 2014 Union parliamentary elections. West Bengal finance minister and TMC leader Amit Mitra, talking to Bloomberg TV in the run-up to the 2014 Union parliamentary elections, said, There is a shift from dominance of two political parties, like a flip-card, one and the other, to a new matrix of politics that will only be clear when the chips fall into their places.
He continued: This third vital energy (the federal process) is coming into India. Crossroads of history. Let that play itself out in its finality. So my submission is, that what we are saying is we want a united India, we want a stable India. Let that finality arrive. And then, of course, people can step back and say: okay, keeping India united and stable, these are possible options that will face you.
That idea didnt quite take political shape in 2014. Though the grounds for the third space was borne out even in the 2014 elections. BJP and Congress received 50.8 percent of the votes between them. The rest (49.2 percent votes) went to non-Congress and non-BJP parties.
When the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance rode to power in 2014, with BJP gaining a majority on its own based largely on its sweep of Hindi states, an idea of India that had long been nursed in Hindi-Hindu-Hindustan ideological and popular circles began to assert itself in earnest. It is important to note that unlike the elite Nehruvian alliance that Congress represented, BJP in the Hindi-belt is a much more democratic party and hence it also represents the Hindi supremacist assertions of the base as well as RSS unitary vision of the Indian Union, where states are temporary irritant evils at best that need to be disempowered and done away with, slowly but surely.
This part of the ideology is also tacit in Nehruvian ideology but much more forcefully present in the thoughts of RSS ideologues like Deendayal Upadhyay. So, a BJP majority government has evoked precisely what it is supposed to do: a resistance from non-Hindi states.
If one looks at the political outcomes of 2014, it can be seen where BJP won and where BJP lost. BJP excelled primarily in two scenarios: one, if it was a Hindi state. Two, if the Opposition was Congress. In comparison, its influence and performance in non-Hindi, non-Congress states were dismal. It is that political space, which is not a negligible political space at all, that is showing early signs of coalescing.
Whether it actually can do so is another matter. From the above pattern, one can infer where BJPs weak underbelly lies. If non-Hindi, non-Congress federalist parties come together and maintain their present level of electoral performance in the next Union parliamentary elections, one is talking about a huge bloc. The blockbuster performance that BJP had in 2014 in the Hindi belt cannot be repeated. If that cannot be repeated, then to maintain numbers anywhere near the present level, BJP has to make it up elsewhere.
Where is this elsewhere? Clearly, this elsewhere is where BJP did not do well last time. That is the space where some headroom to gain exists. But that is only in theory. In practice, in most non-Hindi, non-BJP states, the Union government under BJP has evoked strong linguistic nationality-based state identity feelings where BJP is being branded as outsiders or representing agendas and ideologies where the non-Hindi are not at the high table. The state-based federalist parties are using this rhetoric in various ways.
However, for the politics of federalism and state rights to succeed at the Union level, unity is crucial. It is crucial because this unity cannot be a mere alliance of anti-BJP interests like the anti-Congress alliances of yore. Such alliances have been often portrayed in Delhi media as having no agenda for transformation but being ways of unseating someone else. That this is not true should be apparent from the words of Amit Mitra quoted above. And the substance is being made explicit as we speak.
Last year, Mamata declared the Centre should not have more than four departments: external defence, external affairs, currency, and railways. In March, KCR made the same point when he talked about large-scale transfer of subjects from Centre to States. He said, The central government should focus on diplomacy, defence, national security and national highways among other national and international issues.
In both cases, this means that functions that are in practice wholly within a state such as education, health, urban development, agriculture and a host of matters that in the Union and the concurrent list should rightfully belong to the state list. Thus, the Union of States will eke out the space for the Centre, which will have vital but limited powers. Of course, for doing this, constitutional amendments are necessary and that is precisely what KCR had in mind when he was declaring this Centre to state power transfer.
At the same event, he declared, Amend the Indian Constitution, bring in change. He called for abolishing the concurrent list altogether and proposed that there should only be two lists: The federal and the state. Thus, it is not surprising that these are the two leaders who held the initial parleys for the proposed federal front. In fact, what both of them said after the meeting said is extremely significant in their philosophical and political import.
KCR talked about the need for a qualitative change in the political structure of the Indian Union, while Mamata Banerjee said that a single party should not rule the country. All this points to the idea of the Indian Union they stated quite explicitly: Of a truly federal polity, with most powers lying with the states while the Centre is given only those functions that have cross-state implications like currency, communication, railways or have to do with external situations like external defence and foreign affairs.
Add to this scenario the raising from the ashes the banner of Dravida Nadu by MK Stalin of DMK. Dravida Nadu, at its core, is the call for an autonomous union of Dravidian states and minimally calls for state autonomy for Tamil Nadu. For the longest time, Tamil Nadu was the only mainstream (read not army ruled) outlier on autonomy issues.
Now, with Telangana and West Bengal premiers pitching for greater state autonomy and even TDP making similar noises, it is hardly an outlier notion or a Tamil-only notion. The greatest principled votary of federalism in recent times, however, is not one of these pro-federalism parties. That votary is the Karnataka branch of Congress under the Karnataka premier and Kannadiga statesman Siddaramaiah who is riding high on a wave of Kannada nationalism. That the Congress chief minister of the largest Congress-ruled state would be unveiling a state flag, speak up against Hindi imposition and propose the conversion of the Union of States into a Federation of States, would have been unthinkable even till 2014.
It is the Karnataka example that shows why federalism is the best bet when it comes to taking on BJP. For an incumbent government like that of Siddaramaiah, the BJP onslaught during a period of Congress historical weakness opened up opportunities that were always there but could not be utilised. Thus, by taking a pro-federalism and pro-Kannada stance, Siddaramaiah achieved some success in painting BJP as an anti-Kannada, pro-Hindi party that is an outsider. The Congress high command is looking away as Siddaramaiah runs the Karnataka branch as if it were a Karnataka-centric federalist party. Similarly, the only major recent Congress victory was when Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh essentially ran his own campaign, keeping the Delhi-based Congress high command out of decision-making.
It is still unclear whether any such fight on a federalist plank will have the Congress inside or outside. That is a tricky question. It is almost a forgone conclusion that Congress will better its tally in the next Union parliamentary elections and most of these gains will come from the Hindi-belt states where it is in direct contest with BJP who is very unlikely to repeat its 2014 clean sweep performance. But if Congress does go up, how much will it go up, is the question.
If a Congress-led pre-poll coalition is built, it will expose quite a few contradictions. For example, in states such as Telangana and Odisha, Congress is an important player with which the ruling state parties cannot align. Additionally, Rahul Gandhis leadership, notwithstanding the enthusiasm in the out-of-power Delhi elite circuit, is a liability in a one-on-one fight against Modi.
And here is where Derek OBriens words point towards the kind of battlefront the federalists have in mind. They want to avoid a Modi versus Gandhi match-up, where Modi is not only at an advantage, but the narrative again veers back to the big two of Delhi. In this scenario, the federalist agenda will take a backseat. Thus, what OBrien has called for is not one battle against the BJP but 29 battles, each fought in each state, each one with its own unique dynamic.
The BJP also wants Congress as its punching bag because it knows that its best case scenario lies in converting the federal parliamentary election into a presidential personality type referendum on Modi. BJPs attempts to hold state Assembly and Union parliamentary elections simultaneously stem from that tactical pre-emption. The 29 battles scenario is the federalists' dream and BJPs nightmare.
Federal front or no federal front, it is clear that BJP will have to contend with these federalist forces in many states and this current is only getting stronger. Non-Hindi state after non-Hindi state is making its own language compulsory in all schools, a kind of signaling of state linguistic identity that represents a very alien pitch for the BJP to play on.
The huge dissatisfaction in Dravidian states about the change in reference population from 1971 to 2011 has created strong anti-Centre currents in most Dravidian states and are being voiced by the main leaders. In fact, MK Stalin has expanded the ambit by writing to 10 non-Hindi state chief ministers. Never before in Indian Union politics have chief ministers been brought together without a Hindi-belt component.
But just the non-Hindi belt cannot win by itself. This is where the assisting role of Congress becomes crucial. Alliance or not, in case a strong group of victorious pro-federalism parties group together to make a bid for power at Delhi after the elections, the Congress will have very few options apart from joining the grouping as a large partner, but not as the leader. Or the Congress can support them from outside, in which case it is unlikely that they will withdraw support as they had did in the case of the United Front. In that case, the Congress calculated that they could win power on their own. In the present century, the Congress has no such ability.
A question that posed as a non-starter for a federal alliance is that of leadership. However, when one is talking about a new deal on federalism, one must be imaginative. Yes, there are multiple leaders in such a front, each one well suited for prime ministership. If consensus is difficult, out of the box solutions like holding the prime ministers tenure in rotation among the top contenders can be explored.
That the ground on Centre-state relationship is shifting and that the federal current is gaining strength is obvious when even Delhi chatterati and Delhi media cannot avoid the issue. It is in their apprehensive tone where the greatest vindication of this current lies. The opportunity was always there but fruits can only be plucked at the right moment of ripening.
Mitra, in the same interview, expressed his thoughts on Mamatas federalist plank in the run-up to the 2014 Union parliamentary elections, when the time clearly wasnt right. He said, Like the constitutions of the West, particularly the United States or Canada, we are a very federal entity. But the states have never been given the kind of priority federalism reserves. Thats why Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal, is calling for a Federal Front. What does she mean by that? What she means is, a federal entity is to be given priority while you eke out what the Centres going to do. Obviously, foreign policy, defence, and so on, belong to the nation as a whole, but empowering the states, so that the best of the grassroots can come up and excel. That opportunity is there.
2019 might just be that opportunity. A federalist storm is approaching and is gathering strength. The force is strong. Will it fizzle out or will it make landfall in Delhi? The results of the 2019 elections are crucial in various ways. Who is in power in Delhi during Union Parliamentary seat-redistribution between states according to population criteria will decide the future contours of the Indian Union in extremely fundamental ways.
If BJP decides to push for an increase of seats in the Hindi-belt and the concomitant decrease of seats in the non-Hindi states, it will put an unprecedented strain on the Union. The fight for 2019 is between this Hindi-dominant idea of India and the federal vision of a plural and diverse Union of India.
In multiple linguistic states, BJP is now being portrayed as the fifth column or the enemy within. On federalism and state rights issues, by dint of its incumbency in the Union government and also because of its ideology, BJP is on a much tougher wicket. Federalism in the form of diverse linguistic nationalism provides a match for the religion-centric nativism of BJP via its Savarkarite ideology that sees Muslims as the outsider other. Language-centric nativism and the political currents arising out of it represent a nativism much deeper than the Savarkarite one. And it doesnt help that BJP states, that is primarily Hindi states, are subsidised mostly by non-BJP non-Hindi states. In short, the non-Hindi Opposition pays for Yogi and Raje and Sushil Modi and such.
BJP has been extremely successful in conquering the Hindi-belt that lacks a linguistic nationalism of its own and uses Indian statism as its proxy for nationalism. This is reflected even at the linguistic level. In Hindi, the word for nationalism is rashtravaad which is same as statism unlike non-Hindi languages like Bangla where statism (rashtrobaad) and nationalism (jatiotabaad) are very different concepts.
This represents a very fundamental rupture that the Nehruvian consensus kept its lid on and one fault-line that the BJP had pried open since 2014. A corporate money lubricated, steroid-injected mixture of religion and development broke down the dykes of caste and class. This was Modis major achievement in the Hindi belt in 2014.
Since then, the non-BJP political forces in the non-Hindi states have realised to various degrees the utility of state identity in fighting this onslaught, which is a proxy for linguistic nationalism that is barely recognisable in case of Mamata to full-blown in case of Siddaramaiah. Language-centric federalism is the last dyke but probably an invincible dyke against a religion-powered juggernaut. This has been shown time and again around the world and also in this subcontinent.
Islamic Unity based idea of Pakistan: folks found that out in East Bengal in 1971. The issues were Urdu imposition, West Pakistan getting the revenue generated by East Bengal, and Urdu aligned people being in top jobs everywhere, Urdu aligned corporates getting the benefits of big tenders, East Bengals internal affairs being dictated from West Pakistan, Urdu and Islam being touted as unifying factors of Pakistan, etc. Sounds familiar?
Rahul Gandhi accused the Narendra Modi government of stalling no-confidence motion moved in the Lok Sabha against it by the party and the TDP and YSR Congress over denial of special status to Andhra Pradesh
Mysuru: Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Sunday accused the Narendra Modi government of stalling no-confidence motion moved in the Lok Sabha against it by the party and the TDP and YSR Congress over denial of special status to Andhra Pradesh.
"For the past 10 days, the Modi government is stalling the no-confidence motion as it is scared.
"What has Modi done for the country for the past four years?" Gandhi asked at the rally in Mysuru attended by hundreds of people and party cadres.
On Friday, the Congress had tabled a notice for no-confidence motion in the Lok Sabha, which was, however, not taken up due to disruption of the House.
Though Speaker Sumitra Mahajan had said she wanted to take up the no-trust motion for discussion, she had insisted the house return to order for initiating debate on it.
On 16 March, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and YSR Congress had also moved no-confidence motions against the government over the issue of special category status for Andhra Pradesh, but these also haven't been taken up so far.
Gandhi, accusing prime minister Modi of peddling lies, claimed that the prime minister came to power in 2014 by lying to people.
"He (Modi) had promised 2 crore jobs a year for the country's youth if he came to power. But the country is seeing the highest unemployment over the last eight years," the Congress chief said in his 30-minute long address delivered in Hindi, which was translated into Kannada.
LIVE: Congress President Rahul Gandhi addresses a gathering in Srirangapatna. #JanaAashirwadaYatre https://t.co/WUfXmi0idR Congress (@INCIndia) March 25, 2018
While then prime minister Indira Gandhi had nationalised the banks in the country in 1969, Modi had "affected" the banking system and the economy through policies like note ban, he said.
"Poor Indians were made to stand in queues for their own money during demonetisation days, while the wealthy were given an opportunity to convert their black money into white," he alleged.
Terming the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Central government corrupt, he said the only exports India has made are people like diamond jeweller and Punjab National Bank fraud case accused Nirav Modi, liquor baron Vijay Mallya and former Indian Premier League Chairman Lalit Modi.
Mallya is facing an extradition trial in London over money-laundering charges of his now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines, while Lalit Modi is also facing money-laundering charges.
Gandhi said that they only business that flourished after the note ban was BJP president Amit Shah's son Jay Shah's, which grew from Rs 50,000 to Rs 80 crore within months.
"When the PM talks of corruption, he doesn't look at his own cabinet, his ministers and chief ministers."
He also asserted that his party will defeat the BJP in the coming assembly elections "due to its ideologies".
This is Gandhi's fourth visit to the southern state since February ahead of the assembly elections due in April-May.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, party state unit president G Parameshwara, and party leader in Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge were among the other party leaders present at the rally.
Congress President Rahul Gandhi accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of leaking details of his official mobile app users to US firms
Congress president Rahul Gandhi took to Twitter on Sunday to accuse Prime Minister Narendra Modi of leaking details of users of the NaMo app to a US firm.
He tweeted:
Hi! My name is Narendra Modi. I am India's Prime Minister. When you sign up for my official App, I give all your data to my friends in American companies. Ps. Thanks mainstream media, you're doing a great job of burying this critical story, as always.https://t.co/IZYzkuH1ZH Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) March 25, 2018
Rahul also accused the mainstream media of "burying this critical story, as always". Rahul was referring to a media report in which Elliot Alderson, a French vigilante hacker, in a series of tweets, alleged that personal data, including email IDs, photos, gender and names of the users of Modi's mobile app were being sent to a third party domain without their consent.
When you create a profile in the official @narendramodi #Android app, all your device info (OS, network type, Carrier ) and personal data (email, photo, gender, name, ) are send without your consent to a third-party domain called https://t.co/N3zA3QeNZO. pic.twitter.com/Vey3OP6hcf Elliot Alderson (@fs0c131y) March 23, 2018
The French security researcher alleged that an American company called Clever Tap was getting the personal data of the NaMo app users.
After a quick search, this domain belongs to an American company called @CleverTap. According to their description, #CleverTap is the next generation app engagement platform. It enables marketers to identify, engage and retain users and provides developers" pic.twitter.com/Ikqp9GbCDm Elliot Alderson (@fs0c131y) March 23, 2018
Alderson asked Modi what his thoughts were about sharing the personal data of users "without their consent" to a third-party.
.@narendramodi, I know privacy is not your thing but any thoughts about sharing the personal data of your users without their consent to a third-party company? Elliot Alderson (@fs0c131y) March 23, 2018
Rahul's remarks come just days after the BJP accused the Congress of compromising national security by roping in political data analytics firm Cambridge Analytica to run its 2019 election campaign. The firm is allegedly involved in social media data manipulation.
The BJP responded by bashing Rahul on Twitter and claimed he was trying to divert attention from the Cambridge Analytica issue.
Rahul Gandhi is in sublime form these days. After MRI & NCC, today he exposes his great knowledge about technology. He is so rattled by the Cambridge Analyitca expose that he daily tries to divert attention from it, yesterday it was the judiciary and today it is Namo App. BJP (@BJP4India) March 25, 2018
Rahul Gandhi truly shows why he and his party have zero knowledge of technology. All they can do is scare the masses about technology while they continue to steal data using his Brahmastra of Cambridge Analytica. BJP (@BJP4India) March 25, 2018
They also accused Congress of targeting the NaMO app through the #DeleteNamoApp on Twitter.
We all know that Rahul Gandhi is no match for Narendra Modi. But seeing his fright about the Namo App, is very amusing. When his bots tried to trend #DeleteNamoApp day before yesterday, the popularity and downloads of Namo App only increased. Today, it will be no different! pic.twitter.com/Wnan0IQFIV BJP (@BJP4India) March 25, 2018
The saffron party claimed that the NaMo app could be used with giving any permission or data. "Narendra Modi App is a unique app, which unlike most apps, gives access to users in guest mode without even any permission or data. The permissions required are all contextual and cause-specific," the party said. "Contrary to Rahuls lies, the fact is that data is being used for only analytics using third-party service, similar to Google Analytics. Analytics on the user data is done for offering users the most contextual content," they added. They also claimed this was to ensure that the consumers were given the "best user experience."
This ensures that a user gets the best experience by showing content in his language & interests. A person who looks up agri-related info will get agri related content easily. A person from TN will get updates in Tamil and get an update about an important initiative about TN. BJP (@BJP4India) March 25, 2018
The Congress is yet to respond to the BJP's tweets.
On Friday, Chief Election Commissioner OP Rawat said the Election Commission will coordinate with enforcement agencies for suggestions to prevent "unlawful" activities such as attempts to influence polls.
The BJP and the Congress have been trading charges over a Facebook data scandal involving data mining firm Cambridge Analytica with the ruling party accusing its rival of "data theft" to woo voters ahead of 2019 Lok Sabha polls, a claim the Opposition party rejected.
With inputs from agencies
The BJP may have wrested an extra seat in the recent Rajya Sabha polls but the victory will backfire on the saffron party as its 'anti-Dalit face stood exposed' while the SP-BSP unity got strengthened, former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav claimed
Lucknow: The BJP may have wrested an extra seat in the recent Rajya Sabha polls but the victory will backfire on the saffron party as its "anti-Dalit face stood exposed" while the SP-BSP unity got strengthened, former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav claimed on Sunday.
In an interview to PTI, Akhilesh Yadav also said his wife Dimple Yadav may not contest the next Lok Sabha elections to blunt the nepotism charge that political opponents hurl at Samajwadi Party (SP), which he leads. Dimple Yadav is currently the Lok Sabha MP from Kannauj.
The SP chief also alleged that law and order had collapsed during the present dispensation in UP while "political encounters" were being staged. Those involved will have to face a probe sooner or later, he warned.
The SP will exploit to the hilt "the BJP's conspiracy against a Dalit" during the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the SP chief Akhilesh Yadav said on Sunday.
He was referring to BJP nominee Anil Agrawal edging out BSP's Bhimrao Ambedkar in a nail-biting contest earlier this week.
"The victory of the BJP on the ninth seat, contested by the saffron party with the help of money power, has given the SP an opportunity to expose the communal outfit's anti-Dalit face. Because of the conspiracy hatched by the BJP against a Dalit getting elected, SP-BSP unity has got strengthened all the more for the (2019) Lok Sabha polls," Akhilesh Yadav alleged.
The real character of the BJP, which "misused money and power against the poor", stood exposed in the recent Rajya Sabha polls, he claimed.
The SP chief, who cancelled a function to felicitate party leader Jaya Bachchan on getting re-elected to the Rajya Sabha, felt the defeat of the Dalit candidate would cement his party's relations with Mayawati-led BSP.
Terming the victory of SP candidates in Lok Sabha by-polls in seats earlier held by UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya as a "big" achievement, Akhilesh Yadav claimed a message had gone across the country that the BJP can be defeated in 2019.
"I term the victories in by-polls as big ones because it was not just our victory but also the defeat of the chief minister and the deputy chief minister. Yogi ji, who was campaigning all over the country for the BJP could not save his own turf. It has sent a message all over the country and instilled confidence among people and workers that if the BJP can be defeated in their (leaders') constituencies, the result can be replicated all over," he said.
I thank Mayawati ji for her support, he added.
The BJP lost the by-polls in Gorakhpur, the bastion of the chief minister, and Phulpur, earlier held by the deputy chief minister.
Asked about his party's strategy for the 2019 polls, Akhilesh Yadav said besides booth management, party workers have been asked to reach all villages and interact with people.
"I, our leaders and our cadre will go everywhere. We will apprise the people of the works initiated during my regime and ask them to compare them with what is going on in the BJP regime. The BJP had made a number of promises but fulfilled none. The anger of people is palpable and they have shown it in the by-polls," he said.
On the BJP's argument that voting percentage in the Lok Sabha by-polls was less, Akhilesh Yadav said, "Had more voters come out, our victory margin would have been bigger. They (BJP) misled people and won elections and then they could not follow what they promised."
The SP chief also announced his wife Dimple Yadav will not contest the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.
"We have decided, she will not contest this time as we are charged with 'pariwarwad' (nepotism). BJP leaders like Rajnath Singh, Kalyan Singh, Raman Singh, Shivraj Chauhan are indulging in nepotism. Members of their family are in politics. My wife is not contesting...They (BJP) too should also set an example. If they don't do so and only make allegations against us, I can also change my mind," he said.
Asked about a future alliance with the Congress, he said the picture will become clear when polls come near.
"My relations with the Congress are good and will remain so. It is a national party while we are strong here in the state. The preparations for stitching together an alliance are on. The leader will be decided later at an opportune time," the SP chief said.
On how his father Mulayam Singh Yadav felt after Lok Sabha bypoll victories, Akhilesh Yadav said, "He was very happy that youths were elected. He blessed us all."
Akhilesh Yadav attacked Yogi Adityanath's statement that "he did not celebrate Eid" and said, "I myself celebrate all festivals and observe nine-day fast during Navratri. My wife (Dimple) remains on fast on Thursdays," he said.
The former UP chief minister alleged law and order had collapsed under the BJP regime.
"They are doing encounters. But these are political encounters. And I want to tell all those involved that they will have to face probe now or later. They cannot get away with it. The BJP is damaging the fabric of the society by spreading communalism and casteism," he remarked.
On RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, Akhilesh Yadav said, "He is not only my relative but a big leader, who had kept communal forces at bay in Bihar. I had sent Kironmay Nanda to meet him recently."
tech2 News Staff
Facebook has been dragged over the coals for its ties with Cambridge Analytica, which worked on Facebook ads for the Trump campaign. Cambridge Analytica has been accused of wrongly gaining access to 50 million Facebook profiles before the 2016 presidential election, and Facebook has been of providing the tools for just this. In the wake of this privacy breach, it's clear that Facebook's impact on social behaviour, and its repercussions on our lives, may be far worse than what we might have initially imagined. Vivek Wadhwa explains.
Facebook's seeming lack of awareness in how its data can be used to manipulate masses has not been restricted to American voters in the 2016 Presidential Elections. Based on a report by VentureBeat, Facebook has been accused by the United Nations of having played a "determining role" in encouraging hatred and genocide against the Rohingya Muslim minority in Myanmar.
Marzuki Darusman, chairman of the UN Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Myanmar, stated in a report carried by the BBC, "It (Facebook) has substantively contributed to the level of acrimony and dissension and conflict, if you will, within the public.
Facebook's algorithms, which are designed to use user identifiable data for a more personalised experience is also put in question here as it learns all about users from the comments they post, the news stories they read as well as the pages users like.
Apart from its role in genocide, as in the case with the Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar, the author of the report, Vivek Wadhwa, also states that Facebook data may also have been used to influence the Brexit vote in Britain, as well as regional elections in India, without the company's knowledge.
Wadhwa's attack on Facebook was not only restricted to its data sharing policy on its own app but also on WhatsApp, which Facebook happens to own. Wadhwa points out that while WhatsApp itself claims to have end-to-end encryption through which it protects a user's privacy, it did confirm that it shares phone numbers, device identifiers, operating system information, control choices and usage information with the Facebook family of companies. What this means is that while WhatsApp may not be tracking users, the information it is asked to provide to Facebook could be enough for its parent company to wrongly collect data.
Firstpost has also learned that Wadhwa was planning to appear on a CNBC show in defence of Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, but that Zuckerberg's response to the Cambridge Analytica scandal convinced him otherwise.
IANS
South Koreans are disproportionately impacted by ransomware campaigns, with analysis revealing that $2.5 million of the $16 million in ransomware payments over the past two years was paid in South Korea.
Ransomware attacks, which encrypt and hold a computer user's files hostage in exchange for payment, comprise one of the fastest growing forms of cyber attack.
In a paper, scheduled to be presented at the IEEE Symposium on Security and Privacy at San Francisco in May, the researchers provide a detailed account of the ransomware payment ecosystem, from initial attack to cash-out.
The team comprised researchers from New York University Tandon School of Engineering; University of California, San Diego; Princeton University; Google; and the blockchain analytics firm Chainalysis.
They also found that most ransomware operators used a Russian bitcoin exchange, BTC-E, to convert bitcoin to fiat currencies.
The team estimates that at least 20,000 individuals made ransomware payments over the past two years, at a confirmed cost of $16 million, although the actual payment total is likely far higher.
The researchers took advantage of the public nature of the bitcoin blockchain technology to trace ransom payments over a two-year period.
Bitcoins are the most common currency of ransomware payments, and because most victims do not own them, the initial bitcoin purchase provides a starting point for tracking payments.
Each ransomware victim is often given a unique payment address that directs to a bitcoin wallet where the ransom is collected.
The research team tapped public reports of ransomware attacks to identify these addresses and correlate them with blockchain transactions.
The team also executed real ransomware binaries in a controlled experimental environment, essentially becoming victims themselves and making micro-payments to real ransom wallets in order to follow the bitcoin trail.
"Ransomware operators ultimately direct bitcoin to a central account that they cash out periodically, and by injecting a little bit of our own money into the larger flow we could identify those central accounts, see the other payments flowing in, and begin to understand the number of victims and the amount of money being collected," said lead researcher Damon McCoy, Assistant Professor at New York University Tandon School of Engineering.
Facebook Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg apologised to Britons over a breach of trust, taking out full-page advertisements in British newspapers after a political consultancy got its hands on data on 50 million users
London: Facebook Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg apologised to Britons on Sunday over a breach of trust, taking out full-page advertisements in British newspapers after a political consultancy got its hands on data on 50 million users.
We have a responsibility to protect your information. If we cant, we dont deserve it, said the advert, signed by Facebook founder Zuckerberg.
The worlds largest social media network is facing growing government scrutiny in Europe and the United States.
This follows allegations by a whistleblower that British consultancy Cambridge Analytica improperly accessed users information to build profiles of American voters that were later used to help elect US president Donald Trump in 2016.
The plain black text apology on a white background, with only a tiny Facebook logo, appeared in Sunday publications including The Observer one of the newspapers whose reporting on the issue has sent Facebooks share price tumbling.
Full page apology from the @facebook boss in many British newspapers today #cambridgeanalytica pic.twitter.com/z6EG5u6Pgw Joe Lynam BBC (@BBC_Joe_Lynam) March 25, 2018
Zuckerberg said an app built by a university researcher leaked Facebook data of millions of people in 2014.
This was a breach of trust, and Im sorry we didnt do more at the time, Zuckerberg said, reiterating an apology first made last week in US television interviews.
Cambridge Analytica says it initially believed the data had been obtained in line with data protection laws and later deleted it at Facebooks request. The consultancy said it did not use the data in work it did for the 2016 US election.
On Friday night, investigators from Britains data watchdog searched the London offices of Cambridge Analytica for several hours.
Zuckerberg, whose firm has lost more than $50 billion in market value since the allegations, said Facebook would give users more information and control about who can access their data.
Thank you for believing in this community. I promise to do better for you, he wrote.
Advertisers Mozilla and German bank Commerzbank have suspended ads on the service and the hashtag #DeleteFacebook has been trending online.
On Friday, electric carmaker Tesla Inc and its rocket company SpaceXs Facebook pages each with more than 2.6 million followers were deleted after Chief Executive Elon Musk promised to do so.
Former Catalan secessionist leader Carles Puigdemont was detained in Germany by police acting on an international arrest warrant issued by Spain
Barcelona: Former Catalan secessionist leader Carles Puigdemont was detained on Sunday in Germany by police acting on an international arrest warrant issued by Spain, his lawyer said.
Puigdemont had entered Germany from Denmark after leaving Finland on Friday when it appeared police would arrest him there and launch an extradition process requested by Spain.
The lawyer, Jaume Alonso-Cuevillas, did not say exactly where Puigdemont was in custody in Germany. He said only that Puigdemont, the former Catalan regional president, had been en route to Belgium where he has been living in self-imposed exile since late last year.
Puigdemont faces up to 25 years in prison in Spain on charges of rebellion and sedition for organising an illegal referendum for Catalonia that led to a unilateral declaration of independence in October.
The president was going to Belgium to put himself, as always, at the disposal of Belgian justice, Joan Maria Pique, Puigdemonts spokesman, told Reuters.
On Friday Spanish Supreme Court judge Pablo Llarena ruled that 25 Catalan separatist politicians would face charges of rebellion, embezzlement and for disobeying the state for their roles in organising the vote on secession.
Mourners in a rural town in France rocked by a deadly Islamist attack will hold a mass on Sunday to pay tribute to the victims, including a policeman hailed a hero for offering himself in place of a hostage.
Trebes (France): Mourners in a rural French town rocked by a deadly Islamist attack will hold a mass on Sunday to pay tribute to the victims, including a policeman hailed a hero for offering himself in place of a hostage.
Lieutenant-Colonel Arnaud Beltrame, 44, was shot and stabbed after taking the place of a woman whom Radouane Lakdim had been using as a human shield during his attack on Friday on a supermarket in the small town of Trebes.
A national tribute will be held at a later date for Beltrane, who President Emmanuel Macron said had "died a hero" and deserved "the respect and admiration of the whole nation".
Following the worst jihadist attack of his presidency, Macron has called a meeting later this week of the security services responsible for monitoring individuals suspected of radicalisation.
Meanwhile, a mass will be held at 10.30 am (local time) on Sunday in Trebes, where Lakdim carried out his final attack on a supermarket.
The bishop of Carcassonne and Narbonne will celebrate mass in the Church of Saint-Etienne to honour the four killed and three wounded in the attacks claimed by the Islamic State group.
Lakdim, 25, had been placed on a watchlist, but ultimately authorities concluded the Moroccan-born French national did not pose a threat.
Investigators found notes at Lakdim's home in the nearby town of Carcassonne which referred to Islamic State, a legal source said, including a hand-written letter in which he claimed allegiance to the jihadist group.
His girlfriend and a 17-year-old friend were being held in custody as investigators sought to understand events leading up to the attacks.
Lakdim, who was armed with a gun, knife and homemade explosive devices according to a security source, was shot dead as police moved in to end the siege of the Super U supermarket where he had holed up after a shooting spree in nearby Carcassonne.
Earlier on Friday, the gunman had hijacked a car in Carcassonne and shot the two people inside, killing the passenger and leaving the Portuguese driver in a critical condition.
He also shot and wounded a police officer out jogging.
Lakdim had already shot dead the supermarket's butcher and a customer when Beltrame offered to take the place of a woman he had taken hostage.
Lakdim, a petty criminal who was on a watchlist over fears he had been radicalised, shot and stabbed the policeman before he was himself killed by anti-terror officers.
Beltrame died of his wounds early on Saturday, becoming the fourth victim in the shooting spree.
World leaders paid homage to the slain officer, with British prime minister Theresa May tweeting that his "sacrifice and courage will never be forgotten".
US president Donald Trump denounced the "horrible attack" and Macron thanked him and the American people for their "solidarity".
"We honour the victims and the hero who gave his life to save others," Macron wrote on Twitter.
Beltrame's brother Cedric said the policeman would have known all too well the risk he was taking.
"He certainly knew he didn't stand a chance," he said. "He gave his life for another."
The attack has rocked Trebes, a sleepy town of 5,000 located on the picturesque Canal du Midi.
Residents flocked on Saturday to lay flowers in front of the Super U, which remained closed, and to the police barracks in Carcassonne.
"We thought this only happened in big towns," said a 52-year-old restaurant-owner who gave her name as Khadija.
The shootings come as France, part of the US-led coalition fighting Islamic State, remains on high alert following a string of deadly attacks that have killed more than 240 people since 2015.
Lakdim fit a familiar profile as a petty criminal who had turned to extremism.
A small-time drug-dealer, his rap sheet included convictions for carrying a banned weapon and for drug use. He spent a month in jail in 2016.
"He had been on a watchlist for his radicalisation and links to the Salafist movement," said top anti-terror prosecutor Francois Molins.
According to a source close to the investigation, Lakdim had hinted at travelling to Syria in 2014, but did not go.
During the attacks, he demanded the release of certain prisoners - notably, according to a security source, Salah Abdeslam, prime suspect in the November 2015 Paris terror attacks.
Islamic State claimed Friday's attack was in response to its call to target Western enemies, as is customary when the assailant has pledged allegiance to the jihadists.
Pope Francis on Sunday urged young people not to allow themselves to be silenced and to stand up for what they believe in.
Vatican City: Pope Francis on Sunday urged young people not to allow themselves to be silenced and to stand up for what they believe in, a day after more than a million people in the United States took part in student-led protests demanding tighter gun control.
"Dear young people, you have it in you to shout," the pontiff told the traditional Palm Sunday mass on Saint Peter's Square, which this year coincides with World Youth Day.
While the pope was not talking about the US protests and made no reference to them in his address, his comments came just a day after huge gun control rallies were staged all across the US.
"It is up to you not to keep quiet," Francis told young people.
"Even if others keep quiet, if we older people and leaders, so often corrupt, keep quiet, if the whole world keeps quiet and loses its joy, I ask you: Will you cry out?"
The pope said that the temptation had always been there to silence young people.
There were "many ways to silence young people and make them invisible," he said.
"Many ways to anesthetise them, to make them keep quiet, ask nothing, question nothing. There are many ways to sedate them, to keep them from getting involved, to make their dreams flat and dreary, petty and plaintive."
But he pointed to a passage in the Bible where Jesus had been asked to rebuke his disciples for speaking out against injustice.
The pope quoted Jesus' reply, saying "'If these were silent, the very stones would cry out'."
"Please, make that choice, before the stones themselves cry out," he urged young people.
The marches "for our lives" across the US on Saturday were spearheaded by survivors of a shooting in a Florida high school last month where 17 people were killed.
They are demanding tighter controls on the sales of weapons, especially assault rifles, and directing their fury toward the powerful gun lobby, the National Rifle Association, and politicians who have failed to enact meaningful legislation to address rampant gun violence that kills 30,000 people per year in the US.
Police and politicians backed by the countrys former strongman president Mahinda Rajapaksa joined anti-Muslim riots that rocked Sri Lankas Kandy district this month, according to witnesses, officials and CCTV footage
Kandy, Sri Lanka: Police and politicians backed by the countrys former strongman president Mahinda Rajapaksa joined anti-Muslim riots that rocked Sri Lankas Kandy district this month, according to witnesses, officials and CCTV footage reviewed by Reuters.
Scores of Muslim mosques, homes and businesses were destroyed as mobs ran amok for three days in Kandy, the central highlands district previously known for its diversity and tolerance. The government declared a state of emergency and blocked social media platforms for a week to control the unrest.
The role of police and some local Buddhist politicians suggests the Sri Lankan government lost control of elements of its security forces, and that the violence was more than a spontaneous outbreak fuelled by fringe Buddhist extremists and hate-speech spread on social media.
Rajapaksa has denied that he or other leaders of his party were involved. Police said the allegations against officers and politicians were being investigated.
Victims and witnesses, whose accounts were partly backed by CCTV footage seen by Reuters, described members of an elite paramilitary police unit, the Special Task Force (STF), assaulting Muslim cleric and leaders. Local STF commanders declined to comment.
They came to attack, said AH Ramees, a cleric at a mosque where worshippers say they were beaten by police who were supposed to be protecting them. "They were shouting. There was filthy language. They said all the problems were because of us, that we were like terrorists."
Ruwan Gunasekera, a spokesman for the national police force, including the STF, said a special investigation unit was probing the deficiencies of the police in the incident. A second unit was examining the role of political actors, he said.
The riots were the latest example of rising Buddhist nationalism and anti-Muslim sentiment in the region and have unnerved Sri Lankas multi-ethnic coalition government, which ousted Rajapaksa in an election in 2015, according to analysts and two sources familiar with the governments deliberations.
Buddhists make up about 70 percent of Sri Lankas 21 million people. Tamils, most of whom are Hindu, account for 13 percent while Muslims make up about 9 per cent of the population.
Sri Lankas Law and Order Minister Ranjith Madduma Bandara has said the violence in Kandy was well organised and pointed the finger at members of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), a political party backed by Rajapaksa that scored a huge victory in local elections last month.
At a press conference flanked by senior leaders earlier this month, Rajapaksa said the accusations were politically motivated. In fact, the government fomented the violence to get the Muslim vote and to distract from its inadequacies, he said.
Trigger for violence
The violence in Kandy was triggered by an attack on a Buddhist truck driver, H.G Kumarasinghe, by four Muslim men after a traffic dispute on 22 February.
As Kumarasinghe lay in a coma, calls for retribution and anti-Islam polemics flooded social media and the government ordered the deployment of 1,000 members of the STF.
Rioting erupted after his funeral 11 days later.
An excerpt of CCTV footage from the first day of attacks reviewed by Reuters showed police letting a large group of men through the cordon protecting the Noor Jummah mosque in Digana, a Kandy township.
The men rush into a multi-story building opposite the mosque. A local SLPP politician, Samantha Perera, can be seen pointing at the higher floors of the building.
Perera confirmed he was the person shown in the footage. He said he was trying to calm the rioters and only found out later the mosque had been attacked. I am a good Buddhist. I am not instigating violence against anybody, he told Reuters.
Cabinet spokesman Rajitha Senaratne said Perera was under investigation for attacking Muslim-owned shops and mosques with stones. At least three other SLPP politicians, including a national politician, were being investigated and another SLPP councillor has been arrested for setting fire to a mosque, he said. All deny any involvement in the violence.
Theres a political motive to discredit me, Mahinda Rajapaksa and the party, Perera said.
"Monster beyond control"
Anti-Muslim sentiment has surged in Sri Lanka since 2009, when a long civil war against Tamil insurgents was brutally ended by Rajapaksa amid charges by a United Nations panel of experts of human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings by the military and STF.
As in Myanmar, from where 7,00,000 Rohingya Muslims have fled an army crackdown in recent months, Buddhist hardliners in Sri Lanka have argued that Islam is a threat to the Buddhist way of life.
Though the level of violence is not comparable, the Sri Lankan Secretariat for Muslims, a civil society group, logged more than 600 attacks and threats to Muslims in the past five years, according to director Hilmy Ahamed, who added the rate of anti-Muslim violence had accelerated in the recent years.
The fear that Muslims are going to take over, are going to deprive you of your welfare, is so widespread, he said.
Veteran political analyst Jayadeva Uyangoda said Buddhist chauvinism in Sri Lanka was a monster beyond control, as local activists draw inspiration from the Buddhist extremists in Myanmar and Hindu radicals in India hostile to Muslims.
"Can you believe it?"
About 10 minutes after the incident near the Noor Jummah mosque shown in the CCTV footage, the mob returned via a back road, out of the line of sight of the mosques exterior cameras, and threw a petrol bomb into the mosques first floor office, according to witnesses Mohamed Niyaskhan, who said he was beaten and left bloodied, and the mosque secretary MIM Shukry.
The men burned Korans during 45 minutes of looting and destruction, they said.
Niyaskhan said earlier that day he had prepared food and drinks for STF members protecting the mosque, but they had left shortly before the attack.
No STF, no police were there, he said. They had gone around the corner. Can you believe it?
Later that day, eight to 10 members of the STF rushed the Hijrapura mosque, also in Digana, according to clerics and worshippers.
The police assaulted worshippers with batons, according to Ramees, the cleric.
CCTV footage shows police in riot gear striking Ramees and another cleric, MSM Nizam, four times with batons. A local Buddhist monk, Gerendigala Chanda Wimala, told Reuters he saw the men being manhandled by police and successfully demanded their release.
At about the same time, a local Muslim politician, Abdul Saleem Mohamad Fazil, and a friend Mohamad Faizal, were also attacked by members of the elite police unit, according to the victims and a witness, Father Christy Paul, the prelate at Diganas Catholic church.
Three STFs came through the back entrance of the house and started beating us, said Fazil, who suffered a deep head wound and said he spent in a night in prison after being refused medical treatment.
They grabbed some bottles from the landing and put them in a bag and said we were making petrol bombs.
Father Christy said he heard the mens screams and saw the police hitting them with batons. The men were cowering on the ground and not offering any resistance to the police, he said.
A local STF commander, asked about the incidents described to Reuters, declined to comment, citing restrictions on talking to the media. The law and order ministry referred to the police special investigation into alleged abuses.
Police say they have arrested more than 300 people involved in the riots.
Turkeys military and its Syrian rebel allies have taken full control of northwest Syrias Afrin region, a Turkish army source said on Saturday.
Afrin, Syria: Turkeys military and its Syrian rebel allies have taken full control of northwest Syrias Afrin region, a Turkish army source said on Saturday, as aid workers distributed food to people in the area.
Turkish forces and the Syrian fighters swept into the main Afrin town last Sunday after an eight-week campaign to drive out the Kurdish YPG militia, which Ankara regards as a terrorist group.
A military source told Reuters the last remaining villages had been seized and control established overnight. Control has been completely achieved in the Afrin region and search operations are continuing so that local people can return safely to their houses, the source said.
State-run Anadolu news agency carried a similar report.
In Afrin, people queued to receive hot food which was being distributed by the Turkish Red Crescent while Turkish soldiers kept security and armoured vehicles moved along the streets.
We are trying to bring back life to normal in the short and medium term here. the aid groups president Kerem Kinik told Reuters. Our mobile kitchens are here, and our crews are in the villages. We want everything to be alright. We want our women and children to come back. They could not come back to their homeland, said Afrin resident Abdurrahman Nahsen Suleymanoglu.
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan rejected criticism of the Afrin campaign in a phone call with French president Emmanuel Macron on Friday, according to a Turkish presidential source.
Among Turkeys Western allies, France has been one of the biggest critics of the Turkish military operation, with its foreign minister saying concerns for its border security did not justify the incursion.
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Ed Westwick has deleted denials of sexual assault he posted to social media in November amid reports that the Los Angeles District Attorneys office is investigation the allegations against him.
As previously reported, the Gossip Girl stars case is being reviewed after Fox News confirmed in November that the LAPD received a sexual assault report against him at their Hollywood division. Soon after, it came to light that Westwicks first accuser, Kristina Cohen, was the person behind the report. In a lengthy Facebook post, she previously made claims that Westwick raped her at a get together he hosted. A second and a third accuser, Aurelie Wynn and Rachel Eck, came forward soon after with similar claims.
At the time, Westwick swifty posted denials of his alleged crimes to social media but, as of Sunday, they were nowhere to be found on his various profiles. Its not clear exactly when or why the star chose to delete the posts at this time.
"It is disheartening and sad to me that as a result of two unverified and probably untrue social media claims, there are some in this environment who could ever conclude that I have had anything to do with such vile and horrific conduct. I have absolutely not, and I am cooperating with the authorities so that they can clear my name as soon as possible," Westwick tweeted.
It has come to the attention of investigators that Mr. Westwick has removed denials about alleged rapes of the victims in this investigation from his social media accounts that he had posted last November, a law enforcement source told Us Weekly.
The site reports that the star has hired a high-profile lawyer to represent him. Its believed that his lawyer gave him the advice to remove the post as part of their policy for clients to avoid using social media with regards to their case.
Reps for Westwick did not immediately respond to Fox News request for comment.
A crow shoot scheduled for early April in central Vermont has been canceled after a social media outcry.
The crow shoot, set for April 7, was planned as a competition where teams of hunters try to shoot the most birds. Typically entry fees are paid and cash prizes are doled out to the winners, Burlington Free Press reports.
HUNTER WHO RECEIVED 'NASTY' DEATH THREATS IS NOW AN INSPIRATION TO FEMALE HUNTING COMMUNITY
However, the event was canceled over fierce backlash from social media.
The Boonie Club in Williamstown, VT, who was sponsoring the event, advertised that it would no longer be involved with the crow shoot in a public post on its since-deleted Facebook page because of the negative response.
"Then the decision was made to take the entire site down as the ignorant, obscene comments were getting completely out of control," Mark McCarthy, president of The Boonie Club, said to the Burlington Free Press in an email.
Crow shooting is legal in the statement of Vermont within crow-hunting season. Those on social media took issue with the practice calling it a wanton waste of a species rather than hunting for food, the Associated Press reports.
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Scott Darling, wildlife program manager for Vermont Fish and Wildlife, told the Burlington Free Press that crows are increasing in population in the state and that crow-hunting season has no biological impact on the population.
However, Darling told the Press he does not support crow shoots like the one planned by The Boonie Club.
Vermont has a long history of crow shooting as a way to protect agricultural crops.
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The Palestinian civil war descended further towards disaster with the recent attempted assassination of Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah. The struggle between Fatah and Hamas is an important reason why the coastal territorys nearly 2 million residents live in a situation of permanent instability and uncertainty.
The assassination attempt, which also targeted Palestinian Authority Minister of Intelligence Majid Faraj, came nearly 11 years after Hamas violently wrested control of the Gaza Strip from the Fatah-led Palestinian Authority (PA) in a deadly coup.
Hamas governance has brought further misery to the people the terrorist group rules. Its firm refusal to recognize Israel, rejection of Palestinian agreements with Israel, and engagement in terrorism invited the blockade of Gaza by both Israel and Egypt, the two countries with which it shares borders.
While no person was killed in the bombing of Hamdallahs convoy, it likely marked the death knell of the latest Fatah-Hamas reconciliation agreement, announced in October, which was already as doomed as previous efforts. The Palestinian people continue to be the main losers, thanks to the fecklessness of their leaders.
PA President Mahmoud Abbas, the putative moderate in the face-off, has also acted irresponsibly. He rejected an invitation to a White House meeting on Gazas humanitarian challenges a well-intentioned effort by the Trump administration to address the Gaza situation.
The White House meeting drew representatives of 20 countries, including some that do not regularly speak to each other, such as Bahrain, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. What they have in common is their shared concerns about the regional ramifications of Gazas chronic issues.
Gaza has received generous financial support from the U.S., the European Union, the United Nations and others. But some donor fatigue has set in after years of reckless mismanagement, waste and corruption by Hamas.
Unfortunately, Hamas has made its top priority assembling rockets and missiles to be fired into Israel, digging sophisticated tunnels into the Jewish state and instigating three wars against Israel. Since the beginning of the year, Israel has discovered and destroyed several tunnels, presumably rebuilt after the 2014 conflagration.
Israel has sought, out of both humanitarian and security concerns, to ensure that Gaza does not descend into a total collapse. Daily trucks with food and other supplies enter Gaza from Israel, and Israel recently appealed to European Union countries to provide $1 billion in urgent assistance.
Gazas desperation was confirmed in a recent World Bank report, which attributed some of the fault for the economic crisis in Gaza to the power struggle between Fatah and Hamas.
How to break the Palestinian leadership gridlock is a huge challenge. It will take creative global guidance and initiative by the United States.
An essential part of achieving a comprehensive peace agreement between Israelis and Palestinians, including those in the West Bank and Gaza, will be resolving the situation in Gaza, said Jason Greenblatt, President Trumps special envoy to the peace process. He spoke at the White House conference only hours after the attempt to kill Hamdallah.
The White House meeting should continue the conversations and press for delivery of aid, while avoiding direct contact with Hamas until the terrorist organization cedes authority to the PA a key component of the reconciliation agreement that is currently on hold. And in turn, Abbass PA would then presumably stop holding back on paying salaries of employees in Gaza and the fuel bills for electricity.
Imagine how much more the Palestinian people would be suffering at the hands of their own leaders if, hypothetically, Israel were not situated between the two Palestinian territories Gaza and the West Bank that are supposed to become a Palestinian state. The Palestinian civil war would likely already be much worse.
Every effort must be made not just by the U.S, but also by our European and Arab allies, to press Abbas to stop his globetrotting and speechmaking at the European Union Parliament and the U.N. Security Council so he can spend more time at his headquarters in Ramallah in the West Bank and return to direct peace talks with Israel.
The woefully misguided efforts of Abbas to subvert the traditional and essential American role in the peace process will not improve conditions for the Palestinian people he represents.
Back in 1994, one of the first bilateral agreements Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization signed was known as Gaza First. They recognized that establishing Gaza as a successful example of Palestinian self-government would be a step toward building up the institutions, economy and society needed for possible statehood.
Sadly, the record of missed opportunities and despair is as clear as the guilt of the Palestinian parties chiefly responsible for Gazas colossal failure.
Still, solving the Gaza situation remains one key to achieving Israeli-Palestinian peace, as well as stability and security on Gazas border with Egypt. This important and challenging task demands bold action.
Voters prioritize protecting citizens from gun violence over protecting the rights of gun owners. And while majorities support a variety of gun control proposals, the latest Fox News poll also finds doubt Congress will act -- or that it would make any difference if it does.
By a 13-point margin, voters consider protecting against gun violence more important than protecting gun rights (53-40 percent).
In addition, theres substantial support for specific measures to reduce gun violence, including: requiring criminal background checks on all gun buyers (91 percent), requiring mental health checks on all gun buyers (84 percent), raising the age to buy all guns to 21 (72 percent), putting armed guards in schools (69 percent), and banning assault rifles and semi-automatic weapons (60 percent).
READ THE COMPLETE POLL RESULTS
The proposal a majority rejects is allowing teachers and school officials to carry guns on school grounds (57 percent oppose). That was also the case in 2013 (52 percent opposed.)
The Fox News poll asked about these measures in January 2013, a month after the Newtown Connecticut school shooting that killed 26.
Compared to that time, support for putting armed guards at schools is up nine points, a ban on assault weapons is up six, and requiring mental health checks is up one. Support for universal background checks is unchanged -- and about 9-in-10 Democrats, Republicans, and independents favor them.
Nearly half of those living in a gun-owner household favor banning assault weapons: 47 percent favor, 50 percent oppose.
The poll, released Sunday, was conducted March 18-21. Interviews were completed before Saturdays March for Our Lives rally in Washington led by survivors of the February 14 school shooting in Florida that left 17 dead. Just over half of the interviews were conducted prior to Tuesdays school shooting in Maryland that killed one student and injured another. The attack ended in seconds, after an armed school resource officer quickly engaged the gunman.
Some 38 percent say it is extremely important for Congress to pass gun legislation this year, but only 7 percent think thats extremely likely to happen.
And if Congress takes action, more voters are concerned the changes it makes wont go far enough than it will go too far (50-36 percent).
Meanwhile, theres increasing ambivalence about stricter gun control laws: 42 percent say they wont make a difference, up from 20 percent two years ago. And while 44 percent think stricter laws would make the country safer, thats down eight points from 52 percent in 2016. Twelve percent think stricter laws would make the country less safe, down from 24 percent.
There is a significant party divide on the anticipated impact of stricter gun laws: 67 percent of Democrats think they would make the country safer, while only 23 percent of Republicans agree.
When asked about President Trumps positions on guns, 39 percent say they are about right, yet almost as many, 34 percent, think hes too close to gun owners. Thirteen percent feel he goes too far in supporting gun control.
Voters give the president some of his worst ratings for the job hes doing on guns: 40 percent approve, while 54 percent disapprove. That puts him underwater by 14 points. He receives similar marks on immigration (-14 points) and the opioid crisis (-13).
Trump does better on North Korea (-8 points), international trade (-7), and taxes (+2).
His best ratings are on the economy, as 51 percent of voters approve and 44 percent disapprove.
Overall, 45 percent approve of the job Trump is doing as president, while 52 percent disapprove. Thats hardly changed since last month (43-53 percent) or January (45-53 percent).
Among voters under age 30, some 53 percent disapprove of Trumps performance overall and 54 percent disapprove on guns.
Overall, 45 percent report someone in their household owns a gun, and those voters are more likely to think stricter laws wont make a difference to safety (50 percent) and worry new gun laws would go too far (53 percent). Voters in gun households are also more likely to be Republicans (59 percent), live in rural areas (57 percent), and be Southerners (55 percent).
Those most likely to prioritize protecting citizens against gun violence include Democrats (79 percent), non-whites, suburban women, and non-gun owners (each 70 percent), and voters under 30 (57 percent). Voters who say its more important to protect the right to own guns include Republicans (67 percent), white men without a college degree (60 percent), white evangelical Christians (58 percent), and gun-owner households (57 percent).
Pollpourri
The National Rifle Associations favorable rating among gun-owning households stands at 67 percent, down from 71 percent in 2013.
Among all voters, 49 percent have a positive opinion of the NRA, down from a high of 56 percent in January 2013. A record high 45 percent have a negative view of the organization.
For comparison, majorities have a favorable opinion of Planned Parenthood (58 percent) and labor unions (57 percent).
The Fox News poll is based on landline and cellphone interviews with 1,014 randomly chosen registered voters nationwide and was conducted under the joint direction of Anderson Robbins Research (D) and Shaw & Company Research (R) from March 18-21, 2018. The poll has a margin of sampling error of plus or minus three percentage points for all registered voters.
South Carolina GOP Sen. Lindsey Graham on Sunday backed John Bolton as the new White House national security adviser, arguing the hawkish former U.N. ambassador is the right wingman for President Trump when he meets with North Korean leader Kim Jung Un.
So when President Trump meets Kim Jong-un, his national security adviser will be with him, Graham told Fox News Sunday Morning Futures. And the North Koreans know, without a doubt, that John Bolton sees their nuclear program as a threat to the United States and will strongly advise the president to use military force if he has to, which means its less likely we will.
Kim has proposed meeting with Trump, in what would be an historic meeting of the two nations. Trump has tentatively accepted the invitation, amid North Koreas continued efforts to build a nuclear missile and the United States responding with more economic sanctions.
"John Bolton sees North Korea for the threat they are," Graham said Sunday.
Trump and Kim have exchanged personal insults, with the president calling Kim Little Rocket Man and Kim calling Trump a mentally deranged U.S. dotard.
Trump last week announced that he would replace National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster with Bolton, which sparked criticism about Boltons strong military positions.
Graham, a Trump supporter, is also considered a military hawk. He served in the Air Force as a lawyer and is a member of the Senate Committee on Armed Services.
TRUMP'S PICK OF BOLTON FOR NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER BRINGS A BULLDOG TO THE WHITE HOUSE
On Sunday, Graham also told show host Maria Bartiromo that he supports the presidents new tariffs on China for unfairly taking U.S. intellectual property.
Trump on Thursday ordered roughly $60 billion in tariffs levied on Chinese imports, following an investigation into intellectual property theft.
The president ran a campaign that China treats, Graham said. I dont blame them. I blame us. So you cannot be surprised that Donald Trump would do what he said he would do. And from my point of view, its welcome news.
China has in turn said it would impose at least $3 billion on U.S. exports, which along with Trumps tariff order caused stock markets last week to drop several hundred points.
JOHN BOLTON TO REPLACE H.R. MCMASTER AS WHITE HOUSE NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER, TRUMP SAYS
Graham also argued Sunday on why he wants a second special counsel -- one that looks into how the FBI and Justice Department is handling the Russia collusion investigation, particularly a loosely vetted anti-Trump dossier that was, at least in part, the basis for the probe.
Heres the question -- How much effort did the FBI but in to verifying the dossier, Graham said. I can tell you the answer, none. They took the dossier for face value. It is a bunch of political garbage It was used to get a warrant, and every American should be concerned about how the (Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court) process was abused here.
Kyle Kashuv, a Second Amendment-supporting student at the Parkland, Fla., high school that was the site of the shooting massacre last month, on Sunday called for a debate with a classmate who helped organize the pro-gun control March for Our Lives, based on a quote made to Fox News.
The organizer, Cameron Kasky, was responding to a claim in a recent National Rifle Association (NRA) video, that "no one would know [Parkland students'] names" had their classmates not died.
"I think thats the most pathetic thing Ive seen out of this... And thats the NRA youll notice, they cant attack our argument, so theyre attacking us personally. The fact that theyre saying all we want out of this is for people to know our names. They have no idea how much each of us would give for it to be February 13th again," Kasky told "Fox News Sunday," referencing the day before the massacre.
"Happy to debate you live tomorrow so we can dissect each other's arguments. Interested? No personal insults allowed here," Kashuv tweeted to Kasky.
Kasky responded that he'd be interested in organizing a debate "in the near future."
The "March for Our Lives" events on Saturday drew massive crowds in cities across the country. In Washington, D.C., New York City, Denver, Los Angeles and other cities, demonstrators heard from student survivors of last month's shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. The gunman killed 17 people and wounded 17 more.
Speaking to Fox News' Chris Wallace, Kasky said that the argument from the NRA and Kashuv, that those supporting the March for Our Lives movement "truly don't know what they're marching for," is a fallacy.
"We are not just marching to end school violence. We are marching to end violence all over the country, because that's where it happens," Kasky said, reiterating that "we are not trying to take everybody's guns away."
MARCH FOR OUR LIVES ORGANIZERS RALLY FOR 'COMMON SENSE' ACTIONS ON GUNS
Kaskys call for "common sense" regulations include issuing mental health checks and having gun owners be age 21 and older. He said assault weapons should be completely banned, but smaller guns used for protection could be sold under better regulations.
Kashuv, who wasn't invited to speak at the main demonstration in Washington on Saturday, told Fox News' Leland Vittert on "America's News HQ" that Trump "does care about stopping school violence," despite what his opposition claims.
Fox News' Katherine Lam and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Apple CEO Tim Cook called for stronger privacy regulations to prevent the abuse and misuse of data on Saturday in the aftermath of the leak of Facebook user information.
Speaking at the annual China Development Forum in Beijing, which he co-hosted, Cook called for well-crafted regulations to prevent the information of users being put together and then utilized in ways that they did not know about or approve of.
Cooks statement will add to the mounting scandal hitting Facebook, which has pushed its stock price down 14 percent, and the growing pressure on co-founder Mark Zuckerberg to testify in public and overhaul its privacy protocol with app developers following revelations that his company allowed a firm paid by the Trump campaign, Cambridge Analytica, to amass personal data on 50 million users.
I think that this certain situation is so dire and has become so large that probably some well-crafted regulation is necessary, Cook said after being asked if the use of data should be restricted in light of the Facebook incident.
ELON MUSK YANKS SPACEX AND TESLA'S FACEBOOK PAGES
He continued: "The ability of anyone to know what youve been browsing about for years, who your contacts are, who their contacts are, things you like and dislike and every intimate detail of your lifefrom my own point of view it shouldnt exist.
The Apple chief executive said his company had long worried that users were giving up access to information without realizing the ramifications of how the data could be used.
Weve worried for a number of years that people in many countries were giving up data probably without knowing fully what they were doing and that these detailed profiles that were being built of them, that one day something would occur and people would be incredibly offended by what had been done without them being aware of it, he said, reports Bloomberg. Unfortunately that prediction has come true more than once.
Even after Zuckerberg's belated apology and statement that he'd be willing to testify before lawmakers, the controversy has continued to rage, with Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently pulling his company's pages off of Facebook, new questions being raised about how the incident unfolded and some users pondering alternatives to the popular social network.
Facebook took out full page advertisements in nine major British and U.S. newspapes on Sunday to apologize for the data privacy scandal, saying "We have a responsibility to protect your information. If we can't we don't deserve it."
Facebook co-founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg took out full-page advertisements in major U.S. and British newspapers to apologize for a "breach of trust" after it was discovered Cambridge Analytica improperly harvested user data.
The ads, which were taken out in papers including The New York Times, The Washington Post, Wall Street Journal and the U.K.'s The Observer, The Sunday Times and The Sunday Telegraph, featured a signed apology from Zuckerberg and an explanation of what the social media giant was doing to fix the situation.
"We have a responsibility to protect your information," the ad began, ringing similar to the Facebook founder's initial apology on Thursday. "If we can't, we don't deserve it."
Facebook's privacy practices came under fire after accusations emerged that Cambridge Analytica, a political consulting firm affiliated with President Trump's 2016 campaign, inappropriately obtained data. The firm was alleged to have created psychological profiles to influence how people vote or even think about politics and society.
It's believed around 50 million people were affected by the breach.
Noting that "a quiz app built by a university researcher that leaked Facebook data of millions of people in 2014 ... was a breach of trust," Zuckerberg said, "I'm sorry we didn't do more at the time," and wrote that the company was "taking steps to make sure this doesn't happen again."
The Trump campaign paid the firm $6 million during the 2016 election, although it has since distanced itself from Cambridge.
STEVE WEISMAN: HERE'S WHY THE FACEBOOK-CAMBRIDGE ANALYTICA CONTROVERSY MATTERS
Zuckerberg reiterated that the company was "also investigating every single app that had access to large amounts of data before we fixed this."
"We expect there are others. And when we find them, we will ban them and tell everyone affected," he wrote. "Finally, we'll remind you which apps you've given access to your information so you can shut off the ones you don't want anymore."
Zuckerberg thanked users for "believing in this community," and said he promises "to do better for you."
The apology was similar to one he posted to Facebook last week, as well as the CEO's rare interview with CNN in which Zuckerberg said he'd testify before Congress regarding the data breach "if it's the right thing to do."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
NASCAR driver Brad Keselowski has offered condolences for the family of four found dead under still-unexplained circumstances in a Mexican condominium on Thursday during a vacation.
The Sharp family -- Kevin Wayne, 41; Amy Marie, 38; and their children, Sterling Wayne, 12, and Adrianna Maria, 7 left their hometown of Creston, Iowa, to travel to Akumal, Mexico, on March 14.
Kevin Sharp, himself a driver, competed at several events at Adams County Speedway in Iowa and he ranked 22nd overall at the raceway with eight career wins, the Des Moines Register reported.
Keselowski tweeted his condolences on Saturday when he learned about the family's fate.
"They were proud supporters of the #2crew and will be missed dearly by friends, family and the community, he said.
Sharp bore the No. 2 on his car in honor of Keselowski, the newspaper reported.
Chief Paul Ver Meer of the Creston Police Department told Fox News the Sharps were found dead Thursday night in a rented condo. The cause of death was not immediately known, and the department was awaiting autopsy reports.
There appears to be no signs of trauma, Ver Meer said.
Family members became worried about the family after they were failed to return home on Wednesday. Ashli Peterson, a family member, said the Sharps notified family members that they'd made it to Mexico safely but hadn't been heard from since.
IOWA FAMILY OF FOUR THAT WENT MISSING IN MEXICO FOUND DEAD
Peterson said relatives filed a missing persons report via the U.S. Embassy in Mexico. They also tried to locate the family by tracing their cellphones, to no avail. Social media accounts also showed no activity.
Amys mother, Beth Fry, told the Des Moines Register that half my family is gone.
Were determined. We have love and support and family and friends and we will get through this. One way or another, we will, Fry said.
A number of relatives and friends gathered at Frys home to mourn the loss of the family they'd known and loved.
Family members said Kevin was a beer distributor for his familys company Southwest Distributing Co., besides being a stock car racer. Amy was a dental-claims specialist and the two children were very active.
Renee Hoyt, Amys sister, told the Des Moines Register that Adrianna was our fashion stylist and Sterling was very into sports.
MAN ARRESTED IN STRING OF ROBBERIES, SEX ASSAULTS IN IOWA
Though the investigation and autopsy are ongoing, The Omaha World-Herald reported that Mexican officials were investigating reports of a gas leak. This has not been confirmed, however.
The familys funerals are slated for late next week.
Fox News' Paulina Dedaj contributed to this report.
As March for Our Lives rallies advocating for gun control unfolded across the nation on Saturday, some cities saw dueling events staged by pro-gun activists.
The state capitals of Utah and Arizona saw supporters on both sides of the issue, though the size of the pro-gun rallies appeared to be markedly smaller.
About 500 pro-gun advocates in Salt Lake City rallied for stronger schools and more armed teachers as they marched to the state Capitol building. Later on, about 6,000 protesters fighting for stricter regulations on guns were seen walking the same route.
MLKS GRANDDAUGHTER AT MARCH FOR OUR LIVES: I HAVE A DREAM THAT ENOUGH IS ENOUGH
A similar scene played out in Phoenix, where around two dozen gun-rights advocates staged a counterprotest, holding flags and occasionally challenging their opponents to debate the issues. Their band of supporters was far smaller than the group of roughly 15,000 people rallying for stepped-up gun control, according to the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
Opposing rallies of impassioned protesters also popped up in Helena, Mont. Teenage sisters helped put together the gun-control event and said they felt hope after survivors of the massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., had begun advocating for change. The Parkland school was the scene of a Valentine's Day shooting spree that left 17 people dead.
"Finally, somebody was doing something about it, except it wasn't who you'd expect it was us," Mariah Thomas, 17, said to cheers. "It was students my own age who decided they wanted to put an end to gun violence."
MARCH FOR OUR LIVES GUN CONTROL RALLY EXPECTED TO DRAW THOUSANDS FROM AROUND THE WORLD
Across town outside the State Capitol, a smaller crowd of gun-rights advocates swore that no outsiders would dictate gun laws in Montana. One speaker, Montana State University student Joey Chester, drew boos when he referenced the other protest.
"If something went wrong there, the first people to show up are going to be people with guns," Chester said.
"If something went wrong there, the first people to show up are going to be people with guns." Joey Chester, student, Montana State University
The March of Our Lives rally was organized by survivors of the Parkland shooting. The suspected shooter in that massacre, Nikolas Cruz, 19, used a legally purchased AR-15 assault rifle in his attack.
While the day's main march was held in the nations capital, some 800 sister marches were also planned in London, Tokyo, Sydney, New York City, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles and Mumbai, as well as in Parkland.
Fox News Kathleen Joyce and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Three Texans were arrested in Ohio last week after an investigation yielded evidence that they had attempted to mail a large quantity of fentanyl back to Texas, authorities said.
According to U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman of the Northern District of Ohio, it was enough fentanyl "to kill everyone in Toledo several times over."
One kilogram of the opioid was seized at a Toledo post office, and another half-kilo and $8,500 in cash were seized at a motel room where the trio were staying, the Toledo Blade reported.
The drugs had an estimated total street value of about $1 million, authorities said.
Fentanyl is a dangerous synthetic opioid with deadly consequences for users and those in law enforcement, Steve Francis, special agent in charge of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement homeland security investigations office in Detroit, told the Blade.
"The fentanyl seized is enough to kill everyone in Toledo several times over." U.S. Attorney Justin Herman
The investigation began Monday after authorities learned that three "suspicious" people had checked in to two rooms at a Red Roof Inn in Toledo, the Dallas Morning News reported.
On Monday and Tuesday, police reportedly watched three individuals identified as Darrius Lonzo Lewis, 29; Anthony Ray Robinson, 32; and Barbara Nykitta Wilson, 21 leaving and entering the rooms.
Authorities said they watched Robinson and Wilson drive in separate cars to a post office Tuesday. Robinson reportedly entered the post office with a package, while Wilson returned a rental car before going back to the hotel in Robinsons car, the Dallas Morning News reported.
After obtaining a search warrant, police found the drugs and cash and arested the suspects.
Further investigation led police to the post office, where authorities said they found a package containing more fentanyl.
When investigators questioned the trio, the complaint says, Robinson and Wilson said they were half-siblings who had driven up from Texas for a wedding, according to Robinson, and for a proposal dinner by Wilson's account. Lewis said he had flown to Ohio from Houston.
The trio were being held at the Lucas County Jail in Ohio, authorities said.
Two volunteer firefighters were killed and three others were hurt after their fire truck crashed while responding to a deadly highway wreck in West Virginia on Saturday night.
The five members of the Pratt Volunteer Fire Department were heading toward the wreck on the West Virginia Turnpike.
The fire truck careened off a road and into a ditch, striking a rock wall, Pratt Deputy Fire Chief Rod Johnson said Sunday, the Charleston Gazette-Mail reported, correcting initial reports that the truck had flipped. It's unclear what triggered the crash.
Two of the firefighters were confirmed dead while the three injured were taken to the Charleston Area Medical Center for treatment, according to officials.
This is a tragic event and believed to be the worst accident involving our volunteer fire service has ever suffered," Kanawha County Commission President Kent Carper said in a written statement.
Assistant fire chief Michael Edwards, 46, and Lt. Thomas Craigo, 40, were killed, Johnson said. Edwards had 25 years of service as a firefighter and Craigo spent about 15 years with the department.
Johnson said both men recently had gotten married, including Edwards about a week ago. Edwards and Craigo also have children, the Gazette-Mail reports.
Chief Timmy Walker and firefighter Billy Hypes are in critical and stable condition, respectively, the report said. Firefighter Kyle Jenkins was treated and released.
Local media reported three people were killed in the first crash the firefighters had been attempting to reach.
State police spokesman Capt. Reggie Patterson said in a release that a car driven by Beatrice Patrick, 77, of Salyersville, Kentucky, was going the wrong way in the southbound lanes when it struck another car head-on. The second car then ran off the road and struck a disabled box truck.
Patterson said the driver of the second car, James W. Platte, 49, of Westphalia, Michigan, and his wife, Tonya Platte, 38, were killed. Box truck driver Jordan Napoleon, 40, of Greer, South Carolina, was taken to a hospital with minor injuries.
West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice was joined by U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., in tweeting condolences to the victims of the two accidents.
West Virginia State police were investigating both crashes.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with all those involved in these accidents this evening and their families, Carper said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
The man linked to a series of deadly Austin package bombings called himself a psychopath in a recorded confession and said he had no remorse for the explosions that killed two people, a U.S. congressman said Saturday.
Mark Anthony Conditt, 23, left a roughly 25-minute recording on his cell phone detailing the seven explosive devices he created and planted throughout Austin starting in early March. U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul said the recording showed Conditt was a sick individual.
"He did refer to himself as a psychopath. He did not show any remorse, in fact questioning himself for why he didn't feel any remorse for what he did," McCaul said.
AUSTIN BOMBER'S CHILLING 'CONFESSION': 'I WISH I WERE SORRY BUT I AM NOT'
McCaul said Conditt terrorized the city of Austin and this community, adding that authorities will continue searching for a possible motive.
The 23-year-old did not mention any racial motivation in his recording, but investigators said they are not ruling out the bombings as a hate crime. Investigators will be looking into Conditts social media pages and personal items.
To be clear, the suspect in this incident rained terror on this community. We will identify, if possible, any motive, Interim Austin Police Chief Brian Manley said.
McCaul, a former federal prosecutor who chairs the House Committee on Homeland Security, spoke at a news conference where he thanked law enforcement officials for bringing the three-week spree to an end.
AUSTIN PACKAGE BOMB ATTACKS TIMELINE
The explosives killed Anthony Stephen House, 39, and Draylen Mason, 17, in separate incidents when they were disguised as packages left on doorsteps. Four other people were wounded in the incidents. One of the two explosive packages detonated at a FedEx sorting facility outside of San Antonio the day before Conditt died.
Authorities were able to track down the suspect when reviewing surveillance photos showing Conditt in disguise. He died on Wednesday after detonating an explosive device as police surrounded him.
Authorities have not released the tape and will be deciding whether it will be shown to the public at the end of the investigation.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
A California man was being held on $100,000 bail after Amtrak police in Chicago found him carrying a loaded handgun and wearing a bullet-proof vest believed to have been stolen from the New York City Police Department.
Chicago police say Isaiah Malailua, 21, of Redding, was arrested Friday morning at a Union Station ticket counter and charged with unlawful use of a weapon and body armor.
Illinois state law prohibits anyone from posessing body armor if they do not have a state firearm owner's ID card, the Chicago Tribune reported.
The arrest cam just weeks after Chicago police Commander Paul Bauer, 53, was fatally shot, allegedly by a convicted felon carrying a handgun and wearing body armor, the Tribune reported.
Cook County Judge John Fitzgerald Lyke set bail for Malailua at $100,000 and ordered him to remain in the Chicago area. He was scheduled to return to court this week.
"This is troubling, to say the least, in light of what's happening in our country," the judge said.
Malailua was arrested after police dogs sniffed explosive residue in an unattended bag, the Chicago Sun-Times reported. Officers found materials with NYPD SWAT patches inside and a bus ticket for Malailua.
NYPD officials contacted Saturday had no information about the incident, the Tribune reported.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
A McDonald's customer in Oregon tried to destroy the restaurant's famed golden arches earlier this month after employees refused to fill his order of 30 double cheeseburgers, police say.
Police in Sutherlin -- about 165 miles south of Portland -- arrested 37-year-old Jedediah Ezekiel Fulton on March 16 on suspicion of second-degree disorderly conduct, second-degree criminal trespass, second-degree criminal mischief and harassment, the News-Review of Roseburg, Ore., reported.
Authorities say Fulton became upset when the fast food restaurant declined to make his order. Police say he destroyed a banner and then attacked the arches.
The Sutherlin Police Department says he also grabbed a person's shirt and that a witness pulled out a gun.
It wasn't clear from online records if Fulton has an attorney. No further details have been released.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
Dramatic surveillance video captured the terrifying moment a semitrailer slammed into a South Carolina school bus carrying four special needs students last week.
A Greenville County school bus with four students aboard was traveling down the road just before 3:20 p.m. Tuesday when the driver of a semitrailer lost control and swerved off the road. Tammy Cummings, the school bus driver, told FOXCarolina she spotted the vehicle and braced for the impact.
"The bed of the truck started leaning towards me and I noticed that my aide was behind the seat the way she was supposed to be, the children was in their seats so I knew they were safe in their compartment area, Cummings told the news station about the moment the vehicles collided.
I just saw the bed of the truck come towards me and I held up my arms to cover my face because I knew that bed was going to hit us, she added.
Cummings said she followed training protocol, such as slowing down the bus when she spotted the semitrailer in the distance, to avoid a deadly disaster.
TEEN CRASHES INTO EXAM BUILDING DURING HER DRIVER'S TEST, POLICE SAY
Part of my special needs training, I am a special needs trainer myself, so that kicked in immediately, the driver told FOXCarolina.
Cummings was seen in the school bus video calming students, who were from Sara Collins Elementary and Washington Center, after the crash.
She said, When I realized that one of my children was very upset, I started talking to him about his phone he had and he showed me some games he had and he started playing some games and that calmed him down a lot.
The bus driver recalled how very thankful she was that no one was seriously injured in the crash. One child was taken to the hospital as a precaution.
SHOCKING VIDEO SURFACES OF VALERIE THOMPSON'S 343 MPH MOTORCYCLE CRASH
I really did think it was going to really bad because [the semitrailer] was coming straight as us, Cummings said.
The driver of the semitrailer was injured and taken to the hospital. The vehicle also struck a pole and knocked out power for nearly 1,000 residents in the area.
A 22-year-old New York man pleaded guilty last week to threatening more than 30 women with posting "revenge porn" photos, prosecutors said.
Joseph Iorio, 21, of Holtsville, a New York City suburb, was arrested last July on charges relating to an alleged sextortion scheme, the New York Post reported.
Prosecutors say Iorio moderated a website's chat room, which featured explicit photos of women that had been submitted by men and boys, Newsday reported. Iorio would not allow clients to view the raciest material submitted by others until they disclosed names and contact information for the women in the photos the clients submitted.
Iorio would then contact the women, and threaten to share the racy photos in his possession -- unless the women provided him with even more lurid shots, the report said.
We can only imagine the type of fear, isolation and desperation that these women must feel when they receive a message showing that someone they dont know has an image of them naked or performing a sex act, Suffolk County District Attorney Timothy Sini said Friday in a statement. He likened Iorios actions to a modern form of sexual torture.
"We can only imagine the type of fear, isolation and desperation that these women must feel." Suffolk County District Attorney Timothy Sini
According to the Post, the DAs office was first notified of Iorios alleged scheme in July 2017. A subsequent investigation revealed evidence that Iorio had uploaded the explicit images to an online forum along with the women's personal information.
If convicted, Iorio faces five years in prison, Sini said. His sentencing is scheduled for May 2.
A Seattle man accused of embarking on a killing spree in 2014 pleaded guilty Friday to an armed robbery outside a New Jersey coffee shop four days after he killed a local college student.
Ali Muhammad Brown, 33, pleaded guilty to first-degree robbery and a weapons charge in connection with the June 2014 incident in Point Pleasant Beach, according to the Asbury Park Press.
Prosecutors said Brown confronted a victim outside the coffee shop armed with a handgun on June 29, 2014. Brown eventually took the victim's keys and wallet, the Press reported, but couldn't drive away in the victim's car because he didn't know how to drive a stick shift.
Investigators said Brown fled on foot to a nearby grocery store, where he left a bag of his belongings. The bag was later recovered by detectives.
Brown was arrested the following month. He's currently serving a 35-year term for a robbery in West Orange that took place after the Point Pleasant Beach robbery.
Earlier this month, Brown admitted to fatally shooting 19-year-old Brendan Tevlin as the victim sat at a traffic light in West Orange on June 25, 2014. He also admitted to killing three men in Washington state. Those men have been identified in local news reports as 30-year-old Leroy Henderson, 23-year-old Dwone Anderson-Young and 27-year-old Ahmed Said.
At the time, Brown claimed that he was engaging in "jihad" to retaliate for the deaths of Muslims as a result of U.S. military action in Iraq and Afghanistan. However, prosecutors said he killed one of the Washington state men in a road rage incident, while the other two men were killed because he believed they were gay.
Brown has yet to enter a formal plea in the Washington state cases.
Click for more from the Asbury Park Press.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Police are hunting for a man who approached a 5-year-old boy riding the New York City subway and punched him in the face as the childs mother was standing next to him.
The man, identified as Ramon Thomas, 25, was on the G train just before 4:30 p.m. Saturday when he attacked the boy who was standing next to his mother, police said. The train was approaching the Bergen Street station in Brooklyns Cobble Hill neighborhood.
The man then taunted the child before fleeing the train when the doors opened at the station.
Its unclear what provoked the attack. Police sources told the New York Daily News the attacker yelled at the boy, Are you going to cry to ya mommy?
The boy suffered bruising and swelling to the left side of his face. He was taken to the hospital, treated for his injuries and later released.
Police shared photos that a witness snapped of the alleged attacker.
Thomas was described as being 6 feet tall, 180 pounds with brown eyes and black hair.
Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School students and March for Our Lives organizers said Sunday they will continue the push for common sense actions to be taken on guns, rather than a complete ban on all firearms, in the wake of the deadly shootings.
Cameron Kasky and Delaney Tarr, survivors of the Florida school shooting that killed 17, told "Fox News Sunday" what they hope to accomplish after hundreds of thousands of people nationwide participated in the demonstration to end school violence and push for better gun control. Kasky said people are not marching to take everybodys guns away.
"We are not trying to take everyones guns away. The NRA wants people to think that. They are fear-mongers. They want to sell weapons by exploiting peoples fears," Kasky told "Fox News Sunday." "So the second we want to put common sense regulations on these assault weapons, the NRA [National Rifle Association] will say, 'They are trying to steal every single one of your guns.' And people will believe them."
Fortunately, majority of the American people see past this, Kasky added.
FOX NEWS POLL: VOTERS FAVOR GUN MEASURES, DOUBT CONGRESS WILL ACT
Kaskys call for "common sense" regulations include issuing mental health checks and having gun owners be age 21 and older. He said assault weapons should be completely banned, but smaller guns used for protection could be sold under better regulations.
SECOND AMENDMENT SUPPORTERS VOICE DIFFERENT IDEA OF 'MARCH FOR OUR LIVES'
I think getting a handgun to protect your home is an important thing if you need to, but it cant be that easy, he said.
Tarr also criticized President Trump after the administration announced Friday it would ban bump stocks and all devices that turn otherwise legal weapons into illegal machine guns."
Words are fine and dandy. Im glad he [Trump] said those words because those are some things that we would like to see. However, I have not seen any taken action to follow through on those steps, Tarr said.
She also slammed Trumps idea of arming teachers in classrooms, saying highly-trained professionals should be the ones armed with weapons.
A teachers job is to educate, not defend, Tarr said.
OPINION: GUN CONTROL IDEAS SOUND GOOD, BUT ARE DEEPLY FLAWED AND WON'T SAVE LIVES
The marchs organizers said it was important for people to take initiative and participate in the march on Saturday. Kasky said the movement has prompted the younger generation to register to vote often the group with the lowest turnout rate during elections.
The strongest thing we have going for us at this time is that this is a youths movement this is led by the youth and for the youth, Tarr said. And if we can encourage these people to take action, to be participating in our society and in our politics, thats going to actually encourage our voters to actually turn out.
She continued, And thats going to be something thats going to continue the momentum because even when the media leaves, these people are still there and are still fighting for their own lives.
An Oklahoma man was arrested after police said he beat to death a 60-year-old "acquaintance" in a fight, according to a report Saturday.
Jim Mickey Drake, 64, flagged down police and said he found someone he knew was hurt, the Tulsa World reported.
Officers found Craig Hendersons body among tree limbs on a Tulsa highway embankment Saturday morning, Police Cpl. Scott Anderson said.
Drake was held for questioning and ultimately eventually arrested for first-degree manslaughter, according to the report.
Authorities were holding Drake on $50,000 bond, the paper added.
TEXAS HOME NURSE, REPORTEDLY IN THE US ILLEGALLY AND FACING MURDER CHARGE, NOW BEING EYED IN OTHER DEATHS
Sgt. Dave Walker said Drake indicated to investigators that he was with Henderson prior to his death and that there was a fight.
Theres signs of a struggle, and its obviously not a self-inflicted beating, Walker said.
He also revealed that the suspect had blood on him that was not consistent with any injury on his body.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Chinas air force staged another round of drills in the disputed South China Sea and Western Pacific, military officials said Sunday, labeling such exercises as the best preparation for war.
The country of 1.3 billion people is the midst of a massive modernization overseen by President Xi Jinping to make its military, which is already the planet's largest in terms of sheer personnel, a world class force and will boost defense spending by 8.1 percent this year, the biggest hike in three years.
China is thought to be most heavily focused on improving its air force and navy, doing everything from building stealth fighters to adding aircraft carriers, although the country has long insisted that it has no hostile intentions.
China is committed to a path of peaceful development, and China pursues a defense policy that is defensive in nature, Zhang Yesui, a vice foreign minister and spokesman for the National Peoples Congress, said at a news conference in early March. Chinas development will not pose a threat to other countries.
The military expenditures, combined with the maneuvering and saber-rattling in the crucial South China Sea waterway and near Taiwan, have prompted concerns in Asian and U.S. corridors of power.
But Andrew Erickson, a professor at the Naval War Colleges China Maritime Studies Institute in Newport, R.I., told the Washington Post that China's growing defense budget enables it to achieve the biggest and fastest shipbuilding expansion in modern history; the worlds largest navy, coast guard and maritime militia by number of ships; and the worlds largest conventional ballistic and cruise missile force.
According to Reuters, the air force said H-6K bombers and Su-30 and Su-35 fighters, among other aircraft, carried out combat patrols over the South China Sea and exercises in the Western Pacific after passing over the Miyako Strait, which lies between two southern Japanese islands.
MNUCHIN: TRUMP WILL IMPOSE CHINA TARIFFS, NOT WORRIED ABOUT RECENT MARKET LOSSES
It did not say when the exercises took place nor specify the parts of the South China Sea or the Western Pacific.
Separately, in a freedom of navigation operation on Friday, a U.S. Navy destroyer came within 12 nautical miles of an artificial island China has built in the South China Sea, provoking condemnation from China.
Sending Su-35 fighters over the South China Sea aims to help increase the air forces ability to fight far out at sea, the air force said in the statement on its microblog.
China is committed to a path of peaceful development, and China pursues a defense policy that is defensive in nature. Zhang Yesui, vice foreign minister and spokesman for the National Peoples Congress
Flying across the Miyako Strait, which also sits to the northeast of the self-ruled island of Taiwan that China claims as its own, accorded with international law and practice, it added.
Air Force exercises are rehearsals for future wars and are the most direct preparation for combat, it said, reports Reuters.
The more exercises China practices far from its shores the better it will be positioned as an important force for managing and controlling crises, containing war and winning battles, it added.
The air force sent two Yun-8 transport planes and one Tu-154, its largest reconnaissance aircraft, over the Miyako Strait before conducting an intensive patrol around Taiwan on Dec. 11, reports the South China Morning Post.
China has not had any wars in the past 30 years, Song Xiaojun, a Beijing-based military commentator, told the Washington Post. Its building its military to ensure its own safety, so foreign powers dont need to worry.
A space station launched by China which it reportedly lost track of is expected plummet to Earth on or near April Fools Day.
The Tiangong-1 stopped responding to Chinas commands 2016, according to Space.com. Scientists have since anticipated the space station returning to Earth as a manmade meteorite, but are unsure where it will land.
In recent months, scientists have had a better approximation of where the station may land. According to the Washington Post, theyve warned that Spain, Portugal, France and Greece may see the 19,000-pound meteorite plummet within their borders.
Scientists say the Tiangong-1 is currently spinning around Earth at 17,500 mph, which amounts to a trip around the planet every 90 minutes. As the station descends closer to Earth and gains momentum, the thicker air will cause friction to surround the craft in superheated plasma, the Post reported.
Depending on the time of day and location, the nonprofit research firm Aerospace says, the returning station may be visible for up to a minute or more.
There is reportedly a slight chance the falling debris will hit somebody.
Two terrorists were killed on Saturday after the U.S. military launched a drone strike in Libya, a U.S. official told Fox News.
The U.S. Africa Command said in a statement that no civilians were killed in Saturdays strike.
In coordination with the Libyan Government of National Accord (GNA), U.S. forces conducted a precision airstrike near Ubari, Libya, on March 24, killing two terrorists, the U.S. Africa Command said in a statement.
The United States will not relent in its mission to degrade, disrupt, and destroy terrorist organizations and bring stability to the region. We are committed to maintaining pressure on the terror network and preventing terrorists from establishing safe haven, the statement added.
UN URGES LIBYA RIVALS TO END POLITICAL CRISIS
Saturdays drone strike was the second one in Libya this year. There were seven drone strikes launched in 2017. In 2016, the U.S. military carried out nearly 500 airstrikes against an ISIS enclave in the coastal city of Sirte.
The day before leaving office, then-President Barack Obama ordered an airstrike against two ISIS training camps using a pair of B-2 stealth bombers from Missouri.
France honored the heroic officer who died after taking the place of a supermarket employee during a terrorist attack perpetrated by an Islamic militant that left four people dead, as President Trump said Sunday it shows the need for stronger measures against the Islamic State terror group.
Survivors, victims and mourners packed the Saint-Etienne-de-Trebest church for Sundays special mass honoring Lt. Col. Arnaud Beltrame and the three others who were killed. Bishop Alain Planet, of Carcassonne and Narbonne, said Beltrames sacrifice helped save the nation.
Members of the region's Muslim community were among those mourning at the special Palm Sunday service. The manager of the supermarket sat in the front row, alongside her husband, the town mayor.
The bishop of Carcassonne and Narbonne, Alain Planet, hailed Beltrame's "extraordinary devotion," saying "the whole of France has been touched by this."
French President Emmanuel Macron previously said Beltrame, 44, "fell as a hero" and "showed exceptional courage."
FRENCH COP WHO SWAPPED HIMSELF FOR HOSTAGES DURING MILITANT ATTACK HAS DIED
"Arnaud Beltrame died in the service of the nation to which he had already given so much," Macron said in a statement. "In giving his life to end the deadly plan of a jihadi terrorist, he fell as a hero."
Residents have been laying flowers in front of the Trebes supermarket where the attacker seized hostages Friday.
The director of the national gendarme service is meeting Sunday in Carcassonne with Beltrame's widow and Macron has also ordered a national memorial for Beltrame.
President Donald Trump praised the heroism of the French police in a Sunday morning tweet, and that it shows the need for stronger measures against ISIS.
Trump said "France honors a great hero," citing the bravery of police officer Arnaud Beltrame who died after "swapping places with hostage in ISIS related terror attack."
He added that there's "so much bravery around the world" in the fight against ISIS but adds, "Even stronger measures needed, especially at borders!"
Attacker Radouane Lakdim was killed by police after Beltrame helped them storm the market when he surreptitiously left his cell phone on so that police outside the supermarket could hear what was going on inside.
Two people remain in custody in the investigation. In addition to those who were killed, 15 others were injured in the attack.
Fox News' Lucia I. Suarez Sang, Kathleen Joyce and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
Iranian officials Sunday described President Trump's decision to appoint John Bolton national security adviser as shameful and a sign that Washington intends to overthrow the Tehran theocracy.
The semi-official Fars news agency quoted Ali Shamkhani, secretary of the country's Supreme National Security Council, as saying that for an "apparent superpower it is a matter of shame that its national security adviser receives wages from a terrorist group." Shamkhani was referring to Bolton's attendance at a gathering of the Mujahedeen-e-Khalq (MEK) opposition group in 2017.
Also on Sunday, Hossein Naghavi Hosseini, spokesman for the influential parliamentary committee on national security and foreign policy, told the semi-official ISNA news agency that Bolton's appointment, as well as that of former CIA chief Mike Pompeo to secretary of state, "proves that the final U.S. purpose is overthrowing the Islamic Republic." He added that the U.S. will use MEK to achieve that aim.
The U.S. removed MEK from its list of foreign terrorist organizations in 2012.
Shamkhani also said attempts by the U.S. to weaken Iran have only "laid the groundwork for improving the power and influence" of Iran.
Trump said Thursday he would appoint Bolton to the post as his administration faces a key decision on whether to pull out of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. Bolton, a former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, advocates regime change in Iran and is opposed to the nuclear deal.
Former President Barack Obama says negotiations with North Korea on its nuclear weapons program are difficult, partly because the country's isolation minimizes possible leverage, such as trade and travel sanctions against Pyongyang.
Obama told a packed hall in Tokyo Sunday that the effort to get North Korea to give up nuclear weapons remains difficult, but countries working together to combine pressure on North Korea is better than nations working alone.
He says past U.S. efforts on Iran's nuclear weapons were more successful because there was more leverage.
Obama is speaking at an event sponsored by a Japanese nonprofit group during his trip to Asia, which included earlier stops in Singapore, New Zealand and Australia.
Obama's work after leaving office has been focused on nurturing young leaders.
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Did your address have substantial damage?
Friendswood officials want to hear from all 114 homeowners on a list of substantially damaged homes.
Officials stressed that each situation is different and that homeowners should contact the city.
For information, call the city manager's office at 281-996-3250.
Reporter
Before coming to work for The Daily News as a staff reporter, Connor worked for us as a freelance correspondent throughout 2017. He has written for other publications such as the Washington Post.
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We're all going to die - that's a fact.
But even Millennials should be preparing to meet their maker, if American scientist Guy McPherson is to be believed.
The retired biology and ecology professor says runaway climate change is going to kill us all by the year 2026. And if we somehow make it off the planet before then, unlike the inhabitants of the starliner Axiom in apocalyptic Pixar classic WALL-E, we might not be able come back.
"It's certainly all over for us in the not too distant future," Prof McPherson, who used to teach at the University of Arizona, told The AM Show on Monday.
In late 2016, he appeared on Three's Paul Henry to say humanity would be wiped out in 10 years. He's sticking by that timetable - even suggesting he might have overestimated how long we have left.
"For most of us, we'll be going sooner than that 2026 timeline I presented a couple of years ago."
Here's how it'll apparently go down: "Plant life will be unable to keep up with the repetitive rise in temperature. Plants will die, and we need plants to survive. We don't eat without plants. The water will continue to be fouled, the air will continue to be spoiled," explains Prof McPherson.
"But a primary factor will be starvation as civilisation collapses and the inability to grow grains at scale is one result."
Let's say the luckiest of us make it aboard the Axiom. Then what happens?
"It could be - and I'm not predicting this, but this could happen - that the world's 400-plus nuclear power plants melt down catastrophically when unattended by people because they're not paid, because civilisation collapses. That could cause ionising radiation to strip away the Earth's atmosphere and leave us in the not-too-distant future looking a lot like Mars.
"It could be that we lose the living planet. That's not what I wish for, that's not what I'm predicting, but it wouldn't surprise me. There would be no human around to document that demise."
Prof McPherson's ideas don't appear to have much support in the wider scientific community. A quick Google search brings up numerous blogs and articles debunking his claims, saying he appears to misunderstand some facts about how the global climate works, and misrepresents others.
The last time Prof McPherson was in New Zealand, Victoria University climate expert Prof James Renwick took a closer look at his claims. While Prof McPherson appeared to be very knowledgable about his areas of expertise - ecology and biology - there were serious problems with his understanding of atmospheric physics, and he exaggerated some key figures by up to 10 times.
"If your public profile depends on your image as an authority on 'global warming', you would do well to be clear on the science," Prof Renwick wrote, saying there was no need to be so alarmist when the reality was dire enough.
"My perception is that concerted global action within the next decade can avoid the worst consequences. The flip side is that business as usual, even for another ten years, could lock in changes that do indeed put global society at risk and threaten possibly hundreds of millions to billions of lives. Not instant death, but a very unpleasant future for a very long time.
"I find that prospect plenty scary enough, and it leaves room for us to take action. Let's take it."
A conspiracy?
Prof McPherson says other scientists agree with him - they're just too scared to say so.
"There are several scientists who do not disagree with the information I present. Does that mean they agree with me in public? Of course not, because they would lose support for these prestigious academic positions if they agreed with me in public.
"They don't ever disagree with me, but they don't publicly agree with me either."
In the meantime, he says he'll be "living as largely as I can" in his home in Belize, "surrounding myself with people I love and doing the work I love, which includes education".
If people ignore his message, he doesn't really care - remember, we're all going to die soon whatever we do.
"I'm presenting evidence - if people don't want to believe it and they want to call me names as a result, I don't have any control over that. I'm a rationalist. I've been pursuing scientific activity for a very long time, my entire adult life. If you don't want to believe me, that's really not on me."
Newshub.
GAZA, March 24 (Xinhua) -- Israeli war jets struck overnight a Hamas military facility in Rafah town in southern Gaza Strip with five missiles. No injuries were reported according to Hamas security officials and paramedics.
The Israeli airstrikes were a response to an earlier infiltration of four Palestinians who managed to cut the fence of the borders between eastern Gaza and Israel and damaged an Israeli army machine that digs the ground to destroy underground tunnels.
The Israeli airstrike was also a response to Gaza militants shooting at a small Israeli army drone that hovered over southeast Gaza Strip, according to the security officials, adding that during the Israeli airstrikes, militants fired on the attacking Israeli war planes.
The Israeli media reported that the Israeli war jets struck targets that belong to Hamas militants in southern Gaza Strip in response to damaging Israeli army digging machines and also in response to firing at Israeli drones.
Meanwhile, Islamic Hamas movement spokesman Fawzi Barhoum said in an emailed press statement that the Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip was aiming at foiling the preparations for the big march of return the Palestinians are preparing.
Hamas movement and other Palestinian factions are preparing for a large popular Palestinian march that will start on March 30 and end on May 15. Hamas called on Gaza populations to peacefully demonstrate during the big march close to the borders with Israel.
Butwal, March 25
Police have arrested the alleged shooter in the 2010 Butwal daylight shootout case in which a couple was killed.
According to police, Arjun Gautam, who hails from Saljhandi, Butwal, allegedly shot dead Ramesh Bhandari and his wife Astha in Butwal on June 23, 2010. Police had issue a Red Corner against Gautam, who was on the run since the incident.
Gautam was arrested near Sunauli, a town near the India-Nepal border, said SP Shyam Gyawali. He said that Gautam was brought to Nepal with help from Indian police.
Gautam and three others had opened fire on the couple and looted Rs 518,000 from them. Two members of the gang have already been arrested. Gautams brother Krishna, who is also one of the suspects in case, is on the run.
Ugandans Hire a White Man To Play The Role Of Jesus At Palm Sunday Service
nametalkam at 25-03-2018 06:24 PM (3 years ago) (m)
Controversy has trailed the decision of a church to hire a White man to play the role of Jesus during palm Sunday. There is serious online debate and outrage going on right now after a White man was allegedly hired by a church to play the role of Jesus Christ for Palm Sunday celebration at Munyonyo Martyrs Shrine in Kampala, Uganda.
Controversy has trailed the decision of a church to hire a White man to play the role of Jesus during palm Sunday. There is serious online debate and outrage going on right now after a White man was allegedly hired by a church to play the role of Jesus Christ for Palm Sunday celebration at Munyonyo Martyrs Shrine in Kampala, Uganda.
The white Jesus hired by the church in Uganda
There is serious online debate and outrage going on right now after a White man was allegedly hired by a church to play the role of Jesus Christ for Palm Sunday celebration at Munyonyo Martyrs Shrine in Kampala, Uganda.
This year's Palm Sunday, which is the start of the Holy Week and the day Christians celebrate the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, one week before he was crucified, received criticism from people who accused the organizers of projecting the image that Africans are inferior.
There is serious online debate and outrage going on right now after a White man was allegedly hired by a church to play the role of Jesus Christ for Palm Sunday celebration at Munyonyo Martyrs Shrine in Kampala, Uganda.This year's Palm Sunday, which is the start of the Holy Week and the day Christians celebrate the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, one week before he was crucified, received criticism from people who accused the organizers of projecting the image that Africans are inferior.
Post Reply I specialize in investigative reportage across several subject matter and sectors but mainly focus on metro events and investigation. Do leave your thoughts and opinion on my reports to let me know what you think about them. Thank you Posted: at 25-03-2018 06:24 PM (3 years ago) | Hero
Mashbol at 25-03-2018 07:10 PM (3 years ago)
(m) Salvation is much more required by Jesus... Posted: at 25-03-2018 07:10 PM (3 years ago) | Gistmaniac Salvation is much more required by Jesus... Reply
warribimboye at 25-03-2018 07:40 PM (3 years ago)
(m) Jesus na Black man before? Make we stand for truth Posted: at 25-03-2018 07:40 PM (3 years ago) | Upcoming Jesus na Black man before?Make we stand for truth Reply
slimber at 25-03-2018 07:48 PM (3 years ago)
(f) Hmmmm okoo good Posted: at 25-03-2018 07:48 PM (3 years ago) | Hero Hmmmm okoo good Reply
osarobo62 at 25-03-2018 07:50 PM (3 years ago)
(m) he looks good for the part. Moreover, Jesus was not a black man Posted: at 25-03-2018 07:50 PM (3 years ago) | Hero Reply
tegonwa at 25-03-2018 08:04 PM (3 years ago)
(m) Black Monkey Is A Fellow Who Is Black In Reasoning.The Jews Who Followed Jesus Were Not Blacks Too;so Why Are Those Black Idiots Following A White 'Jesos'?And Jesus Made A Triumphant Entry Into Jeruselem;so Why Is Their White Palm Sunday 'Jisos' Making A Condescending Along One Miserible Ugandan Village?Very Hopeless.Idiots!Too Hopeless! Posted: at 25-03-2018 08:04 PM (3 years ago) | Gistmaniac Black Monkey Is A Fellow Who Is Black In Reasoning.The Jews Who Followed Jesus Were Not Blacks Too;so Why Are Those Black Idiots Following A White 'Jesos'?And Jesus Made A Triumphant Entry Into Jeruselem;so Why Is Their White Palm Sunday 'Jisos' Making A Condescending Along One Miserible Ugandan Village?Very Hopeless.Idiots!Too Hopeless! Reply
tegonwa at 25-03-2018 08:17 PM (3 years ago)
(m) Don't Call This A Triumphant Entry Of Jesus Into Jeruselem,please.Call It A Foolish Entry Of A Portion Of African Tribe Into Colonialism.Just Look At Their Blackened Faces!Idiots.And They Want A Black Pope In Future?Foolishly Hopeless! Posted: at 25-03-2018 08:17 PM (3 years ago) | Gistmaniac Don't Call This A Triumphant Entry Of Jesus Into Jeruselem,please.Call It A Foolish Entry Of A Portion Of African Tribe Into Colonialism.Just Look At Their Blackened Faces!Idiots.And They Want A Black Pope In Future?Foolishly Hopeless! Reply
deboalabi262 at 25-03-2018 08:30 PM (3 years ago)
(m) Uhhh, so Jesus na white man and Satan na black person..... Who Jah Blessed, No Man Cursed...... Posted: at 25-03-2018 08:30 PM (3 years ago) | Hero Uhhh, so Jesus na white man and Satan na black person..... Reply
fineboy77 at 25-03-2018 10:50 PM (3 years ago)
(m) They were portraying,rite?,so they could ov also used a black man to act the role. The dudes sandals though What is the color beneath your skin? Posted: at 25-03-2018 10:50 PM (3 years ago) | Hero They were portraying,rite?,so they could ov also used a black man to act the role. The dudes sandals though Reply
mgiwa6 at 26-03-2018 04:19 AM (3 years ago)
(m) The man these African fools are worshipping never existed. But Africans have been brainwashed that it will take an act of God to open their eyes. Posted: at 26-03-2018 04:19 AM (3 years ago) | Upcoming The man these African fools are worshipping never existed. But Africans have been brainwashed that it will take an act of God to open their eyes. Reply
nature7888 at 26-03-2018 09:57 AM (3 years ago)
(m) The man sef d laugh them... Posted: at 26-03-2018 09:57 AM (3 years ago) | Gistmaniac The man sef d laugh them... Reply
gogoman at 26-03-2018 10:17 AM (3 years ago)
(m) Africans and yeye chaiii Posted: at 26-03-2018 10:17 AM (3 years ago) | Addicted Hero Africans and yeye chaiii Reply
smart61 at 26-03-2018 11:20 AM (3 years ago)
(m) I believe the church made the right decision because it is a general believe worldwide that Jesus was born a white man. In that case it would have been improper to use a black man to play that role. If a black man was used, then a wrong message would have been sent. Jesus was white. Posted: at 26-03-2018 11:20 AM (3 years ago) | Gistmaniac I believe the church made the right decision because it is a general believe worldwide that Jesus was born a white man. In that case it would have been improper to use a black man to play that role. If a black man was used, then a wrong message would have been sent. Jesus was white. Reply
davidsonjnr18 at 26-03-2018 12:09 PM (3 years ago)
(m) you shall not make ursf a caved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above or earth beneath. May the Lord have mercy. ACFI Padova Posted: at 26-03-2018 12:09 PM (3 years ago) | Newbie you shall not make ursf a caved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above or earth beneath. May the Lord have mercy. ACFI Padova Reply
Kathmandu, March 25
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has warned the European Union not to undermine Nepals sovereignty.
Olis statement comes days after the foreign ministry condemned a report by the EUs Election Observation Mission on the recent polls in Nepal. The ministry had said that the missions report challenged the constitution and breached an agreement it had signed with the Election Commission before it began observing the polls. Similarly, the Election Commission had said the report was unacceptable.
Oli said that the report undermined Nepals sovereignty. The Nepali people feel that the EU has disrespected them, said the Prime Minister referring to the EUs statement. I request the EU to rectify the statement, added the Prime Minister.
The EU Observation Mission has already said that its report is compliant with standard international practice and it was up to the government to decide what it wants to do with it.
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 Friday, in the morning, His Excellency the Honourable Paul de Jersey AC and Mrs Kaye de Jersey visited the Great Wall of China, Mutianyu Section.
In the afternoon, the Governor and Mrs de Jersey departed Beijing for Brisbane.
Governor's Program
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.
Ferrari thinks it has a winning car for 2018.
That is despite the clear qualifying defeat to Mercedes in Melbourne.
But Ferrari official Piero Ferrari, the son of founder Enzo, told La Gazzetta dello Sport: "I expect a victorious Ferrari.
"Our engineers assert that we have a good car and have made good progress. So even if Mercedes is not waiting for us, I expect results," he added.
Ferrari said the results in Australia cannot be taken too seriously in the context of the long 21 race calendar.
"The first race is not always meaningful," said the Italian. "But it's like the first day of school -- the other students notice immediately who has studied more during the holidays."
There is much talk in Melbourne about 'party mode' button on the Mercedes steering wheel, but Nico Rosberg said the real 'party mode' is Lewis Hamilton himself.
So with the Briton out of contract, might Ferrari consider luring him to Maranello for 2019?
Piero Ferrari answered: "He has bought various cars from us. I don't know how many exactly, but the number is at least three. He comes to the factory, picks up his car and leaves.
"What does he have that others do not have? Instinct," he added. "Of course you need the right team and a good car to become world champion, but a true champion brings his own qualities. And Lewis obviously has a lot of them.
"From the outside Hamilton looks extravagant, but in truth he is not. It was similar with Michael Schumacher. He always seemed so closed, but in private at dinner, he was very sympathetic," Ferrari added.
(GMM)
Kathmandu, March 25
The National Election Observation Committee says although the EC has successfully conducted polls at all levels of government, there are several areas in which the poll body needs to improve its performance.
Members of the committee, who presented their final report to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli at a programme in Kathmandu on Sunday, said that the election commission could not effectively implement its code of conduct, especially on social media. Similarly, it took a lot of time to declare the results, didnt educate the voters on the polling process and spent more that required during the process. The committee also said that the governments choice of date for elections was not suitable for voters.
Himalaya Shamsher Rana, the chief of the committee, said that the commission should be allowed to choose the date for elections in the future. Parliament should give the Election Commission the right to declare elections. That way, the commission can get enough time to prepare for the polls, he added. Rana said that the elections took place at a time when voters in the mountains could not easily come to the polling stations because of the weather.
The committees general secretary Gopal Shiwakoti alleged that state-owned media could not play an independent role during the elections. He said that the the Election Commission failed to implement its code of conduct on social media.
Despite all the shortcomings, the commission managed to conduct the elections in a peaceful environment, says the report. It says that the people responded positively to the governments security arrangement to go to the polling stations to vote, despite threats from groups that boycotted the elections.
Manufacturers, and well, pretty much anyone these days greatly benefit from open and social platforms to communicate to their end-users directly. That however also can have consequences, as every word you say will be weighed and can haunt you.
Something like that happened with an MSI India employee in a Facebook reply. The employee was posting a reply the MSI India gaming account as a question was asked on a gaming notebook post, there was some talk about the heated NVIDIA GPP discussion, the employee replied. Once posted on facebook, the comment spiraled out of control fast at Reddit. Reddit user pjgowtham accused MSI, Gigabyte, and Asus of participating in the Nvidia Partner Program. In the response, MSI Gaming India states that Nvidia is 'ahead of the GPU experience' and people would not buy something "sub-par", obviously talking AMD Radeon here.
The GeForce Partner Program has been under a lot of scrutinies lately, it's reported that Nvidia would try to exclusively bind the gaming brand names to them. While I'm not going to defend the MSI Gaming India social media team responses, I do understand that sometimes it can be hard and harsh to even answer such questions with an angry mob waiting outside the premises with pitchforks and such ready to start a mud fight. Let's call that response, not so handy.
MSI Radeon RX 580 Gaming X
The California Stupidity Fund
by Tom Yamachika, President, Tax Foundation Hawaii
One of the changes that was made in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, which applies to our federal tax returns for this year, is a limitation on deductions for state and local tax. Simply put, you can only deduct up to $10,000 in state and local tax. If you paid more, too bad, tough cookies. (This limitation applies only to non-business taxes. If you have a business and it pays taxes, such as our state GET, those taxes are fully deductible.)
Some government officials in high-tax states, such as California (which is now one of the only states with a higher income tax rate than ours), were not too happy about the limitation. California is now trying to enact a workaround, and some Hawaii lawmakers are actively considering similar legislation.
Specifically, the California Senate has passed a bill that establishes a California Excellence Fund that will accept contributions from people. The fund will be used to fund public works and other government projects, and Californians will get an 85% tax credit for amounts contributed to the fund. So, for example, if you owe $85,000 in California tax and you contribute $100,000 to the fund, an $85,000 credit is generated so you no longer owe money to the state. If the taxpayer gets a charitable deduction for the $100,000, the taxpayer would get much more benefits because there is no limit on deductions for giving to charity.
Our advice on doing the same thing in Hawaii: three words. It. Doesnt. Work.
The main reason why it doesnt work is that taxpayers who get a benefit, or something of value, from a charitable donation can only deduct the difference between the money they paid out and the benefit they got in return. Thats why a taxpayer who buys tickets to a benefit dinner for $100, for example, gets a letter from the charity saying that the dinner was $30, so the taxpayer can deduct the $70 difference.
In the California Excellence Fund example, the taxpayers who donated $100,000 were able to avoid paying $85,000 that was otherwise owed to California. Relief from debt is a benefit to the taxpayer just like the meal in the benefit dinner, so the taxpayers in that example will have a deduction for contributions of $15,000. They dont owe California tax now, so there is no state tax deduction. They are, in fact, worse off. If they instead paid their tax and gave $15,000 to another charity, they would get a $10,000 state tax deduction and a $15,000 charitable deduction. That way they could write off $25,000 for the same cash outlay.
In January, while the California Senate was considering the scheme, some alert reporter asked Treasury Secretary Mnuchin about it when he gave a press briefing on other issues.
His reaction: Ridiculous.
Although we are in the process of selecting a new commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service, whoever it is will report to Mr. Mnuchin. So, its probably safe to assume that the IRS will take a dim view of the California Excellence Fund contribution scheme.
Given all of that, what do you think about establishing a California Stupidity Fund here in Hawaii?
TELEVISION chef Richard Bainbridge cooked a five-course meal for guests at a Shiplake restaurant.
He was the first in a series of guest chefs to appear at Orwells, which is run by Ryan and Liam Simpson-Trotman.
Bainbridge won the 10th series of BBC 2s Great British Menu in 2015 and is the only chef to ever have two dishes in the final banquet of the competition.
He was also a judge on last years series in which Mr (Ryan) Simpson-Trotman was a competitor.
At Orwells, Bainbridge cooked the dishes which won him the show: Norfolk lamb with Jerusalem artichoke, truffle and parsley sponge followed by Nanny Bushs trifle with milk jam.
The hosts cooked fish and chips and Hereford beef, potato, carrot and roscoff for the dozens of diners.
The next guest chef will be Hywel Griffith, head chef of the award-winning Beach House in Swansea, who will visit on Thursday, April 19.
Orwells will be making its own Easter eggs for every guest who visits the restaurant on Easter Sunday.
Each one will contain a prize including tasting menus, wine tasting and money off meals.
THE story of a previously unknown Leander Club rower who died during the First World War has been revealed by an amateur historian.
Mike Willoughby, from Woodcote, researched the life of Lt Col William Ellison as part of his work to identify and honour all the soldiers with Henley connections to die during the war.
Lt Col Ellison was a doctor who served the royal household before his call-up at the outbreak of the conflict.
He was born in Windsor in 1855 and educated at Eton College.
He competed several times at Henley Royal Regatta in the Grand Challenge Cup in 1873, the Ladies Challenge Plate the following year and the Visitors Challenge Cup in 1876, all while at Eton and he won the Silver Goblets in 1878 for Oxford Etonian with Tom Cunningham Edwards-Moss.
Lt Col Ellison attended Oxford University, where he continued rowing and was part of the winning 1878 Boat Race crew. He then joined Leander and was in the bow seat when the clubs eight won the Grand Challenge Cup at the royal regatta in 1880.
After graduating in 1884, Lt Col Ellison received medical training at St Georges Hospital in London and served as the hospitals assistant medical registrar.
In 1888 he was appointed surgeon apothecary to Queen Victorias household at Windsor Castle and in 1895 became an MD. During the 1890s he was also acting resident physician to Victoria at Balmoral and consulting physician to Edward VII and George V.
Lt Col Ellison married Catherine May Murray at St Johns Church in Paddington in December 1894.
He joined the army and became a major commanding the first volunteer battalion of the Royal Berkshire Regiment. He was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel on November 5, 1915 and served on the Western Front. Lt Col Ellison died of natural causes on November 1, 1917, aged 62. His funeral took place at Eton Cemetery.
Mr Willoughby launched the Lest We Forget project in 2013 which has led to the installation of several memorial plaques honouring hundreds of forgotten servicemen from the Great War.
He is also organising an exhibition about all the rowers from Henley or connected to the Thames who died during the conflict.
This will be held the Old Fire Station Gallery in Henley during this years Henley Royal Regatta and then at the River & Rowing Museum in November.
Mr Willoughby has so far identified more than 450 soldiers who rowed for clubs and universities, including Henley Rowing Club, and found more than 300 pictures of them.
He said: What we have tried to do is feature, as far as possible, all the rowers who competed at Henley, rowed on the Thames or for Thames rowing clubs who died in or as a direct result of the war. It has been an education for me because Im a non-rower.
The reason Im doing this is because its a Henley-connected thing and, like most of the other things Ive done, it hasnt been done before.
Mr Willoughby researched and wrote about his work in a chapter of The First 200 Years, a book celebrating Leanders 200th anniversary this year.
Last year, he discovered that another soldier who died in the conflict, Fl Lt Richard Holdsworth, had also rowed for Leander.
Leander spokesman Robert Treharne Jones said: Ellisons rowing success reflects a period during the 19th century when Leander had yet to reassert itself as the leading force in British rowing.
Just a short time later Leander entered the golden years, when the club notched up a dozen wins in the Grand in just 15 years.
What I find really extraordinary is Ellisons appointment as surgeon-
apothecary to the Queen, just four years after qualifying, at the age of 33.
#undercover police Police officers to go undercover to chase online sexual predators A revision bill will take effect this week to allow a police officer to go undercover when investigating online sex crimes against minors, police said Thursday. The Korea Nation...
#BTS BTS reunites with Coldplay in New York In between promoting vaccines and lauding youths at the U.N. General Assembly in New York, it appears K-pop superstars BTS reunited with British rock band Coldplay ahead of the rel...
Last week (and maybe every week into an uncertain future) we were forced to confront some un
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Ever since a Google-affiliated company announced that it would be building a "smart city" on the Toronto waterfront, rumours have swirled about what kinds of futuristic tech might be in store.
Google's Sidewalk Labs has big plans for Toronto's waterfront. The problem is, nobody seems to know what they are.
Would there be flying cars like in the Jetsons? Teleportation like in Star Trek? And more importantly, in light of Cambridge Analytica's misuse of millions of Facebook users' data, what would the company be doing with all the user information it collects?
For now, most of these questions will have to remain unanswered, much to the chagrin of the hundreds of Torontonians who attended public meetings on Tuesday and a number of city officials who are growing wary of corporate vagaries.
"The public has a right to know the contents of a deal of this significance and this importance," Deputy Mayor Denzil Minnan-Wong told the BBC.
"In any deal I get something and you get something."
"What exactly are we getting from Sidewalk and what are we giving for it?"
The project was commissioned by the publically funded organisation Waterfront Toronto, who put out calls last spring for proposals to revitalise the 12-acre industrial neighbourhood of Quayside along Toronto's waterfront.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau flew down to announce the agreement with Sidewalk Labs, which is owned by Google's parent company Alphabet, last October, and the project has received international attention for being one of the first smart-cities designed from the ground up.
Image copyright Sidewalk Labs Image caption At first, Sidewalk Labs will develop 12 acres (48,500 sq m) of land
But five months later, few people have actually seen the full agreement between Sidewalk and Waterfront Toronto.
As council's representative on Waterfront Toronto's board, Mr Minnan-Wong is the only elected official to actually see the legal agreement in full. Not even the mayor knows what the city has signed on for.
"We got very little notice. We were essentially told 'here's the agreement, the prime minister's coming to make the announcement,'" he said.
"Very little time to read, very little time to absorb."
Now, his hands are tied - he is legally not allowed to comment on the contents of the sealed deal, but he has been vocal about his belief it should be made public.
"Do I have concerns about the content of that agreement? Yes," he said.
"What is it that is being hidden, why does it have to be secret?"
Analysis - Jane Wakefield, technology reporter
When I spoke to Dan Doctoroff, the chief executive of Sidewalk Labs, he told me that the plans for the waterfront city would be all about improving the lives of the citizens living there, and that would include extensive collaboration with them.
He also acknowledged that in the past, technology and urban planning have not been the most comfortable of bedfellows and that smart city plans are often imposed on those living there with little consultation or explanation.
He wanted his team to work better with the community, but clearly so far that hasn't happened.
It is not surprising that citizens are wary of the partnership. Tech firms are currently under increasing scrutiny for how they capture, store and use people's data.
The idea of a city built from the internet up sounds intriguing but, in the current climate, it is bound to raise questions about privacy.
As to the details of what will be in the city - it is very likely to be a testbed for driverless cars, another pet project of Alphabet's - but beyond that, nothing is yet written in stone.
Mr Doctoroff wants citizens to help decide what the city they live in looks like and his team needs to get on with this if it is to win back the trust of Toronto's inhabitants.
A spokesperson for Waterfront Toronto said it did not want to make the preliminary deal public until all negotiations were finalised, and said it intends to release the next iteration of the deal soon.
As for privacy, Sidewalk Labs says it takes that very seriously, and is working with former Ontario privacy commissioner Ann Cavoukian to try and set a global-standard for how smart-cities should treat users data.
But the specifics, including how data will be collected and where it will be stored, remain thin.
"There are a lot of questions we've got to work through over the month ahead, and we are very conscious of not wanting to short circuit the public consultation process and the expert consultation process we are working on," Micah Lasher, head of policy and communications at Sidewalk Labs told the BBC.
Source: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-43493936
Del Rio Border Patrol Agents Apprehend MS-13 Gang Member
Del Rio, Texas - U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Carrizo Springs Station arrested a Salvadoran national who had been convicted of assault.
Our agents have thwarted another convicted felon and MS-13 gang member from further entry into the United States, said Del Rio Sector Chief Patrol Agent Felix Chavez. The men and women of the U.S. Border Patrol continue to serve with steadfast commitment to the safety and security of our nation.
On March 15, Border Patrol agents arrested Wil Alfredo Mundo-Ramirez, 28, shortly after his illegal entry into the United States. During processing at the Carrizo Springs Station, agents discovered he had been convicted of assault in Montgomery County, Maryland, on Oct. 2, 2015, and was sentenced to serve one year in prison. Agents also discovered he was a confirmed MS-13 gang member. Records checks show that Mundo-Ramirez was deported to El Salvador on Jan. 27, 2017.
Mundo-Ramirez faces a charge of 8 USC 1326 for illegal reentry after deportation, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. His prior order of removal will be reinstated.
The Del Rio Border Patrol Sector is part of the Joint Task Force-West South Texas Corridor, which leverages federal, state and local resources to combat transnational criminal organizations. To report suspicious activity call the Del Rio Sectors toll free number at 1-866-511-8727.
A collage of photos of India under the British Raj and news clips of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre and the massacre of the Khaksars in Lahore. (photo provided)
Nigerian Yoruba actress, Toyin Adewale is today celebrating her son, Nigerian singing sensation, Mayorkun who turns a year older today.
She wrote to him in an Instagram post, which reads:
A man stands now where my baby used to be and the sight of him all grown up moves me
My son has become a wiser and stronger man all to the glory of God
I know by looking at him God has blessed me in ways that years ago I never would have believed
He is an adult to the world and that is how he should be but in my heart and soul he will always be my little boy
THANK YOU JESUS
THANK YOU OLUWAMAYOWA
THANK YOU WORLD
I LOVE YOU SO MUCH SON
AND WISH YOU A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY
LONGLIFE & MORE BLESSINGS IJMN
An enraged Nigeria father, has out of anger, cut off the leg of a young man who was alleged to have defiled his baby in a community in Edo state.
The man who was reportedly caught while inserting his finger into a 6-month-old babys private part in Edo state, has landed himself in a hospital, after the babys father cut off his leg with a machete.
According to a Facebook user, Prince Gwamnishu Harrison, who shared the story online, the father was arrested for taking laws into his hand, and charged for causing Grievous Harm.
The man reportedly revealed at the station that he cut off the leg out of annoyance.
He said he wants to withdraw the charge (Defilement) against the man to regain his freedom.
Meanwhile, the 36-year-old man suspect that defiled the baby, is receiving treatment at the hospital.
The hacked off leg was rejoined by doctors at the hospital.
See photo below:
Growing Up In Ajegunle Helped Me A Lot- Actress Ruth KadiriNollywood actress, Ruth Kadiri who grew up in the Ajegunle part of Lagos, has opened up that her experience in the slum made her who she is today.
In a recent chat with Potpourri, Ruth Kadiri declared that growing up in the slum was actually more of a blessing than curse.
Growing up in the slum helps you to find yourself, she mused. Its either you are defined or you are not. Growing up as a child in Ajegunle, its either you get lost or it helps you find your way. Right now, there are so many mistakes I cant make. I see many ladies misbehave, if I am able to overcome it at childhood I cant start doing it now.
As a child I have always known what I wanted. In my room I had a write-up that when I become eighteen I would rent my own apartment. My dad saw it and he was like Where are you going by eighteen? I told him I want to be able to get my own apartment and make my own money. He just laughed it off. I think that decision helped me to cultivate the desire to make my own money and do it the right way, she added.
On lessons she has learnt as a practitioner in the movie industry, Ruth Kadiri was effusive in her response.
I have learnt to be patient. I have learnt to understand that peoples destinies are different. I have also learnt to understand that not everybody will appreciate your style, not everybody will understand where you are coming from. All you need as a person is focus. The easiest thing to do is to get distracted. The easiest thing to do in this industry is to follow the trend. If you have a style and you are able to stick to it, as long as you know that you are doing the right thing, you will get to where you desire, she stated with a note of finality.
Billionaire Bill Gates, Nigerias Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Emir of Kano and a host of others attended the wedding reception of Dangotes daughter in Lagos on Friday.
Reacting to a photo of all of them peacefully sitting together irrespective of different schools of thoughts or religion, Wedding Party 2 director,
Niyi Akinmolayan wrote:
A Pastor, a Muslim leader and an atheist. Even if Bill Gates was gay, hell still sit there comfortably with smiles around him. Wealth and power knows no religion. May we never have reasons to fight for God so that some people can be rich.
Source: Naijaloaded
Speaking in Jalingo on Saturday at the maiden convocation ceremony of Taraba State University, Former Chief of Army Staff and Minister of Defence, Lt. Gen. Yakubu Danjuma raised alarm that there was an attempt at ethnic cleansing in the country and asked Nigerians to defend themselves.
The ethnic cleansing must stop in Taraba state, must stop in all the states of Nigeria..The Armed Forces are not neutral. They collude with the armed bandits that kill Nigerians.. I ask everyone one of you to be alert and defend your territory, your state. You have nowhere else to go
The statement which has since become a hot topic among Nigerians, has got many of them weighing the statement from different angles. While some believe that a man of Danjumas calibre shouldnt speak like that in public since he has very easy access to President Buhari and could very well take the matter to him, others say Nigerians must take heed because Danjuma wouldnt speak of such except it is the truth. See reactions below:
Can anyone accuse TY Danjuma of not being a patriot? How many Nigerians have done for Nigeria what TY has done for this nation? Few. Very few. When he talks like this, we should know that it has gotten to a very bad state. I call on the government to heed his call. Ben Murray-Bruce (@benmurraybruce) March 24, 2018
Suddenly, TY Danjuma who abducted Aguyi Ironsi, led him into the bush, tortured and executed him, before going into a lucrative career as an owner of Nigeria is being celebrated as a progressive voice of reason It is well Mr. Aye Dee (@MrAyeDee) March 24, 2018
Defend yourselves against killers ,TY Danjuma tells Nigerians. Indeed, let the State and the ruling elites abandon responsibility to protect the poor, will he also provide funds from his own share of Nigerias oil block to help us buy weapons, so we can defend us from us? pic.twitter.com/vrbxPxrIa6 Kayode Ogundamisi (@ogundamisi) March 24, 2018
There is an attempt at ethnic cleansing in the state and of course some rural areas in Nigeria. We must resist it.We must stop it. Everyone of us must rise up- Gen. TY Danjuma,24th March, 2018. Our leader has spoken.I endorse his position. It is time to resist the barbarians. Femi Fani-Kayode (@realFFK) March 24, 2018
Hilux with security officials usually accompany Fulani Herdsmen Attacked villagers We were in a plane & boat Dapchi Girl The Armed Forces are not neutral, they collude, they collude, they collude with armed bandits that kill people, kill Nigerians-TY Danjuma Me: Babasola Kuti (@SKSolaKuti) March 24, 2018
For TY Danjuma to say such, a man of his calibre, its not only disappointing but majorly sad. He has access to his friend, President @MBuhari & can take all his evidences (If ANY) to him, but telling people to arm themselves is invitation to anarchy, which will consume us all pic.twitter.com/MbYwBaHO9e Salihu Tanko Yakasai (@dawisu) March 24, 2018
Ive been in this hell hole called Nigeria for a while. But this video of TY Danjuma giving a stern warning about a coming all-out war is the most sobering thing yet. Trust me, he knows one or two things. pic.twitter.com/OPBpkKF608 Deric Kincaid (@iDeric) March 24, 2018
Nigerias former Chief of Army Staff and Minister of Defence, TY Danjuma, has passed a vote of no confidence on the Nigerian Military. He accused them of collusion in many killings across the country. There is a problem. Nnamdi Anekwe-Chive (@nnamdianekwe) March 24, 2018
When IBB and Obasanjo wrote a letter to Buharithere was one piece of the pack left
The board is now completeTY Danjuma is now on the other side
Daura is sure for Buhari 2019
These men dont croak for nothing.. AnthonyEhilebo (@AnthonyEhilebo) March 24, 2018
Today
Partly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 74F. SSE winds at 10 to 20 mph, decreasing to less than 5 mph.
Tonight
Partly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 74F. SSE winds at 10 to 20 mph, decreasing to less than 5 mph.
Tomorrow
Some sun in the morning with increasing clouds during the afternoon. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 92F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph.
Army Public School & College APS & C Sukkur Jobs 2018
Latest Army Public School & College Teaching Posts Sukkur 2021 Army Public School & College APS & C Sukkur, Pakistan required applications from experienced and professional candidates for the posts of Teachers (English, Pak Study, Mathematics, Urdu, Chemistry and Art Teacher).
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Latest Fatima Memorial Hospital Medical Posts Lahore 2021 Fatima Memorial Hospital Lahore, Pakistan required candidates for the posts of FCPS Trainee, Medical Officer/ Blood Transfusion Officer, Lab Technologist and Front Desk Officer.
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Stronger and Safer Pakistan FF Steel Jobs
Latest Stronger and Safer Pakistan Sales Posts Peshawar 2021 Incharge Corporate Sales For Swat are required in Stronger and Safer Pakistan FF Steel in Hayatabad Peshawar. Candidate must have Graduate BA with Experience in Management.
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iStock/Thinkstock(WASHINGTON) -- President Donald Trump will not be hiring two attorneys to advise him on the ongoing Russia probe by the Special Counsel.
Facing conflicts, Joe diGenova and his wife, Victoria Toensing, will not be joining the president's legal team, ABC News confirms.
In a statement to ABC News, Trump's attorney, Jay Sekulow, says, The President is disappointed that conflicts prevent Joe diGenova and Victoria Toensing from joining the President's Special Counsel legal team. However, those conflicts do not prevent them from assisting the President in other legal matters. The President looks forward to working with them.
Last week, reports surfaced that the president was having difficulties finding lawyers to represent him and join his legal team amid the ongoing investigation by Special Counsel Robert Mueller.
It was just four days ago that the president's top attorney, John Dowd -- the man who was negotiating a potential interview with Mueller -- quit.
Last week, when asked if he would sit down for an interview with Mueller, Trump said, "Sure I would like to. I would like to."
Now, Sekulow remains the only attorney on the team helping the president navigate the special counsel investigation. Ty Cobb remains the in-house White House lawyer handling issues related the presidency.
On Sunday morning, the president tried to squelch reports that he was having trouble finding representation as the Russia inquiry advances. The president tweeted yet again he is, in fact, happy with his legal team.
"Many lawyers and top law firms want to represent me in the Russia case...dont believe the Fake News narrative that it is hard to find a lawyer who wants to take this on. Fame & fortune will NEVER be turned down by a lawyer, though some are conflicted. Problem is that a new ... " Trump tweeted.
"...lawyer or law firm will take months to get up to speed (if for no other reason than they can bill more), which is unfair to our great country - and I am very happy with my existing team. Besides, there was NO COLLUSION with Russia, except by Crooked Hillary and the Dems!" He continued.
Sources tell ABC News the president's legal team continues to look for more attorneys to join, but at the moment no one is stepping in to fill those roles yet.
Copyright 2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
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Catalan Mossos d'Esquadra regional police officers clash with pro-independence supporters trying to reach the Spanish government office in Barcelona, Spain, Sunday, March 25, 2018. Grassroots groups both for and against Catalan secession called for protests Sunday in Barcelona after Carles Puigdemont, the fugitive ex-leader of Catalonia and ardent separatist, was arrested Sunday by German police on an international warrant. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana)
TREBES, France (AP) A French bishop paid tribute Sunday to a police officer who lost his life after swapping himself with a supermarket employee held hostage by an Islamist extremist, saying his heroic sacrifice helped save the nation.
Survivors and families of the four victims of Friday's rampage of attacks packed the Saint-Etienne-de-Trebes church for the special Mass honoring Lt. Col. Arnaud Beltrame.
Members of the region's Muslim community were among those mourning at the special Palm Sunday service in the southern town of Trebes, near the medieval city of Carcassonne. The manager of the supermarket sat in the front row, alongside her husband, the town mayor.
The bishop of Carcassonne and Narbonne, Alain Planet, hailed Beltrame's "extraordinary act, extraordinary devotion."
"It is better that one man dies for the people, so that the nation doesn't perish," the bishop said. He added that the horrific slayings have forced everyone to confront the reality of death and suffering across the world, noting turmoil in Sudan, the Middle East and elsewhere.
The Islamic State group claimed that the attacker Radouane Lakdim, 25, born in Morocco was answering its call to target nations in the U.S.-led coalition fighting IS militants in Syria and Iraq.
Lakdim was killed by police Friday after Beltrame helped them storm the market. Lakdim also killed the supermarket's butcher, a shopper and a passenger in the car that Lakdim had hijacked earlier in nearby Carcassonne. He shot at riot police, one of whom was injured, then headed to the supermarket in Trebes.
Two people have been detained for questioning in the case.
French police searching Lakdim's home in Carcassonne found notes referring to the Islamic State group that appeared to be a final testament, a judicial official said on Saturday. Also found were a computer and telephone.
Three homemade explosive devices, a handgun and a hunting knife were discovered inside the supermarket, suggesting the attacker may have had still deadlier plans.
The head of France's National Gendarmerie, Gen. Richard Lizurey, visited the post in nearby Carcassonne where Beltrame had been stationed since August 2017. He said the Lt. Col.'s "exceptional act" should serve as an inspiration to colleagues.
Split-second decisions in a crisis can override protocol, he said.
"(A gendarme) has only a few seconds to act, to make the right decision," Lizurey said.
He hailed police forces as "the cement of society" but said facing "terrorism is not an individual fight. It's a collective struggle."
Moussa Azidad, a teacher in Trebes, said fellow Muslims must send a message to show they, too, must be present in the fight against terror.
"We are part of France, we are French ... so we have to, during very difficult times like these, we have to be there," he said.
French President Emmanuel Macron has ordered a national memorial for Beltrame.
Across the Atlantic, U.S. President Donald Trump said Sunday on Twitter the deadly shooting in southern France showed the need for stronger measures in the fight against the Islamic State group, including border security.
Trump tweeted "France honors a great hero," citing the bravery of Beltrame. He went on to say there's "so much bravery around the world" in the fight against IS but added "Even stronger measures needed, especially at borders!"
GARNER, Iowa A man accused of following someone home, forcing his way in, and then assaulting them is pleading not guilty.
Jesus Roman Gallardo, 24 of Lake Mills, was arrested on February 5 and charged with 1st degree burglary and domestic abuse assault. Authorities say he followed someone to their home in Hancock County from a party in Thompson on December 16, 2017, and then repeatedly assaulted that person over many hours.
Gallardo is now scheduled to stand trial on April 18.
ROCHESTER, Minn.-
On Saturday - while March for Our Lives flooded the streets of Washington D.C., members of the Rochester community held their own march through downtown Rochester. There were over 800 marches globally.
The march is in honor of victims of school shootings and a call to lawmakers to make changes to gun legislation.
Protesters gathered at Peace Plaza at 10 a.m. They marched through downtown Rochester and ended at Mayo Park - where students and other guest speakers, such as Mayor Ardell Brede and Police Chief Roger Peterson, addressed the crowd.
The March was coordinated entirely by students - led by Century High School junior Anjali Goradia. She was inspired to begin organizing a March For Our Lives in Rochester because she related to the students at the Parkland, Florida school shooting. "We are the same people. They are just like me. It could have easily been my school where that happened and it could have been my friends that were lost that day."
Robyn Walker and her daughters Jordan and Gabrielle attended the march. Walker fears for her children and wants politicians to do something about gun control so that they can be safe. "My kids are amazing, generous, loving individuals who have a great future and the fact that someone could take that from them - that scares me every day."
Goradia is only 17, but she says that as her generation begins to turn 18, this is only the beginning of their call for legislators to make changes to end gun violence. "We believe in this movement, so we will be voting in the next midterms. We are the next generation to make this a change. It's inevitable," she states.
At the end of the march, in tents set up in Mayo Park, marchers had the chance to register to vote or write letters to lawmakers.
On April 20th, the anniversary of the Columbine shooting in Colorado, there will be another national school walk out - where students will leave class for a period of time to honor school shooting victims. On that day, Minnesotan students - including Goradia - plan to march at the Minnesota Capitol.
The BEA Reads program is in its fourth year and picking up great momentum as this years chosen published work is one of last years top movies of 2017.
Wonder by R.J. Palacio was the book chosen for BEA Reads this year. The BEA Reads website describes the book as a spare, warm, uplifting story that will have readers laughing one minute and wiping away tears the next.
This book depicts life around August Auggie Pullman, who has a medical condition known as Treacher Collins Syndrome. Life for Auggie isnt easy, and it does not necessarily get any easier when the home schooled student has to go to public school.
According to head librarian at the Blue Earth Community Library Eva Gaydon, there is not necessarily a specific structure the librarians choose for the BEA Reads book.
It just has to have mass appeal and it has to be a good book good characters, or a good storyline, she says. Our first year, we read Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline, which many women could connect with, especially mothers. The next year, we read The Things They Carried, by Tim OBrien which resonated with a number of veterans as well as folks who grew up in the Vietnam War era. Last year, we read Ordinary Grace by William Kent Kreuger, who is a local writer, so we had a great amount of fun with that book.
This years book is a poignant topic for not only our students, but our parents in the area, said head librarian at Muir Library, Heidi Schutt. We are so excited to see the energy the book has already gotten from some of the readers and we would love to see those copies of the book continue to circulate.
More than 30 copies of the book have been disbursed throughout the county, and there are also copies available at each library to check out, as well as an audio version and a large print version available. There are even ebook copies available this year.
This book really focuses on relationships both in and out of school and how it not only relates to others, but involves others as well, says Gaydon. A lot of people can relate to this book. Its geared to adults, but this one can be read at any age. We have so many young readers already getting something out of it.
This year, the BEA Reads program is all about inclusivity, which is why the program has doubled their efforts to cover conversation topics, activities, and a special guest at the Blue Earth Community Library, Muir Library in Winnebago, and the Elmore Public Library.
We are starting out with our Wonder Days, which again touches on inclusivity. There will be multiple activity stations at each library on their Wonder Day and there will be Blue Earth Area High School students involved in the Peer Helping program to assist with those stations, it should be really fun, says Gaydon. And of course, we will have lots of treats for everyone.
Wonder Day at the Muir Library will take place on April 7, at 10 a.m., at the Blue Earth Library on April 10, at 3 p.m.; and at the Elmore Public Library on April 18, at 4 p.m.
Each library will also host a book discussion night, where an open dialogue about the book will take place to anyone who is interested in sharing their experience reading Wonder. The Elmore Public Librarys book discussion will take place on April 11, at 3:30 p.m., while Blue Earth Community Library will play host on April 19, at 6 p.m., and Muir Librarys discussion date is set for April 23, at 7 p.m.
The Elmore Library will also be hosting a discussion and movie night for teens, so those who have read the book, or havent, can come and enjoy the major motion picture based on the book. Feel free to head to Elmore on April 13, for a movie that will start at 6 p.m. They will also have another showing of the movie for all ages on April 18, at 6 p.m. The movie is rated PG?and runs one hour and 53 minutes.
Last, and certainly not least, special guest Steve Bensen will be visiting each of the three libraries to share his chapter. Steve, who is married to BEA alumni Casey Barnes and a graduate of the University of Minnesota, was born with Treacher Collins Syndrome, the same syndrome protagonist Auggie has in Wonder. Bensen will talk with residents and students about living life with Treacher Collins Syndrome and how living life with fake ears can be just as exciting as living with real ones.
Bensen will be visiting the Muir Library on April 24, at 7 p.m., the Elmore Public Library on April 25, at 6 p.m., and at the Blue Earth Community Library on April 26, at 6 p.m.
And, as mentioned before, Wonder isnt just for adults. The Blue Earth Community Library will be having Wonder Storytime on April 5, at 10:30 a.m., while the Muir Library will have Wonder Storytime on April 16, at 10 a.m.
Those who have a copy of the BEA Reads book are asked to read the book in a timely fashion, and pass it on to a friend, co-worker, neighbor, or even a random community member. All events of the BEA Reads program are entirely free to the public.
Oral health problems affect not only a person's ability to eat and speak but are inter-connected with such serious health issues as diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis and preterm or low birth-weight infants. (Pixabay)
By Kang Seung-woo
Korea and the United States have reached an agreement "in principle" on the revision of their free trade agreement (FTA) and Seoul's permanent exemption from Washington's heavy tariffs on steel imports, according to Korea's top trade negotiator.
"Agreement on the bilateral FTA and steel issues has been reached in principle," Trade Minister Kim Hyun-jong told reporters on his return from Washington, Sunday, where he led the negotiations with the U.S.
"Although there are some technical issues that need to be addressed at a working level, I believe they will be settled shortly."
Kim plans to report negotiated outcomes in a Cabinet meeting today. After the briefing, the minister will also hold a press conference.
"We have set the table for Korean steel products to enter the U.S. market without a hitch by eliminating uncertainties in advance," Kim said.
The U.S. government's plan to impose a 25 percent tariff on imported steel and a 10 percent duty on imported aluminum took effect last Friday.
However, Korea, the third-largest steel supplier to the U.S., was granted a temporary reprieve from the heavy tariffs last week, putting the nation in a position to negotiate with the U.S. to receive a permanent exemption.
U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer recently hinted the FTA renegotiation would determine whether Korea will get an extended exemption and the two countries tabled the steel issue during the third round of FTA talks on March 15 and 16 in Washington.
"We believe we are relatively close to a pretty comprehensive resolution with the South Korean government," Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said last week.
He added the resolution would encompass broad trade issues including tariffs on steel and aluminum imports.
When it comes to the FTA amendments, Kim also made it clear Korea defended its "red line" in the agriculture industry, while adding there were no additional concessions made in regards to tariffs.
However, the trade minister declined to comment on whether their deal was mutually beneficial, adding more details on the talks will come today.
Kim's remarks came days after U.S. President Donald Trump said, Friday, the revision deal with Korea was very close to being finished.
"We're going to have a wonderful deal with a wonderful ally. We are going very close to it. It was a deal that was causing a lot of problems for our country in terms of employment and in terms of lots of other things," he said during a press conference at the White House.
In response, the Korean trade ministry confirmed his remarks, saying their negotiations are in the final stages.
During the three rounds of the amendment negotiations that launched in January, Korea was seeking revisions on provisions of investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) and adverse facts available (AFA).
ISDS allows investors to sue countries for alleged discriminatory practices via international arbitration bodies, but many have expressed concerns that multinational firms can exploit it, infringing on Korea's judicial sovereignty.
AFA enables levying extremely high anti-dumping and countervailing duties if an accused company does not hand in data demanded by the U.S. government.
In response, the U.S. side has made strong demands regarding car tariffs and market access.
The U.S. is Korea's second-largest trading partner after China, with bilateral trade reaching $119.3 billion (129 trillion won) in 2017, according to government data.
The Korea-U.S. FTA took effect in 2012, but the countries agreed to revise the trade pact last year as Trump called it a horrible deal causing job losses in America and a trade deficit.
By Jhoo Dong-chan
Korea's small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are enjoying surging export performance with Vietnam. Highlighting the Southeast Asian country's economic development, the nation's top think tanks say Vietnam is expected to become Korea's second-largest export partner soon.
According to the study released by the Korea Small Business Institute (KOSBI), Korean SMEs' exports to Vietnam reached $12.6 billion last year, up 33.4 percent from a year earlier.
The Southeast Asian country was Korean SMEs' fourth-largest export partner in 2016, but became the second-largest with 11.7 percent of their total export volume last year following China with 22.5 percent.
"Vietnam's population is more than 90 million, and is steadily enjoying a 6 percent economic growth every year," the study said.
"The country's population will reach more than 100 million by the end of 2020. It will play a leading economic role in the Indochinese peninsula soon."
Thanks to the SMEs' surging export volume, Korea's exports to Vietnam reached $47.8 billion, or 8.3 percent of the nation's total export volume, last year.
The figure indicates the country was Korea's third-largest export partner after China and the United States last year. The nation's top think tank claims Vietnam will soon take over the U.S. in export volume.
According to the Korea International Trade Association (KITA), the nation's exports to Vietnam will reach $96.6 billion by 2020 to become Korea's second-largest export country.
The KITA also noted Korea enjoyed a $31.5 billion trade surplus with Vietnam last year, nearly doubling the trade surplus with the U.S. worth $17.8 billion.
"An increasing number of Vietnamese people are favoring Korean brands thanks to the Korean wave and major Korean firms' entry to the country. Korean firms, especially SMEs, should establish a foothold in major cities or special economic zones in Vietnam to expand their exports," said a KOSBI researcher.
"The government should also provide various support linked with its official development assistance program to Vietnam."
The study said, however, Vietnam often experienced labor disputes while its wage level is rapidly growing these days, calling for SMEs to take a cautious approach when seeking a cheap labor cost abroad.
Kim Myung engraves a traditional name stamp at her ink brush store Myung Sin Dang in Insa-dong, Seoul, Thursday. / Korea Times photo by Lee Suh-yoon
By Lee Suh-yoon
Hong Soo-hi, the owner of Koohasanbang, Insa-dong's oldest remaining "pilbang" or ink brush store, deplores the fact the cultural heritage street is no longer what it used to be.
"There's nothing to see," the 70-year-old complains as he prepares instant coffee behind the counter. "That's why most tourists just leave after a quick glance."
Insa-dong, a 700-meter street formed over a now-defunct creek that used to connect nearby Samcheong-dong to Cheonggye Stream in Seoul's central district of Jongno-gu, has been a hub for art supply stores. But many of them have been pushed out of business due to soaring rents.
Chain coffee shops, cosmetics stores and identical souvenir stalls have replaced stores that sold traditional goods, art and local handicrafts.
"And anything that's made in Korea is too expensive for most people," Hong adds. "The rent is insane. What do you expect?"
Hong Soo-hi, 70, owner of Insadong's oldest remaining ink brush shop Koohasanbang. / Korea Times photo by Lee Suh-yoon
The number of random visitors or tourists, however, does not affect Koohasanbang's sales. Its main clients are a regular group of local artists and students. The store provides a rare window into what Insa-dong used to stand for a hub for local artists and poets.
An elderly man enters the store. He wants to buy hanji, traditional Korean paper handmade from mulberry trees.
"Next time, come and buy my brushes too, they're premium products," Hong tells the customer as he hands him the parcel.
According to a city-published guidebook, Koohasanbang's regular client list included King Gojong (1852-1919) and his son Emperor Sunjong (1907-10), as well as famed calligraphers Kim Choong-hyun (1921-2006) and Kim Eung-heon (1927-2007).
Despite its legacy, Koohasanbang is struggling to stay open. Hong says the rent has more than doubled since he took over the shop in 1987.
"Insa-dong may look fine on the surface but underneath it's in trouble," Hong sighs. "Many shop owners are months behind on their rent. The rent is so high there are no incoming tenants. Nowadays, stores can remain empty for one or two years."
Walking through Insa-dong's main street today, visitors can easily spot "Clearance Sale" or "For Rent" signs taped over shop windows. Artists and craftsmen, who once made Insa-dong a living site of traditional art and culture, are long gone.
High rent is not the only reason Insa-dong is no longer the place it once was.
The restructuring of university programs led to the disappearance of traditional arts majors.
"Universities are increasingly shutting down Oriental painting and calligraphy programs," Hong says.
"Let's say there were around 3,000 calligraphy studios in Gyeonggi Province before. Now there are only 50. Where did those artists go? They couldn't make ends meet, so they left to the countryside to lower their living expenses. They all graduated from top universities you know."
Traditional arts as hobbies are also losing popularity, partly because of the tough economic situation.
"In the past, women in their 30s and 40s practiced calligraphy or ink painting," Hong recalls. "Now many of them are washing dishes at restaurants or taking part-time jobs to earn extra income for the family."
When asked how his store was able to survive in the face of soaring rent, Hong says he sold his other assets.
A short history
Local artists first settled in Insa-dong in the early Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910), when it became home to Dohwaseo, a government office for training royal artists.
A visual comparison of Insa-dong street in 1998 and 2017. / Korea Times file
During the 1910-45 Japanese occupation, Japanese collectors combed its streets for priceless paintings and antiques that members of the fallen Yangban class put up for sale.
Starting in the 1960s, Insa-dong became a hub for painting studios, art supply stores, and "pyogu" (paper or silk framing service for mounted paintings) shops partly due to its lower rent compared to other commercial areas like Chungmuro and Myeong-dong that also sold art and culture products.
However, as the area became increasingly popular among locals and tourists in the 1990s, gentrification quickly followed. High rent soon displaced the local artists, master craftsmen and antique traders.
Hong is one of the last remaining traces of the Insa-dong Koreans remember.
Insa-dong was designated as the first cultural district by the government in 2001 to protect traditional culture. However, the measures proved to be ineffective.
Multi-story complexes like Ssamzigil appeared, causing rents to soar. Monthly rent for a small shop of around 55 square meters on the first floor of this building is about 8 million won ($7,400).
High rent is a perpetual nightmare for the remaining tenants here.
"It's ridiculous how they keep raising the rent. The owner of the building has changed frequently as well," says one shopkeeper at Ssamzigil who asked not to be named.
Other traditional shops who have managed to survive despite soaring rent echo Hong's views.
"The number of tourists in Insa-dong is decreasing in general," says Kim Myung, owner of Myun Sin Dang ink brush shop.
Myung Sin Dang has managed to keep the same spot in Insa-dong for over 30 years. It's also famous among tourists for engraving personalized name stamps.
A clearance sale is underway at a shop in Insadong, Seoul. High rents are pushing old stores out of business. / Korea Times photo by Lee Suh-yoon
By Chad Ebesutani
Korea is up against a heated debate over the exclusion of other mental health professionals in the provision of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
CBT is one of the most effective psychotherapy approaches for treating mental health problems such as depression and anxiety. Given that Korea has among the highest rates of suicide and mental health problems, proper regulation of CBT for treating these problems is a critical issue.
A law was recently passed that, starting June 2018, will exclude psychologists entirely from conducting CBT in hospitals CBT will only be covered by the National Health Insurance Service, provided that psychiatrists or neurologists, who are members of professional groups, receive a minimum of training in CBT as part of their formal education.
Psychologists are fighting back, arguing that they should also have the right to provide CBT to patients and be covered by national health insurance. Up until the passing of this new mental health bill, clinical psychologists have been members of a professional group receiving CBT training as part of their education and licensure requirements and have been providing CBT across various mental health settings in Korea.
As an American U.S. licensed clinical psychologist myself, living and working in Korea as a professor of psychology for the past seven years, I would like to share some reactions and lessons learned from a similar controversy faced in the U.S., as well as some thoughts for positive directions forward.
We must consider and prioritize the public good: Legislation regarding CBT insurance coverage has the potential to be profitable for select professional groups (such as increasing insurance billing rights among psychiatrists and neurologists). However, in doing so, it also has the potential to have a negative impact on the overall public welfare and good of the country, particular if psychiatrists and neurologists are not adequately trained in delivering CBT. As a licensed clinical psychologist myself, becoming trained and competent in providing CBT requires years of devoted training. It will be important to ensure that the public good is being prioritized when determining insurance coverage rights in this Korean health care law reform.
Need to increase access to treatments for patients by diversifying provision rights to various professionals: It is estimated that approximately 30% of the Korean population will suffer from mental health disorders at some point in their lives, and many of these individuals do not go to hospitals to receive therapy. In the U.S., we realized the importance of increasing patient access to effective services such as CBT by training various types of professionals (such as counselors, psychiatrists, social workers, and psychologists, among others) in effective counseling and therapy skills such as CBT. If psychiatrists and neurologists in hospital settings are the only people Koreans can receive CBT under covered insurance from, this will drastically limit the public's access to this needed form of help, which has the potential to be detrimental to the mental health of Koreans. Training various types of service providers across different settings in CBT can thus help increase needed access to services for the population and best serve the public good.
Clinical psychologists can provide effective CBT: It has been demonstrated and proven in the U.S. (and other countries) that clinical psychologists, as well as other licensed professionals, can provide high-quality, effective CBT, despite not being medical doctors. Thus, there does not seem to be a strong basis for excluding Korean clinical psychologists from this new Health Care Law. Indeed, additional systems and checks may need to be put in place to ensure that whoever is providing CBT is adequately trained (including psychiatrists and neurologists)_ but excluding clinical psychologists from CBT insurance coverage is difficult to understand. Given that CBT was born out of behavioral learning and cognitive principles stemming from the field of psychology, excluding psychologists from delivering CBT in Korea seems misguided and unjust.
Need for integrative health care systems and shared rights: In the U.S., we realized that mental health needs are complex and often require expertise that span various areas, including medical domains (studied by psychiatrists), neurological domains (studied by neurologists), as well as cognitive and behavioral domains (studied by psychologists). Instead of competing for rights, the U.S. has realized the importance of sharing health care rights so that neighboring professionals can more easily co-exist, co-contribute, and provide integrated health care to meet the complex health care needs of individuals.
For the reasons stated above, it seems clear that psychologists should be included in CBT provision rights. Doing so would be best for the public good and also in line with effective health care models as demonstrated in other countries such as the U.S.
Chad Ebesutani is a professor of psychology at Duksung Women's University.
President Moon Jae-in shakes hands with Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in the latter's office before a summit with the United Arab Emirates leader, Sunday. / Yonhap
By Kim Rahn
ABU DHABI President Moon Jae-in and Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan agreed, Sunday, that defense cooperation is the core of relations between Korea and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The two leaders decided to develop the bilateral relationship from a strategic partnership into a "special strategic partnership."
The agreements were made in a summit during Moon's visit to the UAE. This is his first UAE visit since taking office in May.
Moon indirectly mentioned a controversy over secret military deals with the UAE reached during former President Lee Myung-bak's term in 2009, and the following dispute between the nations over it.
"There was a hitch, but the relations between Korea and the UAE have not been damaged at all," Moon was quoted as saying by presidential spokesman Kim Eui-kyeom. "Rather, this became a chance for Korea to gain public sympathy over the two nations' cooperation in the defense sector and to strengthen it."
But he and Cheong Wa Dae officials did not elaborate further on this.
Since December when presidential chief of staff Im Jong-seok visited the UAE and met with the crown prince as Moon's special envoy, suspicions have lingered that he went there to mitigate a dispute over military deals. Afterward, a former defense minister who served under Lee admitted Korea signed a secret deal to send troops automatically to the UAE if the latter became engaged in a military conflict. Moon said earlier this year he would seek to revise or supplement the deals if they had flaws.
This is a contribution article written by UAE Ambassador to South Korea Abdulla Saif Al Nuaimi Ambassador, on the occasion of President Moon Jae-in's visit to the Middle East country. ED.
Amb. Abdulla Saif Al Nuaimi
It goes without saying that the United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Korea have maintained distinguished bilateral ties since the establishment of these relations in the early 1980s.
The Republic Of Korea opened its embassy in Abu Dhabi in 1980, while the UAE opened its embassy in the Korean capital Seoul in 1987. In 2009, the two countries upgraded their bilateral ties into strategic partnership.
Despite being located on opposite sides of the Asian continent, each of the two nations has contributed significantly to the remarkable economic growth in the other country. The ties between the UAE and the ROK found their roots in the principles of cooperation and mutual respect, and evolved into a strategic partnership and peoples over recent years.
It is with great pride that I consider the strategic partnership between our countries, for the UAE is the first and only country in the Middle East region to maintain a strategic partnership with the ROK.
On this auspicious and historic visit of President Moon Jae-in to the United Arab Emirates, marking his first visit to a Middle-Eastern nation since assuming the presidency, I would like to hail the tremendous progress our two countries achieved on all levels.
The trade volume between the two countries reached around $15 billion in 2017 and around 200 Korean companies are currently operating in the UAE.
First lady Kim Jung-sook looks around a traditional market in Abu Dhabi with students learning the Korean language at King Sejong Institute there, Sunday. / Yonhap
By Kim Rahn
ABU DHABI First lady Kim Jung-sook visited a traditional market in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), together with students learning the Korean language at King Sejong Institute here, Sunday, the second day of President Moon Jae-in's visit to the Middle Eastern country.
The visit to the marketplace, called souq, was part of the first couple's efforts to understand the local culture and have close contact with local people during their visits to foreign countries.
The participants of the event were those studying Korean language at the institute within the Korean Cultural Center.
Looking around the market, the students showed Kim a traditional dance using sticks, which she learned on the spot, and taught her how to wear hijab. They also had coffee which the students had made at home in person.
The students said girls in the country are highly interested in Korean culture, food and K-pop. Kim gave them CDs of Korean boy band BTS, which the group members autographed, a present that made the students shout for joy.
"They said there are many things in common between Korea and the UAE, saying they want to help make people of the countries learn about each other's culture," a Cheong Wa Dae official said. "Kim told them to play the role of linking Korea and the UAE and become strong supporters for cooperation between the nations."
She also had lunch with Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, the mother of Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who is in charge of women-related policies in Abu Dhabi. Kim also visited the General Women's Union, a group launched in 1975 with a goal to boost women's rights, as well as Louvre Abu Dhabi, a newly opened museum.
By Yi Whan-woo
Former U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon will hold his first press conference on March 27 after being elected to lead the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) in February.
It will be at 11:30 a.m. at The Westin Chosun in downtown Seoul.
The GGGI, a Seoul-based organization on sustainable economic growth, said last week Ban will talk about his plans as GGGI president and chairman.
He will also talk about the importance of fulfilling the U.N.'s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.
The U.N. oversaw the creation of the SDGs and NDCs at the end of Ban's second five-year term which concluded in December 2016.
GGGI Director-General Frank Rijsberman and Ban will deliver a speech before they join a question-and-answer session with reporters.
Ban said he will "contribute to promoting green growth and sustainable development around the world" while doing his "best to fulfill the expectations of the international community in this regard."
Rijsberman said Ban's U.N. career ushered in important targets that were "necessary for achieving a more sustainable and inclusive future."
"His vision and leadership will help GGGI deliver an even greater impact in our mission of supporting member governments to achieve the ambitions set out under the SDGs and the Paris Agreement," Rijsberman said.
The GGGI was founded in 2012. Led by Korea, it has 27 members, including Australia, Denmark, Ethiopia, Mexico, Norway, Papua New Guinea, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and Vietnam.
It is aimed at helping developing countries transition to a model of environmentally sustainable economic growth.
Previous GGGI chairmen include former Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Danish Prime Minister Lars Loekke Rasmussen.
Ban replaced Gemedo Dalle of Ethiopia.
Ban's two-year term began immediately after he was elected. The chairmanship is renewable for another two-year term.
By Yi Whan-woo
Fourteen international experts on museums, art, literature, fashion and other cultural fields including tourism, are visiting Korea from March 25 to 31, according to the Korea Foundation (KF).
The KF, which operates under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said it invited the experts from 13 countries to bolster its goal of cultural exchanges between Korea and other nations.
The 14 include Senegal's former Ambassador to UNESCO Papa Momar Diop, Angola's National Olympic Committee (NOC) President Gustavo Dias Vaz Da Concetcao, Tourism Malaysia director general Datuk Seri Mirza Mohammad Taiyab, Bangladesh National Museum director general Faizul Latif Chowdhury, Belarus' Yanka Kupala State Literary Museum director Lyashkovich Alena, Bosnia and Herzegovina's International Sarajevo Winter Festival director Ibrahim Spahic, Cleveland Museum of Art Director and President William Griswold and U.S. Mills College Art Museum Director Stephanie Hanor.
"They will meet relevant officials and have various experiences during their stay here, and we expect it will help them expand their understanding of Korea," the KF said.
Diop, who serves as an adviser to UNESCO, is particularly interested in Seoul's UNESCO bid for documents on Japan's imperial-era mobilization of Korean women as sex slaves.
He is scheduled to visit the Korean National Commission for UNESCO and experience Korean cultural heritage.
The Angolan NOC chief will be joined by Spahic in a visit to the PyeongChang Winter Olympics venues and the Korean Olympic Committee in Seoul.
Griswold has "depth of knowledge" on Korean pottery, according to the KF. He will meet KF President Lee Si-hyung and National Museum of Korea Director-General Bae Ki-dong to discuss how to expand the Korean exhibition at the Cleveland Museum of Art.
The KF has also been running a photo exhibition featuring the lives of people in ASEAN at the ASEAN Culture House in Busan.
The exhibition, "ASEAN People and ASEAN lives," began on March 17 and runs until May 27.
It features 200 works from 119 photographers in 10 ASEAN member countries. The photos were taken in various places, such as the Laotian Buddhist temple Pha That Luang and the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque in Brunei.
The photos were selected in a contest organized by Vietnam's cultural ministry to mark the 50th anniversary of ASEAN in August 2017.
"This is the largest photo exhibition of ASEAN cultures, and visitors will have a chance to get a glimpse of life in the region," the KF said.
It said it has been stepping up efforts to bolster exchanges between Korea and other countries on foreign affairs and security.
From March 19 to 23, it invited 11 security experts from Australia and New Zealand.
They met officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Unification and the Ministry of National Defense to share thoughts with Korean officials on the inter-Korean unification policy, the Korea-U.S. alliance and defense policies.
The visitors also met scholars from the Korea National Diplomatic Academy and the Asian Institute for Policy Studies.
"Our program contributes to promote Korea's perspective on regional security issues," the KF said. "We'll continue to make efforts to increase the number of Korea-friendly scholars abroad."
By Yi Whan-woo
The Embassy of Brazil and Brazilian Cultural Center in Korea will jointly open a cultural hall at the embassy in Samcheong-dong, Seoul, on April 5 to better promote the country's arts and culture.
To mark its opening, Brazilian Ambassador to Korea Luis Fernando Serra will host a photo exhibition titled "The Greatest Party on Earth." It will feature photos of Rio de Janeiro Carnival taken by photographer Omar Montenegro.
The ceremony will begin at 6:40 p.m. with Serra's welcoming speech. Hyundai Motor Group Senior Vice President David Kim will propose a toast and a musical performance will follow.
Snacks and cocktails will be served.
In a separate event, Seoul International Women's Association (SIWA) will host a fundraiser at 6 p.m. on April 7 at the Conrad Hotel on Yeouido, southern Seoul, under the theme, titled, "Carnaval Do Brazil" (Brazilian Carnival).
The program includes a cocktail reception, dinner, dance and auctions.
The funds raised will be used to support three charities -- Asia Community School, Soyang Rainbow Children's Home and Seongnam Shelter for Adolescents.
"This year's gala represents an opportunity for SIWA to assist charitable organizations to continue with their selfless work to serve others living in the margins of society," SIWA President Anne Choe said.
I convey my heartiest greetings and congratulations to my countrymen as well as all expatriate Bangalees on the occasion of the great Independence and National Day of Bangladesh.
March 26 is the day of earning self-identity of our nation. It's the day of breaking the shackles of subjugation. On the eve of the Independence Day, I recall with deep gratitude the greatest Bangalee of all time, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, under whose undisputed leadership we earned our beloved independence. I pay my deep homage to the 3 million martyrs and 200,000 women who lost their innocence in the War of Liberation. I also pay my tributes to four national leaders who led the War of Liberation. My homage goes to the valiant freedom fighters, including the wounded ones. I extend my sympathies to those who had lost their near and dear ones, and were subjected to brutal torture during the war. I recall with gratitude our foreign friends who had extended their wholehearted support and cooperation for the cause of our liberation.
The Bangalee nation had fought against Pakistani rulers' oppression and deprivation for 23 long years under the leadership of Bangabandhu. They were compelled to hold general elections in 1970. Bangladesh Awami League led by Bangabandhu won an overwhelming majority in the elections. But the Pakistani rulers, instead of handing over the power to the majority party in a democratic way, launched repressive measures against them. Bangabandhu in his historic March 7th address at the then Racecourse Maidan declared, "The struggles of this time is for freedom, the struggle for this time for our independence." He instructed the Bangalee nation to resist the enemies.
The occupation forces unleashed a sudden attack and started killing innocent and unarmed Bangalees on the black night of March 25, 1971. They killed thousands of people in cities and towns, including Dhaka. The Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman officially proclaimed the independence of Bangladesh at the first hour of March 26, 1971. Bangabandhu's proclamation was spread all over the country through telegrams, tele-printers and EPR wireless. The international media also had circulated Bangabandhu's proclamation of independence. Under the brave and dauntless leadership of Bangabandhu, we earned the ultimate victory on Dec. 16, 1971, after a bloody nine-month war.
Independence earned through supreme sacrifices of millions of people is the greatest achievement of the Bangalee nation. To ensure this achievement remains meaningful, all have to know the history of our great liberation war and retain the spirit of independence. The history has to be passed on from generation to generation.
Being imbued with the spirit of the freedom struggle, the Awami League government has been working relentlessly to develop the country. During the last nine years, we have implemented expected development programs in all sectors. As a result, Bangladesh has emerged as a role model of socio-economic development. The world is now acclaiming Bangladesh for attaining remarkable progress in socio-economic fronts. We will turn Bangladesh into a middle-income country by 2021 and a developed one by 2041, Insha Allah.
The historic March 7th Speech of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman has been included in the international Memory of the World Register as World Documentary Heritage by UNESCO. This recognition of the March 7th Speech has made the whole nation proud once again.
We have executed the verdict of the killing case of Bangabandhu and most of his family members. The verdicts of cases against those who committed crimes against humanity are also being executed. Our government is maintaining a zero tolerance policy to tackle militancy and terrorism. We have stopped to take over power in an undemocratic way through the 15th amendment of the Constitution. On this auspicious day, I urge my countrymen to foil any plot of the anti-liberation, communal forces and anti-development and anti-democracy forces together.
Being imbued with the spirit of our great liberation war, let us work together to advance our country's development and democracy and build a non-communal, hunger-poverty-free and happy-prosperous Sonar Bangladesh as dreamt by the Father of the Nation. On the historic day, this is our commitment.
Joi Bangla, Joi Bangabandhu. May Bangladesh Live Forever.
Today, March 26, is the glorious Independence and National Day of Bangladesh. On this very day in 1971, our great leader Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman declared independence of our beloved motherland.
On this auspicious occasion, I recall with deep reverence the greatest Bengali of all time, our Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman by whose clarion call the Bengalis started the War of Liberation against Pakistani occupation forces. I pay my profound homage to the 3 million martyrs and 200,000 mothers and sisters whose supreme sacrifice and dishonour ushered us an independent and sovereign Bangladesh coloured in red and green. My respectful salute goes to all freedom fighters including the wounded war heroes. On this memorable moment of Independence Day, I express sincere gratitude to all foreign friends, expatriate Bangladeshis and members of diplomatic fronts who accelerated our victory by extending all possible support during the Liberation War of Bangladesh.
March 26 is the day of breaking the shackles of subjugation when the Bengalis protested against misrule, exploitation and oppression by the then-Pakistani rulers. Our war heroes took arms at the call of the Father of the Nation. Before that, on March 7, 1971, Bangabandhu in his historic speech declared, "The struggle this time is the struggle for our emancipation; the struggle this time is the struggle for liberation." It is a matter of great joy indeed that UNESCO has included this historic March 7th speech of Bangabandhu in the Memory of the World Register, a list of the world's important documentary heritage. Being started on March 26, the bloody war ended fruitfully through the emergence of an independent and sovereign Bangladesh on Dec. 16, 1971.
Our Father of the Nation, the great architect of our Libration War, dreamt for a happy, prosperous, exploitation-free and equitable 'Sonar Bangla' (Bengal of Gold). His able successor, the leader of mass people Sheikh Hasina, has been working tirelessly to realise this dream. Formation of an equitable state mentioned in 'The Charter for Change' presented by Honorable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina consists of a number of specific and integrated programs for accomplishment. Following that roadmap, goals have been agreed on for transforming the country into a 'middle income' one by 2021 and a 'developed' one by 2041. At the same time it has taken firm measures towards achieving these goals.
Currently, Bangladesh is marching forward with US$1,610 per capita income and more than 7.28 percent growth rate. After successful completion of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in which Bangladesh has been acclaimed as a role model, we are now committed to the objectives and realisation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the United Nations General Assembly. As a sequence of all these tremendous achievements the United Nations has announced Bangladesh's eligibility for graduation to developing country status from the least developed country category in this month of rebellious March.
On this Day, I congratulate Bangladesh Diaspora in every corner of the world which has been immensely contributing to our economic development and in brightening the image of Bangladesh. I also thank all the members of our Missions abroad who have been working with sustained dedication and commitment in achieving our foreign policy objectives and promoting national interest of Bangladesh on the world stage. I appeal to all expatriate Bangladeshis and mission officials to work in unity with the government and people of your respective host countries to strengthen the relationship for greater benefit of all concerned.
On this 48th day of the declaration of our independence, let us make a renewed pledge to devote ourselves to work from our respective positions imbued with the spirit of the Liberation War to build a 'Sonar Bangla' and also a better world for our future generations.
Joy Bangla, Joy Bangabandhu.
May Bangladesh live forever.
March 26, the Independence Day of Bangladesh. On the occasion of our great Independence and National Day, I extend my heartfelt greetings and warm felicitations to my fellow countrymen living at home and abroad.
On this historic day, I recall with profound respect Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who proclaimed independence on March 26, 1971. Under his able leadership, we achieved our independence through a nine-month-long armed struggle. Today, I pay my deep tributes to the martyrs and valiant sons of the soil, who made the supreme sacrifices in the war of liberation. I also recall with deep reverence our four National Leaders, valiant freedom-fighters, organizers, supporters and people from all walks of life for their unmatched valour, immense contributions and courageous role that accelerated the achievement of our victory. I remember with deep respect our foreign friends who extended their wholehearted support directly and indirectly in our war of liberation in 1971. They sheltered millions of refugees who fled from our country during war. The contributions of all would be written in golden letters in the history of our independence forever.
We have achieved our hard-earned independence through huge sacrifices. Bangabandhu always cherished a dream of building a happy and prosperous country along with achieving political independence. Keeping that in mind, the present Government has been rendering untiring efforts in materializing the dream of Bangabandhu. The growth rate of GDP is increasing constantly. Per capita income is increasing and the rate of poverty is decreasing. Our country has attained food sufficiency owing to the huge development in agriculture. The pace of advancement in the sector of empowerment of women, social safety net, etc. is ongoing. Now the Padma Bridge is not a dream, it is a reality. Bangabandhu Satellite-1 is waiting to be launched into the space. Bangladesh is elevated from least developed country (LDC) to developing nation in context of three indexes of developing countries. As a nation, it is a great achievement for us. Bangladesh is now being branded as a role model of development in the outside world. In pursuing our diplomatic objectives, the government has been consistent in upholding the principle of "Friendship to all, malice towards none" as enunciated by Father of the Nation. Our achievements in the international arena are also commendable. Our expatriate Bangladeshis have also been making significant contributions to our national economy through sending their hard-earned remittances. Nevertheless, we have to go a long way for achieving the desired goals of independence. We must ensure good governance, social justice, transparency and accountability to make the development people-oriented and sustainable.
Self-restraint and showing respect to others' opinions are important for thriving and institutionalization of democracy. Therefore, we have to maintain patience, self-restraint, and forbearance in our national life. We must show respect to others' opinions. National Parliament would be the centre of hopes and aspirations of the people. For this, the ruling party as well as the opposition would have to play a constructive role. People of Bangladesh are always peace-loving. They do not support any type of violence including militancy and terrorism. Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman dreamt of transforming Bangladesh into 'Sonar Bangla.' The present Government has set Vision 2021 and Vision 2041 to materialize Bangabandhu's dream into reality. Concerted efforts are imperative from all to implement those initiatives.
Imbued with the spirit of war of liberation and democratic values, let us work together irrespective of caste, creed and party opinion to make our hard-earned independence more meaningful. Let this be the pledge of our Independence and National Day.
Khoda Hafez, May Bangladesh Live Forever.
Today is March 26, the 48th Independence and National Day of Bangladesh. Forty-seven years back on this day, our great leader, the greatest Bengali of all times and the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, proclaimed the independence of Bangladesh. Bangabandhu steered the freedom-seeking nation to independence through his visionary and charismatic leadership. His historic March 7th speech was a great inspiration for our Liberation War.
We celebrate our independence day this year at a time when his historic March 7th speech has been recognised as a part of the Memory of the World Register of UNESCO. At the same time Bangladesh has graduated from the LDC group to the developing country category. This milestone feat of the country has been officially confirmed by the United Nations on the eve of the 98th birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
On this auspicious day, I take this opportunity to pay my sincere tribute to 3 million martyrs of our glorious War of Independence, who made supreme sacrifices for the independence of our beloved motherland. I also pay homage to all valiant freedom fighters, and 200,000 mothers and sisters who sacrificed their honour during our Liberation War. I recall with gratitude the invaluable contributions of the members of our diplomatic front who played a crucial and courageous role in garnering moral and material support from the international community during our War of Independence. I also convey my heartiest greetings and felicitation to all Bengali brothers and sisters at home and abroad as well as to all our foreign friends and partners across the globe.
The present government under the visionary leadership of our beloved leader Bangabandhu's daughter Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been working hard to realise Bangabandhu's dream of building a 'Sonar Bangla' (Golden Bengal) with a view to achieving people's socio-economic emancipation and building a poverty- and hunger-free society. Bangladesh is now a 'role model' for success in all socio-economic sectors like education, health, gender equity and women empowerment. After successful attainment of most of the Millennium Development Goals, we are confident of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals on time through appropriate plans and initiatives.
Due to our intense diplomatic efforts and extensive engagement with the international community, Bangladesh's relationship with other countries and international organizations has reached new heights in recent years, both in terms of depth and dimension. We have been able to garner widespread support from the international community on the Rohingya issue and significant progress has been made so far in this regard. Today, Bangladesh stands out in the comity of nations with its own hard-earned reputation, development achievements and self-esteem.
On this historic Day, I wish to thank all the members of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and our Missions abroad for their committed efforts in advancing our foreign policy objectives and development goals, and promoting our national interest on the world stage. I also congratulate Bangladesh Diaspora in every corner of the world who are immensely contributing to our development endeavors and enhancing Bangladesh's image abroad. On this glorious day, being imbued with the spirit of our great Liberation War and with a view to building Bangabandhu's dream of Sonar Bangla, let us take a fresh vow to devote ourselves to work from our respective positions in advancing the ongoing developments efforts of the present government to strengthen the hands of Honorable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and build a better world for our future generation.
Joy Bangla, Joy Bangabandhu.
By Yi Whan-woo
Over 3,000 chefs in 150 countries joined "Good France," an annual French gourmet festival, on March 21, according to the Embassy of France in Korea.
Among them were chefs from 23 restaurants in Seoul, Busan and other major Korean cities.
The embassy said France will host an inaugural gourmet forum in Paris as part of "Good France" in June, during which "top-class figures in the relevant industries" are expected to gather.
It also said another festival will take place Sept. 21 to 23.
The three events in March, June and September will be held together in 2019 to better promote French cuisine.
New British Ambassador to South Korea Simon Smith speaks during a press conference at the embassy in Seoul, March 21. / Yonhap
By Yi Whan-woo
Great Britain is ready to offer its expertise on nuclear security including nuclear nonproliferation and power generation to help with the denuclearization of North Korea, Britain's new ambassador to South Korea Simon Smith said.
In his first meeting with the South Korean press on March 21 as ambassador, Smith also said he respects Seoul's efforts to improve cross-border relations, including the planned summit between President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.
"As a permanent member of the UNSC we play a constructive part in global and regional security," he said at the embassy.
"Our role in South Korea has many parts: we will do all we can to help deal with the issues with DPRK, including denuclearization of DPRK.
"We are extremely admiring the efforts that the administration of the Republic of Korea has made to take the opportunity presented by the holding of the PyeongChang Olympics and Paralympic Games and to build on this in a way that set up the summits."
He referred to the similar populations of the U.K. and South Korea and said he expects to "develop our bilateral security relations" and that he "sees a great deal of opportunities with South Korea."
He said he will concentrate on bolstering business and defense cooperation between Seoul and London during his three-year term as well as facilitating exchanges between the two sides.
He underscored that such efforts will be especially critical as Britain will depart from the European Union
"Especially after Britain leaves the European Union, we will need to put particular efforts into building further on our international economic links and on our trade and investment relationships," he said.
Before being appointed as the ambassador to Seoul, Smith served as head of the British foreign office's Northeast Asia and Pacific department and as the British governor for the board of the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Smith, who studied Korean language for six months last year, said he hopes to improve his Korean skills and travel to every corner of the country.
"I received from this professor (of Korean literature) a long list of recommended Korean literature of the 20th century. So one of my objectives is to improve my Korean language to the point that I could work through this list and go back to the professor that 'I have taken your advice.'"
By Yi Whan-woo
The Embassy of Costa Rica will host Coffee Expo Seoul 2018 at COEX in Samseong-dong, southeastern Seoul, on April 5.
Mario Arroyo Uder, promotion and projects director of the Coffee Institute of Costa Rica, will deliver a welcoming address during the opening ceremony at 10 a.m.
Costa Rican Ambassador to Korea Rodolfo Solano Quiros will give a congratulatory address.
Visitors can also see a photo exhibition on Costa Rica during the one-day expo.
There will be three marketing sessions under the themes of "General presentation on Costa Rican coffee: innovation, processes and institutions," "Our evolving journey to traceability and sustainability: advancements, goals, and path ahead," and "The way to Fair Trade with Costa Rican coffee farmers."
By Jung Min-ho, Jung Da-min
Gwangju Metropolitan Office of Education wants to send students to North Korea for their field trip.
The education office said Sunday it sent the proposal to Cheong Wa Dae and the Unification Ministry ahead of a planned South-North summit next month.
Officials said students would be able to learn much about North Korea through hands-on experience.
Gaeseong, Mt. Kumgang and Baekdu are among the suggested destinations.
The proposal also includes inviting North Korean students, teachers and provincial officials to historic places in Gwangju.
Moon Ki-soo, who was born and raised in Japan, told The Korea Times that his first and last visit to Pyongyang about 17 years ago gave him a different view of North Korea.
"It was very different from what I saw on Japanese TV channels," he said. "People were nice and proud of their nation. The travel changed my attitude toward the idea of Korea's unification more positively."
Moon, who obtained South Korean citizenship after the trip, added, "Field trips to North Korea would make more South Korean students interested in the North, which I think is important groundwork for unification."
Gwangju education superintendent Jang Hui-guk said he would keep pushing the field trip idea.
By Jung Min-ho, Jung Da-min
A 21-year-old man was found guilty Sunday of trying to dodge his mandatory military service by putting on nearly 30 kilograms within six months.
The Cheongju District Court handed down a suspended prison term to the man, who gained 29 kilograms deliberately in 2016 to evade his military duty.
The 180-centimeter man, whose identity is being withheld, was only 87 kilograms when he graduated from high school in February but became 113.6 kilograms by the time he received a second physical examination in July.
His body mass index (BMI) was 36.1, which was below the requirement to serve the military. So he was assigned to a public service position, a less physically demanding alternative.
But police later found he gained weight on purpose to evade his military duty.
Under the law, a person who flees, causes self-injury or cheats to avoid military service could face a maximum sentence of five years in prison.
Are all allegations of sexual harassment true? / Yonhap
By Jung Min-ho
The widow of a public middle school teacher, who committed suicide last year amid a sexual harassment investigation, claims a student's lie killed her innocent husband.
Kang Ha-jung, who lost her husband Song Kyung-jin on Aug. 5, posted a plea on the presidential office website on Mar. 15. She urged the government to uncover the truth about what drove him to his death and to punish those who blindly vilified him without checking the facts.
Over the past 10 days, her post has garnered more than 21,000 signatures.
"A student's lie soon became a sexual harassment allegation against him. He didn't have any proper chance to explain. Pressured enormously by the student human rights center, he had to kill himself to prove his innocence," Kang wrote.
"Some people say, 'If he didn't do it, why would he die? He should have insisted on his innocence.' He tried hard until he realized there was no other way but death to prove his innocence. No one seemed to listen."
Song, a teacher at the Sangseo Middle School in North Jeolla Province, was accused of inappropriately touching a female student. There was no evidence.
But the North Jeolla Province Office of Education immediately removed Son from his position, leaving him vulnerable to gossip and rumors.
Kang claimed the student made the false accusation after Song reprimanded her for using her mobile phone in a classroom.
After Son died, Kang complained to the National Human Rights Commission of Korea (NHRCK), which she said ignored her request for a thorough investigation. The education office was not helpful either, she noted.
"It could happen to any man. Once any woman starts to make sexual harassment allegations against you, you are caught in a trap," she wrote.
"This country has no sense of justice for falsely accused men. If someone points a finger at you, you will be judged immediately. Why do we need police, prosecutors and judges? Where is the presumption of innocence for those who are accused of sexual crimes?"
"There are not just criminals but also innocent people who are falsely accused I strongly condemn the NHRCK for blindly protecting the human rights of some people while ignoring others."
Kang called on President Moon Jae-in to establish a system to better protect people like her husband, as many other people have demanded amid the #MeToo movement over the past few months.
Former President Lee Myung-bak
By Kim Hyun-bin
The Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office plans to start questioning former President Lee Myung-bak as early as today _ the first interrogation after his arrest last week.
Lee was taken into custody early on Thursday after a court issued an arrest warrant over 12 charges of alleged corruption, including abuse of power, bribery and embezzlement.
Bak Beom-seok, the chief judge who oversees warrants at the Seoul Central District Court, issued an arrest warrant for the former president as it is believed Lee could destroy evidence.
Prosecutors are expected to question him at the Seoul Eastern Detention Center.
If prosecutors uncover more evidence of the ex-president's involvement in other illegal acts, more charges could be added.
Lee refused to attend his hearing and indicated he may not cooperate.
He has denied all allegations and repeatedly stated that the ongoing probe is part of a political revenge by the administration.
Prosecutors can keep Lee, 76, in custody for up to 20 days to be formally charged.
They did not question Lee over the weekend, giving him time to rest and adapt to the detention center.
Since his arrest late on Thursday night, prosecutors have been reviewing documents and other information to enable them to charge the ex-president officially before his detention expires on April 10.
Legal pundits say the investigation is likely to be prolonged, with more than 500 people expected to be called as witnesses. Observers believe it will be nearly impossible to sentence Lee, if he is proven guilty, within six months.
He allegedly took more than 11 billion won ($10.2 million) from the state spy agency and businesses. He is also suspected of embezzling about 35 billion won from a company he allegedly owns.
If convicted on all charges, Lee could face up to 45 years in prison.
Shortly after the arrest warrant was issued, Lee posted on Facebook, "At this time rather than point fingers, I feel remorse and feel that everything is my fault."
Lee is the fourth former president to be put behind bars.
Along with Lee, ex-President Park Geun-hye is in jail on multiple charges including abuse of state authority.
Lee, who was president from 2008 to early 2013, has been the center of a prosecution probe for about five months.
He has also been Seoul mayor, a lawmaker and chief executive of Hyundai Engineering and Construction.
By Kim Bo-eun
The possibility of the U.S. abandoning the Iran nuclear deal, a move supported by U.S. President Donald Trump as well as his newly appointed national security adviser John Bolton, could have implications for how Washington will address the Pyongyang nuclear issue.
A possible change in the U.S. stance on Iran is emerging as a downside risk for talks with North Korea ahead of the planned summit between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in May.
The Iran nuclear deal, signed in July 2015, by Iran, the five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council and the EU, limits Tehran's uranium enrichment activities and allows IAEA access to its nuclear facilities, in return for relief from nuclear-related economic sanctions.
Trump has referred to the deal as "terrible," and claimed Tehran violated parts of the agreement.
The U.S. president has set May 12 as a deadline to reach an agreement with the EU on changes to be addressed. If they fail to reach an agreement, Washington may exit the deal.
Trump wants to eliminate "sunset clauses" that expire in a few years, as well as boost inspections of Iran's nuclear sites and add measures restricting Iran's ballistic missile program.
Trump's appointment of Bolton, former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, and foreign policy hawk raises possibilities of the U.S. pulling out of the agreement.
In an article published in the Wall Street Journal on Jan. 16, Bolton stated "Mr. Trump correctly sees Mr. Obama's deal as a massive strategic blunder."
He further said, "Although deal proponents also gained time to pursue 'fixes,' this is a forlorn option. No fix will remedy the diplomatic Waterloo Mr. Obama negotiated."
Bolton's stance is that the U.S. should discard the deal.
Views are that the Trump administration's hard-line stance toward Iran will intensify pressure against North Korea and underscore its stance of complete, verifiable, irreversible dismantlement of Pyongyang's nuclear program.
However, at the same time, there are concerns that if Washington leaves the Iran nuclear deal, it could send a message to Pyongyang that the U.S. can't be trusted to honor nuclear agreements.
In May, Trump and Kim will meet to discuss Pyongyang's denuclearization. Earlier this month, Kim made a surprise announcement in a meeting with South Korean envoys in Pyongyang that the regime would be willing to give up its nuclear program under provided circumstances.
Pressure toward Pyongyang is expected to mount ahead of the meeting between the leaders, as Washington has replaced key positions in the administration with hawks former Central Intelligence Agency director Mike Pompeo as secretary of state and Bolton as national security adviser.
In an interview on Fox News on March 12, Bolton stated the upcoming Washington-Pyongyang summit could be a short meeting, because the U.S. has a clear stance on the latter's denuclearization.
"I don't think this needs to be a long discussion. If you want to denuclearize, we've got the ships and the planes to do it for you. We're ready to go. Just tell us where to show up," he said.
"If you're not ready for that, then you're not ready to denuclearize. And you're not going to string us out and confuse the situation just so you can perfect your deliverable nuclear weapons technology."
By Kim Bo-eun
Tunneling at North Korea's Punggye-ri nuclear test site eased in mid-March, according to 38 North, a U.S. news outlet focusing on North Korean affairs. The slowdown comes as the Koreas prepare for a summit in April.
"There has been a significant slowdown in tunneling and a reduced presence of related personnel at the site when compared to just two weeks earlier," 38 North stated on its website on March 23, citing satellite imagery.
It said imagery from early March showed signs of continued tunneling at the West Portal, indicated by an increase in the size of the adjacent spoil pile as well as mining carts and large groups of personnel.
But imagery from March 18 showed no personnel or vehicles, the post said.
The findings come as preparations are being made for a meeting between South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. There is growing speculation that the slowdown in tunneling may signal Pyongyang's commitment to dialogue.
"However, whether this is just a temporary development or whether it will continue over time is unclear," the post said.
On Saturday, Pyongyang agreed to a high-level inter-Korean meeting on March 29 to arrange details for the summit at the Panmunjeom truce village in April.
The meeting between Unification Minister Cho Myoung-gyon and his North Korean counterpart Ri Son-gwon, chairman of the Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the Fatherland, will decide the date and agenda for the talks.
It will be the first meeting of leaders of the North and South in 11 years.
The summit was arranged during the North Korean leader's meeting with South Korean envoys in Pyongyang on March 5.
At the meeting, Kim also expressed intention to abandon the North's nuclear program on condition of ensured security, and promised not to carry out any provocations during the dialogue period.
Kim is also slated to meet U.S. President Donald Trump in May, to discuss denuclearization.
Meanwhile, the Koreas are preparing for a troupe of South Korean musicians to perform in Pyongyang next month.
South Korean delegates who visited Pyongyang on Thursday to check logistics for the performances returned Saturday.
South Korean musicians will perform on April 1, and an inter-Korean performance will be staged on April 3.
Cars manufactured in Korea are parked at Mokpo New Port in the southwestern city of Mokpo to be shipped to other countries, in this file photo. Korea is expected to face extra pressure from the United States to decrease its vehicle exports to the United States in negotiations to revise the bilateral trade pact. / Korea Times file
The United States temporarily exempted Korea from heavy tariffs on steel, but it will face bigger pressure from the United States over amendment of the bilateral trade pact.
The White House announced Thursday that Korea, along with five countries and members of the European Union (EU), got authorization by President Donald Trump to get temporary exemption from tariffs planned for steel and aluminum imports. The pause will last until May 1 and each county will have to negotiate with the United States for extension of the exemption.
Korea was relieved as it was desperately lobbying to avoid 25 percent tariffs on steel exports and 10 percent on aluminum, which Trump said aims at protecting U.S. workers and benefiting domestic businesses. As the third largest steel exporter to the United States, Korea feared a huge damage. According to the Korea International Trade Association, 73.7 percent of Korea's $3.8 billion steel exports to the United States last year was subject to tariffs. Hyundai Research Institute also has estimated that Korea's steel exports to the United States would dip by $880 million annually while loss in production will be 7.23 trillion won for three years if the U.S. levies tariffs as planned.
The announcement, however, means that Korea will be driven into a corner in its talk with Washington to amend the bilateral free trade pact. The two countries have been engaged in negotiation since Trump's denunciation that the pact is responsible for job loss and trade deficit.
Despite being delayed by the PyeongChang Winter Olympics, the annual war games on the democratic side of the Korean Peninsula are pushing through. The war games consist of two drills. The first, called "Foal Eagle", is a series of field-training exercises combining ground, air, naval, and special operations.
The four-week-long program involves 290,000 South Korean and 11,500 American troops.
By Arthur I. Cyr
"The fruits of decades of effort to build bilateral trust," is how United States Ambassador to Vietnam Dan Kritenbrink describes the dramatic visit of our aircraft carrier the USS Carl Vinson to that country. The magnificent U.S. Navy vessel is on a mission of peace, serving as a symbol of steadily expanding cooperation between two nations once at war.
The Vietnam War was for the U.S. literally the most divisive since our Civil War. Intense controversy led in American domestic life to physical violence as well as emotional and political turbulence during the chaotic 1960s.
The destruction visited on the Vietnamese, Cambodian and Laotian people was vast. Costs of the war resonate in human terms in both Southeast Asia and the United States.
Contemporary human experience can mitigate past tragedy. U.S. Navy Commander Hien Trinh is part of the crew of the Carl Vinson. His family fled Vietnam in a tiny fishing vessel after the fall of Saigon in 1975. A U.S. Navy ship rescued the family, which inspired Cdr. Trinh to join our military. He manages the dental facility on the ship.
Current improvement in relations with Vietnam reflects concern about the assertiveness of China, including military expansion. Beijing and Hanoi have serious disagreements about maritime jurisdictions.
Both Presidents Bush contributed to cooperation with Vietnam. President George H.W. Bush and Secretary of State James Baker deserve great credit for supporting APEC (Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation). Australia Prime Minister Bob Hawke conceived the organization and hosted the first summit in 1989.
The formation of APEC complemented and reinforced other strategic achievements of this Bush administration. Bush, Baker and associates skillfully maneuvered through the collapse of the Soviet Union and end of the Cold War.
The administration of President George W. Bush supported the 2006 APEC Summit held in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. That gathering provided a useful opportunity to highlight the nation's economic growth and the wider commitment to multilateralism. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld was warmly welcomed to Vietnam, with a special parade in his honor, which included playing the U.S. national anthem.
For years after Hanoi's 1975 military victory, the newly unified nation was frustrated by the inability to turn military and political revolution into economic development. Vietnam did not join the Association of Southeast Asian Nations until 1995, nearly three decades after the creation of the regional development organization.
The 2006 summit was a remarkable substantive and symbolic success. There was strong commitment to multilateralism and the vital importance of working with allies and through established regional and global institutions.
The summiteers not only restated support of long-term efforts toward freer trade, they also addressed military security, calling on North Korea to abandon nuclear weapons development and return to six-party talks. Representatives of generally capitalist economies, meeting in a principal city of one of the few remaining communist political systems, collectively called on the secluded leaders of another communist state to cease this very threatening military activity.
The Pacific region generally lacks the established network of economic and military organizations that help define Atlantic region relationships. For this reason, the annual APEC summits are especially significant.
Partners in this Asia organization have proven willing to expand their reach to include cooperation with explicitly military dimensions. This complements U.S. treaties with Australia, Japan and South Korea.
For decades, the Cold War defined relationships among nations. Today, economic realities undermine ideology. Celebrate the peaceful U.S. visit to Vietnam.
Arthur I. Cyr (acyr@carthage.edu) is the Clausen Distinguished Professor at Carthage College in Wisconsin and author of "After the Cold War."
By Jonathan Bernstein
The most striking thing about how President Donald Trump chose his new national security adviser, John Bolton, and new director of the National Economic Council, Larry Kudlow, isn't about either of them personally, although neither is well suited to the honest-broker role that their position calls for.
Nor is it that Trump seems to have hired both of them because he liked watching them on television. That's a deeply flawed reason to hire anyone, to be sure, but we're accustomed to how Trump hires people based on superficial criteria.
What is striking is that both are essentially within the mainstream of the Republican Party on policy approaches that ended in disaster during the last Republican presidency.
Bolton was part of the George W. Bush administration as it prepared for and fought the Iraq War; Kudlow hasn't been in government for years, but he was a cheerleader for Bush's policies as the economy plunged into a terrible recession. Neither of them was discredited as a result, because Republicans have collectively decided that their policies in 2001-2008 were correct, regardless of outcome.
This is ... unusual. Democrats after the Jimmy Carter years pretty much exiled everyone in that White House from further influence within the party; Bill Clinton wouldn't even hire Carter people who had survived with excellent reputations.
Democrats after 1968 went through a bitter fight over foreign policy, with most of those who supported the Vietnam War inside the Kennedy and Johnson administrations losing their place in the party and the entire foreign-policy establishment overturned.
And Eisenhower Republicans rejected Hoover economic approaches. In other words, parties usually deal with major policy failures by ridding themselves of those held responsible.
Electorates have very short memories, and they pay way more attention to their task of throwing out the current rascals than checking on who the new rascals will be. Parties don't want to repeat their mistakes, presumably for straightforward good-governance reasons and in accord with the electoral incentive to try to make voters happy.
The truth is many Republicans, including governing professionals such as Bolton, just don't see the Iraq War as a policy disaster. I don't think that's quite true on economic policy, but in that area, they've managed to convince themselves that the party out of office was responsible.
In some ways, the traditional party reaction to policy failure can be a mistake, with parties freezing out talented people who just happened to be there when things went wrong. The best approach is almost certainly a middle ground, in which the party takes a good, hard look at how things went awry and who should be discredited.
But there's not much evidence that's happened for Republicans. It's just one of the many things suggesting normal party incentives aren't working properly for the party. And that leaves them much less prepared to govern than they should be ... Trump or no Trump.
Jonathan Bernstein is a Bloomberg View columnist. He taught political science at the University of Texas at San Antonio and DePauw University and wrote "A Plain Blog About Politics." The above article was distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Trump was evidently just warming up when he ordered global tariffs on steel, aluminum, solar panels and washing machines in recent weeks. The main event came Thursday, when the president announced plans to impose up to $60 billion in tariffs on China.
This time, the president is focused on the right problems: China's abuse of U.S. companies that do business there, its pursuit of technology developed here, and its support for hackers who steal trade secrets online.
Unfortunately, Trump is once again offering the wrong solution. The tariffs aren't likely to inflict as much pain on China as they will on U.S. consumers and exporters.
For Trump, China has long represented the worst of the worst among trade cheats. The tariffs announced in previous weeks applied to metals and products from a vast array of countries, but their primary target was Chinese exporters that allegedly sell their goods below cost in defiance of global trade agreements.
In the view of top administration officials, those unfair practices have been enormously costly to U.S. companies, causing factories to shut down and thousands of workers to lose their jobs.
But that's only part of the story. Even if you accept the administration's analysis, it is also true that cheap Chinese materials and assembly factories have helped U.S. companies compete and expand globally (see, e.g., Apple). In fact, one study estimates that the tariffs on steel and aluminum would create about 33,000 jobs at metals factories while costing nearly 180,000 in other industries.
Trump's latest initiative focuses not on Chinese products, but on Chinese behavior its cavalier attitude toward intellectual property rights and the hostile environment it has created for U.S. companies seeking to operate or invest in China. And on these points, there is widespread agreement that China has not only behaved badly, it has resisted years of pressure from U.S. leaders to change.
Among other things, China continues to require U.S. businesses to create joint ventures with Chinese firms in order to invest in selected industries, and in the process they often are forced to transfer valuable and novel technology to their Chinese partners. China also puts its thumb on the scales in negotiations between U.S. and Chinese firms, helping Chinese companies obtain U.S. technology on favorable terms.
China's bad trade practices were damaging enough when the country was mainly a source of cheap consumer goods. But now that China's industrial policy is focused on dominating such crucial 21st century fields as health sciences, artificial intelligence and aerospace, the stakes are considerably higher.
That's why Trump's tough talk and actions are drawing plaudits from some lawmakers in both parties, whose patience with China has understandably grown thin.
And two pieces of Trump's latest order imposing restrictions on Chinese investments in the U.S. to match the ones China imposes on U.S. companies, and asking the World Trade Organization to rule against China's "discriminatory licensing practices" are welcome steps that respect the WTO and international trade agreements that the U.S. has pushed the world to embrace.
On the other hand, it's hard to see how slapping tariffs on as-yet-identified products will induce China to honor intellectual property rights, permit more investment by U.S. firms or stop trying to steal trade secrets online. The tariffs will no doubt raise the price that U.S. consumers pay for those products.
And they will just as surely prompt China to retaliate against U.S. exports, even as it finds new buyers for its own goods. That's been the result when the U.S. has unilaterally imposed tariffs in the past, and there's no reason to think the outcome would be any different this time.
The right steps to take are the ones that Trump has disdained since the day he took office. The industry groups and countries that have succeeded in changing China's trade practices have been the ones that have acted in broad coalitions.
Governments around the globe have complained about Chinese violations; the Trump administration should be organizing trading blocs to jointly demand changes from the Chinese through globally recognized institutions like the WTO that exist for just that purpose, backed up with tariffs and other sanctions if they don't deliver.
Instead, the administration has gone in the exact opposite direction, bullying trade partners, threatening to cancel major free-trade deals and undermining the WTO.
One of Trump's first acts as president, in fact, was to pull the U.S. out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership a 12-nation pact the U.S. had organized to counterbalance China's influence in Asia and establish high standards for intellectual property protection, state-owned industries and other trade norms.
By calling out China's mistreatment of foreign investors and competitors, Trump has echoed the sentiments of government leaders around the world. If only he'd lined them up any of them to help make his sanctions work.
The above editorial appeared in the Los Angeles Times. It was distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Facebook used to tell its programmers to "move fast and break things." Who knew that one of the things could be the integrity of elections.
Yet we're now learning that information about 50 million Facebook users was misused by Cambridge Analytica, a political consultancy with ties to President Donald Trump that specializes in manipulating voter opinions.
As reported in the New York Times and the U.K.'s Guardian, information about millions of Facebook users ended up at the firm. It uses such data to psychologically profile voters and influence them with pinpointed messages.
Steve Bannon oversaw the firm's Facebook data-gathering before leading Trump's campaign and serving as chief White House strategist. Among other things, Cambridge Analytica took credit for spreading the campaign's "Crooked Hillary" theme.
The firm used data that a researcher collected with Facebook surveys, then inappropriately disclosed. The firm's influence on the 2016 election is unclear, but the situation shows how polluted the river of information has become on social media, where two-thirds of Americans now get news.
Obviously, this should prompt more aggressive regulation of Facebook's core business, which is amassing user data to precisely target advertising. Stronger rules and penalties are needed for companies that leak data, effectively force users to share personal information and have weak controls over how their data is used.
This is not just a technical privacy issue, though. It's also a civics problem, which is harder to solve.
Facebook's targeting system is used by political campaigns and foreign governments seeking to disrupt elections and sow discord. Facebook is stepping up enforcement but must be more transparent in reporting such activity and how it screens malicious messages.
Still, the onus is ultimately on the public to be critical consumers of news, so it's less vulnerable to psychological manipulation enabled by companies like Facebook.
Facebook's current debacle should also prompt a discussion about how to strengthen democracy to withstand the dangers of a few giant, opaque companies becoming arbiters of knowledge of current affairs, with enormous influence over voter opinions.
Our government and election rules adapted to the emergence of radio, TV and the internet. They should be resilient enough to withstand the rise of megacompanies using secret algorithms to manipulate the flow of information.
The Northwest is heavily involved. The whistleblower is a Cambridge co-founder from British Columbia. Silicon Valley-based Facebook employs 2,000 and counting in Seattle, it's largest outpost. Facebook's lead independent director is Susan Desmond-Hellmann, CEO of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in Seattle.
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg belatedly admitted mistakes were made and vowed to better protect user data. The company already cracked down on the Cambridge Analytica leakage several years ago.
Even so, the company's repeated failures to uphold privacy promises and shortcomings in controlling data it shares demand a stronger response.
Members of Congress have rightly called for hearings. The Federal Trade Commission is looking at whether Facebook violated a 2011 consent decree that was supposed to prevent privacy violations.
This is an opportunity for U.S. regulators to catch up to peers in Europe who have responded more assertively to privacy, taxation and antitrust concerns with U.S. tech giants.
Germany, for instance, concluded last year that Facebook is abusing its dominance "by making the use of its social network conditional on its being allowed to limitlessly amass every kind of data generated by using third-party websites and merge it with the user's Facebook account."
Penalties and more privacy safeguards are in order.
Facebook is at an inflection point, similar to when Bill Gates ordered Microsoft in 2002 to change its culture and business to bolster the trustworthiness of its products.
Zuckerberg, like Gates, will probably find ways to strengthen Facebook and rebuild trust. The company should emerge stronger.
What remains to be seen is whether Americans can fix these newfound vulnerabilities in their democracy and maintain trust in the integrity of their elections and government.
The above editorial appeared in the Seattle Times. It was distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
By Choi Ha-young
Last week, Cheong Wa Dae held press conferences for three consecutive days to unveil President Moon Jae-in's proposals for a constitutional revision. In the first conference, Tuesday, Moon's senior secretary for civil affairs Cho Kuk said Moon decided to use the word "nodong" instead of "geullo" to refer to labor under his proposals.
Last week, Cheong Wa Dae held press conferences for three consecutive days to unveil President Moon Jae-in's proposals for a constitutional revision. In the first conference, Tuesday, Moon's senior secretary for civil affairs Cho Kuk said Moon decided to use the word "nodong" instead of "geullo" to refer to labor under his proposals.
Both words translate to labor, but they have been used here under different historical and social contexts.
Some Koreans have avoided using nodong when referring to labor, and instead used geullo, a word that reportedly originated in the 1910-45 Japanese occupation and was used by dictators afterwards.
Geullo, which literally means "diligent or faithful" labor, seems to be improper as a legal term, but has been part of the Constitution for decades. Working faithfully for whom? Obviously, for the nation's wealth rather than self-realization.
As Cho noted, the term was coined during the Japanese occupation in Korea. A group of Korean women who were mobilized for the World War II including some women exploited for sexual slavery was called "Geullo Jeongsindae."
Afterward, military governments utilized the term. In 1963, then-President Park Chung-hee declared May 1 as "Geulloja's Day" a day for those who work faithfully which was formerly called "Labor Day." Amid the lingering Cold War between the two Koreas, the government was reluctant to use nodong which is often used by the North, as shown in its state-run newspaper Rodong (Nodong) Sinmun.
The military junta also tried to incapacitate worker resistance by declaring the "ideality" of them. To ensure the rapid development of the nation, low-paid workers were expected to be faithful, rather than demanding wage increases.
Against this backdrop, those who use nodong have been labeled as "leftist" and "rebellious" for decades. Also, the language custom strengthened negative perceptions about labor. Labor has been viewed as something "humble" and "physical," beneath white-collar jobs.
Further, the term presumes inequality between employees and employers. Why are employees only required to behave faithfully, while the virtue is not mandatory for employers? Apparently, the term advocates employers who aim to facilitate management.
In George Orwell's dystopian novel "Nineteen Eighty-Four," the imaginary totalitarian state enforces people to use the newly invented language "Newspeak." There, the "Ministry of Peace" actually means Ministry of War. Forced labor camps are called "joycamps."
The language we speak shapes how we think. In this respect, the ruling elite in Korea had touted the biased term geullo in a bid to tame citizens. In January, the Assembly's bipartisan committee on constitutional amendment advised the new Constitution to use nodong, saying the term is appropriate in terms of dictionary definition.
The latest constitutional talks reflect social progress. However, merely changing the legal term doesn't guarantee better rights for workers. As shown in #MeToo campaigns here, the nation's workplaces are notorious for unjust hierarchy. It's time for Korean workers to break away from the "outdated faithfulness" and move toward equal communication.
By Tong Kim
We will soon witness historic events. U.S. President Donald Trump said he will meet North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in May. Before that, President Moon Jae-in will meet Kim at the end of April.
Moon has said if these two meetings go well, a trilateral meeting among Moon, Trump and Kim may be possible, presumably to seal a comprehensive package deal on denuclearization.
Moon is also seeking a summit with Japan, a trilateral with Japan and China as well as another meeting with Trump. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe also reportedly is seeking a summit with Kim. All these summits could happen before a Trump-Kim meeting.
Criticisms of Trump's decision to meet the North Korean leader were based on two grounds: disregard of normal process and risks of his decision.
Regarding process, Trump made his decision without consulting his advisers or going through a normal decision-making process. He also departed from the traditional practice of summitry in which a president does not make a deal directly with a foreign leader. But the president can conduct foreign policy as he pleases.
That said, starting from the top is not a bad idea. It can save a lot of time. Once top leaders reach a broad agreement, their lower tiers can work on the details.
Regarding the summit's risks, there is a long list of caveats, including but not limited to:
(1) Trump could be played by Kim Jong-un, who has been recognized as his counterpart for negotiation on equal footing.
(2) The North will never give up its nuclear weapons. They will seek recognition as a nuclear weapons state.
(3) The North will seek a disruption of the effective maximum pressure campaign.
(4) North Korea will cheat again on any future agreement while earning time to complete its nuclear program.
(5) Any negotiation will be protracted for many years.
(6) A peace treaty will precipitate U.S. troop withdrawal.
Most of these concerns are based on experience and current assessments of the North's intention. The veracity or validity of these concerns should be tested through a thorough process of negotiation, which will begin on the premise of North Korea's commitment to denuclearization.
Trump's talking points may include:
"The U.S. will not tolerate a North Korean nuclear-missile capability threatening the United States. We are seeking a complete denuclearization of North Korea through all means possible, including military action. I don't want to repeat the past mistakes.
"The United States is not seeking war or regime change in North Korea. The U.S. will be willing to provide security assurances and economic cooperation to a denuclearized North Korea.
"We are willing to work with your government to improve human rights in your country. We support progress in inter-Korean relations. But the U.S. military presence in South Korea is not negotiable."
North Korea's demands are well known, including: termination of the perceived U.S. hostile policy against the DPRK, the lifting of economic sanctions, normalization with the U.S., a peace treaty and withdrawal of U.S. troops from Korea.
It should be helpful if Kim repeats the following points to Trump:
"We reaffirm our serious commitment to denuclearization. We will have no reason to keep our nuclear weapons if you guarantee the security of our system and remove military threats against our country.
"A denuclearized Korean Peninsula is my grandfather's last will. My father once said the U.S. does not have to be 'a sworn enemy of one hundred years'. We want peaceful coexistence.
"There will be no nuclear or missile tests while talks are under way. The DPRK will not oppose normal U.S. joint military drills with the South. We have no intention of attacking the United States."
Critics offer little optimism on the prospect of a positive outcome from a Trump-Kim summit. Nevertheless, the news of a potential meeting has already brought about a dramatic turnaround, from talk of war to talk of peaceful resolution.
One source of optimism: Trump and Kim seem to share the kind of leadership trait of making bold decisions for a quick solution. In the North, Kim is the only one who can make an unexpected strategic decision.
Whether Trump can produce a successful deal will depend on how much reward he is ready to give to North Korea and how soon. Negotiation is a process of give-and-take. If Trump wins in his gamble, war will be avoided. And that will be good for all. What's your take?
Tong Kim (tong.kim8@yahoo.com) is a Washington correspondent and columnist for The Korea Times. He is also a fellow at the Institute of Korean-American Studies.
By Emanuel Pastreich
Now that the dust is starting to settle after the hyped up debut of the "me too" movement in Korea, it is time to move beyond attention-grabbing incidents and start to lay the foundations for a meaningful discussion of how we can respond to the concerns of ordinary women in Korea about sexual harassment and abuse.
On the bright side, there has been an extremely important shift in the debate. For example, programs that highlight the sexual abuse of immigrant women in Korea have been produced recently. This widespread problem for immigrants, especially the undocumented, was previously practically invisible.
But the full scale of abuse within the marriage introduction industry has yet to be understood by all but a select few Koreans.
I get the sense that many Koreans assume that the sexual abuse of women in Korean society is the result of a traditional Confucian patriarchal thinking and that by becoming more modern, or more Western, we can solve the problem.
There is no doubt that Confucianism, especially the teachings of Mencius, severely limits women's role in society and that traditional Korean society permitted such evils as concubines and promoted clear class barriers that resulted in the abuse of women of lesser social status. So the social interactions of women were also strictly regulated.
However, the impact of Confucian thinking on women is not a simple question. Confucianism demanded self-control of men and insisted on meticulous adherence to propriety in male/female relations. Although that tradition did contain its share of cruelty, Confucianism also stood against the brutal transformation of women into two-dimensional products for sexual consumption.
When I was a college student, I thought that the prudishness of Confucianism in prohibiting salacious or frivolous images of women was profoundly regressive. Now when I see the impact on men of constant exposure to near-pornographic images of women in advertising on television, in the subway, and in magazines, I wonder whether the Confucian scholars maybe had a point.
That is to say, we cannot address the sexual abuse of women in Korea without first taking on culture itself.
I was shocked when I was invited a few years ago to a show put on by elementary school students in which the girls were heavily made up, wore extremely suggestive dresses, and were asked by their teachers to perform provocative dances.
The parents did not seem to think anything of the event, but for me it suggested that from an early age girls are being trained to think they have to play a sexually suggestive role to gain attention. So boys also are being encouraged to see girls in terms of sexual attractiveness.
Granted the number of women I see in the subway compulsively putting on makeup, I fear that the impact of such norms is pervasive.
This treatment of women as sexual objects for consumption is also encouraged by the proliferation of video games that present women as sexual objects as part of crass marketing. There is no hesitation in exploiting human sexuality in the interest of making money and selling products.
Such grotesque video games are complemented by the proliferation of online pornography, a social ill that everyone knows about but no one discusses.
I am not suggesting that pornography can be completely eliminated from a society, but it certainly should not be so prevalent.
Constant exposure to pornography, or pornographic advertising, encourages men to see women primarily as objects of desire, and such training from a young age can permanently render men incapable of true affection and love. Nothing could be more tragic, or crueler, than such a distortion of men's thinking.
Then there is the question of plastic surgery. For reasons that I cannot fathom, plastic surgery is treated as a growth industry in Korea, and even made part of tourist packages for foreigners.
But when I walk past the slick advertisements for plastic surgery posted on every wall of the subway stations at Angujeong and Shinsa, I feel nothing but disgust for this celebration of sexual violence against women, in this case represented by a scalpel. The sewers beneath Gangnam run red with the blood of women forced by social pressure to conform to artificial standards of beauty.
Of course there is a place for reconstructive and cosmetic surgery in society, but women should never be made to feel that they must have it to fit in.
The advertising for plastic surgery should be prohibited.
And then there is the challenging problem of prostitution. There are countless (uncounted) women who engage in prostitution at some level or another in Korea.
I doubt that any of them dreamed of such a career when they were in elementary school. Rather the increasingly harsh competition for jobs, and the near impossibility of finding a stable career for those who do not come from well-educated families, has pushed many women into this dead-end job.
The result? They are sexually abused night after night as part of an institutionalized economic system.
Is the abuse that they face something featured in "MeToo" articles? Not much. The problem is that the humiliation they suffer each night is not the result of a colorful political figure, but rather a product of an increasingly economically polarized society wherein people are treated as disposable objects for consumption and exploitation.
If we demanded that all politicians who had ever abused those invisible women resign, we would see a lot of empty seats in the national assembly.
The time has come to move beyond high-profile sexual scandals and to address the disturbing institutional and systemic problems in the culture itself that makes the sexual abuse of women natural and familiar.
By Ahn Chan-sik
It should not be too much of an exaggeration to say that 2017 was the year of cryptocurrency, with Bitcoin leading the pack. The craze and hot debate on cryptocurrencies have continued this year.
As cryptocurrency trading overheated and Ponzi schemes and fraudulent deals involving cryptocurrencies occurred, Korean regulators declared in a series of press releases that they would ban all types of initial coin offerings (ICOs) and would tighten the regulatory grip on cryptocurrency trading in general.
In this vein, the Korean government has focused on cryptocurrency exchanges such Bithumb, Coinone, Korbit, Upbeat and others by introducing what is called the "real name verified cryptocurrency trading system."
Recently, lawmakers from the ruling and opposition parties rushed to draft cryptocurrency-specific laws, stating that reasonable regulation is necessary rather than a complete ban. It is a good indication that the representatives of the people have started their own version of KYC, not short for the original and usual "Know Your Customers," but "Know Your Cryptocurrencies," in an effort to move in the direction of a rules-based approach, pulling away from the previous complete ban pursued by Korean regulators.
I think, however, that legislation regarding cryptocurrencies should be pursued prudently and step by step so various and sometimes conflicting interests and concerns among so many stakeholders and players in the crypto space may be well balanced. It is necessary to find a way to strike a golden balance between regulation and the promotion of the crypto-industry.
Let's start by looking at the choice of terms for cryptocurrencies and their legal definition. In the space, terms like virtual currency, virtual money, digital currency, and cryptocurrency are being used. I think that "cryptocurrency" is the right term, considering its underlying technological nature, based as it is on blockchain or encryption technology.
The right definition of cryptocurrency in the law is crucial. We should find a legal definition that is basically technology-neutral and may cover not only existing tokens or coins like Bitcoin, Etherium and Ripple, but also new tokens or coins that will be generated by ICOs around the world and that may operate on different technology.
The good legal definition should be the one that is precise enough to give us a clear idea of what a cryptocurrency is while at the same time is flexible enough to incorporate developments coming our way. These two seemingly conflicting demands should be astutely harmonized in legally defining the cryptocurrency.
In addition, well-balanced regulation between the issuance market (primary market) and the distribution market (secondary market) would be necessary, just like a stock market. The two markets are closely related. It seems, however, that there is too much policy focus by Korean regulators on the secondary market, represented by cryptocurrency exchanges, and not enough attention on the primary market, represented by ICOs. It is true that because ICOs have various forms, content, venues and processes, and because coins or tokens emerging from ICOs have myriad characteristics and functionalities, it is quite challenging to provide specific parameters for ICOs in the legislation.
In my opinion, the law should only provide the bare minimum requirements for legitimate ICOs. If those requirements are met, then such ICOs should be legally permitted and the final call left to the market.
Regarding cryptocurrency exchanges, while investor protection measures are required, for instance, minimum levels of capital, security measures, prohibition of insider trading or price manipulation, it would also require policy consideration that such requirements should not act as another form of entry barrier to new start-ups with excellent technologies but little capital.
Given that many exchanges are hacked and millions of victims suffer, it should be considered that cryptocurrency exchanges are required by law to equip themselves with security systems to the level of banks and other financial institutions. Obligation on the exchanges to purchase insurance against hacking may also be introduced by law.
Cryptocurrency and blockchain technology are at the moment inseparable. On the other hand, cryptocurrency does not represent all aspects of blockchain technology. From a legal and practical point of view, it is not easy to address both cryptocurrency and blockchain technology at once in a single piece of legislation. I believe that, given these circumstances, a separate special law promoting blockchain technology would be wise.
To date, the only country we know that has a formal law specific to cryptocurrencies is Japan, which is now regulating the space with its amended Payment Services Act. It is interesting to learn that Gibraltar will soon write a law regulating ICOs specifically for the first time in the world. I hope Korea will be able to draft a model law regarding cryptocurrency and lead the crypto-world as a country where start-ups with innovative blockchain technology from around the globe wish to launch their ICOs and operate their cryptocurrency exchanges.
Ahn Chan-sik is a partner at HMP Law and head of the Tech & Comms practice group.
Hyundai Motor's premium brand Genesis's hydrogen-powered GV80 concept SUV revealed last year / Courtesy of Genesis
By Nam Hyun-woo
Hyundai Motor's premium brand Genesis will unveil its first electric vehicle (EV) concept car at the New York International Auto Show.
According to multiple sources, the concept EV will be a coupe-style grand tourer, which will be on show at the auto show from March 30 to April 8.
"The concept car is expected to be distinctive, with its design highlighting Genesis' philosophy of dynamic elegance," a source said.
With expectations the concept EV could provide a glimpse of the design of Genesis' future EV lineup, Hyundai Motor did not confirm whether the concept car would provide a preview of its EVs, but added the vehicle would be "a noteworthy barometer," given that Genesis will release a high-performance electric coupe in 2021.
Genesis is developing the 2021 electric coupe, which will be able to travel further than 500 kilometers on one charge. It will be Genesis' first EV.
The brand also is striving to come up with a versatile EV platform, in a bid to expand its EV lineup. With the platform, which will be the power train for EVs, the automaker will be able to apply various batteries to various cars without development costs for each one.
A growing number of luxury car brands are considering EVs or other non-fuel vehicle lineups as essential, because more countries, especially the U.S., China and European nations, are introducing tougher emission rules, while luxury cars have higher engine displacements.
"Due to regulations on fuel efficiency and mandatory requirements to produce green cars, a brand that has low sales in EVs or plug-in hybrid EVs (PHEVs) may face difficulties selling fuel-burning cars," another source said.
Genesis is also joining the bandwagon, planning to roll out more than four eco-friendly vehicles by 2025.
Genesis head Manfred Fitzgerald has earlier said the brand will add PHEV models to its lineup in 2019 and will release an EV in 2021.
"Genesis has to be successful in the European and Chinese markets, which are the mainstream markets of luxury cars," an industry official said. "The Rich EV and PHEV lineup will help the brand in Europe and China."
Hyundai Motor will also unveil its new fourth-generation Santa Fe SUV at the show for the first time in North America. The Santa Fe is the second best-selling Hyundai vehicle in the U.S., with 17,151 units sold in the first two months of this year.
The new version will go on sale in the U.S. as soon as this summer.
Also in the pipeline is a U.S. showcasing of the Kona Electric subcompact SUV. The full EV was unveiled at the Geneva International Motor Show in Switzerland this month.
Hyundai Motor's Kona Electric subcompact SUV on display at the 2018 Geneva International Motor Show in Switzerland / Courtesy of Hyundai Motor
By Ko Dong-hwan
A man who had worked for General Motors Korea's Gunsan factory for more than 20 years and quit amid a looming massive layoff hanged himself on Saturday.
The man, 47, identified by his surname Ko, was found dead at his apartment in Miryong-dong in Gunsan, North Jeolla Province. His younger sister found his body after she had been unable to contact him for three days.
Gunsan police found no suicide note.
Ko's wife died two years ago. They have one daughter.
His death came after GM Korea announced on Feb. 13 it would close its Gunsan factory and had been taking letters of resignation until Mar. 2 from factories in Gunsan, Bupyeong, Changwon and Boryeong. About 2,500 out of 16,000 workers have shown their wish to resign. Those whose resignations are accepted are to leave in May.
Ko's death is the second among GM Korea workers since the news of Gunsan factory's closure emerged.
On Mar. 7, a man, surnamed Lee, 55, hanged himself from a tree in a park in Hambak Village in Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, after having worked at GM Korea's Bupyeong factory for 31 years.
"Since the company announced it will shut down the Gunsan factory, so many of us have been suffering from distress, worrying about being fired," a GM Korea laborer said following Ko's death. "The layoff scare must have led to his death."
Hyundai Motor's Nexo / Korea Times file
By Ko Dong-hwan
Orders for South Korea's eco-friendly high-tech crossover SUV Nexo have topped expectations and surprised the auto market. But because of limited subsidies, it remains to be seen how many orders for the pricey vehicles become sales.
On the first day of the order period on Mar. 19 in four cities, Hyundai Motor's hydrogen fuel-cell car received 733 orders. The figure, considering the car's low presence amid its traditional market competitors with exhaust pipes, is impressive, according to auto experts.
The most deals came from Ulsan with 272, followed by Seoul, Gwangju and Changwon. The total order figure is triple the number the government had planned to subsidize. As of Mar. 22, there had been an unexpectedly high 1,016 orders.
But what remains questionable is how many orders will become sales.
Nexo is Hyundai Motor's most expensive car. Its modern trim model costs more than 68 million won ($63,000) and the premium trim vehicle costs more than 72 million won.
It is on par with Mercedes Benz's E220d and GLC 220d 4MATIC, BMW's 520d xDrive and Range Rover's Evoque.
But orders have poured in because of a promised government subsidy of up to 35 million won for each Nexo. South Korea's environment ministry offered a 22.5 million won subsidy, with local governments offering an additional 12.5 million won.
The problem is that the subsidy is limited to 240 cars.
"Despite the high orders, those who cannot get a subsidy may cancel the deals," a Hyundai Motor official said.
People are also hesitant about buying such a car because of the fledgling infrastructure to handle hydrogen fuel-cell cars. There are only 15 hydrogen fueling stations where Nexo can recharge, six of which are for research only.
Even with an additional 12 stations planned within this year, the figure, compared with the expected increase in fuel-cell cars, is low.
To resolve the problem, the ministry is inviting civilians to invest in the fueling stations, which it says could extend the infrastructure faster.
Because of the unexpected number of orders, Ulsan reportedly may offer subsidies to 100 more buyers than the slated 95.
Caran d'Ache President Carole Hubscher speaks during an interview with The Korea Times at the writing tool maker's flagship store in Jung-gu, Seoul, Thursday. / Courtesy of Caran d'Ache
Caran d'Ache president sees handwriting, drawing complementary to digital writing.
By Nam Hyun-woo
Take a moment and think about the last time you wrote something elaborately with pens or pencils.
We now spend most of our days tapping at a keyboard, clicking with a mouse or touching a screen. We no longer hold pens or pencils to write letters to deliver messages to others. We use email and text. Perhaps the last time you used a pen was when you were signing a credit card receipt or scribbling a quick note.
We were this way even a decade ago, and in a time in which smartphone artificial intelligence understands what we are saying and can turn our words into text, there seems to be no more reason for time-consuming penmanship, especially among Koreans who are obsessed with getting things done as quickly as possible.
So did handwriting come to its end in this country? Perhaps not, according to Carole Hubscher, president of Swiss-based writing implements manufacturer Caran d'Ache, who visited one of the most tech-savvy countries in the world to open the house's first mono-brand store and lounge in Seoul.
"I think Korea is a very innovative country. You always try to innovate something and bring new things to the market," Hubscher said during an interview with The Korea Times on Thursday. "And it's true that a lot of times you are asking 'In this high technology world we live in today, what is the place of analogue products?'
"For me, both are very complementary. With iPhones, Samsung and so on, you consume. You consume information and are buying stuff. With our products, there is creativity," she said. "In the world we live in today, that is changing extremely fast, it is very important to keep on being creative, which will make us different from the robots of tomorrow which will do things repetitively."
Unlike handwriting or drawing, typing on keyboards or tapping screens can only express something within limitations that are already set by the developer. You cannot type in a sinuous letter or your own unique character unless they are on your keyboard and embedded in the system you use, which she described as thinking "inside the box."
"The way we teach kids to be curious and think outside of the box goes together with drawing and handwriting, given the direct link from your brain or soul to your hand," she said, citing several studies that proved handwriting increases neural activity in certain sections of the brain, which is similar to meditation.
Heritage & future
Caran d'Ache's Neocolor wax pastel
Pernod Ricard's Imperial 12 Year Old / Courtesy of Pernod Ricard Korea
Pernod Ricard Korea CEO Jean Touboul
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(ST. JOSEPH, Mo.) A St. Joseph professor is being honored for his work towards educating the next generation of journalists.
Missouri Western journalism professor Dr. Bob Bergland is the 2018 Taft award winner by the Missouri Interscholastic Press Association.
The award is given to a person or organization that has made a difference in scholastic journalism education.
Bergland is working to pass the 'Cronkite New Voices' act; a bill that would protect high school and college journalists from censorship since Missouri currently has no protections in place for students' first amendment rights.
"Many schools where they are censored, it is not true journalism," Bergland said. "It is public relations for the school and that doesn't prepare them for what journalism is and should be."
Bergland says the 'New Voices' bill has already passed the Missouri House and is scheduled to be heard by the Senate Education Committee on March 27.
If it passes there, it will need to be approved by the Senate before being signed by the governor.
(ST. JOSEPH, Mo.) In cities across the country, thousands of protesters took to the streets Saturday to speak out against gun violence.
In St. Joseph nearly 300 people marched along North Belt Highway during the March for Our Lives protest. Lead by the voices of local students, hundreds of people joined in the protest with the same goal in mind.
March for Our Lives coordinator and Missouri Western State University Political Science Professor Melinda Kovas said the movement was centered around a desire for common sense gun reform.
Lets get to the point were parents dont have to worry about children going off to school and whether they are going to be alright or not, Kovacs said.
Following the shooting at Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida that claimed the lives of 17 people, students across the country demanded change.
The two mile march was filled with high school and college students speaking out about their frustrations with current policies on gun control and concerns for student safety.
The protest was predominately student lead, but supported by people of all ages.
We dont want the young people to be the only ones, we dont want to make them feel like nobody else cares, Kovacs said.Its important to show this is not just your generations issue. We are with you.
The movement even gained the support of Missouri Western international student Mikayla Sellers- Wiebe.
Being down in the states, Ive met a lot of people transferred from various schools, so it makes me a little nervous that all the people I know, who are so spread out could potentially be in danger at all times, Sellers-Wiebe said.
Sellers-Wiebe is originally from Canada and she said while language and social issues are similar in the United States, gun policy is very different on the other side of the border.
Its not something that we give a lot of thought to in Canada, because we dont really have a lot of issues with mass shootings, Seller-Wiebe said. I dont think that schools are a place where guns should be. We need to make a difference now.
As the national conversation surrounding gun regulations continues to stew, many of the protesters said they will remain persistent in pursuing their goal.
After today, the conversation is not over, Kovacs said. The important thing is [to] keep organizing, keep having the conversations, keep the focus on this issue.
Works crews transferring spent fuel at the San Onofre nuclear plant from cooling pools into dry storage discovered a loose bolt inside one of the canisters, prompting Southern California Edison to temporarily halt the relocation effort.
To the horror of some nearby residents, the job resumed 10 days later.
The loose piece of bolt, about 4 inches by half an inch, was discovered in one of 43 freshly manufactured canisters that featured a new design aimed at improving storage capability. The bolt was part of a redesigned system called a shim that aims to improve the balance and storage of the spent fuel assemblies.
The work ceased on March 5 after the discovery and later resumed, the company said, using 30 other canisters that do not include the new design.
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Edison, which already filled four of the newly designed canisters with radioactive waste, is unable to check whether those casks have the same flaw. The utility said the unattached part was found while a fifth canister was being filled with spent fuel assemblies.
Safety is our top priority, Tom Palmisano, the Edison vice president and chief nuclear officer, said in a statement. Our first step was to confirm this fabrication change poses no safety risk to workers or the public.
Edison acknowledged the mishap at a meeting Thursday night of the community engagement panel, a utility-funded group monitoring the plant decommissioning. San Onofre was shut down after a small amount of radiation leaked in 2012 and was closed for good the following year.
We also directed the manufacturer to conduct extensive evaluations to ensure we have a comprehensive understanding of this change, Palmisano said. Additionally, we briefed the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission and have kept the regulator apprised of our actions.
Several people at the Thursday night meeting were alarmed by the announcement that one of the canisters malfunctioned even before it was buried in the ground. On Friday, activists and lawyers suing over plans to bury the waste on site were calling on Edison to stop transferring the spent fuel into dry storage.
We warned them that this was going to happen, and nobody listened to us, said Donna Gilmore, an Edison critic who runs a group called SanOnofreSafety.org. Now they are trying to tell us: Everything is OK. Dont worry. This is insane. Edison has proven they cant keep us safe.
The plant, which has been in the decommissioning process since 2013, generated some 3.6 million pounds of spent nuclear fuel that remains on the property just north of Oceanside.
Current plans call for Edison to transfer the fuel assemblies from cooling pools on the grounds of the abandoned power plant into steel-lined canisters that will be placed in a concrete encasement just over 100 feet from the shoreline.
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Gilmore and others worry that the canisters could leak or become weakened by saltwater intrusion or other factors, threatening the 8 million people who live within 50 miles of the plant. Utility executives say the storage is safe.
The transfer process, approved by state and federal regulators, has been underway since January even though Edison agreed last summer to settle a lawsuit by exploring ways to move the nuclear waste away from the beach.
Earlier this month, utility officials and plaintiffs in the San Diego County Superior Court lawsuit agreed to set up an independent panel of nuclear experts to debate alternatives to storing the spent fuel at San Onofre.
Potentially, the waste could be moved to a more permanent storage facility under development in New Mexico or to the grounds of another nuclear plant in Arizona co-owned by Edison.
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The canisters being used at San Onofre were designed and built by Holtec International of New Jersey. The company apparently altered the design midway through the fabrication process. Forty-three of the 73 canisters feature an amended shim-basket element, which is designed to support spent fuel assemblies for improved storage and transport.
Holtec issued a statement Friday saying that a loose bolt was found broken off at the bottom of a canister. The company is investigating what happened and checking if other canisters might be vulnerable to the same weakness that caused the bolt to break.
Analyses demonstrate that the separation of the bolt does not impact the safety of the basket or the performance of the dry storage system in storage or transportation, Holtec project manager Fred Bidrawn wrote.
Edison said it will continue the fuel-transfer project using the balance of canisters that do not feature the altered shims.
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The remaining canisters with the new design are on hold until Holtec completes its root cause evaluation, Edison said.
McDonald is a staff writer for the San Diego Union-Tribune
Cinderella Inland Pacific Ballet offers a family-friendly take on the classic fairytale. Lewis Family Playhouse, 12505 Cultural Center Drive, Rancho Cucamonga. Sun., 2 p.m. (also in Claremont, April 21-22, and Riverside, April 28-29). $41 and up. discounts available. (909) 482-1590.
Coppelia Festival Ballet Theatre stages this family-friendly fable about a young man infatuated with a life-size dancing doll. Irvine Barclay Theatre, 4242 Campus Drive, Irvine. Sun., 2 p.m. $42-$55. (949) 854-4646.
Forever Flamenco Dancer-director Lakshmi La Chimi Basile and company perform, with featured dancer Briseyda Zarate. The Fountain Theatre, 5060 Fountain Ave., L.A. Sun., 8 p.m. $30-$50. (323) 663-1525.
La Bayadere Ballet Repertory Theatre stages this fantastical tale about a temple dancer in ancient India. Golden West College, Mainstage Theater, 15751 Gothard St., Huntington Beach. Sun., 2 p.m. $15, $19. (714) 895-8150.
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Just Dance Live This immersive and interactive stage show based on the video-game franchise features pop favorites. Hollywood Palladium, 6215 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood. Thu.-Fri., 8:30 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 8:30 p.m. $20, $45. (800) 653-8000.
Shen Yun 2018 Touring show celebrates 5,000 years of Chinese culture. Bridges Auditorium, Pomona College, 450 N. College Way, Claremont. Fri., 7:30 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 7:30 p.m.; next Sun., 1 and 6 p.m. $80-$150. (800) 880-0188.
As I strolled through Grand Central Market in downtown Los Angeles one day, one of the longtime vendors flashed her big smile at me, so I stopped to ask how things were going.
Rocio Lopez, who owns Chiles Secos, said business was OK. But the more we talked, the more clear it became that shes struggling. Wed talked in the past about how the modernization of the market the past few years has brought a younger, hipper crowd to what was once downtown L.A.s market for working-class shoppers.
The market is hotter than ever since a new owner took over late last year. Tourists, office workers and downtown millennials wait in long, long lines at gourmet food stalls, pay as much as $9 for an organic peanut butter and jelly sandwich, and $47.99 a pound for filet mignon at the butcher shop.
It doesnt help, Lopez said, that her stands visibility has been blocked by the wall of the peanut butter and jelly stall where last weeks special PB&J was the $8 Moroccan, with Ras El Hanout spiced pistachio butter, fig and rosewater jam and fresh mint.
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Sonia Solas, left, orders a container of mole from vendor Rocio Lopez inside the Grand Central Market. (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times )
Its another twist on L.A. gentrification, and like all such stories, the transformation of the market has its pros and cons. I like some of the changes, even as I wonder how some vendors will survive, and whether the market risks losing the diversity and character that make it so special in its 101st year of operation.
They say I owe a lot of money, and they might move me to another location, said Lopez, who inherited the business from her late father.
I asked how much she owed.
Ninety-thousand and something, she said.
I thought I misunderstood, so I asked Lopez if she had any paperwork. She returned with a bill from November of last year that listed her outstanding tab at $97,986.73.
Is this accurate? I asked.
I think so, she said. With the changes theyve made, Ive lost a lot of my customers.
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Lopez said she is supposed to be paying $3,000 a month in rent. But for years, she said, shes only done enough business to pay about half that amount, so the bill keeps growing. She routinely works 10 hours a day, five days a week, and pays a helper to run the store the other two days while Lopez goes to her other job. She cleans houses on Mondays and Tuesdays.
But for all her work, the market is a business, not a charity, and clearly, Chiles Secos has been carried for a while.
You have to update, said Paul Serrano of Grand Central Jewelry, a stall his mother opened in the 1980s. Serrano told me he changed his merchandise to meet the tastes of downtowns booming population of young folks, and hes worked to capitalize on the markets use of social media to drive customers his way.
In the center of the market are two produce businesses that represent the old and the new. District Market sells mostly organic goods, and Granny Smith apples are $4.15 a pound. At nearby Torres Produce, Granny Smiths are $1.69 a pound.
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Its like West L.A. vs. East L.A., Whole Foods vs. El Super. Maybe both can survive. But when it comes to mole and bulky dry goods, Chiles Secos has a larger competitor Valerias in the market, even as the clientele for such goods dwindles.
Can Rocio Lopez hold on?
I called the new owner of Grand Central Market, who agreed to meet with me and talk it over.
Adam Daneshgar, who grew up in Beverly Hills, owns the real estate investment company Langdon Street Capital, which bought the market last fall. He is only 34 and said hes been a fan of Grand Central since he was 21, worked on Bunker Hill and visited the market for lunch.
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Daneshgar told me he doesnt anticipate big changes except for structural improvements lighting, flooring, plumbing and things like that. He said he likes what the previous owner did to make the market a celebration of L.A.s diverse food choices, and he wants Grand Central to maintain a mix of the old and new, offer something for everyone, and hold on to its originality.
There will be no Starbucks, he said. And although he has loved their burgers since he was a kid, there will be no Johnny Rockets.
If I had my way, every stall in here would be the only one in existence, he said. As I look for new tenants, Im looking for someone with connections to the city a good mom-and-pop story.
Thats what Chiles Secos is. Rocio Lopezs father, Celestino, came up from Aguascalientes, Mexico, looking for work to support his family. He worked for two different vendors in the same Grand Central location he eventually bought, then turned the business over to family members.
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Were not putting pressure on these guys, Daneshgar said of Chiles Secos and the other so-called legacy vendors. But we offered them help to explore and evolve their business models.
In the case of Chiles Secos, he said, he and his team suggested that Lopez keep track of what sells and what doesnt, and focus more on the former while getting rid of the latter.
Rocio Lopez was pleased to hear that the owner had no immediate plans to move her stall or to ease her out of the market. As we spoke, a family from Newport Beach bought some mole with almonds, and Martha Martinez told me they drive all the way up three or four times a year because they havent found better mole anywhere else.
Its difficult for my aunt, said Claudia Armendariz, who works at Chiles Secos on occasion and helps her aunt with the paperwork. Shes doing things the way my grandfather did them, even if its not working any more. Shes a creature of habit.
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Armendariz, who began working at the stall as a child, said shes open to tinkering with the model or even moving to another space in the market if it helps grow the business. She also said she believes both the old and the new can survive in Grand Central Market.
People downtown need groceries, Armendariz said, and the Whole Foods and Ralphs are several blocks away. Wed love to sit down with the owners and come to some agreement to pay off the debt and come up with a plan to make it work, because we love it there and we want to be there. That was my grandfathers second home.
A day after my visit with Daneshgar, I checked in with Lopez again. She was bent over outside her stall, cleaning display case windows. She showed me some dusty canned goods shed removed from the shelves, and she had also rearranged a countertop display.
She didnt have much time to talk. It was the lunch hour, the market was mobbed, and three customers eyed the mole offerings, wondering which to buy.
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Get more of Steve Lopezs work and follow him on Twitter @LATstevelopez
Focus turns to midterm elections as marchers across the state demand stricter gun laws
Demonstrators rally at the March for Our Lives in Santa Ana on Saturday. (Nick Agro / For The Times)
As thousands of people participated in March for Our Lives rallies in Orange County, Los Angeles, San Francisco and across the state, one message appeared to be propelling many participants forward: Today we march. Tomorrow we vote.
At marches across the country, Vote them out! was a frequent refrain and signs condemning the National Rifle Assn. and Republican lawmakers were plentiful.
From Los Angeles to Sacramento @CASOSvote was out in force pre-registering hundreds of California 16- and 17- year-olds to vote today. #MarchForOurLives #VoteCalifornia pic.twitter.com/furTinnRCA CA SOS Vote (@CASOSvote) March 24, 2018
Three teenagers from San Fernando Valley taking part in March For Our Lives on streets of Los Angeles to demand that their lives and safety become a priority, and that we end gun violence and mass shootings in our schools today. @latimes @latimesphotos @LANow #MarchForOurLives pic.twitter.com/Djl67I3IMz Irfan Khan (@latfoto) March 24, 2018
In downtown Los Angeles, Secretary of State Alex Padilla set up booths to register voters and pre-register teens who have not yet turned 18 under a new state law that prepares them to vote.
Organizers in Santa Ana said at least two dozen young people were helping register marchers to vote there, many of them holding clipboards and pens as they made their way through the crowd. Among them were organizers with NextGen America, a group started by California billionaire and activist Tom Steyer, who has already put aside $1 million in a nationwide youth voter registration effort.
As much as we love your voice, we want to make sure your voice is counted on Nov. 6, Steyer told the crowd in Santa Ana. He plans to spend $30 million helping Democrats flip the House of Representatives this year, $3.5 million of it organizing young people in California.
Billionaire activist Tom Steyer addressed youth in crowd at #MarchForOurLivesOC in Santa Ana after march, urging them to vote.
As much as we love your voice, we want to make sure your voice is counted on Nov. 6.,@TomSteyer said. #MarchForOurLives pic.twitter.com/9zFdWwBBoU Cindy Carcamo (@theCindyCarcamo) March 24, 2018
U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, who has touted her support of an assault weapons ban in her tough reelection campaign, urged rallygoers outside San Francisco City Hall to extend their activism into November.
There is a bill in the Judiciary Committee to ban assault weapons with 30 co-sponsors, the California Democrat told them. The problem is the gun industry. They will go out and they will support mightily people in other states that will refuse to do this. Heres what Im asking you to do. Will you march? Will you register? Will you see that people vote and see that you vote and your friends vote for those that would rid this country of guns? The crowd yelled back loudly, Yeah!
In Irvine and San Diego, Democratic candidates for Congress used Saturdays marches as an opportunity to remain visible in several crowded, competitive races that could prove crucial to Democrats chances this fall. Track the California races that could flip the House here.
For decades, the question of where Los Angeles should build housing has been a local matter.
Real estate developers have mostly relied on an elaborate web of city zoning rules to figure out how tall a new residential building can be, how many parking spaces it must have, and how many homes can be built on a particular piece of property.
Now, a bill under consideration in Sacramento would upend that arrangement, allowing multistory apartments and condominiums in neighborhoods where city leaders have long prohibited them. Senate Bill 827, written by state Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), would loosen or eliminate restrictions on height, density, parking and design for residential properties near major rail and bus stops.
The impact could be huge. A Times analysis found that about 190,000 parcels in L.A. neighborhoods zoned for single-family homes are located in the transit rich areas identified in SB 827. Residences in those neighborhoods could eventually be replaced with buildings ranging from 45 to 85 feet, city officials say.
While we are still evaluating the full effects of the bill, close to 50% of the citys single-family homes would be impacted under SB 827, said Yeghig L. Keshishian, spokesman for the Department of City Planning.
Less clear is SB 827s effects on neighborhoods that already have apartments and condominiums. The bill could increase height limits and eliminate parking requirements in those locations, but have fewer impacts in areas such as downtown, which already allows high-density development.
Wiener views his bill as a muscular tool for attacking traffic congestion, climate change and, most importantly, skyrocketing housing costs. With so many Californians struggling to pay their rent, the Legislature can no longer permit city councils and county supervisors to place strict limits on housing construction near major transit stops, he says.
Public transportation is exactly where you should be putting housing if youre serious about getting more people onto transit, reducing gridlock, reducing carbon emissions, giving people the option of driving less, he said.
Foes of the bill say the city already has the planning tools to put more homes near bus and rail. And they warn SB 827 will trigger widespread redevelopment in single-family neighborhoods, low-rise commercial areas and historic preservation districts.
In the process, you will destroy neighborhoods, destroy the sense of place that many of our neighborhoods and our villages represent, said former Los Angeles County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky, who is now director of the Los Angeles Initiative at the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs and the Department of History.
Wieners bill would apply to a huge expanse of the L.A. basin because it is crisscrossed with bus routes and, to a much lesser extent, rail lines.
SB 827 would allow residential buildings up to five stories and on wider streets, up to eight stories on land within a quarter-mile of a location where buses arrive every 15 minutes during rush hour.
Developments the same size would be allowed within a quarter-mile of subway stations, light rail platforms and places where two major bus corridors intersect. Within a half-mile of such stops, apartments and condominiums could be as tall as four or five stories.
State Sen. Scott Wiener, standing in the Capitol last year, has a bill to allow four- to eight-story apartment buildings in locations where they are currently prohibited. The bill is opposed by local homeowner groups, historic preservationists and renters' rights advocates. Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press
The proposal has been greeted with alarm by an array of L.A. tenant groups, homeowner associations, neighborhood councils and historic preservationists.
Opponents contend the bill will deliver a financial windfall to landlords and homeowners, while placing new burden on low-income renters. With rules allowing taller, denser buildings, property owners would see a significant increase in the value of their holdings and have a new financial incentive to sell to developers, they argue.
Shashi Hanuman, a directing attorney for Public Counsel, fears those developers will, in turn, demolish rent-controlled buildings and replace them with larger, more expensive ones.
If you think of a building thats four to eight units, and its upzoned to allow 40 units the land value will increase and the pressure to tear down that building will increase, said Hanuman, whose group advocates for low-income families.
Another tenant advocate was more blunt.
Itll be gentrification on steroids, said Larry Gross, executive director of the Coalition for Economic Survival.
Backers of the bill say it has provisions to prevent the displacement of low-income residents. For example, companies that raze a structure using the incentives available under SB 827 would have to pay up to 42 months of rent to each family forced out.
The bill requires that those same families be offered the chance to move back into the replacement building at their prior rent, at least for the first year. And developers would be barred from demolishing rent-controlled buildings unless the City Council passes an ordinance explicitly allowing them to do so a provision that, so far, has not reassured critics in L.A.
Wiener disputes the idea that his bill would produce a wholesale destruction of older housing stock. Neighborhoods will evolve gradually, as developers acquire building sites and the proper permits, he said.
This is not some overnight transformation, he said recently. It's going to happen over time.
The Times relied on the citys most recent bus and rail stop data, information compiled in September, to examine the locations that could be affected by SB 827. Within those areas are more than 86,000 rent-controlled buildings, or about 537,000 total units.
After the bill was introduced, city officials began taking a fresh look at local bus routes to see if they actually run every 15 minutes during rush hour. They say they are still analyzing the areas affected by SB 827.
A Metro bus stops on La Cienega Boulevard. Senate Bill 827 would allow multistory apartments and condominiums near major bus stops. Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times
Since it was proposed two months ago, Wieners bill has received national attention, drawing praise from academics, urban planners and YIMBYs pro-housing advocates who have adopted the slogan Yes In My Backyard. The bill went public just as state legislators were trying to tackle multiple housing and environmental challenges at once.
Wieners bill forcefully tackles both the housing shortage and environmental concerns, said Marlon Boarnet, chair of the Department of Urban Planning and Spatial Analysis at USCs Price School of Public Policy. This is a bold vision, he said.
Wieners legislation will almost certainly see further changes. Yet even if it is defeated, it will have shifted the conversation around housing in the state legislature, said Lisa Ann Schweitzer, an urban planning professor at USCs Price School of Public Policy.
Until recently, the authority that cities and counties had over local development was unquestioned. With the states housing shortage more acute, policymakers are questioning that dynamic, she said.
I think the writing is pretty much on the wall ... that local governments are not going to upzone voluntarily unless something radical changes, Schweitzer said. I think a lot of people are hoping that the state is the lever that unlocks the gridlock around zoning.
Backers of SB 827 say the need for change can be found on each side of Wilshire Boulevard west of Koreatown, where construction crews are at work on a $3.2-billion extension of the Metro Purple Line subway. Several neighborhoods along the route, such as Hancock Park and Beverly Grove, have restrictive zoning a fact that confounds local business leaders.
Jessica Duboff, vice president of public policy for the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce, said residential streets near three planned Purple Line stations La Brea Avenue, Fairfax Avenue and La Cienega Boulevard should be rezoned to allow taller apartments and condominiums.
Those are employment corridors. Those are tourism corridors. And those places are where a big chunk of our transit dollars are going, she said.
Brad Kane, president of the Pico Neighborhood Council, opposes Senate Bill 827. He fears that Spanish Colonial Revival homes in his community will be replaced by much taller apartment buildings. Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times
Attorney Brad Kane moved to the South Carthay section of Los Angeles in 1999, lured in part by the Spanish Colonial Revival architecture rows of houses and duplexes with smooth plaster and red-tile roofs. It was a beautiful island, he said. It was beautiful and it was centrally located and it was protected, or so I thought, from major development.
Kane is now president of the People Involved in Community Organizing, or Pico Neighborhood Council, which has come out against SB 827. The council serves South Carthay and 10 other neighborhoods an area bordered by major bus routes. As a result, it is almost entirely covered by SB 827.
Because it is bordered by bus routes, one neighborhood council would see all but a tiny sliver of its territory covered under Senate Bill 827.
Wiener contends his bill would defer to local rules that protect historic structures from demolition. But Kane is not convinced, and fears that developers will use the citys rules on renovations as a workaround to raze and replace those homes.
Council President Herb Wesson is backing a resolution to oppose SB 827, which comes up for vote Tuesday. Meanwhile, Mayor Eric Garcetti wants to make sure the bill has renter protections, affordability requirements and better respects existing neighborhood character, said Ben Winter, the mayors top housing aide.
"As currently written, SB 827 would effectively rezone most of the L.A. Basin from the Hollywood Hills to the 105 and large swaths of the Valley, Winter said in a statement.
SB 827 would have similarly large effects in other big cities across California. Almost all of San Francisco would be rezoned to allow for more housing, according to a report prepared by the citys planning department.
San Francisco is also considering a resolution to oppose SB 827, with candidates in the citys June mayoral election divided on the measure.
By contrast, the bill has major backing from San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo, who said his city is working to increase density around public transit.
Liccardo complained that neighboring communities in Silicon Valley havent done enough to increase the supply of housing. He said hed give up some of his power over zoning issues in his own city if it meant San Joses suburbs would have to permit more home building.
Upzoning neighborhoods, he said, requires having local government with a backbone.
david.zahniser@latimes.com | Twitter: @DavidZahniser
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jon.schleuss@latimes.com | Twitter: @gaufre
A second woman has come forward to accuse Lynwood Councilman Edwin Hernandez of behaving inappropriately toward her while she was employed with the city.
Marisela Santana, 45, said Hernandez sexually harassed her and later retaliated against her after she was hired as the citys spokeswoman in late 2012, a year before Hernandez was elected into office.
He wanted us to be more than friends outside of City Hall, Santana said. He wanted something physical, and I said no.
The allegations come more than three weeks after Monica Ochoa, a senior accounting technician with the city, accused Hernandez of sexual harassment, forcing officials to launch an independent investigation.
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Since Ochoa went public last month, city officials have said they have learned about other claims of inappropriate behavior involving Hernandez. So far, four women have made accusations against him, including Ochoa and Santana. At least two women have declined to file formal complaints.
This is a dark cloud over us, Lynwood Mayor Jose Solache said.
He said the City Council and administrators are taking the allegations against his council colleague seriously.
We want to make sure we respect the employee and acknowledge the allegations, he said. But we also want to give Hernandez the right to a process.
Hernandez, who stepped away from his duties as mayor pro tem, did not respond to requests for comment.
Lisa Bloom, an attorney representing Ochoa and Santana, hopes more women will come forward to support her clients.
This investigation is not going to go on forever; its going to close soon. Its not going to be helpful for someone to come forward a year from now, she said. One woman standing up against a powerful guy is probably not going to win. Two? Maybe, maybe not. Three, were going to win. Four, were going to win.
Standing together, we are believed; we have strength, she said.
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Santana, who served as the citys public information officer between 2012 and 2016, said her problems soon began after she was hired by the city. In her job, Santana handled public relations and coordinated media requests as well as public events such as business openings and fairs. She also helped organize roundtable discussions for the Lynwood Chamber of Commerce.
She said Hernandez was the city treasurer when he began making flirtatious remarks and sexual advances toward her. Hernandez was elected to office in 2013.
Things started going downhill from there, she said.
Santana said her workload began to get lighter. She said Hernandez would sometimes assign her duties to other employees. She also was prohibited from handling events with the Lynwood Chamber of Commerce, where Hernandez was president.
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He would go to my supervisor and request that I be removed from projects, she said.
Santana said she complained to the human resources director in late 2014 and 2015 about how she felt Hernandez was retaliating against her because she had rejected his sexual advances before he was elected.
Santana said she didnt file a formal complaint because she was afraid she would lose her job and because she didnt think anyone would believe her.
I hope he would have stopped with me, but he didnt and thats unfortunate, she said.
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Santana lost her job in March 2016. A week before she was laid off, she said she was crying in her office. Hernandez walked in and asked her why she was crying.
I said, Im being pushed out of a job I love, she said, adding, I told him to stop pressuring the city manager to fire me. He said, No, why should I care about your feelings when you didnt care about mine?
ruben.vives@latimes.com
For more Southern California news, follow @latvives on Twitter.
Large-scale projects long considered essential to easing Houstons flooding woes went to the top of the areas to-do list after Hurricane Harvey inundated large swaths of the nations fourth-largest city.
Seven months later, local officials are still looking for funding to undertake plans that include a new reservoir, deeper and wider bayous and a coastal barrier system all of which have fallen victim to a lack of money or political will in the past.
Yet local leaders insist this time will be different, saying theyre committed to making the projects a reality, even as they wait to find out how much money they might get from the state and federal governments and whether local taxpayers will be willing to help out.
Theres been a whole lot of talk over the years, but now its time to get it done in the post-Harvey era, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said at a recent community meeting.
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One thing thats giving Turner and others hope is that billions of federal dollars have been allocated to pay for flood-mitigation projects. The Federal Emergency Management Agency has promised $1 billion for areas affected by Harvey, though Houston will be competing with other Texas communities for that funding. Congress provided $15 billion to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in February for flood-control projects nationwide, some of which could go to the Houston area.
Houston, which was founded on the banks of the Buffalo Bayou in 1836 and rises barely above sea level, has long been susceptible to flooding. But recent growth has made the problem worse. The area has more pavement, which generates more stormwater runoff, and has lost wetlands that could soak up that runoff.
Big projects that area officials are eyeing include building a third reservoir for the area, at a cost of about $500 million. They also want to complete the excavation and widening of six local bayous, a $1.3-billion project, part of which has proceeded in fits and starts over more than 20 years due to inconsistent funding. And they want to undertake a project known as the coastal spine, which was first proposed after Hurricane Ike in 2008. That $6-billion to $10-billion project also called the Ike Dike proposes barriers to protect the area from storm surge coming into Galveston Bay.
This will be very different than the last several decades, when things were thought of but never actually executed, said Marvin E. Odum, Houstons Hurricane Harvey recovery czar.
Whichever projects are ultimately funded, they will probably take years to build.
Turner and other Houston-area officials have asked Republican Gov. Greg Abbott to use the states $11-billion rainy-day fund to help front the cost of building the reservoir and other projects, with the state being repaid once federal dollars are awarded. But that message has fallen on deaf ears, said Stephen Costello, Houstons chief resilience officer.
However, Ciara Matthews, a spokeswoman for Abbotts office, said Saturday that through the governors work with Congress, a record amount of funding is now available to Houston to rebuild and restore the reservoirs and bayous, as well as building the coastal spine.
He has also made available a billion dollars in hazard-mitigation funding for the city and county right now, Matthews said, referring to the money from FEMA for areas affected by Harvey.
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Harris County Judge Ed Emmett, the top elected official in the county where Houston is located, said he wasnt reassured by promises from state officials. He also noted that they had pushed to cut property taxes, which Harris County uses to pay for its flood-control efforts.
When somebody at the state level tells you that theyre going to lower the property tax, what theyre telling you is, We are not going to build many flood-control projects, Emmett said.
Officials are also asking Harris County residents to approve a $1-billion to $2-billion bond proposal to help pay for some projects. That will be on the ballot sometime this year.
Texas A&M University at Galveston marine sciences professor Sam Brody cautioned that Houston and the rest of Texas cant engineer their way out of flooding issues by only relying on large-scale projects. Efforts such as buying out homes in flood-prone areas and being mindful of future development must play a role in making the area more flood resilient, he said.
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Houston remains the only major U.S. city without zoning, but it does have rules about building in the flood plain. The City Council is set to vote in the coming week on stricter rules. Harris County approved new restrictions late last year. Both Houston and Harris County are also pursuing a home buyout strategy.
There is no one silver bullet that is going to fix this problem, Brody said. Its a ... multi-strategy issue that people need to recognize, he said.
It was the Parkland student who silently stood on stage for several minutes. The 11-year-olds eloquent call for awareness about violence against black women. The South Los Angeles teen who asked the crowd to chant her dead brothers name.
The most powerful moments from Saturdays March for Our Lives in Washington came from student activists. Here are their speeches.
Emma Gonzalez
Tears rolled down Emma Gonzalezs face as she stood in silence.
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Gonzalez, 18, one of the most recognizable faces leading the student movement on gun control, was not alone. Tears could be seen on many in the crowd.
She had begun timing six minutes and 20 seconds the time it took a gunman to kill 17 students and teachers at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., where she is a student.
Fight for your lives before its someone elses job, Gonzalez said before ending her speech.
Edna Chavez
"I have learned to duck from bullets before I learned how to read," Los Angeles student Edna Chavez says at #MarchForOurLives pic.twitter.com/YqshSjJFtW NBC News (@NBCNews) March 24, 2018
Edna Chavez, a South Los Angeles resident, recalled the day her brother was killed.
Ricardo was his name, Chavez said, asking the crowd to say his name. Ricardo! Ricardo! the crowd chanted in unison.
I lost more than my brother that day. I lost my hero, Chavez said.
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Earlier in her speech, Chavez talked about the normalcy of gun violence in her neighborhood. Ive learned to duck from bullets before I learned how to read, she said.
David Hogg
Parkland student David Hogg became a key voice of the movement after recording video of his classmates huddling in a small dark closet during the Feb. 14 shooting.
At Saturdays rally, Hogg called on Americans to come together and push for elected officials to take a stand.
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We are going to take this to every election, to every state and every city, he said. When politicians send their thoughts and prayers with no action, we say, No more.
Naomi Wadler
Eleven-year-old Naomi Wadler has worked to raise awareness of the African American girls and women who have been victims of gun violence but overlooked in the national conversation.
I am here today to acknowledge and represent the African American girls whose stories dont make the front page of every national newspaper, she said.
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Naomi helped organize a walkout at George Mason Elementary School in Alexandria, Va., on March 14 to protest gun violence.
Like protests throughout the country that day, George Mason had a 17-minute moment of silence for the victims of Marjory Stoneman High. Naomi added an extra minute to honor Courtlin Arrington, an African American teenager fatally shot the week before at an Alabama high school.
Cameron Kasky
"Either represent the people or get out ... Stand for us or beware: The voters are coming," Parkland student Cameron Kasky says to lawmakers pic.twitter.com/vKzBPa9KOP NBC News (@NBCNews) March 24, 2018
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Welcome to the revolution, Cameron Kasky, a student at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, told the crowd in Washington. We are the change . Represent us or get out.
He and other Stoneman Douglas students said their goal is a new ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. The AR-15, the semiautomatic rifle used to kill 17 people at the high school, is one of the most popular guns on the market and has been used in a series of mass shootings.
Yolanda King
Yolanda King, the granddaughter of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King, surprised the Washington, D.C., crowd with an appearance.
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I have a dream that enough is enough, and that this should be a gun-free world, King said to the crowd.
King was joined onstage by Jaclyn Corin, junior class president at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.
At the end of her speech, King asked the crowd to repeat the following words: Spread the word! Have you heard? All across the nation, we are going to be a great generation!
To read this article in Spanish click here
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Former Vice President Joe Biden, speaking to a sold-out crowd in Connecticut, declined to escalate a feud he sparked days earlier with President Trump, and said the jurys still out on whether he will challenge Trump in 2020.
After saying Tuesday that he would have beat the hell out of Trump in high school for the crude comments the president has made about women, Biden offered a wide-ranging discussion that focused mostly on his long career in public service, speculation that he could run for president and his assessment of the political divide in the country.
Honest to God I dont know, Biden said when he was asked by WNPR host Lucy Nalpathanchil, who moderated the discussion Friday night, about his plans for 2020. I have to be able to stand in front of a mirror and look in the mirror and know that if I dont run its not because Im afraid of losing, its not because I dont want to take on the responsibility, its because theres somebody better to do it and/or because emotionally Im not positioned to be all in. And so the jurys still out.
Bidens name continues to be floated as a possible Democratic challenger to Trump even though Biden would be 78 on Inauguration Day in 2021. Biden declined to run in 2016 partly due to the death of his son, Beau, from brain cancer, a decision he later said he regretted.
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I had planned on running for president, Biden said. But then my son, my soul, Beau, was diagnosed after he came home from having volunteered to go to Iraq for a year. ... He got a diagnosis which was essentially a death sentence. ... I knew I couldnt run.
Biden spoke during an appearance at Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven before a crowd of 1,500 people. After taking the stage at 8:36 p.m., about an hour later than expected, he apologized for being late but said he had been asked by his former colleague, Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), to speak on his behalf at an event at the U.S. Naval Academy.
Of course, youre my friend, Biden said he told McCain. We go at each other hammer and tong, but hes my friend.
The former vice president mostly laid off Trump three days after he had ripped into the president during an anti-sexual assault rally at the University of Miami. Biden was talking about a tape uncovered during the 2016 presidential campaign in which Trump made vulgar comments about groping women.
They asked me would I like to debate this gentleman, and I said no. I said, If we were in high school, Id take him behind the gym and beat the hell out of him, Biden said.
Trump responded on Twitter by calling Biden crazy and weak, both mentally and physically.
He doesnt know me, but he would go down fast and hard, crying all the way, Trump wrote.
Earlier Friday, Biden said he regretted talking about getting physical with Trump.
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I shouldnt have said what I said ... because I dont want to get down in the mosh pit with this guy, he said on Pod Save America, a Washington political podcast.
But Biden did not ignore Trump in New Haven, saying he was alarmed that white supremacists seem to feel emboldened by the president.
Hate crimes are up, Biden said. Our children are listening. Silence is complicity. I really mean it.
Biden said he had kept my mouth shut to give Trump a chance to establish a government, believing that the billionaire businessman never thought he would win the presidency. But after Trump said there was blame on both sides when white nationalists and protesters clashed in Charlottesville, Va. I couldnt remain silent after that.
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Biden posited that the country is more united than when he first ran for Senate in 1972, even if politicians arent.
We are less divided as people on issues than when I ran as a 28-year-old kid, Biden said. Whats broken is our political system. ... All we talk about today is the other person is bad. I look at Republicans as the opposition; they are not the enemy, they are not my enemy. But in both parties today ... they look at each other as the enemy.
Blair writes for the Hartford Courant.
Both Republicans and Democrats are complaining about Nancy Pelosi again, which can only mean that everythings going exactly as shes planned.
Pelosis critics have been predicting the end of her tenure as leader of the House Democrats since it began. And yet she remains the most competent wrangler of congressional votes on either side of the aisle or the Capitol dome. On the Senate side, Chuck Schumers task is a lower level of difficulty. GOP leaders Sen. Mitch McConnell and House Speaker Paul D. Ryan, on the other hand, struggle with insurrections and a mercurial president that leave them unable to capitalize on the power they compromised themselves for.
Meanwhile, Pelosi soldiers on. Its telling that shes often mocked for her stiffness because what people should be scared of is her spine.
She was underestimated and scapegoated even before she ascended to speaker in 2007: Republicans raised her as a campaign issue starting in 2006. Democrats gave her until the 2010 midterms before going public with the same set of criticisms you hear today: Shes too liberal, too uninspiring, too easy a target.
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Its telling that shes often mocked for her stiffness because what people should be scared of is her spine.
Rather suddenly, the talented legislator whose deft party discipline pushed the Affordable Care Act over the finish line months before was the boogeywoman for anyone who needed one. Blue Dog Democrats running in conservative districts even used money raised by Pelosi by run ads distancing themselves from her. For her part, Pelosi seemed to take these back-talking Benedict Arnolds in stride: They know their districts, she told a reporter at the time. They are great communicators, very eloquent communicators to their own constituents.
Not quite so eloquent as all that, it turned out. The moderate Democrats who denounced Pelosi as too progressive call them Conservatives Lite mostly lost in races where Republicans had a conservative extreme option, a.k.a. the tea party. After the great shellacking of 2010 came a dribble of handwringing think pieces about whether Pelosi was really the best person to represent the party, occasionally enhanced by an actual candidate or member of Congress offering thoughts on the need for change. There were vague gestures toward a more centrist direction. Meanwhile, Pelosi soldiered on.
Trumps election did not sharpen these criticisms of Pelosi give them any policy direction, for instance it only made them louder. And I imagine they will have about the same effect after November.
Im not a fan of the maxim that if one is angering both sides, you must be doing something right. I think its more likely that if youre angering both sides, you might be doing something right or you might just be a woman. Pelosi is a woman who is also doing something right.
I wont rehash the myriad ways that criticism of Pelosi, from the left and right, gets bent through the lens of gender. Democrats are probably not wrong to think that a younger white man with more conservative views would wind up being more popular, nationally, than Pelosi ever could be but at what cost?
First of all, as Conor Lambs Pennsylvania victory showed, it is still useful to see some daylight between a candidate and the party leader. Republicans are figuring this out somewhat belatedly. It has actually enabled the Democrats to preserve more ideological diversity than they are given credit for. (Certainly they offer more than the Trumpian monoculture.) Ironically, its that very diversity that leads to the perennial pundit speculation that her job is in danger.
For all this supposed infighting, however, there is no Democratic version of the Freedom Caucus. When Pelosi battles with her caucus, it is with a multiplicity of carpers; rarely are they able to wield the kind of disproportionate sway thats left the supposed super-wonk Speaker Ryan at the mercy of junior congressmen and Trump acolytes.
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The best arguments for and against Pelosi amount to the same thing: Shes a hack. She tolerates disingenuous votes and showy rebellions as long as she can shepherd along whatever legislative maneuver is at hand. She doesnt care about displays of ideological consistency. Her leadership walks a fine line between consensus and stagnation. She is, in other words, a hack in the tradition of Tip ONeill, John Boehner and Richard Gephardt.
But at least her party can still be run by a hack. The Republican establishments willingness to move further and further to the right to placate its loudest voices has given McConnell and Ryan ungovernable majorities. Indeed, Republicans prize Pelosi so much as a villain because shes one of the few things that unite them.
In the end, Nancy Pelosi isnt unpopular because of policy positions. Shes unpopular because shes Nancy Pelosi, a character or caricature for those who want to declare they are not her. She knows this and is happy to let those who need to make this argument make it all the better for growing the caucus that she still so skillfully controls. Shes a straw man with an iron fist.
Ana Marie Cox is the host of Crooked Medias With Friends Like These. @anamariecox
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President Trumps nomination of Gina Haspel to head the CIA has stirred objections from many quarters. After 9/11, Haspel ran an illegal black site in Thailand where a man was tortured, and she later wrote a memo calling for the destruction of proof of such enhanced interrogations. She has paid no price for these actions, nor has she been called to account for them.
As a native of Chile, I can attest to how difficult it is for a people to confront horrors committed in their name, how disturbing to acknowledge a monstrous past. But that hard work of reckoning is crucial.
In 1973, Salvador Allende, the democratically elected president of Chile, was overthrown by the military. During the 17-year dictatorship of Gen. Augusto Pinochet that followed, legions of Allendes followers, accused of being terrorists and enemies of the state, were unspeakably brutalized in secret detention centers run by agents of Chiles intelligence services. More than 3,000 prisoners were executed, and close to 40,000 were traumatized and scarred for life.
Very little soul searching about enhanced interrogations has taken place in the United States.
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The majority of the perpetrators were men, but a large contingent were women. Some of those women worked in the bureaucracy that made possible the reign of terror, pushing paper or serving coffee and cookies. Some were directly involved in the kidnapping, torture and murder of the regimes opponents. Just as cruel as their male counterparts, they proved especially efficacious in humiliating the detainees sexually and extracting information from them.
Reports based on interviews and court proceedings show that most of those female torturers joined the security forces early on. In January 1974, barely four months after the coup detat, 70 women spent three months being trained as secret police in Rocas de Santo Domingo, a resort on the Pacific Ocean. The female agents had been carefully selected by Ingrid Oldebrock, a Nazi sympathizer and police officer who would soon become notorious for, among other niceties, using a dog nicknamed Volodia to rape prisoners. Survivors told investigators that her proteges and disciples engaged in more traditional forms of torture: beatings, waterboarding, electrical shocks to the genitals, threats levied against families, and false executions. The justification for such atrocities? Duty, the agents later claimed, and defense of the fatherland.
A book by Javier Rebolledo, based on the testimony of a secret police informant, among other sources, described some of the crimes committed by women: Lethal injections administered to detainees who were then cast from helicopters into the sea. Men sexually assaulted as they hung by their wrists from the ceiling. Prisoners attacked sadistically by a tormentor who made sure no blood stained her elegant dresses.
It took many decades before the major role of women in the worst abuses was fully accepted by the public. It was as if Chileans found it particularly shameful, even far-fetched, that women could be as vile as men, that there was nothing inherently gentle about the so-called gentler sex. Eventually, the terrible truth was inescapable: No part of society is immune to the contagion of violence. National commissions took testimony that documented the outrages inflicted by women; articles and books were published; television series fictionalized the repression; and some of the worst offenders were tried and imprisoned for their crimes.
Of course, the women, as well as the far guiltier men who were responsible for ordering and perpetrating the acts of terror, have their defenders, who, though lamenting the excesses of a few bad apples, insist that the secret police and their deeds were necessary to save the country from communism. But these are a minority. Most of my compatriots understand that torture was highly organized and systematic, part of an illegal and immoral program ordered and condoned by the highest authorities of the country. The soul searching that has accompanied such a realization, we hope, ensures that such abominations will never be repeated.
Very little soul searching about enhanced interrogations has taken place in the United States. Its one reason Trump could be elected despite declaring that he would bring back waterboarding and a hell of a lot worse. In Chile and other countries that have suffered sustained state-sponsored terror, such words would ignite a firestorm of outrage, disqualifying anyone seeking higher office. And yet here, an ignorant man who believes, against all evidence, that torture works, chooses a black site supervisor to run the CIA and gets away with it.
It may seem unfair to compare Haspels less direct actions with those of her intimately vicious Chilean counterparts. She oversaw a site where at least one detainee was waterboarded, and she wrote a memo calling for the destruction of 90 videotapes.
In my view, Haspel, if she was aware of what was going on at the Thailand site, would be as guilty as Pinochets secret police of crimes against humanity. Treaties to which the United States is a signatory were flouted. She oversaw a chamber of horrors and was involved in erasing the evidence. In Chile, those actions would be prosecuted, and Haspel might end up jail.
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I doubt that anything of the sort will happen in the United States. And yet, appalled as I am by the possibility that Haspel may be confirmed, I am hopeful too. Trumps misbegotten nomination presents a unique chance for Americans to finally engage in a national dialogue about the torture they allowed to happen, grappling with how its existence and acceptance, by women as well as men, can corrupt the well-being of the nation.
Ariel Dorfmans latest book is the forthcoming novel Darwins Ghosts. He and his wife live in Chile and the United States, where he is emeritus professor of literature at Duke University.
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To the editor: The dean of the UC Berkeley School of Law, Erwin Chemerinsky, needs lessons in logic. He writes that it should be easy for the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold the California law requiring health clinics opposed to abortion to inform women of their abortion options. (If it wasnt related to abortion, Californias FACT Act would easily be upheld by the Supreme Court, editorial, March 20)
Doesnt the law violate the religious freedom and free speech rights of those health clinics? It doesnt, Chemerinsky claims, since federal law already obligates businesses, whether they like it or not, to post nutritional information of food, the health risks of alcohol and tobacco products and similar warnings.
But nutritional information is for everyones good health. Abortion is the destruction of a babys life and health and sometimes the mothers emotional health as well.
G.V. Climaco, Brea
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To the editor: I toured a pregnancy center in the San Francisco Bay Area with my daughter-in-law who volunteered there.
She told me about the ultrasounds designed to develop a bond between the mother and the baby. I saw the room where clients could take baby clothes and equipment for free.
Before leaving, we talked with the nurse on staff. I asked about follow-up care. Do they offer family planning counseling and get their clients started on birth control?
Her response: Oh, no, the patients will just become sexually active again.
What? Really? I couldnt believe it. That seemed totally irresponsible to me.
Jeanne Kennedy, Pomona
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To the editor: The core of Chemerinskys argument is that the Legislature found that these licensed and unlicensed centers employ intentionally deceptive advertising and counseling practices [that] often confuse, misinform, and even intimidate.
In other words: Women are too dumb to think for themselves, so they need a sign making sure they know about other services. Nice message.
That pesky 1st Amendment is just a minor annoyance in Chemerinskys universe.
David Pohlod, Oak Park
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To the editor: President Trump wants to give the death penalty to drug dealers. (Following Trumps lead, Sessions urges federal prosecutors to seek death penalty against major drug dealers, March 21)
Maybe if he was not so busy losing or firing people in the Justice Department and the FBI, some attorney or law enforcement officer would have told him that a constitutional amendment is needed to do that because the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled it is a violation of the 8th Amendments prohibition of cruel and unusual punishment to impose the death penalty for any crime other than murder.
Drug dealing does not qualify.
Robert S. Henry, San Gabriel
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The writer is a retired capital case coordinator with the California attorney generals office.
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To the editor: So Trump (and now Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions) suggests prosecutors consider the death penalty for drug dealers.
Look out, Walgreens, CVS, Purdue Pharma and other major sellers and manufacturers of addictive drugs you may very well find yourselves in front of a firing line.
Oh, thats right, the ethically bereft system of capitalism has your back; profits are being made even if people are dying. Never mind, youll be OK.
Justin Webb, Los Angeles
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To the editor: I find it interesting that Trumps focus in the new war on drugs in rural New Hampshire is on getting tough on dealers, not on drug users. In contrast, the war on drugs from the 1980s was focused on drug users in cities, filling our prisons and jails with African Americans and Latinos.
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Now in rural New Hampshire, selling drugs is defined as a crime, while becoming addicted is defined as an illness.
Doris Isolini Nelson, Los Angeles
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Stormy Daniels was threatened with physical harm in 2011 if she went public with her story of an alleged affair with Donald Trump, the porn actress said in an interview broadcast Sunday on 60 Minutes.
A few weeks after Trumps attorney Michael Cohen learned that Daniels had shared her story with a magazine, a stranger approached her in a Las Vegas parking lot, she told Anderson Cooper on 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.
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.
You took it as a direct threat? Cooper asked.
Absolutely, she responded. I was rattled. I remember going into the workout class, and my hands are shaking so much, I was afraid I was going to drop her.
Trump lawyer and fixer demands apology from Stormy Daniels
Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, 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 arranged to pay her $130,000 just before the November 2016 presidential election in return for her silence.
Asked why she decided to speak out to 60 Minutes, Daniels said it was very important to me to be able to defend myself.
Im not OK with being made out to be a liar, or people thinking that I did this for money, she said, while acknowledging she was now getting more lucrative job offers.
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Daniels is the second woman in less than a week to talk on national television about taking payoffs during the presidential campaign to stay quiet about their sexual affairs with Trump in the early years of his marriage to Melania Trump.
Stormy weather, or how a meeting at a golf resort blew up into a Trump scandal
On Thursday, former Playboy model Karen McDougal told Cooper on CNN that she had a 10-month love affair with Trump in 2006 and 2007 around the same time he was seeing Daniels. McDougal was paid $150,000 in hush money in August 2016, a couple weeks after Trump won the Republican presidential nomination.
The ethics group Common Cause has filed complaints saying both payments were illegal secret campaign donations meant to influence the election. Both women are now suing to break their confidentiality agreements, saying they were tricked into the deals.
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President Trumps representatives have denied that he had affairs with Daniels or McDougal.
Daniels, 39, told CBS that she accepted her confidentiality deal out of concern for her familys safety.
I did not want my family and my child exposed to all the things that shes being exposed to right now, because everything that I was afraid of coming out has come out anyway, and guess what I dont have a million dollars, she said.
The confidentiality pact requires Daniels to pay the president $1 million each time she violates its terms, as she apparently did again on 60 Minutes. Lawyers for Trump had already accused Daniels of breaching the agreement at least 20 times, saying shes liable for as much as $20 million in damages.
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Not long after the magazine story was killed, Stormy Daniels says she was threatened by a man who approached her in Las Vegas. A guy walked up on me and said to me, leave Trump alone. Forget the story. pic.twitter.com/JMskKQiYCi 60 Minutes (@60Minutes) March 25, 2018
Daniels also said she was pressured to sign statements released by Cohen in which she denied having an affair with Trump.
I felt intimidated and honestly bullied, and I didnt know what to do, and so I signed it, even though I had repeatedly expressed that I wouldnt break the agreement, she said. But I was not comfortable lying.
Cohen did not respond to an email seeking comment.
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Daniels offered some explicit details of her alleged tryst with Trump. When they met at a Lake Tahoe golf tournament, she said, she went to his hotel suite for dinner. Trump showed off a magazine with his photo on the cover.
Someone should take that magazine and spank you with it, she recalled telling him.
You wouldnt, he said, according to Daniels.
I was like turn around, drop em, she said.
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You told Donald Trump to turn around and take off his pants? Cooper asked.
Yes, Daniels replied.
And did he?
Yes. So he turned around and pulled his pants down a little you know, had underwear on and stuff, and I just gave him a couple swats.
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At the time, Daniels was 27 and Trump was 60. She remembered Trump telling her, You are special. You remind me of my daughter.
She said they had sex just once the time they met. She felt no attraction to him, but consented to sex anyway, she said.
I was not a victim, she said.
During subsequent encounters, Daniels said, she was focused mainly on his promise to get her on The Apprentice, which never materialized.
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I thought of it as a business deal, she said.
President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump at a St. Patricks Day reception at the White House on March 15. (Jabin Botsford / The Washington Post )
McDougal, 47, described a more intimate relationship, with dozens of sexual encounters with Trump. They enjoyed at least five rendezvous a month in California, New York and New Jersey until, overcome with guilt, she cut it off, she said. During the interview, McDougal apologized to the first lady.
Trump ignored reporters shouted questions about Daniels on Sunday evening as he walked into the South Portico of the White House after a weekend getaway at his estate in Palm Beach, Fla. First Lady Melania Trump stayed in Florida for her traditional spring break, a White House spokewoman said.
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Trumps silence marks a stark contrast to his combative rhetoric in the campaigns closing days, when he threatened to sue more than a dozen women who accused him of sexual misconduct and called them liars.
Trump never took any of the women to court, but one of them, former Apprentice contestant Summer Zervos, is suing him for defamation.
Daniels attorney, Michael Avenatti, mocked Cohen for suggesting that the $130,000 payment to Daniels, made through a shell company that Trumps lawyer created in the closing days of the 2016 campaign, had nothing to do with the election. Cohen has said he used his own money to facilitate the payment under a nondisclosure agreement and would have done the same thing years earlier to protect Trump from harm.
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So why didnt he? Avenatti asked Cooper. It just slipped his mind? Its just a coincidence that, in the waning days of the campaign, he thought to himself, Oh, you know, I know Ive been thinking about this for years perhaps now is a good time to get that NDA executed with Stormy Daniels.
He called the threat of $20 million in damages a thuggish tactic.
Its no different than what happened in the parking lot in Las Vegas, Avenatti said.
michael.finnegan@latimes.com
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Twitter: @finneganLAT
UPDATES:
7:30 p.m.: This article was updated with Stormy Daniels explaining why she was speaking out and comments from her lawyer Michael Avenatti.
5:45 p.m.: This article was updated with details of Donald Trumps alleged sexual encounter with Stormy Daniels in Lake Tahoe.
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5:15 p.m.: This article was updated with additional quotes from Stormy Daniels 60 Minutes interview.
This article was originally published at 4:45 p.m.
As the Russia investigation enters a crucial stage, President Trump is left without a veteran defense attorney at his side after two lawyers who were just hired to represent him dropped off on Sunday.
The announcement follows the resignation of John Dowd as Trumps lead lawyer Thursday after their disagreements over the presidents desire for a more confrontational approach, including a face-to-face interview with investigators.
For the record: An earlier version of this article misspelled Mark Corallos last name as Corrallo.
The turmoil on the presidents legal team, reflective of the chaos throughout his administration, now leaves unclear who will negotiate Trumps potential interview with prosecutors from the office of special counsel Robert S. Mueller III.
Having proved himself to be an impulsive and outspoken client, prone to potentially damaging comments and tweets, Trump has struggled to hire top-shelf lawyers from the kind of marquee firm that typically relishes the prestige of representing a president.
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The latest development comes one week after Jay Sekulow, one of Trumps other lawyers, said that Joseph diGenova, a Republican and former U.S. attorney who has frequently criticized the Russia investigation in television appearances, was going to represent Trump. DiGenovas wife, Victoria Toensing, who is also a former prosecutor, planned to join the team as well.
But Toensing has represented other people involved in the case, raising questions of conflicts of interest, and a subsequent review determined that Trump would need to look elsewhere for legal help.
The President is disappointed that conflicts prevent Joe diGenova and Victoria Toensing from joining the Presidents Special Counsel legal team, Sekulow said in a text message Sunday. However, those conflicts do not prevent them from assisting the President in other legal matters. The President looks forward to working with them.
In a statement, diGenova and Toensing said, We thank the president for his confidence in us and we look forward to working with him on other matters. DiGenova declined to comment further.
The announcement leaves a gaping hole in Trumps team. Dowd, a defense attorney who had been serving as the presidents lead lawyer, had been handling negotiations over a potential Trump interview with Mueller or his prosecutors. While Sekulow still works for Trump, he is best known as an advocate for conservative religious causes, not as a defense attorney. Another lawyer, Ty Cobb, represents the White House in dealings with the special counsels office but doesnt directly represent Trump.
Sekulow did not specify the potential conflicts for diGenova and Toensing. Their firm has represented Sam Clovis, a former Trump campaign official, and Mark Corallo, who was a spokesman for Trumps legal team.
Corallo said that on Monday he had waived any conflict claims should diGenova and Toensing start working for Trump. There were no conflicts as I could see them, he told The Times on Friday.
Corallo resigned from his spokesmans job in July, soon after the president helped draft a misleading statement about a meeting his eldest son held at Trump Tower in June 2016 with a Russian lawyer offering dirt on Hillary Clinton. That statement said Donald Trump Jr. and the lawyer discussed a program for adopting Russian children and their encounter was unrelated to the campaign.
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That was revealed to be false, but Trump Jr. said no incriminating information was provided at the meeting. Also in attendance were Paul Manafort, then the campaign manager, and Jared Kushner, the presidents son-in-law and advisor.
The absence of legal talent behind the president stands in contrast to the special counsels bench. Mueller has employed a team of seasoned prosecutors, including money-laundering experts, to probe whether any Trump associates assisted Russian efforts to interfere in the 2016 election. Hes also examining whether the president obstructed justice by trying to impede the investigation.
Trump has denied any collusion between his campaign and Russia and repeatedly has condemned the investigation as a witch hunt.
The announcement about diGenova and Toensing came just after Trump, in tweets Sunday morning from his Mar-a-Lago estate, dismissed reports about the travails of his legal team as fake news.
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He wrote in one, Many lawyers and top law firms want to represent me in the Russia case...dont believe the Fake News narrative that it is hard to find a lawyer who wants to take this on. Fame & fortune will NEVER be turned down by a lawyer, though some are conflicted.
Trump seemed to suggest that it could be some time before a new lawyer would be in place, writing, Problem is that a new lawyer or law firm will take months to get up to speed (if for no other reason than they can bill more), which is unfair to our great country and I am very happy with my existing team.
Trump has professed satisfaction with his lawyers before, prior to previous shake-ups. After the New York Times reported that he met with Emmet Flood, who represented President Bill Clinton during the impeachment process, Trump said the reporters purposely wrote a false story stating that I am unhappy with my legal team and am going to add another lawyer to help out. Wrong.
Eleven days later, diGenova was announced as a new lawyer for the president and Dowd quit.
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The moves on Trumps legal team parallel the shake-up roiling the top ranks of his administration. Six major figures, including his secretary of State, national security advisor and chief economic advisor, have been pushed out or announced their resignations in the last three weeks. More could be following.
On ABCs This Week on Sunday, Trump confidant Christopher Ruddy said the president told him Saturday that he is perplexed by reports of chaos at the White House. But Ruddy added, Hes expecting to make one or two major changes to his government very soon.
chris.megerian@latimes.com
Twitter: @chrismegerian
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12:45 p.m.: This article was updated with additional reporting and quotes.
This article was originally published at 8:55 a.m.
As President Trump seeks a historic meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and a new trade pact with South Korea, he has yet to name an ambassador to the Korean peninsula. Nearly every major Mideast capital has no U.S. ambassador. Amid a national gun debate, he has not chosen a director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. His budget director is doing double duty as chief of a consumer agency.
Empty desks throughout the executive branch have heightened the sense of chaos in Trumps administration and put the president on the defensive. Believing as he does that the best defense is a good offense, the president is striking out blaming Democrats.
He is increasingly targeting the minority party in public comments and on Twitter, where he uses his full arsenal of hyperbole and exclamation marks for emphasis.
Hundreds of good people, including very important Ambassadors and Judges, are being blocked and/or slow walked by the Democrats in the Senate, Trump tweeted one morning at mid-month. Many important positions in Government are unfilled because of this obstruction. Worst in U.S. history!
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It is true that Presidents Obama and George W. Bush had far more high-level nominees confirmed by the Senate at this point in their terms. And Democrats in the Senate have thrown a fair amount of sand in the gears to lengthen an already grueling confirmation process.
Yet nonpartisan specialists who track the process give Trump most of the blame, both because he has been slow to submit nominations and because of the high turnover in senior administration positions, which creates new vacancies faster than the president is filling them.
More turnover could be coming. On Sunday, Trump confidant Christopher Ruddy told ABCs This Week that the president told him the day before that one or two major changes could happen very soon.
According to the nonprofit Partnership for Public Service, Trump has yet to nominate anyone for about one-third of the 640 jobs that the group has identified as key positions in the executive branch, not counting judicial and military posts.
Im not sure that anyone can call it obstruction, said Terry Sullivan, executive director of the White House Transition Project, another group that documents the pace at which a new administration fills out appointments.
What is clear, Sullivan added, is that each stage of the confirmation process, from picking and vetting nominees to final votes, has lengthened since the Reagan administration, and that the executive is responsible for most of the delay in filling positions.
Senate Democrats do bear some responsibility, even some of them would acknowledge.
They approach the confirmation process still bitter over Senate Republicans move during the 2016 campaign, denying Obamas Supreme Court nominee, Merrick Garland, even a hearing for nearly 10 months successfully gambling that a Republican would be elected president to put a conservative on the court. Garland had been considered a consensus choice, previously praised by Republican senators.
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Also, as Democrats argue, an uncommon number of Trump nominees pose questions of competence, conflicts of interest or both.
The nonpartisan fact-checking organization PolitiFact concluded that Trumps claim that Democrats obstruction is the reason for the high-level vacancies is just half true. It gave the White House low marks for its approach to executive appointments.
In many cases, including the ambassadorships in Seoul and the Mideast, Trump has yet to announce a nomination. In other instances, he has fired people or theyve resigned, which adds to the backlog. Also, Trumps talent pool is smaller than usual, reflecting both his resistance to hiring Republican establishment figures who disparaged his candidacy and some Republicans unwillingness to work for him.
Trumps director of the powerful Office of Management and Budget, Mick Mulvaney, has been moonlighting since November as head of the Consumer Financial Protection Agency.
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At first, some Trump allies saw the empty chairs in top jobs as a virtue, a sign that Trump was thinning a bloated bureaucracy and taming what they call the deep state of unelected officeholders. Only now, as the chaos in the West Wing and Cabinet agencies escalates, are they having regrets.
Drain at your own risk, said Kathryn Dunn Tenpas, a Brookings Institution student of White House staffing, referring to the reality that Trump allies are facing. A staff that lacks expertise and experience may not be the best-performing.
Turnover in top jobs, which Brookings has found to be a record level, exacerbates Trumps hiring challenges. For example, the dismissal of Rex Tillerson as secretary of State this month has had something of a domino effect: Trump tapped his director of the Central Intelligence Agency, Mike Pompeo, to replace Tillerson, which in turn left a void atop the CIA; Trump proposed to elevate Pompeos CIA deputy, Gina Haspel, leaving her current job empty if she is confirmed.
Turnover in and of itself is very disruptive and inefficient, Tenpas said. Every administration has it, but the amount here is just off the charts. Its not just getting rid of a few bad apples, not just a matter of streamlining.
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The majority of Trumps key nominees have won Senate approval. Of the 424 key nominations he has sent to the Senate, nearly a third await confirmation.
As of March 23, after 14 months in office, Trump had sent 177 nominations to the Senate that were awaiting confirmation. At the same point in his presidency, Obama had 173 pending, according to the Partnership for Public Service, which has been tracking the figures in collaboration with the Washington Post. But Obama had made more nominations overall, and gotten more confirmed.
Another factor working against Trump: The Senate is taking longer to deal with his nominations. As of March 23, Trump nominees on average took 84 days to win confirmation, while Obama nominees on average got through in 65 days.
The system is a mess regardless of whos president, said Max Stier, president and CEO of the Partnership for Public Service. The executive branch has roughly 1,200 positions for political appointees that require Senate approval, far more than any other democracy a vestige of the spoils system, Stier said.
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Its an unmanageable number, he added, and every president has had trouble trying to get their leadership in real time because of the volume of folks youre talking about.
During the Obama administration, Senate Democrats became so fed up with Republicans obstructions that in 2013, they changed Senate rules, reducing the number of votes needed to bring up a nomination for debate and confirmation from 60 to 51.
While that change helped sweep in a number of Obama appointees, it provoked Republicans then the minority party to use other procedural options to at least delay nominees if they couldnt block them. Democrats are doing the same now.
Yet Senate Republicans are complicit as well in holding up Trump nominees, literally. Any senator can secretly put a hold on a nominee to stop action, and Republicans have done so to oppose the individual, extract some unrelated concession from the president or retaliate for some perceived wrong.
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Its not strictly a partisan issue, Stier said. For many of them, the holds have been placed by Republicans, not by Democrats. The longer you wait, the more this becomes a bargaining chip for senators of either party to get something they want.
Sen. Cory Gardner, a Colorado Republican, earlier this year used a hold to temporarily block all Justice Department nominations. He said that Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions had broken an agreement over federal treatment of Colorados legal marijuana businesses.
Marc Short, Trumps legislative director, accused the Senate Democratic minority leader, Sen. Charles E. Schumer of New York, of weaponizing holds. He pointed to Pat Pizzella, whose nomination to the No. 2 job at the Department of Labor has sat for nearly 300 days, though Pizzella previously won confirmation to a Bush administration job by a voice vote.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the mastermind of Republicans obstruction during the Obama years, now complains about Democrats tactics. Even for judicial nominees that both parties support, he groused last fall, Democrats throw up partisan procedural roadblocks. For what reason? To change an outcome? No.
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Theyre just wasting more of the Senates time because they can, McConnell said.
Democrats, however, have long memories of Republicans confirmation obstructions, and not just against Garland.
In 2014, Obama appointed Cassandra Butts, a classmate at Harvard Law School and a close friend, who was widely popular among Democrats, to be ambassador to the Bahamas. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee took more than a year to send her nomination to the Senate, and then Republicans blocked a vote, to express their opposition to Obama on other matters.
In May 2016, more than two years after she had been nominated, Butts died, still unconfirmed.
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Times staff writer Cathleen Decker contributed to this report.
noah.bierman@latimes.com
Twitter: @noahbierman
In the home stretch of this years ballot initiative season, dont be surprised if youre asked to sign a petition for a proposal that wont actually go to California voters until election day on Nov. 3, 2020.
Thats almost two years ahead of the normal schedule. In politics, as in life, a good deal can be hard to pass up.
The key to all of this is a little-known provision of the California Constitution that links the initiative process to the election of a governor. The number of voter signatures needed to place a measure on the ballot is a fixed percentage of the total votes cast in the most recent governors race. Right now, those numbers are based on how many voters showed up in 2014. That means it takes 365,880 signatures for a proposed law, 585,407 signatures for a constitutional amendment.
Whos running for governor?
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The election four years ago had record-low turnout and the fewest number of votes cast in a race for governor since 1978. It helps to explain why so many groups were able to get an initiative on the fall ballot two years ago.
All of that gets readjusted in November when voters pick a new governor. But any initiative that hits the streets for signatures before that person is elected gets to use the historically low threshold set in 2014 even if it ends up on the 2020 ballot along with initiatives drafted in future years, and thus subject to a higher hurdle.
It should be noted its rare for a ballot initiative to be held over. And when it does happen, thats generally seen as a campaign mistake. A hospital fee measure intended for the 2014 ballot, for example, was delayed until 2016 because backers submitted their signatures too late for the verification process to end on time.
In the case of 2018 initiatives headed for the 2020 ballot, it would be an effort to slow the political clock, shrewdly straddling the various deadlines that typically segment initiative efforts into two-year blocks of time.
Even Democratic lawmakers who agreed to Proposition 70 are trying to kill it
Fewer signatures needed also mean less money spent perhaps up to $1 million in reduced signature-collection costs. An extra bonus: State law generally requires propositions be listed on the ballot in the order in which they were certified by elections officials. Researchers have long believed that items toward the top of a ballot tend to fare better.
Last week, the healthcare workers union SEIU-UHW confirmed one of the groups pending initiatives a tax on incomes above $1 million to fund healthcare programs is actually aimed for the fall ballot in 2020. Its kind of a clear field, said spokesman Sean Wherley.
Will others follow? One other intriguing initiative an effort to crack open the legendary property tax limitations of Proposition 13 by allowing more frequent reassessments of commercial property got a late start for 2018. A political strategist working on the effort insists its for this years ballot, not 2020.
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Theyll need to hurry. State elections officials have said that all signature gathering be completed by late April in order for the verification process to be complete by the final deadline for the fall, June 28. The progressive group behind that so-called split roll tax measure will need every dollar it can get to run the actual campaign. Business and corporate groups see the attempt to roll back their property tax protections as the Holy Grail of ballot fights and will spend heavily to defeat it.
With time running out for 2018, it soon will be crystal clear which efforts are part of the long game for 2020. It certainly must be enticing because it may never again be this easy to get the attention of that many voters.
john.myers@latimes.com
Follow @johnmyers on Twitter, sign up for our daily Essential Politics newsletter and listen to the weekly California Politics Podcast
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Californias homeless population has grown to more than 134,000 people, and key state government spending is taking a while to reach the streets.
In summer 2016 the state approved its largest homeless program, a $2-billion loan to help finance new housing, but the money is tied up in court. That same year, lawmakers allocated $35 million for rental assistance and emergency shelters, but staff shortages at the housing department delayed spending the money for 18 months. Last years package of housing legislation included more than $100 million for programs to help the homeless, but the state wont begin spending those dollars until fall at the earliest. The spending difficulties come as the states homeless population has risen 16% over the past two years.
Some of the states sluggishness, advocates say, springs from a history of limited investment. But that could be changing. Legislators are considering proposals that could pump an additional $1.5 billion into homelessness prevention next year, efforts that could lead to thousands of new beds for those needing shelter and stronger scrutiny of state spending.
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We are now seeing what has taken decades of neglect to fester, said Sharon Rapport, associate director for California policy at the Corporation for Supportive Housing in Los Angeles. When you dont have programs for a long time and then you try to create something new, it does take a culture shift.
Generally, funding to help the homeless comes from the federal government and goes directly to local agencies that coordinate homeless financing and services across the state. That federal effort has provided around $100 million annually over the past four years to an agency that covers much of Los Angeles County. At the state level, major programs that included homeless housing subsidies, such as a 2006 bond measure and a $1-billion annual property tax set aside for affordable housing, have run out of money or were eliminated over the past seven years.
Next year, the state expects to spend $700 million on homelessness, though more than a third of that amount is tied up in litigation. The state money is spread across six departments, and uncertainty over whats being spent led to frustration at a recent legislative committee hearing.
Officials with the California Department of Finance and the Department of Housing and Community Development tried last month to explain to legislators on the Assembly Committee on Budget how the state was spending its money. But the conversation turned to programs that werent listed on the budget that state officials provided the committee, and lawmakers were upset that they didnt have a comprehensive accounting of the spending.
Assemblyman Phil Ting (D-San Francisco), chairman of the budget committee, has proposed spending $1.5 billion of the states expected $6.1-billion tax revenue windfall next year on matching grants to city and county homelessness programs. Separate legislation from state Sen. Jim Beall (D-San Jose) would spend $2 billion of that revenue on low-income housing programs, with half of that amount reserved for homelessness efforts.
As lawmakers weigh new investments, they need to know that the money theyve already approved is being spent efficiently, Ting said.
Were going to be watching this issue much more closely than we did in the past, he said.
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Ben Metcalf, director of Californias housing department, defended the states spending on the homeless. Some of the confusion at the recent budget committee hearing came from his departments attempt to redirect dollars from an outdated emergency shelter program to one that provides permanent homeless housing, he said.
Under Gov. Jerry Brown, the housing department alone has spent nearly $750 million fighting homelessness, Metcalf said, and any time the Legislature creates a new program it takes time to figure out the most efficient way to spend the money.
Lawmakers appropriated funding for one rental assistance effort in 2016 but didnt approve money for housing department operations to run that program until a year later. Last years package of new housing laws added a $75 fee to mortgage refinances and other real estate transactions, with half of the money from the first year going to homeless programs. The state is waiting until the fall for that money to add up before it starts spending, Metcalf said.
You cant just snap your fingers and make anything happen overnight, he said. Thats just the reality.
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The administration has not taken a position on Tings or Bealls homeless spending proposals, Metcalf said. Brown has said he wants to put money from the tax windfall into reserves in case of an economic downturn or repeat of last years wildfires and other natural disasters.
State money for homelessness prevention also comes from other agencies. The Department of Social Services, which administers the states welfare assistance program, CalWorks, has $85 million set aside to help families and individuals at risk of becoming homeless with temporary housing, rental assistance and counseling services. The Governors Office of Emergency Services, the same department responsible for coordinating the states response to mudslides and other natural disasters, also receives $19 million to help prevent homelessness among domestic violence and other crime victims, as well as homeless youths.
Last fall, state departments with homelessness programs formed a formal committee to ensure that their efforts dont overlap.
Jennifer Loving, executive director of Destination: Home, which handles homeless prevention services in Santa Clara County, said she became one of the committees members because shes been encouraged by the states increased attention to the issue.
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Theres momentum now, and thats really important, Loving said. Thats a response to a lack of things happening for a long time.
liam.dillon@latimes.com
@dillonliam
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An estimated 4,000 people took to the Chandler Bikeway in Burbank last Saturday morning demanding an end to mass shootings and calling on legislators to enact stricter gun-control laws.
The local March for Our Lives rally saw scores of people walk from the Mariposa Street portion of the path to Buena Vista Street and back again, carrying banners and homemade signs adorned with messages like Disarm Hate, Arm teachers with resources not guns and Yes, guns kill. Many in the crowd chanted, The NRA has got to go, while passing motorists honked their horns in solidarity with the marchers.
Konstantine Anthony, a disability rights advocate, was dressed as a Colonial-era American and carried a sign that read Repeal the 2nd Amendment.
It doesnt need to be repealed, he said. But it gets people talking about what it means, as a country, that we still have a law thats 240 years old, where a gun is the answer, where violence is the answer. This conversation is bigger than just one kind of assault rifle.
Here are just some of the signs from todays #MarchForOurLives in Burbank. An estimated 4,000 people showed up to march. pic.twitter.com/rwczX8g3i0 Andy Nguyen (@Andy_Truc) March 24, 2018
Carly Gilmore, an intervention specialist for at-risk youth with the Burbank Unified School District, organized the event and said it was to honor the memory of the 17 people who were killed in February at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., as well as those who were killed in the Las Vegas, Pulse Nightclub, Sandy Hook Elementary and San Bernardino shootings.
Something needs to change, something needs to be done, she said. The first step is starting the action Arming teachers is not the answer, more guns is not the answer.
Several speakers at the march, including Burbank City Councilwoman Sharon Springer, Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank) and state Assemblywoman Laura Friedman (D-Glendale), called on those in attendance to place pressure on lawmakers to stand up to the National Rifle Assn. and pass stricter gun-control legislation.
Schiff took his colleagues in Washington to task on their inaction on gun control, saying they are not doing their jobs.
Theyre not in fear of a gunman. They dont require the courage to confront a gunman, he said. They just require the courage to confront the NRA; those that dont, are just the worst form of coward.
He said people shouldnt just march for change but head to the polls during elections and vote for politicians who will represent their ideals and vote out those who dont.
Now @RepAdamSchiff is addressing the crowd at the #MarchForOurLives rally in Burbank and vows things are going to change. pic.twitter.com/x0V5forDyL Andy Nguyen (@Andy_Truc) March 24, 2018
Friedman told the crowd that children in the United States deserve to live in a country where they are valued more than firearms.
She previously grappled with gun rights advocates in 2013 as a member of the Glendale City Council when they voted to ban the Glendale Gun Show. As a result of that action, she said during the rally she received thousands and thousands of emails from around the country that threatened her and her family.
Thats what were up against with the NRA and their supporters, she said. We have to be stronger. We have to come from a place of love and not hate.
Heres @laurafriedman43 talking about the response she got over banning the Glendale Gun Show in 2013 at #MarchForOurLives in Burbank pic.twitter.com/wbeIBRxB6s Andy Nguyen (@Andy_Truc) March 24, 2018
In addition to the march, the rally also had a bake sale and a voter registration booth where adults and teenagers could sign up to vote.
Miles Gilmore, a student at Burbank High School and the younger brother of Carly Gilmore, said during the rally he doesnt want to be afraid to say goodbye to his best friend at school in case he doesnt see him again later in the day. He also criticized the NRA for claiming to care about student safety.
He questioned how the organization knows what students want in order to feel safe at school. When they sit a thousand miles away in their cozy office, he said.
We, the students, want to be safe. We, the students, know exactly what we want, he said. We want stricter gun control.
andy.nguyen@latimes.com
Twitter: @Andy_Truc
The uproar over emotional support animals in aircraft cabins took wing again with the recent rejection of a peacock as a proper companion. But if a person needs that animal, whats the big deal?
It becomes apparent after reading the regulations in the Americans With Disabilities Act and the Air Carrier Access Act governing such animals, and it becomes even more apparent with expert input.
Heres what you need to consider as a traveler. There is no clear-cut answer, but it has less to do with your thoughts about animals and more to do with conflicting regulations. So to begin:
--Theres an important difference between service animals and emotional support animals, said Sandra Barker, director of the Center for Human-Animal Interaction at Virginia Commonwealth University and a professor of psychiatry at VCUs School of Medicine.
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Emotional support animals are not required to be trained, which opens a lot of questions and concerns about public safety, she said.
Recent incidents include a dog that bit its owners seatmate on a Delta flight and a child who was slightly injured by a dog during the boarding of a Southwest flight.
This is not to say that all emotional support dogs or animals are badly behaved. Nor is it to say that all service animals are perfect, but they are trained to focus on their job, not on distractions.
Service animals also are evaluated for temperament before they undergo training, Barker said.
If something startles [a service animal], its OK to be startled, Barker said. But if a wheelchair falls over [and there is] a sign of aggression, that is a clear indicator [of] not being an appropriate candidate for the role.
Owners of service animals also undergo training to enable them to make the most effective use of their animal, said Catherine Salmon, a psychology professor and faculty member in the human-animal studies program at the University of Redlands.
--Regulations dont always agree. The Air Carrier Access Act, which says it prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in air travel, does not differentiate between service animals and emotional support animals.
Such an animal is one that is individually trained or able to provide assistance to a person with a disability; or any animal that assists persons with disabilities by providing emotional support.
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But the Americans With Disabilities Act, the 1990 law that describes itself as a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, recognizes only dogs and miniature horses (which were added later) as service animals and notes that animals whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA.
Service animals, it goes on to say, are working animals, not pets.
--The less exclusive Air Carrier Access Act may have unwittingly given rise to an increasing number of emotional support animals on airplanes.
United, for instance, flew 77,000 of them in 2017, a 77% increase from the previous year, the Chicago Tribune quoted a United rep as saying.
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A more lenient definition is not a bad thing unless...
--The traveler who is flying with an emotional support animal is gaming the system.
Does it happen? I dont have statistics to prove this because, really, whos going to say, Of course, Im cheating?
Absent that, we can be sure that some people claim emotional support status for their animal because they worry about it flying in the belly of the plane. Some dont want to pay the fee to fly a pet in the cabin. (Emotional support animals usually fly for free.) And some just like their pet so much they dont want to be separated from the little darling.
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Anyone can outfit their pet with an emotional support animal vest, as an ABC News piece showed, but that doesnt mean its true anymore than wearing a stethoscope around your neck makes you a doctor.
With the flimsiest of evidence, ABC managed to get two dogs and a hedgehog onto flights, although the hedgehog was rejected on a first attempt.
And so...
--United and Delta have strengthened regulations governing emotional support animals.
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As of March 1, United has changed its requirements for the animals. In addition to providing a letter from a licensed medical/mental health professional, customers will need to provide a veterinary health form documenting the health and vaccination records for the animal as well as confirming that the animal has been trained to behave properly in a public setting.
Deltas requirements are much the same. Both airlines ask that the paperwork be submitted at least 48 hours in advance.
Where does this leave us? In a quandary. Barker and Salmon, interviewed separately, hold slightly different opinions. Both agree that animals can provide tremendous benefits to their owners, and studies support that.
Barker, however, would recommend treating the underlying disorder rather than relying solely on an emotional support animal. She has been asked to write a letter as a health professional in support of the need for such an animal, and I have not felt comfortable doing so, she said, adding, I dont know the animals temperament or background.
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Salmon is a bit more lenient about letting emotional support animals fly, but hopes that people who want their pet in flight will pay and put them under the seat.
What do you think? Should regulations be toughened? How would you address this continuing conundrum? Write to us. Please include your name and city of residence.
Have a travel question or dilemma? Write to travel@latimes.com. We regret we cannot respond to every inquiry.
travel@latimes.com
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Carles Puigdemont, the fugitive ex-leader of Catalonia and an ardent separatist, was detained Sunday by German police on an international warrant as he tried to enter the country from Denmark.
Puigdemonts capture, aided by Spanish intelligence services, sparked massive protest among tens of thousands of demonstrators in Catalonias main city of Barcelona and other towns in the wealthy northeastern corner of Spain. One group clashed with riot police.
Spain was plunged into its worst political crisis in three decades when Puigdemonts government flouted a court ban and held an ad-hoc referendum on independence for the northeastern region in October.
The Catalan Parliaments subsequent declaration of independence received no international recognition and provoked a takeover of the regional government by Spanish authorities that they say wont be lifted until a new government that respects Spains constitution is in place.
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Protesters clash with riot police blocking the road leading to the central government offices during a demonstration in Barcelona on Sunday. (Lluis Gene / AFP/Getty Images )
Spains state prosecutor office said it was in contact with its German counterparts to carry out its request to extradite Puigdemont to Spain, where he faces charges, including rebellion, that could put him in prison for up to 30 years.
In Barcelona, riot police shoved and struck protesters with batons to keep an angry crowd from advancing on the office of the Spanish governments representative. Police vans showed stains of yellow paint reportedly thrown by protesters.
German highway police stopped Puigdemont on Sunday morning near the A7 highway that leads into Germany, police in the northern state of Schleswig-Holstein said.
German news agency dpa said that Puigdemont was taken to a prison in the northern town of Neumuenster. Dpa photos showed a van with tinted windows believed to be carrying Puigdemont as it arrived at the prison. Video footage also showed the same van leaving a police station in Schuby near the A7 highway.
State prosecutors in Schleswig said that Puigdemont will appear in court Monday in the northern German town to confirm his identity. It said in a statement that the question of whether Mr. Puigdemont has to be taken into extradition custody will then have to be determined by the higher regional court in Schleswig.
German state prosecutor Ralph Doepper told RTL Television that Puigdemont has been provisionally detained, he has not been arrested.
We are now examining the further procedure, i.e. tomorrow we will decide whether we will file a provisional application for detention with the competent district court, which could lead to extradition detention later on, Doepper said.
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Former Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont is seen in 2017. (Virginia Mayo / Associated Press )
A Spanish police official, who spoke anonymously because he is not authorized to speak on behalf of the state police, said that Spains National Center for Intelligence and police agents from its international cooperation division helped German police locate Puigdemont.
A Spanish Supreme Court judge reactivated an international arrest warrant for Puigdemont on Friday when he was visiting Finland. Spain also has issued five warrants for other separatists who fled the country.
Albert Rivera, the Catalan president of the pro-Spain Citizens party, celebrated the capture of Puigdemont, whom he accused of trying to carry out a coup.
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Rivera tweeted: Trying to destroy a European democracy, ignoring the laws of democracy, shattering our harmonious co-existence and embezzling public funds to do so cant go unpunished. Justice has done its job.
But Miquel Coca, a business owner in Barcelona, vowed that the secession push wouldnt falter.
All the negative inputs that we have received help us to unite the society even more, Coca said. If we cant have this leader, well, then there will be another. This is a movement of the people, not of one person.
Puigdemont, 55, is a former journalist and mayor of Girona who was thrust to the forefront of Catalonias independence push when he was handpicked by predecessor Artur Mas to become regional president in 2016. He withstood intense political pressure from Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy and Spains courts as he piloted the secession bid.
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Spain originally asked for Puigdemonts extradition from Belgium after he moved there, but later withdrew the request until Spanish Supreme Court Judge Pablo Llarena concluded his investigation this week. Llarena ruled that 25 Catalan separatists would be tried for rebellion, embezzlement or disobedience.
In the meantime, Puigdemont was free to make trips to Denmark, Switzerland and Finland, as part of his effort to gain international support for the secessionist movement.
Puigdemont also was able to successfully run a campaign as the head of his Together for Catalonia bloc in a regional election in December in which separatist parties maintained their slim majority in Catalonias regional parliament.
He had wanted to be reelected as Catalonias regional president albeit while remaining abroad to avoid arrest but eventually was blocked by a Spanish court.
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Separatists in Catalonia are currently trying to elect a leader for the regional government before a two-month time limit is up and new elections are called.
Spains constitution says the nation is indivisible and any changes to its top law must be made by its national Parliament in Madrid.
Nine people who promote Catalan secession have been placed in pre-trial custody to prevent what Llarena considered a flight risk or intention to continue with independence efforts.
Polls show Catalonias 7.5 million residents are equally divided over secession, although a majority support holding a legal referendum on the issue.
The day after hundreds of thousands of people marched in youth-led rallies across the United States and beyond, Pope Francis in a Palm Sunday message called on young people not to be silent and to let their voices be heard, even in the face of silent elders.
The popes message comes on the heels of a meeting of young Catholics who told the Vatican they want a more transparent and authentic church, and a day after gun-control marches inspired by the students of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., where 17 students and employees were killed in a mass shooting last month.
The temptation to silence young people has always existed, Francis said. There are many ways to silence young people and make them invisible.... There are many ways to sedate them, to keep them from getting involved, to make their dreams flat and dreary, petty and plaintive.
But he told youths in his homily that you have it in you to shout, even if we older people and leaders, very often corrupt, keep quiet.
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As the Roman Catholic Church enters Holy Week, retracing the story of the Crucifixion of Jesus and his Resurrection three days later on Easter Sunday, Francis urged youth to join those who offer praise, and not the masses calling for crucifixion.
Dear young people, the joy that Jesus awakens in you is a source of anger and irritation to some, since a joyful person is hard to manipulate, the pontiff said.
Some 300 youths meeting at the Vatican this week prepared a document for Octobers synod of bishops at the Vatican focusing on helping youths better find their way in the church.
The document, which was presented to Francis on Sunday, asked church leaders to address the unequal roles of women in the church and how technology is abused.
Before his traditional Sunday prayer at the end of Mass, the pope recalled the importance World Youth Day, marked this year on Palm Sunday at a diocesan level rather than as a big international gathering.
The popes message also resonated with the Saturday protests across the United States for tougher laws to fight gun violence.
At the end of Mass, the pope and cardinals in red robes led a solemn procession clutching elaborately braided palm fronds as they walked through the throngs, followed by the papal blessing of palm fronds and olive branches.
The processions recall the bittersweet nature of Holy Week, with the faithful clutching simple palm fronds and olive branches to commemorate Jesus triumphant entrance into Jerusalem only to be followed later by his death on a wooden cross.
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The pope concluded by greeting the faithful in St. Peters Square, getting out of the popemobile to shake hands as many cheered and took pictures.
The 45-year-old man who allegedly ran off with a 16-year-old girl to Mexico is jailed in lieu of $500,000 bail, court records show.
Kevin Esterly, of Lowhill Township, was arraigned early Sunday before District Judge Wayne Maura, who set bail. Esterly was then taken to the Lehigh County jail, where he remained Sunday.
Esterly was extradited Saturday from Florida where he was arrested March 18, authorities had said. He is charged with felony interfering with the custody of a child.
Esterly, a married father of four, is accused of taking 16-year-old Amy Yu, of Allentown, on a one-way flight to Cancun on March 5. Authorities said on multiple occasions he previously signed her out of a Northampton County charter school, posing as her stepfather. Yu did not have a stepfather, authorities said.
Yu left the Lehigh Valley willingly, authorities previously said. Various published reports indicate Yu failed to get on a school bus the morning of March 5 and met up with Esterly, who took her to Philadelphia International Airport.
Yu's family previously said the two met at church years ago, and the 16-year-old girl is friends with one of Esterly's daughters.
Yu's mother reported the girl missing, a manhunt ensued, and the pair eventually were found March 17 by Mexican federal police and U.S. Marshals at a resort at Playa Del Carmen.
Yu returned home to Allentown last week, with police saying she was safe and in good health. Esterly was was deported to Miami on immigration violations and awaited extradition back to the Lehigh Valley. He now is estranged from his wife, Stacey Esterly, and family. He stole $4,000 from the family while Yu stole cash, personal documents and jewelry when the pair fled, according to the criminal complaint obtained by the Morning Call newspaper.
A preliminary hearing is tentatively scheduled for 9:30 a.m. April 2 before Judge Maura.
Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @pamholzmann. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
New York: Cambridge Analytica and Mark Zuckerberg's Facebook are currently embroiled in a big controversy, but a girl brilliantly used the scandal for her advantage. An eight year old girl has managed to get herself a puppy using the Cambridge Analytica data breach scandal.
Brendan Greenley, an economic journalist took his twitter account and posted the ingenious way his daughter asked for a puppy. Knowing that her father has been following the data breach story closely Greenly turned to page 13 of his newspaper to plead for a puppy. She wrote just above the heading 'Can I please get a puppy'. The tweet soon became viral and gathered over 30,000 re-tweets and over 1.5 lakhs in no time.
Soon, the pressure on the economic journalist got so much that he had to nod yet for his daughter's wish. Greenly tweeted that he would get his daughter a puppy. He even shared a heartwarming picture of his daughter's reaction when she got to know she would get the puppy she wanted.
Interview with Michael Sjodin, CEO of Inesfly Africa
What is your assessment of the sector in Africa?
We will be present in 22 countries in Africa this year. We are about to launch in the southern region with a base in South Africa, which will include countries like Swaziland, Lesotho, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia, and Angola. We will have another base in Kenya covering Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi, and Ethiopia. We will also have a base in West Africa in Ghana which will include Burkina, Togo, Benin, Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Senegal, and Gambia. We will also open a factory in Nigeria which is about to launch with a base in Lagos. The first batch will be produced in April of this year. The production now is mainly in Ghana. From April onwards, production will also happen in Nigeria. However, the Nigerian factory will only supply the Nigerian market.
What are the trends of the sector in Africa?
The expansion plan moving forward is to find people with the same vision and drive and passion that we have here at Inesfly Africa Ghana, to partner with being in charge of a country or a territory.
First of all, we need to define the sector we are in. What is our market? Are we in the technology sector? We infuse our microencapsulated technology in various products of ours. The main reason behind why we chose to come to Africa in the first place is because we believe in our vision, which is to reduce and ultimately eradicate vector borne diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, yellow fever, cholera, and so forth. One of our flagship products is paint. Now we must ask ourselves if we are in the paint industry or in insecticides? We choose to believe we are an insecticide company. The trends in the insecticide sector are positive because we know that the number of vector borne diseases, especially malaria, is increasing not decreasing year by year. We need to have more tools in the tool box. The tools we have available today are the IRS, indoor residual spraying, with insecticides like pyrethroids. We have pre-treated mosquito nets, coils, sprays, all these preventive methods that we have been using for decades. Four years ago, we introduced the new Inesfly microencapsulated technology. With this infused paint, a customer can benefit from this slow release mechanism of the insecticide for a period of two years. Using the paint, there is actually no need for you to also use the coils and sprays. If a household is using a pre-treated mosquito net, that is fantastic. But in order to be 100% safe, they should also use the paint, because when you are moving around inside your house, you are not taking the net with you. The net is all about when you are asleep. It is true that most of the malaria cases are contracted when a person is asleep, but you can also catch malaria while you are awake, while you are washing your dishes, while watching TV, while playing a game with your child, and so forth. In order to be 100% safe or even safer, you should use the paint, use the IRS, and use the mosquito net while asleep.
Do you have competition?
It depends on the product. We have a few competitors in the insecticide paint market. But if you read the reports done by the WHO (World Health Organization), head to head comparison trials with Inesfly insecticide paint to other so-called insecticide paints, there is no paint that is close to the efficacy of Inesfly insecticide paint.
Why is this?
It is all about the technology. There is more than twenty years research put into one bucket of Inesfly paint. You and I can go to the market today and buy one randomly picked paint bucket and then we can take some insecticide and pour it in the paint bucket and stir and apply. Now, you have created a mosquito paint, but it would only last a matter of minutes. The secret is to have this insecticide in very small bubbles, which will give a controlled release over time.
Do you worry that with new competitors, it will be easy to copy you?
No, because it is a worldwide patent technology. Second of all, it is impossible to backwards engineer the microencapsulate technology. The secret source so to speak comes straight from Inesfly, Valencia, Spain, where we import the microencapsulate technology. Everything is manufactured locally here in Ghana, where we also infuse the technology into the products. It is similar to Coca Cola. No one knows the recipe besides a few members in the upper management team inside the Coca Cola corporation.
With regard to insecticide, how do you see the competition growing? What are the trends?
It is a growing trend because every day we can read in the newspaper or go online and see the increasing numbers of the malaria burden in Ghana, West Africa, and the entire sub Saharan region. We need to find more tools to prevent contracting malaria in the first place and find new methods to cope once diagnosed. Also, the whole economic burden on the country is quite significant because you lose manpower. You lose efficiency when you cannot work because you have malaria. You might need to take four to five days off and you might not be able to generate the income you were supposed to in order to feed your family. It is not only about the disease itself, it is also about the economic burden on a country.
This is almost a CSR aspect of the company in that you are reducing the disease and helping the economy to be sustainable. Do you have studies or figures that can illustrate this aspect?
Unfortunately, no. We rely on statistics coming from WHO, but Inesfly does not have any economic or microeconomic take on what impact there is for example in using the paint together with the mosquito net or without. We definitely will improve the burden if we can embrace and also create closer collaboration together with other stakeholders with the same objectives.
Are there areas in Africa that are more affected than others, where it is very important for you to develop your products?
There are some specific areas in Chad and Congo where they have a higher prevalence of mosquitos and malaria. But the whole sub-Saharan region is affected, with a few exceptions in north Namibia, the border between South Africa, and Mozambique where there are less mosquitos. In general, it is a huge burden for humankind.
How have you decided to develop yourself? Is it through partnership with other companies? What is your growth strategy?
The expansion plan moving forward is to find people with the same vision and drive and passion that we have here at Inesfly Africa Ghana, to partner with being in charge of a country or a territory. That is why we chose to partner with one entity with a base in South Africa who will be in charge of the southern region. We also chose to partner with another entity with a base in Kenya who is going to be in charge of the eastern corridor. Most of the countries in West Africa will be handled from Ghana, with the exception of Nigeria. In Nigeria we will have a partner and also a factory and subsequent factories handling the Nigerian market.
Are you still looking for partners?
We are. In Ghana, we need more partners in terms of distribution, wholesaling, end sales people, shop owners, convenience store owners and mom and pop store owners, and so forth. Now, the range of products such as our floor cleaner or body spray can be found at close to 5,000 points of sales in Ghana. We need to have an even better reachable coverage to be even more convenient for people to find our products. The aim is to be present in 10,000 outlets by the end of this year.
Ghana is a big share of your market and of your sales. How much does Ghana represent for the company?
As of now, we are fully-fledged present in Ghana, Congo, Cameroon, and we will be present in 22 countries by the middle of this year. It still takes some time to have the local authorities and the certificates in order for us to export products and for our partners to import the same. For instance, we have just received this morning a certificate from Uganda, saying that now we are up and running and able to begin. We received a similar certificate last week from Rwanda. At different times, we have new certificates trickling in which means that we can start operations in that country.
Do you develop this partnership yourself or does that partner do this in the regions?
Mainly, the partner will be in charge, as is the case in Uganda. However, the setup here in Inesfly Africa Ghana is a supportive setup. We are not simply sending a container across and then we sit back and relax. We are going to support, we are going to share our best practice, we are going to be there for important meetings, we are going to be extremely supportive for the man on the ground in Uganda to enable him to succeed.
What is your competitive advantage? For example, how is service important for your company?
Service for us is very important. For example, in the presales mechanism, we are always together with the distributor when it comes to registering the products in the specific country. Once that is done, we have a fully-fledged technical aspect which means that we need to train the local reps in the country in technology. We also need to understand the variances in the country on a local level in order for us to be able to disclose best practices. Something functioning very well in Ghana may not be functioning very well in Cameroon. We also need to factor in the francophone culture to the anglophone culture which means that, for example, we can share best practice from Senegal to Cameroon because both of these countries are francophone countries, so we can take the same ad we are using in Cameroon to Senegal. It is all about being the spider in the web trying to get as much information as possible and spread the word.
What is your current priority as the head of Inesfly in Ghana?
The priority here is to be seen as the number one partner when it comes to decreasing the number of vector borne diseases in Ghana. This is highly tangible as well with the other countries. But we also need to appreciate the fact that we need to take it step by step. It will take some time. We need more and closer relationships to the other stakeholders with the same objectives and the same aim.
How do you collaborate and interact with the Ministry of Health, donors, etc.? What would you like to achieve with them? Do you have a message for them?
We did a quite large CSR activity with the Ghana Health Service in the same period last year. We identified ten CHPS compounds in the greater Accra region which were in the greatest need of refurbishment. We saw with the Director General of Ghana Health Service that they needed changes. The conditions the staff were working in and the environment for the patients were quite poor. In coordination with the Ghana Health Service, we performed paint services at these ten CHPS compounds. We repainted them in March and April of last year and then we did a follow up survey after eight months. After we had done the painting work, there were no mosquitos, no wall geckos, no cockroaches, and no flies. We not only created a healthier environment for the staff but also for the patients. We used this study to approach UNAID because UNAID is the financer with the funds available for doing the same with the rest of the CHPS compounds nationwide in Ghana and is also involved when constructing new ones. We now have an ongoing dialogue with UNAID. When there is a need for the construction of a new CHPS compound, they will most likely use Inesfly paint. We have similar discussions with Infanta Malaria, which is chaired by the first lady of Ghana, also with the Minister of Health, with the National Malaria Control Programme, and so forth.
What is the challenge that you would like to solve to develop your company?
One of the major challenges is that we are introducing a new technology that we know is going to take some time to be appreciated because we know that families, households, people have been using coils and sprays for decades. Now, suddenly, we are asking these people not to use what they have used in the past, but to embrace new technology that sometimes can be seen as too good to be true. We have lots of testimonials, we have done lots of schools, churches, hospitals, with fantastic results but it will take some time to take these results and all these testimonials to transform the mass market. It also has to do with the affordability. If I can afford to buy a coil today for 10 Ghana cedis, maybe I cannot afford to buy a bucket of paint for 200 Ghana cedis. At the same time, I am fully aware, and I understand that buying a bucket of paint today is going to be more cost effective over the two years.
Project yourself in the medium term, three years, if everything goes according to plan, where will you be in Ghana?
Inesfly in the next three years will hopefully have a partnership and close collaboration with the Ministry of Health, the National Malaria Control Programme, UNAID, USAID, the World Bank, and hopefully we will see the same with the rest of the countries in the African continent. The Inesfly product range will be an added tool in the toolbox. According to the latest data from WHO, we know that there is an increased number of diseases and mortalities in Ghana due to malaria. So, we can understand that only using the pre-treated mosquito nets is not enough. We need more tools and Inesfly insecticide paint is a fantastic tool to add.
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The Springfield Symphony Orchestra and Maestro Kevin Rhodes led an enthusiastic audience of 1,287 on a stairway to the stars Saturday evening.
The brightest star of the show was SSO Principal Trombonist Brian Diehl, soloist in Takashi Yoshimatsu's "Orion Machine" Concerto for Trombone and Orchestra. Written in 1993 for the principal trombonist of the Japan Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra, Orion Machine truly takes the trombone where no trombonist has gone before!
The concerto's five movements, played without pause, take their titles from the stars in the constellation Orion, Betelgeuse, Bellatrix, Trapezium, Saiph, and Rigel.
Armed with prodigious technique, a fertile imagination, and more mutes than a music store, Diehl took his listeners on a sonic journey none of them will soon forget. In the opening movement, Diehl delivered warm, lyrical lines soaring through Messiaen-like sound clouds and spanning a vast register not even hinted at in orchestrations texts - from F at the top of the treble staff to G and D below the bass staff - the province of tubas, contrabassoons, and Russian basses.
The second movement's Latin-rock groove tested the mettle of the entire orchestra, demanding the utmost rhythmic precision in music that bridged the gap between an Elmer Bernstein film score and Leonard Bernstein's Mambo from West Side Story. Diehl negotiated impossibly angular melodies up and down the compass of his instrument with apparent ease.
This joyous cacophony climaxed in a threnody of strings which dissolved into a dainty lacework of piano and harp shot through with hushed woodwind birdsongs, a texture that ultimately coalesced into a melancholy waltz.
The fourth movement contained the part of the piece that Maestro Rhodes said in a recent interview that he most looked forward to - the extended solo cadenza. Diehl himself described his intention in creating the cadenza as follows: "...it will become things that are recognizable - I'm thinking of it kind of like the soundtrack of earth that was aboard the Viking Mars lander - music that you'd want to share with an alien society."
It was all of that. Shaped by Diehl's wit and fantasy, full of sounds molded by an array of straight mutes, bucket mutes, plunger mutes, and enhanced by his reflective pas de deux with a derby mute mounted on a nearby microphone stand, the cadenza proved by turns remarkable, inscrutable, and humorous. Diehl produced actual chord progressions from the trombone, traded wahs with his section-mates, riffed on the Kodaly theme from Close Encounters, and eventually emerged into the finale, a galaxy of orchestral color - a harmonic starscape of stacked thirds.
An immediate standing ovation greeted Diehl's stellar performance, and tuba player Stephen Perry met him at the podium with a bottle of champagne, while his section-mates stood and hailed him with a trombone fanfare.
Bright as Diehl shone on Saturday, other stars shared the SSO firmament Saturday as well. Glimmering among them were principal clarinetist Christopher Cullen, whose solos in Offenbach's Orpheus in the Underworld Overture and Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 5 were superb. Principal cellist Aristides Rivas, principal oboe Nancy Dimock, and Concertmaster Masako Yanagita also earned bows for excellent solo work.
Maestro Rhodes led a thunderous performance of Tchaikovsky's Fifth, exploring diametric extremes of ecstasy and despair, and surging between them with true Russian extroversion, his heart firmly stitched on his sleeve. The somber motto that runs through the piece took on a myriad of characters under Rhodes' direction, from gray, hushed melancholy to apocalyptic, brassy peril.
Rhodes was able to unleash his players and encourage them to play hugely, without ever compromising the balance of the overall orchestral sound. This equilibrium is incredibly difficult to achieve, but it represents the composer's ideal image of his work to the very best advantage.
From the outer rim of the galaxy to the heart of repertoire chestnuts, the Springfield Symphony once again showed the incredible capabilities of its musicians and its conductor to make great music on a world-class scale.
By Kristin LaFratta | MassLive Staff
Boston drew tens of thousands of protestors on Saturday to demand the country change its view on guns.
Students in Boston, and many other major cities across the country, organized protests as part of the nationwide "March for Our Lives" movement that formed after the shooting in Parkland last month. Boston city councilor and mayoral candidate Tito Jackson walked alongside student organizers to lead the massive group as they marched more than two miles from Madison Park High School in Roxbury to Boston Common Saturday morning.
In the form of colorful handmade signs and rally chants, students targeted the National Rifle Association and politicians who support looser gun laws. "The NRA has got to go," and "Vote them out" were among the many repeated refrains throughout the march.
Columbus Street flooded with marchers, with many spectators filing in behind the throngs of people. Organizers told new-comers that only those under the age of 25 were to remain in the front.
Between the impassioned speakers -- including some from Parkland, Florida -- the youthful student organizers and their supporters, there was a lot to take in during this march. Here are 10 photos that capture the essence of Boston's spin on March for Our Lives.
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1. Students were the driving force behind the March for Our Lives movement, on a national and local level. After 17 of their fellow students and staff were fatally shot, students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School used their platform to demand stricter gun laws. Students around the country followed suit.
"We want to live. We're fighting for our lives," said 16-year-old Vikiana Petit-Homme, a student organizer from Boston Latin Academy, as she stood alongside Sen. Elizabeth Warren in Roxbury before the march.
"We're fighting for the people of color who have been talking about gun violence for decades but have been silenced and demonized."
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2. A bird's-eye view on Columbus Street shows the sheer number of protestors who flooded the streets of Boston on Saturday. The crowd kept building as marchers moved closer to the Common.
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3. At the rally on Boston Common, Parkland sisters Leonor Munoz (left) and Beca Munoz discussed the horrific day they experienced on Feb. 14, when Leonor texted her family that there was a shooter in her school. Beca, a student at Northeastern University, said, "my earth shattered. The only thing I could think to say is Leonor, I love you so much."
Receiving that text was the only time Leonor cried that day.
The sisters spoke in unison to end their account, saying they would never give up fighting for gun control. "Never again," they shouted.
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4. The messages depicted on some protestors' signs were optimistic, angry, mean-spirited or funny. This student's sign read, "They tried to bury us, they didn't know we were seeds."
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5. Graciela Mohamedi, a teacher in Rockland and former marine, spoke passionately about what schools need: none of which were guns.
"Arm us with equitable funding throughout all school districts. Arm us with art supplies and musical instruments to inspire creativity. Arm us with librarians to help students explore the joy of reading. Arm us with buildings that aren't crumbling or infested."
See the full speech here.
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6. Students wore $1.05 price tags as a jab to the National Rifle Association and Florida Sen. Marco Rubio. Students say they calculated the money that Rubio received from the NRA over his career and divided it by the number of students in the state of Florida. They arrived at the number 1.05.
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7. Many voices have indeed been advocating to end gun violence for decades. Though the movement focuses heavily on school shootings, some protestors recognize the danger guns present to inner-city neighborhoods.
Isaura Mendes, pictured here, was one of many in the crowd who had been touched by gun violence. The Dorchester resident lost two sons and four nephews to gun violence, and later organized the Bobby Mendes Peace Legacy. For 11 years she held annual walks, and on Saturday, as she held a poster plastered with the photos of loved ones passed, she sounded somewhat hopeless.
"It's like, the gun is like, we can't do nothing about it."
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8. The passion visible on students faces brought life to the hours-long protest and march.
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9. Many parents brought their young children to the march, saying the movement directly impacts elementary-school kids as well.
"I cry when I drop them off at school," Stoneham mother Margaret Sloat said of her two young children who go to Mystic Valley Regional Charter School in Malden.
"My seven-year-old has already done lock-down drills, and that's unacceptable to me."
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10. Here, several students join thousands of people on Boston Common in holding a moment of silence in honor of the 17 lives lost in Parkland, Florida last month.
Click here to view more Boston photos and a full gallery of protests across Massachusetts. Click here to see videos from the events.
BOSTON - Authorities are searching for a Level 3 sex offender who allegedly assaulted a woman on a train in 2016.
Investigators believe that Angel Morales, 29, assaulted a woman on an MBTA Orange Line train on Nov. 16, 2016. The attack occurred between Back Bay and State Street Station around 8:20 a.m. on the day in question.
After the assault, the woman reported the incident to MBTA transit police, who began an investigation. DNA evidence recently tied Morales to the assault, MBTA police said in a statement Friday.
A warrant for his arrest on the charge of indecent assault and battery was issued from Boston Municipal Court Friday.
Morales was convicted of open and gross lewdness and lascivious behavior in 2009, 2013, and 2014, respectively. He was also convicted of indecent assault and battery on a person aged 14 years or older in both 2013 and 2014.
His last known address was in Roxbury.
He is described as being 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighing approximately 180 pounds.
Level 3 sex offenders are considered to be the most dangerous to the public and have the highest risk of re-offending, according to the Sex Offender Registry Board.
Anyone who sees Morales has been encouraged to call 617-222-1212 or 911 and provide the operator with your location.
CHICOPEE - Police and school administrators have been conducting lockdown drills at all city schools following multiple threats posted on social media from teens threatening shootings.
Different divisions of the police department led by Lt. Patrick Major, the commander of the Special Response Team, have been working with Assistant Superintendent Alvin Morton to conduct the drills, Michael Wilk, police public information officer, said.
Because of the drills, a larger police presence has been seen at schools at different times, he said.
The teams include school resource officers, patrol officers, the Massachusetts State Police Safe Schools Team, principals, students, teachers and other staff, Wilk said.
"Out teams...worked on the importance of these drills and evaluated the procedures," he said. "Safety of students and staff and security of school buildings are extremely important to all of us."
Wilk said the drills were successful and students and staff were given a chance to talk to police and school administrators after to find out more information and ask questions, Wilk said.
"In this day and age these plans are extremely necessary, and again, everyone did great," he said.
The drills came as a former Chicopee middle school student threatened to shoot 23 students and 13 teachers at Dupont Middle School on Monday.
The threat was posted on Snapchat and discovered Sunday. It panicked parents and students and hundreds of people responded to a police Facebook post informing people that police were aware and investigating the threat. The Police Facebook post along was shared more than 1,200 times.
Police started investigating the threat immediately and by Sunday night they identified the writer as a 12-year-old girl who had been a student at Dupont but moved less than a month ago to Springfield, Wilk said.
The girl was arrested and faces felony charges in connection to the threat.
That was followed at least five more threats made this week in schools in Springfield, Holyoke and Westfield. A number of students were arrested in Western Massachusetts for making the threats to local schools.
Chicopee Superintendent Richard W. Rege Jr. said the procedures put in place and used to handle the threat went well. No one was ever in danger on Monday.
Springfield schools were also notified of the arrest since the 12-year-old suspect now attends school there, he said.
Although an arrest had been made before school started Monday morning extra police were in Dupont Middle School to ensure everyone was safe, Wilk said.
COLUMBIA, CT - A State Trooper who had stopped for coffee ended up with a robbery suspect instead of a hot drink.
Wayne Squier, 35, of Columbia, Connecticut, was arrested at about 6:15 a.m., Saturday, at the Dunkin' Donuts on Route 6 and charged with third degree robbery, sixth degree larceny, possession of drug paraphernalia and breach of peace, Connecticut State Police said.
He entered the restaurant and ordered. When the employee opened the cash register at the drive-through window, Squier is accused of opening a half-door, entering behind the counter, pushing the clerk away and grabbing the cash in the register, police said.
As he was fleeing, Trooper Joseph Marsh had just pulled into the Dunkin Donuts and saw the suspect run out of the door with an employee chasing him. Marsh ordered the man to stop, who ignored him. He then chased and apprehended the man.
Columbia Connecticut Police have taken over the investigation. Squire was held on $100,000 bail and is scheduled to be arraigned in Rockville Superior Court on Monday, State police said.
Police are also investigating Squier in connection to a second robbery that happened Saturday in Columbia, which is about 20 miles south of Western Massachusetts.
At about 1:16 a.m., a man threatened an employee of the 7-11 gas station on Route 66, with a screwdriver and demanded money. He then reached over and grabbed the cash drawer and fled into a waiting car, police said.
A Massachusetts woman will face charges in court after police say she crashed her car while overdosing on heroin with her 3-year-old son inside.
Wareham Sgt. Peter Flannery and Officer Nate Aronson responded to a motor vehicle crash around 2 p.m. Friday. They noticed a car went off Glen Charlie Road and struck some bushes and a snow bank.
When the officers approached the car, they discovered 34-year-old Jocelyn MacRoberts of Plymouth slumped over the steering wheel. Her 3-year-old son was strapped in a child seat in the back, but the seat wasn't properly secured, according to Wareham police.
Officers broke the rear window to reach the child and MacRoberts. The child was unharmed.
MacRoberts was suffering from a drug overdose. She was given Narcan and was revived, police say. Investigators confirmed she used heroin before driving.
Police took the boy to the police station so he could be picked up by family members. MacRoberts was taken to a local hospital.
Investigators said MacRoberts will be summonsed to Wareham District Court on numerous charges including driving under the influence of drugs, child endangerment while driving under the influence and driving as to endanger.
HOLYOKE -- Emojis and rainbow hearts won't stop the handcuffs.
High school students have been finding that social media posts decorated with playful symbols and references to love and kindness nonetheless get them arrested by police because supposedly joke or parody messages also include such wording as "shoot the whole school up" and "revenge."
Such cases are occurring locally at a time when actual gun-wielders in schools in other states are committing shooting-massacres that are maiming communities.
"Parents need to be cognizant of what their kids are doing and saying on social media platforms. Their words have consequences," said James Leydon, spokesman for Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni.
Holyoke, Springfield and Chicopee police have been busy the past week or so responding to calls from school staff members concerned upon learning of social media posts that contain, police said, threatening words.
In Holyoke, a 17-year-old student from the Paulo Freire Social Justice Charter School was arrested Wednesday after a post on Snapchat that said, "Bet the police can't catch me. If you go to Paulo Freire, don't go to school because I'm going to shoot the whole school (well not everyone) with all my love and kindness. So if you don't want to feel my love, don't go to school on Friday."
The posting included numerous multicolored hearts and emojis, Holyoke Police Lt. James Albert said.
Also on Wednesday, police arrested a 15-year-old boy at Holyoke High School after he posted this on Snapchat, police said: "if you attend holyoke high school DO NOT GO MARCH 22ND IM SPREADING LOVE AND APPRECIATION IN THE SCHOOL! IF YOU DO NOT WANT TO BE SHOWERED WITH LOVE DO. NOT. GOO. IM AIMING FOR 24 STUDENTS AND 0 TEACHERS, YOU GUYS LOVE AND APPRECIATE ME ITS TIME FOR REVENGE, SEE YOU THERE !"
Such postings might be dismissed as jokes or parodies, given the choice of words and playful symbols, but police are making arrests to ensure safety in today's climate in which deadly school shootings are happening, Albert said.
"We're not ever going to ignore that and neither is the school system and I don't care who thinks it's a joke. Our job as the police is to make sure the schools are safe and the community is safe," Albert said.
Perhaps the student or his or her friends feel the smiley-faces and references to love blunt the violence signaled by the other parts of a message, Albert said. But use of words, today, like "shoot" and "revenge" -- Merriam-Webster.com: "Definition of revenge: to avenge (oneself or another) usually by retaliating in kind or degree; 2: to inflict injury in return for revenge an insult" -- mean the risk is too great to ignore, he said.
"These aren't threats that we're just going to turn back. We're talking about safety of schools here," he said.
The Holyoke public schools support and appreciate the Police Department's actions, said Stephen K. Zrike, the state-appointed receiver in charge of managing the public schools.
"I can't say enough about how professional they have been," Zrike said.
Local officials must react to the reality, which is that shooters are killing students and others on school grounds in other states, and that means a threat found on social media or elsewhere will prompt a call to the police, he said.
"We will always call the police," Zrike said.
A concern with such cases is the time that school staff must devote to contacting police and dealing with calming students or establishing shelter-in-place situations instead of on education. That's a disruption to the learning of hundreds of children, he said.
Often accompanying such incidents is that parents concerned about their children will keep them home for a day, so they miss more school, he said.
"I do think that should be treated very seriously," Zrike said.
Threatening harm such as phoning in a bomb threat is a felony. And the law gets harsher if the hoax forces evacuation of a school or disruption of a school assembly, that is, a gathering in an educational setting such as a classroom, Leydon said.
Local police in such cases have been arresting students outright instead of having them summonsed to court. Bail in the local cases of such students has been set from $25 to $1,000, he said.
In some of the cases, the penalties have included students being ordered to stay away from the school and being deprived of internet and social media usage as a condition of bail, he said.
Holyoke police responded to another case at the Paulo Freire Social Justice Charter School Thursday and arrested an 18-year-old male student from Hatfield. Staff at the 161 Westfield Road school contacted police after the student allegedly posted a photo of himself on Snapchat making the shape of a gun with his bare hand, standing with a classroom of students in the background and the words, "When they don't think I'll shoot this s--- up," Albert said.
The male student was charged with violating Massachusetts General Law Chapter 269, Section 14 regarding: "Deadly weapons, explosives, chemical or biological agents, or other deadly device or substance; threatened use or presence; threat to hijack; disruption of school, public building or transport." The student was also charged with threatening to commit a crime and disturbing or interrupting a school assembly, Albert said.
Isabelina Rodriguez, executive director of the Paulo Freire Social Justice Charter School, didn't return a call seeking comment.
On the school's Facebook page, Rodriguez said the school informed students, parents and staff by email or automated phone call about one of the arrests, and about "a very concerning post on Snapchat, that was subsequently shared via Facebook and other social media venues."
"Further it has been determined there is no immediate threat to Paulo Freire Charter School," Rodriguez said on Facebook.
"Please be assured any student who attempts to disrupt student learning in this manner, will face significant disciplinary action and possible repercussions. We ask for your assistance in speaking to your students in using social media appropriately to avoid situations like this in the future," she said.
By Thursday, police in Springfield had arrested a fifth student in four days for threatening violence against a school over social media. A 12-year-old girl on Thursday was arrested in connection with a bomb threat made against the Springfield Conservatory of the Arts. She now faces felony charges for making a false bomb threat.
The five people arrested in Springfield last week range in age from 12 to 15. They have targeted seven schools in Springfield.
"These threats, none of which have been found to be credible or put the public at risk, have disrupted schools alarming parents, teachers and students," Springfield Police spokesman Ryan Walsh said. "These hoax threats are serious in nature and the consequences are potential felony charges."
In Chicopee, a 12-year-old girl who is a former Dupont Middle School student faces felony charges after threatening to shoot teachers and students at the school March 19. In a post on Snapchat, the girl allegedly said she had been bullied at the school and had a goal of shooting 23 students and 13 teachers.
Deadly school shootings in the United States this year have included, according to news outlets:
Diego Pfeiffer is a March For Our Lives organizer and senior at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. Before the march in Washington D.C. started, he had a message for students responsible for organizing "sibling marches" on Saturday, March 24.
Pfeiffer told MassLive, "To all those people out there who are organizing your own marches: you guys are out there making a difference. I am so proud of you. You are my inspiration."
The Parkland student activists were the driving force behind the #NeverAgain campaign against gun violence, not only in schools, but everywhere. To Pfeiffer, it's "surreal" that he and his peers were able to spark a movement that's spread across the world.
"I never thought I would be able to touch as many lives as I have so young," Pfeiffer said.
Just five weeks after the fatal shooting of 14 of his fellow classmates and three adults, Pfeiffer had an optimism and confidence that gun laws would change.
"We're waiting and we're waiting for the light, and it will come."
PITTSFIELD - Police conducted an extensive search Saturday night and Sunday morning for a missing man who is suffering from dementia, but have not located him.
Officers are now asking for help from the public to find Dan Lewis. He is 66, about 5 feet, 5 inches tall, has blue eyes and a short buzz cut. He was last seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, blue jeans and muck boots, Pittsfield police said.
Lewis was last seen at about 8 p.m., Saturday, near a home close to the intersection of Dalton and Plastics avenues. His family discovered him missing a short time later, police said.
Lewis may be heading to Stephentown, New York, where he previously lived. He may also be traveling to the next town of Hinsdale, where he grew up, police said.
Anyone who has seen Lewis or has any information about his location is asked to call the Police Department at 413-448-9700.
Clients looking to arrange a meeting with a prostitute involved in a multi-state network - including locations in the Boston area - first had to fill out a form allowing the organization to verify clients' employment, authorities said in a federal affidavit.
Five people in three states were arrested earlier this month and charged with running a prostitution ring with brothels in Cambridge and two other states. Two of the people arrested are from Watertown and Lexington.
Errol Flynn, a special agent with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, said the ring began around November 2015 and continued to operate until authorities shut it down earlier this month.
Investigators raided locations in Virginia, Cambridge, Watertown, Lexington, and Georgia as part of the sting operation.
Using three websites, the ring said it did not promote prostitution, but detailed a process each client "must undertake to book appointments with the advertised women," the special agent said.
In Massachusetts, the group used the website bostonasiandolls.com, authorities say.
"Typically, clients are required to complete a form on the websites, allowing the organization to verify clients' employment," Flynn wrote. "After their employment is verified (usually by telephone call to the place of employment), the clients can book appointments."
Text messages were then sent to clients with information on locations.
Investigators say Asian women were moved from the different cities to work as prostitutes as part of the network. Agents interviewed men who used the website.
The men were told to follow a protocol when arriving at the apartments or other locations used in the ring. Men had to use mouthwash and shower before having sex with one of the women advertised on the websites, Flynn said.
"We provide just pretty, cute, attractive Asian models....We have an amazing reputation in Boston for providing the BEST," the website boasted. "We specialize in creating your Geisha Experience, an experience you will not forget."
Women were advertised with descriptions and fake names, investigators said. Pictures of the women were included.
First-time users were told to fill out a form and use their real names and place of employment for verification purposes.
Flynn said Yoon I. Kim, 36, of Haymarket, Virginia leased an apartment in a building called Vox on Two in Cambridge. The lease ended in July 2016. Another Cambridge apartment located at the Axiom Apartment Homes was used until September 2017, the special agent said.
Kim, 36, of Haymarket, Virginia; Taehee Kim, a/k/a "Hyunsook Kim," 46, of Haymarket, Virginia; Jineok Kim, 38, of Watertown, Massachusetts.; Kyung Song, 52, of Lexington, Massachusetts; and Susan Bashir, a/k/a "Susan Redmon," a/k/a "Susan Redmond," 41, of Stone Mountain, Georgia, were all arrested and charged in the investigation.
Clients were also told to give gifts - in the form of cash - which was for the "companionship between 2 adults."
The payments ranged from $280 for 45 minutes to $600 for two hours. The prices doubled for encounters with two women, authorities said.
Investigators used a client of the Boston website to gain information on the ring, records show. The man, who is listed as a John Doe, exchanged messaged with the Virginia portion of the ring.
He told investigators he used the service in Boston and was in Virginia. After receiving detailed instructions and some discussion on cost, the man canceled the appointment at the direction of law enforcement.
"They say you did this in Boston, cancel 15 mi. before apt you are not nice," someone from the organization allegedly messaged him.
Men interviewed by special agents admitted to paying for sex. One man said he paid $300 to have sex with a woman at one of the Cambridge locations in January 2017, records said.
Investigators say Jineok Kim came to the United States in 2010 on a student visa to attend the Berklee College of Music. In 2013, he stopped attending classes and two years later, he adjusted his visa status from student to temporary worker.
Authorities say he instead ran the Cambridge prostitution business from April 2016 to December 2017.
"Agents observed him bringing food and supplies to the brothels, picking up cash and proceeds from the prostitution business, and transporting Asian women between brothels and to and from Logan Airport," Flynn wrote.
He allegedly deposited money into ATMs for Yoon Kim and his spouse, Taehee Kim, who was convicted on fraud charges in Korea in the past. Yoon Kim was born in Korea and became a U.S. citizen in 2008 while serving in the military. His wife entered the country illegally through Mexico in 2003 and was deported, authorities said.
She changed her name and entered the United States in 2016 as a spouse of a citizen.
Song of Lexington is accused of taking over the Cambridge business in December 2017. He immigrated to the United States in 2005 and was granted legal permanent resident status in 2013, agents said.
Records show Yoon Kim and Taehee Kim purchased a "staggering number of condoms" from a website called Condom Depot. One order, in May 2017, was for 1,008 condoms, records show.
Agents kept surveillance on the Cambridge locations and in October 2017 intercepted one woman at Logan Airport. She had more than $3,000 in her purse, agents said.
The woman denied being involved in the ring, but agents found messages showing she worked as a prostitute, Flynn said.
Authorities found lingerie and $5,000 in cash in her luggage, according to federal records.
Song allegedly kept ledgers detailing the earnings of prostitutes. Agents recovered ledgers from trash during their investigation.
NORTHAMPTON - An estimated 2,000 participated in the Pioneer Valley March of Our Lives here Saturday demanding an end to gun violence.
A coalition of students, parents, teachers, activists, religious organizations and labor groups marched from Northampton High School to City Hall, chanting slogans such as "Hey, hey NRA, how many children have you killed today?" The march, just over a mile, drew cheers of support from people lined along the route.
The march was in response to a nationwide call from students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida on Feb. 14 following a mass shooting. Seventeen people were killed and 17 more were wounded.
In sister marches nationwide, hundreds of thousands of students delivered the message in a unified voice: Enough is enough.
In Northampton, the march ended with a rally outside City Hall where student organizers led chants such as, "No more silence, end the silence." The rally featured student speakers and songs.
The largest ovation from the crowd was given to 13-year-old Julia Albro-Fisher of Northampton, who asked, "Why do we have higher expectations for our youth than we do for our leaders?" She also listed a string of laws and regulations written for teenagers. Speaking to the adults who wrote those laws and regulations, she said, "You control me, but you don't protect me."
The march and rally was organized by student leaders at Belchertown High School, Easthampton High School, Four Rivers Charter Public School, Northampton High School, Northfield Mount Hermon School, JFK Middle School, Pittsfield High School, Pioneer Valley Chinese Immersion Charter School and the Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Public Charter School.
SPRINGFIELD -- From an Academy Award-nominated costume designer to the dean of education at Westfield State University and a lieutenant in the Springfield Police Department, the Urban League of Springfield, Inc. is honoring black women during its 105th anniversary celebration Tuesday.
"We have one of the oldest urban leagues in the country. In fact we are part of the original 13, and beyond celebrating our history, we wanted to honor black women who have achieved distinction in their careers," said Henry M. Thomas III, president and CEO of the Urban League of Springfield.
The dinner and award ceremony at the MassMutual Center will highlight 16 women, with a focus on keynote speaker Ruth E. Carter, an Academy Award-nominated costume designer who has designed costumes for critically acclaimed films including Spike Lee's "Malcolm X," Steven Spielberg's "Amistad" and most recently "Black Panther," the latest in a series of Marvel Cinematic Universe films.
A Springfield native and graduate of Technical High School, Carter has ties to the Urban League of Springfield.
"In the 1970s, she was part of our drill team, a youth program called the Cadets and Leaderettes. She was also a camper at our summer camp," Thomas said. "She has the Urban League in her veins, and we are honored to have her participate in this event."
The event will also highlight many of the Urban League's initiatives, from the 150 volunteers in schools across Western Massachusetts to the 6,000 bags of groceries donated to senior citizens in need every year.
"We have a responsibility to our community, to our students in the public school system and to our indigent seniors," Thomas said.
The Urban League will also award $40,000 in scholarships to black seniors graduating from Springfield high schools this year.
Thomas said while the event will highlight many of the organization's achievements, it's ultimately a celebration of distinguished black women with ties to the organization and to Springfield.
"The women selected are women who thrive in the private and public sectors representing different disciplines from finance, banking, community engagement, education, health and wellness, arts and culture, law, city government and more," Thomas said. "It's important to note that there are so many other women we were not able to include this time, but we hope to do something like this again."
Other "Black Women of Excellence" awardees include:
* Dr. Shirley J. Whitaker, M.D.: Nephrology specialist, Baystate Health
* Pia Flanagan, J.D.: MassMutual Corporate Secretary, and Chief of Staff to president Roger W. Crandall
* Adrienne Smith, M.S., Ed.D.,: Dean of Engineering and Technologies, STCC
* Tania Barber, MBA: President and CEO, Caring Health Center
* Dr. Tashanna Myers M.D.: Gynecological oncologist, Baystate Health
* Enku Gelaye, J.D.: Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, UMass, Amherst
* Anika Gaskins: Vice President of Regional and National Marketing, MGM Springfield
* Sheila Goodwin, MBA: Senior Vice President, PeoplesBank
* Paulette Henderson, BA: Funeral director and owner, Henderson Funeral Home
* Cheryl Stanley, Ed.D.: Dean of Education, Westfield State University
* Jessica Henderson: Lieutenant, Springfield Police Department
* Denise Jordan, MA: Mayoral chief of staff, City of Springfield
* Yvette Frisby, MA: Senior vice president, Urban League of Springfield, Inc.
* Shadae Thomas-Harris, ED LD: Springfield Public Schools principal, Harvard University teaching fellow
* Helen Caulton-Harris, RN: Commissioner, Health and Human Services, City of Springfield
A Worcester man accused in federal court with receiving child pornography told investigators he used bitcoin to pay for a website to access child pornography, federal records say.
Eryk Chamberlin, 25, told federal investigators he couldn't access the website even after paying. Authorities say Chamberlin was caught with child pornography on one of his devices.
Edward Bradstreet, a special agent with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, said HSI agents along with the Massachusetts State Police and FBI went to a home in Webster to find Chamberlin on March 21.
His mother answered the door and said her son was now living in Worcester. Chamberlin was located at a May Street address in Worcester, Bradstreet wrote in an affidavit on file in federal court.
Inside the apartment, Chamberlin admitted to paying for a website that charged for access to child pornography.
"Chamberlin indicated that he paid for access to the website with bitcoin, but ultimately was unable to access the website, despite having paid," the agent wrote.
Authorities say Chamberlin allowed investigators to search his laptop. As he walked away from his apartment to buy cigarettes, agents say they found a video of a child involved in sex acts. The girl appeared to be between the ages of 5 and 8, Bradstreet said.
Chamberlin was arrested and brought to U.S. District Court in Worcester. He remains in federal custody after appearing in court Friday.
Want to learn how to make an app? You can get a free one-hour introduction next week at any of 54 presentations in 20 Idaho cities.
BY DAVID STAATS
http://www.idahostatesman.com/news/business/article206587389.html
Forget the Boat Race, it's the Goat Race! Oxford's Hamish beats his Cambridge rival Hugo in a reversal of the outcome of the head-to-head on the Thames
By Danyal Hussain For Mailonline 24 March 2018The annual Oxford Cambridge Goat Race returned to London for the ninth time today, with the fundraising event held on the same day of the famous university boat competition.The event saw two goats, one representing Oxford and one representing Cambridge, lock horns as they raced around a farm.The lighthearted event took place at Spitalfields City Farm in east London with today's race starting at midday.The event started with the goats standing at the starting line, where the excited audience waited with baited breath for them to start trotting off.There was even an on-site bookie for people who fancied a flutter on their goat of choice and live music, comedy performances, drinks, craft stalls and farm-related games.Today's race was a reversal of the result of the boat race and saw Hamish, the goat representing Oxford, emerge victorious after he defeated Cambridge's competitor Hugo, before milking the adoration of the crowd.Read more: Forget the Boat Race, it's the Goat Race, with Oxford's Hamish winning | Daily Mail Online
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Face mask not mandatory in certain places in UAE
According to the new decision, face masks will no longer be mandatory when exercising in public places, commuting in private vehicles for those who live in the same house as well as at open beaches and swimming pools.
HAMBURG, MI - Ian Wright will be remembered by friends and family as a fun-loving man who enjoyed time with loved ones and always made those around him laugh, family members said.
Wright, 28, died late Thursday, March 15 when his car struck a tree along Hamburg Road in Hamburg Township, police said.
The Pickney resident grew up in Milford before moving to White Lake with his family while attending Lakeland High School, his sister Larissa Tudor, 34, said.
Tudor said her younger brother was known for his practical jokes and found humor in almost every situation.
"If you were down, he would find any way to make you laugh," she said. "He was very witty. You say one thing, he would come right back with something on you. He was hilarious. Very good with movie quotes as well."
Wright graduated high school in 2007 and worked as a local mechanic. He learned everything he knew about cars from his father, Tudor said.
He recently worked as a senior warranty analyst at Daimler Trucks North America, while also attending Oakland Community College to obtain a degree in engineering, Tudor said.
His family was devastated when they heard the news of his passing early Friday morning, Tudor said.
"It was not anything in a million years I thought would happen to him. We got the call from my Dad at 5:30 in the morning. He called my husband on the phone and he took it pretty hard too. I dropped to the floor. I couldn't believe it."
Tudor said she will remember her brother most for his generosity and his ability to help people. She said he loved his nieces and nephews more than anything.
"He was just such a wonderful person. He was just so generous," she said. "He would give you everything he possibly could if he thought you needed it. He'd give you all the money from his bank account if you needed it.
Wright's family has set up a GoFundMe account to assist with funeral costs.
Authorities believe Wright was driving southbound on Hamburg Road and left the roadway near Athlone Drive before striking a tree just before midnight, Hamburg Township Deputy Chief Dariusz Nisenbaum said.
Wright was ejected from the vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene, Nisenbaum said.
Nisenbaum said speed is believed to have been a factor in the crash.
Anyone with information on the crash is asked to call 810-222-1179.
SHIAWASSEE COUNTY, MI - Dozens of companies are expected to take part in a large job fair this week in Shiawassee County.
The 2018 Spring Job Fair set from 1 p.m.-7 p.m. Wednesday, March 28, at Baker College's Welcome Center, 1309 S. M-52, in Owosso will have employers searching for new hires in jobs including customer and civil service, manufacturing, healthcare, transportation, sales, marketing and other areas.
GST Michigan Works!, Baker College of Owosso, the Shiawassee Regional Chamber of Commerce and Shiawassee Economic Development Partnership is hosting the job fair in partnership with Baker College.
The event is free to the public and attendees should come with at least 25 resumes and appropriately dressed for on-site interviews. The first 30 minute of the job fair will be designated specifically for military veterans.
Computers will be available for those looking to apply for positions online. Free resume assistance is available at the Michigan Works office, located at 1975 West M-21, in Owosso.
Any employers looking to participate in the job fair may do so by contacting the Shiawassee Regional Chamber of Commerce at 989-723-5149 or email customerservice@shiawasseechamber.org.
Here's a look at the businesses and agencies set to be on hand:
Pleasant View
The Meadows
Tri-Mer
Qualified Staffing
DayStarr
Midwest Bus Corp
Primerica T Sjoberg & Associates
Ovid Healthcare Center
Great Lakes Fusion
Indian Trails
Wayne Homes
Protech Resources
Machine Tool & Gear
C & S Motors
Ashlor Staffing
Capital Equipment & Supply
Memorial Healthcare
I.B.E.W.
Cardinal Staffing Services
MI Statewide Carpenters JATF
Young Chevrolet Cadillac
Retriever Solutions
Mass Transit Authority
Sherwin Williams
Career Quest Learning Center
Michigan Rehabilitation Services
EG Workforce Solutions
City of Durand
Crest Marine
North American Overhead Door, Inc.
State of MI/Talent Investment Agency/Workforce Development/Veterans Employment Services
Toledo Commutator Co
Genesee County Sheriff's Dept
Rowe Professional Services Company
ST. CLAIR COUNTY, MI - The St. Clair County Sheriff's Office received assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation in trying to determine the credibility of an alleged shooting threat made against Anchor Bay High School.
A school resource deputy at the high school in Ira Township was made aware Friday, March 23 of a tip sent into the Okay To Say app noting they'd overheard a group of kids say something about shooting up a classroom.
There was no information left in the message about who made the threat, according to police. Classes were let out at 10:30 a.m. Friday morning at the high school following the alleged threat.
Deputies and detectives with the St. Clair County Sheriff's Office began to further investigate the incident along with the FBI and Chesterfield Township, New Baltimore, and Clay Township police departments.
Information obtained from the FBI allowed detectives to locate a 14-year-old New Baltimore boy, a student at Anchor Bay High School, who left the tip. The boy told deputies who he believed made the threat.
Police tracked down a 15-year-old New Baltimore boy, an Anchor Bay High student, in the parking lot of a movie theater in Chesterfield Township.
The boy, who was with his father, was interviewed and released after it was determined there was no credible threat.
He was further questioned at the sheriff's office with his mother present and later released.
The incident is being forwarded to the St. Clair County Prosecutor's Office to determine if the teen will face any charges in connection with the incident and would not be the first case where those believed to have taken part in threats face time behind bars.
Charges have been filed or are expected against students over alleged threats in at Port Huron Northern High School in St. Clair County, Bentley High School in Genesee County, and Holly High School in Oakland County -- all within roughly one month's time.
St. Clair County Sheriff Tim Donnellon offered a reminder to students and their parents that "making any kind of threat of violence in a very serious matter."
"Making threats like this is no joking matter, no prank. We, as law enforcement agencies have to take these threats at face value," he said in a media release. "I encourage all parents to talk to their children and make sure they understand the potential consequences they face if they make threats like this."
CROCKERY TOWNSHIP, MI -- A 48-year-old man was taken to the hospital in serious condition after he was hit by a minivan Saturday night.
Foster Champagne of Fruitport Township was hit while crossing the street about 9:53 p.m. March 25, Ottawa County Sheriff's deputies said.
The crash happened on Apple Drive near 144th Avenue in Ottawa County's Crockery Township. Champagne was walking across Apple Drive when he was struck by a Chrysler minivan.
A witness reported Champagne stopped in the middle of the road and yelled something to the house he had just left, when he was struck by the minivan driven by 18-year-old Samuel France of Spring Lake.
Deputies said Champagne was wearing dark-colored clothing and France told deputies he did not see him in time to stop.
When authorities arrived on scene, Champagne was unconscious but breathing. He was taken to Mercy Health Hackley Hospital in serious condition.
Deputies said the crash remains under investigation.
MACKINAC COUNTY, MI - Ten days after he was reported missing, the remains of Raleigh Harrington, 25, were found in a heavily wooded area of Mackinac County, authorities said today.
Foul play is not suspected, Michigan State Police said. His cause of death was not released, and troopers say the investigation into his disappearance and death remains ongoing.
The police last week had asked for the public's help in locating Harrington after he was reported missing from the St. Ignace area. He was last seen there on Friday, March 16. He was reported missing by his family on March 20.
Police said they conducted an extensive, five-day search covering land, air and water. Volunteers searches also were organized.
Authorities thanked the groups involved, including the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Air Force and the Civil Air Patrol.
JONESVILLE, MI - A Red Indian ice cream flavor, marketed specially last week at a Jonesville restaurant, has roiled some and sparked a slew of sometimes vicious social media remarks.
"If you look at all the major Native organizations, using redskin to describe Indians is frowned upon at the very least, and it is considered blatantly racist and hurtful," Natasha Crall of Hillsdale said on Saturday.
Crall and her husband Adam publicly called to question the pink cinnamon soft serve named "Flavor of the week" from March 18 to Saturday at The Udder Side, 121 W. Chicago St., a walk-up and drive-through ice cream shop near the intersection of U.S. 12 and M-99.
Their posts on the business' Facebook page, since deleted, generated much response, as did Natasha Crall's associated comment on a "Hillsdale Hot Debates" page. Many came to the restaurant's defense. Some attacked Crall. Many mocked and dismissed any outrage or offense as contemptible or insignificant.
"Just get over it. It's just ice cream," said Dave Bauer, who owns The Udder Side with his wife Julie.
"I'm tired of it. I don't think it is a controversy."
He said the business, previously located across the street, has sold Red Indian ice cream all of his 30 years there, as it did the two decades preceding Bauer's tenure. Formerly Jonesville Dairy Treats, the shop opened in 1952.
The maker or supplier, which he declined to identify because "it doesn't matter," gave the flavor its name, and he suspects it is related, not to American Indians, but to the country where cinnamon is produced.
India does grow cinnamon trees, though much of the spice comes from Sri Lanka, according to various online reference sites.
With lemon, it is among the most-requested flavors at The Udder Side, Bauer said, and people will drive long distances for Red Indian, more popular now than ever.
No one has approached him at the restaurant with any related issue, he said, and he doesn't have time to be at a computer; he works seven days a week. "You can complain all you want on the internet or Facebook," he said. "If you have a problem with it, come here."
Crall said she would have had she not been "directly attacked" by his customers online. Her husband initially questioned only the political correctness of calling a pink ice cream "Red Indian," and the backlash was immediate.
"This is racist and bigoted, and it is not OK," she said, recalling her more forceful subsequent statements. "This may be fine here, but elsewhere people don't tolerate this..."
Crall said her paternal great, great grandparents both were Cherokee, and she noted the Hillsdale area's rich Native American history.
The large lake just south of Hillsdale is named after Chief Baw Beese, leader of a band of Huron-Potawotamies eventually forced in the mid-1800s from Michigan, according to the Hillsdale County Historical Society. U.S. 12 was once the Great Sauk Trail.
Crall said she never called for a boycott; she is not behind a Facebook page calling for such action. She simply suggested the flavor name could reflect taste rather than skin color.
"You know, it's been Red Indian for 50 years. And we've been here for 30, and I am only going to be here about four more years. I am getting ready to retire. It is going to be Red Indian until I retire," Bauer said when asked about whether he would consider a change.
"This is all beyond me, because it is just ice cream. There is no malicious intent. What about Irish Cream and what about Black Cherry?... It's a nonissue as far as I am concerned."
The commentary was overwhelmingly in favor of the business and the flavor, and he is not going to act based on the opinions of one, or a few, he said.
There are some who share Cralls' thoughts. "Hard to enjoy food when it laughs at a history of racism," one woman wrote on The Udder Side Facebook page.
"Blatant racism is blatant racism and if your company is too blind and uneducated to care, you will not have my business again," wrote another.
Those stood apart among a list of comments like this one: "Love this place! Great food and the staff is always fantastic... and the RED INDIAN is GREAT!"
Red Indian is the best! The service is wonderful and the hospitality is as well! Posted by Dawn Stewart Barber on Sunday, March 18, 2018
Valerie Valdez of Hillsdale is a longtime customer. She loves cinnamon and Red Indian is her favorite, as it has been since she was a kid in the 1960s and 1970s in Hudson.
The Bobbye's Pizza Place in Hudson also sells the flavor, popular there too. A sign outside the restaurant Sunday advertised Red Indian. The owner was not at work to comment.
"I'm fine with the name," Valdez wrote in a message to a reporter. "My mom's side of the family are American Indian and it doesn't bother me at all."
There are more important things in the world to worry about, she said.
Crall, outspoken on local issues, thinks people should take more pride in the area's Native American history. "Instead of just kind of spitting on it like this."
People don't seem to care; they are more willing to defend and attack than take an opportunity to be educated, and think, she said.
"It seems the owners are pretty dead set... against any sort of evolution."
I love the Red Indian ice cream. It hits the spot in my unpolitically correct soul! ;) Posted by Matthew J. Price on Sunday, March 18, 2018
KALAMAZOO, MI -- Among the hundreds of thousands of people who attended the March for Our Lives rally in Washington, D.C. were four Kalamazoo Central High School students.
The main rally was held Saturday in Washington, D.C., but many others were held across Michigan and the country in solidarity with the survivors of the Feb. 14 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.
High school seniors Jenna Bowker, 18; Jake Fales, 18; Jalen Smith, 17 and Reuben Glasser, 17, left for Washington, D.C. after school on Friday. Glasser said the students felt it was important to show support from Michigan and Kalamazoo.
"Our community itself is affected by gun violence," Glasser said. "We wanted our presence to be there."
Bowker said in a statement the event was emotional, but being surrounded by people fighting for the same issues as them was amazing.
"At one point in the rally, we were asked to raise our hands if we had been directly affected by gun violence, people all around us raised their hands," she said. "Seeing how many people had been impacted by gun violence was very sad, but it was also very cool to see how many people are fighting for the voices that are no longer with us."
The sense of unity at the march was awe-inspiring, Smith said. He said seeing students his age and younger speaking to the crowd of thousands was empowering.
"I believe this event will be historical," Smith said.
The students paid for their own food and personal expenses, but were able to fly to the rally with money raised through GoFundMe. Glasser said more than $3,000 was raised in less than 24 hours.
"The support we've been shown has been astounding," he said.
The four students from Kalamazoo Central High School are part of a larger group of about eight students, who are calling themselves, "Students for Gun Legislation."
The students created a Change.org petition, which has garnered more than 250,000 signatures. Former president Barack Obama sent a note to the students, praising them and encouraging their actions.
"I have great memories of my visit back in 2010, so I just wanted to write a quick note to say how proud I am of your leadership in the aftermath of the Florida shooting," the note reads.
Fales said in a statement he met many students at the rally from all over the country who are leading some sort of movement in their hometowns. Students for Gun Legislation is hoping to increase voter registration in Michigan.
"If we are able to maintain the momentum from this march all the way to November, there are sure to be some new faces sitting in office," Fales said.
Glasser said young people need to be involved because they are going to be the next generation to create change.
"We will see change in the future, because we need change now," he said.
CONVIS TOWNSHIP, MI -- A 38-year-old Marshall man died in a crash early Sunday, Calhoun County Sheriff's deputies said.
The crash happened about 4:34 a.m. Sunday on 14 Mile Road near P Drive North in Calhoun County's Convis Township.
Deputies said a driver traveling southbound failed to negotiate a curve and struck a tree. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene.
Speed and alcohol might have contributed to the crash, deputies said.
Deputies were assisted by the Marshall Township Fire Department and Marshall Firefighters Ambulance.
Cinderella has punched the first ticket to the Final Four. The Loyola-Chicago Ramblers are going to their second Final Four in program history. The last time was in 1963, when they won it all.
Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, the team's chaplain, watched that game on a toaster-sized television and celebrated in the streets after. Now she's headed to San Antonio along with the rest of the maroon-and-gold scarf-wearing Rambler fans.
Loyola-Chicago beat 9 seed Kansas State 78-62 on Saturday in Atlanta to get there.
The Ramblers are just the fourth 11 seed in history to reach the Final Four. Loyola is 32-5 and has lost just once since Jan. 3. It won the Missouri Valley regular season and tournament titles and was the league's lone representative in the Big Dance.
To reach the Final Four, the Ramblers beat 6 seed Miami, 3 seed Tennessee, and 7 seed Nevada by a combined four points, winning the first two games on jump shots in the final seconds.
Loyola will face the winner of Saturday night's game between Michigan and Florida State, set to tip at 8:50 p.m. ET (5:50 in Los Angeles). Michigan has played Loyola three times, most recently in 1969. The two teams met in the 1964 NCAA Tournament, with Michigan advancing.
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March 25, 2018
Syria - The East-Ghouta-Afrin Exchange Is Complete - Where Will The SAA Go Next?
After the Syrian army had taken all rural parts of east-Ghouta three pockets of densely upbuild areas were left in terrorist hands. Negotiations had started about transfer of the armed men to Idleb governorate in the north. Some 100,000 people moved from the besieged areas to the Syrian government side. Surrounded by widely superior forces, devoid of human shields and without any chance of relief the terrorist groups are now giving up one by one.
Source: Maxim Mansour/ Syria Digital Map - bigger
First to surrender were Ahrar al-Sham fighters who held the Harasta suburb. 1,500 of them and their families, in total 4,500 people were transferred to Idleb by government buses. They had to give up all heavy weapons and were only allowed to carry one hand-weapons and no ammunition.
Next to give up were Faylaq al-Rahman who held the southern pocket. While the leadership of the group was negotiating with the government side some of the group fired barrages of missiles into Damascus city and killed dozens of people. Shortly thereafter two dozen of foreigners who had been fighting with Faylaq al-Rahman turned up dead. Having eliminated those irreconcilable elements Faylaq al-Rahman burned its headquarter and agreed to be transferred. The men and their families are now being evacuated to Afrin, a formerly Kurdish area in the north-west which Turkish supported gangs recently captured. The total of this transfer were some 7,000 people.
The last area in to be taken in east-Ghouta is Douma. It is held by Jaish al-Islam, a group of Wahhabi Islamists with intense support from Saudi Arabia. But Jaish al Islam will not want to go to Idleb. They have long fought with other Islamists and especially with HTS, aka Jabhat al-Nusra, which now rules in most of Idleb. Jaish al-Islam still tries to negotiate some autonomy for Douma but the Syrian government will not have any of that. It can not and will not allow a pocket of 'autonomous' Saudi financed Jihadis a few miles from the capital. The group will have to give up completely or agree to be transferred elsewhere. The only alternative is imminent death by Syrian artillery and bombardment. News today is that an agreement has been found but details are not yet available.
The Syrian Arab Army has cleaned the east-Ghouta pocket in a less than a month. This was only possible because Turkey had a great incentive to keep other areas, especially in Idleb, reasonably quiet. To allow Turkey to take the Afrin canton from unruly Kurdish forces was thus in exchange for east-Ghouta.
The U.S. had plans to attack Syria during the east-Ghouta operation. The Russian military sent intense warnings that it would retaliate against U.S. ships and other platforms if those would fire cruise missiles against Syria. The warnings were successful in deterring the Pentagon but not the White House hawks:
According to two National Security Council officials, Mattis has ignored McMasters requests for military options that would have allowed the U.S. to strike Eastern Gouta, in Syria, ...
With the east-Ghouta pocket removed the Syrian army can move towards the next target. There is one pocket left near the capital that is still held by terrorists. Yarmouk, originally an improvised camp for Palestinian refugees but now part of Damascus city, is held by an Islamic State aligned group and by some Palestinian Hamas/Muslim Brotherhood followers who also fight the government. These groups often fight each other. Every once in a while their fighting spills over and affects the wider city. The Syrian government gave Hamas, the Palestinian Muslim Brotherhood organization, a chance to clean up the area but Hamas failed to do so. It should not take long for the Syrian forces to eliminate both of the threats.
There have also been signs that the southern area around Daraa, near the Jordanian border, will be the place of the next large operation. Negotiations with some 'rebel' groups in Daraa and with the Jordanian government are ongoing. But while Jordan would probably like the war on Syria to end, its Saudi, Israeli and U.S. allies, who's money it needs to survive, may not agree to such plans and prepare for a new fight.
During the recent visit by the Saudi clown prince in Washington the Saudis bought 6,600 TOW anti tank missiles. Their purchase is obviously not for defense against Yemeni tank divisions storming towards Riyadh. In 2013 the Saudis bought 15,600 TOWs which the CIA then distributed to its Takfiris in Syria. The new Saudi purchase will have a similar purpose. Will those TOWs be distributed to 'rebels' in Daraa or to the new Arab 'rebel' army the U.S. forces in east-Syria are building out of remnants of ISIS?
Posted by b on March 25, 2018 at 15:26 UTC | Permalink
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March 25, 2018
Weekly Review And Open Thread 2018-13
The last week at Moon of Alabama was again dominated by the Skripal incident. Another long piece about a different issue is still on hold. This week thus saw less posts than desirable.
Mar 19 - NHS Doctor: "No Patients Have Experienced Symptoms Of Nerve Agent Poisoning In Salisbury" and
Mar 21 - Russian Scientists Explain 'Novichok' - High Time For Britain To Come Clean (Updated)
I had added additional historic information on the chemical agents in question in a comment to the March 21 piece.
The British government is milking the incident to push russophobia and to divert from its failure in the Brexit negotiations and all its other problems. But the diversion will only succeed so long. The NHS doctor as well as court testimony by scientists from Proton Down contradict the claims made by the British government. Let's hope that the British opposition picks up on that.
Mar 20 - Cambridge Analytica And The Manipulation Of People by Debs is Dead
Mar 23 - John Bolton - The Man With A Hammer Is Looking For Nails
The one man now seen as the most 'moderate' on war issues in the Trump administration is a retired four star marine general with the nickname "mad dog" who was fired by the Obama administration for being too aggressive towards Iran.
Mar 25 - Syria - The East-Ghouta-Afrin Exchange Is Complete - Where Will The SAA Go Next?
Use the comments as open thread ...
Posted by b on March 25, 2018 at 16:06 UTC | Permalink
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Cenovus Energy (CVE) announced that first-quarter oil sands production has been operating at lower levels with the widening of the heavy oil discount, which has averaged nearly $27 per barrel. Management now expects first-quarter production of 350-360 thousand barrels of oil per day but reiterated that it expects to meet its 2018 annual target of 364-382 mbbl/d. We are lowering our 2018 oil sands production forecast to 367 mbbl/d from our previous forecast of 376 mbbl/d.
Despite this, we are maintaining our CAD 21 fair value estimate. Because of changes in foreign exchange rates, we are lowering our U.S. dollar-denominated fair value estimate to $16 per share from $17. Cenovus stock traded down on the lower production news and currently sits well below our valuation. We think the stock could retreat even further if oil prices decline later in the year, as we expect them to do, and as a result of increasing near-term leverage and the heavy oil discount remaining at high levels.
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Vous etes confrontes a une infestation par la puce, la punaise de lit ? Voici plusieurs actions qui sont a mettre en uvre pour faire []
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By IANS
NEW DELHI: Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Sunday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of leaking details of his official mobile app users to US firms.
"Hi! My name is Narendra Modi. I am India's Prime Minister. When you sign up for my official App, I give all your data to my friends in American companies," Gandhi tweeted.
ALSO READ: BJP's 'lying factory' at work again, says Congress chief Rahul Gandhi on Cambridge Analytica row
Gandhi was referring to a media report in which a French vigilante hacker in a series of tweets alleged that the personal data including email IDs, photos, gender and names of the users of Modi's mobile app were being sent to a third party domain without their consent.
ALSO READ: BJP hits back at Rahul Gandhi over allegations against NaMo app
The Congress President also accused the mainstream media of "burying this critical story, as always".
Hi! My name is Narendra Modi. I am India's Prime Minister. When you sign up for my official App, I give all your data to my friends in American companies.
Ps. Thanks mainstream media, you're doing a great job of burying this critical story, as always.https://t.co/IZYzkuH1ZH Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) March 25, 2018
Gandhi's remarks came days after the BJP accused the Congress of compromising national security by roping in political data analytics firm Cambridge Analytica to run its 2019 election campaign.
The firm is allegedly involved in social media data manipulation.
State Police report into Terri Flynn's property released
"It very clearly finds, as expected, that there was no crime committed," attorney Allyson Quay said in an email to The Daily News.
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Tom Kacich is a columnist and the author of Tom's Mailbag at The News-Gazette. His column appears Sundays. His email is tkacich@news-gazette.com, and you can follow him on Twitter (@tkacich).
Director-General of Investment Promotion Stephen Phillips (front right) and Director General, Trade & Investment of British Consulate-General, Paul McComb sign an investment promotion co-operation agreement, witnessed by Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Edward Yau (back right) and British Secretary of State for International Trade Dr Liam Fox.
Director-General of Investment Promotion Stephen Phillips has signed an agreement to boost investment promotion with the UK, with a particular focus on innovation and technology and other emerging sectors.
He signed the memorandum of understanding with Director General, Trade & Investment of the British Consulate-General, Paul McComb during the GREAT Festival of Innovation today.
Witnessing the signing, Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Edward Yau said the deal will reinforce the strong and long-standing economic and investment ties between Hong Kong and the UK.
"The technology emphasis also reflects our increasing focus on innovation to further strengthen Hong Kong's economic development," he said.
British Secretary of State for International Trade Dr Liam Fox, also present at the signing, said the agreement is a great step forward in the bilateral relationship.
"Getting our teams to work together to come up with innovative solutions that meet the challenges faced by small and medium enterprises seeking to set up in Hong Kong will make a huge difference to the number of companies investing in Hong Kong from the UK," he said.
The agreement focuses on the sharing of information and experiences in investment promotion, supporting each other's investment promotion events and programmes, and strengthening collaboration in promoting inward investments.
It also encourages the development of businesses with a technology focus, such as artificial intelligence, financial technology, health technology, biotechnology, smart city, clean technology, the creative sector and the experience economy.
Chief Executive Carrie Lam met Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs Taro Kono at Government House today.
Mr Kono is the first Japanese foreign minister to visit Hong Kong since its return to the motherland.
Noting she has been striving to strengthen Hong Kong's ties with other economies, Mrs Lam said she hopes exchanges with Japan in trade, business, tourism, culture, creative industries, Gerontech and people-to-people bonds will grow.
She hopes both sides continue co-operation to advance tourism, noting Hong Kong arrivals in Japan reached 2.2 million last year while Japanese visitors to the city grew more than 10%.
Emphasising Hong Kong's commitment to regional trade and economic co-operation, she said the city is interested in participating in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership following its signing of a free trade agreement with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
Mrs Lam said she believes Japan will support Hong Kong's participation in the partnership agreement to benefit all participating parties.
Noting she has been monitoring food imports from Japan, including the ban on food from five prefectures there, she said it is incumbent upon the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government to safeguard public health and put effective measures in place to ensure food safety.
Under this premise, the Food & Health Bureau will maintain communication with Japanese authorities to review the latest situation and adopt appropriate measures in relation to the import ban.
She added Hong Kong is taking part in the Belt & Road Initiative and is encouraging state-owned enterprises to make use of Hong Kong's finance, insurance, construction and legal services to explore Belt & Road markets.
She encouraged Japanese enterprises to leverage on these Hong Kong's professional services to seize together the tremendous business opportunities brought by the Belt & Road Initiative.
On the UN Security Council's North Korean sanctions, Mrs Lam said Hong Kong strictly implements sanction measures.
Hong Kong will stay vigilant about activities that may violate the sanctions and its law enforcement agencies will seriously follow up on suspected cases of violation, she added.
Police are investigating former First Lady Mrs Grace Mugabe for allegedly smuggling ivory worth millions of dollars to underground foreign markets.
Parks and Wildlife Management Authority investigators have since submitted key documents relevant to the allegations to the police.
Preliminary indications are Mrs Mugabe spirited large consignments of ivory to China, the United Arab Emirates and the United States, among other destinations.
She could be questioned by law enforcement soon, alongside officials in the Office of the President and Cabinet who she allegedly ordered to facilitate the illicit deals.
Police spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba told The Sunday Mail, A report was made by an anonymous source and investigations are on, although still in early stages.
Information at hand suggests Mrs Mugabe ordered officials to issue her with export permits under the pretext that she was sending the ivory to leaders of various countries as gifts.
Once outside Zimbabwe, it is alleged, the gifts would be pooled with other consignments of the product and routed to black markets.
It is believed Mrs Mugabe involved OPC officials in obtaining the permits which are issued in terms of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species.
At one point, the officials allegedly forced Zimparks Director-General Mr Fulton Mangwanya to sign for consignments he had not inspected.
On October 29, 2017, officials reportedly acting on Mrs Mugabes instructions wrote to Mr Mangwanya saying: Urgent Cites permit is being sought to clear State gifts presented by the principal to guests from China on Sunday, 29 October 2017.
The guests will be returning to China on Monday, 30 October 2017 with morning flight which will depart Harare International Airport at 0800hours, hence requesting that the urgent Cites permit should be ready today (Sunday, 29 October 2017).
The gifts have been purchased by Office of the President and Cabinet from F Madzinga Ivory Manufacturers of Harare.
Several other such letters were written between 2016 and 2017.
Mr Mangwanya said, In October last year, I was phoned by a lady (name supplied) from State House who demanded that I sign the permits so that the artefacts could be sent to China.
I couldnt sign, but the lady threatened me, saying the First Lady would call me directly to deal with the issue. I wasnt happy about the whole process because I had not seen the consignment. I could not just append my signature.
I wanted everything to be done in accordance with the laws of the country and Cites regulations. I want to mention that ever since the coming of the new dispensation, poaching levels have dropped sharply in Hwange because the market has been disturbed.
Zimparks spokesperson Mr Tinashe Farawo added: The Zimbabwe Republic Police have requested permit documents processed by one F Madzinga with a view to photocopying them.
The international relations office, in liaison with the investigations office, recommends that the documents be accompanied by senior ranger (security) Cavin Majuru and senior ranger (permits) S Gushe.
President Mnangagwas Special Advisor, Ambassador Christopher Mutsvangwa, said the OPC was seized with the matter.
Investigations are certainly on. We received a report from a whistleblower and some of her clients. Police and the whistleblowers laid a trap for suppliers believed to be working for Grace Mugabe.
The culprits were caught and that is how the investigations started. When we were confronted with so much evidence, there was no way we could ignore; we had to act.
Zimbabwe has over the years suffered rampant poaching, with elephants the prime targets on account of their tusks which are used for ornaments and medicine.
About 400 elephants were killed via cyanide poisoning in Hwange National Park between 2013 and 2015.
In September 2015, authorities in Hong Kong intercepted 51kg of ivory worth over US$100 000 in two inbound airmail parcels from Zimbabwe. The airmail had been declared as decorative tiles.
Globally, poaching and wildlife trafficking are highly lucrative businesses, earning between US$23 billion and US$47 billion yearly.
They are jointly ranked fourth on the list of large-scale illegal trade after drug trafficking, counterfeiting and human trafficking. Sunday Mail
The government has put Zimbabwe National Army doctors on standby as the situation at the countrys public hospitals continues to deteriorate due to a month-long strike by doctors, Health and Child Care minister David Parirenyatwa has said.
Parirenyatwa (DP) Standard reporter Xolisani Ncube (XN) yesterday that he was concerned about the prolonged strike by doctors, disclosing that President Emmerson Mnangagwas office was now handling the negotiations to end the impasse.
The minister, who has been under fire for allegedly failing to resolve the strike, said the demands by the doctors were genuine and he felt that Zimbabwe should prioritise the health sector.
Below are excerpts from the interview.
XN: Its day 24 (yesterday) since doctors went on strike. Do you have any plans, tangible plans, to end the job boycott that has paralysed the health delivery system?
DP: We are taking the strike by doctors very seriously and right from the start, we have had a lot of negotiations through the Health Services Board (HSB) under the tripartite forum.
Usually when things like this occur the strike and when people are negotiating, it is always better not to negotiate through the press.
Once we start negotiating through the press, there is always escalation. So we have taken a stance that we continue to talk because we believe that the concerns by doctors and other health practitioners are very genuine and need to be addressed holistically.
I am aware that the doctors also agree that we are working so hard to convince (the Ministry of Finance). To be quite honest with you, the biggest challenge is the finance.
We all agree that there is a need for people to be cushioned a bit in terms of allowances, on-call allowances, salaries and so on, but all these things centre around finance.
I am glad that now the matter has been escalated to a higher office, the Office of the President and Cabinet [OPC]. This is how serious the matter has now become.
It has been long. The grievances are genuine and they need to be addressed in such a way that it does not begin to disturb other areas of government.
XN: The doctors have complained about drug shortages in hospitals, they are saying: we cant treat patients with prayers, we are not prophets. As Health minister, what are you doing to address these issues?
DP: We have a number of initiatives that have been put in place to ensure we have drugs at our institutions. This is a very serious matter, which I believe does not confront the Ministry of Health alone. We have the health levy, which has raised $22 million to buy more drugs. But we still need a lot of money from the treasury so that we are able to provide a comprehensive health package to our people.
We dont want to hear that our people do not have drips, do not have drugs and that is what government should commit itself to.
I was talking to the president recently and he committed himself to fund these things, the tools of the trade, the environment where doctors and nurses are working from.
Things must improve, gloves must be available, emergency services must be kicking. I think these things are solvable in the short- to medium-term.
XN: Do you have statistics of casualties during the strike? Do you know of any deaths caused by the strike?
DP: When the strike continues like it has done, you find a lot of people not willing to come to hospitals because they know that there is a strike.
We dont then know what happens in communities and it is very sad. that is why we think it is urgent that our doctors go back to work.
They have made their point, they have been out for a number of days, and they have been heard.
The only person who is now suffering is the patient. They have been heard, heard fully and government is in the process of addressing their issues.
XN: Zimbabweans are saying government is prioritising all that has to do with political power and not the welfare of people. Government is buying vehicles for chiefs yet doctors only want a duty-free facility to import vehicles.
DP: Yes, I think those are the kind of issues that I have said with regard to our priorities as a country. Our priorities should recognise the importance of health.
I have advocated that the health sector should be given the top priority. As a country, let us convince ourselves that health is a priority.
Often when we say let us improve the conditions of service for our health workers, others would come and say, what about us?
So if you convince each other that health is a priority, if you see salaries of doctors and think it is important for them to be increased, it would be better for us.
If we increase the salaries of doctors and nurses, people should not complain because it is a top priority. We need money for drugs, ambulances and other essential services; we would be doing ourselves a favour.
We dont want to lose these doctors who then go to other countries. We want them to train here and be specialists so that we can attract medical tourism as a country.
XN: What is the doctor to patient ratio in Zimbabwe?
DP: We have a high ratio of over 200 000 people per one doctor, that is not acceptable. What we need to do is to be able to keep our doctors here.
They should not just concentrate on Harare or Bulawayo; they should go all over the districts and provinces. And to achieve that, we need to train more, absorb them more, make them happier and we know that some are getting allowances from the Global Fund, but those are donors and donors can withdraw anytime.
XN: In case the doctors stick to their guns and refuse to go back before their demands are met, are there any contingency plans to alleviate the plight of patients?
DP: What we normally do when we are faced with such a situation, all emergency services should be kept and we usually get support from the uniformed forces.
We have put that on alert so that we can keep our emergency services running. We have asked some doctors from the uniformed services to be on standby, but it is not a sustainable position.
We should be able to have our doctors back at work as a matter of urgency.
XN: Your ministry has been issuing threats against the striking doctors over the job action. Why did you choose that approach instead of negotiations?
DP: As I have indicated, the matter is now before the highest office and proper attention is being given to the matter.
The OPC is attending to all those issues. as a minister, I would like to see doctors at work for the sake of patients.
We have heard their demands and a proper solution is being worked upon by finance as well as the highest office in the land.
XN: How far have you gone in absorbing nurses who have been outside the system for many years?
DP: As you know, last year we absorbed 2 000 nurses who were unemployed.
We have agreed with (Finance minister) Mr (Patrick) Chinamasa that he should take some more and he has agreed to take some more, at least 2 400 nurses, so that we fill the gaps. Standard
A ZIMBABWEAN mental patient was allegedly murdered in a South African hospital ward.
The mans family said they reported to the police that Tapiwa Chipika (33) had been killed after seeing marks on his neck suggesting that he had been strangled.
Doctors at Stellenbosch Provincial Hospital in Cape Town had said he died of natural causes.
South African police are now investigating a case of murder.
According South African media reports, Chipika, was admitted to Stellenbosch Provincial Hospital on March 11 where he was supposed to receive treatment for schizophrenia and an eating disorder.
Chipika, a horse groomer who has been living in the neighbouring country for the past six years, had reportedly gone missing for days.
His brother, Mr Solomon Shumbanhete, who went to South Africa to look for him, found him wandering around near Klapmuts train station and took him to hospital.
Mr Shumbanhete wanted to bring Chipika back to Zimbabwe because of the deceaseds medical condition. Doctors, however, told him that Chipika was mentally unfit to travel and would need to be hospitalised longer.
Mr Shumbanhete told a South African newspaper, Weekend Argus, that he had been informed by hospital staff that his brother would be kept overnight for treatment and observation at the hospitals psychiatric ward and discharged on the following day.
On Wednesday last week, Mr Shumbanhete discovered his brother had died from what doctors thought were natural causes.
It was only after family friends viewed the body at the hospital that they found strangulation marks on Chipikas neck and eventually concluded that he had been killed, he said.
Ms Priscilla Chidzonga, a family friend said when they arrived at the ward there were indications that Chipika had been strangled.
The nurses were actually surprised when we said Tapiwa was murdered. They actually thought that we were just going to look at him and thats it. But, we checked everything and the room was a mess and you could tell something violent happened in that ward, she said.
Mr Shumbanhete said when he went to the hospital to visit his brother during visiting hours on the day of his death, he was told he could not see him as he was asleep.
I insisted that I just want to see his face and the nurses refused and said they were not allowed to do so, he said.
Mr Shumbanhete said later in the evening he received a call from a friend informing him of Chipikas death.
My friend Simbarashe Chidzonga told me that Chipika had been killed.
Ms Megan Sonnenberg, the Cape Winelands District Health spokesperson, confirmed the death, saying the matter has been referred to forensic services for an autopsy to determine the cause of Chipikas death.
South African provincial police spokesperson for Western Cape, Sergeant Noloyiso Rwexana said they suspected Chipika was strangled.
There were laceration marks around the deceaseds neck and we suspect he could have been strangled, but however, we are still investigating, he said.
Ms Friederike Bubenzer, a mental health expert at the South African Institute for Justice and Reconciliation, said there is oversight of the security of mentally ill patients at hospitals in the neighbouring country.
We need to invest huge amounts of resources in taking care of the most vulnerable beings in society, she said.
Her comments follow recent reports in which more than 140 mentally ill patients died of either starvation or dehydration after they were transferred from Life Healthcare Esidimeni to 27 unlicensed non-governmental organisations facilities in Gauteng.
The NGOs were reportedly poorly managed, with many having no food for patients. Chronicle
(Newser) Europe's biggest and most active volcano is sliding into the Mediterranean Sea and could suffer catastrophic failure one dayeven if that day is far away, the BBC reports. Scientists who studied Mount Etna on the Italian island of Sicily say it is sliding just over half an inch annually thanks to weak sediment and a modest slope of 1-to-3 degrees. Moving east-south-east, Etna should reach the coastal town of Giarre nine miles away in just over a million years. Of greater concern: Etna could endure catastrophic failure on her lead flank, as experts have seen in extinct volcanoes that went adrift. "I would say there is currently no cause for alarm, but it is something we need to keep an eye on, especially to see if there is an acceleration in this motion," says lead author John Murray.
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"Around one million people live on Etna and its immediate surroundings, so the destruction of property and loss of life could be catastrophic," says Murray, per the Telegraph. "Clearly even the mention of such a dangerous event would be very unnerving for the people who live on Etna, so I am anxious that they don't get the wrong impression." Murray suggests measuring Etna's slide in 10 years to see if it has doubledwhich "would be a warning," he notes. His team's 11-year study marks the first time experts have seen an entire active volcano sliding on its base. Standing nearly 11,000 feet high between the cities of Catania and Messina, Etna spewed lava three times over just three weeks last March, the Sun reports. (Another volcano's eruption recently "annihilated" a mountain peak.)
(Newser) Carles Puigdemont, the former president of Catalonia, has been detained by German police after crossing the border from Denmark, reports the BBC. German police were acting on a European arrest warrant; Puigdemont is wanted in Spain on charges of sedition and rebellion that could see him imprisoned for 30 years. Puigdemont has been in self-imposed exile in Belgium since November, and was returning there from a trip to Finland when he was arrested. "The president was going to Belgium to put himself, as always, at the disposal of Belgian justice," a rep says. Things are again heating up in Catalonia, with Spain's Supreme Court ruling Friday that 25 Catalan leaders should be tried on charges ranging from rebellion to embezzlement. That ruling reactivated Puigdemont's arrest warrant, catching him off-guard while giving a university lecture. (Read more Carles Puigdemont stories.)
(Newser) A British newspaper editor in Dubai was found guilty Sunday of bludgeoning his wife to death with a hammer and was sentenced to 10 years in prison. Francis Matthew, the former editor of the English-language Gulf News, had faced the possibility of the death penalty in the July 2017 killing of Jane Matthew, his wife of over 30 years. Matthew's lawyer, Ali al-Shamsi, said he would appeal. A brother of Matthew's wife, who was in court for the verdict, expressed disappointment. "Our family has been saddened by the sentence given to Francis Matthew, Jane's killer. We believe the facts clearly demonstrate that this crime was a deliberate act," Peter Manning told the AP in a statement. Dubai police say they were called to Matthew's three-bedroom villa in Dubai on July 4. There, they say they found his wife dead, and the editor told them robbers had broken into the home and killed her.
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During a later interrogation, however, police say Matthew told them his wife had grown angry because they were in debt and needed to move. Matthew said he got angry when his wife called him a "loser" and told him "you should provide financially," according to police. Matthew told police his wife pushed him. He then got a hammer, followed her into the bedroom and struck her twice in the head, killing her, according to a police report. The next morning, Matthew tried to make it look like the house had been robbed and went to work like nothing had happened, throwing the hammer in a nearby trash can, police said. Manning said the sequence of events proved the killing was premeditated. "In the defendant's own version of events, he collected the murder weapon, a hammer, in the kitchen and carried it down two corridors ... to the bedroom. There was time for him to consider his actions."
(Read more murder stories.)
(Newser) A recent anthrax outbreak in Russia seems to confirm what a Norwegian town already knewthat dying should remain illegal, WN.com reports. The Arctic town of Longyearbyen, where 2,100 people brave bitter temperatures, has outlawed death since 1950. The reason: Permafrost keeps bodies from decomposing in the town cemetery, so deadly viruses could survive and infect the living if the permafrost thaws. That appears to explain a 2016 anthrax outbreak in Siberia, where a heatwave melted permafrost and spread the bacterial disease from a dead reindeer, killing more than 2,300 others, the BBC reported at the time. Scientists have also found traces of the Spanish Influenza in corpses preserved by permafrost in Alaska and Longyearbyen. The latter find, in 1950, prompted the town's quixotic law.
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Terminally ill residents are flown away to die, and those who die unexpectedly in Longyearbyen are interred elsewhere. The one exception is cremation, because the intense heat either destroys or deactivates viruses, Bustle reports. Residents are also encouraged to give birth elsewhere, because the territoryan archipelago called Svalbard that lies between Norway and the North Pole, the BBC noteshas only a small hospital. And Longyearbyen isn't the only place to outlaw death: Towns from Italy to France to Spain have done it, often due to cemetery overcrowding, the Guardian reports. The oddest anti-death law may be from 5th-century BC Delos, a Greek island where all tombs were dug up to satisfy the gods. "And it was proclaimed that in future, no deaths or births were to be allowed on the island," writes the historian Thucydides. (Svalbard is also known for its famous seed vault.)
(Newser) Autopsies show that an Iowa family found dead this week in a Mexico condo were killed by inhaling toxic gases, the Washington Post reports. The four family membersKevin Sharp, 41, wife Amy Sharp, 38, and their kids Sterling Sharp, 12, and Adrianna Sharp, 7did not die by "any violent act or suicide" in the condo in Tulum, per the Quintana Roo state prosecutor's office. The office ran photos of authorities in anti-contamination suits and firemen in respirators looking at the unit's oven and gas outlets, but didn't explain the apparent gas leak, the Des Moines Register reports. The family was vacationing on the Caribbean coast when they failed to return home Wednesday and US family members tracked their location using Apple's Find my iPhone app. (Read more Mexico stories.)
(Newser) The parents of a once-missing Texas girl were arrested last week after cops say they subjected her to serious abuse when she refused to let herself be handed over as a teenage bride. According to the Bexar County Sheriff's Office, the parents of Maarib Al Hishmawi sold the 16-year-old off to an unnamed man for the sum of $20,000. When Maarib refused, cops allege she was was beaten or worse. "This young lady, at various times over that time period was subjected to some pretty bad abuse because she didn't want to be married to this person," says Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar, per Click2Houston. "Several times it was reported to us that this young lady was abused with hot cooking oil being thrown on her body. She was beat with broomsticks. At least at one point, she was choked almost to the point of unconsciousness."
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Abdulah Fahmi Al Hishmawi, 34, and Hamdiyah Sabah Al Hishmawi, 33, were arrested Friday and charged with continuous violence against family, WOIA reports. Maarib reportedly disappeared Jan. 30 and the FBI had become part of the search before she was found in mid-March and placed in the care of a local organization. Authorities now say the teen had run away from the abuse. Maarib and her siblings are now being cared for by Child Protective Services. Salazar said it is likely the man to whom Maarib's parents intended to sell her will also be charged in connection with the case. (Read more missing teen stories.)
(Newser) President Donald Trump will not be adding two new lawyers to the legal team defending him in the special counsel's Russia investigation, one of the president's attorneys said Sunday. Trump attorney Jay Sekulow says in a statement that Washington lawyers Joseph diGenova and Victoria Toensing have conflicts that won't allow them to represent the president regarding special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation, the AP reports. The announcement came just hours after Trump used Twitter to push back against reports that he's having difficulty adding to his legal team, saying he was "very happy" with his current attorneys.
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Neither the president nor Sekulow specified the conflict regarding diGenova and Toensing, who are married to each other and law partners, but their firm has represented other clients in the special counsel's investigation, including former Trump campaign adviser Sam Clovis. Sekulow says Trump was "disappointed" that diGenova and Toensing won't be defending him in the special counsel investigation, but "those conflicts do not prevent them from assisting the President in other legal matters." On Sunday, diGenova and Toensing released a joint statement thanking the president but declining to give details on how they might represent him. DiGenova had been expected to usher in a new strategy for the president after Trump's lead attorney, John Dowd, resigned last week.
(Read more President Trump stories.)
(Newser) Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine fired back at President Trump Sunday over DACA's demise, which Trump blames on Democrats. "He is either lying or he is completely delusional, Kaine says on CNNs State of the Union, per Politico. "If President Trump believes in DACA, all he has to do is retract his executive order from September where he broke a promise to Dreamers and said he was going to end the program." Indeed, Trump axed the program in September, undoing President Obama's effort to let so-called Dreamersundocumented immigrants brought to America as childrenget work permits and stay in America. Negotiations between Trump and Democrats over DACA have repeatedly failed. "DACA was abandoned by the Democrats," Trump tweeted Friday. "Very unfair to them!" In other political news:
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John Bolton says tariffs against China could give the country "a little shock therapy." On New York AM 970 radio Sunday, the incoming national security advisor says Trump's proposed $60 billion in tariffs should limit China's infringements of intellectual property patents and copyrights. "The United States lives by these agreements," says Bolton, per the Hill. "All we're asking for here is for the Chinese to do the same."
says tariffs against China could give the country "a little shock therapy." On New York AM 970 radio Sunday, the incoming national security advisor says Trump's proposed $60 billion in tariffs should limit China's infringements of intellectual property patents and copyrights. "The United States lives by these agreements," says Bolton, per the Hill. "All we're asking for here is for the Chinese to do the same." Newsmax CEO Christopher Ruddy sees Trump shaking up his administration yet again, Politico reports. A good friend of Trump's, Ruddy said on ABC's This Week: "The president told me hes perplexed by all of these reports, theres chaos at the White House, more mass staff changes. He did say that hes expecting to make one or two major changes to his government very soon, and thats going to be it."
sees Trump shaking up his administration yet again, Politico reports. A good friend of Trump's, Ruddy said on ABC's This Week: "The president told me hes perplexed by all of these reports, theres chaos at the White House, more mass staff changes. He did say that hes expecting to make one or two major changes to his government very soon, and thats going to be it." Sources tell Foreign Policy that Bolton is expected to "clean house" with staff changes at the National Security Council. "He is going to remove almost all the political [appointees] McMaster brought in," per one source.
with staff changes at the National Security Council. "He is going to remove almost all the political [appointees] McMaster brought in," per one source. Gun control advocate and former astronaut Mark Kelly says the Parkland school shooting "could be different" in sparking new legislation, Politico reports. "These young people seem quite motivated" and "want to see change," he says on This Week. "So that's why I think this could be different."
(Read more Sunday morning talk shows stories.)
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New Delhi:
An Indian-origin man has been charged for stealing an amount more than $250,000 in a Ponzi scheme in which his friends and coworkers invested.
Niket Shah, residing in New Jersey got his assets freezed after being charged by the Securities and Exchange Commision. Shah used Spark Trading Group to defraud around 15 investors into investing hundreds of thousands of dollars on his schemes, according to the SECs complaint.
Niket Shah lied about his success as a trader to the investors for funds and altered financial statements to show profits when they were losing money.
The complaint alleges that Niket Shah promised about monthly returns and guaranteed against losses on the invested amounts and lied when investors asked for their money. He allegedly lied that money had been frozen by government agencies, including the commission.
Also Read | Mukesh Ambanis son Akash Ambani engaged to Shloka Mehta: Reports
"Fraudsters who swindle their friends and colleagues using doctored financial statements and outright lies should expect the Commission and its staff to act swiftly and decisively, as we have here today," Associate Director of the SEC's Enforcement Division Melissa Hodgman said.
Spark Trading and Niket Shah has been charged according to the SECs complaint with violations of the antifraud provisions of the federal securities laws. The SEC is looking for returns with interests and civil money penalties.
(With inputs from agencies)
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New Delhi:
Uttar Pradesh police on Sunday killed a murder accused carrying Rs 1,00,000 reward on his head in a brief encounter in Noida.
Shravan Chaudhary, a wanted in several murder cases in Delhi and UP got injured in the exchange of fire with Noida police. He later succumbed to the injuries during treatment in a hospital.
"The police have recovered one AK 47 and one SBBL gun from the spot," said DGP Headquarters.
This was the second encounter between UP police and criminals in the last 24 hours. Earlier on Saturday night, a wanted criminal with Rs 25,000 bounty on his head was killed in Saharanpur.
During the Saharanpur encounter, one criminal managed to escape. UP police has launched a search operation to nab the absconding criminal.
One police personnel was also injured during the encounter and is being treated in a private hospital.
As soon as we were informed about the incident we started rigorous checking & barricading. During the encounter, one of our personnel also got injured & is being treated in a hospital. Criminal killed had been involved in various crimes previously, said Babloo Kumar, SSP Saharanpur.
The police have seized Rs 1 Lakh, a motorcycle and a pistol from the spot.
New Delhi:
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has reportedly brought a new evaluation norm for class 10 and class 12 students in order to avoid any type of discrepancies in the process.
As per the new rule, a single answer script will now be checked by two teachers rather than one to ensure more transparency in the evaluation process.
"Now, two teachers will check the answer papers i.e., a single answer sheet will be evaluated by two teachers," reported a leading daily.
Meanwhile, talking about the latest development a parent said, "We welcome the move if the board has really taken such a step in the interest of the lakhs of students. Any error in the checking creates a lot of problems for the students and also affects their future."
In order to ensure a smooth evaluation, CBSE has further directed schools to relieve all the teachers nominated by the board strictly as per the schedule. The schools, which will fail to follow the same will be imposed a heavy penalty of Rs 50,000 per teacher.
"As per a notification sent to schools on March 5, all the schools are directed to follow the directions mentioned in the circular and relieve all the teachers nominated by the board strictly as per schedule. It has been observed in the past that schools adopt a lax attitude in relieving teachers for evaluation thereby hampering and jeopardising the evaluation process and release of results," a circular issued by CBSE reads.
Talking about the latest CBSE guidelines Surender Sachdeva, Principal, Delhi Public School, Bopal, said, "We need 19 teachers at every evaluation centre. Usually, 1-2 teachers cite medical issues or personal reasons and do not turn up, which hampers work. Hence, to ensure quality, the board has imposed a heavy penalty."
Also Read | NEET 2018: Counselling for PG seats extended till March 26
"Many times, principals are reluctant to give up their teachers fearing their work will be affected in the absence of those teachers for nearly 15 days or so. However, we have to ensure good quality paper assessment for our students. At DPS, Bopal, almost all our teachers get assigned for evaluation duty once we fill teachers data online and we face great difficulty. But Im still with the board on this," he added.
Last year trouble found the board as a large number of students from different parts of the country accused CBSE of carelessness in the evaluation process. Miscellaneous errors in the evaluation of class 12 answer sheets triggered strong resentment among the candidates in 2017.
Post that, CBSE was directed by Odisha HC to conduct a re-evaluation of 159 answer sheets following a petition filed over discrepancies in publication of Class 12 results.
Currently, CBSE is conducting the board examinations for class 10 and class 12 students all over the world. The Board examination for Class 10 students began on March 5 and will end on April 4 whereas the Class 12 exam, which started on March 5 will culminate on April 12.
Also Read: CBSE introduces metal detectors at JEE-Mains exam centres to prevent candidates from cheating
About the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE):
The Central Board of Secondary Education is a Board of Education for public and private schools, under the Union Government of India. CBSE has asked all affiliated schools to follow the NCERT curriculum only. While there are 19,316 CBSE affiliated schools in India, 211 schools in 25 foreign countries come under the board.
New Delhi:
Google on Sunday dedicated a doodle to late actor Farooque Shaikh on his 70th birth anniversary. Considered as one of the finest actors of his era, Sheikh was born on March 25, 1948.
Director MS Sathyu gave Shaikh his first big break in the industry with his film Garam Hawa. The actor played a supporting role in the drama film credited for being a pioneer of a new wave of Hindi art films.
Farooque Shaikh was a gem of Indian cinema who gave memorable performances in Chashme Baddoor, Umrao Jaan, Bazaar, Gaman and Shatranj Ke Khiladi.
Shaikhs comic timing in Sai Paranjpye directorial Chashme Baddoor impressed the critics and fans and made him different from his contemporaries.
Not just Hindi cinema, the Biwi Ho To Aisi actor made a name for himself in television and theatre world as well. The versatile actor was part of shows like Chamatkar, Ji Mantriji, Jeena Issi Ka Naam Hai and Do Dil Ek Jaan.
Who can ever forget the iconic show- Jeena Issi Ka Naam Hai? Farooque Shaikh was the host of the celebrity talk show which aired on Zee Tv.
The Rang Birangi actors camadarie with the B-town celebrities and his sense of humour was the USP of the popular show.
The actor was also known for his power-packed performances in plays. Shaikh starred in a successful play called Tumhari Amrita alongside Shabana Azami.
Todays Doodle by Nimit Malavia is a tribute to Farouque Shaikhs cinematic career in a style evocative of hand-painted movie posters of the 1970s, and especially Umrao Jaan. We see the wide-eyed romantic hero of the 1970s mature into a comfortingly familiar TV presence of the 1990s, bridging the gap between mainstream and arthouse cinema in India along the way, Google wrote in a post explaining the doodle.
Not many people know that Farooque Shaikh was actively involved with the UNICEF polio eradication programme. The Gujarat born actor made several trips to Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, two-polio-endemic states, and worked closely with the teams to get greater acceptance of the polio vaccine in these areas.
Farooque Shaikh left for his heavenly abode on December 28, 2013 after suffering a heart attack. The artist will always be known for his immense contribution to Parallel cinema.
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New Delhi:
KJ Alphons on Sunday claimed that the Indians have no problem in getting body naked before the white man for a visa but question the governments policy of Aadhaar and say it is an intrusion into privacy.
To this remark of Alphons, CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury slammed the Union Minister saying the statement is very undemocratic and wrong, and that it is an attack on peoples individuality.
Alphons, who is the Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology, gave a statement to ANI and was responding to the opposition parties anti-Aadhaar statements about data safety.
He said, I filled up to 10 pages for US Visa form. We have absolutely no problem giving our fingerprints&getting body naked before the white man at all. When your own govt asks for your name&address there is a massive revolution saying it's intrusion in privacy.
I filled up to 10 pages for US Visa form. We have absolutely no problem giving our fingerprints&getting body naked before the white man at all. When your own govt asks for your name&address there is a massive revolution saying it's intrusion in privacy: Union Minister KJ Alphons pic.twitter.com/PymtYRlvI1 ANI (@ANI) March 25, 2018
To this statement of the MoS, Yechury responded by saying that the question was not whether the people are unwilling to share information, but the question arises about Centres intention behind collecting the data on basis of Aadhaar.
He said, The personal information of people is their personal liberty, which is also their constitutional right. This is very undemocratic and wrong. It's an attack on people's individuality.
Also Read| Data of Narendra Modi app users being leaked to American companies: Rahul Gandhi
The statement by Alphons comes after Congress president Rahul Gandhi took a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and blamed him of data breaching to US based behavioural analytics companies through the BJP-powered NaMo app.
Gandhi tweeted Hi! My name is Narendra Modi. I am India's Prime Minister. When you sign up for my official App, I give all your data to my friends in American companies. Ps. Thanks mainstream media, you're doing a great job of burying this critical story, as always.
Hi! My name is Narendra Modi. I am India's Prime Minister. When you sign up for my official App, I give all your data to my friends in American companies.
Ps. Thanks mainstream media, you're doing a great job of burying this critical story, as always.https://t.co/IZYzkuH1ZH Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) March 25, 2018
The BJP, in its defence, said that Rahul Gandhi and his party have zero knowledge about technology and all they do is scare the people and continue to steal the data themselves. The party also said that the details needed to register for the NaMo app is contextual and cause-specific, and moreover, users can use the app in guest mode without revealing any data.
Narendra Modi App is a unique App, which unlike most Apps, gives access to users in guest mode without even any permission or data. The permissions required are all contextual and cause-specific. BJP (@BJP4India) March 25, 2018
Rahul Gandhi truly shows why he and his party have zero knowledge of technology. All they can do is scare the masses about technology while they continue to steal data using his Brahmastra of Cambridge Analytica. BJP (@BJP4India) March 25, 2018
Rahul Gandhi is in sublime form these days. After MRI & NCC, today he exposes his great knowledge about technology. He is so rattled by the Cambridge Analyitca expose that he daily tries to divert attention from it, yesterday it was the judiciary and today it is Namo App. BJP (@BJP4India) March 25, 2018
Alphons, on the other hand, said that the PM will never allow data breach and that every personal information of a persons Aadhaar is with the UIDAI only.
Also Read: UIDAI issues official statement on Aadhaar data breach, refutes any such incident
He said, What is given in Aadhaar are just name and address. Your bio-metric data is with UIDAI and let me assure you that it has not been breached, its absolutely secure. We have given authorisation to govt agencies to access. You think Prime Minister is going to give your data to a private company! Don't believe such fake stories.
What is given in #Aadhaar are just name & address. Your bio-metric data is with UIDAI and let me assure you that it has not been breached, its absolutely secure. We have given authorisation to govt agencies to access #Aadhaar information: Union Minister KJ Alphons in Trivandrum pic.twitter.com/C9znR1eJLR ANI (@ANI) March 25, 2018
You think Prime Minister is going to give your data to a private company! Don't believe such fake stories: KJ Alphons, Union Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology in #Trivandrum pic.twitter.com/Zl59ooKOPn ANI (@ANI) March 25, 2018
The UIDAI had given clarification over Aadhaar data breach on Saturday and said that reports of a leak of data by ZDNet, a technology news portal, is all false and that there is absolutely no breach of its database.
We refute the reports in a certain section of media sourced from ZDNet which quote a person purportedly claiming to be a security researcher that a state-owned utility company has vulnerability which can be used to access huge amount of Aadhaar data including banking details. 1/8 Aadhaar (@UIDAI) March 24, 2018
There is no truth in this story as there has been absolutely no breach of UIDAIs Aadhaar database. Aadhaar remains safe and secure. 2/8 Aadhaar (@UIDAI) March 24, 2018
We advise people not to get misled by such false and irresponsible stories being circulated in social and other media by some vested interests. 8/8 Aadhaar (@UIDAI) March 24, 2018
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New Delhi:
Clashes erupted in West Bengals Purulia after the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) held a rally on the occasion of Ram Navami, leaving one person dead. A puja pandal was also attacked in Bardhaman district.
Despite the disapproval of the local administration, the BJP held rallies across the state in which partys leaders, including party chief Dilip Ghosh, were seen participating. The people in the rallies were seen carrying weapons like swords and tridents and dressed up in traditional Indian attires.
In Purulia, one person died and four others, including three police officers, were injured in the rally held without any permission. 15 people were arrested later in connection with the incident.
Ananya Chatterjee Chakraborty, the chief of the states Child Rights Commission, was quoted saying that children holding heavy arms were also seen participating in the rally.
The BJP, however, claimed that the Trinamool Congress was behind the attack at the puja pandal in Bardhaman. State president Dilip Ghosh also participated in a rally in West Midnapore, carrying a heavy sword.
The partys women wing president Locket Chatterjee was seen carrying a trident, while partys national secretary Rahul Sinha was seen holding heavy arms in the rally.
Also Read| Ram Navami 2018: Know date, significance, shubh muhurat, Shri Rama mantra, prasadam
West Bengals Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had said that weapons will only be carried in areas where Ram Navmi is traditionally celebrated by holding rallies, the activists were seen carrying weapons in many areas.
Ghosh had warned the local administrators of the clashes saying If the administration tries to forcibly stop the rallies, clashes may occur.
Mamata Banerjee, however, had made it clear that peaceful rallies had to be held. She said, We are not against organisations holding Ram Navami processions but they have to be peaceful, after last years clashes in Purulia and Bardhaman. The state police was asked to tighten the security.
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New Delhi:
Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Sunday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of having compromised the personal data of millions of Indians, who had downloaded his personal mobile application.
Hi! My name is Narendra Modi. I am India's Prime Minister. When you sign up for my official App, I give all your data to my friends in American companies, Rahul Gandhi tweeted.
The Congress president also criticised mainstream media for burying the critical story.
Gandhi quoted a report that claims that personal data of people who had downloaded the official Narendra Modi Android application were being sent to a third party without the consent of app users.
Also Read | BJP is trying to change Ambedkar's Constitution, says Rahul Gandhi
When you create a profile in the official @narendramodi #Android app, all your device info (OS, network type, Carrier ) and personal data (email, photo, gender, name, ) are send without your consent to a third-party domain called https://in.wzrkt.com, said Elliot Alderson, a French security researcher.
When you create a profile in the official @narendramodi #Android app, all your device info (OS, network type, Carrier ) and personal data (email, photo, gender, name, ) are send without your consent to a third-party domain called https://t.co/N3zA3QeNZO. pic.twitter.com/Vey3OP6hcf Elliot Alderson (@fs0c131y) March 23, 2018
Alderson further claimed that the domain, https://in.wzrkt.com, where the data of Narendra Modi app users were being sent belongs to an American company called CleverTap.
The French cybersecurity researcher said the domain was classified as a phishing link by the company G-Data.
Phishing is a tool designed to carry out cyber-attacks and often used to steal user data, including login credentials and credit card numbers.
For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
New Delhi:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation in his monthly Mann Ki Baat radio program at 11 am on Sunday.
The 42nd edition of PMs Mann Ki Baat program will be aired on All India Radio. The monthly radio show will also be broadcast on Doordarshan and live-streamed on PMOs YouTube channel.
The radio program will also be aired in regional languages by Akashvani immediately after the Hindi broadcast.
In his last Mann Ki Baat address, Prime Minister Modi the youth to be motivated to serve society through science. He also focused on women empowerment and stressed on the need of participation of women in New India.
Also Read | March for Our Lives: Thousands gather outside White House to protest US gun violence
Live Updates
# 11:24 AM: PM Highlights the importance of preventive healthcare.
# 11:20 AM: Making healthcare accessible and affordable.
# 11: 17 AM: How to make the 150th birth anniversary celebrations of Bapu memorable? Let us think of innovative ways. Let us work towards fulfilling the dreams of Mahatma Gandhi.
How to make the 150th birth anniversary celebrations of Bapu memorable? Let us think of innovative ways. #MannKiBaat pic.twitter.com/UyIB6Ctyty PMO India (@PMOIndia) March 25, 2018
# 11:15 AM: Great people like Mahatma Gandhi, Lal Bahadur Shastri ji, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Ji, Chaudhary Charan Singh Ji and Chaudhary Devi Lal ji spoke about the importance of agriculture and welfare of farmers: PM
# 11:08 AM: I shall also request listeners of #MannKiBaat who are engaged in the field of Sanskrit, to ponder over ways & means to take Komaljis suggestion forward: PM
# 11:05 AM: I read a post on MyGov by Komal Thakkar ji, where she referred to starting online courses for Sanskrit. Along with being IT professional, your love for Sanskrit has gladdened me. I have instructed the concerned department to convey to you efforts being made in this direction: PM
# 11:00 AM: Just like every time earlier, I have received a rather large number of letters, e-mails, phone calls and comments from people across India: PM Narendra Modi
For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
New Delhi:
The security forces on Sunday gunned down an unidentified terrorist in Budgam district of Jammu and Kashmir. The terrorist was killed during an encounter in Arizal village of the district.
Following a tip-off, the security forces had launched a search and combat operation in the area. During the operation, the militants opened fire at the soldiers while trying to flee, which led to retaliation.
Acting on specific information about the presence of militants in Khan Mohalla of Arizal in Beerwah area of the district, security forces launched a cordon and search operation during the night, a police official said.
The militants, trying to flee, came out of the house and began firing indiscriminately, the forces retaliated, killing one militant, he added.
The forces have also recovered a huge cache of arms and ammunition from the site.
A local woman was also injured during the encounter. She is being treated at a nearby hospital and is reportedly in stable condition now.
The encounter in Budgam came hours after Jammu and Kashmir Police and Central Police Force shot down two terrorists from Jaish-e-Mohammed in a joint operation in Anantnag district.
(With inputs from agencies)
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New Delhi:
State-owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) is all set to invest about Rs 4,300 crore to expand its network in 2018-2019, while investing another Rs 5,000-Rs 6,000 crore is likely to be invested for government telecom projects, said a top official.
Anupam Shrivastava, Chairman and Managing Director of BSNL, told PTI that the Rs 4,300 crore investment will help to strengthen the mobile network, upgrade broadband infrastructure, and support the core network of the company.
Shrivastava said, Rs 5,000 to 6,000 crore will be spent on the government projects like Bharat Net, Network for Spectrum, the Comprehensive Telecom Development Plan for North East, as well as boosting connectivity to Andaman with optical fibre network, and others.
Shrivastava said the other government projects taken up by the company include providing bandwidth to Lakshadweep islands, and also provide connection to remote areas of Arunachal Pradesh.
Also Read: BSNL, Nokia pair up to offer 4G services in 10 circles nationwide
He said, Government is investing in large connectivity projects, where private players are not going. BSNL is being used as one of the vehicles to execute those projects and we do that work on behalf of government.
Shrivastava added that the company will likely install 12,000 mobile towers for 3G services and 10,000 mobile towers for 4G services in the country.
As per latest reports dated January 31, BSNL had 9.40 per cent of share of mobile services market and had an increase of 3.96 lakh customers during that month.
New Delhi:
Naomi Wadler, an 11-year-old student was among the thousands, who rallied in front of the White House for gun control across the United States on Saturday.
During the rally, called March for Our Lives, the students from Washington to Los Angeles to Parkland vowed to power a new generation of political activism against the gun violence.
Representing the African-American women and girls who have been victims of gun violence, 11-year-old Naomi captivated the protesters as she declared never again!
People have said that I am too young to have these thoughts on my own. They have said that I am a tool of some nameless adult. Its not true. My friends and I might still be 11, and we might still be in elementary school, but we know, said anguished Naomi.
We are done hiding, we are done being full of fear. This is the beginning of the end. From here, we fight, said Ryan Deitsch, a student from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.
Edna Chavez, a 17-year-old high school senior from Los Angeles, who had lost her brother to gun violence said, He was in high school when he passed away. It was a day like any other day. Sunset down on South Central. You hear pops, thinking theyre fireworks, she said.
Ricardo was his name. Can you all say it with me? she asked. The crowd shouted his name as Chavez smiled through tears.
The rally was aimed to press the US Congress to tighten the countrys notoriously slack firearm laws, which have made gun shootings a regular part of Americans' lives.
While the White House praised the students for exercising their right to free speech, President Donald Trump remained silent and didnt utter a single word, neither tweeted.
However, the rally inspired former US President Barack Obama and asked young students to keep leading the US forward.
Michelle and I are so inspired by all the young people who made todays marches happen. Keep at it. Youre leading us forward, Obama tweeted.
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Local residents and tourists are visiting Kumamoto Castle in southwestern Japan to view cherry blossoms in a picturesque setting.
The castle was heavily damaged by a series of earthquakes that hit the region in April 2016, and has since been closed for reconstruction.
The Miyukizaka slope, which leads to the castle tower, is a popular blossom-viewing spot.
It is being reopened to visitors this weekend and next.
A woman in her 70s who lives near the castle says that since childhood she has always looked forward to cherry blossom season, and that she is happy to get to see the flowers and the castle under the blue sky.
A female tourist in her 20s who visited with her family says the city is full of energy, and that she hopes reconstruction of the city will progress. - NHK
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has declared today a day of special prayers nationwide for Gods intervention in the quick rel...
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has declared today a day of special prayers nationwide for Gods intervention in the quick release of Leah Sharibu, the lone Dapchi school girl remaining in Boko Harams captivity.The terror sect is holding on to Leah for her refusd to renounce Christianity.CAN President, Reverend Samson Ayokunle said in Abuja that if Leah Sharibu means nothing to the government and the security agency that negotiated the release of other Dapchi school girls, her life means a lot to her parents and many Nigerians, irrespective of their religious affiliations.
A former minister of works and housing, Hassan Lawal, is dead.
A former minister of works and housing, Hassan Lawal, is dead.Mr. Lawal served as minister under late President Umaru YarAduaHe died in the late hours of Saturday after a protracted illness at the Turkish Nizamye Hospital in Abuja, a family member told newsmen.He is to be buried on Sunday according to Islamic rules.His burial will take place on Sunday morning at his home town, Keffi Local Government Area, in Nasarawa State.Until his death, at various times, he served as minister of labour and productivity, health minister, and works minister.He is survived by his two wives, children and relatives.
The police threatened yesterday to declare Senator Dino Melaye and Alh. Mohammed Audu wanted should they refuse to comply with an order o...
The police threatened yesterday to declare Senator Dino Melaye and Alh. Mohammed Audu wanted should they refuse to comply with an order of the court.Melaye and Audu are expected to appear before the Federal High Court, Lokoja on March 28, 2018 to answer to the criminal charges against them.The police also said the duos refusal to appear will make them seek a Warrant of Arrest for them and declare them wanted throughout the country and on INTERPOL platform.Force Spokesman, Mr. Jimoh Moshood, said in a statement yesterday that a suspect, Kabiru Saidu a.k.a Osama had confessed to the Police investigative team that Senator Melaye handed over a bag containing one AK47 rifle, two Pump Action guns and the sum of N430,000.00 for him to share with his boys.The confession prompted the police to invite the senator for questioning but the police said Melaye and Audu have refused to honour their invitation despite several attempts.Moshood said: Working on actionable intelligence, the Kogi State Police Command personnel and operatives of the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad trailed and arrested two suspects, Kabiru Saidu a.k.a Osama 31 YRS From Dekina LGA but based in Anyagba (Leader of the gang) and Nuhu Salisu a.k.a Small 25 YRS (a member of the gang), after a gun battle with the Police team that lasted for some hours on the 19th January, 2018 at Ogojueje in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State.During investigation, they confessed to the various criminal roles they played in the commission of several kidnappings and armed robbery, murder and other violent crimes in different parts of Kogi State for which they have been on the wanted list of the Police for more than two years now.The gang leader KABIRU SAIDU revealed that he and his gang have been working as a political thug for one Alh. Mohammed Audu a politician in the state and that Alh. Mohammed Audu invited him to Abuja and introduced him to Senator Dino Melaye and they met on Airport road, Abuja inside the Senator Dino Melayes car in the month of December, 2017.Saidu further confessed to the Police investigative team that Senator Dino Melaye handed over a bag containing one AK47 rifle, two Pump Action guns and the sum ofN430,000.00 to share with his boys.The Police conducted investigation into the criminal indictment against Sen. Dino Melaye and Mohammed Audu and discovered that the two (2) of them have case to answer.The two suspects namely; KABIRU SAIDU a.k.a OSAMA and NUHU SALISU a.k.a SMALL were paraded at the Kogi State Command Headquarters, Lokoja on 19th March, 2018.The statement further reads: It will be recalled that consequent on the confession of criminal offences indicting Senator Dino Melaye by the principal suspect KABIRU SAIDU a.k.a OSAMA 31 YRS, The Nigeria Police Force, sent a letter of investigation activities/invitation dated 2nd March, 2018 addressed to the Senate President, Federal Republic of Nigeria informing and requesting him to release Senator Dino Melaye to report to Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command on the 7th March, 2018 to answer to criminal offences of Conspiracy and Unlawful Possession of Prohibited Firearms levelled against him, this is to enable the Police Investigation Team carryout a discreet and thorough investigation into the case. But Senator Dino Melaye refused to honour the Police invitation.Based on evidence gathered so far in the matter, a case of Criminal Conspiracy and unlawful possession of prohibited firearms was filed by the Nigeria Police Force at Federal High Court Lokoja on 16th March, 2018 against the two principal suspects; Kabiru Saidu a.k.a Osama, Nuhu Salisu a.k.a Small; Senator Dino Melaye and Alh. Mohammed Audu. But Senator Dino Melaye and Alh. Mohammed Audu refused to appear in court on Tuesday, 20th March, 2018 when the trial was supposed to commence.
By Zack Rosenblatt | For NJ Advance Media
On March 23, a Harris County grand jury in Houston, Texas issued a warrant for the arrest of Eagles defensive end Michael Bennett on a felony charge for an incident involving a 66-year old paraplegic woman at Super Bowl LI in 2017.
The Houston Police Department, led by chief Art Acevedo, held a press conference on Friday afternoon to discuss the incident.
Acevedo and Bennett are two of the most important figures in the alleged incident.
Here's a closer look at 12 key figures involved in the incident and its aftermath.
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MICHAEL BENNETT
WHO: Defendant, Eagles defensive end
INVOLVEMENT: Bennett was indicted on Friday with the felony charge of "injury to an elderly individual" stemming from the alleged incident that took place in February, 2017 at NRG Stadium. Bennett allegedly shoved his way through locked doors, past multiple stadium security personnel one of them a 66-year old paraplegic woman, who allegedly sprained her shoulder as a result of Bennett's push in order to get onto the field and celebrate the New England Patriots' Super Bowl LI victory over the Atlanta Falcons. Bennett was a spectator at the event.
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UPDATED Eagles' Michael Bennett incident: Everything you need to know
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BARBARA TATMAN
WHO: Complainant
INVOLVEMENT: The 66-year old paraplegic woman 65 at the time of the incident whom Bennett allegedly shoved and caused bodily harm. As revealed at Friday's press conference, Tatman is paralyzed from mid-chest all the way down and rides a wheelchair weighing approximately 800 pounds. Tatman didn't return a phone call from NJ Advance Media seeking comment. Tatman, per HPD chief Art Acevedo, was (and is) and employee of NRG Stadium.
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Bob Levey/Getty
ART ACEVEDO
WHO: Chief of Houston Police Department since November 2016.
INVOLVEMENT: Acevedo is in charge of the HPD and led Friday's press conference where he detailed the HPD's investigation (and indictment) of the alleged incident involving Bennett. Acevedo spoke harshly of Bennett's character at the press conference, referring to him as "morally bankrupt", "morally corrupt" and that the alleged incident was "telling of his character." Acevedo implored Bennett to turn himself in.
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MAJOR ASSAULTS UNIT
WHO: A unit that, according to the official City of Houston website, "conducts investigations of all adult assaults where the complainant is expected to survive along with all other non-family or non-sexual assault offenses. These include crimes involving deadly conduct, harassment, and terroristic threats. Additionally, they perform follow-up investigation on kidnappings not investigated as an in-progress offense."
INVOLVEMENT: The Houston policeman on site who witnessed the alleged incident whom Acevedo said attempted to prevent Bennett from entering the field area filed a report in May 2017 that was referred to this unit, which led by an HPD detective, began an investigation in late September where interviews were conducted with Tatman, NRG stadium officials and other witnesses. Acevedo said calls were made to contact Bennett and the NFL to no avail, at least initially.
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KIM OGG
WHO: Harris County District Attorney, elected in November 2016
INVOLVEMENT: Acevedo said after the months-long investigation in total, it took 14 months from the time of the alleged incident until Friday's indictment the case was presented to Ogg, who submitted it to a grand jury. Acevedo said other cases including violent crimes and Hurricane Harvey aftermath took priority over the Bennett case.
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RUSTY HARDIN
WHO: Hardin is a Houston-based criminal defense attorney who will team up with Dallas-based attorney Frank Perez as part of Bennett's legal team. According to Hardin's website, some of his prominent professional athlete clients have included Warren Moon, Wade Boggs, Scottie Pippen, Steve Francis and Roger Clemens.
INVOLVEMENT: Hardin is Houston-based and, according to the Houston Chronicle, has represented several local athletes in high profile cases. Hardin told the Chronicle that he has not met Bennett yet, but spoke with him over the phone Bennett was in Hawaii on vacation. Bennett intends to return to the mainland on Monday and turn himself into the authorities.
The Chronicle described Hardin as "dumfounded" by Acevedo's harsh comments at the press conference on Friday, saying: "I have supported this chief of police (Acevedo), but what he said today was inexcusable ... His job is to investigate, arrest and charge people he believes may have committed a crime and to let the system decide whether they are guilty. To call a person charged with a crime 'morally bankrupt' is impermissible. It's over the top"
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ASHLEY/MARTELLUS BENNETT
WHO: Bennett's sister (Ashley) and brother (Martellus)
INVOLVEMENT: Martellus is the recently retired tight end who was playing for the New England Patriots at the time of the incident. There are multiple photos of the two together after the game, which would also have to of taken place after the alleged incident.
Ashley is Bennett's sister, who sent a string of tweets on Friday after the indictment came down that included such tweets as "don't believe everything you see in the news" and that she had a video of Bennett from after the game that lawyers wouldn't let her post.
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HOWIE ROSEMAN
WHO: Eagles general manager and executive vice president of football operations
INVOLVEMENT: As the decision-maker in the Eagles organization, Roseman will be the one to determine the proper path forward as it relates to Bennett's future with the team. Roseman made the decision to trade a fifth-round pick and receiver Marcus Johnson to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for Bennett and a seventh-round pick, and it will likely come down to his decision whether or not to cut the team's losses and move on. Releasing Bennett would save the team $5.65 million without any dead cap penalty.
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Eagles' Michael Bennett indictment: 10 unanswered questions | Did Eagles know? Will they release him?
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DOUG PEDERSON
WHO: Eagles head coach
INVOLVEMENT: While it will more likely be Roseman's final decision on what to do in regards to Bennett's future with the Eagles, Pederson will likely contribute to the discussion. The Eagles have one of the strongest locker rooms in the NFL, and Pederson will have to decide if bringing Bennett into the fold with this possible distraction is worth fracturing that at all.
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JOHN SCHNEIDER
WHO: Seattle Seahawks general manager
INVOLVEMENT: Schneider, with Roseman, agreed to the trade that sent Bennett to the Eagles. But Bennett was still a member of the Seahawks organization when the alleged incident took place. The NFL will likely need to (or should) investigate how much knowledge the Seahawks had of this alleged incident prior to completing the trade with the Eagles, and if (or how much) they informed the Eagles of this. For what it's worth, the team has denied any knowledge of the incident.
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Jeffrey Lurie
WHO: Eagles owner
INVOLVEMENT: Lurie has given Roseman leeway to conduct business, and that's especially not about to change after Roseman helped Lurie earn his first-ever Lombardi Trophy with a victory in February's Super Bowl LII over the Patriots. But this is Lurie's team he literally owns it and he will always have final say in any decisions that involve the organization's well being. If Lurie doesn't like the idea of an off-field distraction disrupting the flow of a defending Super Bowl champion, he might consider nudging Roseman in the direction of Bennett's release.
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ROGER GOODELL
WHO: NFL commissioner
INVOLVEMENT: Acevedo said that the HPD attempted to contact the NFL. Does that mean Goodell, or anyone in the league office, was aware of the incident before Friday?
Also, the NFL's personal conduct policy is enforced by Goodell, who determines punishment for violation of the league rules. Per the policy, Bennett doesn't even necessarily need to be found guilty for Goodell to determine if Bennett should be suspended.
Per the official policy: "A player violates this policy when he has a disposition of a criminal proceeding (as defined), or if the leagues investigation demonstrates that he engaged in conduct prohibited by the Personal Conduct Policy. In cases where a player is not charged with a crime, or is charged but not convicted, he may still be found to have violated the Policy if the credible evidence establishes that he engaged in conduct prohibited by this Personal Conduct Policy."
Even if Bennett is released by the Eagles or found guilty of the charges and sent to prison that likely wouldn't have any bearing on Goodell's suspension decision. It would still take hold if/when Bennett signed with another organization.
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Zack Rosenblatt may be reached at zsr1090@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @ZackBlatt. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
IRVINGTON, N.J. (AP) -- Law enforcement officials in New Jersey say a 42-year-old man has been charged in connection with a double shooting that left one woman dead.
Irvington police and Essex County prosecutors say the women were shot at a residence on Saturday. Twenty-seven-year-old Adrianna Rodriguez, of Newark, died from her injuries. A second woman who was shot is in critical but stable condition at a hospital.
Euclide D. Valerio-Guzman, of Irvington, has been charged with murder, attempted murder, aggravated assault and weapons charges. It wasn't immediately known if he's represented by a lawyer who can comment on his case.
In municipalities around the state, something is missing from many meeting agendas -- an invocation.
Woodbury -- which has taken steps to be more inclusive and welcoming to all, especially the LGBTQ community -- is one of the latest municipalities to replace the traditional opening prayer with a silent moment of reflection. But not everyone's happy about it.
"Council meetings are open to the public to conduct city business," said Jessica Floyd, mayor of the Gloucester County city of 10,000. "To be clear, no one comes to council meetings for an invocation, they are coming to discuss the everyday affairs of the city."
The decision evolved after the formation of the city's Human Rights Commission, one of the first panels of its kind in the region.
The seven-member commission, which held its fist meeting in January, is charged with reviewing city practices "to eliminate discrimination and further the education of the public on issues of diversity and inclusion."
@AviRichler @RandiWoerner Beautiful and heartwarming invocation for the Woodbury Council meeting.So honored you could join us. City of Woodbury (@CityWoodburyNJ) September 2, 2015
"Its intent is to bring the community together," said commission president, Tony Doran, of the change. The commission "believes the moment of quiet reflection does that and is intended to make everyone feel part of the process. The people who've historically felt uncomfortable or excluded because of the invocation can now participate in the process without those feelings. And those who would like to pray still have that moment of quiet reflection to do so."
According to Doran, the recommendation went to Council President Tracy Parker who sets the council agenda, and Parker approved the move.
Parker did not respond to an email request for additional comment, but did answer concerns expressed at the first meeting where the change was implemented in late February.
"I'm just trying to make us all get along, and for us all to feel comfortable and us all to feel we can all work together," Parker said.
"Invocations will no longer be scheduled during the meetings of the city council," the city's notice announcing the change in procedure read. "From this point forward the city council will hold a 'Moment of Reflection' at the beginning of the meeting for all persons present. During this time all persons shall rise. Individuals may use this time to quietly reflect upon any ideals, thoughts, or prayers they choose."
Nixing the invocation, which normally would include open recitation of a prayer or the presenter's request for God's guidance in council's actions, did not initially sit well with all.
The new format appeared to surprise some council members when the new moment of reflection was first observed at the group's Feb. 27 meeting, although city officials said everyone had been made aware of the move in advance.
Councilman Kenneth McIlvaine was one who responded at the meeting about the change to members of the public who questioned the move, one of whom called the action "reserve discrimination."
"I'm very spiritual, I'm very religious, however this is what council has decided on as policy and unfortunately I have to sit here, like you, and concur with the policy that has been made."
He said he believed the move should have been discussed "face to face" by the council.
"Knowing discontinuing the practice and tradition of invocations and open prayer would offend the believers, who just happen to be the vast majority, deserves a little more attention than a simple email," McIlvaine said later referring to how council members learned of the change in procedure.
"Our Human Rights Commission, designed for issues such as these, weighed in and offered their recommendation to have a moment of reflection in place of an (invocation) to protect our employees and professionals that are on the clock and guests in attendance," Floyd said.
"To continue something because 'that's how it's always been done' is short-sighted and displays complacency."
Both McIlvaine and Councilwoman Karlene O'Connor emphasized their support for the commission and its objectives.
Across New Jersey municipalities are shifting away from the invocations at meetings as are county freeholder groups, so Woodbury's action is far from a first.
A casual survey of towns around Gloucester County shows only a handful of them still opt for an invocation while others hold a moment of silence. County freeholders only have an invocation during the ceremonial reorganization gathering, not at regular meetings.
Other towns and school districts around the state follow the same trend, a check of their meeting agendas shows.
A spokesman for the New Jersey League of Municipalities says the organization does not track which towns still include invocations as part of their meetings.
Ed Barocas, legal director for the American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey, said Woodbury's action is a positive step.
The moment of reflection is "much more appropriate than a prayer which is not inclusive of all the people in the community," he said.
"You shouldn't be made to feel like a political outsider because of your faith or lack of faith, especially when it involves gaining access to people in political power," Barocas said.
Along with creating the Human Rights Commission, Woodbury late last year adopted wide-ranging anti-discrimination laws and has made an effort to be especially welcoming to members of the LGBTQ community as part of its move to become more inclusive.
"Our society is changing - becoming more diverse - and Woodbury is thankfully not immune to that trend," Doran said. "Diversity makes us better. And if we don't evolve and welcome this new diverse population into the fold, we miss out on their contributions and are worse off for it."
Bill Gallo Jr. may be reached at bgallo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow Bill Gallo Jr. on Twitter @bgallojr. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips
HOBOKEN -- A local blogger helped raise more than $1,000 for Dress for Success by hosting a formal wear clothing drive on Saturday.
About one thousand donated dresses, suits, accessories, and shoes were sold at the Multi Service Center on Grand Street for $5 or less. The event was hosted by lifestyle blog Hoboken Girl.
All of the proceeds were donated to the Hudson County branch of Dress for Success. The remaining items were donated to local charities.
Check out photos from the event by Jersey Journal freelance photographer Rich McCormack.
JERSEY CITY -- A 54-year-old man shattered another drivers window and pulled him by his shirt during a road rage dispute on Thursday morning, officials said.
Richard Johnson was charged with simple assault and criminal mischief for the dispute that began on Route 7 in Kearny and continued into Jersey City, city spokeswoman Kimberly Wallace-Scalcione said.
At about 11 a.m., a 47-year-old man said he was driving east when Johnson started tailgating him. Johnson pulled up to the side of the victim's car and began yelling at him, Wallace-Scalcione said.
Johnson then got out of his car near the Routes 1 and 9 intersection, punched in the victim's car window, grabbed him by the shirt, and started yelling at him, she said.
The victim called police and suffered minor injuries. He decline any further medical attention.
Caitlin Mota may be reached at cmota@jjournal.com. Follow her on Twitter @caitlin_mota. Find The Jersey Journal on Facebook.
Holy God, be with us now as
we meditate on your Son's journey to
Calvary. Remind us that still, in this present
day, many of your children continue that walk
to Calvary, carrying heavy, difficult crosses.
May we be Simon to those whose burdens
are too heavy to be borne alone. May we be
Veronica to those who need the touch of
love and comfort. And may we, struggling
with our own crosses, always remember
your promises of justice, mercy and peace.
Amen
(Prayer courtesy of Catholic Relief Services)
***
The 14 Stations of the Cross are placed in every Catholic church, recalling the passion of Christ. A 15th, "The Resurrection," was added decades ago.
Many people pray these in church or at home on the Fridays of Lent and especially on Good Friday.
The stations date back to the custody of the Holy Land given to the Franciscans in the 14th century. People would replicate the Via Dolorosa, or Sorrowful pilgrimage of Jesus. In the 15th century, certain outdoor shrines would lead to the entrance of a church.
While the stations are set -- like the third station, "Jesus falls the first time'' -- adaptations and setting them to themes has become popular. When I was at St. Aloysius in Jersey City in the 1980s, we started outdoor stations with a community theme; they continue some 35 years later.
Today, the LGBT community has used stations that correspond to situations or events in the gay community. David Harvie, who organized the historic gay pilgrimage to Sacred Heart Cathedral in Newark last year, has prayed them with several parishes.
The artist Mary Button writes: "I believe that we can only begin to understand the meaning of the crucifixion when we take away our polished and shiny crosses and look for the cross in our own time, in our own landscape."
At the station where Jesus is laid in a borrowed tomb, Harvie recalled that some U.S. bishops have refused to grant lesbians or gay men funeral Masses if the deceased was legally married in a same-sex relationship.
"Like Jesus laid in a borrowed tomb, in some places, our LGBT brothers and sisters are not welcomed into their own faith community at a time of deep sadness," he said.
The stations recount how Jesus was persecuted and ultimately killed by government authorities. Many governments still persecute LGBT people simply for being who God has called them to be. In some places around the world, being gay is a capital offense.
Even in this country, while same-sex couples can marry in all states, businesses in some can deny services and fire at will.
"Even our own church fights for the right to fire some of its most loyal employees when they are found to be LGBT," Harvie said.
The pink triangle worn by homosexual prisoners in Nazi concentration camps can be compared to "the passion of Christ for a group often marginalized by our churches,'' he said
The Jesuit Refugee Service has composed stations for displaced people around the world. Its fourth station, "Jesus meets his mother," remembers the "millions of women who give birth to children while on their journey of displacement -- in transit, in camps, in urban areas."
"Jesus falls a second time" recalls how refugees arrive without shoes, hungry and without a clear plan: "They are traumatized by violence, feeling lonely and dejected."
When Jesus is stripped of his garments, the thousands of asylum seekers who flee to the U.S. and are detained -- more than 360,000 in 2016 -- are remembered.
Catholic Relief Services is one of the largest providers of financial support to troubled areas and in response to natural disasters. Their stations are called "Walk alongside Christ."
Their fifth station, "Simon helps Jesus carry the Cross,'' recognizes our role in the cross.
"Human beings are social beings: We are called to live in community,'' they pray. "By being together, by helping one another, we become the best versions of ourselves. We build a better planet. We bring about the reign of God."
EDITOR'S NOTE: The Rev. Alexander Santora is the pastor of Our Lady of Grace and St. Joseph, 400 Willow Ave., Hoboken, 07030, FAX: 201-659-5833; Email: padrealex@yahoo.com; Twitter: @padrehoboken.
Details ...
Stations of the Cross for Immigrant Justice, Good Friday, March 30, 2018, beginning at 10 a.m. at the Federal Court Building on Broad St., Newark, and ending at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Newark.
Jesuit Refugee Service/USA, 1016 16th St. NW, Suite 500, Washington, D.C., 20036; 202-629-5943, www.JRSUSA.org.
Catholic Relief Services, 228 W. Lexington St., Baltimore, MD 21201-3443; 877-435-7277, info@crs.org.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - They came as strangers from across the country, with wildly different perspectives on one of the most difficult and divisive issues in America today.
But no matter where they stood on the issue of gun violence when they arrived in the nation's capital this weekend, the 21 participants of "Guns, an American Conversation" agreed they left the first of the two-day gathering with a deeper understanding of the issues, and of each other.
"Just connecting with people changes this entire conversation," said participant Ade'Kamil Kelly of East Orange, New Jersey. "Now we're talking. Now we're moving to the next level of conversation."
As hundreds of thousands of protesters thronged Pennsylvania Avenue outside the Newseum for the March Against Violence on Saturday, the participants were huddled inside, engaged in deep discussion about a topic that has bedeviled lawmakers down the street on Capitol Hill: What should be done about gun violence in the wake of recent school shootings?
The group included a suburban mother and hunter, gun control advocates, gun violence victims, a teacher, a youth counselor, a competitive shooter, police officers, a decorated military veteran, a retired diplomat, high school activists and college students.
In addition to Kelly, the participants, chosen from a pool of almost 900 applicants, included:
John Noel Bartlett, of Oil City, Pennsylvania
Jennifer Brush of Solon, Ohio
La'Daniel Boykin of Denver, Colorado
Deza-Rae Collins of Salem, Oregon
Andrew DiNapoli of Belchertown, Massachusetts
Jon Robert Godfrey of Parish, New York
Alexis Intili of Staten Island, New York
Melanie Jeffcoat of Homewood, Alabama
Peter Lotto of Fayetteville, New York
Adrian Moy of Oregon City, Oregon
Nicholas O'Connor of Cleveland, Ohio
Jennifer Ruth Partica of Moon Township, Pennsylvania
David Preston of Mobile, Alabama
Ambar Ramos of Boston, Massachusetts
Nash Salami of Canton, Michigan
Robert Edwin Stone II of Ann Arbor, Michigan
Malak Wazne of Dearborn, Michigan
Ricardo "Cobe" Williams of Chicago, Illinois
Mathilde Wimberly of Metairie, Louisiana
Daniel Zelenka II of Covington, Louisiana
Ade'Kamil Kelly of East Orange, New Jersey
The project, led by Advance Local in partnership with the Newseum and Spaceship Media, started with the in-person weekend sessions and will run throughout the month of April when the 21 participants join 130 other individuals in an online discussion about guns in America.
Advance Local websites and newspapers will chronicle their journey together, and will be joined in coverage by partners from Time magazine and Reveal from the Center for Investigative Reporting.
"I felt I had an opportunity to walk in some other shoes," said participant Melanie Jeffcoat. "Maybe someone had the opportunity to walk in mine."
All I can say is, thank God that Donald Trump doesn't listen to his advisers.
That's the only rational response to the president's decision to name John Bolton as his national security adviser.
I heard a number of TV commentators say that, even though they disagree with his views, Bolton is "highly intelligent."
No, he's not. He's as dumb as the day is long - at the North Pole during the summer solstice.
In the run-up to the 2003 Iraq War, for example, Bolton confidently told us that removing Saddam Hussein from power in Iraq would be so easy we could then "turn right" and impose regime change on Iran.
Oops. The exact opposite happened.
Once the U.S. liberated the country's Shia majority from the rule of Sunni leader Saddam Hussein, they promptly formed an alliance with the Shia majority next door in Iran. (And Bolton was part of the Bush administration that ushered the Dawa Party into control of Iraq even though Dawa had attacked our Kuwait embassy in 1983.)
That's the sort of thing that led candidate Trump to pronounce the Iraq War "a disaster" and to attack Jeb Bush for calling his brother's removal of Saddam "a pretty good deal."
But as late as 2015, Bolton was proclaiming that "I still think the decision to overthrow Saddam was correct."
That's just plain stupid, at least according to the argument Trump advanced when he was a candidate.
Back then, The Donald was lampooning the Bush 43-era idea that "regime change" to liberate foreigners was a fitting goal for the government sitting in Washington.
He was also insisting on a foreign policy that would put "America First" - much to the consternation of those so-called "neo" conservatives who wanted America to become even more involved in transforming the Mideast militarily.
Bolton is perhaps the leading spokesman for that segment of the Republican Party - the same people Trump routed in that 2016 primary.
And even after all the "regime change" screw-ups in Iraq, Libya and Syria, Bolton was still proclaiming that his greatest goal is "regime change" in Iran.
He even wrote an op-ed piece titled "To stop Iran, bomb Iran," just before the Iranian nuclear deal was signed.
"Such action should be combined with vigorous American support for Iran's opposition, aimed at regime change in Tehran," he wrote.
That treaty, which is now in place, required Iran to give up nuclear weapons forever and backed it with the strictest monitoring regimen in history.
That means Iran represents no threat to the United States.
It's strictly a regional power, one that can't extend its influence beyond the so-called "Shia Crescent." Outside that relatively small area, the Shia of Iran are hemmed in by hostile Sunni states.
The Shia and the Sunni are now fighting it out in several places that most Americans could not find on a map, including Syria and Yemen.
(That includes our former governor; in 2016 Chris Christie made a speech in which he had Syria invading Yemen - even though the two are separated by 1,000 miles of Saudi desert.)
This is exactly the sort of struggle that Trump claimed to oppose back then he was pushing his "America First" policy.
So why is he naming a neocon like Bolton as his national security adviser?
I discussed this with Bob Baer, an ex-CIA agent who spent years in the Mideast and who authored the book "The Devil We Know: Dealing with the New Iranian Superpower."
There are two forces at work in trying to get the U.S. more deeply involved, he said. One is Saudi Arabia. The new strongman there is using his oil wealth to entice America into a war, Baer said.
"That's all Mohammad bin Salman cares about," Baer said. "If he has to have a $10 billion arms deal to get the U.S. to attack Iran, he will."
Then there is the Israeli government of Benjamin Netanyahu, which is the source of the call for the U.S. to bomb Iran, he said.
"Basically, Israel can do whatever it wants and the American people think of Leon Uris," he said, citing the author of the 1958 book "Exodus" later made into a movie. "They don't even realize Israel is divided and that a lot of Israelis disagree with Netanyahu."
Unlike Bolton, those Israelis are smart. They realize that Iran's allies in Lebanon have 20,000 or so missiles they could fire at Israel if a full-scale war broke out. It's a mystery how that would work out in Israel's favor, Baer said.
As for Trump, the Bolton pick shows he's just not paying attention, Baer said.
"I don't think he understands this at all," said Baer. "He doesn't read."
I have no idea whether that's true, but he does seem to rely on watching television when it comes to picking advisers.
If that's the case, someone should show him the clips of his own campaign speeches - the ones in which he opposed everything Bolton stands for.
Perhaps some of his more realistic advisers could read him his campaign speeches.
That would be a start.
ALSO - Bolton, Menendez and Torricelli and the shadowy terror group they support:
For anyone laboring under the delusion that Bolton is a conservative, consider the way he goes along with our liberal Democratic Senator Bob Menendez and our liberal Democratic ex-Senator Bob Torricelli in supporting a Marxist-Leninist terror cult that operates in Iraq and Iran.
As you read this, consider that the defenders of MEK argue that it is no longer listed as a terror group by the U.S.
True. But that's only because Bolton did the Mojahedin's bidding in lobbying to have MEK taken off the list.
This piece explains even more about the insanity of Bolton and his terrorist connections:
Rep. Leonard Lance wants us to know that Donald Trump and he have nothing in common and might even be bred from different species of animals.
"My personality is vastly different than Donald Trump's," Lance says. "I don't think I'm high on his list. And I hope that in America we are judged by our own actions."
What you are hearing is the sound of a blue-state Republican running for his life as a tidal wave bears down on him. Last week, the race was officially declared a toss-up by the Cook Political Report.
Lance has voted with Trump on 88 percent of the bills that have crossed his desk, but he's abandoned ship on the two biggest ones. He voted against the tax bill, and against the repeal of Obamacare. And he hopes those votes will save him.
"I have voted against his policies," he says.
Lance is part of a vanishing breed in American politics, a moderate Republican from a gentler era, a buffalo in the age of the railroad. During his decade in Congress, he has beaten back angry challenges from the Tea Party over and over, and now he faces fury from the opposite direction.
So, go ahead, feel sorry for the guy if you must. He's caught in a trap.
But know this: Trump wants Lance to win this race. And if your top priority is to stop Trump, then logic demands that you work to stop Lance.
Politics is a team sport, and Democrats need just 23 seats to take control of the House. That would bring Trump's legislative agenda to a screeching halt. And it would crack open the door to impeachment hearings, should Robert Mueller find damning evidence against Trump in the Russia investigation.
So, why would Trump care if Lance flakes off on a big vote now and then? Lance could be a frozen cadaver and Trump would still want him in that seat -- so long as he is a Republican cadaver.
The Democrat challenging Lance is Tom Malinowski, who has lived most of his adult life in Washington, D.C., working in the State Department under Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, and serving as Washington director for Human Rights Watch in between.
"Lance voted 90 percent of the time with Trump, and the other 10 percent, he's useless," Malinowski says. "He may get a free pass from his leadership to vote against something like the tax bill, but it passes anyway, and we are still hurt. His presence in the Congress enables the Republican majority to pass Trump's agenda."
Lance voted to install the current GOP leadership, including Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wisc. He offered "enthusiastic" support for Trump in 2016 and says he will vote for Trump again if he is the nominee. He denies that leadership gave him a "pass" on those big votes, saying he fended off serious pressure from GOP leaders.
But Lance himself has grown more conservative as the party has moved to the right, most notably on climate change. In 2009, he was one of a handful of Republicans to vote in favor of a cap-and-trade system to contain carbon emissions, but he's flipped and now says he would oppose it. He supported Trump's worst climate sin to date, the abandonment of the Clean Power plan.
Lance worries that moderates, right and left, are facing extinction. The best way to fix American politics, he says, is not to elect Democrats who promise to fight Trump at every turn. The answer is to support moderates from both parties, people like him and Rep. Josh Gottheimer, a centrist Democrat who sits with Lance on the "Problem Solvers" caucus.
"The best way to achieve common ground is to have moderates in the center from both parties," he says. "My hand will be strengthened if people realize the best public policy comes from the center."
But I wonder: Does that really work? I see zero evidence that Republicans today are paying attention to moderates like Lance. The tax bill is an assault on blue states, and Lance's objections didn't stop it. The House passed the Obamacare repeal, again over his objections.
I asked Lance where he has had impact, and he noted that the Senate rejected the Obamacare repeal. "My views prevailed, so I don't know how you can say I was ineffective on that."
That is weak gruel. Does anyone believe that Lance's vote in the House had a scrap of influence in the Senate?
Lance's vision is based on the hope that the Republican majority will move his way. I don't see any sign of that, and I wonder why the party would change course if it wins the mid-terms. Wouldn't that strengthen the status quo?
"If Leonard Lance's party controls Congress in 2018, the moderates will have zero chance of wresting control back from the far right," Malinowski says. "The only way that will happen is if the party loses and reassesses what it's become. There is no chance to heal their party if it continues to win under Trump."
Lance is a moderate fellow by temperament, a gentleman without a corrupt bone in his body. He wants voters to judge him by his own actions, not by Trump's. And who can dispute his warning that extreme partisanship is poisoning our democracy?
But we face a political emergency today. Trump must be stopped, and my guess is that Lance will be a casualty in that fight.
More: Tom Moran columns
Tom Moran may be reached at tmoran@starledger.com or call (973) 836-4909. Follow him on Twitter @tomamoran. Find NJ.com Opinion on Facebook.
The 2011 Fukushima generating plant disaster in Japan made the dangers of nuclear power very clear. Many European and Asian leaders reacted responsibly by accelerating their countries' phase-out of nuclear power.
But some U.S. leaders apparently care more about money from related industries than the dangers of nukes. Three Democratic state senators - Stephen Sweeney of Gloucester County, Bob Smith of Middlesex County and Jeff Van Drew of Cape May County -- are examples. All are primary sponsors of S877, the main nuclear subsidy bill.
The legislation subsidizes the continued operation of outmoded nuclear plants with a surcharge that raises your electricity bill. S877 and an identical Assembly bill (A2850) have been approved by committees, and stand ready for a final vote in each house.
"The bill forces New Jersey ratepayers to subsidize energy in other states, stretching all the way to Chicago," as Star-Ledger columnist Tom Moran wrote recently. "This bill puts the entire burden on New Jersey."
So why the rush, and why are only Democrats supporting it? The answer is political.
Van Drew entered the 2018 race for the 2nd Congressional District seat last November. For years, he declined to run against Republican incumbent Rep. Frank LoBiondo. But, with LoBiondo retiring and creating an open seat, Van Drew's chances are better.
An earlier version of the state subsidy bill failed in December, after its introduction in the last days of a lame-duck Legislature. Now, conservative Democrats who support Van Drew want to pass the new bill as soon as possible.
If they succeed, Van Drew can expect generous campaign contributions from electric utilities "all the way to Chicago" and beyond. He'll need that money for a contested June primary as well as for November, because much of his support comes from party insiders, not the Democrats' base.
This explains both the partisanship and the Democratic establishment's sense of urgency.
R. Baker, Mantua Township
Fear N.J. pension push from school guards
I think the Vineland Board of Education has the right idea if it decides to use armed security for our schools, as one board member has proposed. In the current deadly climate of mass school shootings, the safety of our students is paramount.
I believe that armed security works. A few years ago, I recall that a local movie theater hired armed security from a private company in response to a problem with local youth gangs. This security was utilized during the theater's peak business hours, and I haven't heard of a problem since. If it can work for a movie theater, it can work for our pubic schools.
However, I am concerned with the idea of hiring armed security from a pool of retired municipal, county and state law-enforcement officers. Being state employees, I fear that if hired, they will demand pensions on top of the ones they are already drawing from. Even Vineland school board member Tom Ulrich, a retired Vineland police captain who proposed the armed-security idea, has continued a second public job as an adjunct professor after qualifying for his police pension.
Although some specific special officer programs restrict further pension eligibility, hiring retired police officers for the schools could prove to be very costly for Vineland residents already overburdened with high property taxes. Unfortunately, nobody in this world works for free anymore. Even our local volunteer firefighters and emergency services personnel, since 1998, have received taxpayer-funded LOSAP (Length of Service Award) payments into 401(k)-type accounts.
The Vineland Board of Education should hammer out this problem before they proceed with posting armed security in our schools.
George I. Anderson, Vineland
Send a letter to the editor of South Jersey Times at sjletters@njadvancemedia.com
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He was already Dean of the Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, a pediatrics professor and a doctor who still sees patients at nights and on weekends. So why would Robert Johnson also agree to chair University Hospital's Board of Trustees?
He didn't exactly have a choice.
One of Gov. Chris Christie's final acts before he left office in mid-January was to designate Johnson chairman. Johnson replaces former Gov. Donald DiFrancesco, who resigned amid questions about the duties of his former assistant.
Johnson is a good fit, having been there at the hospital's beginnings at its central ward location and understanding where it needs to go in the future.
In 1972, he graduated from the medical school he now runs, and has devoted his career to improving the health of the city's residents.
"I was here before the first shovel went into the ground" when the construction on the hospital's current location began in 1977, Johnson said. "I was a student, a resident, and a faculty member there training the students, so I know how important University Hospital has been to the health of this whole state. It's been a safety net for people in this city for 100 years, and it has done a fine job doing that."
In a recent interview, Johnson described how the city's rising economic fortunes would translate into better health for Newark residents, as well a path to mitigate University Hospital's chronic financial struggles.
At age 71, Johnson said he can't imagine retiring -- not when efforts to combat some of the city's most stubborn health threats are paying off.
"I work out seven days a week. I'm in the gym every morning at 5 o'clock," he said, a broad smile creasing his face. "I feel great...I cannot imagine not doing this."
Digging out of a hole
University Hospital is the only public acute-care hospital in the state. The 467-bed institution relocated 40 years ago to city-donated land with a mission: to help Newark recover from the 1967 riots by meeting the city's public health needs.
The financial cost of that legacy is steep.
The hospital spent $48 million -- more than any of the 71 other hospitals in the state -- to treat uninsured patients in 2016, according to the most recent state figures. The hospital will receive $48 million in charity care reimbursement this year, according to the state Health Department.
The hospital also has historically received a special appropriation to cover costs, such as the $33 million the state is sending this year to cover pension costs.
In Fiscal Year 2018, the Hospital's operating budget is $666.5 million with a loss of approximately $36 million, said Board member Annette Catino, the finance committee chairwoman. But that's $11 million less than last year, she said. The hospital's success in meeting quality standards programs, such as in reducing admissions for Medicare patients, has earned it more federal aid, she said.
Johnson credits hospital CEO John N. Kastanis and his management team with finding ways to save money. "Things are looking up. Our bond rating is up," he added.
(The state Health Care Facilities Financing Authority extended University Hospital $255 million in bonds in 2015. In November, Fitch Ratings affirmed the hospital's "BBB" rating, which means expectations of default risk are low.)
When asked whether he envisioned a time when University Hospital would not be in the red, Johnson replied with a question.
"Do we envision a time in which indigent people have health care?" Johnson said. The political climate on Capitol Hill strongly suggests the answer is no, he said.
"In reality, we will continue to have communities within our country who do not have insurance and won't be able to get the care they need," Johnson said.
Robert Johnson discusses the health issues facing Newark. (Jeff Granit | For NJ Advance Media)
Choosing not to compete
An influential 2015 study by Navigant Consulting concluded there were too many hospital beds in the Newark area to be economically feasible.
Look for University to compete less and rethink which services it will continue to offer, Johnson said.
"We need to identify our real competitors, because I think our real competitors are... across the Hudson River and Delaware River."
Hospital officials are in talks to transfer their inpatient pediatric beds to Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, part of the RWJBarnabas Health system, because the demand has plummeted. The decline was so significant, it forced Rutgers, New Jersey Medical School to cancel the recruitment of first year pediatric residents for the 2018 program year," University Hospital spokesman Richard Remington said.
If this occurs, "we anticipate placing nearly all of our current inpatient pediatric staff in new positions," Remington added.
Since 2013, RWJBarnbas has had a management consulting agreement with University Hospital. Expect that relationship to grow, Johnson said.
"There's going to be some type relationship with the Barnabas System. Right now it's not absolutely clear," he said. (A takeover or merger is not under discussion, as University is a public hospital, he said.)
"There has to be a reorganization of hospitals in this city," Johnson said. "We do need to have some way of providing the care to the people who need it. We do not need to duplicate all of those things all over the city."
The demand for "high-cost care" -- surgerical procedures, treating people with serious infectious diseases, and trauma care -- remain strong, he said. These are mainstays for the hospital.
As medical school dean and board chairman, Johnson said his goal is to grow the number of primary care doctors. "We don't have a lot of private practices in the city," he said.
Newark's promising prognosis
Over the arc of his career, Johnson has seen the steady decline in Newark of teen pregnancy, HIV infections and crime. More recently, these improvements have overlapped a period of economic rebirth, as Whole Foods and Audible.com have opened their doors in Newark. In his State of the City address Wednesday, Mayor Ras Baraka boasted there's $4 billion worth of development in the pipeline.
"It's not all about doctors and nurses and hospitals. It's things like schools, housing and employment -- all of these things are important and the hospital has to work with the community.
"We are at point where we see a positive future, and that is something that will result in more jobs, and more jobs will lead to better (health) care."
Susan K. Livio may be reached at slivio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @SusanKLivio. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook.
A day after taking part in the March for Our Lives, Gov. Phil Murphy said Sunday morning that he "walked away with optimism" but warned that "we can't underestimate" the National Rifle Association.
The Democrat also said the fight for more gun control is not just about ending school shootings but the "daily drumbeat of violence" in cities like Newark.
"This ain't over," Murphy said during an appearance on New York City radio station WBLS 107.5-FM. "This is one major step in the right direction. But there are a lot of steps to come. And elections have consequences."
Hundreds of thousands of people took part in marches across the world Saturday to call for more gun-control laws in the wake of the Parkland, Florida school shooting and other recent gun massacres.
Murphy spoke at a march in Newark, the most populous city in New Jersey.
During the radio interview. Murphy repeated his vow to "sign all the gun laws" his Republican predecessor, Gov. Chris Christie, vetoed.
Six bills to tighten New Jersey's gun laws are up for votes in the state Assembly on Monday. Hours after his speech Saturday, Murphy released a statement promising to sign them into law.
But Murphy said Sunday there needs to be new national laws because 80 percent of gun crimes committed in New Jersey come from out of state.
Gov. Phil Murphy speaks Saturday at the Newark March for Life rally.
He suggested that means fighting against the NRA, which he called "the most successful lobbying group in the history of our country."
"We have to hold Congress' feet to the fire," Murphy said. "The NRA is a formidable foe. We cannot underestimate them. I think if the next generation stays with it, we will break their back and beat this lobby."
Meanwhile, a caller told Murphy that gun violence happens more frequently in cities. The governor said the new laws need to address all of it.
"God bless every life lost to gun violence," Murphy said. "Period, full stop."
The NRA opposes new gun laws, saying they would violate the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and make it harder for people to protect themselves.
The group is scheduled to co-host a rally in Trenton on Monday morning to protest the "unconstitutional" bills up for votes Monday -- measures the organizers say are "trying to be forced" through the New Jersey Legislature.
Many Republican lawmakers often oppose more gun-control legislation for similar reasons.
Amid the marches Saturday, the NRA took to social media to denounce the movement.
"Stand and fight for our kids' safety by joining NRA," the group said in a video on Facebook. "Today's protests aren't spontaneous. Gun-hating billionaires and Hollywood elites are manipulating and exploiting children as part of their plan to destroy the Second Amendment and strip us of our right to defend ourselves and our loved ones."
Brent Johnson may be reached at bjohnson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @johnsb01. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook.
State lawmakers are set to vote Monday on a package of bills to make New Jersey's already tough gun laws even tougher -- and Gov. Phil Murphy has vowed to sign them all if they reach his desk.
The state Assembly will consider six statewide proposals at the Statehouse in Trenton, including one to reduce magazine capacity, another to ban armor-piercing bullets, another to make it tougher to obtain a permit to carry a handgun, another to expand background checks on private gun sales, and two to keep firearms out of the hands of people deemed a threat to themselves and others in the state.
Meanwhile, the National Rifle Association and local gun-rights activists will hold a morning rally at the nearby War Memorial in Trenton to protest the bills before the voting session.
It all will happen two days after hundreds of thousands of people across the globe took part in the March for Our Lives -- rallies for more gun control organized by survivors of last month's school shooting in Parkland, Florida.
Murphy, a Democrat campaigned last year for tighter gun laws, spoke at Saturday's march in Newark. He said in a statement later in the day that the students' "activism inspires me and reaffirms my commitment to making New Jersey a national leader in passing common-sense gun safety laws."
The governor added that he is "ready as every" to work with the state Legislature and that he is "committed" to these bills passing "so I can sign them into law."
"Today we marched in memory of Parkland," Murphy said. "But, we will act in the name of every family and every community in our state that has been touched by gun violence, and the many more who wish to remain safe. The thousands of young people who came together today -- and the many adults who joined them -- have changed the conversation. We must listen to them and act to ensure a better, safer future for every New Jerseyan."
New Jersey's gun laws are already among the toughest in the country. And many of these Democratic-sponsored bills have been around for years, with some having been blocked by Murphy's Republican predecessor, Gov. Chris Christie.
But they've gained added attention since Murphy succeeded Christie in January and amid the intensified debate over gun control after the Parkland shooting and other recent massacres.
Even if the Assembly passed all of these bills, they would still need to clear the state Senate before Murphy could sign them. But that appears likely. Both chambers are controlled by Democrats.
Assembly Majority Leader Lou Greenwald, D-Camden, echoed Murphy's sentiments.
"This is a time that is long past due, but I think this is the right time," Greenwald, a sponsor of a few of the measures, told NJ Advance Media. "The times have changed."
"We continue to walk the line of protecting the Second Amendment, cherishing the Second Amendment, but putting reasonable restrictions like we do with freedom of speech," he added.
Assemblyman Andrew Zwicker, D-Mercer -- another sponsor -- said lawmakers are trying to carefully define "people who are a threat" and make sure they cannot obtain guns.
"These are important things for us to do to protect the citizens of New Jersey," Zwicker added.
But earlier Monday, gun-rights activists will gather in Trenton for the rally co-organized by the NRA and the Association of New Jersey Rifle and Pistol Clubs. The groups say the bills are "unconstitutional" are are "trying to be forced through" the Legislature.
Then, the New Jersey Second Amendment Society will hold a news conference around the corner at the state Republican Party headquarters with lawmakers opposed to the measures.
"The goal is to show our solidarity and unity against legislators who do not want to differentiate between lawful activity and criminal activity," said Alexander Roubian, the Second Amendment Society's president.
"They're specifically targeting law-abiding citizens," Roubian added. "They're making it harder for women to be able to protect themselves in self-defense situations, while (the lawmakers) simultaneously surround themselves with armed guards, which is the ultimate form of hypocrisy."
The bills on the docket Monday include:
* A1217, which would create restraining orders in the state allowing family members and others to ask a judge to have a person's guns seized and ban them from buying weapons for up to a year.
* A1181, which would mandate law enforcement in the state to seize a person's guns if a mental health professional determines they pose a threat to themselves or others.
* A2758, which would strictly define that state residents need to show a "justifiable need" to obtain a permit to carry a handgun -- meaning they must show they face a specific threat to their own safety.
* A2757, which would require all private gun sales in the state to go through a licensed dealer who can perform an additional background check at the point of sale.
* A2759, which would create an outright ban in the state on possessing armor-piercing bullets.
* A2761, which would ban magazines in the state that hold more than 10 rounds, with some exceptions.
Six of these measures were debated at a heated legislative hearing in Trenton last month.
Brent Johnson may be reached at bjohnson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @johnsb01. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook.
A French police officer married his fiancee only hours before he died from injuries he sustained when he traded places with a woman held hostage during a terror attack in Trebes, town in southern France, according to Sky News.
Lieutenant Colonel Arnaud Beltrame, 44, was fatally injured Friday (March 23) when he was shot three times by Redouane Lakdim during Lakdim's attack on a grocery store. When Lakdim tried to use a female employee as a human shield, Beltrame volunteered to stand in her place, Sky News reported.
Lakdim was later shot dead by police and Beltrame was brought to a hospital where he married his fiancee, Marielle, while on his deathbed, according to Sky News. The two met in 2016 and were set to be married in June.
A 55-year-old man was robbed at gunpoint and carjacked just after 7 a.m. Saturday morning (March 24), according to an initial report from New Orleans Police.
The man was near the intersection of Canal Boulevard and Lakeshore Drive when an unknown man, brandishing a gun, demanded his property. The 55-year-old handed over his things before the armed man fled in the victim's white Toyota Highlander, according to NOPD's major offense log.
No further information was immediately available.
New Orleans police said they were investigating a homicide that occurred Saturday evening (March 24) near the intersection of North Rocheblave and Pauger Streets in the 7th Ward.
Initial reports show a male victim with a gunshot wound to the head, NOPD said in an email at 6:44 p.m. NOPD spokeswoman Danielle Miller said the man was 24 years old. However, in the major offense log sent out Sunday morning, NOPD said the man suffered multiple gunshots wounds and he had yet to be identified.
Police have two blocks taped off on Pauger between Rocheblave and Law Street.
Officers appeared to be focusing their investigation on an empty lot on the corner of Pauger and Rocheblave.
Investigators placed black screens at the scene to shield the victim's body from view, but what appeared to be a man's body could be seen in the grass near a telephone pole.
A woman walked up to the crime scene tape, sobbing while on the phone. Three other women comforted her as she cried and looked towards the man's body.
Derrineisha Anderson, 26, said she has known the victim since she was 13-years-old. Anderson said the victim's sister is her best friend and that she has grown to think of him as a brother.
"He was always smiling. He was amazing, kindhearted and sweet. He was lovable and one of a kind," Anderson said.
Anderson said the victim had recently come home from jail and was trying to turn his life around.
"He did not deserve this," Anderson said. "He most definitely did not deserve this."
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A man who declined to give his name said he was sitting on his porch with his two 13-year-old sons around 6 p.m. when he heard eight to 10 gunshots ring out.
"There were a lot of them. But unfortunately, I didn't think too much of it because we're just kind of used to it," he said.
The man said he's lived in the home about a block away from the shooting for four years and hears gunshots at least once a week.
"It's concerning. My children can't come outside to play. It's not right."
A man and a woman at the scene said they had known the victim his whole life.
The woman said the victim and his older sister was raised by their grandmother, because their mother was killed in a car crash when they were children.
"He was always joking," the woman said. "He was a good kid, a funny kid. And he loved his family."
"We're all in shock," she said.
No other information was immediately available from NOPD.
Note: The victim's name was not included in this report because as of Saturday night, the Orleans Parish Coroner's office has not confirmed his identity.
Joe Lopinto will become the elected sheriff of Jefferson Parish, earning 52 percent of the vote over former department spokesman John Fortunato in Saturday's (March 24) election.
"From the bottom of our heart, we are humbled by your support. We thank you for being with us," Lopinto told supporters packed into his victory party at the New Orleans Marriott Metairie at Lakeway, surrounded by his family, friends and some elected officials.
Lopinto and Fortunato were locked in a contentious battle to replace former Sheriff Newell Normand, who unexpectedly retired in Aug. 31 to become a host on talk radio. Normand's unexpired term ends in 2020.
Lopinto, 41, worked as a deputy for seven years before earning a law degree from Loyola University. He was elected to the Louisiana House of Representatives in 2007 and headed the criminal justice committee.
Lopinto returned the Sheriff's Office in 2016 as the department's in-house counsel before Normand appointed him chief deputy and, later, chief of operations. Lopinto took over leadership of the department after Normand stepped down.
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Lopinto raised well over $1 million in his campaign against Fortunato, 66, a retired colonel and longtime spokesman for the Sheriff's Office. Both candidates challenged the other's claims of experience during the race.
Fortunato had an overwhelming lead in October, shortly after he announced his intention to run. But Lopinto closed that gap in the months that followed, with dueling polls showing a tight race.
"Seven months ago, the citizens of Jefferson Parish didn't know who I was," Lopinto said Saturday night.
"Over the last seven months, we showed them who Joe Lopinto was. We showed them that I have the experience, the capability, the education to bring Jefferson Parish forward," he said. "We're just beginning, y'all."
Tom Amoss has trained horses for 32 years, but he's never had a day quite like Saturday.
First, he won the Grade II $400,000 Fair Grounds Oaks for the first time in his storied racing career with Chocolate Martini, a 3-year-old filly he claimed only seven weeks ago for Double Doors Racing, LLC.
Then 30 minutes later, he placed second by a neck to favorite Noble Indy in the $1 million Grade II Louisiana Derby with Lone Sailor, who is owned by Tom and Gayle Benson's GMB Racing Stables.
In a half-hour, Amoss trainees earned $380,000 and qualified for the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby, the preeminent races for 3-year-old fillies and colts in the sport.
For a New Orleans native born and raised in Uptown, racing days simply don't get much bigger.
"This is a really big day in my life," said a beaming Amoss, as he accepted congratulatory handshakes and well-wishes from friends and fans. "It's more than I could have hoped for."
It might have been the happiest the ultra-competitive Amoss has ever been after losing a race. But the near-Daily Double was quite a training feat considering the modest pre-race prospects for each of his trainees.
Chocolate Martini was an afterthought at the betting windows, going off at 13-1 odds, the third longest shot in the field of seven fillies. Only four months ago she was running in a $15,000 maiden race. Amoss claimed her for $25,000 in early February, and she entered the race with the lowest career earnings ($26,043) of any filly in the field.
Now, she's headed to the Grade I Kentucky Oaks on May 4, after rallying from well off the pace to win by a head over Eskimo Kisses at the wire.
"We were very, very lucky to get this horse just as she was starting to become a better racehorse, which you see a lot with the young horses," Amoss said. "I can't stress enough how lucky we were to get her while she was maturing."
If not for Lone Sailor's high-profile connections, he likely would have also been overlooked at the betting windows. The brown son of Majestic Warrior had won just one of seven career races before Saturday but his second-place finish in a Feb. 19 allowance race at the Fair Grounds gave Amoss confidence he was finally starting to realize his potential. That performance combined with the Benson factor made him the sentimental choice of bettors, who bet down his 20-1 morning-line odds to 9-1 at the start.
And for a brief moment, Lone Sailor looked like he might actually pull off the upset as he headed front-running Noble Indy at the top of the stretch. But the Todd Pletcher-trainee showed his class down the lane and outfought Lone Sailor to the wire under jockey John Velasquez.
"We had a little traffic on the turn, but that's horse racing," Amoss said. "We got outrun down the lane and just came up a little short.
"I was very proud of my horse. There was no disappointment."
You could certainly say the same for the GMB Racing connections. On Friday, they laid to rest the stable patriarch, Tom Benson, at a funeral at St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square. Still mourning the death of her husband, the stable's namesake, Gayle Marie Benson, did not attend the race, the first major stakes race she's missed since launching the stable four years ago.
"I look forward to seeing Mrs. Benson," Amoss said. "I want her to see the look in my eyes because it's the same as all the other citizens of New Orleans. We love Mr. Benson, and we love his legacy. I want her to know how important this (day) was to me."
But the rest of the Saints-Pelicans management group celebrated in her stead, and understandably so. The second-place finish and accompanying 40 Kentucky Debry qualifying points will send the Saints-Pelicans ownership-management group back to the Run for the Roses for the second time in three years.
"Mr. Benson was shining down on this," said Greg Bensel, the clubs' vice president of communications and GMB Racing's stable manager. "We thought the cherry on top was the second line (parade on Friday), but this might have been the cherry on top. It's an amazing story."
As a veteran trainer, Amoss long ago dismissed superstition and intuition from his pre-race agenda. But Saturday was different. During his morning run, he said a voice in his head kept asking him if he believed his horses could win today.
"I've run in a zillion races, so I try to keep those voices out of my head," Amoss said. "You only win a few of these really big ones. I try to ignore that. I'm not going to get spiritual about this whole thing, but I really feel like Mr. Benson was with us today."
David Dunham won the open District B seat on the Slidell City Council, beating Tommy Benasco on Saturday (March 24), voting returns show.
Incumbent Sam Abney is term-limited and could not seek re-election. Dunham had 311 votes, or 53 percent; Benasco had 273 votes, 47 percent.
Benasco, 54, a contractor, said he wants to improve Slidell's business reputation.
Dunham, 47, who runs Gulf States Marble, said he wants improve the city's code enforcement efforts and clean up its neighborhoods.
Kevin Davis and Greg Cromer are headed for a runoff for the open mayor's post in Slidell. The two rose to the top of a four-candidate field Saturday, voting returns show.
Bruce Clement and Landon Cusimano finished third and fourth, the returns show.
Davis had 36 percent (1,879 votes); Cromer had 24 percent (1,277 votes). Clement had 23 percent (1,188 votes) and Cusimano followed with 17 percent (908 votes), the returns showed.
Voter turnout was 29.5 percent, according to the Louisiana Secretary of State's office.
Current Mayor Freddy Drennan was term-limited and couldn't seek re-election, which opened the door for the four well-known candidates to jump into the race.
"I'm exited,'' Davis said, adding that the next phase of the campaign starts immediately. "We'll regroup and concentrate on getting our message out.''
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In a statement, Cromer said Saturday night, "It has been a great pleasure to engage with so many of Slidell's great citizens, and I look forward to earning their votes in the next five weeks."
Clement is a former executive at Slidell Memorial Hospital. Cromer is a state representative and former City Council member. Cusimano is a current council member whose grandfather was once mayor. And Davis served three terms as St. Tammany Parish president.
Issues ranged from boosting Slidell's economy by hunting for new companies to bring their business to the city to preserving the reputation for safe neighborhoods.
The runoff is April 28.
From the start of the campaign, North Shore politics watchers predicted having four strong candidates would likely result in the mayor's race heading to a runoff.
Simone Veal was eight months pregnant when her estranged husband confronted her in front of her home in January 2017, chased her down as she drove away and shot her to death at the intersection of Barataria and Ames boulevards.
Sylvester Holt then shot off-duty Westwego Police Officer Michael Louviere in the back of the head as he tended to Veal, authorities said. Louviere, a Marine veteran and father of two, was rushed to West Jefferson Hospital but didn't survive.
Holt fled from police and killed himself after a standoff at the top of the Crescent City Connection. Under Louisiana law, Holt was forbidden to have a gun. But a loophole has allowed abusers to keep their weapons by default.
That could finally change. Senate Bill 231 from New Orleans Sen. J.P. Morrell would set up a process for offenders to surrender their weapons. The bill, which unanimously passed the Judiciary B Committee Tuesday (March 20), would require people prohibited from possessing a firearm to temporarily transfer the guns to the sheriff where they live or where the transfer order is issued.
The law also increases penalties for people who try to buy a gun fraudulently and calls for firearms dealers to report those attempts to the parish sheriff within 24 hours. Sheriffs then would check the state's protective order registry and other databases to see whether the person is forbidden to possess a weapon or carry a concealed weapon. The sheriff also would be required to notify the person who requested the restraining order of the risk.
SB 231 could be considered by the full Senate Monday. It ought to pass easily. Why wouldn't senators want to ensure that an existing state law is actually enforced?
Simone Veal and Officer Louviere aren't the only Louisianians who have been killed by an abusive spouse with a gun he shouldn't have had.
There was a restraining order in place in November when Krystle Landor, a 28-year-old mother of three, was shot to death near Lacombe by her ex-boyfriend. Her family said the criminal justice system failed her. "A convicted felon with a gun, and a mental patient; four days he's back out on the streets. A couple weeks he comes back out and killed my daughter," Ms. Landor's father told WWL-TV.
Louisiana ranks third in the nation for murders of women, according to the Violence Policy Center. Louisiana has 2.22 deaths of women per 100,000 residents, which is twice the national average.
One reason is the almost unfettered access abusers have to guns, Mariah Wineski, executive director of the Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence, said in a statement released in September.
"Although state and federal law prohibit many abusers from possessing firearms, our state lacks any consistent process for actually implementing these prohibitions," she said. "This means many people convicted of domestic abuse battery -- and therefore prohibited from possessing a firearm -- nonetheless retain access to their guns."
State law is clear on who cannot have a gun. People who are under protective orders or convicted of certain offenses of domestic abuse battery and battery of a dating partner cannot possess or buy a firearm or carry a concealed weapon, the United Against Domestic Violence Coalition said in an email on SB 231. The prohibition lasts for the length of the protective order or for 10 years following the domestic battery conviction. Louisiana also has had a "lie and try" law since 2012, which makes it a crime to provide false information to a federally licensed firearm dealer.
State Rep. Helena Moreno of New Orleans tried for two years to get a gun transfer provision passed, but lawmakers wouldn't agree to it because of resistance from sheriffs and other criminal justice officials. Basically, opponents didn't want to deal with additional paperwork, victim advocates said.
Some sheriffs and judges did the right thing, though. Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre has developed a process for tracking offenders who fall under the firearm prohibition. He notifies them of the law and works with them to surrender their weapons.
Judge Bernadette D'Souza, who was elected in 2012 as the first judge in New Orleans' family court, also is enforcing the gun prohibition in the domestic violence laws.
Other parishes ought to follow the lead of Sheriff Webre and Judge D'Souza, but clearly they aren't going to do so without more direction from the Legislature.
That is why SB 231 is so important.
For most of us, homeless people tend to be either invisible -- through-the-windshield images of panhandlers on the corner and tent cities under the bridge -- or in our faces -- with sob stories of sudden misfortune or threatening demands for money.
Our public policy has followed similar swings between neglect and stepped-up enforcement. It turns out that neither approach is effective and both have substantial hidden costs. Cities are finding that the real solutions lie in better focus and coordination and programs that should save taxpayers money in the long run.
But before venturing too far into the theoretical, we should note that police enforcement is needed, especially in protecting citizens from the belligerent beggars and those who defecate and urinate in public places and leave needles behind to endanger children and others.
At-large City Councilwoman Stacy Head who rarely allows herself the benefit of an unexpressed thought, was speaking for a lot of people last September in her reaction to reports of a homeless man who had been cited 60 times for aggressive panhandling, failing to appear in court and other misdemeanors.
"I represent the whole city, and there is not one part of the city that's not upset about the aggressive solicitation, the aggressive panhandling, the being urinated on," Head said during a hearing on municipal court funding. "At some point, we've got to decide: Who do we value the most? And if you have been harassed 60 times by the same person, at some point, we as a society have to start saying, we cannot have this anymore if we are going to have any semblance of a civilized society."
It turns out that the man Head was complaining about, 59-year-old Michael Stacker, had passed away six days earlier, one of at least 60 homeless men and women who died on the city's streets last year, according to reporting by NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune's Katherine Sayre and Rich Webster.
In addition to making Head's point, Stacker's life and death also tells us something about the flaws in the city's approach to dealing with homeless people. Repeatedly ticketing, arresting and fining a homeless man would seem to meet Einstein's definition of insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.
In some cases, an arrest only accelerates the decline: Being in jail or having a record makes it harder to find work; mounting fines lead to more incarceration and at some point a surrender of hope for ever getting off the streets.
Breaking the cycle is not only the humane thing to do, it also is the best use of community resources.
Some of those exhibiting threatening behavior are dealing with mental illness and the drug and alcohol abuse that comes with self-medicating. All of the people living on the streets are more vulnerable to illness and injuries that end up being treated expensively in emergency rooms, not to mention the cost of transporting the sick and mentally ill to jail or hospitals.
A May 2015 study by the Central Florida Commission on Homelessness found that the region was spending $31,000 a year per homeless person on "the salaries of law-enforcement officers to arrest and transport homeless individuals -- largely for nonviolent offenses such as trespassing, public intoxication or sleeping in parks -- as well as the cost of jail stays, emergency-room visits and hospitalization for medical and psychiatric issues."
By contrast, the study noted, getting each homeless person a place to live and a caseworker to supervise their needs would cost about $10,000 per person -- a third of what the region was paying.
The answer is clearly intervention: diagnosis to treat mental illness and addictions, more stable housing and care to keep homeless people off the streets and out of the ER, and better coordination between government agencies and the many charitable and nonprofit organizations that are available to help.
New Orleans is taking a major positive step with a new 100-bed homeless shelter scheduled to open later this spring on the second-floor of the old Veterans Administration hospital downtown, on Gravier Street. It will be a 24/7 "low-barrier shelter," meaning it won't require the occupants to be sober, pay an entrance fee, commit to a minimum stay or participate in programs.
That may sound too lenient and enabling, and it will be if the city fails to follow through with the original promise of onsite substance abuse and mental health services.
Mayor-Elect LaToya Cantrell, who as a City Council member was part of the initial effort to develop the shelter, said she doesn't know why the mental health and substance abuse components weren't ultimately included in the shelter construction.
She needs to find out and fix it. Operating the shelter without those services is just putting the problems temporarlily out of sight.
Tim Morris is an opinions columnist at NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune. He can be reached at tmorris@nola.com. Follow him on Twitter @tmorris504.
The state will soon be pushing the locally elected officials of Powhatan out of the way to administer the finances of the northwest Louisiana village that in mid-July had only $105 in its general fund and is hiring a cop to drum up some money from
New Orleans Saints punter Thomas Morstead went under the clippers and had his head shaved during the annual St. Baldrick's Day fundraiser Saturday (March 24) at Finn McCool's in New Orleans.
The event, which included a silent auction, raises money to support childhood cancer research.
A loose barge struck a concrete wharf wall and leaked nearly 10,000 gallons of biodiesel Sunday morning (March 25) in the Mississippi River in New Orleans, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.
At 6 a.m., as the sun was rising, the wake of a passing boat caused the barge to break away from its towing vessel at mile marker 93, near the Poland Avenue wharf. The rogue barge then struck the concrete wharf wall, which caused a hole that discharged around 9,700 gallons of biodiesel, according to a release from the Coast Guard.
In total, the crash could result in 21,150 total gallons of leaked fuel, the Coast Guard said.
OMI Environmental Solutions, an oil spill response service out of Belle Chasse, and the Coast Guard were at the scene mitigating the spread. The leak has reportedly stopped, the Coast Guard announced.
No injuries, nor waterway restrictions were reported.
Margaret Haughery was celebrated in her own lifetime as "the orphans' friend," a generous philanthropist who during the mid-19th century eschewed luxury and helped feed and house thousands of needy children of all races in New Orleans. After her death in 1882, almost all of the fortune Haughery had amassed through a dairy and a prize-winning bakery went to charity.
Two years later, a statue depicting the beloved Irish immigrant was dedicated at the intersection of Camp and Prytania streets, where it still stands. "She devoted her life to orphaned children and the needy," reads a placard at what is known as Margaret Place.
Haughery was the subject of a NOLA.com | The Times Picayune "300 for 300" tribute to mark the city's tricentennial this year, as well as a recent essay written by Rosie O'Donnell and published in the book "Nine Irish Lives."
But like many prominent New Orleanians of the 19th century, and particularly those memorialized in metal or stone after Reconstruction, Haughery has a complicated legacy.
It's true that as Haughery's businesses prospered, she founded and financed orphanages, and at a time when there was a desperate need for them. War and yellow fever had combined to deprive many young people of parents.
But for all her magnanimity, Haughery was not apolitical. By one account her post-Civil War philanthropy extended to a white supremacist organization that terrorized black people and for a brief period overthrew the state government in a violent episode considered to have been a turning point in Reconstruction, which ended in 1877.
Haughery ran prominent advertising for her bakery in the Daily Democrat newspaper on a regular basis in the late 1870s and early 1880s. The Democrat was the official journal of both the city and state government, as well as the news media arm of the political party from which it took its name. Its editor was Henry Hearsey, a Confederate veteran who once called for the extermination of black people in America.
During Reconstruction, the Democratic Party in Louisiana had been aligned with the White League, an armed group that used intimidation and violence to achieve its political goals. Sometimes White League members simply committed murder.
In a story published in the Democrat on Sept. 7, 1879, Haughery is recognized for contributing to a fund for the 10 orphaned children of former Confederate Gen. John Bell Hood, a New Orleans resident who had died of yellow fever a week earlier. "She has always set aside a large sum for benevolent uses, upon which she never fails to draw, on every demand and appeal to her heart," wrote the Democrat. "And a very large heart she has."
The author of the story, which carries no byline, as was customary at the time, wrote that during "the long struggle for the redemption of Louisiana, her purse was always open" and referenced her support of a Confederate military unit from New Orleans during the Civil War. She also contributed to flood-relief efforts, the Democrat story says.
The reporter included firsthand knowledge of Haughery's donation of baked goods to the White League in the immediate aftermath of its Sept. 14, 1874, attack on the integrated Metropolitan Police in downtown New Orleans. That bloody episode came to be known as the Battle of Liberty Place. (A granite shaft erected to celebrate the White League's victory was the first of four post-Reconstruction monuments removed from public spaces in New Orleans last year.)
"On the fourteenth of September, when the people's soldiery arose and hurled the Radicals from power, the writer visited the bakery and informed Margaret that our soldiers needed bread and her payment would depend on our success," the story says. Haughery responded: "There is the store. Take all if you need it, and never mind the pay."
Haughery's ties to the White League are not mentioned on the placard near her statue at Margaret Place, nor in most biographical sketches. But her generosity to the group was perhaps not altogether forgotten.
After her death on Feb. 9, 1882, an organization was quickly formed to raise money for a statue. The first meeting of the Margaret Monumental Fund Committee was held later that month at the Union Street home of Fred Ogden, also known as Gen. Ogden, who had been the commander-in-chief of the Crescent City White League when it went to war with the Metropolitan Police in downtown New Orleans on Sept. 14, 1874.
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President Yoweri Museveni has appealed to judges to desist from engaging in corruption if they are to uphold the integrity and reputation of the judiciary.
Museveni was speaking at State House Entebbe while swearing in 11 of the 16 newly appointed judges. Museveni said the only way Ugandans will have trust in the judiciary is by the judges exemplifying the highest degree of respect of their judicial oaths to dispense justice without fear or favour.
My appeal is that you should come with the intension of upholding the reputation of the court system among the population. The population must trust you knowing that once a matter goes to the court the judge will decide on it without bias or corruption, Museveni said.
To do this, Museveni said there is need for support from all stakeholders but as the support comes in, Museveni added, the judges must make sure they are playing their role.
Museveni also said that the judiciary must also address the colonial rigidities sometimes which get in the way of justice.
What is more important; procedure or substance, legal ritual or customer satisfaction? Sometime you hear the procedure says this but dont people have eyes to see beyond procedure and see substance? Museveni said.
Museveni also said he was very happy that increasingly the judiciary is being taken over by young people.
When you hear of names like Tuhaise [Percy Tuhaise appointed Court of Appeal Justice] they are recent; they are not our traditional names which were quarrelsome so you can tell from the names that these are NRM generation. Im very happy to see the young judges come up. Its pleasing to see the evolution of these institutions,
For his part the chief justice Bart Katureebe called on the judges to uphold their oaths and dispense justice without bias.
Welcome to life in glass bottle, I urge you to think very deeply about the oath you have taken today most importantly the oath to do justice to all manner of people. People increasingly expect nothing less of high moral integrity. People must trust us and must trust our integrity, Katureebe said.
He thanked the president for appointing new judges but said the numbers are still low to manage the work at hand
Museveni the latecomer
As is always the case, the president was expected at 1pm but it wasnt until 3.30pm that he showed up.
I must apologise because the program was delayed I was commissioning a barracks of the SFC [Special Forces Command] but I knew you were comfortable here; its not bad place, Museveni said.
Two judges; Richard Butera and Paul Mugamba were appointed as justices of the Supreme Court; Steven Musota, Christopher Izama Adrama, Percy Night Tuhaise and Ezekiel Kurabiraho Muhanguzi justices of the Court of Appeal.
Paul Gadenya Walimbwa, Alex Makay Ajiji, Coneria Kakooza Sabiti, Tadeo Asiimwe, Olive Kazarwe Mukwaya, Janefrancis Abodo, Musa Ssekaana, Joyce Kavuma, Emmanuel Baguma and Richard Wejuli Wabwire were appointed as judges of the High court.
bakerbatte@observer.ug
U.S. Reps. Peter DeFazio and Cathy McMorris Rodgers underscored the Columbia River Treaty's enduring value to the United States and Canada in their recent guest column, ("Modernizing our Columbia River Treaty," March 14). Canada agrees and believes that much can be gained from a modernized treaty that recognizes the benefits to both countries.
Under the treaty, coordinated planning and real-time flow management has enabled flood control, hydroelectric power generation, irrigation, stable water levels for ship navigation, and other benefits downstream. Climate change makes this planning and management even more important.
The representatives contend that the United States still pays Canada for flood control in the form of electric power benefits. To clarify, the treaty deals separately with flood control and the shared benefits of electricity generation. The United States made a one-time payment of $64 million for flood control in 1964. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers estimates that the treaty has helped save many billions of dollars from downstream flood damage.
Another part of the treaty addresses electricity generation. The United States shares with Canada half of the incremental electricity potentially generated as a result of Canada's flow management of the Columbia River and tributaries. This is called the Canadian Entitlement.
Without a modernized agreement, the flood control provision will expire in 2024, while the main body of the treaty has no expiration. This helps explain the United States' pursuit of new funding mechanisms for flood control.
Canada looks forward to working with U.S. partners to modernize and improve the treaty, to ensure its mutual benefits for years to come.
Brandon Lee is the Consul General and head of mission of the Consulate General of Canada in Seattle.
UPDATED Monday, March 26: Authorities have publicly identified a man who died Saturday after he was hit by a truck while trying to cross the southbound lanes of Interstate 5 as a Nevada resident.
Kirk Daniel Wilcox, 42, of Sparks, died in the crash, according to the Oregon State Police. The investigation continues.
***
An unidentified man died Saturday night after he was hit by a pickup truck while trying to cross the southbound lanes of Interstate 5 in Salem on foot.
The crash occurred shortly before 9 p.m. south of the Kuebler Boulevard overpass and the man was wearing dark clothing, according to a press release from the Oregon State Police.
The driver of the 2015 GMC pickup, Christopher Scott Linn of Albany, tried to avoid hitting the pedestrian and is cooperating with the investigation, the police said. The man who died appeared to be 42 years old and homeless. Police did not release his identity because they were still trying to contact his family.
--The Oregonian/OregonLive
Not a day goes by in this city without someone arriving at a hospital carrying a plant as way to show they care. Some plants leave with the patient. Some get thrown out.
This one stayed.
To find it, wind through a series of hallways and take the elevator up to 5W, the oncology wing at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center. The plant, a spindly palm about 3 feet tall, is in the corner of a small room used by families who need a place to reflect on the journey of those they love.
Long ago, a woman dropped the plant off on 5W.
And there it grew.
For 21 years.
It may seem frivolous to write about a potted plant. But the story is a parable, a gentle reminder of what makes us human: compassion, memory and soul.
***
In the early 1990s, Kitty Cannan, a nurse in Buffalo, New York, moved to Portland after a divorce. She wanted to be closer to her extended family. St. Vincent hired her and Cannan requested a post in oncology because she believes God directed her to work with those who find themselves on that wing.
Now 67, Cannan has witnessed thousands of people struggling with brutal medical information, discovering in that moment and those that follow what truly matters in a life and what to let go. Being part of that intimate process, she believes, honors her sense of spirituality and allows her to help others.
Shortly after Cannan started at St. Vincent, a 70-year-old woman arrived on the wing. Elsie Lowy had an advanced case of leukemia. Cannan took care of her.
Lowy, born and raised in New York City, and Cannan shared stories of their lives.
Even in the midst of grueling treatments that left her exhausted, Lowy told Cannan not to work too hard and to spend time with her two sons. Cannan brought a day bed into the room so Lowy's daughter, Jody Heaton, could sleep by her mother's side.
"I was scared and depressed," Heaton said. "Then Kitty would come in. I'll never forget her looking into my mom's eyes and listening to her. She'd sit on my mom's bed and talk with her and hold her hand."
After two months, the doctors said the leukemia seemed to be in remission and it was fine for Lowy to leave, though she'd have to come in weekly for exams. Lowy used the time to attend her daughter's wedding and later to be in the delivery room when her grandson was born.
But soon, she was back on the oncology wing and under the care of Cannan. Lowy worried about ending treatment. Heaton saw her mother suffering.
Cannan helped them prepare for what was next. Comforting the two was one of the most rewarding times in her career and she remembered their strength later when her own parents passed away.
Heaton took her mother home to die.
Afterward, Heaton thought about the life her mother had led, a single parent who raised her showing what it meant to be a confident and independent woman.
Then she thought about the nurse.
One day, she went to a florist and brought a small plant to give to Cannan. She took the elevator to the oncology wing and walked the hall until she found Cannan.
"I told Kitty my mother had died," Heaton said. "I thanked her and gave her the plant. I hugged her, then I turned around and left the hospital."
***
After a few days, Cannan wasn't sure what to do with the plant.
Throw it out?
She couldn't.
Looking at the plant made her remember the Florence Nightingale Pledge. The oath she'd taken when she first became a nurse speaks to the profession's ethics and principles. Back then, Cannan had promised to devote herself to the welfare of those in her care, committed to always be present in the moment.
The oncology wing, like most places in a hospital is rooted in science and fact. What the X-rays reveal, what the tests prove, what the blood count signifies. Cannan understood the certainty of that world and was good at being a part of it.
But this small plant reached deep into her heart. She took it into the family room for patients, and for the next two decades she cared for it, clipping leaves and branches, repotting it as it grew.
"Every time I watered that plant I remembered the love Jody and her mother had," Cannan said. "I remembered the courage of Elsie in saying it was time to end treatment and the courage of Jody to accept this and go on with only the memory of her mother's love."
In early March, it was time for Cannan, now the unit's charge nurse, to get ready to retire. She finished her paperwork, tied up loose ends and began giving her supervisory responsibilities to others.
She had one last task.
What to do with the palm?
Cannan planned to downsize and travel, and there was no room in her home for the plant.
So much time had passed, few people knew what the plant represented. Cannan worried that it would eventually die in the family room with no one to look after it.
She asked a young nurse if she'd like to take the plant to her home. The nurse agreed.
***
Jody Heaton, now 57, recently decided to become a hospice volunteer. In that role, she would spend time in a hospital sitting with dying patients while nurses took care of their medical needs. She completed a 32-hour training and orientation program and was sent to St Vincent to get her name badge.
"It was the first time I'd been back since my mother died," she said. "It brought back a lot of memories."
Heaton knew she couldn't leave that day without making one more stop.
"I was a little hesitant," she said. "But enough time had passed. I needed to go up, just for a few seconds to remember."
She stepped off the elevator, saw the corridor of the oncology wing and turned to get back in the elevator.
"Can I help you?"
Heaton turned.
"Kitty?"
"Jody?"
***
Cannan said she was retiring March 21. Jody said that was her birthday, she'd turn 58. Cannan invited her to attend the party on 5W. Jody said she'd be there.
There was, of course, one final piece of business.
"She led me to this room," Heaton said. "She showed me my plant."
"I had no words," Heaton said. "I was in tears."
Cannan said another nurse planned to take it but Heaton could have it back if she wanted. Heaton said it felt right to have the plant go home with a nurse.
The retirement ceremony this past Wednesday was just the way Cannan wanted it: No fuss, to the point and back to work.
Friends and co-workers brought gifts.
As did Cannan.
Knowing she'd see Heaton one last time, Cannan had taken a cutting from the plant and put it in water in her home. The two branches were growing roots.
Once she had been given a plant by the daughter of a patient.
And now she was giving part of it back.
The branches were in a small vase.
They're now in Heaton's home, in a kitchen window facing the sun, getting stronger and more full of life with each passing day.
--Tom Hallman Jr.
thallman@oregonian.com; 503 221-8224
@thallmanjr
FORT PIERCE, Fla. -- A Florida man has been reunited with a cat he lost 14 years ago.
TCPalm.com reports Perry Martin of Fort Pierce said he had assumed his orange tabby named Thomas Jr., or T2 for short, had died in traffic.
Martin moved in with a friend after Hurricane Jeanne clobbered the state in 2004. A few days later, T2 escaped the home and never returned.
Martin had T2 implanted with a microchip in 2002. He never had news of his missing pet until a Martin County Animal Services officer called him March 9 to tell him T2 was in a shelter in Palm City.
Martin said he initially thought the call was "too crazy to believe."
The pair reunited last week at the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast.
-- The Associated Press
In January Patently Apple posted a report titled "FBI Director Christopher Wray takes up the Fight against Smartphone Encryption calling it an 'Urgent Public Safety Issue.'" Last year former FBI Director James Comey stated: "I could imagine a world that ends up with legislation saying that if you're going to make devices in the US you figure out how to comply with court orders." Director Wray told an audience of FBI agents, international law enforcement representatives and private sector cyber professionals that "We face an enormous and increasing number of cases that rely heavily, if not exclusively, on electronic evidence. A solution requires significant innovation, but I just do not buy the claim that it is impossible."
Last night the New York Times posted a report claiming that Federal law enforcement officials are renewing a push for a legal mandate that tech companies build tools into smartphones and other devices that would allow access to encrypted data in criminal investigations.
F.B.I. and Justice Department officials have been quietly meeting with security researchers who have been working on approaches to provide such "extraordinary access" to encrypted devices, according to people familiar with the talks.
Based on that research, Justice Department officials are convinced that mechanisms allowing access to the data can be engineered without intolerably weakening the devices' security against hacking.
Against that backdrop, law enforcement officials have revived talks inside the executive branch over whether to ask Congress to enact legislation mandating the access mechanisms. The Trump White House circulated a memo last month among security and economic agencies outlining ways to think about solving the problem, officials said.
The F.B.I. has been agitating for versions of such a mandate since 2010, complaining that the spreading use of encryption is eroding investigators' ability to carry out wiretap orders and search warrants a problem it calls "going dark."
A National Academy of Sciences committee completed an 18-month study of the encryption debate, publishing a report last month. While it largely described challenges to solving the problem, one section cited presentations by several technologists who are developing potential approaches.
They included Ray Ozzie, a former chief software architect at Microsoft; Stefan Savage, a computer science professor at the University of California, San Diego; and Ernie Brickell, a former chief security officer at Intel.
According to several people familiar with the new round of deliberations, those three men have been participating in a series of workshops convened at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology by Daniel Weitzner, a computer science professor. They have discussed their research with government officials, including Valerie Cofield, a senior F.B.I. science and technology official working on "going dark" issues.
The researchers, Mr. Ozzie said, recognized that "this issue is not going away," and were trying to foster "constructive dialogue" rather than declaring that no solution is possible." For more on this read the full NY Times report here.
In February Israel's Cellbrite made it known that it was able to unlock all iOS versions up to 11.2.6.
A spokesperson for Cellebrite stated: "With its service offering, Cellebrite can retrieve (without needing to root or jailbreak the device) the full file system to recover downloaded emails, third-party application data, geolocation data and system logs. Agencies can either provide the device already unlocked, furnish the known passcode, or use Cellebrite's Advanced Unlocking Services to unlock the device. Once the device is unlocked and/or extracted, it is returned to the originating agency. Any extracted data is also sent to the agency in encrypted form to ensure privacy and protect operational information."
While on the topic of cyber security, Apple's CEO Tim Cook kicked of this year's China Development Forum in Beijing yesterday addressing user privacy concerns. Cook has called for stronger privacy regulations that prevent the misuse of data in the light of the controversial leak of Facebook user information.
In contrast Amnesty International began a new campaign against Apple last week over Apple betraying Chinese iCloud users.
In the bigger picture, now that Apple has caved on demands for customer data from the Chinese Government, the EU is now working on a Law that could force companies like Apple to give up customer data on Demand. These latest moves have provided the FBI with ammunition to renew their call to Congress for action on this front so that important cases don't go dark any longer.
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On our recent trip to Ireland we visited Fourknocks, a small passage tomb about 11 miles south of Newgrange. None of us had been there before and Vyviane Armstrong recommended it, so we asked our taxi driver to include it on our tour for the day.
It ended up being quite the adventure.
No key here
Fourknocks is not popular enough to support a visitors centre, but it contains some beautiful 5000 year old rock carvings that could and would be damaged if they were left open to the public at all hours of the day and night. So while anyone can walk into the field and see the tomb from the outside, going inside requires a key to unlock the door. The sign tells you where to find it.
Except the roads arent marked, and its not quite clear which left turn you should take there is no true crossroads. We took the first left, which we soon figured out was wrong. We came back and took the next left and started counting houses. The sign said it was the 6th house on the right, but were we supposed to count the trailer? What about the house under construction? When we came to what we thought might be the 6th house, we pulled into the driveway and saw a sign. Maybe this was it? Then we got close enough to read it.
Obviously we werent the first people to guess wrong.
Thankfully, our taxi driver had a great sense of humor (his name is Emmett Currie if you need a van driver in Dublin, contact me privately and Ill pass his info along hes a good driver and a better person). We went on to the next house and got the key.
No key here became a running joke for the rest of the trip, and well probably be dropping the phrase into conversation for years to come.
The door that wouldnt open
So we drove back to Fourknocks, climbed the low rock wall, and walked up the hedgerow. The entrance is in the rear as you approach from the road. Cyn had the key. She put it in the lock, turned it, and pulled on the handle. Nothing happened. The door wouldnt budge.
After a few minutes, she said you try it. So I did what she had been doing. The key turned easily and I could feel the mechanism moving inside the lock, but the door wouldnt move. I put all the strength I had into pulling it open. It didnt budge or bend nothing.
Then Sami said Im going on top and pour whiskey to the fairies. And as soon as her foot hit the first step, the door swung open like it was the front door to my house.
For the skeptics among you, I had one hand on the key and the other hand on the handle. If all of a sudden I had turned the key just a bit more and that opened the lock, I would have felt a click through my hand. I felt nothing. It went from I think its welded shut to dont let it hit you in the face as its flying open in an instant.
Sami poured the whiskey and we went inside.
Up close and personal with 5000 year old rock carvings
Fourknocks was built somewhere between 3000 and 2500 BCE. Archaeologists believe it never had a permanent roof the current concrete roof was added after it was first excavated in 1952. As with most of the Neolithic carvings from this era, the meaning of the symbols is uncertain. Here are a couple of my pictures see what you think.
Although the mound is much smaller than the better known Newgrange, the interior chamber is over twice as large.
The fairy dog
We had been inside the tomb for perhaps 10 minutes when a small dog decided to join us. I was closest to the door I tried to keep him out. He went around me like I wasnt there. He looked around inside, as if checking us out, then went outside on his own. We went back to examining the carvings.
A couple minutes later we heard a long, loud howl like no dog any of us had ever heard.
Now, Im not a dog person, but some of our group are they said the same thing. I went outside and the dog was staring at me this time I saw the dog instead of just glancing at him.
It was a small tan dog nothing out of the ordinary. But his eyes were solid black, and there were broad red streaks under his eyes, as though the dog had dipped his fingers (if a dog had fingers) into red ochre and painted his face with it.
In Celtic lore, red markings are a sign of an Otherworldly animal even I could tell this was not an ordinary dog. Apparently it was time for us to go.
I picked up my camera and asked if I could take a picture the dog lunged at me. I put the camera down.
We filed out of the tomb, Cyn relocked the door, and we started walking back down the path toward the road. The dog followed along with us. It was like he was saying youre not as clueless as most humans who come here, but its time for you to leave.
The dog was sitting in the middle of the road as we loaded the taxi. As Emmett started the engine, the dog came toward us, getting too close for us to see past the nose of the van. Emmett backed up carefully, trying to make sure he didnt run over the dog, but when we turned around he was gone.
We returned the key, and the route back to Dublin took us by Fourknocks again. As we passed the mound, another car had stopped and two people were walking toward the entrance. And here came the dog to check them out.
If you want to insist this was just a dog doing dog things, be my guest. I was there. So were six other people. We heard the howl. We saw the eyes, and the red markings. We saw a dog interacting with people in a way that ordinary dogs dont do. Couple that with the door that wouldnt open until we agreed to give whiskey to the fairies, and Im convinced this was a fairy dog who guards Fourknocks for its Otherworldly owners.
If you go
Google Maps and Google Earth show the exact location of Fourknocks. There is no public transportation or bus tour. Youll need a car, or do like we do in Dublin and hire a taxi to drive you on your own tour.
Id give you directions to Mr. Fintan Whites house, but I cant. Google calls it unnamed road. Best advice I can give is that turn left at cross should say bear left at Y. Youll know it when you get there theres a small circular driveway and White is on a stone sign by the road. The deposit is 20, and the key must be returned by 6 PM to get your money back.
You will definitely know if you turn in one house too soon: no key here.
And if you see a small tan dog with solid black eyes and red markings on his face, pay attention. Pay careful attention.
EU plans to shield firms trading with Iran: Guardian
03/25/18
Source: Press TV
The EU is preparing for the aftermath of a possible US withdrawal from a landmark deal with Iran, drawing up contingency plans to support European companies trading with Iran, a UK report says.
They are considering providing emergency credit lines and funding support to the companies which face "potentially devastating loss of financial support by commercial banks" if President Donald Trump goes ahead with his threat to ditch the deal, the Guardian reported.
Earlier this week, EU foreign ministers discussed contingency plans in Brussels where the bloc's foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini made a reference to the European Union's program to shield Europe from US sanctions.
The EU, she said, was "starting to prepare in case it will be needed to protect European interests in case other decisions are taken elsewhere".
EU may offer credit to firms trading with Iran if Trump pulls out of nuclear deal https://t.co/qDSBY0KtAj The Guardian (@guardian) March 23, 2018
According to the Guardian, former UK Foreign Office political director Sir Simon Gass who was the British ambassador to Tehran between 2009 and 2011 has proposed practical steps to keep the European part of the plan alive if Trump pulls out.
His roadmap submitted to the pan-European think tank European Leadership Network "argues that EU member states should be ready to respond robustly to the imposition of swinging penalties on EU companies that have acted in good faith", the paper said.
They "should be prepared to extend non-dollar lines of credit and credit guarantees to preserve as much of the deal as possible", wrote Gass who was the key British official responsible for negotiating the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran.
"The Europeans will also be acutely aware that if the US does withdraw, there will be an onus on them to show how they could preserve as much as possible of the economic benefit from the agreement, given that Iran will have fully lived up to its obligations," he added.
Total Chief Executive Patrick Pouyanne has already called on the Europeans to protect the French oil and gas group's $5 billion project in Iran.
Last September, Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif urged Europe to defy US sanctions if Trump abandoned the nuclear agreement.
In an interview with the Guardian and the Financial Times, Zarif stressed that Tehran would only abide by the restrictions under the nuclear deal if the other signatories - the UK, France, Germany, Russia and China - all remained committed to the deal and defied any subsequent US sanctions.
Ahead of Trump's May 12 deadline for Congress and the Europeans to "fix" the deal, France, Britain and Germany have intensified talks with the US in an effort to convince the US president to stick to the agreement.
The European Council on Foreign Relations, another pan-European think tank, on Thursday urged the bloc to toughen its position in ongoing talks with the Trump administration if they are to preserve the Iran nuclear deal.
"Europeans should therefore be clear-eyed about the chances of success of current talks with the United States. Based on recent precedent, Trump is likely to perceive Europe's flexibility and accommodation over Iran policy as a weakness that he can exploit to raise the benchmarks of demands," it said.
"Moreover, by threatening imminent withdrawal from the nuclear deal, Trump is increasingly pressuring the E3 (France, Britain and German) to jump on board with his efforts to undermine the agreement," it said in a commentary.
The think tank said Trump's recent nomination of Mike Pompeo as US secretary of state and another hardliner, John Bolton as the new national security adviser, "should be a trigger for European policymakers and companies to step up contingency planning to salvage the deal even without the US".
Sierra Leones elections body, the National Electoral Commission (NEC) says it is going ahead with preparations for the March 27 presidential runoff whiles the latest legal issues are also sorted.
A March 24 high court order restrained the NEC and its chair from organizing the polls pending hearing of the case coming Monday, but in a swift statement after the order, NEC said: while legal proceedings are on-going, the Commission will continue its practical and logistical preparations for the run-off.
It added: We call on all people of Sierra Leone to be patient as our institutions carry out their respective duties, in accordance with the Constitution.
In this time of uncertainty, we look forward to the continued support of the Sierra Leone Police and security sector to secure NEC's premises, staff and sensitive election materials.
In this time of uncertainty, we look forward to the continued support of the Sierra Leone Police and security sector to secure NECs premises, staff and sensitive election materials, the statement signed by NEC chair Mohammed Nfah Alie Conteh concluded.
One citizen reacting to the court order on Twitter said it was testing the patience of people who had already been stretched by a prolonged process.
By putting a hold on run off presidential elections, the court is testing the patience of Sierra Leoneans. Most people want the electioneering process over & done with so that they can move on with their lives. Education has been adversely affected. Everything is at a standstill, Abdul Tejan-Cole wrote.
The case that led to the injunction was filed by one Ibrahim Sorie Koroma, a lawyer linked to the ruling party All Peoples Congress (APC). Lawyer Koroma in his filing averred that electoral fraud allegations should be investigated before the vote goes ahead.
The APCs candidate, Samura Kamara, finished slightly behind Julius Maada Bio of the opposition Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP) in the first round of voting on March 7, but neither candidate gained the 55 percent of votes needed to win outright.
Source: Africanews.com
Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.
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Elder statesman and Ghana's former Ambassador to Serbia and Montenegro, Dr. Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe, has expressed grave disappointment in President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, for even giving consideration to an arrangement with the US government which he says virtually erodes all gains Ghana ever made from her independence struggles.
I cant believe that this is happening under the leadership of Nana Addo. I cant believe it, said an emotional Nyaho-Tamakloe in reference to the controversial arrangement tabled before parliament for approval to grant American soldiers leverages that opponents say amount to a setting up of a military base in Ghana.
Nyaho also had harsh words for the American government, saying inimical arrangements they could easily have negotiated in times past will today be subjected to good scrutiny, and it will be resisted as far as it is inimical to the well-being of the people.
We shall stand up to them, he said, adding Im worried, Im worried that in the year 2018 such a thing is happening to the nation Ghana.
Some demonstrators, among them key figures in the opposition National Democratic Congress and clad in red bands and clothes on Friday attempted to march to Parliament House to protest a consideration of the agreement, however, they were refused entry by the security detail.
But Nyaho-Tamakloe, speaking his mind via a phone contribution to the Ekosii Senprogramme on Asempa FM, said this desire by the United States government to set up a base in Ghana has been a carefully weighed plan to be foisted on a weak government, but they shall not succeed.
Nyaho said it appears Ghana as a country has thrown away all that Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah did for Ghana and Africa, and he is also surprised that Ghana has a Cabinet in which no member could kick against this "dangerous" arrangement.
Why Ghana? Nyaho quipped, saying America could as well have gone to much bigger Nigeria and have space enough the size of a complete state and with enough resources to operate.
I believe they came to Ghana for one reason, one, this is something they waited for for years. The US have had military cooperation with us since independence, governments upon governments have done agreements and either resigned or changed but not to this level I believe the Us sees Ghana as (a country that) has international and political clout, and a country which has stable political climate. These are some of the reasons why they decided to come and set up this disturbing institution on our land.
Thirdly, I believe strongly that they have weighed Ghanas leadership and they find it very easy to convince, else they would not come up with $20 million as an offer
Nyaho maintained that The Seychelles rejected a similar offer for $500 million, and wondered if Ghana has not even a single man in Cabinet to stand up against the controversial deal.
According to the firebrand politician, Americans plan their future properly, including the future of their children and those unborn, and it is time Ghanaians carefully planned their lives too.
Asked why he would say that a government of his own party is weak, Nyaho said while he was not referring to the current government per se, this government would also not buy into the agreement if it were strong.
If you listened to me carefully, I said the US has for years had this as a plan and they have weighed carefully and know that it is easiest to convince Ghanas leadership, I didnt say the current government, and if the current government were to be strong, they would not kowtow to this, Im telling you. I get surprised each day that my own colleague, we fought together for years, and Im talking about Akufo-Addo, that some of these things that we stood for are being thrown around just like that, I cant believe that from Nana Akufo-Addo, I cant believe it I cant believe that this is happening under the leadership of Nana Akufo-Addo.
Nyaho challenged his host to read from the agreement and point out any of the terms that is favourable to Ghana, when all the agreement seeks to do is to protect American interests against Ghanaians, including the forfeiture of any Ghanaians rights should he be knocked down by an American soldiers vehicle.
Look, these things have happened before, it happened even in Germany, people forget themselves, after the war but believe me, I dont think they will find this time round, the same, and I put into quotation, the same niggas they handled years ago, are not the same niggas today, we have different niggas now and we are going to have different niggas to face them.
This nation will definitely, definitely stand up against them and will stand up against any government that will like to sell this country to another country.
Source: Daily Graphic
Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.
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LONDON -- In Paris, the Eiffel Tower went dark. In London, a kaleidoscope of famous sites switched off their lights -- Tower Bridge, Big Ben, Piccadilly Circus, the London Eye.
That scene was repeated over and over across the world on Saturday night: at Sydney's Opera House; at New Delhi's great arch; at Kuala Lumpur's Petronas Towers; at Edinburgh Castle in Scotland; at Brandenburg Gate in Berlin; at St. Basil's Cathedral in Moscow.
It lasted for just an hour and its power is purely symbolic. But in countries around the world, at 8:30 p.m., people were switching off their lights for Earth Hour, a global call for international unity on the importance of addressing climate change.
Since beginning in Sydney in 2007, Earth Hour has spread to more than 180 countries, with tens of millions of people joining in, from turning off their own porch lights to letting the grand sites like the Opera House go dark.
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo said 300 Paris buildings observed the blackout to send a "universal message."
Those 60 minutes are "an opportunity" to shift "the consumption culture and behavior change toward sustainability," Indian Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan said.
Hello Pakistan! Thank you for joining us for #EarthHour! We're hoping you'll join our conversation about how you #Connect2Earth! Head to our Facebook pinned post at https://t.co/tHRt2qPCRW to tell us about how you connect to nature [?] [?](c)Taseer Ali Mirza / WWF-Pakistan pic.twitter.com/lCIJh6Vkka -- Earth Hour (@earthhour) March 24, 2018
All this happens and yet many people, of course, barely notice.
Around India Gate, New Delhi's monument to the Indian dead in World War I, thousands embraced the city's nightly warm-weather ritual Saturday. They bought ice cream and cheap plastic trinkets. They flirted. Young children rode in electric carts that their parents rented for a few minutes at a stretch.
But for an hour the arch stayed dark, a silent call for change.
In Jordan, the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature arranged 11,440 candles on a hilltop in the capital of Amman, establishing a Guinness World Record for the largest candle mosaic.
The candles spelled the Earth Hour motto of "60+." However, attempts to light the candles largely failed because of wind on the hilltop, which is close to the city's landmark, the Amman Citadel.
A total of 17 people have been displaced by a Saturday-night apartment fire in Cumberland County.
According to the American Red Cross of Central PA, the displaced residents are from nine families, consisting of 14 adults and three children.
The fire broke out around 10:30 p.m. in an apartment complex on the 1100 block of Columbus Avenue in Lower Allen Township. Investigators believe the fire started in the kitchen of a second-floor apartment.
No injuries were reported.
The Red Cross is providing assistance with food, clothing and shelter, as well as health and disaster-mental-health services.
To help, visit the Red Cross website. Contributions can also be sent to the American Red Cross, 1804 N. 6th St., Harrisburg.
Investigators with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are on the scene today of the fire and building collapse in York that resulted in the deaths of two fire fighters.
The ATF announced on Friday that the bureau would be involved in the investigation of the fire and collapse last week at the former Weaver Piano and Organ Company, 127 N. Broad St., that resulted in the deaths of firefighters Ivan Flanscha and Zachary Anthony.
The ATF has dispatched members of its National Response Team to York, and they are currently at work investigating the scene, ATF public information officer Charlene Hennessy said on Sunday.
There are about 40 investigators there now, including ATF agents, local police and firefighters. Some are sifting through the debris, looking for electrical boxes and appliances that may be culprits in starting the blaze, she said. Others are chasing down leads and witnesses to the fire and collapse.
Once the scene is secure, agents will be able to go inside what is left of the building to find the origin and cause of the fire and collapse.
"Because there's so much damage, they're making sure it's secure before they go in to investigate," Hennessy said. "They're doing what they can to make sure it's safe."
There is so much damage it's likely that won't happen until mid-week, she said.
ATF officials previously said the team will work with other investigators to interview witnesses, do digital mapping and "provide a forensic blueprint of the scene."
ATF National Response Teams have been deployed 825 times since the program's inception in 1978. This is the 10th deployment this year.
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of Firefighters Flanscha and Anthony, who made the ultimate sacrifice while fighting this fire," Special Agent in Charge Donald Robinson of the ATF Philadelphia Field Division said Friday. "We also extend our condolences to the York Fire Department, which has suffered a great loss."
The "March for Our Lives" events on Saturday drew massive crowds in cities across the country, marking the largest youth-led protests since the Vietnam War era.
In Washington, D.C., New York City, Denver, Los Angeles and other cities, demonstrators heard from student survivors of last month's school shooting in Parkland, Fla.
"If you listen real close, you can hear the people in power shaking," Parkland survivor David Hogg said to roars from protesters packing Pennsylvania Avenue from a stage near the Capitol to a spot many blocks away toward the White House. "We're going to take this to every election, to every state and every city. We're going to make sure the best people get in our elections to run, not as politicians but as Americans.
"Because this," he said, pointing behind him to the Capitol dome, "this is not cutting it."
In York, Pa., several former students and teachers shared their experiences from the shooting at Red Lion Area Junior High School nearly 15 years ago.
The message at the different rallies was consistent, with demonstrators vowing to vote out lawmakers who refuse to take a stand now on gun control. Many rallies had tables where volunteers helped those 18 or older register to vote while speakers detailed the policies they wanted and the impact gun violence has had on their lives.
MORE:
Several people from central Pennsylvania attended the March for Our Lives in Washington, D.C. One woman said it was the first time in a long time she was proud to be an America.
More photos from the DC march
The rally in York, Pa., was largely organized by former students of Red Lion Area Junior High School, who were in classes on April 24, 2003, when Principal Eugene Segro was shot and killed by a student in the school's crowded cafeteria.
Photos from the York rally
In Harrisburg, Pa., hundreds joined the call for action. Some held signs calling for gun reform, others encouraging people to vote.
Photos from the Harrisburg march
From the New York Times: Emma Gonzalez spoke for just under two minutes on Saturday before tens of thousands of demonstrators at the March for Our Lives rally in Washington, describing the effects of gun violence in emotional detail and reciting the names of classmates who had been killed. Then she said nothing for four minutes and 26 seconds.
One student said: "I just want to feel safe in schools. I don't want to have to keep doing shooter drills. That's what I want to see change, really." Why were students talking and rallying? Here's what they had to say about their motives and hopes.
Checking their privilege (via CNN): "We recognize that Parkland received more attention because of its affluence," Jaclyn Corin, a survivor of the Parkland shooting, said during her speech. "But we share this stage today and forever with those communities who have always stared down the barrel of a gun."Corin brought Yolanda Renee King, Martin Luther King Jr.'s granddaughter, to the stage as her special surprise guest.
In Philadelphia, the crowds were joined by Senator Bob Casey and state Attorney General Josh Shapiro. The marchers carried signs that advocated for gun control and the weakening of the lobbying power of the National Rifle Association.
Photos from the Philadelphia march
Paul McCartney joined the rally in New York City. "One of my best friends was killed in gun violence right around here, so it's important to me," referring to the murder of John Lennon in 1980.
They're tired of politicians they say are beholden to the NRA. They're tired of inaction. They're tired of "thoughts and prayers."
Enough is enough.
That was the message delivered by hundreds of thousands of roaring protesters, many of them young people, in the nation's capital on Saturday in one of the largest protests for gun control in the nation's history.
The Washington, D.C. rally, dubbed "March for Our Lives," was largely organized by students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., the site of a mass-shooting that left 17 dead last month. More than 500,000 people were expected to descend on the capital.
Dozens of marchers from central Pennsylvania were among those who packed Pennsylvania Avenue on Saturday.
Maria Carroll, 18, of Mechanicsburg, was one of more than 30 gun-safety advocates from who boarded a chartered bus at dawn from Camp Hill.
Speaking after the protest, with a homemade sign propped at her feet that read "books not bullets," Carroll said she had been overwhelmed by the size and energy of the crowd.
"It was amazing to see everyone coming out and being so supportive of each other," she said. "And that it was all done by people our age, it was really amazing to see."
Carroll added that the event wasn't just about a one-off protest to her: it was about a sustained push for stricter gun laws.
"We are seniors. We are 18," Carroll said. "Most kids in our age are going to be able to vote in the next midterm election, so we are trying to say: 'go out and vote - that's our responsibility as citizens.' "
Mia Kilroy, 17, of East Pennsboro Township, shared that sense of hope and awe following Saturday's rally.
"It thought it was really meaningful and powerful," Kilroy said. "It was just empowering to see everyone, especially the Parkland survivors."
As the crowds dispersed in the afternoon, packing subway cars and spurring fresh rounds of street chants, that sentiment appeared to be felt equally among the event's older attendees.
"I just posted something to Facebook," said Theresa Mulreany, 65, of Wormleysburg. "I said: 'I'm proud to be an American for the first time in a long time.' "
For Bill Brown of Lemoyne, an operations technician in the dairy industry, Saturday's rally was a first: he had never been to a mass protest before.
Brown said that he was compelled to attend. He was spurred by his ongoing frustration with mass shootings and the courage shown by the survivors of the Parkland massacre.
"The way the students rallied themselves, I just felt like this was going to a be a huge event for multiple reasons, " Brown said.
As he prepared to board his bus back to Camp Hill by early evening, Brown said had no doubt he made the right decision.
"I thought it was fantastic," Brown said. "I mean fantastic."
ALLENTOWN, Pa. (AP) -- A man authorities said frequently checked a teenager out of school without her parents' knowledge and fled to Mexico with her is being held on $500,000 bail.
Court documents indicate that 45-year-old Kevin Esterly was arraigned early Sunday on a felony charge of interference with the custody of a child.
The Lehigh County district attorney's office said Esterly arrived Saturday in Allentown after being extradited from Miami, Florida.
Federal agents and Mexican authorities found the married father of four and 16-year-old Amy Yu in Playa del Carmen a week ago and flew them to Miami. They had been missing since March 5.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled April 2. The county public defender's office, listed as representing Esterly, couldn't be reached for comment.
The girl had altered her student records to list Esterly as her stepfather, said Gary Hammer, of the Colonial Regional Police Department.
Amy's family previously said the two met at church years ago, and the 16-year-old girl is friends with one of Esterly's daughters. Esterly's wife, Stacy Esterly, said earlier through her lawyer that she and her husband have been fighting constantly since the summer about his relationship with Amy, The Morning Call said.
From the Morning Call:
News that Esterly was back in the Lehigh Valley worried his estranged wife, Stacey Esterly, who feared he would make bail and try to contact her and their daughters, said her attorney, John Waldron.
Waldron said Stacey Esterly believes her husband has few means, having lost his job about a month ago and having "drained their checking account" when he fled. Kevin Esterly is estranged from his own family, Waldron said.
By James C. Roberts, Special to The Washington Post
March 25 is National Medal of Honor Day, a day to pause and reflect on the profound legacy of the United States' most highly decorated heroes.
About 30 of the 71 surviving recipients will have gathered in Washington to celebrate the bond that unites them over the span of seven decades - from World War II through the wars in Korea, Vietnam and Afghanistan.
One major modern conflict is noteworthy for its lack of representation: the Iraq War.
This eight-year war claimed the lives of almost 4,500 Americans and left more than 32,000 wounded. The most brutal battles since Vietnam took place in Iraq, in cities such as Baghdad, Fallujah and Ramadi, and acts of heroism abounded.
Emblematic is the story of Marine Sgt. Maj. Bradley Kasal. On Nov. 13, 2004, then-1st Sgt. Kasal entered an enemy-occupied building in Fallujah, a death trap our troops had dubbed "Hell House," to assist fellow Marines who were pinned down by a superior enemy force. Under withering fire, Kasal killed an insurgent immediately; then, while dragging a wounded Marine to safety, he was struck with seven rounds of small-arms fire.
Severely wounded, Kasal used the few bandages he had to treat his injured comrade rather than himself.
When the insurgents lobbed a grenade at them, Kasal rolled on top of the wounded Marine, absorbing the impact of the blast and suffering 43 shrapnel wounds. He refused to leave the house until all of the other Marines were safe. A photograph taken of Kasal staggering from the house, pistol in hand, supported by fellow Marines, his uniform soaked in blood, became an iconic image of the Iraq War.
Kasal was later awarded the Navy Cross - the Navy and Marine Corps' second-highest award for valor. Does anyone seriously doubt that his heroism is also worthy of the Medal of Honor?
There are many other Iraq War veterans with stories as compelling as Kasal's, and I have met many of them. They are extraordinary men, yet without the Medal of Honor their stories will almost certainly be forgotten as time passes.
That is because the Medal of Honor confers a unique cachet upon its recipients. Honorees are in demand as speakers at civic, military and corporate conventions - and, most importantly, by schools and youth groups.
The fact that not a single living Iraq War veteran has received the Medal of Honor is a serious injustice to the 1.5 million Americans who served in that conflict. Consider: 1,523 Medals of Honor were awarded for heroism in the Civil War,126 in World War I, 471 in World War II, 145 in the Korean War and 260 in Vietnam. Two soldiers killed in Somalia in 1993 and 14 who fought in Afghanistan have received the award (three of the latter posthumously). Yet for Iraq, only four Medals of Honor have been awarded, all posthumously.
Until 2009, there were no living recipients from Afghanistan, either. That year, then-Defense Secretary Robert Gates expressed disbelief that of the 2.5 million American veterans who had served in Iraq and Afghanistan, none who were still living had received the Medal of Honor.
Things began to change almost immediately, with the eventual awarding of 11 Medals of Honor to living veterans of Afghanistan, the most recent going to Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator Edward Byers Jr. in 2016. All are veterans of Afghanistan. Inexplicably, incredibly, not a single medal went to a living Iraq veteran.
It is not too late for remedial action.
The Pentagon has periodically conducted reviews of conflicts going back to World War II to correct injustices regarding withholding the Medal of Honor. Most recently, three living Vietnam veterans - Sgt. Santiago Erevia, Sgt. 1st Class Melvin Morris and Sgt. 1st Class Jose Rodela - received the medal from President Barack Obama four years ago.
The selection of Medal of Honor recipients is not done by formula. It is up to the judgment of those responsible in the Pentagon.
Defense Secretary Jim Mattis commanded troops in Iraq and must surely rue the irony that not one of the living veterans of that conflict has been found worthy of the nation's highest award for valor.
This year marks the 15th anniversary of the beginning of the war in Iraq. It is an appropriate time to recognize the first of many deserving Iraq War veterans with the Medal of Honor.
Roberts is president of the American Veterans Center.
By Michael A. MacDowell
Much is made about economists disagreeing, but with few exceptions almost all of them agree that tariffs are a bad idea.
Michael A. MacDowell (PennLive file)
Most economists believe tariffs on imported steel and aluminum will breed inefficiencies because manufacturers will not be able to purchase products from the least cost providers.
These extra costs will be passed on to U.S. consumers. They will also cause other countries to raise their tariffs thereby adding to the cost of imported goods for Americans.
Further, tariffs also harm overall economic equality. While steel and aluminum industries may see some gains in employment, American workers in general will suffer.
For instance, about 3 percent of the aluminum workers are employed in smelters that make the basic product.
However, ninety-seven percent work in downstream areas of the industry that shape aluminum into washing machines, car parts and other items and tariffs on aluminum will hurt them. In steel the consulting firm Trade Partnership estimates that for every job gained by the instillation of tariffs on steel, five jobs will be lost.
The inequities are not limited to the U.S workers because they impact our trading partners as well. To understand this result of tariffs one must know that because of long-lived global overcapacity, the U.S. had already established significant restrictions on imported steel.
Since 2017, 60 percent of U. S. imports were covered by anti-dumping restrictions and import duties.
These existing restrictions were mostly aimed at countries often cited as culprits such as China which have traditionally dumped steel below its cost of production so to uphold employment within their own borders. Since China already has significant restrictions on its exports of steel to the U.S. the new tariffs will be only a minor inconvenience.
These tariffs will impact a mere 5 percent of China's exports of steel according to Chad P. Bown of the Peterson Institute for International Economics in Washington D.C.
And of course, there is the issue of retaliatory tariffs. Again, history teaches a lesson. In June of l930 Senators Hawley of Oregon and Reed Smoot of Utah introduced a bill that established tariffs on many imported products.
It was debated in the Senate over 550 hours. In May of l930, 1020 members of the American Economic Association signed a statement vigorously opposing the Smoot-Hawley Bill saying this kind of protectionism would lead to trade wars and would exacerbate the world-wide depression. The Great Depression of the l930s proved them right.
The tariffs on steel and aluminum seem to be an attempt to fight yesterday's wars.
Today the biggest financial loss to the country is not the result of cheap steel and aluminum, but rather the theft of intellectual property--the innovations, industrial designs and software developed in the U.S. and used without permission by China and several other countries.
Multiple billions of dollars are lost annually through intellectual property theft. With the revolutions in artificial intelligence occurring daily the impact of intellectual property theft can be catastrophic for the U.S economy. Here is where thoughtful analysis and regulation are really needed.
The Trump Administration is starting to address this issue, but with a unilateral strategy that will create retaliatory tariffs on U.S. soybeans, airliners, earthmoving equipment and many other products.
Closer cooperation and strategic planning among long-time trade allies, who also feel the pinch of intellectual property thievery from China, would produce much better results for the U.S. and its close allies.
The strongest supporter of what may well be the necessary war against intellectual property theft in the administration is economist Peter Navarro of the Whitehouse's Office of Trade and Manufacturing Policy. Navarro, a Ph.D. economist, is also credited with leading the charge for the imposition of steel and aluminum tariffs much to the chagrin of most economists.
So apparently the adage is still true. Not all economists agree. But Navarro is clearly in the minority.
For now, it appears that Navarro is on the winning side of the tariff policy fights. Let's hope that clearer heads prevail, and the administration will focus upon strategically addressing intellectual property theft from China and leave tariff discussions to historians, for that is where it belongs.
Michael A. MacDowell is President Emeritus of Misericordia University in Dallas, Pa., and Managing Director of the Calvin K. Kazanjian Foundation. His work appears occasionally on PennLive Opinion.
David Chartrand, centre, president of the Manitoba Metis Federation, speaks at a groundbreaking for a new medical cannabis production facility in Kaleden with members of the Green Mountain Health Alliance board of directors and Penticton Indian Band Coun. Kyle Alec.
In a new study, the Royal Bank of Canada is calling for a national review of post-secondary programs to ensure they place more of a focus on "human skills" from active listening, to critical thinking, to social perceptiveness. A Royal Bank of Canada sign is pictured in downtown Toronto on Dec. 2, 2011. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette
FILE - In a Friday, March 23, 2018 file photo, President Donald Trump speaks in the Diplomatic Room of the White House in Washington, about the $1.3 trillion spending bill. President Trump will not be adding two new lawyers to the legal team defending him in the special counselAos Russia investigation after all, one of the presidentAos attorneys said Sunday, March 25, 2018. Trump attorney Jay Sekulow said in a statement that Washington lawyers Joseph diGenova and Victoria Toensing have conflicts that wonAot allow them to represent the president regarding special counsel Robert MuellerAos investigation. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta, File)
Heidi Klum, left, and Mel B get slimed as they present the award for favorite movie actress at the Kids' Choice Awards at The Forum on Saturday, March 24, 2018, in Inglewood, Calif. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)
People stand next to flowers placed at the main gate of the police headquarters in Carcassonne, France, on Saturday, March 24, 2018, following an attack on a supermarket in the south of France on Friday. A French police officer who offered himself up to an Islamic extremist gunman in exchange for a hostage died of his injuries, raising the death toll in the attack to four, and the officer was honored Saturday as a national hero of "exceptional courage and selflessness." (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)
Opinion
Viktor Katona : Is Guyana ready for an oil boom?
Nigel Durant
A shrimping trawler does its work while a sea bird rests in the shallows.
Taken from the seawall off Kingston, Georgetown, Guyana.
Guyana's story shares many similarities with the story of the ugly duckling. One of the poorest countries in South America, it has historically been entirely dependent on oil imports. In the past three years though, Guyana has sprung up as one of the hottest oil spots in the region, with ExxonMobil alone accounting for seven hydrocarbon discoveries in one single exploration block, Stabroek. However, the pace of discoveries will only highlight the deficiencies of the Guyana's political system, and there remains a serious risk that these world-class finds might be jeopardized by politics, either by means of renegotiating commercial terms or by bringing legislative powers to a painful impasse. By anybody's yardstick, the achievements of ExxonMobil and its partners (Hess, CNOOC) in the Guyanese offshore block of Stabroek (6.6 million acres or 27 000km2) have surpassed expectations. Almost every exploration well adds new barrels to the already hefty 4 billion barrels of recoverable reserves found in the area, a trend that is bound to continue over the next months. So far only one exploratory well turned out to be dry ( Skipjack-1 ), whilst the following discoveries were made:
- Liza (May 2015; to a total depth of 5.5km, in water depth of 1.7km)
- Liza Deep (October 2016; located below the Liza field)
- Payara (January 2017; to a total depth of 5.5km, in water depth of 2km)
- Snoek (March 2017; to a total depth of 5.2km, in water depth of 1.5km)
- Turbot (October 2017; to a total depth of 5.6km, in water depth of 1.8km)
- Ranger (January 2018; to a total depth of 6.5km, in water depth of 2.7km)
- Pacora (February 2018; to a total depth of 5.6km, in water depth of 2km)
If one is to exclude the Liza field, the recoverable reserves of which are now estimated to stand at 1-1.4 billion barrels of oil, the rest is likely to be in the 400-500 million barrels of oil interval. A phenomenal development for a country that until recently (2015) had participated in Venezuela's oil-for-rice program, whereby Caracas provided it with 10 000 bpd of oil in exchange for agricultural goods. Taking into consideration that the Liza field is expected to start production in 2020 (its Phase I output plateau will reach 120 000 bpd), the risk is that this sudden boon might kick-start a political witch hunt, in which all sides will accuse each other of giving away under value the nation's immense hydrocarbon riches.
That Guyana is set to tap into its coveted reserves is undoubtedly a positive development petroleum scientists have long suspected that oil formations extending beyond neighboring Venezuela might provide oil for the country. The first well was drilled onshore in 1916 and wielded no results, afterwards oilmen tried to appraise the potential of Guyana's shallow-water offshore, yet the magic only happened when they ventured out into the deep-water part, some 120km away from the coast, thus proving the USGS estimates that the offshore Guyana-Suriname basin holds up to 15 billion barrels of oil and 850 Bcm of gas. That's a lot for a country that leads the world's suicide ratings and tops South America's migration stats.
On paper, what the Guyanese government has done so far is laudable in concertation with the IMF, it has committed itself to managing oil wealth effectively, by creating a Sovereign Wealth Fund, by strengthening the fiscal regime, putting out a long-awaited Petroleum Law after having successfully established a Petroleum Commission. The terms that Georgetown has offered to ExxonMobil and other shareholders might be perceived as attractive under the production sharing agreement, until the shareholders recover their initial upfront investment, the government will take in 12.5 percent (afterwards this rate will gradually increase). Here's where political infighting kicks in.
Firstly, Guyana's political parties more or less follow ethnic lines, with the opposition People's Progressive Party-Civic (PPP-C) being the representatives of the Indo-Guyanese people, whilst the ruling Partnership for National Unity-Alliance for Change that of the Afro-Guyanese. Secondly, the political system tends to favor those in power - 2015 saw the first change in governing forces since 1992, bearing testament to the fact that political movements in Guyana are by no means automatic (and voluntary). In such a power landscape it is by no means surprising that the opposition has made a rallying cry of the government's handling of its oil resources, the factual enabler of Guyana's brighter future.
In a country where corruption is rampant and deeply engrained in the way matters are solved, the opposition is calling for the full disclosure of the oil production license concluded with ExxonMobil. Opposition figures also allege that ExxonMobil managed to carve out favorable conditions by bribing government figures (unsubstantiated talk has been about an $18 million signing bonus being siphoned off to officials), moreover, they claim that ExxonMobil secured the inclusion of a clause in the PSA that prevents the government from imposing any new taxes or fees on the shareholders. With the next Parliamentary elections coming up in 2019, one should expect more belligerent oil-related rhetoric to appear in the upcoming months. No one will go as far as to antagonize ExxonMobil and others (i.e. Total has just joined others in its quest to join the Guyana rally) directly, but the pressure will be high.
The stakes are quite high because of the revolutionary force of oil revenues. The IMF estimates that in 2020-2021, when the first barrels of oil are to be produced, GDP growth should be around 25-30 percent per year (as opposed to the current 3-3.5 percent per year). To put the oil profits into an even wider context, it should be observed that the IMF expects Guyanese oil revenue to reach 56 billion GYD (roughly $270 million), 20-25 percent of government revenue at that juncture in time. If increasing oil production will entail the appreciation of the Guyanese dollar, other sectors of the economy which have been crucial heretofore (most notably, exports of sugar and rice) will start to falter thus further magnifying the role of oil in Guyana's economy and politics.
For oil companies, the consolidation of ruling powers would be the ideal outcome it would lower the risk of renegotiations, allowing the companies to bring the oil of Guyana's offshore zone to market. The Guyanese population, however, are largely fed up with the lack of transparency and the omnipresence of corruption within ruling elites and so may see things differently. For now, we can only wait and watch to see if an oil boom will transform the nation.
Viktor Katona is an Group Physical Trader at MOL Group and Expert at the Russian International Affairs Council, currently based in Budapest. Petroleumworld does not necessarily share these views. Editor's Note: This commentary was originally published by Oilprice.com , 03/21/2018. Petroleumworld reprint this article in association with OilPrice.com.
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ISSUES....
Inside, confidential and off the record
"Mexico's young hopeful"
Lo Cole
It is Mr Anaya who offers the best hope of defeating AMLO. He is only 38. With his crew cut and glasses,
he looks like a school swot. He is a formidable debater and political operator who speaks with a laser focus.
IT TAKES guts to challenge both Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, a messianic, silver-tongued populist, and the residual political machine of Mexico's governing Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI). Ricardo Anaya is as daring as he is ruthlessly ambitious. Having forged a coalition of his own conservative National Action Party (PAN) and two small centre-left outfits, Mr Anaya argues that the presidential election on July 1st is now a two-horse race between himself and AMLO, as Mexicans call Mr Lopez Obrador, the long-standing front-runner. Several opinion polls support that contention. The question that will hang over Mexico during the next four months is whether, in his sharp-elbowed ascent, Mr Anaya has made too many enemies to unite the disparate majority that dislikes AMLO and thus win the presidency.
On the face of things, this is AMLO's election to lose. Mexicans have rarely been so gloomy or wanted change more. The PRI government of Enrique Pena Nieto is unpopular. Although it achieved important reforms of education and energy, it has failed in fighting violent crime and corruption and improving the economy, the issues that matter most to the public. When the PAN ruled Mexico in 2000-12 it didn't do much better. That means there's less resistance to AMLO than in 2006 and 2012 (when he nearly won the presidency), says Jorge Castaneda, a former foreign minister.
In those campaigns he ran as a rabble-rouser bent on returning Mexico to its protectionist, nationalist past. His friends insist that he has mellowed. He has made overtures to business and to Mexico's capitalist north. His pledge to review all contracts issued to private energy companies doesn't mean rejecting them, according to Alfonso Romo, a businessman from Monterrey who advises him. Mr Romo stresses AMLO's concern for the forgotten Mexico of the poor and the indigenous. But AMLO has also opened his tent to allies from reactionary, corporatist parts of the PRI (to which he belonged from 1976 to 1988). He has talked of an amnesty for drug barons. He can no longer hold the banner of fundamental regime change, says Denise Dresser, a political scientist.
Neither can the PRI's candidate, Jose Antonio Meade, a competent and respected former finance minister who is not a party member. He makes a virtue of his lack of a political background. But the scale of the well-deserved repudiation of Mr Pena makes Mr Meade's task impossible, says Enrique Krauze, a historian.
It is Mr Anaya who offers the best hope of defeating AMLO. He is only 38. With his crew cut and glasses, he looks like a school swot. He is a formidable debater and political operator who speaks with a laser focus. This is a very close election between two options for change, he told Bello. The question is what kind of change [Mexicans] want. AMLO proposes change with ideas that are very old, trapped in the past, he says, while his own ideal is a modern democracy open to the world and to new technology.
For example, AMLO promises to cancel construction of a $13bn airport now being built near Mexico City. He would reverse the education reform, which holds teachers accountable by evaluations. AMLO doesn't want to turn Mexico into a Marxist dictatorship like Cuba or Venezuela. But he wants to be friends with those countries, says Mr Castaneda. AMLO vows to fight corruption but promises to slash the salaries of senior officials, which is a recipe for graft.
Mr Anaya argues that to impose the rule of law stronger institutions are essential. He wants the attorney-general's office, over which the president has sway, to be fully autonomous. He would fight drug gangs with better intelligence. To tackle poverty he would introduce gradually a universal basic income (though voters might prefer more and better jobs).
Mr Anaya seized control of the PAN from more experienced rivals and oversaw its victory in several gubernatorial elections. He says he doesn't defend the mistakes of past PAN presidents, and anyway he represents a coalition. Quite how coherent this coalition of convenience will prove is an open question.
He faces other obstacles. His merciless attacks on the PRI are a double-edged sword. If Mr Meade has no chance of victory, it's easier for priistas to go with AMLO than this guero [fair-haired boy], says Mr Krauze. Mr Anaya's biggest difficulty may be that in his single-minded pursuit of the candidacy he has alienated important figures in his own party, starting with Margarita Zavala, the wife of a former president, who is running as an independent. To win, Mr Anaya must be a healer as well as a fighter.
This article appeared in the The Americas section of the print edition under the headline "Mexico's young hopeful"
Bello, Economist's column on Latin America / Economist / February 28, 2018
Original article
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Is an independent journalist effort from Petroleumworld, on Inside, Confidential and Off The Record Information, the views are not necessarily those of Petroleumworld
The awning-fronted house on North 21st Street in North Philadelphia where three people were found dead Friday, three days after a fire. Photo taken Saturday, March 24, 2018. Read more
As the flames licked up the sides of the awning-fronted rooming house near the end of the block on North 21st Street, someone told the firefighters on the scene that people were trapped inside.
It was Tuesday night in North Philadelphia, and firefighters were battling what would escalate to a two-alarm blaze. They headed for the third floor, through smoke, flames, and low visibility until the staircase collapsed, sending a group plummeting to the first floor. Later, firefighters dragged a ladder inside, extended it to the third floor, and searched what they could reach. They found no one.
By the wee hours of Wednesday morning, with the fire out, the scene was declared cleared, said Fire Commissioner Adam Thiel, who described the events in an interview Saturday. The firefighters left.
On Friday, the Fire Marshal's Office fielded a call: Three relatives of the person on the line lived in the house on 21st Street and had not been heard from since the fire.
A unit sent back to the building searched again. In a bathroom on the third floor, they found the bodies of a young woman, her father, and her little boy. On the street, neighbors watched as the family's relatives sobbed.
The victims' identities had not been released as of Saturday evening.
On Saturday, Thiel said his department was investigating. "The real challenge for us is what happened between when we believed the building was clear and [Friday]," he said, "and that's the timeline we're working on pulling together."
He said investigators from the Fire Marshal's Office, as well as police officers and agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives remained on the scene after the fire-and-rescue crews left.
But he could not say why it had taken three days for crews to reenter the building to search for the family, or when the department first realized that the family's relatives had reported them missing. NBC Philadelphia reported that relatives said they spent several days calling the department.
Thiel said the fire had been a serious one from the beginning. Another man had died on the scene, possibly because he had tried to jump from a window to escape the flames, Thiel said. It had been unclear whether anyone remained inside the house, Thiel said. But firefighters' "first priority is to search for life," he said, and so a team headed up the stairs until the staircase collapsed. Several of them were buried under fallen debris on the first floor one pulled a "mayday" signal and were dug out by colleagues. Two firefighters were injured in the collapse, one of whom spent the night at a hospital.
The house, on the 1800 block of North 21st Street, had been divided into illegal apartment units, Thiel said. That made it difficult for residents to escape, and difficult for firefighters to fully search the property, he said.
According to records from the Department of Licens es and Inspections, the house is owned by Granite Hill Properties, a property management company, but has not had an active rental license since 2015. The firm did not return a call for comment Saturday. Karen Guss, a spokeswoman for L&I, said the house was zoned as a single-family unit and should not have been rented to multiple households.
Thiel said the crews on scene had done what they could to search the house.
"We average seven or eight structure fires every day, we have reports of people trapped and it turns out they're not," he said. "Unfortunately, and tragically in this case, they were. And we didn't find them."
The firefighters who went back to the third floor to search again during the fire would have fallen through the floor "exactly as their colleagues did" if they had tried to reach the bathroom where the family's bodies were found, he said.
Thiel said the Medical Examiner's Office would determine the causes of death.
The neighbors on 21st Street said they had watched the fire Tuesday night and worried about the tenants they'd sometimes pass on the street and were especially concerned about the young woman and her family who they said had lived there just a few months.
The day after the fire, one of her friends on the block had been calling her cellphone, over and over, to no avail. The neighbors hoped that she was staying with relatives. But on Friday morning, the woman's relatives arrived on the block and told neighbors they hadn't heard from her either. "It was terrible," said John Choice, who's lived on the block for 40 years.
Thiel said the department sent investigators to the house after the family called on Friday, who, "in the light of day," were able to find the family in the bathroom. The next several hours were spent shoring up the house so it was structurally sound enough to remove the bodies, he said.
"We are also troubled by the timeline and we're trying to understand," the commissioner said. "This was a tragic outcome, and one we wish we could have averted in some way. A lot of the family members were out there [Friday] night. They were rightfully upset, and we're upset too. We're going to look at every detail of this incident and this response and we're going to figure out the entire timeline."
Marchers on Market St. during the March for Our Lives march and rally in Phila., Pa. on March 24, 2018. Read more
When University of Pennsylvania freshman Rachel Steinig took the stage as the first speaker of the day at Philadelphia's March for Our Lives rally, it didn't take her long to start talking about the "racist and classist media coverage of school shootings."
"Through movements like Black Lives Matter, black youth have been fighting for gun reform for years and haven't been given the support and media coverage that the Parkland students have," she said to many cheers. "This is a problem."
It's a concern that's been voiced by students across the city, from Mastery Charter-Shoemaker to Parkway Center City Middle College, and the reason why many said they'd sit out the national school walkout on March 14 and Saturday's March for Our Lives both of which were organized in response to the Valentine's Day massacre that left 17 students and faculty dead at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla.
>> READ MORE: March for Our Lives: Recap of gun control rallies in Philadelphia, D.C.
That gun violence is a reality black and brown students have been facing for decades was a prominent theme of Philadelphia's student-organized, crowdfunded March for Our Lives, one that several of the more than two dozen speakers made sure the audience did not forget.
There were performer Suzann Christine, who sang about victims of alleged police brutality Trayvon Martin, Eric Garner "and even a girl named Sandy," noting that gun violence intersects with many issues that the black community faces; 16-year-old Saamiya Muhammad of Olney, who said, "Where I live, gun violence is the most prominent sport"; and Camryn Cobia, a Central High School student and member of the Philadelphia Student Union, who affirmed that she stood in solidarity with the Parkland students but reminded the audience 15,000 by organizers' count that black and brown youth have been coming together to find solutions to gun violence for years.
There were also reminders of gun-violence victims among the marchers, as women carried portraits of young black men. Among them was Shakira Fagan of North Philadelphia, who said she joined the demonstration to make sure that her son, Irell Williams, who was shot to death when he was 17, was not forgotten.
Other prominent themes were outrage at the influence of the National Rifle Association on elected officials, what many described as misdirected emphasis on mental health instead of gun control, and the importance of voting. Dozens of organizers with groups like Philly Young Democrats and OnePA roamed the crowd in hopes of registering people to vote.
During the 2-hour program featuring high school and college students, politicians, hospital workers, and musical performers, speakers seemed to be putting their elected officials on notice.
"We are here today because we remember and we will be here in November," student Brooke Dowling repeated over and over, addressing Sens. Pat Toomey (R., Pa.), Mitch McConnell (R., Ky.), and "NRA puppet" Marco Rubio (R., Fla.).
Temple sophomore Benjamin Aitoumeziane's message to elected officials who don't support gun control? "Start packing."
Ethan Block, a high school sophomore and student organizer of the march who roused the crowd as if he had been giving speeches at rallies all his life, said that when it came to politicians who don't support the movement: "We will do everything we can do to make sure you never set foot in congressional office again."
Among the politicians who spoke were Sen. Bob Casey (D., Pa.), Attorney General Josh Shapiro, a Democrat from Montgomery County, and State Rep. Brian Sims (D., Phila.). Sims decried the "false superiority of white men" and encouraged the white men in the crowd to "step out from the ignorance our privilege affords us."
The march, which began at Fifth and Market Streets and snaked down Columbus Boulevard to Columbus Circle, featured many young families, with parents pushing strollers, pulling wagons, and carrying toddlers on their shoulders.
It was the third march for the Hancock family parents Christine and Ian, and sons Logan Stout, 11, and Colin, 8 of Telford, a suburban community straddling Bucks and Montgomery Counties.
"I want to stop danger in schools," Logan said.
Some spoke of the hope they felt in seeing the youth lead this movement.
"It's the first hope I've had since you know when," said 67-year-old Aliceanne Manning, of Germantown, who, along with her friend Laurel Sweeney, 65, held a sign that many stopped to take photos of. "Grannies against guns," it read.
Organizer Romaine Wright said she didn't know if the organizing crew would do another march next year it was too soon to say but they wanted to make sure the conversation kept going, whether at town halls, meetings, or something else.
And while some will criticize the newcomers to this issue, wondering where they were when black and brown people were getting gunned down, Scott Charles, director of Temple University's violence-prevention program Cradle to Grave and a professed "old head" who knows gun violence is nothing new, said it's not the time to be divided.
"I'm a firm believer in, 'It's not where you've been, it's where you're at,' " Charles said. "And right now, you're here."
The Rev. Gerald Dennis Gill leads the congregation in prayer outside the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul in Philadelphia on Palm Sunday. Read more
With incense, prayer and palms, parishioners and clergy at Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul in Philadelphia joined Christians throughout the world Sunday in celebrating the start of the holiest week on the Christian calendar. Palm Sunday, the last Sunday of Lent, commemorates the triumphant arrival of Jesus Christ in Jerusalem just days before he was crucified on a cross, later to rise again. Next Sunday, Easter, celebrates that resurrection.
Outside the Cathedral Basilica at 18th and Race Streets Sunday, the Rev. Gerald Dennis Gill conducted prayers before leading a procession of palms into the church for the 11 a.m. Mass.
In an eco-friendly gesture, St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Philadelphia's Society Hill commemorated Palm Sunday without palms, instead using dried stalks of locally grown ornamental grass, commonly called Japanese or Chinese Silver grass.
At the Vatican Sunday, Pope Francis led a procession, walking with braided palm fronds and olive branches, before meeting with the faithful in St. Peter's Square. In his Palm Sunday address, he urged young people to raise their voices and be heard even when older people try to silence them and "make their dreams flat and dreary, petty and plaintive."
It was a particularly resonant message after the powerful youth-led March for Our Lives demonstrations against gun violence held Saturday across the United States and world.
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia says it is cooperating with the police investigation. Read more
The pastor of a Northeast Philadelphia Catholic parish has been placed on administrative leave while police investigate a report of alleged misconduct with a minor, a spokesman for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia said Sunday.
The Rev. Armand Garcia, formerly of St. Martin of Tours parish in the city's Summerdale section, was removed from his post March 16 the same day that investigators executed a search warrant on the parish rectory, said Kenneth Gavin, chief communications officer for the archdiocese.
Parishioners were informed of Garcia's leave and the circumstances behind it last weekend. But details of the investigation remained sparse more than a week later.
A police spokeswoman declined to comment Sunday. Gavin said only that the archdiocese was cooperating fully with the probe and that no charges had been filed.
Garcia's lawyer William J. Brennan who has previously represented archdiocesan priests accused of child sex abuse also declined to discuss the case in detail.
"I will say that I've been in touch with the authorities on Father Garcia's behalf," he said. "He has an unblemished record, from my understanding, and he's a good man."
Garcia, 48, was ordained in 2005, two years after a damning report by a Philadelphia grand jury had accused dozens of current and former area priests of sexual misconduct with children.
Gavin said that Garcia had cleared all criminal background checks and a search for past child abuse allegations. He had completed a "safe environment" training program made mandatory for all priests, parish teachers, and volunteers in the wake of the grand jury report.
He was named pastor at St. Martin of Tours in November after being transferred there earlier last year from Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Roxborough, where he was parochial vicar.
As of late Sunday, Garcia's name had been removed from the St. Martin of Tours parish website and that of the National Association of Filipino Priests, an organization with which he had served as part of its leadership council.
Workers from crane manufacturer ZPMC and PhilaPort watch the Zhen Hua 16 dock with the ports new giant cranes . Read more
Two new giant cranes capable of unloading the world's largest container ships arrived in the city Saturday on a slow boat from China, the 21-story-tall structures so huge they literally stopped traffic when they cleared the Delaware Memorial Bridge with only six feet to spare.
The cranes, manufactured by Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Co. Ltd.(ZPMC) of Shanghai, at a cost of $12 million each, will allow the Port of Philadelphia to keep pace with other port facilities, port officials said.
"Now we have the cranes so we can be competitive on the East Coast," said Jeff Theobald, the port's chief executive, who was among the officials and workers who turned out to gawk at the oddly configured vessel dock at the Packer Avenue Marine Terminal.
"This is a great day for the Port of Philadelphia," said Jerry Sweeney, chairman of the Philadelphia Regional Port Authority.
The heavy-load Zhen Hua 16 vessel, owned by ZPMC, is specially designed to ride low in the water so that the cranes, which weigh 1,684 tons each and are 252 feet high, can be slid directly off the ship's deck onto the wharves.
But the small amount of space separating the deck from the water means that the vessel must travel very slowly in the open water. It needed 91 days to sail to Philadelphia, passing below South Africa, with an intermediate stop in South Carolina, where it unloaded two cranes for the Charleston port.
"They're massive," said Dave McGuire, PhilaPort project engineer, who traveled to Charleston to observe the elaborate unloading operation that will be repeated in the next few days in Philadelphia. "The closer they get, the more impressive they are."
The Zhen Hua 16 needed to take on extra ballast and wait until low tide to pass under the Delaware Memorial Bridge, and just to be safe, authorities halted vehicular traffic on the bridge during the passage.
The port corporation bought one of the cranes, and Holt Logistics Corp. and Greenwich Terminals LLC, which operates the Packer Avenue terminal, paid for the second.
"This will allow us to be more productive," said Thomas J. Holt Jr., president of Astro Holdings LLC, the Packer Avenue lease-holder. "We can get ships in and out more quickly, which means more cargo, which means more jobs."
Holt and the other officials praised Gov. Wolf for approving a $300 million grant in 2016 aimed at doubling the port's container cargo capacity and creating about 2,000 more direct port jobs.
The port and Holt have ordered three more of the new super post-Panamax cranes so named because they can reach across larger vessels designed to pass through the widened Panama Canal. The three new cranes are scheduled to arrive next year.
SEPTA operations planner Anita Davidson looking over the proposed 49 bus route at the authoritys headquarters in Center City. Read more
The task seems simple enough: Create a public transit service linking Grays Ferry, Fairmount, and Brewerytown to the booming job market in University City.
SEPTA has buses. The city has roads. Just put tires on asphalt and connect points A to B to C, right?
Making the new route real, though, has been a three-year process that included in-depth review of employment and commuting data from the U.S. Census, visits to streets and intersections in the area SEPTA hoped to serve, addressing such essentials as restroom access for drivers, and lots and lots of community meetings.
The proposed route has been changed three times in the last three years, but with the latest iteration, SEPTA's planners believe they've come up with a winning blueprint for a Route 49 bus. If approved by SEPTA's board, the bus could start rolling as soon as the fall. It would be the first entirely new Philadelphia route in almost a decade, and comes as SEPTA contends with a three-year trend of shrinking bus ridership.
With SEPTA expecting to tackle a bus route overhaul in the next three years, the process of creating the Route 49 bus might be a window into what could happen region-wide.
"I don't foresee the process will be all that different, especially with the community outreach and engagement," said Anita Davidson, a SEPTA planner who has worked on the Route 49 proposal for most of her 3 years with the transit agency.
On the ninth floor of SEPTA's Center City headquarters, Davidson works in a cubicle surrounded by posters of the Route 49 bus' path and maps of transit networks in Philadelphia and Chicago. The 27-year-old is among just four people at SEPTA designing changes to SEPTA's 77 city bus routes.
"Sometimes it blows my mind that I get to work on something that could have such a positive impact on the city of Philadelphia," said Davidson, who studied geography as an undergraduate at George Washington University and urban spatial analytics at University of Pennsylvania.
The idea of a north-south service that would link University City and 30th Street Station to nearby residential areas, and to the cultural attractions along the Ben Franklin Parkway, began with requests from communities.
"What I find exciting about this route is we take two areas that have been historically poorly connected by transit in this city and gave them a one-seat ride," said Andrew Stober, vice president of planning and development for the University City District, one of the groups pushing for the new route.
Today, there is no direct transit between Fairmount or Grays Ferry and University City, even though the census showed SEPTA that 2,000 University City workers live within a quarter-mile of the proposed route, many of them in areas where public transit use is light.
SEPTA is projecting 3,000 riders will use the new bus route on workdays. Revenue from those riders should cover about 22 percent of the $4.3 million cost of fuel, maintenance, and manpower needed to expand service.
In the last three years, SEPTA shared earlier versions of the plan with the communities along the route. In Strawberry Mansion, residents complained the bus route didn't travel far enough north. City Councilman William K. Greenlee recommended the route travel 29th Street, rather than 26th and 27th as originally planned. Graduate Hospital residents made clear they didn't want additional bus service in the neighborhood. An older version of the proposal would have routed the bus onto the South Street Bridge. Buses would have had difficulty making the turn from South Street onto 24th Street.
Showing the public a line on the map, SEPTA's planners said, can create the mistaken impression that the route is going to be imposed on a community, rather than proposed. Adversarial meetings aren't uncommon, and Davidson said that early in her time on the job she struggled with fierce negative reactions.
"When I was younger, I would take it personally," she said. "Now, I think, 'What are they trying to say other than that it's stupid?' I have the ability to find grains of usefulness from those negative comments to improve my work."
Davidson and her team made adjustments. The proposed route uses 34th Street instead of South Street to cross the Schuylkill and extends farther into Strawberry Mansion, to 33rd and York streets, before ending at 33rd and Dauphin Streets. The new route also required compromise. By diverting away from the South Street Bridge, the original plan to extend service up to 38th Street would have been too circuitous, so the new proposal goes only to 34th Street in University City.
Public hearings will be held on the latest proposal in May.
The new route is more direct and efficient than the earlier version, said Jonas Maciunas, who heads the urban design firm JVM Studio. It also brings much-needed access to University City.
"The gravity of Philadelphia has, I don't know if you want to call it shifted or spread," Maciunas said. "The amazing thing is the percentage of population transportation carries between Center City and University City." SEPTA planners found University City employment improved from 55,000 jobs to 75,000 jobs from 2007 to 2015, and development is still coming.
SEPTA has since last year expressed concern about shrinking bus ridership, and recently released federal data showed that Philadelphia lost a greater percentage of bus riders in 2017 than comparable metropolitan areas nationwide.
This spring, SEPTA expects to receive the results of a system-wide review of the bus network. Officials are already preparing for what could be contentious interactions with the public over the possibility of revitalizing bus service. SEPTA officials are quick to say they don't expect a wholesale redesign.
"We have a very good base system in place," said Rich Burnfield, SEPTA's deputy general manager and treasurer. "I don't want our customers to be alarmed."
They expect to focus on improving frequency and reliability, but long-term riders may still be displeased with changes that will improve service but could eliminate stops or divert routes.
SEPTA will likely approach a bus network redesign similarly to the way Route 49 was handled, though, Davidson said. She considered the back-and-forth process as it exists as time consuming, but necessary.
"I don't see this as something that slows the process, but makes the final process stronger," she said.
Davidson has been riding SEPTA since she was 10 years old, and sees transit as a major force for good in the city. In particular, she's interested to see whether the Route 49 bus will create access to jobs in University City for Grays Ferry residents. Relatively few commuters travel between the neighborhoods, despite their proximity. Getting from one to the other takes about a half-hour on at least two SEPTA vehicles.
"I think the part for me that seems exciting," she said, "is being able to engage at such a large scale with the very diverse Philadelphia communities and try to give them a product that's meaningful for them."
Students from Pennsylvania march in protest, during the march for Our Lives rally along Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington DC. Saturday, March 24, 2018. JOSE F. MORENO / Staff Photographer Read more
WASHINGTON Maeve Ramsey begged her mom to go so she could make a difference.
Bonnie Simon, a teacher, wanted to go to make a statement: She won't carry a weapon as part of her job.
George Manigault wanted to march for justice, as he had so many years ago behind Martin Luther King Jr.
Joined by hundreds of others, the three boarded buses in Philadelphia just after dawn broke Saturday, making their way to the nation's capital, where hundreds of thousands of students, teachers, parents, and others converged to demand Congress enact stricter gun-control laws.
The March for Our Lives in Washington was led by young people, most notably students from Parkland, Fla., who saw 17 classmates and teachers gunned down in a February school massacre.
"To the leaders, skeptics, and cynics who told us to sit down, stay silent, and wait your turn: Welcome to the revolution," Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School survivor Cameron Kasky told the crowd. "Either represent the people, or get out. Stand for us, or beware. The voters are coming."
Naomi Wadler, an 11-year-old from Alexandria, Va., electrified the assembled, too.
"I represent the African American women who are victims of gun violence, who are simply statistics instead of vibrant, beautiful girls full of potential," said Wadler, who said her activism was motivated by the stories of black women whose deaths do not make headlines.
Maeve Ramsey, 14, stood elbow-to-elbow with a crowd that stretched for miles.
Ramsey, whose family lives in Dauphin County, leaned hard on her mother, Kate Ramsey, to drive two hours to Philadelphia. There, Maeve, Kate and Wulfgar Ramsey, 17, met up with a CeaseFire PA group bound for D.C. and the largest of hundreds of Saturday marches happening worldwide.
Maeve had participated in the small walkout at her largely conservative high school, and a friend challenged her to make a difference.
"I'm just so mad. We have to do something," she said.
Manigault, 76, of North Philadelphia, is no stranger to marches: His first came when he was just 14 and his family took him to Washington to stand with King.
"We fought for justice then," said Manigault. "We're fighting for justice now."
Participating in the March for Our Lives meant he had to walk a long way, and Manigault had a boot on his foot from an injury. But that was a minor detail, he said.
"All these guns in the street it gets to where it just bothers your heart," Manigault said. "It's time to say to the legislators, 'What's more important, the NRA or our lives?' "
Simon, 65, of Ambler, brought craft supplies on the bus from Philadelphia, neatly printing signs: "Let Teachers Teach. No Guns!" and "Just Say No to the NRA."
Simon now works as a tutor but has taught emotionally troubled children in the city, and, years ago, worked at Clymer Elementary in North Philadelphia and Smith Elementary in South Philadelphia, where lockdowns were routine when violence broke out in the neighborhood.
She was disgusted at President Trump's idea that some teachers should be armed as a way to ward off school shootings.
"I would never carry a gun," she said. "Teachers carrying guns? That's the most absurd idea. They should give us bulletproof vests."
The crowd was diverse and enormous so large that it was less of a march and more of a rally, by virtue of the fact that anywhere close to the action, people couldn't move. There were earnest signs and profane ones, people making a buck hawking T-shirts and soft pretzels and people registering new voters. A group of students from Parkway Center City Middle College who connected with Stoneman Douglas students were in the crowd, wearing T-shirts that gave sobering statistics about their own experiences with gun violence; a number of men and women from Project HOME were there, too.
For Ashanae Jackson, 19, a student at YouthBuild Charter School, it felt personal; gun violence is common in her South Philadelphia neighborhood. A friend was recently murdered on his doorstep, and a cousin survived a shooting but was left blind.
Guns are everywhere, and way too easy to get, Jackson said.
"A few weeks ago, someone texted my little brother, 'Do you want to buy a gun for $40?' " said Jackson. "He's 15."
Keith Q. Schenck of Germantown snapped pictures as he wandered among the vast sea of people. He wanted to remember the day. Schenck, founder of One Love Philly Guns Down, got involved in the fight against guns when his cousin was killed by someone who emptied an assault weapon into his car.
"This is a crisis that can be prevented," said Schenck.
Valerie Arkoosh, chair of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners, also took a CeaseFire bus from the city to D.C. As the bus rumbled along I-95, Arkoosh, a doctor, called gun violence "a public health problem. This is not about repealing the Second Amendment. This is about keeping the people in our country safe."
When he travels the world for his work as a multimedia producer, Carl Woodin said he now feels embarrassed to admit he's an American. The state of U.S. politics and the lack of strict gun laws are dangerous, he said. He looks at his children, now 24 and 21, and is grateful they're out of public schools, which no longer feel safe, Woodin said.
"And I live in Upper Dublin a really nice, affluent suburb, but it doesn't matter," said Woodin, who traveled to the march with a group from Temple Beth Or in Ambler. "As human beings, we need to stand up for each other. I just can't stand by and watch it anymore."
Carolyn Schultz, a special-education teacher at Pennsauken High School, rode with a group of students and educators to the Washington event because she wanted to be a witness to history, she said
"This is a movement, and it's different because the kids are leading the way," said Schultz, 55. "If you're going to be an activist, you need to show up."
That's what Maeve Ramsey thought, too. She was completely overwhelmed and completely motivated by what she had seen, heard, and felt Saturday, she said.
"I feel like I have a voice," she said, "and it should be heard."
For as long as locals can remember, the Woodbury City Council opened its business meetings with prayer.
But in the latest move to showcase the Gloucester County community as a welcoming place for people from all walks of life, city leaders have eliminated the prayer tradition. Instead, the council last month began its meeting with a moment of reflection under a policy announced in February.
"At that time, everybody can pray the way they want or they don't have to pray at all," said Mayor Jessica M. Floyd. "Nobody can be offended."
The issue has divided religious and political leaders in the city of nearly 10,000, which is home to more than two dozen places of worship, mostly Christian. It was founded in 1683 and settled as a Quaker religious center.
"It is sad that a tradition, which has existed for hundreds of years, has been stopped," council member Kenneth J. McIlvaine, who is Catholic, said Friday. "I am unhappy and disappointed the invocation has ended."
About 50 people, mostly from local churches, packed a meeting Monday with the newly created Human Rights Commission to share their concerns. Clergy members on both sides of the issue were passionate during the debate, which lasted about two hours.
"God is in full control of whether they have it or not," said the Rev. Norwood Cuff, pastor of Campbell AME Church. "I have my own convictions. I'm not going to fight it."
The seven-member commission earlier this year asked the city to change the prayer tradition, which is believed to date back hundreds of years, said Tony Doran, commission chairman. Some residents and city employees who were required to attend council meetings said they were uncomfortable with the prayer, he said.
"We really think that diversity and inclusion for everybody make us a better community," Doran said in an interview this week. "We're looking out for everybody."
Last year, the council adopted a citywide anti-discrimination policy and launched a promotional effort to brand Woodbury, the county seat, as a welcoming place for LGBTQ visitors and residents. Rainbow banners were placed along Broad Street, the city's main thoroughfare.
In a message on the city's website, Floyd, a Sunday school teacher at St. Stephen's Lutheran Church, says: "Woodbury is full of diversity, making it a great place to raise open-minded and tolerant children. Our residents take pride in being a welcoming community that embraces people of all walks of life."
"I go to church to practice my faith," said Floyd. "For anybody who's not Christian, I can see why it would be uncomfortable."
Doran said removing the prayer from the council meetings has nothing to do with the gay pride branding movement. The intent, he said, was to "bring more people together who historically felt excluded by the invocation."
Council President Tracey L. Parker made the decision to remove prayer from the February meeting agenda, a move that Floyd said she backed. Some council members were irked that they were not given a vote on the matter. Parker did not respond to a request for comment.
Only four Gloucester County towns Clayton, Elk, Monroe and West Deptford currently open their meetings with an invocation, according to a survey conducted by Woodbury. Nine towns have a moment of silence, five allow a prayer only at the annual reorganization meeting and three on special occasions.
"I believe there has to be prayer, whether aloud or silent," the Rev. Glenn DeShields, of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Woodbury, said Friday. As a compromise, the council should consider a standardized prayer that doesn't mention "Jesus, Buddha or Muhammad," he said.
"There has to be something workable so that we can still pray," DeShields said.
The Freedom from Religion Foundation has rigorously opposed government bodies opening their meetings with prayer, arguing that it is inappropriate. The group, based in Madison, Wis., believes that citizens tending to business matters with their local government "should not be subjected to a religious show or test, or be expected to bow heads and demonstrate religious obeisance at a government function."
"We fail to see why divine guidance is needed over such earthly matters, anyway," the group argues on its website.
In 2014, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that legislative bodies, including city councils, can begin their meetings with prayer, even if it plainly favors a specific religion. The court cited history and tradition in finding that Christian prayers said before meetings of an upstate New York town council did not violate the constitutional prohibition against government establishment of religion.
"Ceremonial prayer is but a recognition that, since this nation was founded and until the present day, many Americans deem that their own existence must be understood by precepts far beyond the authority of government," Justice Anthony M. Kennedy wrote in the decision.
The prayer practice in the New York town of Greece, just outside Rochester, bears resemblance to the custom that had been used in Woodbury for years. In both cases, the council regularly opened its meetings with a prayer delivered by a community member. The speakers, recruited from local houses of worship, were overwhelmingly Christian.
McIlvane said he would like to have the invocation reinstated, but agreed with some religious leaders in acknowledging that prayer could be offensive to those who may not share his Christian beliefs. He said he would likely feel uncomfortable if certain groups with views counter to his were invited to give the invocation.
During the moment of reflection, McIlvane said, he plans to "mindfully ask for my Lord's help in guiding the city council to deliberate and return moral, practical and prudent decisions that will benefit the citizens of our diverse and welcoming community. In doing this, I believe my father will reward all of us."
Alateen, a support group for children and teens whose family members abuse alcohol, wants to see more faces at its next meeting.
Monica Brennan, a nurse at Mayo who runs Alateen meetings, said having a support group in town goes a long way toward mitigating the "quiet problem" that is familial alcohol abuse.
The group meets every Thursday from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Mount Olive Lutheran Church, 2830 18th Ave. NW, room 15.
There is an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting at the same time.
In 2007, the Rochester Alateen group disbanded because of lack of interest.
Last May, Brennan revived it.
"With Al-Anon, theres a lot of focus on healing the person with the disease," she said. "Its a family disease, but its not always treated like one."
Young people who grow up with parents or family members who have problems related to alcohol are more likely to experience depression, abuse drugs or alcohol, or even attempt suicide.
Being part of a community that cares can help, Brennan said.
"The shame is really hard for them. Because who would they share this problem with?" she said. "Part of the healing is seeing that theyre not alone."
Attendance still varies (and skews low) at Alateen meetings. It serves young people ages 10 through 20, who use the group to discuss the challenges of familial addiction and alcohol abuse.
Members use their first names at meetings, and there is no attendance taken.
There is a measure of security, Brennan said, in knowing that what is discussed on Thursday nights wont be repeated elsewhere.
Despite the location, Alateen does not have a religious affiliation. It is a free service.
"Come as you want, come as you are, come as you need," Brennan said.
The estimable Henry Olsen makes a good case that she, at a minimum, she is more likely to be the nominee than anyone else. He bases his case on the pattern that has prevailed in the Democratic party since 1984:
A candidate appealing to educated, more liberal Democrats challenges a relatively more centrist rival favored by the party establishment; the progressive wins most primaries and caucuses in New England, the West, and Wisconsin, while the centrist wins most of the remaining states. This outcome has historically doomed the progressive, from 1984 challenger Senator Gary Hart to Sanders himself, because there are more centrists than progressives or liberals.
The only wild card has been the African-American vote. And it hasnt been very wild:
Non-whites almost invariably back the more centrist candidate, providing that person with key support to defeat his or her more liberal challenger. Africans-Americans and Latinos backed Walter Mondale over Hart in 1984 and Bill Clinton over Paul Tsongas and Jerry Brown in 1992, delivering the nomination to both men in the process. They did so again in 2016, backing Hillary Clinton by margins as large as 80 percent, allowing her to win most Southern and Midwestern primary states as a result.
African-Americans have abandoned the establishment candidate only when a serious African-American sought the nomination:
Jesse Jackson won two states dominated by African-American Democrats in 1984 and swept six Southern states in 1988. Crucially, Barack Obama owed his nomination in 2008 to African-American voters, riding their overwhelming support to win seven Southern states and many delegates in Midwestern and Northeastern states with large, urban black populations. If not for their support, Obama would have merely been yet another failed progressive challenger.
Therein lies the difference between the Obama insurgency of 2008 and the Sanders insurgency of 2016:
[E]xcept for the African-American community, support for Obama in 2008 and Sanders in 2016 is strikingly similar. According to 2016 exit polls, Sanders ran best among self-described very liberal voters, beating Clinton among them in virtually every state. Similarly, 2008 exit polls showed Obama beating Clinton among those voters in all but four states. Obama and Sanders also swept party caucuses, each winning the same states in these progressive-dominated contests. Sanders and Obama also both won the more progressive-minded primary states of Oregon, Montana, and Wisconsin. Had Sanders attained Obamas support among African-Americans, then he, not Hillary Clinton, would have been the 2016 nominee, regardless of superdelegate support.
Speaking of superdelegates, the Democrats are probably going to sharply reduce their number. Hillary Clinton gave them a bad name last time.
Add it all up, and the situation looks quite favorable for Harris. She will run as a progressive in the Obama-Sanders mold. Like Obama she has the advantage of being African-American. She may not move African-Americans to the same degree as Obama and Jesse Jackson did, but she should massively outperform Sanders with this cohort.
In addition, a cutting back on superdelegates will work to her advantage against any establishment candidate.
Finally, Harris will benefit from the decline of anything resembling a Democratic center. As Olsen points out, in 2016 very liberal Democrats made up a significantly larger percentage of Democratic primary voters than they did as recently as 2008, while moderate conservative primary voters were outnumbered in virtually every state.
However, Harris path to the nomination is littered with uncertainty, as one would expect this far out. She might have to share the progressive vote with Sanders and/or others. She might have to share the African-American vote with Cory Booker. If Joe Biden runs, its conceivable that, given his service to Barack Obama, he could win a decent share of the African-American vote as the establishment candidate.
Harris might also turn out to be a dud on the campaign trail.
So if the bet is Kamala Harris vs. the field, Id take the field. If its Harris vs. any single candidate, Id bet on Harris.
I didnt go to the childrens anti-gun march in Washington today, having paid my dues at the womens anti-Trump march on inauguration weekend. However, Jarrett Stepman of the Daily Signal attended. He provides seven takeaways, none of which will surprise readers.
The seven are:
1. It was a left-wing event.
2. It was well-organized and well-funded.
3. Prayer was ridiculed.
4. Those who disagree with the protesters were condemned as complicit in murder.
5. The Second Amendment is viewed as outdated and problematic.
6. Many protesters were fuzzy on the facts (to put it kindly).
7. The march was definitely not a gun-free zone.
Stepmans report, along with pictures from the march, is here.
About Me William Kelly I am a freelance writer, journalist and historian whose major interests are music and history, with a special emphasis on the assassination of President Kennedy. View my complete profile
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New Delhi, March 19 : As a part of his campaign ahead of the assembly election in Karnataka, Congress President Rahul Gandhi will be going to the state on Tuesday and his travel programme include visits to a temple, church and a dargah.
Gandhi will visit Rosario Church in Mangaluru at 7 p.m., followed by visit to Gokarnanatheswara Temple and then to Ullal Dargah at 8 p.m.
He will inaugurate Rajiv Gandhi Political Institute in Udupi district at 12.45 p.m., followed by a corner meeting at Padubidri in Udupi.
He will also visit several places in Dakshina Kannada district and addressing a public meeting at Nehru Maidan in Mangaluru around 5 p.m..
Karnataka is likely to witness assembly election in the middle of May this year.
San Francisco, March 21 : Brian Acton, co-founder of WhatsApp, late on Tuesday asked users to "delete" the social media platform, Facebook, amid alleged data leakage of its users for political purposes.
"It is time. #deletefacebook," Brian Acton tweeted to more than 23,000 of his followers.
WhatsApp was acquired by Facebook in 2014.
Facebook is facing a major backlash after reports emerged that the political data analytics firm, Cambridge Analytica, accessed the data of its 50 million users without their permission.
The company received the user data from a Facebook app years ago that purported to be a psychological research tool, however, the firm was not authorised to have that information.
Earlier on Tuesday, UK's data protection watchdog sought a court warrant to search the London headquarters of the political data analytics consultancy that worked with Donald Trump's election team and allegedly harvested Facebook profiles of US voters to influence their choices at the ballot box.
The UK Information Commissioner also ordered the auditors hired by Facebook to stand down when they visited the Cambridge Analytica headquarters.
Meanwhile, lawmakers from the US and the UK have called for action following the reports of the data leak of the Facebook users.
Mark Zuckerberg's Facebook bought WhatsApp for $19 billion in 2014 but Acton remained with the company for several years before quitting to start "Signal Foundation" earlier in 2018.
Last month, he invested $50 million into "Signal", an independent alternative to hugely-popular WhatsApp.
Another WhatsApp co-founder, Jan Koum, still leads the company and sits on Facebook's board.
Thiruvananthapuram, March 22 : The Syrian Mar Thoma Church and the Jacobite Syrian Christian Church on Thursday lashed out at the Pinarayi Vijayan government in Kerala for deciding to open closed liquor vends.
The Kerala Catholic Bishop's Conference (KCBC) had also slammed the "liquor policy" of the Vijayan government.
The Church heads have said that the government was operating on the sly to open new liquor vends, bars and toddy shops, riding on the Supreme Court verdict.
In 2016, when the Oommen Chandy-led Congress government demitted office, there were two dozen bars that operated in five-star hotels, while around 700 bars in the three-and four-star hotels were shut down.
Chandy's policy envisaged prohibition in Kerala by 2023.
In the Vijayan government's tenure so far, under the Supreme Court directives, there are close to 200 outlets, including four-star hotel bars and wine and beer parlours open in the state and according to reports from the state excise department another 150 bars are going to open soon.
The Thiruvalla headquartered Syrian Mar Thoma Church chief Joseph Mar Thoma Metropolitan on Thursday said that it is unfortunate that the very same people who spoke about practicing the policy of abstinence are doing exactly the opposite.
With a sizeable Mar Thoma community in Chengannur constituency, Joseph Mar Thoma Metropolitan said that he will direct his community to exercise their franchise according to their conscience.
Mor Coorilose Geevarghese, head of the Jacobite Syrian Christian Church, Niranam diocese, said that he failed to understand the logic of this Left government in coming out with this sort of policy, when there is a crucial assembly by-election coming up.
Of the 33.4 million Kerala population, Christians number 61.41 lakh (29.94 lakh males and 31.47 lakh females) and are placed third with the Hindu and Muslim population taking the number one and two spot.
Barcelona, March 24 : Protesters in Catalonia region clashed with the police after Spain's Supreme Court ruled that 25 separatist leaders should be tried for rebellion, embezzlement or disobeying the state, the media reported on Saturday.
According to the ruling on Friday, convictions could result in up to 30 years in prison, the BBC reported.
Supreme Court Judge Pablo Llarena in Madrid ordered five more Catalan leaders to be detained without bail, pending trial over their involvement in October's banned independence referendum.
One of those taken into custody was Jordi Turull who was to be the subject of a vote in the Catalan parliament on Saturday for regional president.
More than 20 people were injured as the police used riot batons to keep protesters away from federal buildings in Barcelona on Friday night.
Demonstrations also took place in other parts of Catalonia.
Friday night's rallies had been organised by a separatist group before the court decisions were announced, reports the BBC.
But the rulings appeared to inflame the protesters and angry crowds confronted lines of riot police protecting Spanish government buildings in Barcelona.
Tensions spilled over into violence as some protesters tried to break through police lines.
Friday's rulings were considered the most serious challenge to date for the Catalan independence movement. Almost the entire leadership now faces a major legal fight.
Former Catalan President Carles Puigdemont remains in self-imposed exile in Belgium.
Miami, March 24 : Puerto Rico's Monica Puig pulled off a surprise win 0-6,6-4,6-4 over second-seeded Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark on the fourth day of the Miami Open.
Wozniacki, who won the WTA Finals in Singapore in October last year, devastated Puig in the first set to take it 6-0, reports EFE news agency.
But everything changed in the first game of the second set, when Puig set up a breakpoint, which the world number two managed to save.
The 2016 Olympic Gold medallist finally managed to break Wozniacki in the fifth game to tie the match and recover her confidence.
Puig, ranked 82 in the world, who beat Australia's Samantha Stosur 6-3,6-4, in the first round, started the third set in fine form to earn an early break and then held on to win the set.
Puig will now meet Greece's Maria Sakkari, who beat Estonia's Anett Kontaveit 6-4,6-1, in the third round.
Washington, March 25 : Hundred of thousands of protesters rallied in Washington D.C. on Saturday, calling for stricter control on guns, more secured schools, and an end to gun violence.
Carrying signs with slogans including "Never Again", "Am I Next?", protesters gathered in Washington's Pennsylvania Avenue that connects the Capitol Hill and the White House.
The rally "March For Our Lives" was held after 19-year-old Nikolas Cruz killed 17 people with an assault rifle in a high school in Parkland, state of Florida on February 14, Xinhua reported.
The shooting has revived a national debate over gun controls, as many are concerned that mass school shootings are becoming alarmingly common.
Meanwhile, more than 800 similar events were held in cities across the country the same day, including such cities as Los Angeles, Boston, Philadelphia, New York City, and Parkland.
In New York, thousands of teenagers, teachers and parents braved the chilly weather and took to the streets in their support for a nationwide students march, calling for the US Congress to pass tighter gun-control laws.
The march began with a rally at near the Central Park during which a moment of silence was observed as the names of 17 victims killed in the school shooting in Parkland were read.
Then the protesters, holding signs including "Enough is Enough", "We're the Change", "Gun violence hurts" and "I am a Teacher NOT a Security Guard," walked all the way to the midtown Manhattan.
In Chicago, thousands of people gathered at Union Park to participate in the demonstration against gun violence.
Although the temperature was only two degrees on the day, it still could not stop people from participating in the rally.
On the stage of the rally, several students spoke about the shooting incidents and victims that occurred around them and called for stricter gun laws.
In the western coast city of San Francisco, thousands of people demonstrated to advocate for gun control.
The protesters marched along the streets in Burlingame city, about 44 kilometers south of San Francisco, chanting slogans and urging their supporters on both sides of the streets to back their protests against gun crimes.
"I've always heard about gun-related crimes, and so many people get killed. It's time to take actions," said high school student Danny.
He said the US government needs to have the courage to pass a new law that will help control guns and save more lives.
Srinagar, March 25 : A militant was killed and a woman injured on Sunday during a gunfight between security forces and the militants in central Kashmir's Badgam district, officials said.
"On specific inputs regarding the presence of terrorists, Jammu and Kashmir Police, 53 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) launched a cordon and search operation in Aarizal village of Beerwah tehsil in Badgam," an official of Defence Ministry said.
The official said that during the search operation, one militant while trying to flee came out of the house he was hiding in and fired indiscriminately at the security forces. As a result, a woman was injured.
"In retaliation, a terrorist has been neutralized, whose identity and affiliation is being ascertained. Arms and ammunition have been recovered," the official said.
The injured woman was taken to a hospital and her condition is now reported to be stable.
According to the official, the area is under cordon and searches are being conducted.
Police has also confirmed that one militant was killed in the area during a brief encounter with the security forces.
Jhunjhunu, March 25 : Sending her elder daughter Manushree to an English-medium school in Jhunjhunu (Rajasthan) was a distant dream for Sushila Thakan some eight years ago. Though she had her husband's moral support, she received little cooperation from her in-laws after she gave birth to a girl child.
"Everyone wanted a male child and female newborns were considered no less than a curse. No one wanted a girl child," the 32-year-old homemaker Sushila told IANS.
As per the 2011 census, Jhunjhunu district of Rajasthan had the worst child sex ratio in the state with 863 girls per 1,000 boys and got tagged because of its regressive traditional practices not only as a "socially backward" district in official statistics but also as a microcosm of the wrongs that ail Indian society.
The child-sex ratio in Rajasthan as per the 2011 census was one of the lowest in the country -- 888 females per 1,000 males as against the national ratio of 919 females per 1,000 males. Noted economist Amartya Sen had once said that India had some 40 million "missing women" and this skewed sex ratio has improving slowly, district by district.
Jhunjhunu, itself, is rapidly changing, claims Sushila. She said that although she later gave birth to a son, her daughter is the most pampered and loved one in the family now, an indicator of how society is transforming.
Today with a ratio of 951 girls per 1,000 boys, the district has become a role model for other districts in the country that are attempting to improve their child-sex ratio.
"This is because there has been awareness in the region about the importance of girls and impact of education. The state government came up with many schemes for girls and highlighted the need for equal sex ratio. Now the discrimination has almost ended here," Sushila emphasised.
However, the road to success was not a smooth one for the Rajasthan district. There were many hiccups which motivated and persevering district officials had to overcome in their mission.
"It's not something which improved overnight. It's a continuous process and a collective effort by everyone -- former district collectors, women welfare and health departments, NGOs and others," Dinesh Kumar Yadav, Jhunjhunu's District Collector, told IANS.
Yadav, who was posted in Jhunjhunu last year, said the biggest challenge for him and the administration was battling the mindset of the people -- misogynist thinking and male child-oriented approach of families.
"It was very difficult. We had to chase people, knock doors of every household, engage them with our schemes and make them understand through examples. Many girls from Jhunjhunu have joined the army, become government officers, or are working with multinational companies in big cities like Delhi. And we promoted such success stories, especially among families with girls," he added.
In order to encourage people to have a girl child, the administration started several schemes, some involving financial incentives, and even pushed for the celebration of rituals like 'kuan-poojan' (worship of a well), which were earlier performed only after birth of a son.
"We had to fight certain misconceptions... that only a male child will support them during old age. We showed them how girls have been supporting their families as well," he said.
Jhunjhunu also had a low literacy rate among women and to improve that the district administration started felicitating meritorious girls who outshine boys in exams.
"We started this felicitation programme called 'Jhunjhunu Gaurav Samman' where schools would put up pictures of meritorious girl students. We also took out rallies in honour of such meritorious girls," Yadav explained.
Jhunjhunu was also facing a high school-dropout rate among girls and to increase the enrolment of girls in schools, the administration first identified families where girls were either not enrolled or had dropped out.
"Then we contacted many women officials in administrative posts for help and made teams who would visit the families and motivate them to enrol their girls in school," he said.
Not just Jhunjhunu, but nearby Sikar district -- which also had a poor child sex ratio of 885 girls per 1,000 boys in 2011 -- also improved to 944 girls for every 1,000 boys.
"We understood that change would come only if we managed to engage with local people. We went on to select female brand ambassadors within the community who had already broken the ceiling to create a self-identity," Naresh Thakral, District Collector of Sikar, told IANS.
Women then started attending awareness classes organised by the Anganwadi centres and NGOs.
"Slowly and steadily, women started raising their voice against discrimination and difficulties faced by them in raising girls. They became vocal and aware of the need for a balanced sex ratio and the importance of having a girl child," Thakral said.
Although lowering the socio-cultural barriers was the first target, both districts were facing another major challenge -- female foeticide.
"There were many cases of female foeticide, which beside being illegal also posed threat to the pregnant women. Initially we connected with families with pregnant women and tried to know if they were seeking for sex determination tests. In such cases, the women activists would try to convince them against foeticide," Yadav said.
Both districts have succeeded in putting an end to female foeticide with implementation of strict laws and strong vigilance.
"We also started an operation where women became our informers. We stopped about 106 foeticide attempts, of which 60 were reported by women. In some cases, our volunteers chased such families to other districts and states. In some cases, volunteers even chased the families to Haryana to stop foeticide," Yadav said.
But just a check on hospitals was not enough. Even more important was educating women to stand against female foeticide. And to encourage female births, several schemes for mothers of girl children were started, not just by the state government but also by the Central government.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's flagship "Beti Bachao Beti Padhao" (Save her Educate her) scheme which started off from Panipat in Haryana in 2015 also reached Jhunjhunu.
"Every year, we get around Rs 1 crore under this scheme , which helps our campaigns. Earlier we had to approach people for resources, but now the government has come around to help," Yadav said.
Modi had on International Women's Day this year launched the pan-India expansion of the scheme to all the 640 districts of the country and chose Jhunjhunu as the venue for the event. He honoured several officials, including one each from Jhunjhunu and Sikar, who had contributed to uplifting the status of women in their respective districts.
(The weekly feature series is part of a positive-journalism project of IANS and the Frank Islam Foundation. Somrita Ghosh can be contacted at somrita.g@ians.in )
Paris, March 25 : A memorial Mass was beingheld in the southern French town of Trebes on Sunday in honour of the four victims killed by an Islamist gunman in a supermarket last week.
Police officer Lt-Col Arnaud Beltrame, who died saving the lives of hostages in the supermarket siege on March 23, will also be honoured in a separate national memorial in Paris soon, reports the BBC.
The Mass was held in the Church of Saint-Etienne in Trebes, a rural town of 5,000 people.
It was the worst jihadi attack under Emmanuel Macron's presidency.
The gunman, Redouane Lakdim, 25, had been on an extremist watchlist and was known to authorities as a petty criminal, but intelligence services had determined he did not post a threat.
He was shot dead by police, the BBC reported.
Lakdim, who pledged allegiance to the Islamic State terror group, was said to have demanded the release of Salah Abdeslam, the most important surviving suspect in the 13 November 2015 attacks in Paris, which killed 130 people.
Kolkata, March 25 : With the West Bengal ruling party Trinamool Congress (TMC) and main opposition BJP leaving no stone unturned in their Ram Navami preparations this year, the occasion was celebrated on a massive scale here on Sunday.
While the TMC leaders termed their Ram Navami celebrations a symbol of harmony among the people, the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) termed the ruling party's participation as a victory of the Hindus and the Hindutva agenda.
Claiming that Ram Navami has become a social festival in Bengal, BJP National Secretary Rahul Sinha said the magnitude of the celebration marks the victory of their Hindutva agenda.
He also welcomed the rallies taken out by the Trinamool, claiming that the state ruling party had to finally bow their heads and acknowledge the importance of the Hindu population in Bengal.
"This is a big victory for the BJP and it's Hindutva agenda. It is important that Trinamool Congress leaders had to bow down their heads to the Hindu population in the state. We welcome this. This is a victory for Lord Ram and Ram Navami," Sinha, who himself participated in a rally in Hoogly district's Chinsurah, told IANS.
Sinha said though the BJP was not organising any rallies, all its senior state leaders are participating in the processions organised by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and the Hindu Jagran Manch.
As many as six major Ram Navami rallies would be taken out in the city by the Sangh affiliate, with the rally from north Kolkata's Sovabazar expected to draw the biggest crowds.
State BJP President Dilip Ghosh, who was seen brandishing a sword at a rally in West Midnapore district's Kharagpur, said rallies with arms would be taken out in the area in the evening and claimed that so many people's participation shows the country is moving towards "Ram Rajya".
"There would be armed rally in Kharagpur. I will carry weapons myself. This has been an old tradition here to conduct armed rallies. It would continue. It seems we are approaching towards Ram Rajya. Those who did not want it, are also wanting it now. I am sure Ram Mandir would also be built in Ayodhya," Ghosh claimed.
BJP leader Mukul Roy, who defected from the TMC last year, was also seen leading a rally in north 24 Parganas district's Newtown area.
"Arms are nothing but symbols. No one carries arms in the rally to indulge in fights. I think the Trinamool government is trying to create an unnecessary controversy over the armed rallies on Ram Navami," he pointed out.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee extended greetings on social media.
State Minister of Biotechnology and Statistics Ashish Banerjee took out a colourful procession with dancers dressed as Ram and Sita in Birbhum district's Rampurhat.
Doha, March 25 : Qatar has released its first National List of Terrorist Classification which includes 20 individuals and eight entities, an official source said on Sunday.
The Qatari National Committee to Combat Terrorism said on its website that the terror list included "Sinai Province' and the Yemeni charity named Al-Ehsan, reports Xinhua news agency.
The list is based on a law on "combating terrorism" issued last July by Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the statement said.
The Qatari move came one day after the signing of an agreement between Saudi Arabia and the US worth $12.5 billion during the visit of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman to Washington.
The Qatar government has issued the terror list in response to one of the 13 demands which were announced by the quartet of Arab countries boycotting Qatar, The demands list included the closure of the Al-Jazeera channel, the severing of links with Iran, closing of a Turkish military base on Qatari soil, and the severing of relations with Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood.
In June 2017, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt cut all diplomatic and transportation ties with Qatar, accusing it of supporting terrorism. Doha rejected the demands and the charges.
However, Qatar later signed a number of agreements on combating the financing of terrorism with major countries.
Mumbai, March 25 : Actor R. Madhavan says he can't be a part of Rohit Shetty's "Simmba" due to an injury.
Madhavan underwent a shoulder surgery last month, and since he is recuperating, he had to even withdraw from joining actor Saif Ali Khan in Navdeep Singh's historical drama, which is heavy on action scenes. Now the actor also won't be seen in "Simmba", in which he was reportedly going to play the villain.
"Hey folks... So I am a huge crazy fan of Rohit Shetty and his films. As is my son. It breaks both our hearts that I'm not able to be a part of this film because of my injury. I'm well on my way to recovery but this is a huge opportunity and excitement lost," Madhavan tweeted on Sunday.
Madhavan was last seen in web series "Breathe", which explores the life of an ordinary man facing extraordinary circumstances.
""The injury kind of ruined everything," the actor had told IANS in an earlier interview after he had to opt out of the Saif-starrer.
Ajmer, March 25 : United Progressive Alliance chief Sonia Gandhi and Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Sunday handed over a 'chadar' to a delegation of party leaders for offering at the dargah of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti in Ajmer.
The two leaders also sent a message saying: "Ajmer Dargah stands as a symbol of secular India where all people irrespective of caste and creed come to offer their prayers.
New Delhi, March 25 : Goa is the most preferred destination for people to spend their Easter weekend in India, indicates a report.
This year, Easter is on April 1.
Fare aggregator and travel metasearch engine KAYAK compared last year's data with this year's searches for the Easter weekend.
There has been an almost 200 per cent increase in travel searches for the upcoming Easter weekend compared to last year, with much of this trend driven by beach destination Goa, read a statement.
The coastal state has seen a massive increase of 1,655 per cent this year in travel searches, which has seen it jump up seven places to become the overall top destination for Indians this Easter, followed by Bangkok.
This year's third-most popular destination, Hong Kong is another city experiencing a significant rise in Easter travel searches, with an increase of 1,349 per cent.
Singapore is also gaining traction for those looking at international travel.
Destinations like Toronto, San Francisco and New York all feature in the top 10 destinations for the upcoming holiday weekend, indicating that Indians are not afraid to spend for long-haul flights.
Noting a price drop in certain destinations, the report said Melbourne, Goa, Sydney and Male are some of the destinations seeing drops, ranging around a decrease of 20 per cent.
Abhijit Mishra, Director, India and Middle East of KAYAK said: "We all know how much love Indians have for beach getaways, and this year is no exception. Perhaps more surprising are the amount of holidaymakers using the Easter holidays as a chance to travel great distances, with San Francisco, Toronto and New York all amongst the top-searched Easter destinations this year."
Kannur (Kerala), March 25 : A massive protest, led by top opposition leaders from various parties lines, was held here on Sunday to support the demand for a realignment of a by-pass near here, with participants asserting that they would not allow paddy fields to be sacrificed to build it.
Among those who led the march were former State Congress President V.M. Sudheeran, Bharatiya Janata Party MP and superstar Suresh Gopi, six-time Independent legislator P.C. George, Aam Aadmi Party leader C.R. Neelakandan and several environmentalists.
The protest came a day after top leadership of the ruling Communist Party of India-Marxist's local unit, which is strongly supporting the by-pass, took to the streets here shouting slogans against the protesters, saying they have an "anti-development" agenda and calling to isolate them.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and the district CPI-M leadership however contend that a total of 11.5 acres of paddy fields is being taken and all, except four people, have agreed to it. They accused "vested interests behind the protesters of misleading the hapless local populace".
However, in Sunday's protest, Sudheeran said he is surprised to see that while the CPI-M lead protests against taking over farm lands for development in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, here they are the biggest supporters for it.
"What must be noted is that no environment and social impact assessment study was undertaken nor was an expert opinion sought for this proposed alignment. The National Highways Authority of India and the Kerala government have joined hands to destroy the paddy fields, which is the source of employment for many here. In no way will we allow this paddy lands to be taken over for the by-pass," he said.
Asking Chief Minister Vijayan to intervene and settle this issue as the protesters have a genuine case, Gopi said: "My state party president has briefed a cross section of the Union Ministers stating that the present alignment has to be changed as the demands of the protesters are genuine".
"The Union government is only willing to help resolve this issue as the protesters are not against the by-pass but are against this present alignment," he added.
George went a step forward and asked Vijayan to explain the fact that arrangements have been done with a group for Rs 70 crore as eight lakh lorry loads of mud are required to fill up this paddy field for constructing the by-pass.
"If the CPI-M leadership here do not learn from what happened in West Bengal and Tripura, then they are in for bad times. No one is against development at all... it's the manner in which development is forced on hapless people, that is being opposed," he said.
Incidentally , the protest is taking place at one of the strongholds of the CPI-M in Kannur and most of the protesters are all hardcore CPI-M activists. But with the Vijayan government adamant, they decided to seek the support of all people who support the environment.
Meanwhile, sensing that the protest could turn out to a problem for the CPI-M in Kannur, state PWD Minister G. Sudhakaran, who had attacked the protesters, has written to the NHAI to see if an elevated highway is possible through the present alignment, in a bid to quell the public anger.
Kabul, March 25 : An Afghan civilian and two bombers were killed and seven people injured after an explosion ripped through a mosque in the western province of Herat on Sunday, a provincial police spokesman said.
The blast occurred at midday after two suicide bombers tried to enter Nabi-e-Akram Mosque in Chahr Su locality, Abdul Hai Walizada, an officer of Police District 7 of the city, told Xinhua.
One terrorist detonated his explosive jacket near the entrance of the building after a security guard identified and intercepted the attackers, he said, adding that the second bomber was shot dead by the security guard.
Scores of people were offering prayers when the attack took place.
"Police and the rescue team reached the site following the attack and all the injured were rushed to Herat Regional Hospital for treatment," said the police officer.
Security forces have cordoned off the area as a precautionary measure.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack so far, but the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group has targeted several mosques in Herat over the past years.
Civilians in Afghanistan continue to bear the brunt of the armed conflict as more than 3,430 civilians were killed and over 7,000 others injured in conflict-related incidents in 2017, according to figures released by the United Nations mission in the country.
Mysuru, March 25 : Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Sunday accused the Narendra Modi government of stalling no-confidence motion moved in the Lok Sabha against it by the party and the TDP and YSR Congress over denial of special status to Andhra Pradesh.
"For the past 10 days, the Modi government is stalling the no-confidence motion as it is scared.
"What has Modi done for the country for the past four years," Gandhi asked at the rally here attended by hundreds of people and party cadres.
On Friday, the Congress had tabled a notice for no-confidence motion in the Lok Sabha, which was, however, not taken up due to disruption of the House.
Though Speaker Sumitra Mahajan had said she wanted to take up the no-trust motion for discussion, she had insisted the house return to order for initiating debate on it.
On March 16, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and YSR Congress had also moved no-confidence motions against the government over the issue of special category status for Andhra Pradesh, but these also haven't been taken up so far.
Gandhi, accusing Prime Minister Modi of peddling lies, claimed that the PM came to power in 2014 by lying to people.
"He (Modi) had promised 2 crore jobs a year for the country's youth if he came to power. But the country is seeing the highest unemployment over the last eight years," the Congress chief said in his 30-minute long address delivered in Hindi, which was translated into Kannada.
While then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had nationalised the banks in the country in 1969, Modi had "affected" the banking system and the economy through policies like note ban, he said.
"Poor Indians were made to stand in queues for their own money during demonetisation days, while the wealthy were given an opportunity to convert their black money into white," he alleged.
Terming the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Central government corrupt, he said the only exports India has made are people like diamond jeweller and Punjab National Bank fraud case accused Nirav Modi, liquor baron Vijay Mallya and former Indian Premier League Chairman Lalit Modi.
Mallya is facing an extradition trial in London over money-laundering charges of his now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines, while Lalit Modi is also facing money-laundering charges.
Gandhi said that they only business that flourished after the note ban was BJP President Amit Shah's son Jay Shah's, which grew from Rs 50,000 to Rs 80 crore within months.
"When the PM talks of corruption, he doesn't look at his own cabinet, his ministers and Chief Ministers."
He also asserted that his party will defeat the BJP in the coming assembly elections "due to its ideologies".
This is Gandhi's fourth visit to the southern state since February ahead of the assembly elections due in April-May.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, party state unit president G. Parameshwara, and party leader in Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge were among the other party leaders present at the rally.
Bwanaz has been offering great service to the community selling and has a great footprint in the market. We have been actively willing to work with all of the marketplaces to make our venture successful
Bwanaz.com 03/23/2018
The grand opening of first warehouse of online only wholesale platform Bwanaz will be happening in 2018 in Europe. Company is really excited toward the new and innovative move and is really looking forward to explore opportunities coming along in this state of the art new warehouse. This would be a great opportunity for all of the customers in the States and Europe to trade directly with low turnaround and shipping time to the destination from the factories and importers & exporters. This would also be a great opportunity for retailers to purchase directly from our suppliers and sell it to the end consumers.
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Bwanaz has been in business for a while and will be able to compete with the emerging markets and also be able to cater the demands of the competitive nature of the online e-commerce. With the already established research and development strategies and access to funding, it will be very easy to manage all of the aspects of the new venture. Europe is a great opportunity for the company to explore & expand in the online retail and earn a great return on the investments for our business members. With the requirements of shipping from the warehouse, we will have competitive edge on the delivery of the products to both American and European markets. We have had already tremendous growth in adaptation by the small retailers. We have always been able to offer great platform for high margin products, niche products and competitive prices. We look forward to welcome everyone aboard and make it a great experience.
Summary: About Bwanaz
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Image used with permission. For copyright details please contact ThinkStock. Image ref #840379344 Aquarium has taken part in several Bring your Dog to Work Day initiatives in the UK, which have proved popular with our staff, so its not hard to understand the clear trends developing in the States.
Many companies in the US are increasingly offering pet insurance as part of employee benefits packages and Aquarium says this is a sign of things to come and companies could learn a lot from the States when it comes to retaining and recruiting staff. With numbers of pets insured on the increase (up 15 percent from 2015-2016), pet insurance as an employee benefit is now an important offer in the workplace. Two new surveys from the US show that pet insurance benefits offered by US corporates are set to almost double by the end of next year, which Aquarium believes could signal a major boost for insurers.
Offering pet insurance as a staff benefit is a savvy move and must be working for so many to be following in the pawprints of the early pioneers, said Aquarium Software Director, Mark Colonnese. Aquarium commissioned research by YouGov shows that 69 percent see pets as just as important to the family as the human members in the UK (72 percent in the US); and these close emotional bonds are making pet insurance an attractive offer to employees, and for those employers looking to exploit it in the race to hire the top talent.
Veterinary pet insurance company Nationwide suggests that 33 percent of Fortune 500 companies now offer pet insurance to workers; a figure is set to almost double to 60 percent by the end of 2018. Deloitte LLP, Edelman and Walgreen Co are just some of the big names providing such benefits to pet-loving employees Stateside. With 62 per cent of US households owning pets, its no wonder that pet insurance benefits are set to double by 2018.
UK companies should consider these benefits to stay competitive, added Colonnese. Aquarium has taken part in several Bring your Dog to Work Day initiatives in the UK, which have proved popular with our staff, so its not hard to understand the clear trends developing in the States.
Aquarium Softwares specialist pet insurance solution spanning: rating, policy admin, billing, claims and mobile apps has been implemented by a number of insurers around the globe. For further information contact Aquarium Software on +44 (0)161 927 5620 or visit http://www.aquarium-software.com
"Our hope and prayer is that all people who want to honor and who love my father will join us in remembering him in any one, or in all of these special moments. Not only will we be honoring him, but we will be committing our energy and efforts to building the Beloved Community"-Dr. Bernice A. King
ATLANTA- Bells will toll 39 times around the world on April 4, 2018 at 6:01 p.m. CT in remembrance of the life taken 50 years earlier by a gun shot that shook America and the world to the core. At the same time, the surviving children of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Mrs. Coretta Scott King will be joined by members of the King family to toll a bell and lay a wreath on the crypts of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Mrs. Coretta Scott King on the campus of The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change in Atlanta, Georgia.
Dr. Bernice A. King, CEO of The King Center stated, "Today, we remember my father's death, but most importantly, we must remember the purpose and power of his life. Although this day is challenging for our family and for many around the world, I encourage you to hope today and to hope always. As my father expressed in his Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech, I still have 'an audacious faith in the future of mankind.' Our family encourages you to not be angered by my father's death; be bolstered by his teachings and awakened by his work. 50 years later, let us remember him by embracing the truth that Together We Win with Love for Humanity."
At 10:30 a.m. on April 4th, The Center will present its highest award in the Yolanda D. King Theatre of The Performing Arts. This year the Martin Luther King, Jr. Peace Prize recipients are: Mr. Benjamin Ferencz for his courageous work as a prosecutor for the Nuremburg, Germany Nazi Leadership trials; and Mr. Bryan Stevenson for his fearless advocacy work in the legal field such as the winning of the historic ruling making mandatory life-without-parole sentences for all children 17 or younger unconstitutional and as well, the founding of The Legacy Museum: From Enslavement to Mass Incarceration and The National Memorial for Peace and Justice. The award ceremony will be followed by a reception for the honorees. A Q&A moderated by Monica Pearson will provide an opportunity for them to dialogue with guests.
Dr. Bernice A. King states, "Our hope and prayer is that all people who want to honor and who love my father will join us in remembering him in any one, or in all of these special moments. Not only will we be honoring him, but we will be committing our energy and efforts to building the Beloved Community. I am certain that he would be profoundly grateful that we are gathered to grow together and help move humanity forward!" The Center will continue commemorative events from April 4th through 9th. For more details of the events and how you can register to participate, please log onto http://www.mlk50forward.org or http://www.thekingcenter.org.
About Us
The Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change (The King Center) is a 501(c)3 organization established in 1968 by Mrs. Coretta Scott King. The King Center is the official living memorial and programmatic nonprofit organization committed to educating the world on the life, legacy, and teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The King Center serves to inspire new generations to carry forward his unfinished work, strengthen causes and empower change-makers who are continuing his efforts today. The King Center's premiere educational initiative, Nonviolence365, is based on Dr. King's nonviolent philosophy and methodology. His teaching engages participants from various sectors of society, including emerging and next generation leaders, in modules and exercises that enhance communication, leadership, interpersonal and conflict reconciliation skills.
Bay Area Cost of Hair Transplant People make all kinds of investments in their future, like buying a home or investing in stocks.
Silicon Valley Hair Institute, the Bay Area leader in hair transplantation servicing San Jose, San Francisco, and Palo Alto, is proud to announce a new blog series on the costs of hair transplantation in the Bay Area. Cost is the number one concern of many persons when they begin their hair restoration journey.
People make all kinds of investments in their future, like buying a home or investing in stocks. These can require an up-front cost, but offer big gains over time, explained Miguel Canales, surgeon and founder of Silicon Valley Hair Institute. A quality hair transplantation can also be seen as a long-term investment. Our new blog series discusses how to evaluate various hair transplant costs and procedures.
To review the first in a series of blogs regarding the cost of hair transplant procedures please go to http://siliconvalleyhairinstitute.com/whats-cost-hair-transplant-partly-depends-live/. The post explains as follows. First, Bay Area residents may be familiar with long-term investments. Evaluating the initial cost of a product against the long term gain could be important. Second, the cost of hair transplants could be considered a smart investment for many Silicon Valley locals. Third, treatments including state-of-the-art robotic hair transplant surgery can offer a youthful appearance and thicker hair in the long term. Fourth, costs for specific hair transplant treatments can vary. PRP Therapy for women can be a different price compared to FUE/FUT robotic surgery. Finally, the best step to take after reading the informative post is to reach out for hair restoration consultation the Center's Foster City office, conveniently located between San Francisco and San Jose. Those interested in the ARTAS hair restoration procedure should visit http://siliconvalleyhairinstitute.com/artas/.
BAY AREA LOCALS EVALUATE THE COST OF HAIR TRANSPLANTATION
Here is the background for this release. Silicon Valley can be known as the epicenter for start-up businesses. Investors may spend time evaluating stocks and the potential for long-term gains from high quality products. A-1 stocks can offer substantial returns on excellent products. Investing early and smart can help a Bay Area resident achieve long-term goals. If a local has found more hair in the sink and on a hairbrush lately, it may be time to evaluate the cost of hair transplant surgery. Spending time assessing various types of first-class hair transplant options could mean a thicker looking head of hair in the long term.
For this reason, Silicon Valley Hair has announced a series of blog posts about how to evaluate the cost of hair transplant procedures. Choosing a high quality hair restoration treatment from a top clinic could bring long-term positive results. Women suffering from hair loss due to menopause or genetics may find the right investment can curb hair loss. Men searching for a cure for baldness may learn cutting-edge robotic surgery procedures can offer no visible scarring and provide a natural appearance over time. Reading the new post is a first step towards self-education.
ABOUT SILICON VALLEY HAIR INSTITUTE
Silicon Valley Hair Institute (http://siliconvalleyhairinstitute.com/), under the leadership of top-rated California hair transplant surgeon Miguel Canales MD, is one of the best facilities offering San Francisco Bay Area hair transplants. Dr. Canales provides the full range of advanced hair transplant and hair restoration procedures for Bay Area residents, from San Francisco to San Jose and Foster City. Services include robotic hair transplant systems, San Jose ARTAS hair transplant and San Jose FUE transplant programs. If one needs a hair transplant specialist, look no further than this Bay Area hair transplant center. Dr. Canales also performs female hair transplants for women and eyebrow restoration, thus offering the best hair transplant and robotic hair replacement options. Call today to 650-551-1100 for a no-cost consultation, or for more information visit the website.
Atlantic Planning Group is delighted to announce that Michael Broderick, Christopher Battersby, Jason Vanderstreet, and Duke Martin have all been selected as Five Star Wealth Managers.
Five Star Professionals partnered with Boston Magazine to seek out wealth managers that provide the highest level of service to their clients. Winners of this great achievement are featured in both publications.
The Atlantic Planning Group team is very honored to receive this award. It is the seventh consecutive year that Michael Broderick and Christopher Battersby are being recognized as Five Star Wealth Managers, the fourth consecutive year Jason Vanderstreet has been recognized, and Duke Martin is a first-time recipient of the award.
"Being recognized as a Five Star Wealth Manager is important to our team and me," expressed Battersby. "When our clients achieve their goals because of the work we do for them, it means a lot to us. Being honored in this way is always special for our team."
Atlantic Planning Group has over twenty years of experience in wealth strategies and building custom-made financial solutions for high net worth clients and business owners. The firm specializes in services such as estate planning, risk management, wealth transfer strategies and business succession planning.
The Five Star Wealth Manager program is based on ten criteria including peer and firm leader evaluations, analysis of the wealth manager's experience, regulatory reviews, and client retention rates. For more information on the research and selection methodology of Five Star Professional, go to FiveStarProfessional.com.
ChristopherW. Battersby, Michael F. Broderick and Jason C. Vanderstreet, L. Duke Martin and Christopher M. Eppich are Registered Representatives offering securities through NYUFE Securities, LLC, Member FINRA/S1PC, a Licensed Insurance Agency, (201 Jones Road, 5th Floor, Waltham, MA 02451, 781-647A100). Financial Advisers offering investment advisory services through Eagle Strategies LLC, a Registered Investment Adviser. Atlantic Planning Group, LLC is not owned or operated by either NYLIFE Securities LLC, Eagle Strategies, LLC or its affiliates. Neither NYLIFE Securities or Eagle Strategies LLC is affiliated with Five Star Professional. See Disclosure Section of Article for complete description on research methodology employed by Five Star.
The Five Star Wealth Manager award, administered by Crescendo Business Services, LLC (dba Five Star Professional), is based on 10 objective criteria. Eligibility criteria - required: 1. Credentialed as a registered investment adviser or a registered investment adviser representative; 2. Active as a credentialed professional in the financial services industry for a minimum of 5 years; 3. Favorable regulatory and complaint history review (As defined by Five Star Professional, the wealth manager has not: A. Been subject to a regulatory action that resulted in a license being suspended or revoked, or payment of a fine; B. Had more than a total of three customer complaints filed against them [settled or pending] with any regulatory authority or Five Star Professional's consumer complaint process. Unfavorable feedback may have been discovered through a check of complaints registered with a regulatory authority or complaints registered through Five Star Profession al's consumer complaint process; feedback may not be representative of any one client's experience; C. Individually contributed to a financial settlement of a customer complaint filed with a regulatory authority; D. Filed for personal bankruptcy; E. Been convicted of a felony); 4. Fulfilled their firm review based on internal standards; 5. Accepting new clients. Evaluation criteria - considered: 6. Oneyear client retention rate; 7. Five year client retention rate; 8. Non institutional discretionary and/or nondiscretionary client assets administered; 9. Number of client households served; 10.
Education and professional designations. Wealth managers do not pay a fee to be considered or placed on the final list of Five Star Wealth Managers. Award does not evaluate quality of services provided to clients. Once awarded, wealth managers may purchase additional profile ad space or promotional products. The Five Star award is not indicative of the wealth manager's future performance. Wealth managers may or may not use discretion in their practice and therefore may not manage their client's assets. The inclusion of a wealth manager on the Five Star Wealth Manager list should not be construed as an endorsement of the wealth manager by Five Star Professional or this publication. Working with a Five Star Wealth Manager or any wealth manager is no guarantee as to future investment success, nor is there any guarantee that the selected wealth managers will be awarded this accomplishment by Five Star Professional in the future. For more information on the Five Star award and the research/selection methodology, go to fivestarprofessional.com. 2,819 Boston wealth managers were considered for the award; 532 (19 percent of candidates) were named 2018 Five Star Wealth Managers.
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READ MORE: University of Ghana to start recruiting staff as it gets clearance
The memo, signed by the Registrar of the University of Ghana, Mercy Haizel-Ashia said the university community is informed that processing and release of the compensation subvention for January and February has been delayed.
"Therefore," the memo continued: "payment for March 2018, salaries cannot be made as scheduled."
The memo also suggested that the university has been borrowing to pay salaries of staff, a move it said it cannot continue.
"It is not possible to borrow for a third month to pay salaries," the memo noted.
READ MORE: Graduate School of Governance and Leadership now Accra Business School
Police arrived at the scene with alacrity after receiving an alert that a dead body had been lying nearby, only to find that it was a sex doll which the user had cut open its stomach, cut off the head and dumped in the bush and it looked like a dead body from a distance.
They have given us the best mom and daughter moments can we can ever dream off.
At a tender age, the royal baby has been inducted into the GTP family, one of Ghanas reputed textiles brand.
The celebrity baby who looks awesome in all her dresses is always with her high profiled and we cant stop staring at all their photos.
READ ALSO: 4 times Gifty Anti made African print look more beautiful
Gifty Anti and Chief of Adumasa Traditional Area in the Eastern Region, Nana Kwao Ansah welcomed their first child in August 2017. She gave birth to her daughter at age 47. At the naming ceremony of their daughter, a lot of dignitaries were present to celebrate with them.
Check out our favourite fashionable mother/daughter moments.
The memo, signed by the Registrar of the University of Ghana, Mercy Haizel-Ashia said the university community is informed that processing and release of the compensation subvention for January and February has been delayed.
"Therefore," the memo continued: "payment for March 2018, salaries cannot be made as scheduled.
"It is not possible to borrow for a third month to pay salaries," the memo noted.
Reacting to the news, Mr Adams told Tertiary Education Institution Network (TEIN) of the Koforidua Technical University in the Eastern Region that in the entire eight (8) years of the NDC administration, salaries of university staff were never delayed.
He said: "In the entire 8 years that we were in government from 7th January 2009 to 6th January 2017, there was not a period that a University reported that it could not pay its workers.
"In less than 2 years of a government that described itself as so competent with so many appointees managing the education sector, which we dont know who is really in charge; whether it is Napo or Prof. Yankah or the numerous deputies, we dont know who is actually in Charge.
It is also increasingly filled with foreign-born, low-skilled workers like Mangayan, the kind now at the center of a national debate on immigration.
A proposal favored by a number of Congressional Republicans and the Trump administration would replace the current family-preference immigration system, which critics call chain migration, with one that favors skilled immigrants, while reducing admissions overall. Democrats have balked at the plan, while some Republicans have insisted it be a condition of any bill that legalizes the unauthorized young adults, known as Dreamers, who could soon lose their protection against deportation.
Those who study immigration and labor patterns have questioned the wisdom of restricting family-based immigration, a crucial source of low-skilled workers, many of whom hail from countries like Mexico and the Philippines, where Mangayan, 47, is from.
In any plausible future scenario, the U.S. needs far more new low-skilled workers than high-skilled workers, said Michael Clemens, an economist at the Center for Global Development, a Washington think tank, so many that it will be impossible for native labor to fill all those jobs, even if native workers wanted to.
According to a Bureau of Labor Statistics analysis, among the 10 occupations expected to grow the most through 2026, only three require university degrees, all of them digital or data-focused: software developers, statisticians and mathematicians.
The two that will require the most new workers: personal care and home health aides, with 1.2 million new positions between them.
About 10,000 baby boomers turn 65 every day, and more than half will need long-term care, according to the Pew Research Center.
In 2017, 26 percent of personal care aides and home health aides were foreign born, a high, according to an analysis of official data by Brian Schaitkin, a senior economist at the Conference Board.
This article originally appeared in The New York Times.
According to Blueprint, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode is said to be considering a plan to upgrade the 60-yr-old college to a University of education.
Speaking with newsmen on Friday, March 23, 2018, AOCOED staff union said they have been agitating for the upgrade of the school since 1999.
The union leaders, Michael Avosetinyen and Wunmu Ombugadu during the press briefing commended Governor Ambode for taking the initiative, saying the proposed upgrade of AOCOED to university was long overdue.
Avosetinyen, who is the Chairman of Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU) said when the management conveyed Ambodes plan to convert AOCOED into university status, staff and students received it with enthusiasm and jubilation.
We have been able to convince the governor that the University of Education is not only the trend, it is also cultural as our society is no longer interested in college of education as reflected in the previous admission statistics of students who deliberately chose AOCOED as their first choice. The highest statistics in the recent past is 24''.
AOCOED has the facilities to meet up with university standard
Avosetinyen maintained that AOCOED has the personnel and facilities to meet up with the new status and added that different accreditation teams of the National Universities Commission (NUC) have accredited the college degree programme, affiliated with Ekiti State University.
Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, popularly known as AOCOED is a teacher training school in Lagos.
However, Daddy Freeze wants you to know that listening to Christian leaders such as Pastor Enoch Adeboye and Bishop David Oyedepo, will not get you there.
ALSO READ:OAP reacts to video of Pastor Adeboye asking for N1B
The controversial Cool FM OAP, in a post he shared on Saturday, March 24, 2018, said that the clerics cannot lead anyone to heaven as they do not know the way to get there.
He also noted that the likes of Bill Gates, who was at Fatima's wedding, and Aliko Dangote, are exceptional human beings. He was even willing to admit that he would never be like them.
Talk about knowing your limits!
See his post below:
Daddy Freeze and the axe that is Nigerian pastors
It is no longer news that Daddy Freeze has taken up a career in criticizing Nigerian pastors, but it seems like he has a particular axe to grind with Pastor Enoch Adeboye of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) and Bishop David Oyedepo of the Living Faith Church Worldwide.
The controversial OAP has had reason over the last year to drag both men of God for several reasons but most prominently, over the issue of tithing.
Recall that Freeze has also condemned teachings on prosperity, while proffering his own idea of a solution.
According to the Cool FM On-Air Personality, this prosperity doctrine is a fraudulent and Satanic doctrine from the pits of Hell.
He addressed this subject in three recent teachings on his Youtube channel. The first was titled: Replacing the Prosperity Doctrine with the Free Doctrine the true Christian doctrine.
The second The Prosperity Doctrine Is A Fraudulent And Satanic Doctrine From The Pits of Hell. Lastly, the most recent video titled: The #FreeDoctrin Replaces The Prosperity Gospel From Hell.
As you can see, Daddy Freeze is condemning the popular prosperity doctrine, which is basically about pastors who preach solely about money.
In his words, it does not bring prosperity, it brings poverty.
Instablog9ja reports that the sad incident occurred on Saturday, March 24, 2018.
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The reports revealed that the deceased just returned from a wedding he had attended at Aguda, Surulere, and gotten seriously drunk.
He, however, decided to hang out with friends at the restaurant.
According to the reports, a staff of the restaurant mistakenly left a water bottle which had been filled with insecticide, on his table.
The deceased who had ordered a bottle of water, ended up drinking the insecticide which he mistook for his water.
The friends of the deceased became concerned as soon as he started acting strange, during which time he explained that he had drunk something he thought was water.
The deceased was rushed to the hospital but was later pronounced dead upon arrival.
The case was later reported at the Bode Thomas police station, Surulere after which the manager of the restaurant was arrested and is currently being held in detention at the station.
Man dies after consuming 4 crates of beer
Knowing the effect of alcohol when consumed in large quantities, these sad occurrences are not as rare as you would like to think.
Similarly, a middle aged man reportedly drank his way to the afterlife in Shasha, a suburb of Lagos, western Nigeria.
According to P.M.NEWS, the man simple identified as Femi Aluko who was a well-known drunkard in his residence, was boasting to people that he could finish 4 crates of beer and his fellow beer parlour attendees decided to take him by his words.
However, after Aluko finished the four crates of beer he became heavily drunk and fell into the gutter on his way back home.
It was gathered that none of the residents tried to help him all because he was already known as a street drunk.
The deceased was later found dead the next morning still lying in the gutter.
According to a resident, Mrs Nike Salaw, the late Aluko has been encouraged to stop his drinking addiction but because he had family challenges for several years, heavy drinking of alcohol was the only way he thought of dealing with his problem.
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She gave the advise in Sagamu, at the wedding of the daughter of the President of National Council of Women Societies. Nigeria (NCWS), Mrs Gloria Shoda.
Aisha, who was represented by Mrs Pauline Tallen, former deputy governor of Plateau state, appealed to young girls to be disciplined and of good character as to achieve the benefit of marriage.
I am so happy to be here, I congratulate the Shodas family and the grooms family for a successful wedding.
I pray that God will bless this young couples and bless their home. I pray God to give them beautiful and disciplined children.
And they should put Jesus as the focus of their home because a family that prays together stays together.
I also want to appeal to them to be patience with one another because patience is the greatest virtue in marriage.
As young couple, they must learn to forgive one another as soon as their is misunderstanding, she said.
Hajiya Maryam Najeem, wife of the President of National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), congratulated the new couples and wish them the best that marriage have to offer.
According to a BBC report on Sunday, March 25, 2018, the company organised "anti-election rallies" to demoralise opposition supporters from voting in the elections.
BBC said it saw a brochure published by SCL Elections before 2014 in which the firm boasted about interfering in foreign elections.
One of the elections mentioned in the document was Nigeria's 2007 polls, which observers at the time described as a "charade".
Even Yar'Adua, who died in office in 2010, admitted that the election process was flawed and convened a government of national unity.
Muhammadu Buhari, who is Nigeria's current President came second in that election whileAtiku Abubakar and Orji Kalucame third and fourth respectively.
In the document, SCL Elections claimed potential clients could contact the company through "any British High Commission or Embassy".
But the UK Foreign Office, which awarded the company British government contracts in 2008, distanced itself from the scandal.
The Office says it was unaware of this alleged activity before the firm was awarded the contracts.
"It is not now nor ever has been the case that enquiries for SCL 'can be directed through any British High Commission or Embassy. Our understanding is that, at the time of the signing of the contract for project work in 2008/9, the FCO was not aware of SCL's reported activity during the 2006 Latvian election or 2007 Nigerian election", a spokesperson for the Foreign Office told BBC.
The UK Guardian had earlier in the week reported that Cambridge Analytica also interfered in Nigeria's 2015 elections by hiring hackers believed to be Israeli to dig up dirt on Buhari, candidate of the then-opposition All Progressives Congress.
A Nigerian businessman was said to have paid the company $2 million for it services. The person was not named but he wanted to ensure the re-election of former President Goodluck Jonathan, the report said.
Other countries where SCL Elections tried to manipulate elections in the last decade included Latvia in Eastern Europe.
Cambridge Analytica reacts
BBC also reported that the acting CEO of Cambridge Analytica, Alexander Tayler, said Cambridge Analytica was formed in 2013, out of a much older company called SCL Elections.
"We take the disturbing recent allegations of unethical practices in our non-US political business very seriously. The board has launched a full and independent investigation into SCL Elections' past practices, and its findings will be made available in due course," Tayler said.
In the document, SCL also claims that ahead of the elections in Trinidad and Tobago in 2010, it orchestrated an "ambitious campaign of political graffiti" that "ostensibly came from the youth" so the client party could "claim credit for listening to a 'united youth'".
Abiodun Obimuyiwa, a Deputy Director in the CPC who made the assertion in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Sunday, said that consumers had complained that they were being shortchanged by various companies.
Information reaching our offices showed that consumers feel shortchanged with the goods purchased with their hard-earned money, he said.
Obimuyiwa assured consumers that companies found wanting after the investigation would be sanctioned accordingly.
If 20 grams is indicated on the sachet of a product, then its quantity must measure up to expectation, he said.
He said that CPCs major concern was to ensure that consumers get value for their money, noting that something must be done about the concerns of the common man.
However, some Lagosians had told NAN that their concerns about the suspected rip off.
A medical practitioner, Foluwakemi Ekiogawe, told NAN that the content of sachet products, especially milk had drastically reduced when compared with what was obtainable years ago.
The content of milk has really gone down meanwhile the price has gone up and I just cannot understand why that is so, she said.
A housewife, Abigail Ogunsola, expressed worry over the ever-increasing cost of detergent without the commensurate quantity in line with the cost.
I just do not think I am getting value for my money as before, you know what is happening, N150 worth of detergent cannot wash a small basin of clothes.
Something needs to be done to alleviate the suffering of the masses, Ogunsola said.
A cleaner, Tolani Idowu, decried the quality and type of liquid antiseptic sold in the market today.
It used to easily turn whitish when a few drops were poured into water but the reverse is the case these days even among the popular products.
I am concerned because I do not know if the potency of the product has been compromised, she said.
Sola Salako-Ajulo, founder of Consumer Advocacy Foundation of Nigeria (CAFON), told NAN that some companies, in a bid to meet up with the economic situation were guilty of the practice of reducing the quantity against what is indicated on the sachet.
Salako-Ajulo, however, condemned the act saying that it was unfair and dubious because it should be indicated if the grammage is reduced so that consumers know what value they are getting for their money.
The CAFON founder encouraged consumers who felt cheated to bring such observation to the notice of the consumer protection agencies.
Lagos Sate has an agency known as the Consumer Protection Agency and they have the professional capacity to verify such claims by carrying out professional evaluation.
Nobody will blame you if you reduce the quantity of a good and the price remains the same or get higher; that is a function of the economy.
Idris spoke with newsmen when he visited the Military Command and Control Centre, Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri.
Obviously, I am aware and that is what we are just discussing. I am supposed to go to today but because of the girl, I learnt she may be released.
It is a sort of understanding that we do not create much security situation and I move with a helicopter. By the time I fly there, they might think I break and that was why I postponed the visit to Dapchi, he said.
Idris disclosed that he had directed the deployment of four mobile police men and female personnel in each of the schools in the northeast to assist in providing protection of the students and teachers.
He said that he embarked on the assessment tour of the northeast to appraise the situation to forestall the reoccurrence of the Dapchi incident.
I have visited the schools to assess our deployment to the schools; I am here now to visit the military and I spoke to all my officers in the three commands, to encourage them to have a greater synergy with the military and other security agencies.
I believe with this we are going to have enhanced security to all communities in the northeast region.
Idris noted that there was significant improvement of the security situation in the region, adding that credit should go to the military and other security agencies.
Also, Maj.-Gen. Rogers Nicholas, the Theatre Commander, Operation LAFIYA DOLE, described the visit as part of mutual working relationship, adding the military and police were working as a team to facilitate successful implementation of the counter-insurgency campaign.
Nicholas said that the military in collaboration with the police had re-opened the Maiduguri-Bama-Banki Highway, stressing that there was effective synergy between the military and police in the theatre of operation.
Sahara Reporters on Saturday, March 24, reported that Melaye, whom the Nigerian police said may be declared wanted, fled the country and plans not to return until there is a change of government at the federal level and his state, Kogi.
The report also said Melaye warned the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, and other senators to fight for him, failure of which he would bring down at least 30 senators.
But Melaye denied all the claims, accusing the online news platform of spearheading a blackmail against him.
In a statement sent to Premium Times on Saturday, the lawmaker said he has no reason to flee the country.
He said, "For the records, I did not flee Nigeria and have no reason to flee my country leaving behind my family as the online paper wants Nigerians to believe. My attention was drawn to their lies this night, hence this public statement, lest the unsuspecting members of the public and my supporters believe the lies by Omoyele Sowore ( Sahara Reporters publisher) as directed by his new paymasters.
"The lies in the SaharaReporters so-called news report is nothing but to cause serious disharmony in the senate and among united majority senators, who are resolute in defending democracy and its institutions no matter whose ox is gored."
The police had accused the lawmaker of criminal conspiracy and illegal possession of firearms after some bandits arrested in Kogi allegedly confessed that they were working for the senator and other politicians.
ALSO READ: Police threaten to declare Dino Melaye wanted over alleged criminal conspiracy
Melaye was invited by the police for interrogation but he refused to honour it - the Force, therefore, said if the lawmaker does not show up on or before March 28, he would be declared wanted.
On Friday, March 23, in a five-page letter written by his counsel, Rickey Tarfa, the senator asked the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, to intervene in the rough relationship he is having with police officers.
The state Commissioner for Energy and Water Resources, Mr Yekini Idaiye, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Benin.
He said the projects were meant to provide portable water to the people.
Idaiye who said the water projects were sited in seven local government areas of the state noted that N1.3 billion had been budgeted in the state for water this year.
He gave the breakdown of the projects as follows: Ovia South West and Etsako West Local Government Areas, N1 billion; Uhunmwonde, Ohrionmwon and Owan West Local Government Area, N2 billion.
The commissioner said N1 billion was being spent on the activation of the Ugboha water scheme executed during President Goodluck Jonathans administration which was not activated.
The projects which are jointly being funded by the state government and the EU through counterpart funding arrangement are in various stages of completion.
In fact, some of the projects will all come on stream before August.
For the N1 billion projects in Ovia South West and Etsako West, the EU provided about N700 million while the state paid N380 million, he said.
Idaiye said the projects were sited in rural and urban areas, adding that those in the rural communities had attained 70 per cent completion while work had commenced in the ones in the urban areas.
The commissioner said that the EU provided N1.4 billion for the projects in Uhunmwode, Orhionmwon and Owan West and the state provided the balance.
He said further that the EU also paid N700 million and the state provided N300 million for the Ughoha water activation scheme.
The beauty of these projects is that water will all be reticulated to communities and villages in the council areas where they are sited.
Idaiye also disclosed that the state government planned to reactivate the dams across the state to boost water supply.
He said that to ensure sustainability of the projects, the state government had commenced the process of setting up Water Consumers Association (WCA) and would train 500 artisans to work at the plants.
The duty of the WCA is to ensure the efficient management of these water projects in each of the communities where they are sited as well as guide them against vandals.
The artisans to be trained will ensure that any fault that may arise from these projects is promptly fixed, he said.
He further said the state government had drawn up a programme, Medium Term Sector Strategy (MTSS), also aimed at providing drinking water in the state.
The commissioner said the state water board had now been split into two as part of the plan by the Godwin Obasekis administration to boost water supply in Edo.
Wakil, who has in the past played a major role in the release of other captives of Boko Haram, stated this in an interview with Channels Television.
She said, "I mounted pressure, I keep on begging them. I really pleaded.
"They promised me they were gonna release them that I shouldnt bother myself, I shouldnt cry, so I was very happy [when they did]. I thank God."
On February 19, 2018, a Boko Haram faction stormed the Government Girls Science and Technical College (GGSTC), Dapchi, Yobe State and kidnapped 110 girls, an incident similar to the abduction of 276 Chibok girls in Borno State in 2014
Following negotiations with the Federal Government, in which Wakil was believed to be a major player, the terrorists returned 104 girls to Dapchi.
ALSO READ: Court sets 475 Boko Haram suspects free
Multiple reports claimed that four of the girls died in captivity from trauma while Boko Haram failed to return one, Leah Sharibu, because she refused to denounce Christianity and convert to Islam.
A witness, Malam Hamza Illela, told NAN that one person escaped unhurt when the site caved in on the victims.
Names of the deceased were given as Bashar Dalhatu, Bashar Maciji, Bashar Buhari, Isah Amadu, Abdullahi Salihu and Bilyaminu Jadi.
Sources in the village said the deceased had been buried according to Islamic rites.
It is part of our tradition that whoever wants to do first marriage, his friends will gather, excavate soil for him to build his house, beside other assistance.
It is to reduce the burden on him and enhance existing solidarity in the community.
Unfortunately, while they were excavating the soil, the place collapsed on them; we later recovered their bodies and gave them befitting burial in accordance with Islamic rites, one of the villagers who preferred anonymity said.
The source said although the people were in a state of shock, they were grateful to God because they died as martyrs.
The Chairman of Illela Local Government Area, Alhaji Abdullahi Haruna-Illela, confirmed the incident.
He said he was among the dignitaries that attended their burial rites, adding that he also donated bags of rice to their families.
The National Secretary of the party, Mr Ayodele Akele, gave the hint at NCPs Political Education and Membership Integration Programme in Lagos.
Akele said that NCP had established that the new charge was illegal and would go to court to stop its implementation.
The scribe said that the LUC was unaffordable and unacceptable even with the recent reduction by the state government following public outcry.
We have already discussed with our lawyers to take the government to court very soon over the Land Use Charge.
We are taking the action because we have been able to establish, from the face value, that the charge is unconstitutional.
Based on that, we are challenging this new charge in court, apart from the political steps we have been taking to challenge it.
The fact is that the new charge, even with the review, is unaffordable to most residents; it is outrageous and will inflict hardship on residents, he said.
Akele said that the charge was not well thought out and would lead to sufferings.
The secretary advised the government to look for other means of raising funds, especially by reducing the cost of governance.
He said that it was improper to increase the charge when a new minimum wage had not been approved, adding that the state had introduced several other forms of taxes.
Akele said that the state residents had already been over-axed, and that only cancellation, not review, of the LUC would be acceptable.
He charged members of the party to be active in safeguarding the rights of the citizens, adding that they should ensure that the party would perform well.
The state Chairman of the party, Mr Fatai Ibu-Owo, said that the programme was organised to mobilise NCP members and give them the necessary political education ahead of the 2019 General Elections.
Ibu-Owo said that the ultimate goal of NCP was to take over government in Lagos State.
Our next line of action is to take over the government of the state from Ambode.
The state executive of NCP has put structures in every local government area so that the party can be very strong, he said.
A presidential aspirant on the platform of the party, Mr Ebaye Ntan, said that all NCP members should play necessary roles to ensure the partys success in 2019.
He urged the members to participate actively in the political process and embark on aggressive membership drive.
Danjuma on Saturday, March 24, 2018, alleged that the Nigerian military colludes with militias and other criminal elements to kill Nigerians.
He described the Fulani herdsmen killings going on in Taraba, Benue and other states as ethnic cleansing, urging residents of the states to take up arms and defend themselves.
Danjuma stated this while speaking at the convocation ceremony of the Taraba State University.
Responding to the viral comment, the army in a statement issued on Sunday, March 25, described it as unfortunate coming from an elder statesman like Danjuma.
In the statement signed by Brigadier General Texas Chukwu, the Director, Army Public Relations, the army said it will not join issues with Danjuma but expressed disappointment that an ex-military figure is inciting violence at a critical time that the military has embarked upon demilitarisation of the North Central Region of the Country.
Read the statement below:
The attention of the Nigerian Army has been drawn to the unfortunate statement made by a former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma, during the convocation ceremony of the Taraba State University on Saturday 24 March 2018 in which he categorically asserted that the Armed Forces of Nigeria was colluding with militias and other criminal elements and was unable to provide security for the citizens of Taraba State.
He further called the people of Taraba State to take up arms and defend themselves. The Nigerian Army views this statement made by the former Chief of Army Staff as most unfortunate at this critical time that the military has embarked upon demilitarisation of the North Central Region of the Country.
While Nigerian Army would not want to join issues with the Elder Statesman, however, certain facts need to be clearly stated in the interest of the Taraba People and the Nigerian public.
The Nigerian Army is constitutionally charged with the responsibility of defending the territorial integrity of Nigeria and to aid the civil authority whenever called upon to do so. In this light, the authorisation for the conduct of Ex AYEM AKPATUMA was authorised and troops deployed to curb menace of the herdsmen-farmers conflict and other criminal activities in the North Central Region amongst others.
It is on record that the successes so far achieved in Ex AYEM AKPATUMA have been recognised and accepted by Nigerians.
ALSO READ: Fulani herdsmen kill 17 in fresh attack in Benue
The public is notified that Nigerian Army personnel have had to pay the supreme price for ensuring the sustenance of security in Taraba State. For instance, a gallant non-commission officer of the Nigerian Army was beheaded on 16 March 2018 in Takum Taraba State by criminal elements.
It is noteworthy to state that at the inception of Ex AYEM AKPATUMA, the Taraba State Government, did not cooperate with the Nigerian Army due to the Armys stance to remain absolutely neutral in the herdsmen-farmers crisis. The Nigerian Army will continue to remain as such.
Speaking at the refugees camp on Sunday in Ikom local government, Dr Ernest Ochang, said that the UNFPA and other health partners did a need assessment of the health status of the refugees before embarking on the humanitarian service.
Ochang, who is the Project Focal Person and Health Advisor of Nigeria Red Cross Society in the state, said that the refugees health condition was very poor, hence the need to intervene.
According to him, the health need was seen as one of the most critical needs to be provided for the refugees.
He further added that they have also provided them with free `Treatment Cards that would enable them to access free healthcare services in any Primary Healthcare Centre they visit in the state.
This exercise is going to last for 12 weeks. We have just rounded up the week two of the exercise and over 3,000 Southern Cameroonian refugees camping in Etung, Boki, Ikom, Obanliku Akamkpa have so far benefitted from the outreach.
At the end of the exercise, we hope that the refugees will now have hospital registration that would enable them to access healthcare using the free treatment card we have provided for them.
Also, we hope to meet their antenatal healthcare needs and assist those who have been molested in the course of the crisis and offer them psycho-social support and referral linkages.
So far, in all the camps we have visited for the medical outreach, we discovered that 64 of the women are pregnant, 13 persons have tuberculosis and another 13 persons are infected with HIV/AIDS.
Our challenges ranges from shortage of drugs, some hospitals are rejecting the affected victims, while our consumable stock have been overwhelmed, he said.
Dr Joachim Chijide, the UNFPA Project Focal Person, said the outreach have impacted significantly on the lives of the beneficiaries.
Chijide said that the host communities were also benefiting from the free medical outreach.
He said that although their primary target were the refugees, they could not ignore residents of the host communities who came out to benefit from the medical outreach.
I will suggest that the condition of the refugees be scaled up by the government because a majority of the refugees are predominantly in the rural areas where most of their basic needs are scarce.
UNFPA is a humanitarian organisation, we work in a lot of areas, but our primary mandate as an agency of the United Nations is to render services to those in need especially in the area of sexual and reproductive health and gender base violence, he said.
A pregnant woman, Ms. Grace Bassang, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in an interview that access to healthcare, food and security were their major challenges at the camp.
The meeting was part of the efforts to put an end to the killings resulting from the continued clashes between herdsmen and farmers across the federation.
Present at the meeting, which was held in Sokoto, were Borno Governor, Kashim Shettima; host governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, Governors Abdullahi Ganduje and Nasir el-Rufai of Kano and Kaduna respectively.
It was gathered that they discussed genesis of the crisis, efforts to contain it and how to find a permanent solution.
According to Shettima, the 19 northern states are worried by the rising cases of insecurity involving herdsmen-farmer crisis, adding that their intervention will help in finding lasting solution to the conflicts.
He said the governors' intervention will complement the efforts of the Federal Government, stating that they hope to adopt 'local conflict resolution mechanism' to restore trust among all the people of the region.
Shettima added, "We have seen enough crisis in the North East with Boko Haram. We cannot afford to let any other conflict linger without a solution.
"We hope to hear from all sides and finally come up with a workable plan that will restore confidence and entrench lasting peace in our region".
ALSO READ: Fulani herdsmen say nobody has the right to stop them from grazing openly
Punch cited a source at the meeting who said MACBAN, led by its National President, Muhammed Kirowa, believes that approach to conflict resolution adopted by some governors is not working because it's biased.
"In his view, political leaders, especially governors, should approach issues of peace in neutral perspective, not as biased party", the source said.
"He said their members have lived in many of these conflict-prone communities for centuries without conflict, but wondered why the situation is getting out of hand now".
The stakeholders, however, did not reach any resolution at the Sokoto meeting.
Obasanjo, during his administration, had appointed Akunyili to head the National Agency For Food Drug Administration And Control (NAFDAC).
Speaking at the 14th annual lecture of the Women in Management Business and Public service in Lagos, the Obasanjo explained why he chose Akunyili for the job.
He said, "I was looking for somebody who would work in NAFDAC.
"There was an old man who was there and didnt really impress me. I had had a couple of meetings with him and I found him not (to be) the type of man I would want to have on that job.
"I was talking to a friend who said, Oh, there is a lady; she went to Britain for a medical (program) and when she finished, she said whatever money was left from the money deposited by her department should be sent back to the department.
"And the people called her and said, 'Are you not a Nigerian? Nigerians will come here and say add something which you would pay back to us later.'
"So, I said there is a Nigerian woman like that, where is she? .
"So, I located Dora and I said, What is your profession? She said, pharmacy. I said pharmacy; I am looking for a pharmacist for this job. She got the job."
The former President also encouraged women to get actively involved in politics.
ALSO READ: Obasanjo attacks Buhari, asks him to step down in 2019
Akunyili served as NAFDAC director-general and Minister of Information and Communications from 2008 to 2010.
She ran for election as senator for Anambra Central in April 2011 under the platform of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) but she lost to Chris Ngigeof the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).
Shadimu spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, following Saturdays councillorship by-election in Ward B (Ogunoloko) in the area, and Ward B, (Dopemu) in Agege LGA of Lagos State.
Although, there is no perfect situation anywhere, the best thing Nigeria can do is to remove local government elections from states control.
It should be conducted by INEC for us to have free and fair elections.
A situation whereby governors of states would want to have all the local governments under their armpits in order to do whatever they want, will not help the country.
A situation where a political party will want to remain the only party running local governments cannot help us, the PDP lawmaker said.
NAN reports that the Senate has approved INEC conduct of local government elections in its review of the 1999 Constitution.
NAN reports that Mrs Khadijat Jimoh, the candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) in the councillorship by-election, polled 2, 208 votes to defeat the PDP candidate, Mr Olalekan Babafemi, who scored 343 votes.
Similarly, the candidate of APC, Mrs Rasheedat Adekunle, emerged winner of the councillorship by-election for Ward B (Dopemu) in Agege LGA.
Re-echoing the view of many Nigerians, the leaders of socio-political organisations and key stakeholders from the northern part of Nigeria said the Buhari administration has performed below expectations.
The leaders disclosed this after a meeting in Kaduna on Saturday, March 24, 2018.
They said Buhari's leadership has failed the region and, therefore, must be replaced by competent persons.
Present at the meeting were leaders of the Northern Elders Forum, Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, Borno Elders Forum, and Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria among others.
A statement read by a member of the Northern Elders Forum and Chief of Staff to the Senate President, Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, said since Buhari was sworn in, the economy, security and political fortunes of the region have continued to deteriorate.
The northern leader also said the current administration lacks strong will to tackle the Boko Haraminsurgency, rural banditry and herdsmen/farmers clashes that have claimed many lives in the region.
"We demand immediate and decisive steps to improve the security of lives and economic assets in the North by the federal and state governments. Too many communities are at the mercy of attacks from sundry groups of criminals who appear to have unchallenged access to space and weapons", Baba-Ahmed said.
Weak leadership
The statement reads in part, "The Summit noted that despite notable successes by the administration against the Boko Haram insurgency in the North East, many Northern communities still live under its threat.
"In many other parts of the North, communities are routinely exposed to attacks from shadowy killers, and suspicion and anger at known and suspected killers are pitching Northerners against each other.
"Armed bandits terrorize rural communities almost at will, while kidnappings and abductions have assumed alarming notoriety as crimes.
"The nation's security and law and order assets are stretched beyond points where they cant provide even the most elementary confidence and protection of citizens. The North has rarely been so exposed to multiple and varied threats."
The statement further said:
"Since 2015, Northerners have occupied positions with the potential to make decisive differences in the economy, security or political fortunes of the region.
"The hopes that leaders who have exercised power since 2015 will reverse the abuse and neglect of the region in the previous decade have been betrayed. Weak governance, gross insensitivity and unacceptable levels of incompetence have been compounded by battles of attrition in which northerners have sapped each others strength.
"Weak and incoherent responses to provocations from other parts of the country around the imperatives of re-visiting the foundations and structures of the Nigerian state have created the false image of a North without its own positions beyond survival as the parasite of Nigeria.
"The Summit, having undertaken a thorough analysis of the state of the North and our communities, therefore urges all leaders, elders and communities to seek peaceful resolutions of conflicts between and among communities. Lives lost, injuries suffered, and losses incurred in any community must be redressed firmly and fairly. The roots of co-existence and inter-dependence in all Northern communities are much deeper than the barricades being erected around communities. All persons who are involved in killings and crimes against communities must be brought to book.
"The summit warns that no Northern politician should expect to be voted for in the next general election unless they demonstrate a willingness to champion a massive assault on poverty and underdevelopment in the North.
"In this regard, most political office holders from the North are hereby served notice that they have failed the test to lead the region towards economic recovery and growth.
"The summit asserts the rights of all Northerners to examine all options in political choices they will make in 2019. The leadership selection process must be critically interrogated to present the best leader to Nigeria as a whole. No one should take the North for granted, and it is not for sale. It will resist shedding its blood for any candidate and will critically scrutinize all politicians who will seek our mandate. At this stage, all options are on the table, and politicians who have betrayed the hopes and mandates of our people should be prepared to suffer rejection, in the same manner, the votes of the North rejected the attempt to continue with impunity, corruption and indifference of the previous regime."
ALSO READ: Buhari has failed in the area of security - Fayose
President Buhari rose to power on the promise that he would tackle insecurity, fight corruption and boost Nigerias economy but many Nigerians and some international economy shapers do not believe he has delivered on the mandate.
Recently, American business magnate and Microsoft founder Bill Gates flawed the Federal Government's economic plan, which he said does not prioritize the needs of the people.
"The Nigerian governments Economic Recovery and Growth Plan identifies investing in the people as one of three strategic objectives. But the execution priorities dont fully reflect peoples needs, prioritising physical capital over human capital. People without roads, ports and factories cant flourish. And roads, ports and factories without skilled workers to build and manage them cant sustain an economy," Gates said.
The billionaire stated this last Thursday at a special session of the National Economic Council held at the old Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Gates added that the country will do better with strong investments in health and education, rather than concentrating on physical infrastructure to the detriment of human capital development.
It was not known if he was still in the Nordic country.
"Finland has received a European arrest warrant for a Spanish citizen visiting Finland. The person concerned will be handled in a normal extradition procedure," Finland's National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said in a statement.
"The person's whereabouts are not currently known to authorities," the statement said.
Puigdemont is wanted by Spain on charges of "rebellion" and "sedition".
Finnish police had earlier told AFP they were awaiting further information from Spanish authorities on the arrest warrant before acting on it.
"Spain provided the requested information to the National Bureau of Investigation," the NBI said in its statement.
The Finnish MP who organised Puigdemont's visit, Mikko Karna, told media he had not been in touch with him since Friday.
Puigdemont's lawyer Jaume Alonso Cuevillas meanwhile told Catalunya Radio his client would not try to escape arrest.
"When the European arrest warrant was issued (a first time), he made himself available to the Belgian justice and police, and he would do the same thing now. I have not spoken to him yet but that is clear, yes."
And during that conversation, the French leader had emphasised the "strategic importance of our partnership with Turkey, particularly in the fight against terrorism and in all other regional crises."
It was important to pay attention to the security interests of Turkey, "our ally within NATO," Macron said.
At the same time, he reiterated France's "very clear expression of concern over the launch of the Turkish military intervention in Afrin and the need to allow full access to humanitarian aid to civilian populations."
And he said "top priority" should be given to the fight against the Islamic State "which is for France a national security issue."
On January 20, Ankara launched an air and ground offensive in the enclave of Afrin in Syria to root out the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) there, which Turkey brands a terrorist group, but which is seen by the United States as a key player in the fight against Islamic State jihadists.
On March 18, Turkish forces and their rebel allies took full control of Afrin.
In the statement on Saturday, the Elysee said that Macron called on "all the actors engaged on the ground to respect without any further delay the cessation of hostilities throughout Syria and to build a durable political solution."
On that basis, Macron, "in agreement with his Turkish counterpart, wished that in-depth and intensive exchanges will continue in the coming days on Syria, and expressed his will to continue the close dialogue with Turkey on the situation off Cyprus and in the Aegean Sea," the statement said.
According to a Turkish presidential source, Erdogan on Friday told Emmanuel Macron that he was disturbed by the "baseless" comments regarding Turkey's offensive in Afrin.
At least one worshipper was killed and eight others were wounded in the attack on Nabi Akram mosque, Farhad said, adding all the victims were civilians.
The casualty toll was confirmed by deputy police chief Aminullah Amin.
The area around the mosque was cordoned off by police and ambulances were seen rushing victims to hospitals in the city, an AFP photographer at the scene said.
The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack, saying via its propaganda arm Amaq: "An infiltrator attacked a Shiite husseiniya (mosque) in the Jaharso region in the city of Herat in western Afghanistan."
IS regularly targets Shiites in an attempt to stir up sectarian violence in the Sunni-majority country.
Its local franchise in Afghanistan claimed an attack in Kabul last Wednesday that killed at least 33 people and wounded dozens more, many of them teenagers.
The Council of Europe convention -- the world's first binding instrument to prevent and combat violence against women, from marital rape to female genital mutilation -- has split the country.
The Balkan nation's conservatives, supported by the Catholic Church along with hardliners from the ruling HDZ party, oppose the ratification.
They argue that under the guise of protecting women the so-called Istanbul Convention promotes what they call a "gender ideology" which would undermine the traditional family.
"I'm a father not a parent!" and "Halt violence against Croatia!" read some of the banners carried by the protestors who gathered in front of the HDZ seat before marching through central Zagreb.
The demonstrators, who also came from other parts of the country, waved Croatian flags, prayed and sang patriotic songs.
"We feel threatened in our own country. The Istanbul convention is against Christianity," Gordana Turic told the crowd as they stopped at the main square.
The protestors chanted 'Treason, Treason' when Plenkovic's name was being mentioned and the organisers urged MPs not to ratify the treaty.
"I want family and family values preserved while the convention is against them," Ivana Horvat, a 38-year-old administrator, told AFP.
In a bid to calm down tensions, Plenkovic, representing moderates within HDZ, amended a bill ratifying the treaty.
It includes a statement saying notably the treaty does not imply the need to "introduce gender ideology" in Croatia's schools or change the constitutional definition of marriage as a union between a man and a woman.
In the past weeks, the Catholic Church launched a fierce campaign against the convention's ratification with priests publicising the protest after masses.
"The time has come to get out on the streets," Bishop Vlado Kosic said on Facebook urging Christians to join the protest.
He earlier labelled the convention a "plague".
Nearly 90 percent of Croatia's 4.2 million people are Roman Catholics and the Church plays an important role in society.
The convention has so far been ratified by 28 countries, including 17 European Union member states.
Here, I dont click, he said. The land I grew up on, the mountains, the forest: Thats home.
He is part of a growing population of Mexicans who spent much if not most of their lives in the United States without immigration papers before returning to Mexico, either voluntarily or by force.
Many must deal with feelings of loss, dislocation and confusion, adrift in a kind of transitional state between two countries: one they knew and loved but that rejected them, and another in which they have citizenship but lack a deeper sense of belonging.
The experiences of these returnees have become more resonant in light of the intensifying debate in the U.S. Congress about the future of young immigrants who were brought to the country as children.
At the core of that debate is a program, created by the Obama administration, that shields from deportation about 800,000 immigrants who came as children, most of them from Mexico. President Donald Trump called last year for the end of the program, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, and he ordered Congress to come up with an alternative solution for the programs participants.
Should Congress fail to agree on a solution that would extend legal protections to those immigrants as well as to another 1 million who were eligible for DACA but never signed up they would face renewed threats of deportation.
Many of the young immigrants, a group broadly known as Dreamers, have vowed to stay. But the choice may not be theirs. And in Mexico, those who have already returned from the United States warn: Reintegration is rarely easy.
To be sure, voluntary returnees and deportees say that landing in Mexico can have upsides. They can walk the streets without fear of deportation. They can reconnect with long-lost relatives. They can afford college.
But the positive turns can be overwhelmed by the challenges.
Many arrive in a place they never knew as adults, or do not remember. Some may find themselves alone, all their friends and relatives still living in the United States. Not all of them speak Spanish.
They may struggle to continue their education, find jobs and make their experience in the United States count for something in Mexico.
Their return can carry a stigma: the shame of a deported criminal, or a sign of utter failure.
The early days was just, like, culture shock, man, said Aguilar, who had grown up in what he called a small white Mormon town in Utah.
After returning to Mexico, I isolated myself in my room pretty much, he said. Isolation and depression, trying to figure out what was going on, how I ended up living in Mexico.
The size of the response by the Mexican government has not matched the scope of the struggle of its young citizens who have returned, according to returnees, their advocates and migration scholars.
This stands in contrast to the Mexican governments supportive approach toward Mexican immigrants in the United States, where the vast Mexican consular network has provided a range of services, including legal assistance and guidance in obtaining benefits in the United States such as DACA protections.
Mexico is helping migrants become members of a country where they are not citizens while denying their membership in the country where they do hold citizenship, said Alexandra Delano Alonso, a professor of global studies at The New School in New York and an expert on migration and the Mexican diaspora.
In Mexico, the federal government did start a program in 2014 that sought to help returnees reintegrate into Mexican society. A cornerstone of the program is a network of reception centers along the border that greet deportees with food, help them sign up for health insurance, provide access to a phone and local transportation, and give information about how to get work.
But critics say the reach of the program, Somos Mexicanos, is minimal and its effects temporary.
Somos Mexicanos has been a Band-Aid, said Jill Anderson, director of Otros Dreams en Accion, a support group in Mexico for deported and returning immigrant youth. Its a political messaging campaign.
Following Trumps call in September to end DACA, Mexicos foreign ministry issued a statement extolling the economic and cultural contributions of young immigrants to the United States and vowing that Mexico will receive with open arms the Dreamers who return to our country. The ministry laid out a series of initiatives intended to help their reintegration, including a job bank, a credit program and scholarships.
In response to a request for information about the status of the initiatives, a foreign ministry spokeswoman sent links to two pages on the website of Mexicos National Immigration Institute. But neither provided further information about the job bank, credit program or the scholarships.
Eunice Rendon, coordinator of Agenda Migrante, an advocacy group for Mexican immigrants, said the reintegration of returning migrants has been a long-standing problem.
We had a very big quantity of people since before Trump who had difficulty reintegrating, said Rendon. Its not a new problem. What Trump has done is make it visible.
Amid limited help from the government, a small but expanding ecosystem of community-based organizations has emerged around the country to help returning migrants, particularly Dreamers, find their footing in Mexico.
The ecosystem includes New Comienzos, which started in 2015 and operates out of a sleek co-working space in central Mexico City, near a call center employing bilingual returnees in a neighborhood called Little LA.
Israel Concha, 38, New Comienzos founder, said groups like his have become lifelines to unauthorized Mexicans in the United States preparing for a possible return.
Theyre asking the smallest questions: Im studying. Can I continue with my education in Mexico? said Concha, who was deported in 2014 after living in the United States for three decades.
Less than a mile away, Andersons group, Otros Dreams en Accion, has opened a communal space they named Poch@ House, reappropriating the Spanish word pocho, which is mostly used pejoratively to describe those who have left Mexico and have presumably lost their Mexican identity.
The space draws returnees seeking guidance and offers a yoga class, English conversation sessions and a workshop about taxes.
Conversation flows seamlessly between English and Spanish, sometimes in the same sentence. The walls are decorated with artifacts reflecting binational lives: a Utah license plate, Day of the Dead skulls, a bumper sticker from an American radio station.
Maggie Loredo, a founding member, said nothing like this existed when she returned to Mexico in 2008. She had moved to the United States when she was 2, and grew up in Texas and Georgia. She made the hard decision to head back to Mexico because she could not afford an American college education and her unauthorized status put scholarships out of reach.
At the time, she said, those who came back often kept their American experiences to themselves and dealt with the emotional struggle and culture shock on their own.
Everything was very much in the shadows, she said. You never heard anyone talk about deportation and returns. You didnt hear about anyone else with a similar background as you.
But as the community of the deported and returned has grown, it is finding its voice, helping to create a softer landing for new arrivals.
Those facing return are scared, Concha said. But at least they know theres a light at the end of the tunnel, and that theres a second chance in Mexico.
This article originally appeared in The New York Times.
Their facility with social media has added urgency to demands for more gun control. Gonzalez, who has more than 1.3 million followers on Twitter, has spent much of the past month urging her audience to turn out for Saturdays marches.
She stared straight ahead during her period of silence onstage, her sometimes watery eyes fixed in the distance. Then a timer went off.
Since the time that I came out here, it has been six minutes and 20 seconds, she said. The shooter has ceased shooting, and will soon abandon his rifle, blend in with the students as they escape, and walk free for an hour before arrest.
Fight for your lives, before its someone elses job, she continued, and then walked offstage.
Gonzalezs speech was a poignant moment during a day of demonstrations filled with emotional displays. At gatherings across the country, speakers most of them students denounced gun violence and committed to stop at nothing until their elected leaders took action to prevent it. Photos from the days events suggest that the calls for action against gun violence may be catching on in ways they had not after previous mass shootings.
Other demonstrators communicated their opposition to any further restrictions on guns with similar fervor, though in much smaller numbers, in scattered protests across the country.
This article originally appeared in The New York Times.
According to Citizen, the two children aged between 6-8 years old suffocated to death.
Melelo ward MCA Philemon Aruasa said more than 10 families had been displaced and are in dire need of emergency services.
According to Oleshapani location Chief James Kerorei, plans are underway to evacuate the affected families.
Having been crowned by a section of opposition supporters as the new Joshua following Raila Odingas unity deal with president Kenyatta, the general is expected to lead his troupes in the quest for electoral justice and reforms.
His legal team led by Siaya Senator James Orengo are expected to welcome him back into the country with a section of his supporters also expressing willingness to receive him at the airport.
Pulselive.co.ke analysed the following key events have propelled the fiery lawyer into one of the most popular people in Kenya.
30 Jan 2018: Miguna Miguna administers oath to Raila Odinga as the Peoples President at Uhuru Park.
02 Feb 2018: Armed police raid Migunas Runda home, vandalising his property and arresting him.
Police confirm that he was taken to Kiambu police station the transferred to unknown unknown destination. High Court Judge James Wakiaga granted Mr Miguna Sh50,000 bond and orders his release. Police fail to comply to the court orders.
Feb 05 2018: High Court judge Luka Kimaru orders police to produce Miguna Miguna to court at 2pm.
06 February 2018: Miguna Miguna arraigned in Kajiado law courts but refuse to take plea.
06 February 2018: The fiery lawyer is deported to Canada on claims that he did not hold a valid Kenyan citizenship.
08 Feb 2018: Miguna Miguna receives a warm reception in Canada and embarks on a global tour afterwards.
15 February 2018: High court judge Luka Kimaru declares the deportation of Miguna Miguna illegal.
09 March 2018: Miguna differs strongly with Raila Odinga after the latter signed a deal with President Uhuru Kenyatta. In a terse letter, the advocate tears into the opposition boss for betraying the struggle for reforms.
A section of disgruntled opposition supporters crown him the new 'Joshua' to lead them into 'Canaan'.
23 March 2018: Migunas legal team express satisfaction that the government had done enough to ensure the safe return of the lawyer.
Through his Facebook account, Gatundu South legislator Moses Kuria disclosed that the peaceful protests will be held on Monday 26 March 2018 and will see the MPs seek audience with the management of the two leading media houses over their reporting on recent events.
The protests come after media outlets linked to the two media giants reported that Muranga Woman representative Sabina Chege is related to Wazir Benson Chacha who has been conning MPs and Cabinet Secretaries using an MPesa line registered under the name Sabina Wanjiru Chege.
DCI boss Kinoti later clarified that the Muranga County Woman Representative has no special relationship with the fraudster as alleged by a section of the media.
In February 2018, 25 year old Chacha made headlines after he emerged with claims that his 54 year old lover and former Bomet County Woman Representative Dr Cecilia Ngetich had dumped him.
Media houses have been on the spot over their coverage of news and reporting.
In the run up to the 2017 elections and afterwards, the opposition coalition NASA accused several media houses of favouring their Jubilee party competitors and urged its supporters to boycott the media houses.
In an Interview with Nation, Raila disclosed that together with Kalonzo Musyoka, they prevailed upon the NASA senators not to oust Moses Wetangula but they went ahead and did so against his will.
We had a lengthy meeting on Saturday with senators. We told them Wetangula is the only member of the NASA Summit who is also in Parliament, and thats why we want him to remain the minority leader in the Senate. Odinga said.
The opposition chief also clarified that the ouster of the Bungoma Senator as the Senate Minority leader was not in any way related to his famous handshake with the president.
In the wake of these developments, a retreat is planned for the NASA senators to iron out their differences and possibly hand the seat back to Wetangula.
The ouster of Wetangula has seen politicians from Western Kenya unite against the opposition leader with the Bungoma senator declaring political war against Raila and vowing to teach him a lesson.
In a series of rallies held yesterday, Mudavadi and Wetangula urged the Luhya community to unite against Raila.
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Last-mile verification with Aadhaar-Based Biometric Authentication have the worst record among other options available to check PDS pilferage.
So the Centres insistence on that option is bewildering, says Reetika Khera.
When the National Food Security Act 2013 was passed, it expanded the coverage of the public distribution system from about half to two-thirds of the population.
As corruption has been a long standing problem in the PDS, the NFSA mandated some PDS reforms based on Tamil Nadu and Chhattisgarh experiences.
These were among a handful of states that had successfully reduced leakages.
One such reform was end-to-end digitisation.
Though computerisation of the PDS database had already begun when the NFSA was passed, only a handful of states had reliable last-mile authentication of sales in place.
In most states, sales records were maintained by PDS dealers in registers, which were rarely verified by the public or officials.
This enabled corrupt dealers to make fake entries of grain sales, while diverting PDS grain to the open market.
Among other possible measures to counter this, it was suggested that instead of registers, sales should be digitally recorded and made publicly available (for example, on the internet) for anyone to verify.
Last-mile authentication can be achieved in different ways.
A key intervention is any machine (for instance, computers or point of sale machines that makes it possible to maintain electronic records of all transactions).
Aadhaar-Based Biometric Authentication, or ABBA, is one such option.
Here, entitled persons are required to authenticate their fingerprint at the time of purchase.
In June 2017, a survey of 900 randomly-selected households was conducted in Jharkhand to study ABBA in the PDS.
The survey threw up two interesting results: one, in the villages that had ABBA, the incidence of transaction failures was estimated to be about five times as high as in the villages where ABBA had not been introduced.
This is because the backend infrastructure for ABBA is very demanding -- for a successful transaction, it requires electricity, connectivity, functional servers and fingerprint authentication to work, all at the same time.
In rural Jharkhand, this is a tall task.
Two, diversion of PDS grain (quantity fraud) was almost exactly the same in both groups of villages (ABBA and non-ABBA) -- around 7 per cent, that is, households got 7 per cent less than their entitlement on average.
In a nutshell, the Jharkhand survey suggests that ABBA in the PDS causes pain (exclusion and hardship) without gain (corruption levels remain unchanged).
In the months since the survey, things took a turn for the worse.
There have been five hunger-related deaths in Jharkhand that can be directly traced to disruption caused by ABBA in the PDS.
Another option for achieving last-mile authentication was Chhattisgarhs CORE PDS experiment that began in 2012.
They used smart cards with an embedded memory chip.
Each transaction was recorded on the chip and made available online through the POS machine.
The pilot was discontinued (possibly due to a central government diktat regarding ABBA) before any serious evaluation could be done, though small studies were largely positive.
As one official in Raipur put it, this initiative was killed in favour of ABBA.
Anticipating the problems with ABBA, the Chhattisgarh government tried to pass off photographs as biometric authentication.
To that end, in 2016, they distributed tablets to ration shops to take photographs of each person at the time of purchase.
Under pressure from the centre, this too is likely to be phased out to make way for ABBA.
Tamil Nadu has always run a universal PDS, but the NFSA only guaranteed subsidised grain supplies for 63 and 38 per cent of the rural and urban population respectively.
As the cost implications for the state, were it to continue with a universal PDS, are far from trivial, implementation of NFSA began only in 2016.
I had the opportunity to observe Tamil Nadus version of last-mile authentication on a recent visit to Trichy and Thanjavur: QR-coded smart cards.
The advantage of this smart card system is that it allows the state to keep the baby and throw out the bath water.
Smart card readers (a variant of the POS machine) maintain a digital trail of all transactions (important from the point of view of bringing transparency to ensure accountability).
The smart readers, however, dispense with the requirement of reliable internet connectivity (they can work in offline mode, with transaction records being uploaded as and when connectivity is available).
Since no biometric authentication is involved, it also does away with another vulnerability of Jharkhands ABBA system.
In the areas I visited, people seem to have their new QR-coded smart cards, and the transactions I observed took less than a minute.
None of those who had gathered at the PDS outlets or in the villages came forward with any complaints.
They said they were satisfied with the working of the new system.
There is one catch: To apply for smart cards, people were required to submit copies of their Aadhaar card/number.
Most submitted Aadhaar numbers for all family members (remember, entitlements were per capita even before NFSA in Tamil Nadu).
Member without Aadhaar are being included temporarily (according to one PDS manager) at the moment.
The state PDS website confirms that there are more entitled persons in the state than Aadhaar-linked people in the system.
However, the requirement of Aadhaar at this stage is definitely causing some exclusion (reported on Twitter, for instance).
This brief tour of three states brings out that last-mile authentication can be achieved in different ways -- ABBA is one (currently in use in Jharkhand, Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh), QR-coded smart cards (as in Tamil Nadu) another, and Chhattisgarhs CORE-PDS smart cards is a third.
Smart cards, whether QR-coded or with memory chips, are as much of a last-mile safeguard as biometric authentication.
In fact, smart cards are better because immobile persons (for instance, the elderly) can rely on others to fetch their grain.
On available evidence, of the three last-mile options ABBA seems to have the worst record, and yet, ABBA is what the central government is forcing states to adopt.
The Centres insistence on a disruptive option is bewildering to say the least.
Reetika Khera is associate professor (Economics) at the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi.
Photograph: Amit Dave/Reuters.
'Indian diplomacy in West Asia under the present government has been a success story -- and with Saudi Arabia in particular,' says Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.
IMAGE: Air India's Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner lands at Ben Gurion airport, Tel Aviv. Photograph: Amir Cohen/Reuters
The direct maiden flight to Israel by Air India on the weekend made headlines in the world media only because Saudi Arabia gave the plane overflight rights.
This was, of course, the first time Saudis opened their air space for a commercial flight to Israel. President Trump's Air Force One travelled on the Riyadh-Tel Aviv route last November, but that was a VVIP flight.
It remains to be seen if the El AI, the Israeli airline, gets similar permission as Air India. Most probably not.
It seems there is already some heartburn in Tel Aviv because Air India will now be in a position to offer cheaper ticket prices than El AI.
But the small print here is far more important than the 'breaking news' about the Saudis opening their air space for a fight to Israel -- namely, that this privilege has been first extended to our country.
It only underscores that Indian diplomacy in the West Asian region under the present government has been a success story -- and, with Saudi Arabia in particular (despite the new verve in Saudi-Pakistan relations and in India-Iran relations)
Successive governments in Delhi have managed well the balancing act involving India's ties with Israel and with the Muslim Middle East respectively. No surprises here.
The Modi government hyped up the Israel ties and went overboard, but the countries in the Muslim East aren't upset.
On the whole, it is for the first time that a certain dynamism is discernible in the Indian diplomacy toward the Muslim countries in West Asia.
Perhaps, another equally gratifying success story would be that the Modi government has begun breathing life into India's relations with Russia.
The challenge on this front is even bigger, as it involves making up for lost time, too, in addition to tackling inertia.
Once again, the personal interest PM Modi has taken in injecting new vitality into India-Russia relations seems to be making all the difference.
It seems that word has gone around in the Delhi durbar that the PM takes personal interest in rebooting the India-Russia relationship.
(PM Modi was one of the first world statesmen to congratulate Vladimir Putin on his re-election as president in last Sunday's Russian elections.)
The Economic Times reported that the commercial contract for the purchase of Russia's advanced S-400 air defence system is getting its final touch and is likely to be signed during Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's visit to Russia in the first week of April.
The deal has been under negotiation for almost 2 years. China and Turkey overtook India in wrapping up their deals with Russia for the S-400 system.
Interestingly, the ET report also mentions that the collaboration between the two countries on the development of a fifth generation fighter aircraft is likely to be on Sitharaman's agenda of discussions in Moscow.
If so, the lobby within the Indian defence establishment that has been working against the project is biting the dust. There has been a sustained vilification campaign also in the Western media, apparently inspired by competing arms vendors.
Hopefully, some of the new transactions in the defence field will have significant 'Make in India' content as well.
However, the real breakthrough in the India-Russia relationship will largely depend on our success in giving greater content to the economic relations between the two countries.
India needs to think up some big ideas. One potential area could be a gas pipeline project connecting India and Iran, which has been talked about oft and on for years.
The Russian oil giant Rosneft announced last year a road map of $30 billion investment plans in Iran's oil and gas fields. Now, Rosneft also owns an Indian subsidiary in Essar and hopes to become a big player in the Indian petroleum market.
Rosneft will be the third global player after Royal Dutch Shell and BP to enter the Indian fuel retailing market. Rosneft also acquired the 58 million tonne Vadinar port in Gujarat for importing cheap crude.
Rosneft sees the India business as a gateway to expand in the Asia-Pacific region by supplying fuels to Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, etc.
Trilateral cooperation involves painstaking effort at the practical level and the requisite political will to strategise the thinking. This is where the climate is excellent today for India-Russia-Iran cooperation.
Iran, in particular, will be keenly pursuing an ostpolitik in the period ahead. The influential Iranian political figure, Alaeddin Broujerdi, who heads Majlis security and foreign policy committee was quoted as saying in Tehran, 'Americans are pushing for harder policies towards the Islamic Republic of Iran and we need to strengthen our view towards the East, especially China and Russia.'
'Even if something appears to be wrong, we can always request the government and Parliament to make amends.'
IMAGE: The 20 AAP MLAs, whose disqualification was struck down by the Delhi high court on Friday, March 23, 2018, with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia after the verdict. Photograph: Kind courtesy @AamAadmiParty/Twitter
Two days before the Delhi high court announced its verdict on the disqualification of Aam Aadmi Party MLAs, Chief Election Commissioner O P Rawat, in a conversation with Sahil Makkar, said the Election Commission was not considering a similar complaint filed by the AAP against Bharatiya Janata Party MLAs in Madhya Pradesh.
The AAP made a similar complaint against Madhya Pradesh MLAs for holding office of profit. What is happening in the case?
The office of profit has a Constitutional and legal framework that stipulates that any such complaint must go to the President in case of Union Territories and Parliament.
In case of a state, the complaint must be registered with the governor.
Once they are convinced that a genuine question has arisen, which calls for the disqualification of a member of the assembly, they refer the matter to the EC for its opinion.
The EC can start an inquiry to formulate its opinion only when a matter is referred to it by the governor or President.
The law states that the EC's opinion is binding on governors or the President, as the case may be.
According to a Supreme Court ruling, the commission cannot begin action on its own in such cases.
It is also prohibited from forwarding such complaints to governors or the President.
In the case of Madhya Pradesh MLAs, no complaint has come to us from the governor, so the commission is not considering the matter.
It is said that EC's credibility has taken a beating in the current dispensation. How are you going to restore people's faith?
I don't agree with such allegations. There are so many factors.
The chief secretary (Gujarat) wrote to us that large-scale devastation had crippled the southern districts due to flood and relief measures were near completion. He had specified that relief work would suffer if elections were announced.
Whenever elections are announced, the district machinery immediately switches priority. This would have added to the sufferings of the affected people.
The commission took a conscience call -- it was okay if there was some criticism, but people's sufferings should be mitigated first.
The allegations are mainly raised because of an incomprehension of facts.
The Congress is now wanting to go back to ballot papers. How justified is the demand?
We do not want to pass any judgement on the demand. However, the commission is convinced that EVMs cannot be tempered with.
These have served their purpose very well and many ills of paper ballot have disappeared.
Booth capturing has become irrelevant as it takes a minute to cast a vote on EVMs, whereas the time required for ballot paper is a mere 15 seconds. We will make efforts to convince all stakeholders and clarify their doubts.
Russia is accused of meddling in the US elections, do you still think technology is the best answer?
Billions of rupees are transacted electronically every day. One does not abandon the transactions because of one or two frauds.
The advantages of technology is enormous and no country or individual would like to forgo them because of certain complaints.
Moreover, in the case of EVMs, the complaints were unfounded.
Are you prepared to hold general and the assembly elections simultaneously?
The process of amending the Constitution is long drawn. We will get to know once the ball starts rolling for such amendment.
Accordingly, we will ask for logistic support, money, manpower and resources.
Political parties absolved themselves from scrutiny of receiving foreign funding by passing an amendment to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act through the Finance Bill...
The EC has been time and again conveying its concerns about transparency and accountability in political funding to the government.
Even before the debate on electoral bonds started, we had written to the law ministry that the cash donation limit of Rs 20,000 should be brought down to Rs 2,000.
Political parties, in general, show more than 70 per cent accruals in cash received through anonymous sources.
As soon as the electoral bonds were introduced in the Finance Bill, 2017, we had flagged our concerns to the ministry and questioned the move to discontinue with the previous limit of 7.5 per cent of the company's average three-year net profit for political donation.
Despite your flagging the issues, the government went ahead and notified the changes.
We got a reply from the ministry that only the legal amendment has been carried out. The scheme is not yet formulated. So we kept silent.
The scheme was notified on January 2 and the first tranche of electoral bonds were issued between March 1 and 10.
Through a Lok Sabha question we came to know that Rs 2.2 billion worth of electoral bonds have been subscribed and these had to be encashed by political parties within 15 days. Our machinery is keeping an eye on all developments.
As soon as reports are received, we will examine to what extent our concerns about transparency and accountability have been addressed. The commission will then communicate with the government.
What can the EC do now as the Bill is already passed and electoral bonds have been subscribed?
The commission does not have a feeling of despondency or helplessness.
Even if something appears to be wrong, we can suggest and can always request the government and Parliament to make amends.
The expenditure division of the EC is seized of the amendments made to the FCRA Act. They will write to the commission and we will then take it up with the government.
Any change of status quo along the India-China border may lead to another Doklam-like crisis, India's envoy to Beijing has cautioned even as he asserted there was 'no change' at the standoff site even though the People's Liberation Army may be reinforcing its troops 'well behind the sensitive area'.
Gautam Bambawale said though 'no change' has taken place in the standoff site at Doklam after it was resolved last year, he squarely blamed China for the crisis saying it happened because Beijing tried to alter the 'status quo' which it should not have.
The 73-day standoff ended on August 28 last year after China agreed to halt the road building activities by PLA troops at Doklam in Sikkim sector.
"No, I can tell you that you in Doklam area, which we call close proximity or sometimes the face-off site, the area where there was close confrontation or close proximity between Indian and Chinese military troops, that there is no change taking place today," Bambawale said reacting to reports of the Chinese military stepping up infrastructure build-up in the area.
"Maybe behind, the Chinese may be putting more military barracks to put in more soldiers, but that is well behind the sensitive area," he said in a wide-ranging interview to the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post.
"Those are the things you're free to do and we are also free to do, because you're doing it inside your territory and we are doing it inside our territory," he said.
Indian troops intervened to stop Chinese soldiers from building a road close to India's narrow 'Chicken's Neck' corridor that connects the northeastern states.
Besides China, the area is also claimed by Bhutan.
Recent reports said the Chinese military is trying to work around or outflank Indian troops in the Doklam area.
Bambawale defended India's decision to stop Chinese troops from building the road saying no attempt should be made to change the status quo.
"If anyone changes the status quo, it will lead to a situation like what happened in Doklam. I can tell you very frankly and you can quote me on this. The Chinese military changed the status quo in the Doklam area and therefore India reacted to it.
"Ours was a reaction to the change in the status quo by the Chinese military," he said, adding that China should inform India about such initiatives in sensitive areas.
He called for delineation of the 3,488-km Line of Actual Control (LAC) which China has refused earlier.
"The India-China boundary is un-demarcated and un-delineated, so we have to talk to each other to delineate and demarcate it, which means to draw the boundary line. Now in the meantime, while we are discussing where the boundary will lie, both China and India have agreed that we should maintain peace and tranquillity in the border areas," he said.
He said at present both countries are having 'a lot of dialogue' especially at the political level, and also at the economic level, as he welcomed Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's recent comments that the Indian elephant and the Chinese dragon must not fight but dance together.
He also said Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit China to take part in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation in June during which there will 'definitely' be a bilateral meeting between him and President Xi Jinping.
The summit is due to be held in the Chinese city of Qingdao from June 9-10.
"During that, we will definitely have bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Modi and President Xi Jinping. And before that happens we want to have a lot of other meetings," Bambawale said.
"We will have a whole series of meetings in the next few weeks and months," he said adding that the boundary officials of both the countries will also meet.
Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman recently said she will visit China next month.
The foreign ministers of the SCO countries are also due to meet before the summit.
About the forays being made by China into India's neighbourhood, he said New Delhi is not worried about it as it has strong relationships with its neighbours.
He also said South Asian countries are free to have relationships with any country including China.
"Let me tell you very clearly that India has its own relationships with all these countries. These are very strong relationships and India is also doing a lot of projects in all these countries, such as the Maldives, Nepal or Sri Lanka," he said.
He also spoke of India's strong reservations about the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor which is part of China's multibillion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and called for candid talks to resolve the differences.
"When we talk about development projects or connectivity projects, they must be transparent, fair and equal. There are certain internationally accepted norms for such projects," he said in apparent reference to criticism that the BRI projects lacks transparency.
"If a project meets those norms, we will be happy to take part in it. One of the norms is the project should not violate the sovereignty and territorial integrity of a country. Unfortunately, there is this thing called CPEC, which is called a flagship project of BRI, which violates India's sovereignty and territory integrity. Therefore, we oppose it," he said.
The $50 billion CPEC traverses through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
Representative image only. Photograph: Reuters
Sonelal claims the snake bit him and this enraged him so much that he snapped the snake's head off with his teeth.
Virendra Singh Rawat reports.
Illustration: Uttam Ghosh/Rediff.com
Fascinating tales never cease to emerge from the mysterious backwaters of Uttar Pradesh.
The latest addition to the genre is about a wiry-framed man who claimed to have killed a snake by biting its head off in a fit of anger. He was angry because it bit him, he says.
Sonelal, a 45-year-old farmer in Shuklapur Bhagat village in Hardoi district, was outdoors when he encountered the snake.
Sonelal claims that the snake bit him and this enraged him so much that in a quick reflex action, he snapped the snake's head off with his teeth.
Sonelal then allegedly fell to the ground unconscious, after which his worried family rushed him to the nearest community health centre in Madhoganj block at the government-run emergency ambulance service around 7 pm.
In hospital, Sonelal was administered emergency first aid and kept under observation for the next three hours. However, Dr Mahendra Verma, who attended on him, said no snake bite marks or injuries were found in a full body examination.
"We could not find any snake bite marks on his body, yet he was given life support treatment on arrival. Sonelal regained consciousness after some time and when asked, he claimed that he had eaten the snake's head after the reptile bit him," Verma said.
The doctor said Sonelal was actually under the influence of alcohol when he was brought to hospital.
"Since he was intoxicated, Sonelal could not give details about the incident. He was discharged when his condition improved."
Now, reports are circulating that the snake was in fact a non-venomous, small python.
A local journalist said most men in Sonelal's village consume hooch, said to be highly toxic, and inducive of psychotic behaviour.
"If a person consumes excessive liquor, especially hooch, he is bound to exhibit psychotic features, which could manifest in sudden angry outbursts and whimsical behaviour," said Verma.
This is not the first such instance that has come to light in Uttar Pradesh or elsewhere in the country.
There are regular incidents reported in the media of people taking strange steps either in self-defence, out of anger or propelled by some deeply held beliefs or superstitions.
Mental health expert Dr S C Tiwari of the King George's Medical University, Lucknow, said a traditional prescription of biting off a snake's head if bitten does exist -- the belief is that this will mitigate the effect of the bite.
This could have been the reason that prompted Sonelal to act as he did, he noted.
"It's also possible that Sonelal apprehended danger from an approaching snake and decided to pre-empt getting bitten by biting off its head, Dr Tiwari said.
If Sonelal was already intoxicated at that time, Dr Tiwari said, he was probably in a state of "altered sensorium" -- a semi-conscious state in which one is unable to comprehend situations and actions.
Sonelal's gruesome act has gone viral on social media with footage of the dead snake, his village and the doctor attending on him being shared profusely.
Clearly, there's no news like horrific news.
Pictured above is Coast Guard Houses linguini and clams dish, an option in the restaurants dinner special for Restaurant Week.
A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind.
On March 7, 2018, the United Nations General Assembly welcomed the progress made by the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme to break links between the diamond trade and conflict and adopted a consensus resolution aimed at intensifying that work aligning it with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Stephane Fischler, Acting President of the World Diamond Council (WDC), the organization representing the diamond industry in the development and implementation of regulatory and voluntary systems to control the trade in diamonds embargoed by the United Nations or covered by the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, gave this interview to Rough&Polished highlighting key points in the United Nations resolution.
The latest resolution of the United Nations General Assembly on diamond trade was adopted 17 years after its similar resolution of 2001. In what way is the diamond trade today different from what it was then?
The rough diamond trade patterns are not very different then and now, if you exclude the new productions that came on stream mainly from Canada starting at the end of the 90s. For consumer markets, more noticeable changes took place. For instance, the significant growth of markets like China and East Asia.
The U.N. resolution praised the successful role of the Kimberley Process (KP) in stemming the flow of conflict diamonds and its valuable impact on the lives of most people dependent on the trade in diamonds. Meanwhile, speaking at the UN panel discussion you said the World Diamond Council (WDC), being the voice of industry, believes the organization is in need of reform. Why?
Let me be clear, it is not only the industry who believes the process needs to move forward and look at some necessary reforms, but this was decided by consensus by the members of the KP, 81 countries in total. Any process, as successful as it has been in fulfilling its mandate needs to look at the wealth of experience it has gathered over the years. The KP is 15 years old and within its very narrow mandate has been remarkably successful fulfilling its mission, which is to combat the use of illegally obtained proceeds from the sale of rough diamonds to buy arms and foster violence against governments.
We are now better aware of the need for a more pro-active approach to defuse instances of systematic violence in artisanal mining areas where the KP faces the highest risks. Another lesson from the last 15 years is that the KP standards and its minimum requirements need to be revisited in light off the above. Also, the implementation of these standards in the exporting and importing countries, controlled by our Peer Review system including review and expert missions, need to better and more evenly implemented.
What is the essence of the two-year review period in the Kimberley Process? What is it focused on?
In accordance with KPCS document, participants agreed to undertake every 5 years a review of the scheme. Only this time the review might go further and become a reform.
This 3-year review cycle started last year under the Australian chairmanship and has successfully obtained a consensus for the creation of an ad-hoc working group on review and reform. It is this working group under the chairmanship of India, with Angola as co-chair, which has the responsibility of managing the process and bring it to a positive conclusion. The Review process itself usually focuses on three major areas:
The impact of the KPCS on the trade in rough diamonds and the extent to which the scheme has been effective in fulfilling its mission of preventing illegally obtained rough diamonds proceeds to be diverted to fund conflict
Whether the technical provisions of the KPCS are functioning properly or require improvement
How efficient and effective its operations are.
To what extent is the meaning and scope of conflict diamonds to be expanded? What is projected to be included in this notion?
We believe the KP needs to keep a focus on the illegal financing of conflict in the high-risk areas of artisanal mining. However, the WDC believes more importance should be added on preventing these conflicts in the first place. This is a very difficult and ambitious reform. It involves in the first place the governments, local administrations and their mining communities in countries with deep development and governance challenges.
Since the KP was first created in 2000, its definition of a conflict diamond has remained unchanged, as has the purpose of the KP to stop conflict diamonds from entering the global supply chain. We have achieved that goal by virtually eliminating the trade in diamonds sold to fund rebel movements attempting to overthrow the state. We will continue to meet that goal through constant vigilance. However, for 5 years now (Vicenza 2012) the WDC expressed support for broadening of the scope of the KP to increase the likelihood of safe and secure working conditions, fair labor practices and sustainable development in diamond communities. That is still our position today.
In your opening remarks at the U.N. panel discussion, you said it was an unfortunate truth that the nature of what constituted conflict had evolved. In what way and what does it mean for the Kimberley Process?
It means that we have been too often confronted with the consequences of conflicts and that we now understood better that we must collectively, government, industry, civil society look at ways to prevent them. Again, very ambitious. There are a multiple of factors that will need to be aligned to make this happen. One of the key aspects to avoid conflict is the strength of the mineral governance of the producing country and its commitment to local redistribution policies.
Practically the KP will have to agree on a set of triggers that will generate an intervention. Although this is key, its but very challenging to define, considering the required respect for state sovereignty.
Some industry analysts say the KP consensus principle appears to be a hindrance in adopting and implementing its decisions. What is your take on this problem?
Its true, the WDC is but one voice in the KP tripartite. Both the industry (as represented by the WDC) and the Civil Society Coalition serve as official Observers of the process. Neither group has voting or veto rights. To agree on changes to the KPCS a consensus is required from the participating governments (as the third member of the tripartite). That is a challenge indeed, but on the other hand when consensus is achieved the agreement is carried by all. And as Robert Owen-Jones, the outgoing Australian chair remarked, consensus does not mean a 100% agreement. It means that no participant disagrees.
At the UN panel discussion, you said the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme needs stronger minimum standards. Could you elaborate on this?
One of the most important points of the Reform according to the WDC is to review the current KPCS core document and standards. The goal of this review is strengthening the KPCS minimum standards by making the peer review mechanism stronger, making sure recommendations after the review visits are put into action, turning what are today recommendations into minimum requirements.
The new U.N. resolution says that the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme will be credible only if all Participants have the requisite national legislation. What is the situation in this field? Do all such national legislations are in sync with the KPCS?
That is not what the resolution said. It said: Recognizing also that the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, which came into effect on 1 January 2003, will be credible only if all Participants have the requisite national legislation coupled with effective and credible internal systems of control etc
The focus is here the link between legislation and enforcement. The legislation is not so much the issue, but whether it is enforced as it should be. Here the issue of governance, the will and capacity to enforce is critical. We can see the difference it can make when properly managed like in Yakutia and the very tough challenges and loss of opportunities it creates when it is not.
You also said you had a very open and fair exchange of ideas at the recent meeting with the Civil Society Coalition. Please share your impression of this meeting for the sake of our readers.
That is correct. Myself, and our executive director Marie-Chantal Kaninda, have had the chance to meet the CSC in Antwerp recently. Since PAC (now IMPACT) left the coalition we now have an almost exclusively African CSC. IPIS, which is not an advocacy NGO, but more a research center, is complementing the coalition. We had a very open and frank discussion on our individual vision of the ongoing review and reform process. I can say our views on multiple issues are close, the implementation process remains of course the critical factor where we will need to discuss further.
Do you think the experience earned by the Kimberley Process during all these years in stemming illicit trade may be transferred to other industries in some future?
Definitely so. But most of them seem very shy As we said before, and will say it again, the KPCS is a continuous improvement process in need of more professionalism, as per our proposal for a permanent secretariat.
I truly believe the diamond industry deserves much more credit that it has so far received for having been so instrumental in impacting so critically the resolution of some of the worst conflicts in Africa of the late 20th century. Though there is always room to improve the efficiency of conflict resolution and decision making within the KP, we have seen important progress using our processes. Eradicating more than 99,8% of the worlds conflict diamonds we believe that the KP has been very successful to date. Together with the CSC and the members of the Kimberley Process we are looking for the KP achieving further and meaningful sustainable progress.
Vladimir Malakhov, Rough&Polished
Six diamond polishers, who lost their employment at GemTech due to the latters decision to move its business from Antwerp found new jobs in the city five of them were hired by the best polishing units in the diamond capital and the sixth went self-employed. Those that had only performed diamond mapping for GemTech will also receive further training as polishers responsible for finishing work, said The Diamond Loupe, an industry publication initiated by the Antwerp World Diamond Centre, on Friday.
The diamond polishers affected by the potential collective redundancy at Laurelton Diamonds are still at work while negotiations between management and the manufacturers' union are ongoing. Should the situation effectively result in a collective redundancy, the industry's diamond manufacturing federation says it is cautiously optimistic that many of them will find another job in the Antwerp diamond industry, the Diamond Loupe says.
Laurelton Diamonds, a Tiffany & Co. diamond cutting arm, intends to close its diamond manufacturing factory in Antwerp, retaining there its head office and diamond sorting unit.
Theodor Lisovoy, Rough&Polished, Moscow
Anantnag The Army might have closed the Pathribal fake encounter case but even after 18 years the families of the victims remain defiant, vowing to fight for justice.
On the 18th anniversary of the killings, the victim families are organising a remembrance meet in Brari Aangan village of Shangus in Anantnag district on Sunday to remember five people killed in the stage managed encounter by army and the subsequent killing of eight protesters in Brakpora village by police and CRPF.
The army might have given clean chit to the officers involved in the cold blooded murder of our kin but that certainly has not broken our resolve to fight for justice, says Rashid Khan, son of one of the victims and a key witness in the case.
Khans father Jumma Khan, 42, a laborer by profession from Brari Aangan village was among the five civilians killed in the fake encounter. The victims were later dubbed as foreign militants.
The killings inflicted wounds which could never heal but the mental torture we have undergone in these years is beyond expression, said Rashid Khan, aged 40 now.
Khan says though they felt dejected after the army closed the case but for them verdict was on expected lines as they never expected justice from army.
How can you expect justice from those who are themselves the perpetrators of the crime, but then let me make clear that we wont give up. This is why we have once again approached the Supreme Court for a trial in open court, says defiant Khan who was 22 at the time of the killing of his father.
He also sought the intervention of international humanitarian organizations to bring the culprits to book.
We appeal to the international humanitarian organizations to probe the matter and provide us justice, he said.
Khan said that they are organizing a remembrance meet on Sunday to convey it to the Army and the government that they have not forgotten their loved ones.
The army might be in denial but it does not matter for us as everybody knows the truth. So we are organizing a meet and holding special prayers in Brari Aangan village to remember our loved ones, says Khan.
What makes this Jumma Khans story different from other four victims of Pathribal fake encounter is that his younger son Rafiq Ahmad Khan, then 16, was also killed only a week after on April 3, 2000, when police and CRPF opened fire on protesters who were demanding exhumation of bodies of the five persons killed in Pathribal encounter.
The villagers of Brari Aangan and adjacent villages had taken out procession towards the deputy commissioners office in Islamabad town. The protesters were fired upon at Brakpora village 6 kilometers from the town on April 3, 2000, killing eight more persons and injuring many.
It took eight persons to die for the government to order exhumation of bodies of five persons, dubbed as foreign militants, for DNA examination, says Rashid.
Jumma Khan is buried alongside his younger son in a graveyard of the village dedicated for the victims of Pathribal and Brakpora.
The other four civilians killed by army included Jumma Khans namesake, 50, a laborer by profession of same Brari Aangan village, Bashir Ahmad Bhat, 22, and Mohammad Yousuf Malik, 25, both from Halan, Kapran village in Verinag-Dooru area, and Zahoor Ahmad Dalal, 20, of Moominabad locality of Anantnag town.
Both the Jumma Khans were picked up from their houses by the army during the dead of the night before being killed. Malik and Bhat had a joint sheep business and were picked up from Sherpora locality of Anantang town. Zahoor Dalal was picked up by the police and the government gunmen (Ikhwanis) near his house.
BACK GROUND:
On March 25, 2000, five persons, who were picked up from different areas of Anantnag district by army and police, were killed near Pathribal village of Shangus in South Kashmir district of Anantang. Their bodies were charred beyond recognition after the fake encounter.
Army passed them off as foreign militants, purportedly responsible for massacre of 35 Sikhs five days ago on March 20 at Chattisinghpora village of Anantnag district when the then US president Bill Clinton was visiting India.
The state government in the year 2003 handed over the case to Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which in April 2006 indicted five army personnel, Brigadier Ajay Saxana, Lt Colonel Brajendra Pratab Singh, Major Sourabh Sharma, Major Amit Saxana and Subedar Idress Khan of 7 RR in the fake encounter killings and described the encounter as cold blooded murders.
The 18-page CBI charge-sheet had said that after the gunning down of Sikh community members, the army unit operating in the area was under tremendous psychological pressure to show results because there was allegation of inefficiency and ineffectiveness on their part.
The CBI said the army personnel entered into a criminal conspiracy to pick up some innocent persons and stage manage an encounter to create an impression that the militants responsible for the Chatisinghpora killings had been neutralized.
The Supreme Court on May 1, 2012 gave the army eight weeks to decide whether the accused should be tried by a regular criminal court or face a court-martial.
On June 29, 2012 the army decided to opt for Court of Inquiry to try five officers and subsequently the Court of Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) Srinagar (designated CBI court) transferred the whole record of Pathribal case to army authorities for initiating proceedings against the accused army men under the Army Act.
However, on January 23, 2014 army decided to close the case saying the evidence recorded couldnt establish prima facie case against any of the accused.
The families, in April 2016, again filed a writ petition in the High Court seeking re-opening of the case and conducting trial of all accused in the criminal court, however that was dismissed.
Brakpora probe:
The Pandian Commission set up by then government into the killing of eight people protesting the Pathribal stage managed encounter at Brakpora village, while recommending an inquiry commission for all three incidents Chatisinghpora, Pathribal and Brakpora had stated that the incidents were inter-linked and need to be probed together.
What happened to the findings of the commission remains unknown, the families lamented.
New Zealand will on Monday release February figures for imports, exports and trade balance, highlighting a light day for Asia-Pacific economic activity.
In January, imports were worth NZ$4.87 billion and exports were at NZ$4.31 billion for a trade deficit of NZ$566 million.
Singapore will see February numbers for industrial production; in January, production was up 6.7 percent on month and 17.9 percent on year.
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(Agencia CMA Latam) - The president of Colombia, Juan Manuel Santos, said the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has no reason to reject the country's admission request.
Colombia is trying its way in OECD, and the country's admission is under review by the organization's labor and trade committees. The Colombian government is also trying to mitigate some U.S. concerns about its membership to OECD.
"Businesspeople should be the most interested in our entry because that would guarantee that the governments must behave with a certain degree of responsibility in public policies and that countries maintain a minimum standard," Santos said.
Santos statement was made in a briefing to the Colombian-American Trading Chamber.
by Agencia CMA Latam
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(Agencia CMA Latam) - Argentina's Minister of Production, Francisco Cabrera, is expected to call U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross this week in an attempt to exempt the South American country from American duties on steel and aluminum imports, said the Trade secretary Miguel Braun.
"During the next month, we will be working to seek a final solution. Between this week and the next there should be a call between Minister Cabrera and Secretary Ross to define the work we are going to have to carry out," Braun said during a television interview.
The U.S. government announced last week that, during the negotiation period, Argentina is on the list of countries exempted from import tariffs.
by Agencia CMA Latam
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Saudi Arabia's National Agricultural Development Co., part owned by the sovereign wealth fund, will acquire Danone SA's (DANOY.PK) venture in the country, according to reports.
Nadec, as the company is known, will fund the acquisition of privately held Al Safi Danone through a capital increase of 536 million riyals or $143 million, the reports said. Once the deal is completed, existing Nadec shareholders will own 61.25 percent of the company, and Al Safi shareholders will hold 38.75 percent.
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Srinagar: A rebel fighter was killed and a woman injured during a gunfight between government forces and the rebels in central Kashmirs Budgam district.
On specific inputs regarding the presence of militants, Jammu and Kashmir Police, 53 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) launched a cordon and search operation in Khan Mohalla of Arizal village of Beerwah tehsil in Budgam around midnight, said a police spokesman,in a statement.
He said that during the search operation, one militant while trying to flee came out of the house he was hiding in and fired indiscriminately at the forces.
In the incident, one lady received injury in thigh, he said.
The woman, identified as Humaira, was shifted to Bone and Joint Hospital Barzulla where her condition is reported to be stable.
He said the militant was killed in retaliatory fire by the forces. Arms and ammunition have been recovered, he said.
The slain, according to reports, was identified as Shafat Hussain Wani of Wagoora Baramulla.
According to the official, the area is under cordon and searches are being conducted.
SSP Budgam Tejinder Singh said the gunfight has ended with the killing of the militant. (With inputs from Zia Shakir)
Srinagar: Six days after Mohammad Ashraf Sehraie assumed the office of Chairman Tehreek-e-Hurriyat, his son has gone missing from home and seems to have joined militant outfit Hizbul Mujahideen.
Kashmir Inspector General of Police SP Pani confirmed to Kashmir Reader that Sehraies son, Junaid Ashraf Khan, is missing and his family has filed a missing report at police station Saddar on Saturday.
At around 1pm on Friday, the 30-year-old Junaid left his home in Baghat, Srinagar, to offer Friday prayers and since then has not returned, according to his family.
Junaid completed a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) at Kashmir University in 2014-15. After he went missing from home, a photo of Junaid appeared on Saturday, showing him clutching an AK-47 rifle. The text on the photo gave his name, alias, qualification and announced that he had joined the Hizbul Mujahideen on March 24, 2018, that is, Saturday. Junaids nom de guerre in the Hizb has been shown as Amaar, one who prays five times and fasts.
Director General of Police Shesh Paul Vaid said they are still verifying the authenticity of the photo. The family filed a missing report and we are investigating the case, he said.
Vaid suggested the Sehraie family to appeal to their son to return home and shun militancy.
Junaids brother-in-law, Younis Ahmad Rather, told Kashmir Reader that they learnt about Junaid joining militancy through the photo, just hours after filing the missing report with the police.
He explained that Junaid left home on Friday for offering prayers at Wazir Khan Masjid in Baghat and told his family he would go to Lal Chowk for repairing his mobile handset.
Younis described Junaid as more hardline than his father and that he denounced the ISIS, the Islamic State outfit.
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In his last weeks Facebook post, Junaid had described the acronym ISIS as Israeli secret intelligence service.
Islamic super statenot daesh or isis (israeli secret intelligence service), he wrote.
He (Junaid) was highly religious and very close to his abba (Sehraie). He would spend time reading at his home for days together. He was against ISIS and described it as Israels proxy, said Younis who along with Sehraies another son filed missing complaint with police.
Ashraf Sehraie, soon after assuming charge of Tehreek-e-Hurriyat, said in an interview to a daily newspaper, Those raising ISIS flags are strengthening the roots of occupation in Kashmir.
According to Younis, when Ashraf Seharie learnt of his sons joining Hizb, he told Younis that it was his sons choice.
If he has chosen his path, it is his choice, Younis quoted Sehraie as having said.
Junaid had a case registered against him in 2016 for his involvement in stone throwing and had appeared in the court hearing once in the case.
Junaid was the youngest among his six siblings, who include two sisters. Two of his brothers are working in the Gulf and the other one in a private company in Srinagar.
Last year, Younis said, Junaid had joined the company Paytm, an e-payments and e-commerce brand, but then put in his papers after the companys manager came to his home to verify if was not lying about his staying home for a day. That made him quit the job and he was now staying home, Yoinis said.
Seharie, a longtime associate and friend of Geelani for the past more than five decades, is known for his hardline stand like his Rehbar Geelani, but has maintained a low profile in the pro-freedom amalgam. He became the TeH chairman after Geelani made an announcement about this early this week.
A senior police officer, who has served in Kashmir for nearly a decade, argued that Junaids joining the armed militancy would end the argument that leaders safeguard their children. He (Sehraie) will not be taunted like Geelani, he told Kashmir Reader.
The news of Junaids joining militancy sparked a debate on social media. Many argued that it was for the first time that the son of a top pro-freedom leader had joined militancy, hence setting a precedent.
A journalist who has covered the region for the past three decades, however, pointed out that Jamaat chiefs Hakeem Ghulam Nabi and Sheikh Mohammad Hassans sons were killed as militants. Junaids case is not the first, he said.
Amir Hussain, a Phd student at Islamia Jamia Millia University Delhi, whose key research areas are religion and motivation with emphasis on Hizbul Mujahideen agreed with the journalist. Sehraies sons case is not unique. Jamaat leaders have a history of sending their sons to join militancy, he said.
In 1990s, Jamaat was officially or unofficially the only religious group to back militancy. It had a kickback effect in the sense that what Jamaat practised on street had to come home as well. Militants coming from such households discovered gaps between the conversations at home and those taking place outside, Hussain said.
Courtesy:Kashmir Reader
By Moazum Mohammad
By SA Commercial Prop News
An illustration of Kinako Mall
Port Elizabeths iBhayi area will become a major urban retail hub with the development of the R195 million Kinako Mall at the intersection of the R75 Uitenhage Rd and Spondo Rd.
The development of the mall, which opens in April next year is seen as long overdue to serve a prospective catchment area of 340 000 customers with a total estimated retail potential of R1.22 billion.
The 20 000m2 mall is a 50/50 joint venture development between the Shoprite Group and African Dune Investment. It has, say the developers, a potential to expand up to 30 000m2 and a total of 82 shops. Anchored by a 4000m2 Shoprite store, the mall has also already attracted major retailers that include Clicks, Truworths, Jet, Edgars Active, Ackermans, Pep, Mr Price, Identity, Legit, OK Furniture, Morkels, Capitec, Cashbuild, Home Express, Torga, Franco Ceccato, Rage, Rolands, Hungry Lion, and Chingo. There will be 995 parking bays and a taxi area to accommodate 37 vehicles.
Kinako Mall is strategically located to serve the areas of Bethelsdorp; Algoa Park; Kwazekele; Soweto-on-Sea; Zwide; Kwadwesi, Kwamagxaki; Masibulele; New Brighton; Kwaford and Struandale. The site has high visibility from the surrounding highways and arterial roads and is close to the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University Missionvale Campus, the Eastern Cape Training Centre and the Dora Nginza Hospital.
A spokeperson of Shoprite Group said his company was committed to bringing shopping closer to the community and was gratified that most of South Africas leading retailers had joined them in providing a wide selection of food and fashion retail to a community that had been neglected for years.
Gerhardt Jooste, of Prosperito, the 100% shareholder in African Dune, said the mall would have all the important elements - a great location, fantastic exposure, with 27 000 vehicles passing the site daily and 340 000 people living in the catchment area.
Architect Garth Hamilton of Stauch Vorster, said the architecture was an example of successful design that responds to the specific of site and functionality.
The layout comprises a combination of an exterior strip mall on an external walkway, leading into a covered internal mall The materials used would be combined to further enhance the design and are functional, robust and beautiful. The natural clay and polished concrete will create an unencumbered backdrop for the display of the tenants merchandise.
CHICAGO (AP) It's a scandal of privacy, politics and an essential ingredient of business success public trust.
Facebook is confronting a costly, embarrassing public relations debacle after revelations that Cambridge Analytica may have misused data from some 50 million users to try to influence elections. Among its marquee clients: President Donald Trump's general election campaign.
Now a company known as much for reminders of a long-lost friend's birthday and documentation of acquaintances' every whim is grappling with outrage and the possible loss of confidence from users around the globe that have made the social media site a part of their daily routine.
"I trust somebody until they give me a reason not to trust them," said Joseph Holt, who teaches business ethics at the University of Notre Dame. "And Facebook has increasingly given me reasons not to trust them."
Losing that would be a disaster, not just for Facebook, but for any Silicon Valley company that relies on users to open up their private lives.
The amount of trust placed in technology has soared. Cars sync with cell phones. Refrigerators know when there's no more milk and reorder it. Virtual assistants field answers to nearly any inane question.
And with each turn of the steering wheel, sip of milk or request for dinner reservations, a trail of digital crumbs is left for companies to collect, analyze and profit off.
The public has largely been willing to accept the trade-off, knowing in exchange for giving up some data, Netflix will offer spot-on show suggestions, Amazon will prompt a diaper order and Google will figure out what to search before a user finishes typing it.
Not everyone understands the darker side of data brokers in an always-connected society.
Every time a person shops online or at a store, loyalty cards linked to phone numbers or email addresses can be linked to other databases that may have location data, home addresses and more. Voting records, job history, credit scores (remember the Equifax hack?) are constantly mixed, matched and traded by companies in ways regulators haven't caught up with.
While Facebook let slip data profiles on millions of people, "it's much more than that," says James Grimmelmann, a professor at Cornell Law School. "Trying to pin down any one breach as being the source of all the privacy harms out there is futile."
For Facebook, whose power and value are built on being so ever-present in people's lives, the impact has been immediate its share price is down nearly 14 percent since the scandal broke March 16.
Investors fear that Facebook users will start to think twice before posting the latest snapshots of their puppy, or clicking "like" on a news story or movie trailer.
"It's something that's going to remain in people's memory," says Mike Chapple, a University of Notre Dame professor with expertise in cybersecurity. "I think it's changed people's perceptions."
After the scandal broke, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg apologized, admitted his company's mistakes and said security needs to be enhanced to protect users' data. He noted that this is a major trust issue for the public.
It follows closely on the heels of the company acknowledging it helped spread fake news and propaganda from Russian-linked trolls disrupting the 2016 presidential election.
While some disenchanted Facebook users have deactivated their accounts, others point out that breaking up can be hard to do. If a credit card company or an airline's data is breached, it's easy enough to switch allegiances. But for most of Facebook's 2 billion users there's no real substitute, says Aaron Gordon, a partner at Schwartz Media Strategies, a Miami-based public relations and crisis management firm.
"It's a lot harder to just up and leave," he says. "So you go to Twitter or Instagram? It's not the same."
(Besides, Instagram is owned by Facebook.)
Holt, the business ethics professor, loved Facebook, but with all that's come out, he feels like he's in an abusive relationship. He estimates he cut his usage from about 30 minutes daily to about 10 minutes every other day and would happily flee altogether if a viable alternative emerged that more zealously protected data.
"I haven't left it yet, but I go less often and I feel less good about it," he says.
Facebook is not the only company to deal with misuse of private information that has weakened public confidence. Equifax, the credit reporting agency, and Target, the retail giant, both suffered massive data breaches affecting tens of millions of people. Wells Fargo faced stiff government fines for a fake accounts scandal.
The public tends to get numb to this steady drumbeat of bad news, says brand strategist Rachel Brand.
"People pick their battles and daily outrage," she says. "Facebook messed up royally, but most people are on a daily outrage roller-coaster and aren't sure if this is the hill worth dying on."
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Matt Sedensky reported from New York. He can be reached at [email protected] or https://twitter.com/Sedensky. Cohen can be reached at [email protected] or ttp://twitter.com/@scohenAP.
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Technology Writer Ryan Nakashima in Menlo Park, California, contributed to this report.
The Member of Parliament for Vaimauga Sasae, Sulamanaia Tauiliili Tuivasa, has rejected a plan to allow foreign investors to use customary land lease as mortgage to borrow money from the bank.
He is worried that the loophole gives investors room to manipulate local land Owners, which could potentially lead to the alienation of customary lands.
The Member of Parliament expressed concerns in Parliament last week during the debate of the Alienation of Customary Land Amendment Bill 2017.
I strongly reject the mortgaging of customary lands, he said.
Thats the issue I have with this law. Weve been leasing customary lands for a long time now and nothing has happened, it is still owned by our families, villages and districts. But I am worried about an investor using the land as mortgage for the bank.
Sulamanaia said this should not be allowed.
If an investor comes, he should bring his own money. I understand from the law that this can only be done if the family agrees to have the land mortgaged. Still the allowance of the lease to be mortgage leaves room for a foreigner to manipulate our sao (family paramount chief) because the sao will find it so easy to approach the investor in advance the payment.
At that point, the Associate Minister of Health, Salausa Dr. John Ah Ching interjected.
The customary land cannot be mortgaged, it is the lease that can be mortgaged, he said. That is my understanding of what was explained to me, during our seminar.
But Sula was not convinced.
Where does the mortgage stand? In the air? he fired back. The lease and mortgage are tied to the land.
Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi immediately took the floor.
The doctor is right, he said referring to Salausa. The mortgage is on the land but the mortgage is different from the land.
For example, if the lease is a 100 years, it has a big value. If 50 years remain and for some reason the bank takes the land, the strength of the mortgage then is 50 years. If that happens again when there is 25 years left, then the person who takes over will only have 25 years left of it. So even if the mortgage sits on the land, the land is separate from the lease.
Sulamanaia returned to the floor and said: I understand but these are just my concerns.
The Member of Parliament expressed concerns about the debt taken out on the land and how easy it is for the Government to amend the Constitution.
But the reference to the Constitution did not sit well with Prime Minister Tuilaepa.
We dont just change the Constitution for the sake of it. If you look at the amendments to the Constitution weve made, they are issues that are critical to this country and thats why the Constitution is amended. Land is a treasure for all Samoans.
Also do not compare us to New Zealanders and Australians, just like what those who are opposing are going on about.
We are Chiefs of our families and villages and why would be stupid to endorse something that can lead to the loss of our lands.
He reiterated there is no need to compare Samoa to New Zealand and Australia given their people are not running their governments and their laws.
Unlike Samoa, it is Samoans who are drafting our laws and it is approved by us who are Chiefs and we as Chiefs will not let anything happen to our customary lands.
This is what that everyone tends to forget, this is our lands and we own it, said Tuilaepa.
At the beginning of his address, Sulamaiana said: For any Samoan, when it comes to land issues, everyone has an opinion. Why? Its our inheritance, God given inheritance. Every matai has land.
But I am worried. Why? Im suffering because of our lands that were taken forcefully during the German administration. I dont blame my ancestors, but starting from Laulii, Letogo there are lands that had been taken which our constituents are suffering from as a result.
Prime Minister Tuilaepa corrected the M.P..
These lands were bought by German business people at the time for their developments. There were purchases that led to Court cases. Some 1500 Court hearings were held in the High Court so a lot of the land purchases were dissolved.
Tuilaepa clarified that the lands were not forcefully taken by the Germans, rather they were bought and the process was done legally.
It was business people from Germany who bought the lands to develop and in the process of the purchasing of the lands; the matter was taken to the High Court at the time.
A total of 1,500 court hearings were held and most of the purchases were not honored by the court and the lands were returned to the owners, while other purchases were verified, he explained.
The war in 1914, led the New Zealand Government to take the lands away from Germany. He said the New Zealand Government passed on these government lands to the Samoa Government.
Parliament continues today.
A 36-year-old father has been jailed for seven years for sexually assaulting his biological daughter.
The sentencing was delivered by Justice Leiataualesa Daryl Clarke.
A child should grow up in a family environment, in an atmosphere of happiness, love and understanding, Justice Leiataualesa said.
The Court should send out a strong message where appropriate as in this case those offences of this nature will not be tolerated and will be met with a sentence of imprisonment sufficient to mark societys denunciation of such conduct.
A suppression order was issued against the victim and the defendant as well given their relationship.
He is a father of eight. The prosecutor was Fuifui Ioane of the Attorney Generals Office while defense counsel was Arthur Lesa.
According to the Police summary of facts, the defendant sexually assaulted his biological daughter in January 2013.
On the first occasion, he went to his daughter who was sleeping and began to touch her legs.
She woke up, asked who it was and he covered her mouth and told her to be quiet.
When the defendant went outside the mosquito net, he asked her why she did not want him to touch her and she told him because it was bad.
After the first encounter, the defendant embarked on a long term sustained patterns of sexual abuse perpetrated against his daughter that became more serious after this first incident.
The second incident was between the 1st and 28th of February 2013, in between 10pm and 12am. He went to her when she was sleeping in her mosquito net and sexually assaulted her.
She was 13 years old then. Over the course of 2013, the defendant followed this pattern of sexually assaulting his daughter eight times on different occasions, doing so in May, June July, August, September, October, November and December.
In 2014, the defendant carried out the same pattern of sexually assaulting his daughter 10 times, from the months of January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August and December.
In 2015, the defendant maintained his sustained pattern of sexually assaulting his daughter a further 12 times in the months of January to December.
In 2016, he sexually assaulted his daughter again 10 times in the months of January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September and October.
The matter only came to light when his daughter became involved in an argument with another of his daughters in January 2017 and the younger sibling threatened to report the victim to their mother.
According to the defendants pre-sentence report, he told the probation officer that on the first occasion that he sexually assaulted his daughter, he had mistaken her for his wife.
The second time, he went to the victim while she was asleep and sexually assaulted her he did it for five minutes until she woke up, and this was the start of a pattern of sexual offending that continued over the next four years.
According to the victims impact report, the biological daughter is now 16 years old.
She said that she was threatened by her father and that she was scared every time he approached her.
She also explained that over the years that her father did this to her, if she refused, her father would be angry with her and punish her.
She no longer sees her father because it would remind her of what he did to her and that she no longer thinks of him.
She also said: I want you to remain behind bars.
In reading out the aggravating features of the offending, Justice Leiataualesa took into consideration the gross breach of trust between the father and daughter.
The scale of your offending involving all 42 incidences of sexual offending constituting a pattern of sustained and long term sexual abuse against your own daughter over the period of four years, he told the defendant.
The harm to your daughter inherent in your offending, the age difference between you and your daughter, her vulnerability given her young age and the circumstances of offending and lastly the offending was premeditated and planned.
There are no mitigating features in respect of the offending.
Personal to you is your guilty plea, though the discount in sentence is reduced by the fact that after pleading guilty, you applied to vacate your guilty plea in October last year.
That application was only withdrawn on 15 February this year after completion of the hearing to vacate your guilty plea.
Nevertheless, your guilty plea has spared your daughter the ordeal of having to give evidence.
I also take into account your prior good character and remorse.
In handing down his decision, Justice Leiataualesa reminded the defendant the serious and prolonged offending.
You have destroyed all that is special in a relationship between a father and daughter, he told the defendant.
A daughter rightfully can expect of her father love, support, guidance, and protection from those who might harm them.
As a father, your role was to protect your daughter from harm, not to be the perpetrator of such acts against her, let alone within her home and in her bed.
In doing so, you have destroyed your relationship with her and any trust that she could possibly have in you as her father.
Your actions will have lasting consequences for your daughter.
I bear in mind the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and what has been said in earlier cases.
Justice Leiataualesa added in this case, it is an unusual matter.
Your offending, however in my view is highly unusual because of the scale of your offending against your daughter and the long period of time that you did so, he said.
Your offending must therefore be condemned to clearly reflect societys denunciation of such abhorrent acts on your daughter that are repugnant to the communitys strong Christian values, Samoan culture and the role of a father in the Samoan family unit.
Importantly, the sentence imposed today (Wednesday) is to deter you and others from committing such offences.
Prosecution has sought a starting point of five years imprisonment, which was supported by defense counsel; however Justice Leiataulesa said it was inappropriate.
I will apply the totality in sentencing principles and adopt information S164/17 as the lead charge, he said.
Given the serious aggravating factors of your offending and the need for a deterrent sentence, I adopt nine years imprisonment starting point for sentence.
I deduct four months for your prior good character and four months for your remorse stated before the Court.
From the balance of your sentence, I deduct 16 months for your guilty plea.
In sentencing you, information S184/17, you are convicted and sentenced to seven years imprisonment less time remanded in custody.
For the 40 remaining charges of unlawful sexual connection, you are convicted and sentenced to two years imprisonment on each to be served concurrently to information S164/17 and for the charge of indecent assault, three months imprisonment to be served concurrently.
Member of Parliament, Olo Fiti Vaai, is adamant that the Constitution will be violated if Parliament approves the amendments proposed under the Alienation of Customary Land Amendment Bill 2017.
Speaking to the Samoa Observer, he said the Governments insistence there is nothing to worry about cannot be trusted.
His comments were in response claims by Deputy Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mataafa, that the Alienation of Customary Land Amendment Bill 2017 will not in any manner violate the Constitution.
In Parliament last week, Fiame called some Members of Parliament liars. She also accused them of being irresponsible.
Fiame did not name anyone in particular.
But Olo told the Samoa Observer that the reference was directed at him.
I publicly said the Constitution will be violated and it is clear, he said.
Under the current Constitution section 102, it clearly states:
No Alienation of Customary Land: it shall no be lawful or competent for any person to make any alienation or dispassion of customary land or of any interest in customary land by way of sale, mortgage or otherwise, howsoever, nor shall customary land or any interest therein be capable of being take in execution or be assess for the payment of debts of any person on his or her decease or insolvency: provided that an Act of Parliament may authorize
(a) granting of a lease of licensed of any customary land or of any interest therein;
(b) the taking of any customary land or any interest therein for public purposes.
Olo said the Constitution is extremely clear.
No matter what, Article 102 of the Constitution clearly says customary lands cannot be sold, leased of mortgaged and yet the amendment allows the government at any time to introduce a bill that can violate the law, said Olo.
I am merely trying to explain that under the Article 102, it says the selling is disallowed. However at the same time, it also says --provided that an Act of Parliament may authorize (a) granting of a lease of licensed of any customary land or of any interest therein; (b) the taking of any customary land or any interest therein for public purposes.
This is my point and I want to make it clear that with the new amendments proposed by the Government, the Constitution will be violated, he said.
This is why me and my constituency reject this bill no matter what assurances are given by the Government.
This is a risky bill and that is why the majority of the Members of Parliaments have raised concerns about this specific measure.
Parliament continues today.
2,000 houses in Janakpur face wrecking ball
Around 2,000 residential buildings and shops at Janakpur bazaar area are facing the threat of demolition due to the ongoing widening of Janakchok-Bhanuchok road.
Nearly 400 people poured into Allen Airways Flying Museum in El Cajon on Saturday to pay honor to one of the pioneering women aviators in history, Frances Sebastian Bera.
They were greeted near the museum entrance to the sight of Beras 1966 Piper Comanche pink and magenta on white with the words KICK ASS emblazoned in pink below the left wing.
Bera, a Michigan native who lived in San Diego for about 50 years, passed away Feb. 10 at age 93.
Fran dared to do what only other dreamed of and thats what made her so unique, said her one-time flying competitor-turned-friend Pat Noyes.
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She took her racing seriously but the nice, beautiful part of it was she never took herself seriously. She believed in the pursuit of winning, but you had to have fun in the process.
Bera logged more than 25,000 hours of flying and earned nearly 200 awards, plaques and trophies over the course of her flying career that started when she was 16.
Bera earned her commercial, flight instructor, helicopter, hot air balloon, single/multi-engine aircraft, and seaplane ratings over the years. She was also a freefall parachutist.
A seven-time winner of the All Woman Transcontinental Air Race, Bera snagged seven first-place wins, four second-place finishes, and one third-place finish in the Palms to Pines All Womens Air Races, a race that goes from Santa Monica to Bend, Oregon.
Her career included a long stint as an airplane saleswoman and private pilot trainer until she was in her 80s.
Fran Bera (Courtesy photo )
Friends and caretakers, family and fellow pilots came from around the country to honor Bera. A video depicting her life and times set to music by her friend, Mary Ford, left many in tears.
Her friend and hangar neighbor, Gary Gobel, recounted a story of seeing Bera in a dream the night she died. He had heard about Beras passing in the morning and said her image kept rolling over and over in my mind.
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Then when I was asleep, her face came into my mind, Gobel said. I said, Fran, where are you? What are you doing? Are you OK? And she said, Im fine, Im doing good. I got a job! I said, What do you mean you got a job? And she said, Im up in heaven teaching angels to fly.
Two small airplane formation flyovers, one by a group of her friends in the San Diego Chapter of the Ninety Nines, paid tribute to the 4-foot, 9-inch sparkplug who was fondly remembered as humble, frugal and fun.
She was our Amelia Earhart, said Jim Kidrick, President & CEO of the San Diego Air & Space Museum. Fran not only represented women in aviation, she represented aviation.
Kidrick wrote and narrated a video for the museum found at sandiegoairandspace.org/hall-of-fame/honoree/fran-bera when she was inducted into its Hall of Fame in 2007. That video was also shown at the event.
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Bera was married three times and never had any children, but her great nephew, David Long, provided a snapshot of her childhood, in which she was the youngest of eight, and how it affected her in life.
Her father was born in a tiny village in Hungary, the last of 10 children, Long said. They emigrated to Canada, he found himself a wife, had three children and then settled in Michigan. They lived on a farm. Fran came from poverty. She shopped at Marshalls and Ross Dress for Less, but she was so generous to everybody else.
Most of the guests at the event trekked from the museum to Beras nearby hangar to see some of her accolades, thumb through hundreds of stories she kept in scrapbooks, and share their own stories of camaraderie and fun.
Friends of Beras from the Ninety Nines, a group of women pilots, toasted to her over her favorite beverage strawberry daiquiris.
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If you met Fran, you wouldnt realize she was as accomplished as she was, said Ellen Kutzler, chair of the San Diego Chapter of the Ninety Nines. It was always someone else who would say Fran was the most winning air race pilot. And your jaw would just drop. She was very humble about these things.
Bill Allen, who owns the museum, spoke of how he once tried to help Bera out with a personal issue she was having.
She said to me, Bill Allen, I buried three husbands, I dont need any advice from you. That was our Franny.
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karen.pearlman@sduniontribune.com
CITY COUNCILS
CARLSBAD
The Carlsbad City Council is scheduled to meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday in council chambers at 1200 Carlsbad Village Drive for a public hearing on the proposed Carlsbad Village Center project at 2995 State St. The project would remove an existing retail use and build a 25,253-square-foot, four-story mixed-use building with underground parking, ground floor retail, commercial office space and five apartments.
ENCINITAS
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The Encinitas City Council will hold a special meeting at 3 p.m. Wednesday in the Encinitas Library Community Room, 540 Cornish Drive, for a goal-setting and priority planning workshop. The council has canceled its regular meeting for that evening.
ESCONDIDO
The Escondido Public Library invites the community to its next set of Strategic Planning meetings, at 6 p.m. Tuesday and 1 p.m. Sunday in the Grove Room at the East Valley Community Center, 2245 E. Valley Parkway. The public will have the opportunity to identify conditions it wants in the library, create a vision of the library for the future, and help develop the steps needed to achieve these goals. RSVP to library@escondidolibrary.org or (760) 839-4601.
OCEANSIDE
The Oceanside City Council will meet at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday in closed session to discuss labor negotiations and property negotiations at City Council Chambers, 300 N. Coast Highway. In regular session at 5 p.m., the council will consider an ordinance requiring all commercial service providers who access docks to obtain a permit from the Small Craft Harbor District. At 6 p.m., the council will open a hearing on the recommendations of the Medical Marijuana Ad Hoc Committee, and discuss amending city code to allow licensed commercial medicinal cannabis facilities in certain areas.
Parks & Recreation Master Plan workshop
The city of Oceanside is holding its second public workshop for the update of its Parks and Recreation master plan from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at the Country Club Senior Center, 455 Country Club Lane. Information stations with the results of a previous workshop, as well as the results of the park inventory and conditions, will be available. Visit https://www.ci.oceanside.ca.us/gov/ns/parks/parksmasterplan.asp, or see the Parks and Recreation Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/events/2022773131324351.
SAN MARCOS
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The San Marcos City Council will meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall, 1 Civic Center Drive, when it will consider authorizing a full-time contract program manager position related to the Creek District Capital Improvement Project.
An update on task force progress will be presented at a joint public meeting between the San Marcos City Council and the San Marcos School Board at 6 p.m. Thursday at the San Marcos Community Center, 3 Civic Center Drive.
SOLANA BEACH
The Solana Beach City Council will hold a special meeting at 5 p.m. Wednesday in City Council Chambers, 635 S. Highway 101, to discuss a draft work plan for fiscal year 2018-2019. In regular session at 6 p.m., the council will hold a public hearing on a proposed ordinance setting a minimum average workspace of 160 square feet per employee in a business space, which would be reduced to 125 square feet per employee for barber shops, beauty salons and manicure salons. The council will discuss how to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Councilmember Mike Nichols. The council will also consider a resolution opposing legislation such as the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2017 and urging federal and state representatives to enact responsible gun safety regulations. A closed session is scheduled at 7 p.m. to discuss litigation.
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VISTA
The Vista City Council has canceled its meeting scheduled for Tuesday.
SCHOOL DISTRICTS
CARLSBAD
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The Carlsbad Unified School District board will meet for a study session on the Local Control and Accountability Plan at 6 p.m. Wednesday at the district office, 6225 El Camino Real. A closed session to discuss personnel will follow.
DEL MAR
The Del Mar Union School District board is scheduled to meet in closed session at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday at the district office, 11232 El Camino Real, San Diego, and in regular session at 5:45 p.m.
OCEANSIDE
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The Oceanside Unified School District board will meet at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday at the district office, 2111 Mission Ave., for final interviews for architectural services for modernization projects at Garrison Elementary and Jefferson Middle School. In regular session at 6 p.m., the board will hear an update and overview of the Oceanside Promise. The board will also consider 1 and 2 percent raises for management employees, deputy superintendents and associate superintendents; and will consider eliminating the positions of nutrition services assistants at district schools for the 2018-19 school year due to lack of work or funds. The council will consider hiring the firm of Hazard, Young, Attea and Associates to help find a new superintendent. A closed session will follow to discuss litigation and labor negotiations.
SAN MARCOS
The San Marcos Unified School District board is scheduled to meet in special joint session with the San Marcos City Council at 6 p.m. Thursday at the San Marcos Community Center, 3 Civic Center Drive, for a report on task force progress.
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laura.groch@sduniontribune.com
Christmas was exactly three months ago, but it took until now to finally utilize my daughters gift:
A ravioli machine.
Its a dandy little device you attach to an electric mixer and it pumps out what everyone agreed was a fabulous dinner. Im trying to remain humble about my success, but judging by the shower of accolades I received, Id have to concede I was simply marvelous.Its not necessarily a simple operation as you first have to make sheets of pasta, then a filling, and finally assemble everything in a rather exacting manner before the ravioli can be successfully extruded. Its a bit tricky, but if you do it right, magic happens.
The only small issue that reared was when someone voiced the unfortunate remark, These ravioli are as good as Aunt Annas.
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Our enduring guest may not understand English, but this time Aunt Anna needed no translation. Judging by her demeanor, it was obvious I was infringing on her territory. Regrettably, those ravioli became more duel than dinner.
It also upset my wife that I distressed her aunt that way. She actually chastised me for preparing such a wonderful meal. I believe she would have preferred I sabotaged the ravioli.
As far as Aunt Anna was concerned, using any sort of mechanical device to prepare a meal was blasphemy. And my sins were multitudinous having utilized a mixer, a food processor, and finally the ravioli device.
Anything I did by machine, the mixing, the kneading, the pounding, or the stretching, she can easily do manually. The size of her triceps is testament.
No question shes a fabulous cook, but privately, Im guessing some members of the family would agree that the ravioli was a welcome change from what has always been a conviction of hers to utilize natures bounty whenever possible. In our case, that could mean a dinner of braised rabbit. Or what the French term escargot, but what Aunt Anna calls babbalucci. I tend to call it vermin.
If some day roast coyote appeared on the menu, no one would be that surprised.
And thats because Aunt Anna is not afraid of a challenge, always looking to prepare something new. Im reminded of the time I mentioned the conversation I had with my urologist who told me about a procedure whereby microwaves can be utilized to shrink the prostate.
Cosa ha detto? (What did he say?) Aunt Anna questioned.
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So in her best Italian, my wife explained to her that I was talking about a procedure to microwave the prostate.
Voglio la ricetta, Aunt Anna responded.
What did she say? I inquired.
She wants the recipe, my wife replied.
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Contact humor columnist Irv Erdos at IrvErdos@aol.com.
A massive makeover of Coast Highway 101 through Leucadia, a project thats divided the community for years, is headed to the California Coastal Commission.
The Encinitas City Council last week voted to certify environmental documents for the Leucadia Streetscape project, which would add up to six traffic circle roundabouts along a 2.5-mile stretch of the coastal highway from La Costa Avenue to A Street and eliminate a vehicle lane in each direction along much of the route.
Proponents highlight the projects many benefits for pedestrians and cyclists, including new sidewalks along the west side of the roadway, striped crosswalks, buffered bike lanes in each direction and a decomposed granite pathway between the roadway and the railroad tracks to the east.
Opponents focus on the roundabouts, saying theyre likely to make the already vehicle-congested roadway an absolute nightmare.
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Those divisions were evident once again Wednesday night. Before they voted, council members heard from 41 public speakers -- 25 of them proponents, 13 opponents and three undecided.
The council split itself over the plans, voting 4-1, with Councilman Mark Muir opposed, to endorse the projects Environmental Impact Report. Members of the council majority praised Streetscape as a project that put people first and cars second.
Its time for us to take back our roads, said Councilwoman Tasha Boerner Horvath, who lives in Leucadia west of the highway, as she described why she was supporting the plans.
Councilman Tony Kranz, who lives in Leucadia east of Coast Highway, said he thinks the project may actually improve vehicle traffic conditions because the roundabouts will keep vehicles moving, unlike the existing stop signs along the route.
I dont believe were going to have Carmageddon, he said.
Mayor Catherine Blakespear, who lives in Cardiff, said the project would encourage people to walk instead of using their cars, mentioning that people discover each year during the Taste of Leucadia food fest just how un-walkable the area is.
But Muir, who lives in New Encinitas, said the council majority was ignoring reality in favor of a wish that people walked to their destinations.
The reality is people are in cars, he said, adding that the changes to Coast Highway will simply push traffic congestion onto the surrounding streets.
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He said he could only support Streetscape if the proposed roundabouts were eliminated -- a position shared by many project opponents.
Doug Fiske, who has lived in Encinitas since 1963, said everybody wants a dressing up of Leucadias part of Coast Highway, but this is the wrong plan for that job.
The roundabouts are too small to work as theyre supposed to, he said, adding that he thought they would result in a doubling of the length of the current traffic jams along southbound Coast Highway during the morning commute.
Looking at the pictures Fiske showed of backed-up vehicles along the roadway, Kranz told him that the existing condition pretty much sucks and asked how keeping the roadway as a two-lane system with stop signs was any benefit.
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Look at it; it cant get any worse (with Streetscape), he said.
His comments startled opponents who said they couldnt believe that this was the citys argument for proceeding with the project.
You really explained the position of the city as to why this has gotten so far, opponent David Smith said, adding that it was worth sitting through the meeting just to hear that comment.
While opponents said the changes would be a disaster for the coastal highway, proponents said the current conditions were such an extreme safety hazard for pedestrians and cyclists that they avoided walking or biking along the route.
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Parents said they wouldnt let their kids bike from west of the highway to Paul Ecke-Central Elementary School just to the east, while Leucadia business owners said their customers found walking conditions along the roadway very unpleasant.
This is a city project that many feel is overdue, Leucadia art gallery owner Morgan Mallory said, citing everything from property tax revenue benefits to drainage improvements as reasons to proceed and do all the work in one phase.
With Wednesdays council vote to certify the Environmental Impact Report and amend city planning documents, the action moves next to the state Coastal Commission, which reviews projects in the coastal region.
While state officials are looking over the plans, the council will be contemplating how to pay for the Streetscape work. The issue is expected to be debated in the weeks to come as council members review spending options for the next fiscal year, which begins July 1.
A stack of two-inch-thick textbooks near the door of Cati Garcias classroom are more than educational tools; theyre potential weapons.
In the event a school shooter penetrates the classroom, students should look for ordinary objects to defend themselves, Garcia told her class during an active-shooter drill last week.
If there were 20 of us throwing books at him, chances are we would be able to take him, Garcia said, adding, I would spray the fire extinguisher at him.
The drill at Valley High School, a continuation campus for the Escondido Unified High School District, introduced students to the new run, hide, fight protocol that some schools are adopting in defense against school shootings.
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That strategy, developed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, trains teachers and students to seek the safest way off campus, or into hiding, in the event of a school shooting. And it prepares them to defend themselves in the worst-case scenario, by taking action to disarm or incapacitate a shooter. Its an expansion of the existing lockdown protocol, with added options.
If the shooter is on the opposite side of campus, or the students are already outdoors at lunch or recess, evacuating the area and fleeing to a safer place may be the best choice, officials said.
When there isnt a clear route to safety, they should use lockdown or shelter in place procedures to hide in classrooms. They should also barricade doors and windows to make them harder targets. If those strategies fall short, the plan prepares them to confront a shooter.
The main difference is, we are given the option to run or to fight back, Garcia said. Before it was just lockdown, and youre sitting ducks.
Once the drill began, Garcia asked students to slide a file cabinet against the door, use a chain or belt to jam the hinge, and secure a safety bolt. They need to know not only how to hide, but also how to barricade the space.
Students dimmed the lights and took cover behind desks and cabinets. It it were safe to escape, she would lead them out, she told them. If not, they should plan for an unlikely, but potentially deadly, confrontation with a shooter, she said.
If your classroom was breached, what would you do? she asked students.
Fight, some kids answered. Throw a chair. Staplers, scissors and the flagpole are other classroom objects that could double for self-defense, students added. Those items arent a match for gunfire, but could disorient or distract the shooter, or even knock him out.
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Im totally fine with you throwing Chromebooks if they would save your life, if someone comes in here with a gun, Garcia said.
When teachers first discussed the strategy at an assembly with students the previous week, some of them didnt take it seriously, or didnt want to participate, Garcia said. So she brought it closer to home.
This could be your little brother or sister, she told them. Think of Florida. This could be 15 of your classmates murdered. Then it clicked.
After the drill, some students said it opened their eyes to possible tactics for a school attack.
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My option, to save our lives, would be to fight for out lives, said Jose Armenta, 18. My first option would be to throw a chair or a book. If we hit him he might drop. Then he would be without his weapon.
Active shooter drill at Valley High School in Escondido. Escondido Union High School District conduct a student drill of its now run, hide, fight active shooter protocol at Valley High School, the districts continuation school. The system calls f
San Diego has had its own school tragedies. In 1979, Brenda Spencer shot eight children and killed a principal and custodian at Cleveland Elementary School. Charles Andrew Andy Williams killed two students and wounded 13 at Santana High School in Santee in 2001. And in 2010, Brendan ORourke injured two second-graders when he shot into a crowd of students at Kelly School in Carlsbad.
Around 2008, the Department of Homeland Security and other federal agencies started studying ways to improve the odds in those emergencies, said Bob Mueller, director of student attendance, safety, and well-being for the County Office of Education.
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In 2013, the federal government introduced run, hide and fight in its school emergency guide, he said. The San Diego County Office of Education worked with local law enforcement on a plan for options-based responses to school attacks.
This is allowing us to have another level of safety that students are trained on, so they can reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim, said Escondido Police Chief Craig Carter, president of the San Diego County Police Chiefs & Sheriffs Association, which has endorsed the strategy.
Escondidos elementary and high school districts, along with Vista Unified School District, have adopted the plan and started training staff. At Escondido high schools, students are integral to the system.
Thats not the case in all districts.
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Some experts recommend explaining the plan to students, but not practicing it, warning that the exercise itself could traumatize youth who have watched school shootings on the news. Such attacks are devastating, but statistically unlikely, they say, so heightening students awareness of those events could do more harm than good.
In Vista, officials wont drill students, but will train teaches and other staff to take the lead in emergencies.
That makes sense for younger kids, but high school students are young adults and should be involved in the process, said Rich Watkins, director of Pupil Services and Interventions for the Escondido Union High School District.
Knowing that its okay to fight, it gives them some confidence, he said. Not only that, they know well fight with them. We explained to them that their actions could save them and others.
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Students had mixed reactions to the drill, questioning whether the barricades would work and worrying that evacuation could be too slow, or police might mistake a kid for the shooter. However, several said they were encouraged by the chance to fight back.
Elian Gaona, 17, said he felt fairly confident after reviewing the plan.
The options that we had were pretty good, he said. We had students barricading the door he came in, had students ready to fight, and had an exit. But in the moment, you dont know what you will do.
Michelle Ramos, 17, said shes been anxious about school safety since the Florida shooting, but said she would do her best in the worst situation.
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The fact that we had to have this drill makes me feel sad and uneasy at school, she said. Im not that strong, but I think I would try to fight, because I think about my sisters and my family.
The school has gone on lockdown before because of emergencies in the surrounding area, Principal Daniel Barajas said. He thinks his students would rise to the occasion if an attack occurred on campus.
I do believe that instinct will take place and kids and any of us will do what they need to do to survive, he said.
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deborah.brennan@sduniontribune.com Twitter@deborahsbrennan
I am sick. I have eaten nothing for 11 days and drunk nothing, and I totter feebly and shakily from my bed and back again.
Franz Schubert wrote that in a letter to a friend on November 12, 1828. Seven days later he was dead, 10 weeks shy of his 32nd birthday.
Within his brief lifespan, Schubert produced more than 1,500 compositions. One of classical musics greatest melodists, his talent for writing small-scale works like songs, dances and marches was evident from his teens. In early 19th century Vienna, however, long, tuneful melodies werent easily adapted into four-movement sonata forms like symphonies or string quartets.
Schubert grappled with this challenge throughout his career, and in his last years, he was able to reconcile the two in a series of visionary sonatas, chamber music and his Ninth Symphony. All the more remarkable was that Schubert did this handicapped by illness believed by many to be syphilis which he had suffered since the age of 26.
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Despite this burden, Schubert produced an astonishing series of masterpieces in his final year. Inon Barnatan and the La Jolla Music Society are showcasing eight of them in a three-part concert series at Irwin M. Jacobs Qualcomm Hall.
Garrick Ohlsson (Courtesy photo by Dario Acosta )
Saturday evening was the first concert and was particularly noteworthy as Barnatans first appearance since the announcement that he will succeed Cho-Liang Lin as the musical director of the societys annual SummerFest.
Its hard to go wrong constructing a program of late Schubert works. The challenge lies in finding a complementary mix of performers. Barnatan invited Garrick Ohlsson to play the Piano Sonata in A Major, D. 959 and the two collaborated in a poignant account of the Fantasie in F Minor for Piano Four-Hands. For the radiant Piano Trio in B-flat Major, D. 898, violinist Erin Keefe made her La Jolla Music Society debut, joined by Barnatan on piano and Clive Greensmith on cello.
Barnatan and Ohlsson were excellent partners. Theres no tolerance for rhythmic discrepancies in four-hand piano music; a pianos attack is so precise that playing just a smidgen ahead or behind becomes painfully apparent. The duos coordination in the Fantasie was practically telepathic, their tonal colors well matched. Their performance sounded as if a soulful pianist with 20 fingers lovingly interpreted this work.
Ohlssons conception and execution of the A Major Piano Sonata was revelatory. Tempos in the fast movements were slower than expected, Ohlssons overall sound graceful and restrained. This made Schuberts dramatic interruptions and wanderings in the second and fourth movements all the more striking.
Ohlsson had a wide spectrum of piano colors at his disposal, which he tastefully deployed. This sonata is on a grand scale playing all the repeats takes 45 minutes. A masterly performance requires that the pianist understand the architecture of the work, which Ohlsson admirably conveyed.
The evening concluded with Schuberts sunny Piano Trio in B-flat Major. Schuberts piano writing may not sound that hard to play, but any pianist can attest to its difficulty. It requires formidable technique to make his passagework legato and those awkward chords sing. Barnatans playing sounded effortless, and Keefe and Greensmith made Schuberts melodies shine. Their performance may not have shed any new light on the Trio, but like a long unseen friend, the Trio slipped comfortably back into our lives and we were grateful to make its acquaintance again.
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Hertzog is a freelance writer.
Correction
An earlier version of this story incorrectly identified the cellist who performed Saturday. It was not Carter Brey, but rather Clive Greensmith. The story has been updated to reflect this change.
City Ballets resident choreographer and dancer Geoff Gonzalez likes to think big, which can sometimes pose challenges when working within a budget.
When he choreographed last years The Four Seasons, for instance, he envisioned an indoor blizzard and contemplated the cost of making real snow for the winter section. The effect he wanted was ultimately produced with expert lighting, but his enthusiasm compels him to shoot for the stars.
His next big project is Carmina Burana, staged the second weekend in May at the Spreckels Theater.
Even if you arent familiar with Carmina Burana, youll recognize the powerful opener O Fortuna, with its hushed and amplified chanting, medieval melodies and crashing cymbals.
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It has been used in numerous movies (Excalibur, Beowulf: Prince of the Geats) because it sets the mood for epic action.
Then there are the themes of love, lust and living large, which resonate with audiences and leave a lot open to interpretation. As a result, some dance companies have turned Carmina Burana into a big theatrical production, incorporating gigantic discs with spinning sparklers to represent the Wheel of Fortune along with other outrageous props that can compete with the choreography.
Gonzalez said he considered an elevated wheel that would rotate in the middle of the stage, but decided on creating an abstract version of that symbolic element instead.
In recent years, Gonzalez has demonstrated a skill for defining the story he wants to tell with beautiful, compelling movement.
In 2014, he introduced Speakeasy, the critically acclaimed work that premiered as part of City Ballets Ballet and Beyond program.
Gonzalez initially considered music by Duke Ellington to accompany his Depression Era work, showcasing more than a dozen dancers. But when he switched to a Rachmaninoff score, it was an unpredictable choice that made his partnering and solos fierce. Combative dance segments kept the audience riveted, and the movement told a clearer story about a time in America when alcohol made a negative impact on social and intimate relationships.
Gonzalez was chosen to be a part of the New York Choreographic Institute in 2016, and earlier this year he won the Outstanding Choreographer Award at the Youth America Grand Prix.
I felt incredibly fortunate because I competed for six years and never came up with anything, Gonzales said. It was a wonderful moment, like owning a lottery ticket.
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Gonzalez won the winning ticket when it came to choreographing Carmina Burana, too.
As a young, emerging choreographer, Gonzalez has advantages at City Ballet, where there is a lot of fire power.
His wife, Ariana, is a skilled principal ballerina and his in-laws, City Ballet directors Steven and Elizabeth Wistrich, are experienced with all the technical aspects of maintaining a ballet company and school.
When City Ballet members discussed Carmina Burana as having potential for the new season, Gonzalez began researching the history of the work and familiarizing himself with the big picture.
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I begged them to let me do it, he said. I was looking at choreography projects and I ended up throwing myself into it. And they wanted to give me the opportunity.
Carmina Burana was conceived as a choreographed play, or what German composer Carl Orff called a scenic cantata.
The music was inspired by a collection of early,13th-century songs and poems written by poets and clerical students, some sentimental, others with salacious and satirical themes.
Orffs Carmina Burana consists of 25 movements that are divided into five major sections titled, O Fortuna, Springtime, In the Tavern, The Court Of Love and ending with the riveting O Fortuna.
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The production was a huge success when it was first performed in Frankfurt in 1937 and continues to be popular with classic and modern dance companies today.
Gonzalez will create choreography that references historic facts with the fate-and-fortune themes of Carmina Burana by referencing historical figures and placing them in the Roaring Twenties, right before the stock market crash. His characters will include a banker, a beautiful actress and a group of brokers who are thirsty for the bankers life. Faceless, robed monks are tortured souls representing an ominous presence.
The City Ballet production will feature live music by the City Ballet Orchestra, conducted by John Nettles and accompanied by the Pacific Coast Chorale. Resident choreographer and director Elizabeth Wistrich has added a light, neo-classical ballet to music by Mozart that contrasts with the powerful and dramatic Carmina Burana.
The music is so big, so huge, but the subject matter is delicate, Gonazalez said. I want to capture the soul of Carl Orffs music in my story with movement.
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City Ballet of San Diego presents: Carmina Burana and Mozarts Concerto for Flute and Harp
When: 8 p.m. May 11-12, 2 p.m. May 13. A free lecture begins 30 minutes before each performance.
Where: Spreckels Theatre, 121 Broadway, downtown
Tickets: $25-$85
Phone: (858) 272-8663
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Online: cityballet.org
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Manna is a freelance writer.
In Philip Dawkins autobiographical solo play The Happiest Place on Earth, Disneyland is the place where his grieving relatives went to escape their crushing sadness in December 1963.
But unlike the finale in all Disney animated films, theres no happy ending in this 90-minute comedy-drama, which opened Saturday in its West Coast premiere at Diversionary Theatre.
Dawkins wrote and starred in the plays Chicago world premiere two years ago. For this run, versatile San Diego actor Jacque Wilke takes on the challenging, multi-character role.
Wilke has long been one of San Diegos best actors, but in her solo play debut, shes often astonishing. She carves distinct and instantly recognizable personas for nearly a dozen characters. Shes funny and heartbreaking. Shes authentic, likable and engaging.
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Wilke is everything director Jonathan L. Green could ask for in the role. Unfortunately, the play itself needs rethinking and reshaping.
Dawkins has clear talent as a writer. His style is similar to that of David Sedaris: Witty, observational, direct and wryly funny with an easygoing narrative flow.
The play is about Dawkins own grandparents and their four daughters, and his crafting of their characters is masterful. One standout is his colorful, conspiracy theory-loving aunt Mary Lynn. Also, in one especially moving and well-written scene, Dawkins 7-year-old mother, Beth, gets lost at Disneyland and has a heartrending breakdown in front of the parks kindly, costumed Cinderella.
But his use of Disneyland as an overarching metaphor for this familys adventure toward healing gets stretched to the breaking point, especially an over-the-top psychedelic trip through the parks Alice in Wonderland ride. Theres also too much unrelated Disney trivia that clouds the central family narrative.
But most of all, Dawkins wrote this true-to-life play about the shocking and very public death of his namesake grandfather, Phil, and the scars it left behind on his wife, Betty Jo, and their daughters Karen, Mary Lynn, Beth and Nan.
He narrates in this case Wilke breaks the fourth wall in the opening seconds to tell the audience shes Philip the playwright but hes as invisible a presence in the story as the empty suit and mouse ears hat on the cover of the printed program handed out at the door.
All we learn about Dawkins is a handful of lines in the play: Hes gay, hes been unhappy for many years and he visited Disneyland 20 times in his first 18 years.
Why is he unhappy? Why was he compelled to tell his relatives story and not his own? What does Disney mean to him? Why is the play staged with an overhead projector in an old-fashioned classroom?
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Dawkins didnt get licensing permission from Disney for any creative or design content, so the physical production is simple, with a few imaginative surprises tucked in. Scenic design is by Kristen Flores, sound and music by Michael Huey, lighting by Curtis Mueller, props by Bonnie Durben and a single costume by Elisa Benzoni.
The gay community has long embraced the world of Disney. Many say Disneyland inspires the nostalgia of their uncomplicated childhoods and they relate to Disney film protagonists, who are virtually all outsiders with unconventional dreams.
In one brief reference, Philip admits to the audience he sees his own reflection in a Disney character. But theres so much more to tell here, and with reworking, this play could fill in the empty spaces.
The Happiest Place on Earth
When: 7 p.m. Thursdays; 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Through April 15.
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Where: Diversionary Theatre, 4545 Park Blvd., University Heights
Tickets: About $22.50-$50 (discounts available)
Phone: (619) 220-0097
Online: diversionary.org
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pam.kragen@sduniontribune.com. Twitter: @pamkragen
There was not a cloud in sight on this winter morning as surfers rode the waves south of the U.S. border fence, off of Playas de Tijuana. Anna Lucia Lopez Avedoy stood on the street above, focusing instead on the stream pouring from a storm drain, splashing down a small rocky cliff, trickling down the sand and finally into the Pacific Ocean.
This is not rain water, this is not water that should be running through a storm drain, said Lopez, a former Tijuana lifeguard who teaches a class in ecology to tourism students at Tijuanas largest public university, the Autonomous University of Baja California. I think its time we highlight the situation.
While spills from Tijuanas aging, underfunded and overloaded sewage collection and treatment system have prompted protests across the border in San Diego County, nearby Tijuana beaches also suffer contamination when lines break, pumps fail, and rainstorms sweep the region.
The issue has been flaring up again, despite hundreds of millions of dollars invested to build new treatment plants in Tijuana and connect more neighborhoods. Six miles down the coast from the border fence, the citys largest sewage treatment plant, now three decades old, failing and stretched beyond capacity, has been long overdue for replacement. Across the city, collector pipes are in danger of collapse. A dozen developments on the coastline and others that are inland need to be connected to the public system.
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Tijuana is a complex city, and it has a sanitary system that has never kept pace with the increase in population, said Roberto Espinosa, the longtime head of the Tijuana office of the Mexican section of the International Boundary and Water Commission, known as CILA.
The issue touches on topography, engineering, poverty, rapid population growth lack of planning, and lack of government transparency. It involves sewage collection and treatment, but also the control of sediment and trash that can clog canyons and storm drains. Many say it is a solvable problem but the solution depends on resources and political will on both sides of the border to collaborate on a solution. A will that critics say has fallen short.
Everybodys in their corner, with their bit of information, said Margarita Diaz, director of the Playas de Tijuana-based environmental group, Proyecto Fronterizo de Educacion Ambiental. I think nobody has the ability to say, here it is, the complete picture.
The continuing issue of cross-border contamination also lays bare the economic differences between United States and Mexico, and different systems for financing public infrastructure.
Mexican states and municipalities are heavily reliant on the federal government and there are needs throughout Mexico so its difficult to get large amounts of money from Mexico to resolve the problem, said Paul Ganster, a San Diego State University professor and head of the Good Neighbor Environmental Board.
With limited funds, Mexican authorities say they are moving forward, sometimes with U.S. assistance, on key infrastructure projects they say will go far to alleviate the problem of cross-border flows to San Diego: upgrades to a pump station that diverts dry-weather flows in the Tijuana River channel away from San Diego; replacing damaged sewage collector pipes, including a 2.7-mile stretch of a giant sewage conveyor pipe known as Colector Poniente; and acquiring new pumps and other equipment to respond faster when breaks occur.
The commitment is that there are no spills of sewage-contaminated water in the Tijuana River watershed, said Miguel Lemus, who recenty took leave from his job as director of CESPT , the acronym for the state water utility in Tijuana. And to guarantee this, we are taking a number of actions.
Water quality a touchy subject
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Es un tema escalabroso, said Lopez, as she drove down the Baja Californias coastal toll road south of Playas de Tijuana, stopping briefly at the murky, churning stream of discharge from the Punta Bandera water treatment plant. Its a thorny subject.
How contaminated is the flow, and what is the effect on nearby beaches? Its hard for a member of the public to know.
Tijuanas municipal lifeguards, who oversee beaches south of the border fence, have been ordered not to publicly discuss the issue of beach contamination. Beach closures are extremely rare, and timely official results of water testing are not available.
A former lifeguard, Anna Lucia Lopez Avedoy speaks with surfer Gustavo Cortez on the beach at Playas de Tijuana, where runoff from the street above flows to the ocean. (Alejandro Tamayo / The San Diego Union Tribune )
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Monitoring of ocean water quality does take place in Mexico but the results are often not publicly posted or delayed so as to be of little use to swimmers and surfers. The federal agency Cofepris, charged with monitoring the water quality of the countrys beaches, has not posted any results for Tijuana and Rosarito Beach since last November.
The CESPT monitors five sites on the Tijuana shoreline on a weekly basis, but it has yet to publish results for this month.
There is no culture of public commitment as far as complying with the role of prevention, said Adriana Alvarez, Andrade, a professor at the Autonomous University of Baja California who has studied coastal contamination. Nobody wants to get in trouble. Many times, the policy is to hide the problem.
Stepping into the void, the nonprofit Proyecto Fronterizo de Educacion Ambiental has been conducting its own regular monitoring of water quality at five points along the Tijuana shoreline since 2014, posting the results through the Swim Guide app.
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Of 36 samples taken last year, one location stands out: the beach at Playa Blanca, located less than two miles south of the discharge stream of the San Antonio de los Buenos plant. More than half the samples at Playa Blanca showed bacterial levels that exceeded Mexicos minimum federal standards.
Debris from Mexico in to the US along the border between Tijuana and San Diego. The big aggregation of plastics has been caught in a catchment basin (John Gibbins / San Diego Union-Tribune )
Decades of problems
Tijuanas sewage collection and treatment rate of about 90 percent is one of the highest in Mexico, and well above the national average of 50 percent, according to the U.S. EPA. With the aim of reducing contamination downstream in the United States, the agency has been collaborating with Mexico to improve wastewater collection and treatment in projects in Tijuana since 1990.
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That same year, the U.S. and Mexico signed an agreement known as Minute 283, which included the provision that the government of Mexico will assure that there are no discharges of untreated domestic or industrial wastewaters into waters of the Tijuana River that cross the international boundary...
It has proven to be a daunting challenge.
Tijuanas many canyons and hillsides drain toward the international border, and when it rains, the infrastructure can do little to to stem the large volumes of polluted runoff flowing down the river channel and into the United States. But even without rain, equipment failures or broken lines in Tijuana regularly lead to cross-border spills.
For residents of Imperial Beach, that has meant frequent beach closures. Last year, contamination from the Tijuana River led the San Diego County Department of Environmental Health to close the Tijuana Slough shoreline at the rivers mouth for 167 days. During the same period, it ordered closures up the coast of Imperial Beach for 64 days; the Silver Strand shoreline for 26 days, and the Coronado shoreline for 11 days.
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Efforts to minimize the volume of sewage-contaminated runoff that crosses into the United States go back decades and have involved much cross-border collaboration. In the mid-1960s, the city of San Diego built an emergency connection pipe to carry up to 13 million gallons a day of Tijuana sewage for treatment in Point Loma.
The inauguration in 1987 of the San Antonio de los Buenos plant, funded by the Mexican government, was an important turning point for the city an oxygenation pond facility capable of eventually treating up to 25 million gallons of sewage per day. But even as authorities from both sides of the border celebrated its opening, Judith E. Ayres, then the regional administrator for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, made a prescient remark: The faster Tijuana grows, the quicker this plant will be rendered inadequate.
A decade later, a second treatment plant for Tijuana sewage was built across the border in San Ysidro with more than $239 million from the EPA, as well as a contribution from the Mexican government. Operated by the International Boundary and Water Commission, the International Wastewater Treatment Plant treats 25 million gallons of Tijuana wastewater daily to U.S. Clean Water Act standards for discharge into the Pacific Ocean through the South Bay Ocean Outfall.
Other pieces of infrastructure have been crucial to reducing contaminated dry-weather flows across the border. Since 1991, a small pump station by the border known as PB CILA has prevented flows in the Tijuana River from crossing into the United States; but the pump can only operate in dry weather and has recently been subject to repeated breakdowns.
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Farther west, on the U.S. side of the border, the International Boundary and Water Commission operates a series of collectors that catch dry-weather runoff from five canyons and pump it to the International Wastewater Treatment Plant.
But critics north of the border say efforts have fallen far short. Among those raising their voice shave been members of the U.S. Border Patrol, who says the contamination that reaches the U.S. side is hazardous to the health of agents assigned to patrol the Tijuana River Valley.
Its very clear to me that the CESPT and the governor of Baja California...have no interest in fixing this problem, because theyd have to recognize theres a problem, said Imperial Beach Mayor Serge Dedina, and head of the environmental group Wildcoast. Its very clear that the infrastructure on the border is not adequate to contain whats coming across the border.
Legal pressure for action mounts
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Earlier this month, Imperial Beach joined Chula Vista and the Port of San Diego in a federal lawsuit against the U.S. Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission, saying it had repeatedly failed to take measures to address pollution in the Tijuana River Valley. The binational agency, known as IBWC on the U.S. side and CILA in Mexico, is charged with resolving water and boundary disputes on the U.S.-Mexico border.
In recent days, the state of California has been stepping up pressure as well. The San Diego Regional Quality Control Board, a state agency, has issued a draft order requiring the IBWC to produce a water and sediment quality monitoring plan for the Tijuana River. On Monday, board members agreed to issue a 60-day notice of their intent to sue the U.S. IBWC for violations of the Clean Water Act.
David Gibson, executive officer of Californias Regional Water Quality Control Board in San Diego, remembers the days in the 1980s and early 1990s, when the Tijuana River was nothing but sewage, and it was untreated sewage at about 14 to 18 million gallons a day, rain or shine. It was chunky, raw sewage, you could see the paper, the debris in it.
Conditions have since improved. What used to be an everyday event in the river has become more episodic, said Gibson, though he said in recent years the numbers of spills and events from the Tijuana River have increased.
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But Gibson said on another front, there has been no improvement: Has the situation gotten better over 30 years in terms of storm water runoff? Absolutely not.
In Baja California, the government has identified close to $330 million of upgrades, repairs and new projects that would reduce renegade flows, expand waste water treatment, and recycle the treated effluent rather than discharging it into the Tijuana River channel. But most of these projects remain unfunded.
At a recent breakfast recent meeting in Rosarito Beach, the top federal water official in Baja California outlined the challenges of keeping up with wastewater infrastructure for one of Mexicos most dynamic regions.
These actions that are being taken are those that can bring immediate solutions to the greatest number of issues, Alejandro Cervantes of Mexicos National Water Commission said as he outlined efforts on various fronts.
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But as the population grows and infrastructure is reaching its life span, he added, the issue requires much greater investment.
The road ahead
Of all the issues that face the Tijuana-San Diego region, perhaps none binds the two cities more intimately than the flow of water. On both sides of the border, some longtime experts say collaboration is the only way forward.
I realize that folks in San Diego say, Hey, fix it, thats not our problem, said Carlos de la Parra, a former Mexican federal environmental official and currently a researcher at the Colegio de la Frontera Norte, a think tank on border issues. The fact of the matter is that we continue to live in a border that is unlike any border. There is only one border in the world that unites a developing country and an industrial country and this is it.
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De la Parra is also a board member of the North American Development Bank, a bi-national financial institution funded by the U.S. and Mexican governments that has for years played a critical role is developing the citys existing wastewater infrastructure. In the past 25 years, the bank has channeled more than $124 million in bank loans, Mexican matching funds and EPA Border Environment Infrastructure funds to the region.
The $1.3 trillion U.S. spending package passed by Congress early Friday and signed by President Trump includes $10 million in funding to continue the EPAs border infrastructure efforts. But next years support remains uncertain.
The U.S. has to be willing to continue to be a partner to help address binational problems and participate in bi-national solutions, said Ganster, the SDSU professor, who studied the Tijuana River watershed for years.
In 2015, the search for a binational approach to the issues led to Minute 320, a U.S.-Mexico agreement that looked at ways to resolve issues in the watershed. Led by the IBWC and its Mexican counterpart, CILA, the agreement brings together members of government agencies, environmentalists and citizens from both sides of the border in work groups that address the issues of water quality, sediment and solid waste.
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Denise Moreno Ducheny, a former state senator and now a senior policy advisor at the University of California San Diego said its time to push for the next step.
How do we get from work groups to seeing something happen? asked Ducheny, who is also a North American Development Bank board member. How do we get the pressure politically and how do we get the funding to make these projects happen?
sandra.dibble@sduniontribune.com
@sandradibble
Saying desalination will guarantee the drinking water supply for future generations of Baja California residents, Gov. Francisco Vega de Lamadrid on Friday celebrated a groundbreaking ceremony for a desalination plant envisioned as the largest in the Western Hemisphere.
On our peninsula, the best option is desalinated sea water, Vega said at a ceremony held beneath a tent at the site of the future plant, adjacent to the President Juarez Thermoelectric Plant in Rosarito Beach. He called the planned facility one of the great works of the state, akin to the channeling of the Tijuana River or the construction of the Colorado River aqueduct that crosses the state.
The planned reverse osmosis facility is a project developed and financed by an international consortium in a public-private partnership with the Baja California government. At full capacity, the plant would convert up to 100 million gallons of seawater a day.
Like San Diego, Baja California is heavily dependent on the Colorado River, which reaches Tijuana and Rosarito Beach through an aqueduct that crosses the state.The governor said the planned project would reduce the dependence of the states coastal regions on water from the aqueduct, and attract investment to the region.
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But the project has been fiercely opposed by critics who question its size, saying Tijuana needs to make better use of the water that it does have, and invest in water re-use, before embarking on such a large commitment that they say would raise water rates. While authorities from three levels of government celebrated the project, a few dozen protesters were kept blocks away.
Despite the groundbreaking ceremony, the projects developers say they still have several steps before they can start construction. The state still needs a federal permit for the use of sea water. And the private developer, Aguas de Rosarito, needs a federal permit for concentrated discharge of residual water from the plant, according to a filing earlier this month with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
The future facility is being envisioned in two phases. The first $491-million phase is set to launch operations three years from now and produce 50 million gallons a day, the governor said. At full build-out, the plant would be twice the size of the Poseidon Plant in Carlsbad, and supply drinking water for some 2 million people.
The project is being developed through a public-private-partnership that in 2016 won the bid to design and build the plant and operate it for 37 years. The water would be sold to the state of Baja California, which would be in charge of its distribution.
The project has been spearheaded by NSC Agua, a Mexican company that is the subsidiary of Cayman Islands-based Consolidated Water, which develops and operates seawater desalination plants. Earlier this month, Consolidated Water announced that NSC Agua had reached agreement for the equity funding required to build and operate the project. Aguas de Rosarito is the special purpose company formed to own the project.
2010 trader couple murder: Mastermind made public
Police on Sunday made public the alleged mastermind and shooter of 2010 murder of a trader couple in Butwal.
Maybe prospects are looking up for California Republicans.
Given how far down they are, it doesnt take much.
The state GOP suddenly has hope that one of their gubernatorial candidates Rancho Santa Fe businessman John Cox can crack the top-two spots in the June primary and advance to the November general election.
Further, party officials are heartened that they may be able to hold certain Republican congressional districts that Democrats not long ago seemed confident of winning, such as retiring Rep. Darrell Issas 49th District. It will be hard for Democrats to take over the House majority without flipping some districts in California.
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Granted, these may seem low-bar aspirations but, hey, this is California, where the politics are bluer than the ocean. Even these modest hopes may get washed away by the Democratic blue wave so anticipated this year.
But for the moment, this may be more than just a dream for Republicans. Victory is often how you define it and for the California GOP a successful rear-guard action is pretty much all it can ask for.
Even in normal election years the Republican Party faces the threat of losing ground in California. But the opposition to President Donald Trump is as strong in California as anywhere and the energized resistance has spilled over into races at all levels.
So it would be a big boost for the GOP if Cox gets on the fall ballot. That might do more than simply stave off further embarrassment for the beleaguered state GOP, which hasnt had a statewide officeholder for years.
Already the party is all but certain to be shut out of the U.S. Senate contest for the second election in a row. Democratic incumbent Dianne Feinstein and state Sen. Kevin de Leon are expected to advance to November.
Feinstein led de Leon by 28 points in a poll released Wednesday by the Public Policy Institute of California. The Republicans who have filed to run are such unknowns that the PPIC didnt bother including any of them in the poll. Someone else gained 2 percent, yet 39 percent of those surveyed were undecided the vast majority were Republicans.
Cox was the choice of 14 percent in the governor portion of the poll, doubling his support since a January PPIC survey, thanks in large part to spending $1.5 million of mostly his own money. That put him in second place, two points ahead of former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.
This was a surprising hiccup in the pervasive narrative that we are headed for an all-Democratic showdown in November between Villaraigosa and Lt. Gov. Gov. Gavin Newsom, who led the gubernatorial poll with 28 percent. (Republican Assemblyman Travis Allen of Huntington Beach had 10 percent, while state Treasurer John Chiang and former State Superintendent of Public Instruction Delaine Easton, both Democrats, received 6 percent and 5 percent, respectively.)
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The poll has generated interest in who Cox is and where he stands. That may mean greater attention to his performance at a gubernatorial debate in San Diego on Sunday at a conference of the California Council for the Social Studies at the Town and Country Resort. (The debate will be livestreamed online from 10:30 a.m. to noon by 10News and other ABC affiliates around the state. Newsom and Chiang have declined to participate.)
If Cox gets to November his chance of winning is probably slim-to-none. But as a successful businessman with a reformist message, he could present a credible candidate for Republicans that would attract money and potentially drive turnout that could help down-ballot races.
Remember, when Republican leaders were talking up San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer for governor, it wasnt so much that he might win as energize Republican voters by giving them a legitimate option. With no candidate at the top of the ticket in the race for governor, the overall GOP fall campaign could suffer.
We think it probably helps with turnout for down-ticket races to have a Republican in the top two in the governors race, said California Republican Party Chairman Jim Brulte. But we dont have any data on that.
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Since voters approved the top-two primary system in 2010, there hasnt been a gubernatorial general election featuring two candidates from the same party.
So weve never had that experience, said Brulte, who served as Republican leader in both the Assembly and state Senate.
While were teasing out some silver lining in this otherwise grim political season for Republicans, lets look at the undecideds in the poll. Thirty percent of Republicans were undecided, nearly twice the percentage as undecided Democrats. So, theres more potential growth percentage-wise for Republicans. Among independents, 26 percent were undecided.
But thats the glass half-full view.
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Coxs lead is within the polls margin of error. So is, for that matter, Villaraigosas lead over Allen.
More scrutiny for Cox is a double-edge sword. It could showcase his positions to bolster small businesses, reduce regulations, crack down on illegal immigration and reduce special interest influence.
It could shed light on several previous runs for office, including president, Congress and U.S. Senate in Illinois and force him to spend time explaining two unsuccessful, somewhat peculiar initiatives. One would require lawmakers to wear logos naming special interests that fund them when they make public appearances. The other would break the Legislature into thousands of tiny districts which, in his view, would do away with the need for candidates to seek big money.
Further, if Cox or Allen can make the cut, enthusiasm among Republican voters may not be automatic. While the poll showed 74 percent of Democrats satisfied with the candidate choices, only 42 percent of Republicans felt that way.
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Should Newsom advance to November, he may find a Republican an easier opponent to defeat than Villaraigosa, in part because Democrats have a 20-point advantage in voter registration over the GOP.
The PPIC poll may have created a buzz for Cox, but it hasnt made the governors race the top GOP priority.
Party Chairman Brulte said the first order of business is protecting the seven to 10 Republican congressional seats that are being targeted by Democrats. Success or failure has national implications with the balance of power in the House at stake.
Next, he said, is not losing ground in the Legislature, with hopes of keeping Democrats from regaining their supermajority which would allow them to pass taxes without a Republican vote.
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After that, the GOP hopes to elect a governor to stop really bad legislation, he said.
But simply getting a candidate into the finals might be good enough.
Tweet of the Week
Goes to Donna Brazile (@donnabrazile), political strategist and former chair of the Democratic National Committee.
Congrats to @SenToniAtkins. History is being made every day.
Five months after going on the run from Spanish authorities, Catalonias former president was detained in Germany on an international warrant Sunday by highway police after the ardent separatist crossed the border with Denmark.
Carles Puigdemonts capture, aided by Spanish intelligence services, sparked protests of tens of thousands in Catalonias main city of Barcelona and other towns in the wealthy northeastern corner of Spain. Some of the demonstrators clashed with riot police, leaving more than 50 civilians and police officers injured and leading to four arrests. Puigdemont will appear before a German judge on Monday.
Spain was plunged into its worst political crisis in four decades when Puigdemonts government flouted a court ban and held an ad-hoc referendum on independence for the northeastern region in October.
The Catalan parliaments subsequent declaration of independence received no international recognition and provoked a takeover of the regional government by Spanish authorities that they say wont be lifted until a new government that respects Spains Constitution is in place.
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Spains state prosecutor office said it was in contact with its German counterparts to carry out its request to extradite Puigdemont to Spain, where he faces charges including rebellion that could put him in prison for up to 30 years.
In Barcelona, riot police shoved and struck protesters with batons to keep an angry crowd from advancing on the office of the Spanish governments representative. Police vans showed stains of yellow paint reportedly thrown by protestors. Reinforcements were called in after several hours to clear the neighboring streets, with protestors tossing street barriers and burning two garbage bins as they retreated.
Outside the city center, groups of demonstrators cut off traffic on four different stretches of highways. Police also used batons to keep back a crowd of a few thousand who had gathered in front of the Spanish governments representative in the city of Lleida.
German highway police stopped Puigdemont on Sunday morning near the A7 highway that leads into Germany from Denmark, police in the northern state of Schleswig-Holstein said.
German news agency dpa said that Puigdemont was taken to a prison in the northern town of Neumuenster. Dpa photos showed a van with tinted windows believed to be carrying Puigdemont as it arrived at the prison. Video footage also showed the same van leaving a police station in Schuby near the A7 highway.
State prosecutors in Schleswig said that Puigdemont will appear in court Monday in the northern German town to confirm his identity. It said in a statement that the question of whether Mr. Puigdemont has to be taken into extradition custody will then have to be determined by the higher regional court in Schleswig.
German state prosecutor Ralph Doepper told RTL Television that Puigdemont has been provisionally detained. He has not been arrested.
We are now examining the further procedure, i.e. tomorrow we will decide whether we will file a provisional application for detention with the competent district court, which could lead to extradition detention later on, Doepper said.
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A Spanish police official told The Associated Press under customary condition of anonymity that Spains National Center for Intelligence and police agents from its international cooperation division helped German police to locate Puigdemont.
A Spanish Supreme Court judge reactivated an international arrest warrant for Puigdemont on Friday when he was visiting Finland. Spain has also issued five warrants for other separatists who fled the country.
Ines Arrimadas, the leader of the pro-Spain Citizens party which has the most seats in Catalonias Parliament, said that the chaos on the streets was of a society broken in two by the secessionist movement.
Arrimadas said: Puigdemont knew that fracturing Catalan society into two parts, spending public money on illegal activities, provoking a political and institutional crisis without precedents and confronting a 21st-century democracy of the European Union was going to have consequences.
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But the Catalan parliament speaker, the highest-ranking elected official in the region until it forms a government, made a televised address on Catalan public television to call for a united democratic front of political parties, labor unions and civil society organizations to respond to what he called the thirst for revenge of the powers of the state.
Speaker Roger Torrent accused Spains central authorities of attacking the heart of democracy making a general cause against its political adversaries.
Miquel Coca, a business owner in Barcelona, likewise vowed that the secession push wouldnt falter.
All the negative inputs that we have received help us to unite the society even more, Coca said. If we cant have this leader, well, then there will be another. This is a movement of the people, not of one person.
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Polls show Catalonias 7.5 million residents are equally divided over secession, although a majority support holding a legal referendum on the issue.
Puigdemont, 55, is a former journalist and mayor of Girona who was thrust to the forefront of Catalonias independence push when he was handpicked by predecessor Artur Mas to become regional president in 2016. He withstood intense political pressure from Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy and Spains courts as he piloted the secession bid.
Spain had originally asked for Puigdemonts extradition from Belgium after he fled there in October, but later withdrew the request until Spanish Supreme Court judge Pablo Llarena concluded his investigation this week. Llarena ruled that a total of 25 Catalan separatists would be tried for rebellion, embezzlement or disobedience.
In the meantime, Puigdemont was free to make trips to Denmark, Switzerland and Finland, as part of his effort to gain international support for the secessionist movement.
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Puigdemont was also able to successfully run a campaign as the head of his Together for Catalonia bloc in a regional election in December in which separatist parties maintained their slim majority in Catalonias regional parliament.
All told, Puigdemont has become enemy No. 1 of Rajoys conservative government and Spains justice system.
He had wanted to be re-elected as Catalonias regional president albeit while remaining abroad to avoid arrest but eventually was stopped by a Spanish court.
Separatists in Catalonia are currently trying to elect a leader for the regional government before a two-month time limit is up and new elections are called.
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Spains Constitution says the nation is indivisible and any changes to its top law must be made by its national parliament in Madrid.
Nine people who promote Catalan secession have been placed in pre-trial custody to prevent what Llarena considered a flight risk or intention to continue with independence efforts.
Also, Spains highest judicial authority condemned insults that appeared painted on the street near a house owned by Llarena in the Catalan town of Das. They called the Supreme Court judge a fascist and wrote the message that he is not welcome in Das or anywhere.
Scottish police said Sunday that the lawyer of Clara Ponsati, a former Catalan regional minister also being sought by Spain, had been in contact and is preparing to be handed over to authorities. She had moved to Scotland from Belgium earlier this month.
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Kirsten Grieshaber reported from Berlin. Aritz Parra in Madrid and Renata Brito in Barcelona, contributed to this report.
An off-duty sheriffs deputy is being credited with possibly saving the life of a man who fell 100 feet into a Mission Valley canyon Sunday afternoon, fire officials said.
The incident happened near Adams Avenue and Mission Cliff Drive about 12:30 p.m.
San Diego Fire-Rescue Department Battalion Chief Robert Hartman said passersby saw the man fall.
That was the difference between life and death, Hartman told OnScene TV. Who knows how long he would have stayed down there until someone actually saw him.
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One of the bystanders was an off-duty sheriffs deputy who took it upon himself to climb down to the victim who was unconscious and suffering from a life-threatening head wound.
What he did, I will tell you, was very brave, just considering the terrain, Hartman said. He could have just blown it off. That guy could still be down there. He could have died down there.
A helicopter crew hoisted the from the canyon and flew him to a hospital. Its unclear what the man was doing when he fell. One neighbor said the man was eating a snack near the canyons edge when he fell, CBS 8 reported.
The off-duty deputy told reporters that he was simply at the right place at the right time.
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Twitter: @LAWinkley
(619) 293-1546
lyndsay.winkley@sduniontribune.com
The gut-wrenching aftermath of another mass school shooting has mobilized a generation of soon-to-be voters to call for action.
Its reignited a debate over public safety and the constitutional right to bear arms.
And it has added to the growing fear held by many: that gun violence may soon be coming to a school, movie theater or house of worship near you.
A survey of San Diego County residents last week found that just over half worry either a great deal or somewhat that they could be the victim of a shooting. Of those who have school-aged children, a third said their kids have communicated to them the same fear.
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Theres no arguing that America has a violence problem and guns are a big part of that. But what do the numbers actually say about it?
According to national data, gun violence deaths, injuries and mass shootings has steadily climbed over the past few years. And the victims are getting younger.
Still, gun violence remains at historically low levels when compared to peaks in the late 1980s and early 90s at the height of gang warfare and the crack cocaine epidemic. And mass public shootings and school shootings represent a minuscule amount of that.
Researchers dont have a good explanation for the recent uptick in gun violence, and say its still too early to tell if the increase is statistically significant in the larger scope of crime trends. But the numbers are hard for many to ignore, especially when faced with a spate of horrific mass shootings that have gotten deadlier and strike at the heart of public life.
According to a SurveyUSA poll commissioned by the Union-Tribune with 10News, an overwhelming number of respondents think more should be done when it comes to preventing gun violence. Seventy-one percent said they support stricter gun laws in the U.S., while an equally high amount think Trump (71 percent) and Congress (77 percent) arent doing enough to address the issue.
Public mass shootings are in the process of reshaping character of American public life, said Dr. Garen Wintemute, an emergency room physician and director of the Violence Prevention Research Program based at University of California Davis. Its changing the way we behave as a society.
Shootings
Gun violence nationwide is on the rise year over year since at least 2014, according to the Gun Violence Archive. The nonprofit tracks gun violence in near real-time using media, law enforcement and government sources. Government funded agencies, most notably the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, also track some aspects of gun violence, but their data takes longer to vet and is not up to date.
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According to the Archive, 15,586 people died from gun violence last year a 24 percent increase from 2014. Injuries also rose by 36 percent, with 31,186 people wounded last year.
The violence encompasses a wide range of incidents: domestic violence, fights, drug deals gone bad, robberies, gang killings, home invasions, accidental shootings as well as the public, random attacks that seem to be driving much of the debate.
The numbers do not factor in the approximately 22,000 suicides by gun each year.
Wintemute, who is a research expert on gun violence, said there is no clear reason for the uptick and stressed that it is not happening everywhere.
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Violence is not distributed evenly across the country, and it turns out that the increase in the national rate is largely attributable to increases in just a few large cities, he said. Most of the country is not experiencing a rise in homicides reflected in the national data.
That is the case in San Diego County, where crime and gun deaths have stayed relatively stable in recent years.
The thinking is, whatever the answer is, its local and may differ from one place to the next, he said.
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According to the U-T/10News poll, 22 percent of county residents surveyed said they or someone close to them had been the victim of gun violence. Interestingly, while many of the answers in the poll seemed to fall along predictable party lines to some extent, partisanship didnt seem to play a role here.
Mass shootings
Mass shootings, using the broader definition of a shooter who kills or maims four or more victims in a single incident, are also growing more frequent.
Last year, 346 mass shootings were reported, compared to 270 in 2014, the Gun Violence Archive reports. However, these shootings encompass a wide range of situations, not only the public random rampages that typically come to mind.
For instance, a shooting last week at a San Francisco barber shop involved a shootout between a suspect and police that also injured four bystanders. Earlier this month, five people were shot during a fight at a house party in Saginaw, Mich.
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While mass shootings account for less than 1 percent of gun violence incidents, they can have a major impact on our nations psyche.
Some of the deadliest attacks have occurred within the past few years, no doubt adding to the collective traumatization.
In a Texas church, 27 dead and 20 wounded. In Pulse nightclub in Orlando, 50 dead and 53 wounded. In a San Bernardino office, 16 dead and 21 wounded. In an Oregon community college, 10 dead and seven wounded.
And last month at a Parkland, Fla., high school, 17 dead and 17 wounded.
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The worst was in October at the Route 91 Harvest Festival concert in Las Vegas: 59 dead and 422 wounded.
Public shootings are the one form of firearm violence where no one can create a story line that they can leave themselves out of, said Wintemute.
Still, he cautioned, We grossly, grossly overestimate our risk of being the victim of firearm violence.
School shootings represent a small number of deadly mass shootings, and despite growing fears, they are not more common than they used to be, according to research by James Alan Fox, professor of criminology, law and public policy at Northeastern University.
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But they are perhaps the most traumatic.
Everytown For Gun Safety, a nonprofit advocacy group that started tracking school shootings following the Sandy Hook Elementary massacre in 2012, reports there is an average of about one a week in the U.S.
That number, however, should be put into the proper context. The nonprofit defines a school shooting as any incident involving the discharge of a bullet on campus, and also includes suicides and rounds fired off campus that came onto school grounds. The data includes colleges and universities.
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The number of shootings at schools have fluctuated over the past few years. Last year there were 65 total 31 involved a shooter attacking another person or people; 10 involved a discharge that didnt hit anyone; six were attempted or completed suicides; and 18 were accidental firings that hit someone.
Gun Violence Archive data shows that not only are shootings getting deadlier, but the victims are getting younger. Last year, 732 children and 3,237 teens were killed or injured as a result of gun violence, increases of 20 percent and 39 percent, respectively, since 2014.
Solutions to reduce gun violence in schools have been repeatedly floated, and have resurfaced following the Parkland massacre. When asked what would most reduce firearm violence, 52 percent of those surveyed in the U-T/10News poll said stricter gun laws, followed by 28 percent for metal detectors and 11 percent for arming teachers.
San Diego County has its own tragic history of school shootings.
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In 1979, a teenager aimed her rifle from across the street of Grover Cleveland Elementary School and killed the principal and a janitor and wounded eight children. In 2001, a student killed two and wounded 15 at Santana High School. Weeks later an 18-year-old at Granite Hills High injured five students and teachers with a shotgun. And in 2010, a mentally-ill man stormed the playground at Kelly Elementary School, injuring two girls.
Gun ownership
How many guns are out there? Its hard to say, although there are a few measures that indicate gun ownership trends.
One is the phenomenon that depends on which political party is in power. When Democrats are majority rule, gun enthusiasts perceive their rights will be limited and respond by stocking up on firepower even if actual gun laws dont change. Reversely, gun buying levels off, or even dips, when gun owners feel their rights are being protected by Republicans.
The trend bears out in California data. Requests for background checks for gun purchases spiked in 2008 when President Barack Obama was elected, and again in 2012 after Sandy Hook, when proposed gun restrictions were at the forefront of the national conversation, according to the state Department of Justice.
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Obamas presidency, plus the return to a healthier post-recession economy, has been a boon for the gun market. Last year the FBI reported fielding 25.2 million background checks for gun buyers, compared to 8.9 million in 2005.
Manufacturers have also been pumping out guns.
Nearly 11.5 million firearms were manufactured in the U.S. in 2016, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Three percent were exported to other countries, meaning the rest were circulated into the U.S. commerce, to be sold at gun shows, in gun stores, or to military or law enforcement.
Add to that the 5.1 million firearms made elsewhere that were imported into the U.S., up from 3.9 million the year before.
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But gun sales have tapered off sharply with President Donald Trump in office.
The lack of buyers and a whole lot of product on the shelves has firearms companies in trouble, with Remington announcing it would be filing for bankruptcy and other publicly traded firms lagging.
How often do guns save lives? Defensive use of guns is a common argument among gun owners, although prevention is harder to measure. But some data does exist.
The Gun Violence Archive reports 2,049 instances last year of citizens using guns to defend themselves or others about 500 more incidents than in 2014. The National Rifle Association, the countrys biggest pro-gun advocacy group, has also logged more than 700 such incidents between 2011 and May 2017 in its blog, Armed Citizen.
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Earlier this month, an El Cajon homeowner fatally shot a man who was allegedly trying to break into his vehicle in front of his house. The incident remains under investigation, and it remains to be seen if it will be deemed a justifiable homicide. The mother of the dead man has filed a lawsuit against the shooter.
Perception
The 24/7 access to news and the reach of social media has both contributed to the oversized fears of mass shootings and helped mobilize youth in a new way to call for change, experts say.
When high school students can mobilize across the nation and engage in collective protest, that tells you something about a generational shift, said Sheldon Zhang, chair of UMass Lowells School of Criminology and Justice and a former criminologist at San Diego State University. When these kids grow up and become adults they may become more active in electoral politics and well see more press on politicians on gun control laws.
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kristina.davis@sduniontribune.com
Twitter: @kristinadavis
Sheriffs Captain Marco Garmo, who oversees the Rancho San Diego substation, last year received a written reprimand for violating state limits on gun sales.
Records show that state investigators referred the criminal case to the District Attorneys Office, and no charges were filed.
Sheriff Bill Gore said the case was handled properly, but sheriffs candidate Cmdr. David Myers said the sheriff swept the case under the rug.
A San Diego sheriffs captain who bought and sold dozens of firearms in recent years was investigated for illegal gun sales, and former District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis declined to file criminal charges.
Capt. Marco Garmo, who joined the department in 1992 and rose through the ranks to run the Rancho San Diego substation, told U-T Watchdog he didnt know the volume of sales required a federal firearms license, which he never obtained.
Instead of facing criminal charges, Garmo received a warning from prosecutors not to engage in any more unlawful transactions. He also was issued a formal reprimand by Sheriff Bill Gore.
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We are electing to exercise our prosecutorial discretion not to file charges for the excessive gun sales at this time, Deputy District Attorney Laura Gunn wrote to Garmo last year. However should you exceed the legal limit in the future, you will face criminal prosecution.
Dumanis, who retired in July after 15 years as district attorney, is now running for an open seat on the county Board of Supervisors. Her campaign did not respond to questions about why she decided not to charge the sheriffs captain.
Gore told U-T Watchdog that he asked the state Department of Justice to investigate the sales because it enforces state firearms regulations, which can be arcane and confusing. He also released disciplinary records stating that Garmo sold 44 handguns between 2014 and 2016.
DOJ Special Agent Peter Tuttle was assigned the investigation and he authored a report which he submitted to the San Diego District Attorneys Office for prosecution, an internal Sheriffs Department memo from February 2017 memo says. Ultimately, the District Attorneys Office declined to prosecute but opted instead to send Captain Garmo what amounts to a cease-and-desist letter.
The state Department of Justice press office did not respond to questions about the case.
The investigation concluded just before federal agents in Los Angeles issued a memo to Southern California sheriffs and police chiefs warning that law enforcement officers buying and reselling guns were an emerging problem that could violate federal law.
The goal was to educate, not investigate, to ensure law enforcement officials comply with federal law in order to avoid unnecessary public embarrassment to themselves and your department/agency, the federal memo from March 2017 said.
Individually, the Garmo transactions were legal. But state law sets a limit of five sales or purchases per year by people who do not have a federal firearms license. Garmo, with no such license, sold 11 handguns in 2014, eight in 2015 and 25 in 2016, the disciplinary records show.
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Violations of the annual sales limit are a misdemeanor punishable by a fine and jail time.
In an interview, Garmo said he was unaware of the state cap on gun transactions without a license. He called himself a hobbyist and collector who buys and sells firearms the way others trade stamps or coins. He said he always paid the transfer fee and filed the required notice.
Im a gun guy, said Garmo, who estimated he bought and sold about 30 firearms over his career. Im not making excuses. Its a mistake thats probably commonly made. My intentions were not to violate the law. The minute it was brought to my attention, it stopped happening.
The sheriffs captain said he did not sell any of the guns for profit, a factor the Sheriffs Department noted in its explanation for issuing a reprimand rather than imposing a more serious punishment.
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When youre part of a gun community, thats very common, he said. Were willing to break even or take a little bit of a loss so we can purchase a new gun or something else weve always wanted.
Gore said the case was handled appropriately and Garmo was disciplined in proportion to his offense.
He played by all the rules, but he did too many (transactions), Gore said. They were all registered by the Department of Justice; thats how we found out about them. We dont let other people say ignorance of the law is an excuse and thats why we disciplined him.
The written reprimand, issued Feb. 1, 2017, is a two-page letter that will remain in Garmos personnel file in perpetuity.
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Violating the law brings discredit to you, to the department, and to the law enforcement community, it states. I expect you to follow the law, and in doing so uphold the highest virtues of this department, the County of San Diego, and the law enforcement community.
Cmdr. David Myers, who is challenging Gore in the June election for sheriff, said Gore downplayed the investigation into illegal gun sales in order to protect Garmo and to minimize any political damage.
Garmo sold guns illegally for years, right under Sheriffs Gores nose, he said. The DOJ investigated and referred the case for criminal prosecution, but the DA and the sheriff swept it under the rug.
According to emails to and from Myers in 2016, the Sheriffs Department senior command staff knew that Garmo bought and sold at least 150 firearms over the years. Some of the 150-plus state transaction reports included multiple weapons.
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Gore said the number of guns Garmo bought and sold over the years did not affect how he handled the case -- or its outcome.
Hes a gun collector. (The 150-plus transactions) doesnt bother me. Its legal to buy guns, the sheriff said. A lot of people in this county are gun collectors and they buy and sell guns.
The sheriffs election has turned heated in recent months.
Myers was written up twice for reaching out to witnesses in a case involving a deputy accused of sexual misconduct. He also said he was stripped of many departmental responsibilities and moved into a former broom closet after announcing his candidacy.
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Gore rejected any notion that he retaliated after Myers decided to run for sheriff.
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Watchdog Videos On Now Sexual misconduct accusers worry deputy is being protected 6:16 On Now City funded $2-million waterfront bathroom 1:26 On Now Public water district charges customer for legal work, response to records request On Now Video: Tiny homes won't be reused amid housing, homeless crisis On Now Attorney General seeks documentation for Miss Middle East On Now Rep. Hunter probe covers possible fraud On Now Video: SDG&E delaying solar credit for some low-income housing tenants On Now Video: Former San Diego Junior Theatre teacher sentenced for sex with teen girl 0:24 On Now Video: Shelter volunteers believe they were fired for finding a dog a home 0:49 On Now McKamey Manor is leaving San Diego 3:35
jeff.mcdonald@sduniontribune.com (619) 293-1708 @sdutMcDonald
The administrative agency for the state court system has paid out more than $600,000 since 2011 to investigate and settle claims of sexual harassment against judges and court employees, but wont identify the judges and employees involved or provide details of the incidents.
Lawyers for the state Judicial Council, the policy-making and administrative body for the states vast court system, said that the agency has paid out $296,000 to settle sexual harassment claims against three judges.
Another $225,000 was spent settling two claims against court employees, and $79,750 spent on lawyers and investigators.
The information was released after a request in January from U-T Watchdog for all records of claims and payments made by the agency for judges and court employees who were accused of sexual harassment or misconduct.
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The courts are not subject to the states Public Records Act, but have their own public records access law detailed in a rule of court. That rule contains numerous exemptions, including one that makes many records about judges exempt from public view.
The information provided Friday did not identify any of the judges or employees for whom payments were made, and did not say if any of the judges are still on the bench. Lawyers for the council said it was not releasing that information based on attorney-client privilege and the court rule.
The lawyers also said that your request raises complicated legal and ethical issues, including attorney-client privilege and other legal and ethical obligations. While the records themselves were exempt from disclosure, the council was releasing some information because the agency recognizes the public interest in the expenditure of public funds.
In its response to U-T Watchdog the council said it is in the process of contacting the courts to see if they will waive their legal privilege and allow the full records to be released. The agency also noted that it has no information on any claims or payments made from before 2010.
The request for information from the judiciary was made in the wake of disclosures by the state legislature on sexual harassment complaints against legislators and staff over the past several months. The legislature is also exempt from the records act, but leaders decided to release details of 18 substantiated complaints against lawmakers and aides identifying the accused by name under pressure from media organizations.
Those records showed the legislature spent $584,000 $290,000 in cash settlements and $294,000 on outside lawyers in connection with the claims since 2006.
There are 120 legislators in the state Assembly and Senate. By contrast the states court system employs more than 2,200 judges at the superior court and appellate court levels.
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Some judges have been publicly accused of sexual harassment or misconduct. In 2015 the Commission on Judicial Performance, the disciplinary agency for state judges, removed a Tulare County Superior Court judge from the bench. He was accused of having an improper relationship with a court clerk, then lying about it.
A judge from Orange County and another from Kern County were disciplined a year earlier for having sex with court workers. And just last autumn The San Jose Mercury News reported that the longtime San Jose-based Court of Appeal Presiding Justice Conrad Rushing retired amid accusations of sexual harassment, discrimination against women and bigotry.
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Twitter: @gregmoran
greg.moran@sduniontribune.com
In opioid crisis, hold doctors responsible
Re Trumps opioid plan calls for death penalty for drug traffickers (March 19): I am a licensed medical doctor, retired after 40 years of practice. As the chief of staff at a community hospital in Oregon, we faced situations of procedures being performed or care prescribed but the attending physician not being available for follow-up complications.
If a doctor prescribes opioids, that doctor is responsible to be on-call for overdoses that may result from their prescription. They are on-call for this prescription 24 hours a day unless covered by a colleague. Failure to be available should be subject to license revocation.
Having been on call 24 hours a day for much of my profession life, I can sympathize with this arduous requirement. But if you cant be responsible, dont prescribe opioids. Trump wants to kill drug dealers? Irresponsible prescribers are drug dealers.
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Donald K. Ryan
La Jolla
Whats so bad about us being great again?
Re Trump opioid plan: After 14 months, where are the specifics? (March 19): Give President Trump a chance. Can you folks possibly get past your hatred of Donald Trump the man and accept that he is Donald Trump the president? We elected him, and whether you voted for him or not, because of your selection of a candidate for president, we all are responsible for him being in the White House. He speaks of cracking down on drug dealers and attacking the opioid crisis, but you say with his exercise in vague rhetoric, he didnt say enough. The liberals, Democrats, dislike him so much that you can never cut him any slack. Get past it.
I fly a flag beneath my American flag: Trump, Make America Great Again. While it may offend some folks, I cant imagine why you wouldnt want America to be great, better than its been. Impeach him or support him. Like it or not, he will be in the White House until 2021.
Gary Grace
El Cajon
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Letters and commentary policy
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3 hill districts of Province 1 to get internet access soon
All ward offices, schools and health centres in three hill districts of Province 1, Taplejung, Sankhuwasabha and Solukhumbu, will be connected with internet services within a year.
How far, how fast and in which direction does polluted water from the Tijuana River travel when it hits the coastline?
It depends on the waves, it depends on the winds, it depends also on the tides, says Falk Feddersen, a scientist at the University of California Scripps Institution of Oceanography.
In 2015, Feddersen and his colleague Sarah Giddings led a binational team in a project that involved injecting an environmentally safe pink dye into the ocean at several points near the U.S.-Mexico border, tracking the plumes as they spread.
Under certain conditions, they found contamination can potentially travel for miles up the coast to Imperial Beach and beyond. This typically occurs when the waves are coming from the south, a condition known as south swells.
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Especially in late summer, when there are south swells and the winds are lighter, oftentimes these plumes can be trapped very close to the coast, Feddersen said.
By contrast, if you have strong winds out of the north, and big waves out of the northwest, the contamination is more likely to move south. This condition is more typical in winter months.
On average, the plume tends to travel more to the south than to the north, Feddersens model shows: Long-term, would you rather be surfing in Playas de Tijuana or Imperial Beach? Youd rather be surfing in Imperial Beach.
But also on average, you definitely dont want to be south of that plume in winter, if contaminated water hits the coastline, he said.
But if spills occur in summer months, Feddersen said, probably you dont want to be north of that plume in summer on average, because on average the waves come from the south and the winds are lighter.
sandra.dibble@sduniontribune.com
@sandradibble
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75 percent of Gongor-Khimti transmission line completed
Upper Tamakoshi Hydropower Company, a subsidiary of Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) and developer of much-talked about Upper Tamakoshi Hydropower Project, has completed construction of over 75 percent of the 220kV Gongor-Khimti Transmission Line Project.
A Dozen fake examinees held from Army test
Police on Saturday arrested 12 fake examinees from two exam centres during a Nepal Army test. Eleven fake examinees were arrested from the Koteshwor-based CIT College while one was held from the Ratna Rajyalaxmi Campus on the Exhibition Road, said Superintendent Bishwa Raj Pokharel.
Civilised society through cleanliness: Dahal
CPN (Maoist Centre) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda has said that a civilised society would be built only if norms and values of sanitation can be spread across the nation.
Earnings from exports to China surge 72pc
Nepals earnings from exports to China surged 72.3 percent in the first seven months of the current fiscal year, according to the Nepal Rastra Bank, the central bank.
Press Release
March 25, 2018 Aquino, former colleagues laud De Lima on 'Dispatches from Crame I' Former President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III and other prominent personalities have expressed their admiration and conveyed their solidarity for Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima in her first electronic book entitled "Dispatches from Crame I." In the book, which is currently on its special reprint, Aquino lauded De Lima's leadership as he urged the Filipino people to continue supporting the Senator's worthy causes. "Nung lumalaki ako, binigyang-diin sa akin na, ang pinuno dapat may klarong paninindigan. May direksyong patutunguhan. Kaya madali at buo natin siyang masusundan. Mahirap magkaroon ng pinuno na ang posisyon ay papalit-palit sa magkabilang-dulo "Makikita naman natin: Si Leila, klarong-klarong may prinsipyo. Sa pinagdadaanan niya, malinaw na tayo ang kanyang ipinaglalaban. Mainam namang maipadama natin kay Leila, na sa labang ito, hindi siya nag-iisa," he said. "Dispatches from Crame I" contains a selection of De Lima's handwritten statements from her detention at the Philippine National Police Custodial Center, in Camp Crame, Quezon City on topics such as personal, governance and social justice. Some of the notable dispatches included in the e-book, were "Dear loved ones," "Dear dad," "I'm not the only one suffering, fighting," "and "Woman-bashing in Congress." De Lima's former colleagues in the Aquino Cabinet, including former presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda and former deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte, commended De Lima's courage to relentlessly speak out against state-led abuses and express dissent no matter the cause. "Senator De Lima is true courage exemplified: continuing to speak the bitter truth to power, despite being unjustly deprived of her liberty," said Valte, who also expressed confidence that the former justice secretary will be "vindicated" in time. For Lacierda, De Lima's regular dispatches from Crame-- which show her views and stands on social, economic and political issues, including her reflections about the political persecution in the hands of the Duterte administration-- continue to be a source of inspiration and admiration for the public. "Despite the trumped-up charges and a system undermined by fascism and fear, Leila has stood as a beacon of light and a tower of fortitude to those who seemed to have lost hope in this present darkness" Lacierda noted. Deputy Asia Director of Human Rights Watch Phelime Kine, on his part, commended how De Lima's detention did not prevent her "fearless advocacy for rule of law and human rights" from inspiring the local and international communities alike. "Her voice echoes far beyond her prison walls and is an inspiration to those both in the Philippines and beyond who seek accountability for the thousands of deaths linked to the Duterte government's murderous 'war on drugs," Kine said. Meanwhile, former civil service chairperson Karina Constantino David pointed out that De Lima's dispatches "are testimonies to the greatness of spirit and the depth of insight of Sen. Leila de Lima." If anything, former Senator Rene Saguisag said that De Lima's "many-splendored" articles on "Dispatches from Crame I" should serve as a reminder that "not everyone is cowed by tyranny." The book also carries words of admiration for De Lima from former Commission on Human Rights Chairperson Etta Rosales, independent curator and social critic Marian Pastor Roces, editor and columnist for The Philippine Daily Inquirer John Nery, journalist Vergel Santos, blogger and author of The De Lima Demeanor Wilfredo Villanueva, and bloggers Candy Cruz Datu of Cham Clowder and Joe America of The Society of Honor. Written over a period of one year since De Lima was unjustly detained, "Dispatches from Crame" carries foreword by Dr. Sylvia "Guy" E. Claudio, a doctor of medicine who also holds a PhD in Psychology. In her foreword, Claudio described the book as "dangerous," not just for De Lima's captors but also for those who still choose to turn a blind eye on the human rights abuses perpetrated by the present administration. "It is dangerous because if you dare to read through the pages, you may find that the Senator is no monster. That she is a human being with equal nationalism, equal love for the poor, equal rights to fairness and justice. You may realize that she is not the monster they have painted. "In which case, she may be innocent as she explains so eloquently here, as she has always proclaimed herself to be. At the very least, you may agree with her as all human rights institutions, foreign and local, have agreed so far, that her rights are being violated. The choice is yours..." Claudio wrote. "Dispatches from Crame I" was launched at the Bulwagang Ka Pepe (Ka Pepe Hall) at the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), in Quezon City last Feb. 23.
Press Release
March 25, 2018 Emergency fund for electric coops ready for Palace approval The Senate and House of Representatives have ratified the final reconciled version of a measure that would provide government funding for emergency and resiliency initiatives of 122 electric cooperatives providing power to tens of millions of Filipinos nationwide. "With this reconciled version of the bill, we will create a culture of resiliency in our electric cooperatives and will be responsive to their needs in the aftermath of natural disasters," said Senator Win Gatchalian, the principal sponsor of the Electric Cooperatives Emergy and Resiliency Fund Act, as he presented the bicameral conference report before the Senate. Gatchalian, the chair of the Senate Energy panel, reported that both chambers of Congress have ironed out the disagreeing provisions of Senate Bill No. 1461 and House Bill No. 7054. The bill will appropriate an initial amount of Php 750-million pesos for the purpose, carved out from the Php 7-billion peso budget of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (NDRRMC) for electric cooperatives (ECs). "The amount shall be immediately released to the National Electrification Administration Quick Response Fund for proper release to qualified electric cooperatives," he said, noting that ECs would no longer have to pass on the reconstruction costs of its damaged infrastructure due to natural calamities directly to their more than 11-million members-consumers. The senator explained further that subsequent budget allocation would be included in the General Appropriations Act (GAA) under the Electric Cooperatives Emergency and Resiliency Fund (ECERF). "The allocation of the fund shall be exclusively for the restoration or rehabilitation of the electric cooperatives' damaged infrastructures after a fortuitous event," he explained, stressing further that the amount should not be used for the conversion of a calamity loan into a grant. Gatchalian, who is the author and the primary sponsor of the its Senate version, said that the bill requires all ECs to submit to the National Electrification Administration (NEA) their respective Vulnerability and Risk Assessments, Resiliency Compliance Plans, and Emergency Response Plans every year as part of the requirements to access ECERF. With regard to donations given by both local and foreign sources, he said that NEA shall now have the mandate to receive funds, materials, or equipment intended for the purpose of restoring, or rehabilitating damaged infrastructures of ECs caused by natural calamities. Gatchalian is confident the ECERF Act will be signed by President Duterte before his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) scheduled on July.
Press Release
March 25, 2018 Legarda at IPU Urges Fellow Legislators to Craft Stronger Laws to Protect Women and Children Senator Loren Legarda has urged fellow legislators at the 138th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) to craft laws that would better protect women and children. Legarda, Head of the Philippine Delegation to the 138th IPU Assembly in Geneva, made the intervention during the panel discussion on "Why are women still underrepresented in politics? The root causes and how to address them." The Senator said that while women representation in politics is important to pursue gender-responsive legislation, the more important thing is to ensure that women who are in the political sphere are able to craft quality measures that are greatly and urgently needed to protect women and children. "Women representation in politics is important but more than the numbers, it is the quality of work that we do that really matters," said Legarda, a three-term senator who is the only female to become Majority Leader of the Philippine Senate. "In the Philippines, six out of 24 senators are female and at least one-third of legislators in the House of Representatives are women. The Philippines has been number one in Asia and among the top ten countries in the world for several years now in terms of closing the gender gap, based on the World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Report," she stressed. Legarda, however, said that while the Philippines is doing well in terms of closing gender gap, it is unfortunate that Filipino women and children continue to become victims of human trafficking, including online sexual exploitation. The Senator believes this is not due to the lack of laws in the country necessary to protect women and children, rather, the absence of stricter penalties for human traffickers and online sexual predators from other nations. Legarda, author of Philippine landmark laws on the protection of women and children--such as the Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act, the Magna Carta of Women, the Anti-Child Labor Law, the Domestic Workers Act, and the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act and its expanded version--said, "The Philippines has enough laws to combat human trafficking and protect women and children. We are trying our best to strengthen the enforcement and implementation of these laws." Legarda added that, as Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, she ensures that agencies concerned in the protection of women and children, especially the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) under the Department of Justice (DOJ), have enough funds to aid them in carrying out their duties. Furthermore, in the 2018 national budget, she ensured the increase in the budget of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Women and Children's Protection Center (WCPC) for additional training and purchase of equipment, which will lead to more children being rescued, more criminals being arrested, and stopping human trafficking in its track. "But since human trafficking is a transnational crime, addressing it requires a concerted effort from all nations. The challenge really is for other nations to also raise the penalties to lower the demand and reflect the true nature of the crime in their respective countries. All countries must do their part to ensure that all offenders are heavily penalized," Legarda concluded.
End factions and rebuild party
Ending factionalism and focusing on rebuilding the party was the message for the Nepali Congress leadership from most of the NC members who spoke on Saturday at the ongoing Central Working Committee meeting.
EUs report undermined Nepal: PM Oli
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said that the recommendations and conclusions of the report of the European Unions Election Observation Mission (EOM) on the recently concluded elections of the House of Representatives and Provincial Assemblies have undermined Nepal and Nepali people.
Bank of New Zealand has exited its lease on the CentrePort Harbour Quays building, saying the quake-damaged premises will take considerable time to repair.
The building, which is owned by CentrePort, was significantly damaged in the November 2016 earthquake and BNZ's 1,500 staff have not returned since then. CentrePort also owns the nearby Statistics House which is being demolished. It hasn't yet decided whether the Harbour Quays office building, which is three times the size of Stats House, is economic to repair.
BNZ, which has been in the building since it opened in 2009, said it worked closely with CentrePort to understand the remediation process and "we now know that it will take considerable time to reinstate the building."
By the end of 2018, our Wellington-based staff will be based in three locations Ricoh House, Spark Central and 96 The Terrace," BNZ director Richard Griffiths said. "We envisage those buildings being our home for the foreseeable future."
CentrePort's general manager for property Nick Wareham said the company was grateful for the partnership with BNZ, which signed on to the building when it was in the planning stages in 2006.
"While we are sad at this decision, we thank BNZ for its patience these past 16 months and acknowledge the impact the earthquake-damaged building has had on BNZs people and business," Wareham said.
(BusinessDesk)
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Sky Network Television's long-standing chief executive John Fellet says he plans to retire within the next year, after 17 years running the country's dominant pay-TV company.
Fellet joined Sky as chief operating officer in 1991 and took on the role of chief executive in January 2001. Sky chair Peter Macourt said a global search process would be undertaken, including New Zealand-based and internal candidates, and Fellet would remain as CEO until a successor is found, and will continue as a director after stepping down from his executive role,
When Fellet first joined Sky some 27 years ago, the service had only launched the previous year, and had 125 employees and three channels. It expanded under his leadership to more than 1,100 staff but has more recently been losing customers and slashing prices in the face of cheaper on-demand rivals.
"John has been the driving force behind Skys success for many years," Macourt said in a statement. "He has made an enormous contribution to our business, and to the television industry in New Zealand. We are grateful for his work and commitment to Sky, and for the succession process he has instigated, which will allow a careful search for the right individual to take the reins at Sky.
Last month, Auckland-based Sky said it had lost 37,359 customers in the six months ended Dec. 31, including the 10,608 it shed with the closure of its Fatso DVD rental unit, leaving it with 778,776 subscribers at the end of 2017. The reduction in customer numbers trimmed subscriber related costs and Sky spent less on programming. First-half net profit rose to $66.6 million from $59.3 million a year earlier as sales fell 5.5 percent. The company cut its interim dividend in half in an effort to cope with the rapidly changing environment.
Sky has been contending with the rise of online alternatives such as Netflix and Spark New Zealand's Lightbox, driving up the cost of content and syphoning off customers attracted to cheaper and more convenient offerings. It had hoped to counter that by merging with telecommunications carrier Vodafone New Zealand but was rejected by the Commerce Commission over competition fears, and it's been forced to change tack and offer cheaper entry-level services.
The company's shares last traded at $2.32, having dropped 39 percent over the past year. Three analysts have 'sell' recommendations on the stock, one a 'strong sell', and two a 'hold', according to Reuters data.
(BusinessDesk)
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New Zealand exported more than one million cubic metres of softwood logs in January, only the second time in the country's history that such a high volume has been shipped in the month.
The country exported 1.1 million cubic metres of softwood logs overseas in January this year, up 32 percent on January 2017, according to data from Global Trade Information Services published in AgriHQ's monthly forestry market report. That's the highest level for the month since 2014 and only the second time volumes have exceeded 1 million for a January month.
"New Zealands softwood log exports started 2018 with a bang," AgriHQ analyst Reece Brick said in his March report under the heading 'Flying start for log exports'. "The strong start to 2018 bodes well for the coming year, as January is historically the weakest month each year."
The large export volumes in January were partly down to the later timing of Chinese New Year, which moved some of the heavy pre-Chinese New Year trading into January rather than December. New Zealand log exports in January fell 31 percent from December levels ahead of Chinese New Year celebrations, which ran from mid-February through to early March. However, the generally high level of exports this past 12 months were also a factor in lifting January volumes, AgriHQ noted.
New Zealand cemented its position as China's top source of softwood logs last year, with its share of the market lifting to 36.3 percent from 34.7 percent. AgriHQ noted that New Zealand's strong presence in the Chinese log market continued in January, with imports of New Zealand logs jumping 43 percent from the same month a year earlier, and accounting for 40 percent of China's total log imports, significantly ahead of its closest rival Russia with a 21 percent share.
China's demand for softwood logs has increased after Asia's largest economy clamped down on harvesting its own forests and reduced tariffs on imported logs to meet demand in its local market.
"All eyes are focused on the direction that China takes after the Chinese New Year holidays," Brick said. "Activity was relatively dead over the past month, but port-level offtake in the past week or two has reportedly lifted more sharply than expected.
"Theres little to show there will be any deviation from whats been witnessed over the past 12 months and the general sentiment is for small price increases over the next two months."
Forest products are New Zealand's third-largest commodity export group behind dairy and meat products.
(BusinessDesk)
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AMP said chief executive Craig Meller will retire at the end of 2018, rounding out a 17-year career with the Australian wealth manager.
Meller was promoted to CEO in January 2014, having started in its UK division in 2001 before shifting to Australia a year later as managing director of AMP Banking. Chair Catherine Brenner will lead the search for his successor and will consider internal and external candidates, the company said in a statement.
"Craig has led the transformation of AMP over the past five years," Brenner said. "The business has a clear and compelling strategy for growth and is performing well. As part of our regular discussions on succession, Craig indicated he would like to retire at the end of this year."
Until Meller steps down, he "will continue to drive the company and deliver on our strategy through 2018 and has indicated his flexibility to work with the board to ensure a smooth and orderly leadership transition," she said in the statement.
The shares last traded at A$5.24 on the ASX and have gained about 18 percent in the time Meller has been CEO.
(BusinessDesk)
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Augusta Capital says the capital raising for its air traffic control centre in Christchurch has closed oversubscribed and it won't take up any units under its $15 million underwrite.
The offer, of a single-asset fund to purchase the land for $20.5 million and develop an air traffic control centre to lease to Airways Corp for 25 years, "attracted very strong interest" and closed on March 23, Augusta said. Settlement will occur on March 29.
Augusta said the raise "brings the total equity raised in the calendar year to approximately NZ$130 million across those single asset funds."
The Auckland-based company is shortly to release a product disclosure statement for its initial portfolio for the Augusta Industrial Fund. That fund includes four properties - three in Auckland and one in Wellington - with 100 percent occupancy, a weighted average lease expiry of 8.7 years, and 15 tenants. It wants to raise an initial $75 million, which it will underwrite by $35 million and says it will hold 10 percent of the fund for the long term.
The industrial fund PDS is expected to be registered prior to, or soon after Easter, the company said earlier this month.
Augusta shares recently traded at $1.075 and have gained 7.8 percent in the past twelve months.
(BusinessDesk)
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Chandan Kumar Mandal is the environment and migration reporter for The Kathmandu Post, covering labour migration and governance, as well as climate change, natural disasters, and wildlife.
Maoists hasten merger with UML
A headquarters meeting of the CPN (Maoist Centre) on Saturday decided to devote effort towards completing the preparations for announcing party merger with the CPN-UML before Prime Minister KP Sharma Olis planned visit to India in the first week of April.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Do you feel you have the right to disconnect?
That is from answering your cell phone, emails, tweets, and from monitoring your social media accounts after hours.
If the "right-to-disconnect" bill is approved by the City Council, private company workers with more than 10 employees may not have to check in on any work-related electronic correspondence after hours.
And if your boss requires you to do so, employers could be fined $250 for each correspondence.
The bill is one that may have a hard time gaining approval from City Council members.
Councilman Steven Matteo (R-Mid-Islandl) doesn't think the bill is one that should be decided by a government mandate.
"I certainly understand the need to maintain some 'work-life' balance and set appropriate boundaries, especially in a smart phone era where we are all connected, at all times," he said.
"But that should not be decided by a one-size-fits-all government mandate. Government shouldn't be involved in a discussion that should be between an employer and employee," added Matteo.
Councilman Joseph Borelli (R-South Shore) said he is undecided about the legislation.
"It's an interesting concept, and I am not entirely decided. On one hand there are jobs that require a 24/7 presence. The Advance is contacting me on a Sunday, for example, and I don't have a problem answering, nor would I have a problem calling or texting a staffer if I needed clarification," he said.
"Not all jobs are paid hourly, and if an employee can be helpful by answering a quick email, I don't see much of an issue. It seems we may not need government regulations for normal polite behavior. On the other hand, I've never been, or even had a boss, that would have fired someone for not immediately responding to a message over the weekend," Borelli added.
According to a 2015 city comptroller report New Yorkers, work an average of 49 hours and 8 minutes a week. And a recent study by the city comptroller.
And studies show that people who respond to work-related electric communications after 9 p.m. had a reduced quality of sleep and are less productive the next day.
Borrelli said lawmakers should look at studies conducted in France.
"I would urge some of the proponents look at some of the studies done in France, though," he said.
"Fifty to 75 percent of companies are believe to be simply not complying, while Securex, an E.U. HR firm found that eight out of ten managers still emailed over the weekend. Most shockingly, one-third of French respondents reported that they voluntarily checked their work emails during their August vacations. As it turns out, smartphones don't discern between work and leisure and people simply chose to use them as they wished."
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STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A school snack shortly before last Christmas proved potentially life-threatening to a third-grader, sending her into anaphylactic shock, despite her teacher knowing she was allergic to peanut butter, a $100,000 lawsuit alleges.
The episode occurred on Dec. 15 at PS 18 in West Brighton, said a civil complaint filed by Sylvester Williams, the girl's father, in state Supreme Court, St. George.
The girl was given a cookie or piece of candy which contained peanut butter, the complaint alleges.
The girl, whose name was withheld due to her age, suffered chest pain, her throat closed, and she lost consciousness, requiring emergency personnel to resuscitate her with epinephrine injections, said the complaint.
She was taken to the emergency room at Richmond University Medical Center in West Brighton.
The youngster's teacher had been previously advised she was allergic to peanut butter, the complaint said.
The complaint accuses the school of serving the girl the peanut better treat "intentionally and wrongfully, without privilege or justification."
The suit names the city and the Department of Education (DOE) as defendants.
"My client feels very strongly about the case," said Gary S. Fish, Williams' Manhattan-based lawyer. "He was in my office in tears speaking about the calamity that befell his daughter. My intention is to obtain fair and just compensation on behalf of the child."
Douglas Cohen, a DOE spokesman, said the department would review the lawsuit, adding, "The safety and well-being of students always comes first."
A spokesman for the city Law Department said city lawyers will also examine the complaint and discuss the allegations with DOE.
According to the Mayo Clinic's web site, peanut allergies are one of the most common causes of severe allergy attacks; the symptoms can be life-threatening.
Even tiny amounts of peanuts can cause a serious reaction in some people, the website said.
An allergic reaction to peanuts usually occurs within minutes of exposure, said the Mayo Clinic.
Some children outgrow peanut allergies, yet there's still a chance it could recur later on.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Hundreds of thousands of activists marched in Saturday's "March for Our Lives" in Washington, D.C., including 200 from Staten Island.
Students and community leaders from across the borough and beyond arose before dawn and held a rally on the steps of Borough Hall, holding photos of each of the 17 people who died on Feb. 14 during a mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla.
"This is about all you young people," said Bobby Digi of the Staten Island Democratic Association, who attended the rally with his sons. "Once the young people stand, we as adults must stand behind them."
A young group of Marjory Stoneman Douglas survivors spearheaded the national movement and the crowd, packed shoulder-to-shoulder across Pennsylvania Avenue, was full of bright young faces, eager to get their chance to vote in the near future.
Susan Wagner High School student John Papanier, Lorie Honor, co-founder of Staten Island Women Who March, and community organizer Lindy Crescitelli spearheaded a local contingent to attend the march.
Following the Valentine's Day shooting, Crescitelli, who does a lot of work promoting non-violence, said, "I just had a moment like, 'Am I wasting my time? Is this just a violent country?' "
But seeing the survivors -- only a few days after ducking under desks as bullets rang through their classrooms -- inspired him immediately. "I want to live in a world where that's true," he said.
In just two days, community members and different Democratic organizations, had funded one whole bus from Staten Island to D.C.
"It changes people's view of Staten Island," Crescitelli said, noting people from Brooklyn, Queens and even some Marjory Stoneman Douglas alumni were taking spots on the buses leaving from St. George.
Papanier, who spoke at the national school walkout on the month anniversary of the shooting, was also inspired by the speed and unity of the movement coming together across the whole country.
"I haven't seen this country come together like that ever in my life," Papanier, 17, said.
The message of the marchers is now it's time for the younger generation to speak up and for adults to listen, as they face the fear of an active gunman nearly every day they go to school. Of the about 20 different speakers, every single one was a younger person -- some as young as 9 years old, Martin Luther King Jr.'s granddaughter.
"To the leaders, skeptics and cynics who told us to sit down, stay silent and wait your turn: Welcome to the revolution," Cameron Kasky, a Stoneman Douglas student, yelled out to the massive crowd.
Marchers and speakers asked for better gun control measures and asked for politicians to value life over Second Amendment rights.
"Enough is enough," "vote them out" and "be the change" echoed between the national monuments as signs against the National Rifle Association (NRA) stuck out against the blue skies. People with voter registration forms asked marchers how old they were, encouraging them to march to the polls next.
One thing that speakers wanted to make known was that, in addition to mass shootings, gun violence is an everyday problem for many youth in the city. Students from Chicago, California and Brooklyn spoke of losing siblings to gun violence.
Celebrities such as Demi Lovato, Ariana Grande, Miley Cyrus, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Jennifer Hudson and others sang emotional tributes to the survivors.
"I went nuts about Ariana Grande. She's my celebrity crush," Papanier said.
He added that he also helped organize the Manhattan march and on the bus back to Staten Island, Papanier was looking through photos of the city's march.
"I'm so speechless, but knowing that I helped organize that," he said. "To be a part of that, to be one of those people that made that happen made me speechless. I got a little emotional looking at them."
The rally ended with Parkland survivor Emma Gonzalez peering over the sea of people on Pennsylvania Avenue with tears falling from her eyes for six minutes as the entire crowd of people was silent.
"Since the time that I came out here, it has been 6 minutes and 20 seconds," Gonzalez said, breaking the moment. "The shooter has ceased shooting, and will soon abandon his rifle, blend in with the students as they escape, and walk free for an hour before arrest. Fight for your lives before it's someone else's job."
Papanier and students across the Island and the country are doing just that. On the bus ride home, he was already talking to other activists about "round two."
"The goal is to get in touch with the survivors and see what the next step is," he said.
In addition, he will be turning 18 years old before November's elections.
"Now I have to register myself to vote, so who has that application?" he asked.
Saturday was Papanier's first time in D.C., but he hinted that it definitely won't be his last.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The blood alcohol content of a Port Richmond man previously convicted of drunken driving was more than twice the legal limit when he recently crashed in his community, allege authorities.
"I hit the parked car. Then I reversed back and hit the fence," Scott Magri, 44, told officers on March 16 when they responded to the wreck on Haughwout Avenue, according to a criminal complaint.
Cops found a fence beneath Magri's 2014 Nissan Sentra at about 3:50 p.m., the complaint said. The Derby Court resident was behind the wheel, and he was the only person in the car.
Magri's breath had a "strong odor" of alcohol, his face was flushed, his eyes were watery, and his speech was slurred, said the complaint.
A Breathalyzer test determined Magri's blood alcohol content was .19 percent, the complaint said. The legal threshold for driving while intoxicated is .08 percent.
Magri was charged with felony and misdemeanor counts of aggravated driving while intoxicated.
He was arraigned on March 17 in Criminal Court and released on $1,000 bail, according to online state court records.
His next court date is May 10.
Previously, in July 2011, the defendant was convicted in Criminal Court of driving while intoxicated, said the complaint.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- In his youth, the act of listening to Western rock 'n roll music under Soviet rule in Odessa, Ukraine, could have landed him in jail -- but Vladimir Kiner did it anyhow.
"In my hometown it was like a secret place where people who owned LPs once a week come together and exchange LPs and news about the groups," said the owner of the Bement Shoe Hospital in West Brighton.
There was even one guy who had a machine to make records on X-ray film; the first one Vladimir bought was the Beatles' "Roll Over Beethoven."
When he first heard the Fab Four, Vladimir tried to understand what they were singing, using a dictionary to translate the words. That's how he started to learn English.
Bement Shoe Hospital: Sole man Vladimir Kiner keeps your boots a walkin' 42 Gallery: Bement Shoe Hospital: Sole man Vladimir Kiner keeps your boots a walkin'
When he was about 13 years old, Vladimir also started to learn the art of shoe repair from his grandfather -- and eventually finished two years at a special school to become a shoemaker.
He worked making shoes from scratch for a while, then switched to repairs because there was more business in that field. After he married, Vladimir studied four years at college to learn how to be a manager of a factory.
"But to be a manager of a shoe factory you must be member of Communist Party" he said. Vladimir didn't want that, so he started working as a repairman at a big shop in the middle of Odessa.
He also started thinking of leaving the Soviet Union.
In late 1989, Vladimir and his family left it all behind -- citizenship, diplomas and everything. When you left the Soviet Union, he said, "you were nobody."
On January 18, 1990, the Kiners headed to New York City, bringing only his shoemaking and repairing skills. Vladimir worked at a Manhattan repair shop for a year.
Then he bought his own shop in Brooklyn, which he operated for seven years.
On December 1, 1997, Vladimir took over S.I.'s Bement Shoe Hospital from its original owner, Gus Moshopoulos, a retiring Greek immigrant who opened the business in 1981.
Vladimir continues to ply the trade he learned all those years ago from his grandpa, fixing footwear, handbags, belts, all things leather -- as long as it is fixable.
Some customers have brought back the same shoes to be resoled for 20 years now. Some, he says, have been replaced more than a dozen times.
Occasionally, Vladimir has to say: "Please, throw away and buy new. It's not worth it to fix it."
He became an American citizen five years after arriving in the U.S.
PHILIPSBURG:--- To facilitate Country St. Maarten in its overall recovery process, The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has consulted Disaster Risk Management Expert and current director of The Disaster Risk Reduction Centre at the University of The West Indies, Mona campus, Jamaica, Barbara Carby, to conduct an independent evaluation of the response to Hurricane Irma and issue recommendations for the recovery process.
The evaluation is supported by commander and Chief, The Honourable Prime Minister, Leona Marlin- Romeo, the EOC (Emergency Operation Centre) and disaster management team.
During the week of March 12-16th, Carby consulted a cross-section of persons, including, from government, the private sector, NGOs and the community about aspects of the response such as immediate preparedness, operations, restoration and humanitarian assistance.
The results of Carbys evaluation will inform the St. Maartens government's disaster management programme going forward.
Barbara Carby is a disaster management professional with over 25 years of national, regional and international experience in disaster risk reduction, pre- and post-disaster planning and interventions. Among others, Carby coordinated the development of the national disaster risk management system for the Cayman Islands compatible with the use of WebEOC and coordinated the introduction of Web EOC as the emergency management software for the National Emergency Operations Centre
Her core competencies are all-hazards planning, policy development, hazard management programme development and evaluation, building awareness for the importance of risk reduction from community through national to international level.
Minister promises to address issues plaguing health sector
The government is committed to meeting the commitment made by Nepal to end tuberculosis by 2030, Minister of State for Health and Population Padma Kumari Aryal has said.
Canada aims for August Mali deployment of Blue Helmets: minister
Montreal, March 25 (AFP) Mar 25, 2018
Canada aims to deploy peacekeepers backed by helicopters to join UN Blue Helmets in Mali in August, the country's defense minister said on Sunday.
A date had not previously been set by Ottawa, which announced last week that it would send an infantry unit and military trainers along with helicopters to the west African country for 12 months to support an ongoing UN peacekeeping mission (MINUSMA).
"We're looking at right now this summer. We're aiming for August," Defense Minister Harjit Sajjan told CTV, acknowledging that Mali "has become a very dangerous mission."
The Canadian force will include two Chinook helicopters for logistics and transport, along with four armed Griffon helicopters.
The unit will be made up of both men and women, part of a goal previously announced by Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland to increase female participation in peacekeeping.
Sajjan has said the Canadians will conduct reconnaissance, facilitate medical evacuations for the 57 UN partner nations already on the ground in Mali, and help plan missions.
Canada currently has only 25 soldiers tasked to UN missions and had faced pressure to commit troops to Mali, where there is a need for French-speaking peacekeepers.
Created in 2013, MINUSMA has about 11,000 troops. More than 150 have been killed in Mali, making it currently the most dangerous peacekeeping mission in the world.
Jihadists have ramped up their activities in the center of the country, targeting domestic and foreign forces in outbreaks of violence once confined to the country's north.
Two senior Canadian diplomats were kidnapped and held hostage in northern Mali in 2009.
Washington, March 25, 2018 (SPS) - United Nations Secretary Generals Personal Envoy for Western Sahara Horst Kohler met in Washington with Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Near East Affairs David Satterfield with whom he held discussions on prospects of settlement of conflict in Western Sahara.
The discussions were held as part of the broadened consultations initiated by the German mediator to relaunch UN process, in deadlock since 2012.
UN emissary informed the Security Council about his visit Thursday to Washington to meet with officials of the American administration. (SPS)
062/SPS/APS
Russia was left to a socio-political limbo after the disintegration of USSR when country was suffering from a weak political leadership under President Boris Yeltsin.
by Punsara Amarasinghe
( March 25, 2018, Moscow, Sri Lanka Guardian) 2018 Russian presidential election held on 18th of March did not become a hot topic for ordinary Russians because they dwelled in a forgone conclusion about its result and current president Vladimir Putins overwhelming victory has exceeded beyond the expectation of Russians as Putin could clinch the victory of the presidential election in a heavy margin. Incumbent Russian president Putin won the election in 76.69% of the ballots whereas no other candidate was able to come closer to him in the election. The voting percentage acquired by Putin has been drastically increased than the last presidential election and he would continue to hold the helm of power till 2024. However fiasco of other candidates in the election has created a question whether Putin has become the new Tsar among the Russians, especially the ongoing social political trajectory in Russia indicates how profoundly its citizens are attached to a one man despite having ruled by him for 18 consecutive years. Today Russian economy has been crippled as a result of the fall of oil price in international market and the economic sanctions imposed by the European states. On the other hand the international image on Russia has been disfigured by its military involvement in Syrian civil war and annexation of Crimea from Ukraine. With all this tough circumstances, the massive victory of Vladimir Putin from the presidential election for the fourth time has marked him as an undisputed political brand among the Russians. But above all uncertainty of the countrys political future appears as a major concern to ponder.
Putins rise from his obscure past as a lesser known KGB officer to Kremlin was accredited with the unstable political situation envisaged by Russia after the fall of Soviet Union in 1991. Russia was left to a socio political limbo after the disintegration of USSR when country was suffering from a weak political leadership under President Boris Yeltsin. The radical reforms introduced by Yeltsin through privatizing state sector could not address the severe economic crisis in Russia during the mid-90s; besides that state bureaucracy and alleged corruption of the oligarchs around president Yeltsin had oppressed the nation. In the backdrop of such an unstable political economic situation Vladimir Putin emerged as the successor to President Boris Yeltsin after his resignation in the dawn of new millennium.
The rapid growth of economy acquired by Russia under Putin during his early years of administration could build a credibility among Russians on him, which heavily helped him to uphold his power since 2000. The previous presidential elections held in 2000, 2004 and 2012 have clearly shown the increase of Putins popularity in Russia. Nevertheless Russians seem to have develop an extreme form of nationalism under Putin and his rigorous endeavor to regain the lost glory of Russia in yester years have been successful as a psychological turnover of the whole nation. But On the other hand Russian foreign relations with the West in tatter in many aspects, most recently Russia has been accused by Britain for poisoning a Russian double agent lived in England under political asylum and British Prime Minister Theresa May announced plans to expel twenty three Russian diplomats identified as having links to espionage. Russia in return expelled some British diplomats and took a decision to close down British Council in Moscow. This situation aptly depicts the diplomatic storm Russia currently facing after the presidential election and ostensibly it would continue to deteriorate Russias ties with west badly and the eventual outcome would be Putins dream of moving towards grand Eurasian strategy which would bolster the closer links with Asia.
In reading Russias history, it becomes a salient fact to identify that most of the grand victories of Russia had gained under strong rulers and its people too had attracted towards such leaders as well. The personal based leadership policy has become the notable tendency in Russian politics since Peter the Great to Putin. In fact Vladimir Putins character is the embodiment of Russian power system and more or less this system will replace him one day without fundamentally reforming itself. Once Winston Churchill described Russia as a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma and Putinism prevailing in Russia is a testimony for the enigmatic nature of Russian political system. However the most problematic nature arising from Putins political popularity is that there is none standing in the line behind him to take over the future of Russia. It is a fact beyond dispute that entire political structure of Russia is placed on one man today. When the Tsar died in the past, his son was elevated as his successor. When the general secretary of Soviet Communist party died, standing committee filled the vacuum immediately and it would be a thoughtful or perhaps a cynical question to raise that who would take Russia if Putin dies. Today Russian peoples infatuation on Vladimir Putin has again given him the opportunity to rule world largest country for another six years, also before 1991, hardly anyone would have predicted the demise of the Soviet Union; today almost no one ventures to predict the end of Putinism. But as politics continues to be a volatile game of shadows, it would be a real riddle to solve what political destiny awaits Russia after Putins era.
[ Punsara Amarasinghe is a Doctoral Candidate in International Law at National Research University Higher School of Economics in Moscow, Russia. He holds his LL.B from University of Colombo and completed LL.M in international law at South Asian University, New Delhi. He can be reached at punsaraprint10@gmail.com ]
1 injury reported after plane crash in Hooper; none in incident at Ogden airport
HOOPER At approximately 3:44 p.m. Thursday, a single-engine ultralight plane crash landed in Hooper with one passenger being taken to the hospital as a precautionary measure. The two passengers were an adult male, who was piloting, and an adult female, according to the Weber Fire District. Bryant Garrett, the Ogden-Hinckley Airport manager, said the plane was a white Kitfox aircraft. He believes it took off from the Ogden airport, as it matched a plane that departed from there approximately 15-20 minutes before the crash was reported. The two attempted to land using a personal ...
Nepal-India business potential highlighted
International Entrepr-eneurship ConclaveConnect-IN, an entrepreneurial event held in the Capital on Saturday, saw participation of over 300 entrepreneurs from Nepal and India. The programme was hosted by the Embassy of India in Kathmandu and Clock b Business Innovations.
Out of the shadows
It is time the government paid attention to mental health because it has been too long ignored
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Ticking time bomb
Racing towards the emergency room with her best friend Shristi at her side, Aayu only had a vague idea of what was happening. She couldnt have anticipated the chaos. She saw both her parents walk in and out in a panic.
Waling man held on charge of raping teen
A 46-year-old man from Waling in Syangja district has been arrested on the charge of raping a girl.
We shall overcome
Dalits still face discrimination due to state-protected ideology and undeclared exclusion in politics and profession
President Donald Trumps latest pick for national security adviser, John Bolton, says the United States cannot walk away from the war in Afghanistan because of the larger threat from the Taliban, the Islamic State terror group and al-Qaida.
Bolton, a former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations who is widely known for his hardline views, is set to become Trumps new national security adviser, after his predecessor, H.R. McMaster resigned following reports of irreparable differences with the president and other key White House officials.
Bolton told an audience in Washington in late February that Americans are frustrated that the U.S. is still in Afghanistan.
We didnt start this war, we dont want this war. But one side doesnt get to say, 'OK, were tired of it, I think its over, he said while speaking at the Daniel Morgan Graduate School of National Security in Washington.
Boltons views on ensuring the Taliban are degraded square with Trumps Afghan strategy announced last August. Trump committed to sustaining the U.S. military campaign for as long as necessary and empowered American field commanders in Afghanistan to make tactical decisions as they deemed necessary.
But the Trump administration has since faced criticism about the lack of a complementary political and diplomatic strategy to achieve reconciliation in a country replete with ethnic fault lines, government corruption and a resilient Taliban.
Idea Groups i-Roof product secures export markets View(s):
Idea Group of Companies, that offered local consumers the revolutionary roofing product i-Roof, has ventured into the export market by exporting its first i-Roof consignment to India.
Goods shipped in February this year were ordered by a leading construction company in Bangalore, Idea Group said in a media release.
i-Roof will be exported to many other countries within the next few months. Orders have been already secured from Ghana, Malawi, Madagascar and Egypt. i-Roof produced with the payoff-line Roof with best benefits is the only ASA polymer roofing tile produced in Sri Lanka with the ISO 9001:2015 international standard certification, the company added.
The green product i-Roof doesnt contain Lead (Pb) or asbestos in its composition and is considered the best solution for Sri Lankan roofing requirements. In estimates made by building constructers on fixing the roof, i-Roof contributes to the lowest cost per square foot that include; fixing the frame, using heat resisters and fixture of thatching sheets. When estimates are made on roofing tiles, Aluminum sheets (regular shape) and Aluminum sheets (tile shape) for roofing requirements, the cost is much higher, the release added.
Sampath Mayakaduwa, CEO/Managing Director, Idea Group Ltd said that while securing the export market was a positive development, i-Roof is also a ground breaking product.
We used the latest technology in the world and the best raw materials to produce i-Roof product. After securing the largest market share in the country we aimed at entering the export market and participated in few trade exhibitions in the world including Big 5 a leading trade exhibition in Dubai. At those exhibitions, leading construction companies in the world got attracted to the i-Roof product. The supremacy of our product resulted in exporting the first i-Roof consignment to India. We will soon export our roofing products to many more countries, he said.
Since i-Roof has four layers, it gives coolness to homes. The outer layer is made with ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate) that offers heavy resistance to sunlight.
Hence i-Roof rids houses of heat and saves the cost for heat resistant gear needed by other thatching sheets. i-Roof maintains its colour too. Idea is a leading diversified company in Sri Lanka, active in construction, hotels and IT.
TRC allows release of Hutchs 4G equipment By Duruthu Edirimuni Chandrasekera View(s): View(s):
After some three months delay, Hutchison Telecommunications in Colombo is able to clear its 4G equipment at the Colombo Port.
Telecom regulator, Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC) signed the crucial documents this week to get the equipment released at the Port, according to Hutchison sources. They were unable to launch the new 4G technology owing to absurd bureaucracy by the telecom regulator perpetrated by a state owned mobile operator, which was looking to buy out Hutchison, they said.
As they want to enhance their spectrum, this mobile operator had approached Hutchison some time ago, but the deal wasnt sweet enough for the latter. TRC hasnt explained the reason for the delay but constantly promised Hutchison that itll be done, they said.
4G is the fourth generation of broadband cellular network technology, succeeding 3G. The equipment was lying at the Port since January 6 and Hutchison was paying demurrage to the ship owner for its delayed operations of loading/unloading. Many of their customers are awaiting the 4G launch, a source told the Business Times.
Picking out the racist beam in our own eyes View(s):
There is a cheery though dangerously complacent view articulated by senior Muslim politicians, (andechoed by others),that the recent communal violence in Ampara and Kandy was perpetrated through organised attacks by outsiders on Muslim residents of those areas.
Only part of the truth
As is often the case, this explanation is only part of the truth. Certainly thugs masquerading as monks and racist organisations wrapping the banner of Sinhala Buddhist militants around them, (surely an oxymoron if there ever was one) engaged in illegal hate speech and were responsible for bringing organized mobs to attack innocent people. The Government has assured that the ringleaders have been arrested but more needs to be seen than mere arrests.
The legal system must be allowed to work unhindered and at its fullest strength. Convictions must ensue for hate speech and for incitement to violence as well as the committal of violence on persons and property under existing laws that are more than sufficient for the purpose. As importantly, members of the police and the Special Task Force (STF) complicit in the violence either though acts of omission or commission need to be severely dealt with in terms of the criminal law. That needs to be yet seen.
But to return to the nature of debates around these unfortunate occurrences,it is wretchedly shortsighted to frame the matter as if mobs from the outsideor a law and order breakdown were the only factors in the equation.More is at issue than this simplistic summing up.Let us be clear on that fact at least.
A mistake to only blame outsiders
That said, Election Commissioner Mahinda Deshapriyas somewhat flamboyant assessment made at a recent workshop promoting ethnic harmony, if reported correctly that, most Sinhalese (were) happy about recent attacks (Daily Mirror, 20, 03, 2018), inclines to the other extreme. Liberties may have been taken with the translation and with the heading of that news story on what he may have held forth in his customary blunt style.
But what he has said needs to be contextualized quite properly as a caution not to be too misty eyed in blaming outsiders for the recent violence. In that regard, it is difficult to disagree with Mr Deshapriya when he categorically dismisses as wrong, claims that a majority of the Sinhalese were against the recent attacks on Muslims.His observation that a majority of Sinhalese had been happy to see the Tamils too being attacked in 1983, only to regret it a few years laterwas made in similar vein.
These sweeping generalizations of the Elections Commissioner in speaking for the majority may be objected to by some and quite rightly so. Regardless, a kernel of uncomfortable truth lies in these statements. The warningscame in the background of his reminders to the Sinhalese discounting the myth of a pure race and reminders to the Muslims that adhering to fundamentalist aspects of Arab culture in Sri Lanka can only lead to disaster for their communities.
Why are monks allowed to spew hatred?
These are forthright exhortations which we would do well to take to heart. Only the exceedingly naive would fail to recognize that, during the past decade,the peddling of communal hate by racist mobs like the Mahasohon Balakaya and Bodu Bala Sena has been underpinned by muttered discontent in Sinhala communities towards the economic prosperity of closed Muslim neighbourhoods. Even so, I have been taken aback by the repetition of canards such as infertility pills and gel oozing undergarments making Sinhalese women barren by educated Sinhalese, including by those in the legal fraternity.
And it remains shocking that despite Buddhist monks spewing race hatred as captured on television cameras and recordings, there is little action taken by the senior clergy other than the belated issuing of statements. Returning from Myanmar last month, it is hardly reassuring to contemplate the many points of similarity regarding the quick rise of religious tensions in both countries.
At least in Myanmar,AshinWirathu the monk known as the face of Buddhist terror for his fiery anti-Muslim tirades was banned from giving sermons for one year in March 2017 following a special meeting of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka comprising Myanmars most senior monks. The reason given for the ban was that he hadrepeatedly delivered hate speech against religions to cause communal strife and hinder efforts to uphold the rule of law.If that logic was applied here, how many monks would be liable to a similar ban being slapped on them? Myanmars influential clergy has been far more outspoken in their criticism of Wirathu than what we see in Sri Lanka in respect of uncouth fellow companions of the Wirathu-kind.
Increased insularity of some Muslim communities
On the other side of the divide, the increased insularity of some Muslim communities coupled with undeniable signs of fundamentalism in parts of the East must also be recognized. Whether this arose as a reaction to the toxic brew of ultra-Sinhala majoritarianism coupled with post-war triumphalism that flourished during the Rajapaksa Presidency or otherwise is beside the point. The fact is that this is the reality and must be confronted as such.
Lest we forget, the beam in the eye which prevents clear vision can be equally on the part of a majority which continually feels itself as beleaguered or on the part of a minority which sees only itself as the victim. In truth, this is the self-infliction on the part of both that needs to be corrected.
Meanwhile, an ordinary individual may magnificently rise above suspicion and distrust between communities on calamitous occasions. This is inspiring by itself. In Kandy,the efforts of ordinary Sinhalese villagers and monks in preventing the escalation of violence to the extent of physically safeguarding Muslim residents sheltering in places of safety is inspiring. But it must not be forgotten that even during the horrific July 83 riots where innocent Tamils were killed and burnt in great numbers, ordinary Sinhalese sheltered Tamil people in their homes.
The poisonous thread in our society
In other words, the courage displayed by enlightened Sinhalese when acts of barbarity take place should not blind our eyes to communal tensions that run like a poisonous thread through the fabric of our society. Organised mobs may wreak mayhem on these occasions but there is an enabling of such actions within the societal context, brought about through ignorance, prejudice and stupidity, which is now becoming apparent.
Recognising this is essential for effective strategizing and devising of future deterrents to prevent the next conflagration across communities in Sri Lanka. Resting secure in cozily comforting perceptions would be unhelpful, to say the least.
This is a brutally honest truth that must be acknowledged.
Slightly older View(s):
My dear Green Man,
I didnt think I will be writing to you again so soon but now I am because Mahinda maamas chaps have submitted a motion of no-confidence against you. If they get that through Parliament you can lose the job you wanted so much after languishing for more than decade as the Opposition Leader.
You say that you are confident you will survive this latest challenge thrown at you. In fact, the Greens passed a vote of confidence for you the other day. If anything, the training you have had in the Green party surviving challenges to your leadership should stand you in good stead now!
I do find it funny that Mahinda maamas chaps have suddenly thought of ousting you from your job, just because they won the elections held for the local councils. After all, the Greens did come second best in most of the councils and losing elections is not something extraordinary for you, is it?
If Mahinda maama was to apply the same standards, he should be trying to impeach Maithri, should he not? Despite Maithri going around the country saying he will swing his sword against anyone accused of corruption, his Blue team polled less than half the votes the Greens polled, did they not?
I dont quite know why, Green Man, but you seem to be making a habit of becoming the second in command when the Blues are in charge except that first time when Dearly Beloved became the boss. Invariably, you also seem to have problems with the Blue boss who is presiding at the time.
We remember those difficult years when Satellite was in charge and you were the second in command. You signed a ceasefire agreement with the tigers written up by that GL chap who is now heading the pohottuwa party- without so much as informing her and wasnt she angry about that?
Satellite retaliated by sacking three of your ministers overnight while you were away in Washington. It was her brother Anura who tipped you off. The Greens wanted you to submit an impeachment motion against her to prevent her from dissolving Parliament. You refused and she did just that.
With all that history behind you, one would have thought you would hardly be on speaking terms with each other but now you are the best of buddies, getting together to plot how to keep Mahinda maama out of power. Ah, what a difference it makes when your rivals happen to be her enemy as well!
You must have thought you will be better off with Maithri in the top job. If not for your help and the Green votes that he received, he would have been just another minister saying yes, Sir to Mahinda maama. After you placed him on his pedestal, you would have expected him to be grateful.
Instead, he goes around appointing commissions into that Ravi chaps antics which, by the way, is not a bad thing to do. However, he is not as keen to pursue cases about the Blue boys in Mahinda maamas camp. On the contrary, he now wants to be friends with them. That is hardly being fair, is it?
Still, Green Man, you too must take some responsibility for what is happening right now. To start with, when the scandal in the big bank came to light, your response was to appoint some committee instead of getting rid of Ravi and Arjuna. In fact, you even tried to have Arjuna re-appointed!
After everything that happened, Ravi is still hanging around, making profound statements. You may feel some loyalty to him because he stood by you when Karu and Sajith ran against you for the top jobs in the party, but if you dont get rid of him, you can kiss goodbye to winning the next election.
You and the Greens were given a slap in the face by the voters at the recent election. You yourself said it was a wake up call. You promised you would make changes. Yet, when the Cabinet was reshuffled all we saw was Kabir and Lucky exchanging chairs like kindergarten children.
Then, there was talk about making changes to the Green party. Again, you appointed a committee to look into it. They say they have made some recommendations. As far as the voters are concerned, they dont care about your committees, they want to see that change and there is nothing to see so far.
So, Green Man, for most people the issue is not whether you survive this motion of no confidence or not. With your survival skills, there is a high chance that you will. The real issue is whether, after four tries at being the PM, and not having much to show for it, they still have confidence in you!
Yours truly,
Punchi Putha
PS: Green Man, I almost forgot to wish you for your 69th birthday. We hope that there will be many happy returns of the day. Did you realise that you are still the one and only PM we have had who was born after we obtained independence? So, it will be only be fitting if you could make our country truly independent, where we are not dependent on others anymore. Or, is it too late to ask for that now?
The ominous cracker lit behind Joint Oppositions puswedilla View(s):
Elated, no doubt, by winning the popular vote at last months local government polls, the joint oppositions new move this month was to take its battle to the UNP heartland and make a bid to end its leader Ranil Wickremesinghes long stay atop Sri Kothas pinnacle.
The strategy deployed was to bring a no-confidence motion in the House against his position as prime minster of the government.
If it succeeds on April 4 when it will be taken up for debate and vote it would mean curtains for Ranil both as premier and as chief of the UNP. As the longest reigning leader of the party, his twenty-four-year tenure of office as leader had not made the earth move for the UNP. In fact, it had been a long record spell of drought only broken by a two-year shower in 2001 and a three year monsoon presently being experienced, which has never fully set in, accompanied with only intermittent rain. During these two periods, the UNP has only succeeded in playing second fiddle to an SLFP presidency.
But if the UNP membership had been disgruntled with his leadership, the move to oust him from the leadership should have come from within the party. But Ranil is no pushover. And the failed putsch against his leadership a few years ago bear witness to his genius to ward off challenges from the ranks. This time however it has come from without, not within.
On Thursday, the joint opposition handed over the no-confidence motion to the Speaker. It listed 14 charges against the prime minister as being the reasons why he had lost the confidence of the House. And what were they? The main charges are:
placing the Finance Ministry under the purview of the Prime Minister with the intention of committing the bond scam,
Rather a long shot, isnt it, to establish intention? One that will never stand up in court though it may well make do on a political platform. There may have been salient reasons why this was done. To make such a wild claim that it was done solely to empower him to execute the biggest bank robbery is simply not on. Or fair to a man who has conducted himself so scrupulously and earned the title of Mr. Clean. A fitting epithet bestowed upon him not only by the masses but even by his worst foes.
To allege that he placed the Central Bank under his purview with an ulterior motive, with an evil intention to execute a major bond scam is nothing more than a bizarre attempt to make the hunter the hunted.
appointing Singaporean Arjuna Mahendran to the post of Governor of the Central Bank, directly involved in the Treasury bond scams,
Unlike appointments made by the previous regime on the grounds of nepotism, Arjun Mahendran had the necessary credentials for the job.
A Royal College old boy who had graduated from Balliol College, Oxford, he had served for ten years in the Central Bank from 1983 to 1991. Then served as the Managing Director and Chief Investment Strategist-Asia at HSBC Private Bank. He was responsible for research and analysis of markets in the Asia Pacific. He served as Chief Investment Officer-Wealth Management division at Emirates NBD. He then led the analytics team in interpreting market economics and developing investment strategies for HSBCs clients in the region. From 2001 to 2004 during the period Ranil Wickremesinghe was Prime Minister in President Chandrika Kumaratungas government served as Chairman and Director-General of the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka. Thereafter, he served as Chief Economist and Strategist Asia Pacific at Credit Suisse Group AG and was its Head of Research for Asia Pacific since October 2006. He became a Singapore citizen the same year.
With such a CV, Ranil Wickremesinghe can hardly be faulted for making Mahendran whom he had first met in 1991 and offered him a job in his Industries Ministry which was immediately accepted the Governments Banker in January 2015. After all, no crystal ball was in the prime ministers possession or powers of clairvoyance hidden deep in his psyche to foretell what the future held when the fateful appointment was made.
appointing the Pitipana committee comprising his friends to exonerate those responsible for the scam,
Certainly, Ranil may have known the men he appointed to the committee. After all, one does not appoint ones sworn enemies. But all who were appointed were qualified people though acquaintances they may have been; and to insinuate that these members of the committee, all attorneys-at-law, were Ranils lackeys entrusted with the task of doing a hatchet job for Ranil and to whitewash him is to insult their moral rectitude and traduce their honour.
misleading Parliament by giving false statements on the bond commission on March 17, 2015,
What these false statements were are not spelt out in the no confidence motion
violating financial regulations
Again, no mention is made of what financial regulations have been violated
failure to arrest the rising cost of living
If the failure to arrest the rising cost of living was to form a charge to bring a no confidence motion against a prime minister, then no prime minister today or in the future will survive for long in office. Apart from the fact that the Maithri-Ranil Government dramatically reduced the prices of petrol and diesel no sooner they came to office in January 2008; and brought it in line with the then trending world oil prices which the Rajapaksa regime had kept artificially high despite oil hitting rock bottom prices cost of living is also affected by world trends
Failure to respond promptly to the incidents in Kandy and ensure the security of the citizens of the country, while holding the Ministry of Law and Order.
Ranil Wickremesinghe was appointed the Law and Order Minister on the 25th of last month. In the lackadaisical cabinet reshuffle, which had been touted as one that would bring dramatic change, his was the only significant appointment. But, alas, even that was only to be a stopgap appointment until the return of Field Marshall Fonseka to the island.
On March 4, due to an altercation on the Teldeniya road which happened on February 22 over the refusal of a lorry driver to give way to a tooting three wheeler, a Sinhala mob descended on the towns of Teldeniya and Digana. They came incognito, their heads capped and their faces masked. It is now confirmed that this was no Sinhala racial attack on the Muslims but an organised attack by a group calling itself the Mahason Balakaya, urged by a mysterious hand to burn the hills down in racial flames.
President Sirisena declared a state of emergency and Prime Minister Wickremesinghe did the needful to end the violence within a week. Hardly the sort of immediate action that deserves condemnation and hardly the stuff to found a basis for the no-confidence motion, is it? Already over 200 culprits have been arrested, including the leaders of the mob which is more than can be said of the apathetic reaction of the previous regime when racial violence broke out in Beruwela in 2014.
Out of the 14 charges levelled against the PM, 12 evolve around the bond scam. It seems that the bond scam is the only bell the joint opposition can put around Ranils neck in their attempt to crucify him with the no-confidence motion. But almost all had been answered by Ranil at the Presidential Bond Commission inquiry which had led to him being exonerated by that Commission which comprised two sitting Supreme Court judges and a former Deputy Auditor General.
During their campaign to collect sufficient signatures to place it for the Speakers consideration, JO MPs were claiming triumph. It was part of the sinister strategy to not only show to the public but also more importantly to show and convince other MPs on the fence to join the uprising to breathe the invigorating Mahinda air, the unstoppable Mahinda sulange or be gone with the wind.
MP Udaya Gammanpila claimed they were confident that 22 UNP members would support the motion. MP Dallas Allahaperuma said the people made it clear that they had lost confidence on the Prime Minister on February 10, 2018, at the Local Government Elections. He claimed that more than 69 percent of the people had rejected the Prime Minister and the Government at the last local government elections without realising that, on the same basis, more than 55 percent of the masses had voted against Rajapaksa.
On March 14, even former President Mahinda Rajapaksa chipped in to raise spirits among the ranks and give impetus to the recruiting drive. He said that many Ministers had expressed willingness to support the proposed no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. They are close to the Prime Minister, he said and expressed confidence that the no-confidence motion would succeed. He will be toppled. He will have to go soon.
But wouldnt hopes raised to fever pitch amongst the Pohottuwa ranks that the final hour had come for Ranil to make his exit from the political arena and for Mahinda to make his entrance have fallen flat when it was revealed this week that the Joint Opposition had been able to muster only 51 out of 54 of their own MPs to place their signatures on the dotted line? With three of their own reneging on their promise to support the motion? Amongst the three, there was one notable figure: the MP from Kurunegala, the protaganist
For all their proud boasts that 30 odd UNP MPs will cross over and sign, none did. For all their claims that a great number of SLFP MPs will join the Joint Opposition effort to oust Ranil Wickremesinghe, even after President Sirisena had stated that anyone who wished to do so was free to do so, only four did. The final tally: 54 out 225 MPs.
The expected exodus from the SLFP and UNP MPs didnt materialise. JOs Promised Land held no great promise to sway their loyalties and make them cross the divide that had opened up between the UNP and the SLFP seas.
The Joint Opposition was staring in the face of defeat but they still went ahead and presented to the Speaker the no-confidence motion with only 54 supporting it. Why?
Contrary to the general opinion voiced on the streets by Joint Opposition supporters, the no-confidence motion was not designed and presented to throw Ranil out as prime minster and make Mahinda fill the slot. Mahinda Rajapaksa had already announced that even if he were to be offered the premiership by Sirisena he would not accept it. I dont want to be a ping prime minister under Sirisena, he had repeatedly declared. Quite rightly so. Why should he, when he holds all the picture cards against Sirisenas low denomination hand? It was an all or nothing poker game he was playing. Where the winner takes all.
What will transpire on April 4 when the no-confidence motion is scheduled to be taken up for debate cannot be foretold, especially considering the vacillating nature of Lankas political breed. It is anyones guess as to what will be its outcome. But with the UNP MPs signing a motion of confidence in their leader en masse on Thursday, the bets are on the no-confidence motion being defeated.
But will the Joint Opposition masterminds consider it as a defeat but as a means to an end? True, they will face the embarrassment of defeat, suffer egg on their face after all the boasting made that the majority of Parliament would join them to topple Ranil from his prime ministerial pedestal. Though that may not happen on April 4, the whole purpose of bringing the no-confidence motion would have been served. To rock the UNP boat and create a sudden leadership crisis in the UNP to wreck its morale and render it divided.
As Dinesh Gunawardena, the parliamentary leader of the Joint Opposition, said this week, the no-confidence motion would create a crisis for the Government. It was not a case to win the no-confidence motion. It was part of the grand strategy to risk losing a battle to win the war.
Therein, perhaps, lies the secret of the Joint Opposition strategy. Already they have succeeded in breaking up the SLFP and UPFA whilst still professing to be members of the SLFP and the UPFA, of which the SLFP is the major constituent. Of the UPFAs 95 MPs in Parliament today they have successfully kraaled the majority to their camp. They have broken the backbone of Sirisena and left him forlorn and alone in the wilderness, surrounded by a minority whose trust and loyalty to him can no longer be guaranteed. In fact, it never was from day one.
Now its the turn of the UNP. Most probably, the no-confidence motion would turn out to be a puswedilla. But behind the damp squib, a cracker has already been lit to render the UNP aflame with dissension.
With the young Turks in the party thirsting for real power and braying for the leaders blood, the time it seems, had come to put the cat amongst the pigeons. And create dissension amongst those jostling for power and positions. To their credit, the strategy seems to be working. Though the party seems united for now, there is a bad moon rising from its depths.
Suddenly the UNP has gone into a spin. An outsider has been allowed to cast the spanner to its works. And in that cranked state to make it think, and think radically where it had gone wrong all these years. But even now, is it thinking right?
In a way, the Joint Oppositions no-confidence motion could not have come at a better time to shake the UNP hierarchy from its slumber. In fact, it may have been a blessing in disguise. A favour from the foe. For the UNP to get its act together. Before its too late.
Its a long overdue wakeup call for both Ranil and his party. Merely changing positions in the party structure with the same old faces in different positions will not do. Its time to keep its promises to the people. Or else it will not have many miles to go.
Guess who came to dinner but didnt stay to dine
I am their leader: I must follow them; but he didnt
On Thursday when the Joint Opposition handed over the no-confidence motion against Ranil Wicremesinghe to Speaker Karu Jayasuriya, its defacto head, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, was at the helm of affairs and was photographed, along with JOs de jure parliamentary head Dinesh Gunawardena engaged in the act of the motions formal delivery. To all sense and purpose, it was clear that the former president gave his fullest backing to the no-confidence motion. In fact, last week he had said he would sign it if the others of his Joint Opposition party sign it. Fifty-one JO MPs out of the JO cadre of 54 signed it. Three refused t sign it. One of them was its leader. Mahinda Rajapaksa seems to have cottoned on to a piece of French history. The French politician Alexandre-Auguste Ledru-Rollin during the French Revolution saw a protest march pass by and is attributed with the quotation, where are they going, I am their leader, I must follow them. Rajapaksa adopted the same stance and waited for his followers to sign the no-confidence motion against Ranil before he, as their leader followed them, and put his own hand upon the document. Only this time, he didnt follow his sheep. And didnt put his signature on it in support of the motion. Perhaps its due to nostalgic memories that suddenly surged of all the cups of coffee they shared together once upon a time that made him stay his hand and not ink the death warrant. Who the devil is Mahason
In the aftermath of an organised mob attacking Muslim mosques, shops and homes in the Kandy District early this month, a certain Amith Jeevan Weerasinghe was arrested. He stands accused of being the leader of the Mahason Balakaya, a radical group believed to be responsible for the violence in Teldeniya, Digana and other surrounding areas. They claim to speak and act and do their worst on behalf of the Sinhala race. But what made them choose the name Mahason?
For those not in the know, Mahasona is the most feared devil in the Sinhala brand of voodoo. Legend has it, that he was born a human and went by the name of Ritigala Jayasena, a fierce warrior who lived during the days of Dutugamunu. One day he offended one of Dutugamunus ten great warriors, the warrior Gotaimbara. A duel took place and Gotaimbara with a single kick decapitated Jayasena sending his body flying to land in a graveyard. A deity taking pity on Jayasenas fate, intervened to revive him. But with time fast running out before the body goes cold and revival becomes impossible, the deity finds and fixes a bears head on the still warm torso. Jayasena gains a new lease of life. But since his grotesque appearance terrifies anyone who sees him, his movements are restricted to the cemetery and its immediate surrounding areas. He is supposed to haunt graveyards, rocks, hills, and junctions where three roads meet. In fact, his name itself means great demon of the cemetery. He is depicted as one who rides a pig, with a pike on his left hand and a buffalo or elephant on his right hand whose blood he squeezes out to drink when thirsty. Well, he is also supposed to be 122 feet in height. He is the most feared yaka in Sinhala folklore and figures prominently in exorcism ceremonies. Thus, it is clear that those who could conjure up his name to represent the Sinhala Buddhist and appear under that appellation to defend the Sinhala race should undergo psychiatric treatment and get their mindset sorted out. If that fails to do the trick, be subjected to an all night bali thovil ceremony to exorcise the Mahasona in them.
Confusion, chaos within National Disunity Govt. View(s):
The labour pains are over; the proposed no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has finally been delivered.
A few Government ministers and loads of Joint Opposition (JO) MPs had been straining every sinew to collect sufficient signatures to file the motion. On Wednesday, some of them trooped into the Speakers chamber and handed over the document with 55 signatures.
The Prime Ministers side had met the challenge with some gusto, calling for an early debate and collecting more signatures than the motion has on record an upbeat indication that somethings up their sleeve. In this game of political poker you can never tell on which side the numbers game is tipped with conspicuous conspirators ever present. The knives are out, and so are the money bags. MPs jumping like frogs is now commonplace.
The impetus for the no-confidence motion is, no doubt, to destabilise the coalition Government in the run-up to the 2020 Presidential election, the campaign for which, has already begun. To split the UNP and what is left of the SLFP and to drive a deeper wedge between the coalition partners of the National Unity Government is the legitimate business of the JO in its ultimate quest for political power. But there is also a hidden motive in the exercise, and that is to stem the mounting cases of corruption against those in the JO by playing the President against the PM.
The fact that the President himself made a putsch against his Prime Minister is now a public secret. Unable to remove his PM, he is now on overdrive to clip the PMs wings further. This week, the President proposed the dismantling of the CCEM (Cabinet Committee on Economic Management) headed by the PM. It spearheaded the countrys economic policy since January 2015 (see details in the political column on this page). It is a power struggle within the Government itself. The PM is faced with an enemy outside, and within.
All the charges in the no-confidence motion, as our Political Editor showed last week, stem from the conduct of the PM in relation to the Central Bank bond scams of 2015 and 2016. Just one charge on the recent Kandy riots seems an afterthought.
The PM himself must surely rue the ill-advised decisions he took following the outbreak of the bond scandal. He sacrificed his carefully cultivated long standing reputation as an incorruptible politician in a cesspit of sleaze trying to protect one man and his family that had let him, and his party down. To say that he personally gained from the scam is sheer nonsense. But he must carry the cross for the sins of others because it happened under his watch by his chosen men, and then came the fluffed cover-up.
Those who have brought forth the no-confidence motion are themselves bathed in sludge. It is the pot calling the kettle black that is so humorous, if it is not so tragic. What is the Presidents role in this exercise? Is he in some confused state, still to recover from the electoral body blow he received at the February 10 local government elections? His party was able to muster only single digit percentage of the total vote, just topping to double digits thanks entirely to the votes from the plantation union, the CWC.
Is he still opting to ditch the UNP which brought him to the high office he holds and rejoin the SLFPers who ditched him (after he ditched them). That seems to be his strategy now that the February 10 results have given his opponents in the JO the political leverage. But then, surely in 2020 the JO is not going to propose him as its Presidential candidate.
The incumbent President has publicly shot himself in the foot. He has abandoned the PM, and thereby, to a large extent, the UNP, hoping that the party crying out for reforms will remain with him in 2020. That is an unlikely scenario. The UNP will want to field its own Presidential candidate fancying it will have an outside chance of winning if it can improve its high 30 per cent block vote to the mid-40s and win the votes of the minorities. Whether they will trust this President again is as good a chance as a snowball has in hell.
Then, if the President comes forward on his own accord, his chances will be as good as were his chances of winning the February 10 elections. Is he going to be stranded between two stools in the process?
The JVP has now thrown the cat among the canaries proposing a 20th Amendment to the Constitution calling for the abolition of the Executive Presidency. This was, after all, a solemn pledge of the common (UNP-Sirisena faction-TNA-SLMC-JVP) candidate at the 2015 Presidential election, though some of the parties remain adherents to the Executive Presidency under cover. So if President Sirisena is officially non-committal but privately favouring the system, he may want to rethink his position and weigh his options given where he is, politically today. On the other hand, considering his ranking in the polls, he can turn out to be the good guy who kept his promise to abolish the Executive Presidency. He can be the President, the Head of State, but not the Executive President, not the Head of Government.
As is customary with political leaders, the continuation or the abolition of the Executive Presidency is looked at as what is most advantageous to them at any given time, certainly not in the long-term interest of the nation. In such a context, the JO that is sniffing a 2020 victory will oppose such a 20th Amendment. And so, despite the pious promises to the electorate from time to time, and especially at election time, by all political parties, the widely unpopular Executive Presidency will continue and the country will have a Presidential election in 2020.
Thus, with the strategy of the JO being two-fold; i.e. to cause disarray in the ranks of the Government, and stall prosecutions against its leaders, it is clear that it does not want the job of the PM against whom it has sponsored the no-confidence motion. Though the President can act unilaterally to oust the PM by virtue of the 19th Amendment which states that he needs to pick the MP he thinks most likely has the command of Parliament, it will give him some legitimacy if a motion is passed in Parliament however much it may run counter to the same 19th Amendment which states that the PM can only be removed if he resigns or is not an MP.
On the other hand, a defeat of the motion will bring the high-flying JO down to earth and fritter away the moral high ground it now enjoys. Win or lose, for either side of the political divide, the post-Avurudu months are bound to be gamesmanship and back-stabbing at its best, or worst, as the case may be. The country is going to be consumed with these power plays of the politicians, as it meanders rudderless in rough seas and global gale winds.
One can say bye bye to political stability, common goals and genuine foreign investments with an economy waiting to take off grounded for a while longer with a National Disunity Government in office.
The international branch of Sri Lanka Girl Guides Association together with the Provincial Department of Education, organised a Helen Storrow Pop up Seminar, recently. This is the premier introductory level leadership development event of WAGGGS. Sri Lanka was one of the 32 countries which hosted this event.
The Dutch flag flies in the fort of Colombo This article is part of a continuing series on Sri Lankan history View(s): View(s):
With the destruction of the St. John front, a lot of Dutch soldiers lost their lives. Though the city did not fall with this blow, the Portuguese were utterly disgusted as famine, disease and loss of all hope plagued them.
They thought of setting fire to the city along with the people in it. But a few who were far-sighted, opposed this idea. They raised white flags and sent delegates for a peace discussion. They went to meet the Dutch with white flags in hand.
As a lot of Dutch soldiers had already died in this attempt, they willingly accepted this request. Before King Rajasinghe could come to know, the Dutch discussed favourable conditions with the Portuguese and agreed to make peace.
This resulted in about 73 soldiers putting their arms down, on May 12, 1656. They went up to Hulftsdorf. The flag of the Dutch East India Company, was flying high in the city of Colombo.
The Dutch soldiers entered the city of Colombo. They forcefully chased away the soldiers of King Rajasinghe and guarded all the entrances. This incident made the king very angry. But unfortunately, he could not do anything. He just remained speechless.
By Halaliye Karunathilake
Edited and translated by Kamala Silva
Illustrated by Saman Kalubowila
Hichki, a Hollywood story in Hindi View(s):
Adapted from the 2008 Hollywood film Front of the Class, based on the book, Front of the Class: How Tourette Syndrome Made Me the Teacher I Never Had by Brad Cohen is now being screened in theatres in Colombo.
Presenting a positive and inspiring story about a woman who turns her biggest weakness into her biggest strength, Hichki is directed by Sidharth P Malhotra and produced by Maneesh Sharma and Aditya Chopra under the banner of Yash Raj Films.
Hichki is a story about a woman who turns her most daunting weakness into her biggest strength. Naina Mathur (Rani Mukerji) is an aspiring teacher who suffers from Tourette Syndrome, a health condition that forces an individual to make involuntary repetitive movements or sounds. After several interviews and numerous rejections, she lands her dream job as a full-time teacher in one of the most elite schools in the city. However, she soon realises that the class she has been assigned comprises defiant and impish students who cant seem to keep out of trouble. Despite a few initial hiccups, Naina must do whatever she can to ensure that her students realise their true potential, and defy all the odds against them.
Hichki focuses on how she turned her disadvantage into an inspirational success story. The film is also a reminder about discriminations that exists in our society and has become a part of our daily lives.
Preserving musical traditions Joshua Surendraraj catches up with Kavichandran Alexander, a Lankan audio engineer who produced multiple Grammy Award winning recordings View(s): View(s):
Its not often that one gets to meet a Sri Lankan, who has engineered and produced multiple Grammy Award winning recordings. The mere thought of winning a Grammy is an exciting one but actually doing it is a different story that involves pure dedication. We meet audio engineer and record producer Kavichandran Alexander, a Sri Lankan who achieved this feat, at the Sooriya Village, earlier this week. Kavichandran was born in Batticaloa in 1949. He grew up in Hatton, before moving to Ratmalana, where he was at the boarding at St Thomas College until he quit his formal education.
Back in school, he was the pioneer of the Radio Club at school and the Rocket Club. I became very notorious, causing havoc, he tells us, with a mischievous grin.
Kavichandrans first involvement with music, dates back to his boarding days. At the time, all Christian students had to get up an hour early for church. But all the non-Christians got to sleep for an extra hour and a half. This was a lot of sleep and I decided that this was not good, I had to get out of this! As it turned out, the school had a blind organist, who used to get off the bus at Galle Road and walk to the chapel. Sooner Kavichandran managed to set himself the task of leading the man to the organ, located on the chapel balcony each morning. And while the man would play, Kavichandran would go to sleep on a bench, because no one could see him up there.
In fact Ive asked the warden of the school to let me do a recording, so that I could atone for my sins, he says. He was first exposed to religious music. My mother played Carnatic violin and sang in the church. It was at this point he, fell in love with music and because his love for music, poetry and a desire to lead a spiritual life came from his mother, he named his recording company Water Lily Acoustics, after her.
She would always tell me that its not about making money. But she wanted me to see God. I feel that this was a blessing, and you couldnt ask for a better gift from your mother.
A young Kavichandran at 18 quit school and moved to Paris, France. Here he managed to secure a job in Hair, a rock musical. He used the money he made, to buy records, books. As he started to read more, Kavichandran discovered a wealth of art and culture. A friend soon introduced him to Jazz and Classical music, some of which included the likes of Hindustani classics such as Ali Akbar Khan.
Sooner, he developed a love for Indian, Persian, Chinese and Arab classical music. Whilst listening to these records, however Kavichandran found that the quality of recording of all the Eastern masters was quite poor. This led to his desire to own good stereos and amplifiers to get more filters etc.
That was when he realised what he wanted to do in life to start a record label to record the music he loved, properly. The recording company he built is based on preserving musical traditions of primarily the Asian culture and also the Western Culture.
We talk more about his studio, to which he explains that he sees himself as a local village farmer who uses organic products. I dont make hits. I dont record music that can be con- sidered a hit, he tells us adding that no matter how much money it would bring, he never recorded music which he didnt love.
The kind of recording which he does required good acoustics and Kavichandran has always stuck to simple microphone techniques, high quality gear and short signal paths.
Our conversation moves onto A Meeting By The River which was an album he co-produced, that went on to win the Grammy Award for Best World Music Album in 1993. This was a collaboration with Ry Cooder and Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, that happened quite by chance, he tells us.
Kavichandran had the idea to combine different musicians from different cultures. It so happened that at the time he got the chance to record Vishwa playing Hindustani Classical music. A friend of mine, who heard this record, said Ive got to get this to Ry Cooder and I said yes do it. When he heard it, Ry Cooder thought it was fantastic. So he drives out to Santa Barbara and meets Vishwa in the lobby of a hotel, they wisp off to a catholic church and three hours later the record was born, he relates adding that it was unplanned and unrehearsed. With a wealth of knowledge and experience behind him Kavichandran concludes our chat with a message of Compassion. You cannot go through life without it. Its the only key with anything you do whether its with music or something else. Ive been blessed with recording some truly great musicians both East and West. This is how its been my whole life, people coming in and enriching it, almost by chance. I am who I am today because of the love and generosity of wonderful people.
The Sooriya Village will be hosting a series of workshops with Kavichandran this week from 6.30pm to 9.30pm and tickets are priced Rs. 1,500 per day. The dates are as follows.
Approaches to pairing musicians from varied traditions Monday March 26.
Approaches to selecting varied acoustical environments -Tuesday March 27.
Microphone positioning techniques Thursday March 29.
Recording techniques and playback March 30).
To register email contact@thesooriyavillage.lk
The Russian Prima Ballerina View(s):
Anna Pavlova, a name that prompts the evolution of Russian Classical ballet with her artistic techniques, in theatres where performances were staged under the lights that shone through her every move. As a principal artiste of Mariinsky Ballet, formerly known as the Imperial Russian Ballet and the Ballet Russes, she has gained the title of prima ballerina (the chief female dancer) due to her unconditional commitment and determination towards this form of art.
Born in the year 1881, little Pavlova had her first experience of ballet at the Imperial Mariinsky Theatre, where she witnessed the original production of The Sleeping Beauty, accompanied by her mother.
Deceived by appearance, the Imperial Ballet School rejected nine-year-old Pavlovas audition, branding her as sickly looking. However, faith was strong with the young one, as she once again auditioned a year later, in the year 1891 and was accepted as a student. Her journey towards success is no fairy-tale, as she struggled with adapting to the classical ballet techniques due to the structure of her body and legs, earning several nicknames by fellow students that mocked her. Her perseverance was strong, practising day and night to develop skills, determined to master the art of ballet, later stating, No one can arrive from being talented alone.
God gives talent, work transforms talent into genius.
The solo performance, which she had performed for over a victorious number of four thousand is now an influence for modern adaptations of the Swan Lake as well.
Russian Centre in Colombo proudly presents, Russian Classical Ballet in Colombo, headed by Natalia Permyakova and her talented troupe of young ballerinas will be on stage on the 30th and 31st of March, 2018 at the NelumPokuna Performing Arts Theatre.
1. Yes. Several other districts factor them in. It would provide a more complete picture.
2. Yes. Theyre not as accurate, but they can be useful in spotting a trend in infections.
3. No. The district is keeping tabs on those numbers, so the public doesnt need to.
4. No. As long as the public health district is aware of those stats, thats all that matters.
5. Unsure. The district isnt obligated to include them, but it might be helpful.
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Cabinet divided over Glyphosate ban By Kasun Warakapitiya View(s): View(s):
The Cabinet is to decide whether the ban on the controversial Glyphosate weedicide should remain, amidst lobbying by ministers for and against the ban. The move comes after a committee of experts recommended to the Dovernment that Glyphosate was not directly linked to Chronic Kidney Disease (CKDU) epidemic, a cabinet minister said.
Agriculture Minister Duminda Dissanayake told the Sunday Times that the committees recommendations would be submitted to the Cabinet next week to decide whether the Government should lift the ban on Glyphosate.
But, Health Minister Rajitha Senaratne and Parliamentarian Ven Athureliye Ratharana Thera are insisting that the ban should stay.
The Ven Rathana Thera who is strongly campaigning for the use of organic fertiliser said he had met President Maithripala Sirisena who gave him an assurance that the ban would remain at least for one more year.
The President told me that some groups are calling for the lifting of the ban, but he assured me that the ban will not be lifted at least for a year and we need not worry, he said.
The Thera explained that he was promoting the programme Wasa Wisa Nathi Ratak(a country free of poisonous substances) with the support of the Presidents Office to educate the people on organic farming.
The Thera said the in addition to Health Minister Senaratne, Minister Susil Premajayantha would also defend the ban on Glyphosate.
Plantations Industries Minister Navin Dissanayake said the Glyphosate issue was taken up at the National Economic Council presided by President Sirisena.
He said they decided a decision would be taken after considering the reports of experts.
The minister said the tea plantation sector had suffered due to the ban on Glyphosate, because there was not substitute weedicide.
CID finds children promoting ethnic and religious hatred By Damith Wickremasekara View(s): View(s):
Using mobile phones of their parents, some school children have been involved in spreading hate speech against ethnic groups and religions, the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) has found.
A senior CID officer said detectives had found that a number of school children had formed social media groups and were spreading hatred or promoting violence against other communities and religious groups. In addition to five cases where children were directly involved in promoting hatred, a number of others were involved in similar activities, he said.
The CID officer said that under existing laws, action could be taken against persons above the age of eight if they were involved in spreading hatred against other ethnic groups and religions. Those found guilty could be sentenced to seven years in jail.
Among the cases under investigation is an instance where a student shared information on manufacturing petrol bombs while in another instance a student had called persons to gather for an attack on places of worship.
In five of the cases, CID teams found that the students had made use of the mobile phones of their parents to spread hatred. They had apparently done this without their parents knowledge.
We will not be lenient, because they are children. We will take tough action against the students, SSP Abeysekara warned.
The moves came as the CID continued to monitor social media regarding instances of spreading hatred against ethnic and religious groups.
Meanwhile Digital Infrastructure Minister Harin Fernando told the Sunday Times they were looking into possible amendments to laws regarding misuse of social media to spread hatred or also defame people.
He said examples would be taken from other countries.
Governors to switch provinces; North to get its first Tamil governor View(s):
The Government has decided to effect a mid-term voluntary transfer scheme of all serving governors in keeping up with the Governments policy of ensuring an effective public administration system, an officials said.
All serving governors who have completed three years of service in their respective provinces were called for a meeting at the Presidential Secretariat on Thursday shortly before President Maithripala Sirisena flew to Islamabad and the proposal was discussed. At present, governors are appointed for a five-year term.
During the meeting, the Governors were briefed that these transfers should be voluntary and they were asked to propose their preferential province they wanted to serve. The governors decided the transfer among themselves amicably.
We expressed our preferred provinces where we want to be transferred if a reshuffle is made. However the final decision will be taken soon after the President returns, a governor told the Sunday Times.
According to tentative arrangements, Western Province Governor K.C. Logeswaran is tipped to be transferred to Jaffna as Northern Governor while current serving Governor Reginald Cooray will be appointed as Governor of the Central province. Governor Logeswaran would be the first Tamil Governor of the Northern Province.
Uva Province Governor M. P. Jayasinghe is likely to be transferred to the North Central Province while Central Province Governor Niluka Ekanayake is expected to take over the Governorship of Sabragamuwa. Sabaragamuwa Governor Marshal Perera is to take over as Governor of Southern Province.
Southern Governor Hemakumara Nanaykkara is expected to take up the Governorship of the Western Province while North Central Province Governor P.B. Dissanayake will be switched to the North Western province. The transfers to the Uva and Southern Provinces are yet to be finalised.
Eastern Governor Rohitha Bogollagama who was appointed recently will continue in his post.
Govt Analyst report on 2 deaths by suspected poisoning View(s):
A Government Analyst report has been called on the deaths of two persons at a spice packetting plant in Dambulla. The deceased are suspected of having died after inhaling a poisonous gas at their workplace on Thursday (22) night, when they collapsed unconscious while working on the night shift.
Police said the two employees are Madushan Jayawardena (19) a resident of Dambulla, Pannamapitiya and H.M.G. Nirosha Dilrukshi (30), mother of a child, also a resident of Dambulla were the deceased.
The postmortem of the two bodies was held Friday (23) night at Dambulla hospital, in the presence of acting Magistrate Jayampathi Ratnadivakara, who ordered a Government Analyst report. The Judicial Medical Officers inquiry will be held after submission of the Government Analyst report.
Police sealed off the plant and provided security. Pix by Kanchana Kumara Ariyadasa.
How public spirited residents stopped the rape of Muthurajawela Sanctuary By Chandani Kirinde Ad hoc environmental group exposes nexus involving unscrupulous officials, politicians and businessmen: Presidential Investigation Unit launches probe View(s): View(s):
The Presidential Investigation Unit (PIU) has launched an inquiry into alleged collusion among government officials regarding the Muthurajawela Sanctuary landfill, which, environmentalists say, has caused irreparable damage to one of the countrys most unique eco systems.
The PIUs Investigations Director Ruban Wickremaarachchi said President Maithripala Sirisena had called for a full report on the alleged involvement of state agencies in facilitating a businessman to encroach on several acres of state land within the sanctuary.
Several complaints have been made and we are looking into them before action is initiated against those officials who are found to have acted in violation of relevant laws, he told the Sunday Times.
President Sirisena, who is also the Minister of Environment, visited Muthurajawela on Thursday after environmentalists exposed the landfill taking place within the sanctuary and ordered that all such activities be immediately stopped. The Special Task Force (STF) of the Police was deployed to the 400 acre site. About 30 acres of this land has already been filled.
The destruction taking place within the sanctuary was brought to light by a small group of committed residents. They formed the Organisation for the Protection of Muthurajawela in a bid to expose the racket that was being carried out under the guise of a development project.
Anil Lankapura Jayamaha who heads the organisation said the sanctuary was the lifeline of people in the area and its destruction would lead to serious environmental problems. We took on the task of exposing the unscrupulous officials, politicians and businessmen involved in the destruction of Muthurajawela. This had led to threats to our lives and our families, but once we committed ourselves to the task, we did not stop till we brought it to the attention of the President, he said.
The Muthurajawela sanctuary was declared a protected area by a gazette notification in October, 1996 enclosing an area of about 1285 hectares. However over the years this has not stopped illegal sand mining, hunting and other nefarious activities within it, he said.
The organisation was galvanised into action last year when the government took a decision to dump garbage at Muthurajawela after the collapse of the garbage dump at Meeethotamulla. A large number of residents supported by the clergy took part in protests against the move, with Jayamaha and his supporters seeking judicial intervention to stop the sanctuary being turned into a garbage dump.
The Supreme Court after entertaining a fundamental rights petition signed by 35 residents in November last year, granted leave to proceed and interim relief to the petitioners by directing the 11 respondents not to dump garbage. The interim order also called for a halt to sand-mining and landfills within the Muthurajawela Sanctuary until the final determination of the application.
The respondents include the Central Environment Authority (CEA), the Urban Development Authority (UDA), the Irrigation Department, the Wildlife Conservation Department, the Agrarian Development Department, the Wattala Pradeshiya Sabha, the Divisional Secretariat, the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau and the Colombo Municipal Council.
However, in gross disregard of this court order, the Agrarian Development Department earlier this month took a decision to grant permission to a private business entity to develop 65,102 perches of land within the sanctuary for Rs 500 per perch at a total cost of Rs 32,551,000.
The organisations treasurer Dinusha Nanayakkara said that many years ago this area was paddy land and due to the rising salinity levels in the soil, it became difficult to grow paddy.
As it was once a paddy land, it comes under the purview of the Agrarian Development Department which has the authority to give permission to develop this land. But this can only be done with the permission of the CEA and the Wild Life Department after an Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) is submitted. As far as we know none of these requirements was met before a decision was taken to hand over this land to a private business entity, he said.
Mr. Nanayakkara explained that, unlike areas which were designated as wildlife parks, which then become wholly state owned, areas declared as sanctuaries consist of both sate-owned land and privately owned properties. Activity can take place in private land as long as it does not cause damage to the environment and harm to flora and fauna. Also hunting is strictly prohibited.
The members of the environmental group decided to go public about the ongoing destruction taking place in Muthurajawela after their repeated efforts to impress upon government officials in the area as well as the Police on the need to act against the illegal activities within the sanctuary failed. This resulted in Agriculture Minister Duminda Dissanayaka meeting with members of the organisation this week, following which they were also summoned for a meeting with officials of the Presidents Office.
The President visited Muthurajawela on Thursday and convened a meeting there with ministers, government officers and the police. Mr. Jayamaha, too, attended the meeting where he explained the harm that was being done to the sanctuary.
They were also shown a short film shot by Mr. Nanayakkara, who is a photographer by profession. The film was shot using drones and shows the destruction caused to Muthurajawela. Within seven days of uploading it on the web, we have not only had prompt responses from authorities in this country but also from overseas activists who are against environment destruction, he said.
Mr. Jayamaha and Mr. Nanayakkara along with Senaratne Wanasinghe, the Secretary and Srimal Muthukuda, the Assistant Secretary of the organisation have formed a strong bond over their common commitment to safeguard Muthurajawela for future generations. They see the decision by the President to suspend all activities taking place in the sanctuary as a victory but not one which they can take for granted.
This is only the beginning because those hellbent on destroying the countrys natural habitats are willing to throw money and are connected to the politically powerful.
We have to fight many more such battles to save the countrys natural resources from being exploited to serve the interests of a few, Mr. Jayamaha added.
New National Audit Bill focuses on environment Under the new National Audit Bill , every public corporation or company, in which the Government or a public corporation or a local authority holds fifty percent or more of the shares, will be required to include in their annual reports how projects they undertake will ensure that the environment is safeguarded.The new Bill states that the report will have to include a future projection report, based on sustainable development. It should include details of activities to safeguard the environment and mitigate any negative impact on the environment and, where necessary, include environment and disaster impact assessment analysis.
IP dies following attack by armed gang View(s):
An Inspector of Police (IP) who was attacked by an armed gang while trying to prevent a robbery in Eravur, succumbed to his injuries in hospital yesterday, police said.
The victim, IP H.M.C. Herath (51), attached to the Chavakachcheri police and a resident of Kurunegala, was in Batticaloa for religious observances at a local temple.
According to Eravur police, an armed gang had tried to snatch the jewellery off the IPs female companion, and when he attempted to protect her, he was attacked by the gang. The seriously injured IP was admitted to the Batticaloa Teaching Hospital.
A complaint had been lodged at Eravur police by the IPs female companion, alleging the gang took her necklace worth Rs 15,000 and her earrings worth Rs 32,000, in the attack.
Locals said the Eravur police arrested three persons over the incident and seized a motorbike and sharp weapons allegedly used in the attack.
Police headquarters in Colombo said further investigations are under way.
Man (56) dies from 30-ft fall from roof View(s):
A 56-year-old man who fell off a roof of a bookshop at D.R. Wijewardene Mawatha, succumbed to his injuries early this week.
The deceased, Wijekoon Mudiyansege Piyasena, from Bandarawela, had come to Colombo on March 3, to repair the roof of his brothers bookshop, before it was to be leased out.
While the victim was on the roof, a beam had given way and he crashed to the floor of the shop. He had been admitted to the National Hospital and was being treated at the Intensive Care Unit, where he succumbed to his injuries. At the Coroners court, the deceaseds niece, Thashmitha Imrani Herath said her uncle had climbed the 30-foot high roof, despite her warning him against climbing on to it.
Two beams gave way when he climbed on the roof and, as a result, he fell on the cement floor, she said Judicial Medical Officer Dr K. Wasthuahewa who conducted the postmortem said that death was due to damage to the skull and back brace consequent to a fall from a height. Inquirer into Sudden Death M. Ashroof Rumi said that death was due to an accident.
Monitoring social media necessary to check hate speech: PM Induction of BASL President U.R. de Silva P.C. View(s): View(s):
Some form of patrolling of social media is necessary to prevent the spread of hate speech in the country, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe insisted yesterday.
Speaking at the ceremony to induct U.R. de Silva, P.C. as the 24th president of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL), Premier Wickremesinghe said this was necessary following the recent communal unrest in Gintota, Ampara and Kandy.
Unfortunately, the last few years have seen the emergence of a hate culture. A hate culture that is being spread via social media, in which the Muslims have been targeted, he stressed.
In the wake of the violence in Kandy, the Government is now seriously looking at legislation to take action against the spread of hate speech through social media. The Attorney Generals Department and we are talking on this, he added.
Mr Wickremesinghe, though, acknowledged that defining what exactly constitutes hate speech is controversial. Issues such as defining hate speech and demarking the boundaries of hate speech and freedom of expression, were issues that needed to be worked on. He revealed that the Government was studying existing legislation regarding hate speech, in several countries, including Singapore, the UK, Canada and Australia.
Even if legislation is enacted, enforcement may well be a problem, he said, adding that some of the countries which have brought laws to regulate hate speech on social media, have only successfully conducted a couple of prosecutions, while others have had none.
Mr Wickremesinghe asked the BASL to contribute to the ongoing dialogue by giving its input as to what constitutes hate speech.
He pledged the Government would take action to bring all perpetrators of violence, to justice, and accepted that the violence in Kandy, though confined to a small area, took far too long to control. He also said investigations would be conducted regarding the conduct of the police during the violence.
Addressing issues regarding the functioning of the courts system, the PM said the Government was committed to the digitization of the court system. The Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Digital Infrastructure will be involved in the matter. The intention is to first digitize records and data in the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal, he further said.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Justice Priyasath Dep urged the BASL to maintain the integrity and independence of the Bar. AG Jayantha Jayasuriya noted that, of the 20,000 BASL members, 70% of members have less than 20 years experience, while 50% has less than 10 years experience. It is important to ensure that the aspirations and expectations of this young generation is met with.
BASL President U.R. de Silva P.C. pledged to fully support the digitisation efforts of the court system. He also appealed to the AG to take urgent steps to ensure that instructions from the AGs Department are given promptly with regard to court cases, pointing out that many suspects were spending long periods in remand custody, due to delays in instructions coming from the AG. President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Preethi Padman Surasena said digitization of the court system was essential to mitigate the Laws delays and ensure a more efficient legal system.
Cambridge Analytica offered its services to the UNP: Ranil
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe revealed yesterday that representatives of the scandal-plagued British data company Cambridge Analytica, had also met with him and offered their services to the United National Party (UNP).The company is under legal probe in Britain, after being accused of misusing personal data from 50 million Facebook accounts, to influence the 2016 US presidential election. The companys role was exposed in a Britains Channel 4 television investigation, with journalists speaking to the companys top executive, while posing as fixers for a wealthy client trying to get candidates elected at an election in Sri Lanka.
Premier Wickremesinghe said they did not accept the offer but that, some of the things the representatives told the undercover journalists had been conveyed to him. So, I see no reason to disbelieve Channel 4, he added.
Police ask why BMW in canal crash had garage plates By Damith Wickremasekara View(s): View(s):
The luxury BMW vehicles owner cum driver who was arrested 48 hours after he hit two vehicles and landed in a canal in Thalawathugoda last week is facing four charges including driving with a garage number despite having registered the vehicle.
Businessman Mohamed Hussain, 47, was produced before the Kaduwela Additional Magistrate Prasanna Alwis and remanded until this coming Tuesday as he also faces charges of failure to report an accident to the police, negligent driving and failure to prevent an accident.
As Mr. Hussain had fled the scene of the accident it took police two days to track him down. People whose vehicles were damaged in the accident spent hours at the police station trying to ascertain the car owners identity.
Some three hours after the accident a person claiming to be the accountant of the owners company made an attempt to take away the vehicle but police ordered that it be removed to the Thalangama police station.
In a statement made following his arrest, Mr. Hussain had told police he had been driving away from a night club in Thalawathugoda around 6am when the accident had occurred and his car had ended up in the canal.
He had claimed to have been tired and that when he had started up the car he had accidentally pressed the accelerator instead of the brake and hit one vehicle and in trying to avoid it had hit a second vehicle and crashed into the canal. He claimed to have thought he had been injured and had got into a three-wheeler and sought medical treatment from a private hospital that he has not named.
Police said they had searched two of his residences at Sigera Road, Madiwela and Austin Place, Colombo 8 and could not trace him but records at Department of Motor Vehicles showed the vehicle had been registered on March 15 under the number CBB 5005 although it was being driven with a garage number at the time of the accident.
The police on Monday were forced to dismiss speculative social media reports that the vehicle had a link to President Maithripala Sirisena.
On Sunday, Highways, Higher Education and Investment Promotion Minister Kabir Hashim issued a statement saying although the vehicle had been driven by one of his relatives, the person was not an official at his ministry nor connected with his political activities. Mr Hashim is also General Secretary of the United National Party.
It was 48 hours later that Mr. Hussain had turned up at the Thalangama police with the registered number plates and been placed under arrest.
Officer in Charge (Traffic) SI Kulawardena said that police were investigating why Mr. Hussain had been using the cars garage number despite having registered the vehicle.
Preference to vanquished over victors, post LG polls View(s):
Politicians of several parties, named on the Preferential List, have expressed their displeasure at their party leaders decisions to nominate members defeated at the local council elections. Several of them have openly condemned the manner in which nominees were selected, saying there were no criteria on how the defeated members were selected.
In Kandy, a senior UNP member, though nominated No.1 on the Kandy List, and assured of a place in the council, before the elections, found a defeated candidate from the Dangolla area nominated, after the polls.
The senior party member had served the Council for 20 years, but had been overlooked in favour of a new member who will sit in the Council though defeated. Political party representatives pointed out that Election laws should make it clear that defeated candidates cannot be nominated in preference to members in the list.
White rice turns to red View(s):
A trader who used dye to change the colour of Kekulu and Samba was fined Rs 15,000 by Kalutara Additional Magistrate Chandima Edirimanna recently. An order was issued to destroy 7,800 kilos of Kekulu and Samba rice which they were trying to sell as Red Kekulu and Red Samba.
Public Health Inspectors who carried out the raid and arrested the trader, Meera Lebbe Lathif while stocks were being transported.
Pic by Sunil S. Thanthiriarachchi
Work to Rule in two weeks if Govt. apathy persists: CEBEU By Sandun Jayawardana View(s): View(s):
The Ceylon Electricity Board Engineers Union (CEBEU) warns that power failures and unscheduled power-cuts can be expected, if it goes ahead with its planned Work to Rule campaign in two weeks time.
The Work to Rule campaign comes after the CEBEUs executive committee decided on Friday (23) to intensify its trade union (TU) action over what it claims is Government apathy to resolve the controversy regarding the countrys long term power generation plan. Accordingly, the Union has given the Government a two-week deadline to resolve the issue.
The Least Cost Long Term Generation Expansion Plan (LCLTGEP) 2018-2037, has been the centre of a nearly year-long dispute between the CEB and power sector regulator, the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL).
The CEBEU claims the regulator had approved its own plan by illegally casting aside the plan submitted by the Board. The Union insists that only the CEB has the legal right and expertise to formulate the LCLTGEP.
The PUCSL dismisses these accusations, insisting it approved one of the scenarios submitted by the CEB itself, after its own analysis proved it was cheaper than the plan the CEB recommended. The dispute earlier resulted in the engineers refusing to serve in Technical Evaluation Committees (TEC) appointed to evaluate bids for power purchases.
In a letter to Power & Renewable Energy Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya on Friday (23), the Union stressed that, if this situation continues further, without a solution, there is no doubt the power sector will be adversely affected, and things will go from bad to worse.
Given the poor response of the Government to our requests and demands to settle the issue, the CEBEU has decided to resort to more stringent TU actions which will have adverse repercussions on the whole industry as well as the country.
These actions may give rise to power failures of different degrees, power shortages, unscheduled power-cuts, delays in power plant procurements, delays in national development programmes etc. states the letter signed by the unions secretary.
In its letter, the Union claims the above actions are taken in good faith to avoid greater damage to the power sector and the country as a whole.
HSBC CFW: Femininity rules on day 1 Text by Shakya Wickramanayake and pix by M.A. Pushpa Kumara View(s): View(s):
The Hiltons Grand Ballroom became the epicentre of Colombos fashion scene as it was transformed into the runway for HSBC Colombo Fashion Week 2018 as day one unfolded on March 22 with an all Sri Lankan line-up.
Heralding the trends that will most probably dominate Colombos fashion scene for the Spring/Summer 2019 season, we saw several shift and slight A line silhouettes, offshoulder cuts and ballooning sleeves in designs that were no doubt feminine, yet that didnt overtly highlight the female form.
Opening the show, Upeksha Hagers collection presented under the brand U by Upeksha, featured simple yet striking designs, with floral motifs and prints running throughout.
Designer Nilanka Silva under the brand La Sari had mostly shift and flowing silhouettes, with an occasional exaggerated hip-line, with bishop sleeves and pleated high-neck collars. Capturing perhaps the vibrancy of summer, the colour palette ranged from fiery oranges and yellows on black, to vibrant aquatic greens and blues, to sunset hues of pink and yellow. Nilanka successfully managed to uplift the typically hippie ombre style to that of high fashion.
Drawing inspiration from the jungle fowl was the collection by Amilani Perera. Much like her collection at last years CFW, a running theme was the use of high low cuts, with the occasional asymmetric shoulder and sleeves. The use of white and sheer materials as well as feminine silhouettes brought out its delicate vibe. Bead embellishments, black velvet and jewel green were well juxtaposed against the muted nude and white shades.
Meraki -designer Sharmila Ruberus collection was also full of white, black and nude hues, a little surprising for a spring collection and featured bold slits and cuts, exuding confidence and sophistication. The geometric wire bags which accessorized the designs were a hit.
Harking back to wild Africa, designer Jaishrees collection Rafiki featured bold animal and plant prints. Her brand Jai established back in 2012, has come to be associated with vibrant prints and colours, and this collection was no different. Aside from one design with a protruding hipline, the collection consisted of flowing silhouettes that gathered at the waist, giving a feminine, yet bold and carefree feel.
Gihan Ediriweera, has now become synonymous with tie and dye and this collection based on his interpretation of the Cinderella story, featured both mens and womens wear the only one to do so that night. The splashes of colour in the designs which looked much like paint daubs on canvas gave it a youthful and innocent feel, the wide A line skirts and structured corset like tops , adding to this look.
Wrapping up Day One, Aslam Hussein known for his intricate, dramatic and structured designs, didnt disappoint. His elegant collection, which started out with clean white and delicate designs gradually became more intricate with the use of embossed and brocade fabrics.
(More on HSBC CFW next Sunday)
Rotary Club of Colombo provides clean water to battle CKDu View(s):
In some parts of Sri Lanka, people face a severe lack of drinking water, causing much hardship. Some of these villagers are also falling victim to Chronic Kidney Disease of unknown aetiology (CKDu).
CKDu has affected around 20,000 people and claims the lives of around 2,000 people annually, according to the Presidential Task Force established to tackle this problem.
It is in this backdrop that the Rotary Club of Colombo initiated a programme to raise funds to provide clean water by installing the necessary infrastructure in affected areas in most rural parts of the country, with support from the Rotary Clubs in the United States of America (USA) and Japan and also Rotary International.
Thirty such plants have been installed at a cost of more than Rs. 45 million, with the beneficiaries being involved from the start to ensure sustainability.
Seven of these plants were commissioned recently in Bellaganwewa (Girandurukotte), Pihitiwewa (Dimbulugalla), Kandakaduwa (Welikanda), Maha Ambagaswewa (Medirigiriya), Mailankulama (Padaviya), Vanni Pallugollewa (Parasangaswewa) and Sri Vajirarama Temple (Nochchiyagama), with the participation of Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Ohio, USA, senior Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Colombo and village leaders.
Rotarian Mohammed Abidally said that these projects have brought much relief to affected villagers. We must do more to help those affected, he added.
Formed in 1968, the Rotary Club of Colombo is the first club in the country and has over 100 members.
Dilemmas of our foreign service in achieving national consensus on foreign policy By Dr. Sarala Fernando View(s): View(s):
The thrust and parry of party politics after the recent local government election has to be seen in the background of the larger issues such as rising nationalism in the country and the impact of social media in spreading related violence. Apart from the loss of tourist income, has anyone taken note of the damage to the countrys image abroad at a time when Sri Lankas human rights record is in focus in Geneva? This article reiterates the need to have a national consensus on foreign policy, which is the face Sri Lanka presents to the world. From my days in Geneva I remember the confusion in the International Parliamentary Union (IPU) and other human rights forums when from time to time depending on the changes of government, MPs now in opposition would come to complain of government behaviour although earlier they had been in government and were then defending government actions!
A key to presenting a coherent face to the world is the appreciation of the role played by the foreign service. However, recently a few articles have appeared in the newspapers critical of our diplomatic service and even government leaders at public meetings have voiced similar concerns. So where are these complaints coming from? Why is there such a difference in the manner in which the professionals were recognised and valued by the political leadership as in the era of the Bandaranaikes and why such scepticism now?
One response is that in the old days there were banners like non-alignment around which all parties could gather, enabling the forging of a broadly bipartisan foreign policy world view. This included standard positions such as friendship with all nations, Afro-Asian solidarity, non- participation in foreign military pacts, non-stationing of foreign military bases etc. Standing up for Vietnam in its conflict years or Japan in the post-war era, or China in the early years even in the face of defying the reigning superpowers of the time, brought Sri Lanka long term rewards and the reputation of a reliable friend. Today in the absence of a bipartisan consensus on policy directions, there is a real risk of divergent foreign policy approaches with changes of government testing these early credentials. Traditional instruments exist for such discussions like a draft White Paper prepared by the foreign ministry outlining future challenges and options which could be debated in Parliament and open to public scrutiny. Without an overall policy framework, scattered projects emerge like to define the rules of the road for the Indian Ocean. Should not the policy come first, and the projects emerge thereafter? For example, Sri Lanka has yet to see a policy framework for the Blue Economy which has become a catch-phrase in political speeches.
There is another problem in the lack of recognition of the value of the foreign service. Criticism of the foreign service could be inspired by wannabees or those aspiring for mission assignments who feel they could do a better job than the professionals. But the question is whether these aspirants could for example succeed at the highly competitive examination that guards the entry gate to the professional foreign service? Shouldnt there be standards for lateral entry, which should be applicable to all? Compare how standard setting has increased with time within the foreign service, confirmation depending on achieving a higher education degree, proficiency in all the official languages and an assigned foreign language.
Entry to the foreign service is a keenly watched process which should result in the selection of the best candidates allowing for political factors such as the balance of ethnicity, regional distribution, and gender. Comprehensive training is not an issue given the ministry now controls two excellent training and research bodies in the Bandaranaike International Development Training Institute (BIDTI) and LKI while foreign offers abound. Among the difficulties today in getting the optimal use of the professionals is the huge workload that has arisen following the end of the armed conflict. New recruits have to be quickly mobilised to action even without adequate training due to the pressures of economic intelligence gathering, servicing of high level delegations, drafting of agreements etc. Opening and closing of new missions is another area which requires bipartisan consensus since any disruptions can only impact negatively on the countrys reputation.
Moreover, diplomacy is conducted now in the public eye, with public communications and protocol, being the frontline test of the ministrys capabilities. Yet, traditionally the foreign service is a silent service, not given to recording their achievements, hence it takes courage for officers serving in these spots as outsiders are quick to criticise. The ministry has to make a conscious effort to highlight the achievements of its officers like for example in obtaining the EU GSP plus, rescue operations in war zones like Lebanon, Kuwait, Iraq, and persuading the EU to ban the LTTE.
Yet it is true that there is much dissatisfaction within the foreign service as there is criticism from outside. Talented young officers seem to be finding better opportunities elsewhere and leaving for international careers and academia. In the past, there was always a way found for such officers to go on secondment and return to the service later bringing back valuable experience gained but this practice no longer seems to operate except for political favourites. A transparent system needs to be put in place not just use of the cover of exigencies of service to block able officers seeking outside opportunities. For this to happen, recruitment needs to be expedited and cadre increased at the top where there is currently frustration due to the increase in non-career appointments now topping an all time high of over 60%.
This writer recognises that political appointees with national credentials can render outstanding diplomatic service, a characteristic being that these persons never sang their own praises, like G.P. Malalasekera or Mangala Moonesinghe. Two examples from the military are Srilal Weerasooriya whose friendship with Pakistans leader at the time brought quick help to the country at a crucial time and Anton Muttucumaru whose political reports from Egypt contained astute analysis. A close relationship with political leaders at home can bring positive results for the country like the entrusting of key UN negotiations to Shirley Amerasinghe and Neville Kanakeratne both of whom enjoyed the confidence of Mrs. Sirimavo Bandaranaike but both ambassadors faced the perils of changes of government and unpleasant challenges later. It is a lesson for our young diplomats too that they need to cultivate resilience in the face of the ever-changing political scenario in this country, keep their heads when dealing with the insider back-biting and poison pen letters which are rooted in our island society.
This article concludes by reiterating that the need of the hour is for the foreign ministry to push for a consensual foreign policy. We have already seen how accountability, devolution, ethnic issues and human rights which are essentially local competencies, have become adversarial foreign relations issues in the absence of domestic consensus. A strong professional foreign secretary, as there is now, could take the lead in persuading the political leaders that relations with India, China, Japan, the US and EU for example, should have bipartisan support with public transparency especially on environmental impacts, to avoid the controversies that are presently dogging huge projects like the Port City, Hambantota port and Trincomalee tank farm expansion. Moreover, a strong bipartisan platform is indispensable to handle the challenges of complex trans-continental enterprises like the Chinese Belt Road Initiative.
In this era of domestic political confusion, it is all the more important to keep our foreign policy stable and maintain our reputation as a reliable friend. Otherwise, some already see signs of big powers cultivating one or the other of the two major political parties, which rivalry will be to our cost.
(The writer is a retired Foreign Service diplomat.)
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ROME, N.Y. -- One person was killed in a head-on crash that occurred around 1 a.m. Sunday morning along Route 49, according to the Oneida County Sheriff's Office.
Deputies said Jerry Holmes, 34, of Canastota was driving a 2014 white Nissan Versa westbound in the eastbound lane along State Route 49 near the Rome Oriskany Road ramp around 12:56 a.m.
The vehicle Holmes was driving collided head-on with a 2017 Freightliner Cascadia, which is a semi-trailer, driven by Tonya Springer, 48, of Villa Rica, Georgia.
Springer and her passenger, Angela Terrelo, 51, of Pikeville, Kentucky, were not injured.
Holmes was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the sheriff's office.
Route 49 was expected to reopen by 7 a.m. on Sunday morning, deputies said.
Deputies are still investigating the crash.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Three people sustained non-life-threatening stab wounds early this morning in two separate fights, according to Syracuse police.
At 2:35 a.m., police arrived at the 100 block of Wente Terrace regarding a stabbing call.
Officers met a 21-year-old man with a stabbing wound to his left leg. He was taken to the hospital and refused to tell police details of what happened, spokesman Sgt. Richard Helterline said.
As police investigated, a 28-year-old woman arrived at Upstate University Hospital with a stab wound to her neck. She also did not provide a suspect description, Helterline said.
Officers determined that the victims' injuries stemmed from a fight involving a group of people at Wente Terrace.
In an apparently unrelated event, a 20-year-old man arrived at Upstate University Hospital with stab wounds to his lip, left shoulder and lower back.
The victim told officers, who arrived at the hospital at 3:21 a.m., that he was at a large party at 710 Euclid Ave. when he was stabbed.
He told police he got in a fight with a group of men but could not make out their descriptions inside the dark house where the fight occurred, Helterline said.
The Euclid Avenue stabbing prompted a public safety alert from Syracuse University that told recipients of a "non-university affiliate" being stabbed and telling people to stay away from the area.
Police are asking anyone with information about either of the two stabbings to call the department at (315)442-5222 or use its anonymous "SPD Tips" app.
SYRACUSE, N.Y.--With pictures of local children who have battled childhood cancer looking over them, 549 people had their heads shaved Sunday at the St. Baldrick's Day event hosted at Kitty Hoynes in Armory Square.
For 14 years, the pub has hosted the annual fundraiser, part of a national effort where participants raise money and shave their heads in solidarity with children battling cancer.
While Kitty Hoynes isn't the only local organization to host a St. Baldrick's Day event, it has been the top fundraiser in the country two years in a row. In 2016, the site raised $573,400 for the St. Baldrick's Foundation; last year, the total was $541,771, with 530 people shaving their heads.
This year's goal is $500,000, with more than $460,000 pledged to date. The Kitty Hoynes event is currently the fourth highest fundraising event in the country; totals will be updated as final pledges are received.
The Baldrick's fundraiser encourages friendly competition among participants, who push one another to higher fundraising totals each year.
As of Sunday night, the top individual fundraiser at Kitty Hoynes was Mike Ziemann, the owner of Swallows Tavern in Syracuse. Ziemann offered a pizza party to the top team fundraiser, the Baldacious Baldies, a group of Onondaga Hill Middle School students who have raised more than $51,000 so far, including $26,320 raised by team leader Bodie Centore.
Luke's Syracuse Army is currently in second place, raising more than $42,000, and JJ's Angels came in third, with $30,079.34.
For some of the participants, St. Baldrick's Day is a bittersweet event--a day to remember a loved one who has passed or is still being treated; for others, though, it's a day to do their part to honor all of the brave girls and boys who have battled or are still battling childhood cancer.
Jake McKeen, 19, participated for the first time in St. Baldrick's Day. Jake's aunt also participated. Jake had been growing his hair out for nearly two years before he had it shaved off at the event held at Kitty Hoynes.
Jake McKeen, 19, has been growing his hair out for two years. Several women who watched McKeen get his chin-length curls shaved commented on what a beautiful head of hair he had. It's McKeen's first year participating in the event, and he was a little apprehensive.
"I was nervous at first, but then I got a little excited. I'm just glad I could help out the cause," he said.
McKeen said he raised $525 this year, and he hopes to participate in future St. Baldrick's Day events.
Madeleine Barstow has been participating in St. Baldrick's Day for three years. This year, she was captain of Camillus Kids Against Cancer, which raised almost $4,000 for the St. Baldrick's Foundation.
Madeleine Barstow is team captain for Camillus Kids Against Cancer; she is celebrating her third year of participating in St. Baldrick's Day this year. Barstow and her friends managed to raise over $3,000.
"It just makes me feel so good to know that I'm helping my community," Barstow said.
There were 11 people on Camillus Kids Against Cancer this year, and after the head shaving, they were going to out to have a celebratory lunch.
For her three years of service, St. Baldrick's awarded Barstow the Squire of Hope award this year.
Rick Sauter of Tipp Hill has been participating in St. Baldrick's Day for five years. This year, Sauter was team captain for Lambda Chi Cares, a team comprised of members of Syracuse University's Lambda Chi Alpha. Sauter says he will continue to participate in the fundraiser until there's a cure for cancer.
Tipp Hill resident Rick Sauter has been participating in St. Baldrick's Day for the past five years, and has led Lambda Chi Cares team for the past two years. Lambda Chi Cares is comprised of members of Syracuse University's Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity.
As Sauter waited for his turn to be shaved, he was emotional.
"I do this for the kids and families who have to go through this," Sauter said.
Sauter thinks the success of St. Baldrick's Day at Kitty Hoynes is a testament to the good people who live in Syracuse.
"It's phenomenal," he said, "that Syracuse, New York, is one of the top fundraisers in the country for this great cause."
Sauter also added that he will participate in every St. Baldrick's event until there's a cure for cancer.
Chris Lawton celebrated his ninth year of participation in St. Baldrick's Day. Chris works at Roxboro Road Middle School and shaved in honor of his student, Aria Van Dreason, who was diagnosed with a tumor on her brain stem when she was five years old.
Chris Lawton is one of the 10 staff members from Roxboro Road Middle School who are a part of a team called Super Aria Bros. For Lawton and his team, St. Baldrick's Day is an event to honor Aria Van Dreason, 12, a student at Roxboro Road who was diagnosed with a tumor on her brain stem when she was just five years old.
Doctors at St. Jude's were able to successfully remove the tumor, but it grew back in 2014. They removed the second one, and in February of this year, Van Dreason's scan came back stable.
Van Dreason's mom, Amy Van Dreason, said the teachers and staff at Roxboro Road Middle School are incredible.
"I love how they all come together to support all of the kids at the school but doing this means they're supporting kids from all over," she said.
Lawton said Aria Van Dreason is a smart, funny and talented student, and he's proud to honor here in his ninth year of participation.
"For the past two years," Lawton said, "we're able to do it for someone who is living, thriving, smiling."
Aria Van Dreason had an extra reason for smiling on St. Baldrick's Day this year: it fell on her 12th birthday.
Brian Cole and his sons, Alex, 10, and Josh, 8, participated in St. Baldrick's Day for the first time. Brian Cole was excited to fundraise with his sons, and he was very proud of both Alex and Josh for participating.
Brian Cole and his two sons, Alex, 10, and Josh, 8, made up the small but mighty team called The Rockers. It was the first year of participation for all three.
"I've wanted to do it for a long time," Brian Cole said, "and for whatever reason, I was just compelled to do it this year, and then I wanted to get my boys involved, as well. They were gracious enough to get involved."
Alex Cole said he was excited to get involved.
"I've seen other kids do it in my grade," he said, "so I was ok with it, but I was kind of scared."
The littlest Cole, Josh, said he wasn't really nervous to participate, but getting his head shaved tickled a little bit.
The Coles weren't the only ones who made St. Baldrick's Day a family affair.
Kelly Kinahan and her mother, Carol Kinahan, celebrated their first year of participating in St. Baldrick's Day. The mother and daughter were the top fundraisers for Team Griffin, named in memory of Griffin Engle, who passed away in 2014.
Kelly Kinahan and her mother, Carol Kinahan, celebrated their first year of participation together. Both raised money for Team Griffin, who is named after Griffin Engle, who passed away from cancer at the age of seven. The mother-daughter duo raised almost $7,000 this year.
The Kinahans said they've lost friends and family members to cancer and wanted to do something to help.
"We believe in research," Kelly Kinahan said. "We're both mothers, we love children, we hate cancer, and the research is not just finding cures but also early diagnosis and giving some quality of life to children who are going through treatment."
As Kelly Kinahan went to join her mother for a celebration before their shaving, she left with a final thought: "This community--it's a great town," she said.
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It was another turbulent week in Trumpland.
It was revealed that a data firm working for President Donald Trump's presidential campaign had unauthorized access to data from 50 million Facebook users. Cambridge Analytica was said to have used the data to profile voters and tailor political messages. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg admitted his company made mistakes but stopped short of an apology.
Trump also surprised just about everyone with a phone call to Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulating him on winning re-election -- in balloting that was widely seen to be rigged. Trump ignored an ALL CAPS warning from his staff not to congratulate Putin ... which was promptly leaked to the media.
Other topics in the cartoons: survivors of the Parkland, Florida, school shooting lead a march on Washington for gun control; two women who say they had sexual affairs with the president grant interviews; the president replaces National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster with John Bolton; and Congress passes a $1.3 trillion spending bill, reluctantly signed by the president.
Cartoons were drawn by Chan Lowe, Dan Wasserman, Dana Summers, Drew Sheneman, Scott Stantis, Walt Handelsman, David Horsey and Phil Hands of Tribune Content Agency; Tim Campbell, Mike Lester, Darrin Bell and Jeff Danziger of the Washington Post Writers Group; and Tom Toles of Andrews McMeel Syndication.
Here's another animation from Darrin Bell of the Washington Post Writers Group. The static version of the cartoon is in the gallery.
WASHINGTON -- Nico Modesti stood out in his Syracuse Orange hoodie among hundreds of thousands of people who gathered here Saturday at the March For Our Lives rally against gun violence.
The Jamesville-DeWitt High School senior, carrying a sign stating, "Death is not in the Common Core," had come to take part in one of the largest protests in the nation's capital since the Vietnam era.
When the speeches, musical performances and emotional tributes to students killed in the Feb. 14 shooting at a high school in Parkland, Fla., had ended, Modesti said he knew he had witnessed something historic.
"I thought there was more fervor and enthusiasm than I have ever seen in my life," he said of the three-hour rally.
Modesti was among a small group of J-D students who decided to travel to the Washington rally in the shadow of the U.S. Capitol, hoping his voice will be heard by members of Congress who were out of town for the weekend.
Jamesville-DeWitt High School students Nico Modesti, left, Sayaka LaClair and her brother, Takyua LaClair, at the March for Our Lives Saturday, March 24, 2018 in Washington, D.C.
Modesti and fellow marcher Lauren Westfall are part of a student committee that plans to meet with U.S. Rep. John Katko, R-Camillus, on April 5.
The students want a ban on assault-style weapons such as the AR-15 used in the Florida shooting and a requirement for universal background checks for all gun purchases.
Westfall, 17, a senior, traveled to the march with her grandmother, mother and two siblings. She said her message is simple: It's time for the U.S. to enact sensible gun laws.
"Hunting rifles make sense, but no one has ever been able to explain why they need an AR-15" Westfall said.
The students had plenty of supporters at the march Saturday. Among them was David and Cindy Chayka of Syracuse's Valley neighborhood, who simply decided they needed to make a statement by traveling to Washington.
"We'd like to see some gun control," Cindy Chayka said. "Government has gotten so big we feel we don't matter. So I can understand how these kids feel. But I think this is different. Finally, they have a voice that's being heard."
Contact Mark Weiner anytime: Twitter | Facebook | 571-970-3751
ALBANY -- A woman who said she was raped as a student by a teacher at a prominent upstate private girls school is borrowing a page out of a recent Hollywood film by renting three billboards calling out her attacker -- and pushing for passage of the Child Victims Act.
Kat Sullivan, who said she was raped in 1998 by a male teacher at the Emma Willard School in Troy, was inspired by the recent film "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri," in which a mother rents billboards to highlight her daughter's unsolved murder.
Sullivan rented one billboard on a highway close to the state Capitol, one in Fairfield, Ct., where her alleged rapist once lived and taught, and one in Springfield, Ma., where he now lives.
"I have no legal recourse against my rapist, and as a result he's been free for the last 20 years to hurt other young girls," she said. "Child sex abuse is an epidemic in New York and it's time our laws work to protect children, not the people who harm us."
Sullivan's alleged attacker, Scott Sargent, was fired by the school for sexually abusing a student, but never charged with a crime. The school wrote him letters of recommendations that allowed him to continue teaching in other states.
Former Emma Willard student Kat Sullivan is paying for billboards to help warn of her rapist/former teacher.Shes also using them to show support for the Child Victims Act.If passed it could raise the statute of limitations for child survivors.@WNYT #emmawillard #rapeistoxic pic.twitter.com/De8K2NQV6O Brooke Kelly Selby (@brookekselby) March 25, 2018
Sargent could not be reached for comment.
One billboard says: "My rapist is protected by New York State law. I AM NOT. Neither are you. Neither are your children."
A second reads: "NY Pass the Child Victims Act." Sullivan is seen with the words, "Stop Sexual Assault" written on her hands."
The third has the outline of a man with a question mark on him. The billboard promises "The Truth Will Be Revealed."
A website listed on the billboard says that "at the advertising agency's request, the name and image of my rapist has been redacted. In 28 days, the billboards will go down and I will be free to tell you directly via this website who is NAME REDACTED."
Sullivan -- who reached a settlement agreement with Emma Willard -- has been a vocal advocate for passage of the Child Victims Act, which would give survivors of child sex abuse more time to bring criminal and civil cases.
Meanwhile, survivors and advocates on Friday protested in front of Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan's Suffolk County house, urging that the CVA be included in the final state budget due next week.
"We're here because Senator Flanagan has refused to meet with us," said Marci Hamilton, a lawyer and head of Child USA. "He's the only reason this has never been voted on in the Senate."
Flanagan spokesman Scott Reif had no comment.
Cuomo in January for the first time included a version of the CVA in his state budget proposal. The Assembly Democrats included a different version in their recommended spending plan.
The Senate Republicans, who have blocked passage of the measure in prior years, left the door open for a deal this year in their budget plan by expressing support for "amendments to both the civil and criminal statutes of limitations to further protect children from sexual predators."
The key roadblock is a provision pushed by advocates to create a one-year window to revive old cases time-barred under current law. That's is vehemently opposed by the Senate GOP, the Catholic Church, the Orthodox Jewish community and the Boy Scouts of America.
- By Kenneth Lovett, New York Daily News
Redistricting proposal places Tama County outside Rep. Hinsons district
New maps could lead to a remaking of the political landscape in Iowa Tama County included. What is now a quadrant of four U.S. ...
An image bearing the head of Queen Hatshepsut, Egypt's first female pharaoh, has been discovered in an ancient artifact excavated from an unknown location.
The ancient artifact has been stored in the Swansea University Egypt Centre before it was requested for a handling session led by lecturer Ken Griffin.
Apparently, what was first thought to be just another relic turned out to be a rare discovery. Upon close examination, Griffin and his students determined that the two limestone fragments contained hieroglyphs, a figure with a cobra on the forehead, and an iconic fan behind the head.
Although the figure's face is missing, the Egyptologist immediately recognized that it belonged to none other than Queen Hatshepsut. First off, the writings make use of a female pronoun, suggesting that the head belonged to one of the few female rulers of ancient Egypt.
In addition, Griffin identified the fan's details, as well as the hair and headdress features of the figure, to resemble reliefs in the queen's temple at Deir-el Bahri, which was constructed during the rise of the New Kingdom.
Even though the lecturer managed to identify the Pharaoh depicted in the Egyptian artifact, it presents two archeological mysteries that, unfortunately, remain unsolved.
Hatshepsut Head Recovered From Unknown Location
According to an official report, Griffin tried searching the Egypt Centre's records for information regarding the artifact's excavation site. However, he found nothing.
He only knew that it came into the university's possession by 1971 as part of a collection that belonged to Sir Henry Wellcome, an entrepreneur who lived from 1853 to 1936 and dabbled in London's pharmaceutical industry.
Judging from the cuts at the back of the ancient fragments that are less than 5 centimeters thick, the Egyptologist believes it had been removed from the wall of either a tomb or temple.
It is likely that it was dug up from Deir el-Bahri around the late 19th century prior the temple's excavation by the Egypt Exploration Society between 1902 and 1909. Back then, the group was known as the Egypt Exploration Fund.
Artifacts within the temple had only been recorded in 1961. It was not until this year that the Polish Archaeological Mission started exploring, restoring, and archiving their finds in Hatshepsut's sacred ground.
Upper Head Fragment Shows Bearded Male
Another strange quality of the Egyptian relic is how the upper fragment shows the image of a bearded man. Such evidence does not match depictions of the female pharaoh.
Griffin initially had no explanation for this puzzle. He later revealed that the upper fragment had been previously removed and replaced to augment the attractiveness and value of the piece. Such was probably done by an auctioneer, antique seller, or whoever owned it before.
Nonetheless, the artifact with Hatshepsut's head has helped Swansea students gain a deeper understanding of the ancient Egyptian civilization.
"While most of the students have never visited Egypt before, the handling sessions help to bring Egypt to them," says Griffin in a news release.
Hatshepsut served as Egypt's fifth pharaoh during the 18th dynasty that spanned from 1478 to 1458 BC. Her reign was marked by peace and economic prosperity, allowing her to establish numerous monuments across the nation.
2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Discoveries from a 3,000-year-old Mayan site in Guatemala reveal that ancient people have raised and traded dogs for food and ceremonial purposes.
Archeologists found and examined bones as well as the teeth of cats and dogs in the Ceibal mining site that existed in 700 to 350 B.C.
The purpose of the study that was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences was to test samples of isotopes and conclude whether the animals were domesticated or were fed in the wild.
Scientists used carbon isotopes to identify the animal's food sources. High levels of carbon isotopes, for example, would mean that the animal might have been corn-fed while low isotopes would indicate that it ate in the wild.
These figures show that the dogs that existed during the Mayan civilization were domesticated and given corn as food. Meanwhile, deer bones exhibited butcher marks, suggesting that they may have been hunted in the wild and are likely not fed with local crops. The cats, including a large one resembling a jaguar, showed isotope characteristics of eating wild plants.
Interestingly, the study, led by Ashley Sharpe, an archaeologist from Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, revealed that the remains of the two dogs excavated in Ceibal in Guatemala indicated isotopes that the animals likely adapted a drier and mountainous environment.
"This is the first evidence from the Americas of dogs being moved around the landscape. Around 1000 A.D. there's evidence that dogs were moved out to islands in the Caribbean, but the Ceibal remains are dated at about 400 BC," Sharpe said.
Animals As Symbol Of Power And Economic Stability
Sharpe said that further studies are needed to investigate what roles did animals, like dogs, play in the evolution of the Mayan civilization or the ancient Mesoamerica in general.
"My colleagues at the Ceibal-Petexbatun Archaeological Project will publish additional analyses, and I'm looking forward to finding out if all of the human remains at the site are from the region," Sharpe said.
However, the researchers concluded that dogs were likely used in ceremonies to demonstrate power or were traded among other tribes.
She further explained that animals played pivotal roles in the evolution of ancient societies in Asia, Africa, and Europe. In Ancient Rome, Mesopotamia, and China, animals were part of their economic system, which explained why it became fundamental that the animals were transported all the time, Sharpe told CNN.
It is important to note these differences through archaeological studies because, in Americas, animal raising and breeding have religious or cultural significance.
2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Illinois officials are warning the public of the potential dangers of synthetic pot that has sent multiple people to the hospital.
What are the dangers of the fake pot called K2?
Public Warning
The Illinois Department of Health is warning the public of a kind of synthetic pot that has caused severe reactions among some of its users. The agency is also currently conducting an investigation on the said "unusual cluster of cases" wherein four people were hospitalized for severe bleeding in the past two weeks.
Evidently, the first case was reported to the Illinois Poison Center last March 10, and it has since been known that the severe bleeding is due to vitamin k-deficient coagulopathy, a condition that disrupts the blood's ability to clot. However, the exact cause of the condition remains to be unknown.
As such, authorities advise the public to immediately call 911 or rush to the emergency department if they or anyone they know experience adverse effects of synthetic pot. Furthermore, if anyone experiences strange bleeding, it would be advisable to contact a healthcare provider and inform them of any synthetic pot use.
Mind Trip Drug
The synthetic pot is also known as "K2," "spice," and "Mind Trip." According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, synthetic cannabinoids are not one drug. In fact, there are hundreds of such different man-made chemicals manufactured and sold each year.
They are simply called cannabinoids because they affect the same brain receptors as THC, which is the active ingredient in marijuana. However, synthetic cannabinoids affect the brain in different and unpredictable ways than marijuana.
Such products may be severely harmful to health. In fact, it can affect brain function and manifest symptoms such as seizures, confusion, agitation, hallucinations, psychosis, suicidal thoughts, and violent behavior.
Moreover, it can also cause muscle damage, kidney failure, breathing problems, gastric problems, stroke, and heart attack. They are also considered addictive products.
Synthetic pot is illegal, and many state governments have their own laws against such substances. However, in order to work around the existing laws, some manufacturers create new products with different ingredients.
Also, as there is no regulation on the product, two similar-looking packs of synthetic pot may have completely different ingredients.
It's actually rather easy to purchase synthetic pot, as they can be easily bought in convenience stores or from online stores which market the product as a natural product. It, perhaps, adds to the dangers of such products as it can be marketed as an alternative to marijuana even if it is man-made and has different effects.
2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Mike Hughes, the flat-earther who gained public attention with his plan to launch himself into the air in a homemade rocket, has finally blasted himself off into California sky.
Mission Accomplished
The rocketeer launched himself about 1,875 feet into the air on Saturday, March 24, aboard his Liberty One rocket before he landed in the Mojave Desert.
Hughes sustained some bruises and had a minor back injury from the hard landing. His steam-powered rocket was also damaged but he came down in one piece. It was also finally mission accomplished after two failed attempts.
"I'm tired of people saying I chickened out and didn't build a rocket," he said. I manned up and did it."
Third Time's A Charm
Hughes first announced his plan to launch himself in a homemade rocket in November last year but he canceled the feat after failing to get a permit from the Bureau of Land Management that would allow him to launch on a public land.
He was supposed to make a second attempt in February but he encountered technical problems. The self-taught rocket scientist said that a problem with the actuator prevented his rocket from igniting and lifting off.
Hughes worked on overhauling the rocket in his garage after this and decided to have his third attempt near Amboy, California on Saturday.
"Everything is ready to reassemble back inside the propulsion system," Hughes posted on Facebook on March 11. "I will open the launch up to all the media / looks like march 24."
The Show Must Go On
Conditions on Saturday initially threatened another cancellation. The wind was blowing and the rocket was losing steam but the 61-year-old daredevil decided to proceed with the launch. Hughes finally blasted off into the sky sometime after 3 p.m. PDT without a countdown.
Waldo Stakes, who has been helping Hughes with his endeavor, said that the rocket's speed reached around 350 mph before Hughes pulled his parachute. Hughes had to deploy a second parachute since he was dropping too fast. The rocket landed about 1,500 from the launch ramp with its nose broken in two pieces.
Rocket Town
The launch was green-lighted by Albert Okura, who bought the desert town in 2005. Okura, who was there at the launch. said that the event lasted between three and four minutes. He said that Hughes branded Amboy as "Rocket Town" and it was amazing.
Here is a video of the launch uploaded on YouTube.
2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Black Spring Break organizers expect a large crowd for the April 13-15 event at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum, but one hip-hop star says hes not coming.
In fact, hes boycotting the popular urban festival all together.
Baton Rouge rapper Boosie Badazz (formerly Lil Boosie), whose real name is Torence Hatch, made a post on his Instagram account Thursday, March 22, 2018, that said, No Black Beach 2018. He also used the hastags #theydiduswrong, #notsupporting, #dowhatsrightnpayme, #whycantishop and #becarefulifyougo.
Boosie made a scheduled appearance at an after-party event last year, and was on the Coast shopping at a Biloxi store on the last day of the three-day festival.
Three people who Biloxi police said were associates of Boosie also were arrested April 9 on charges of simple assault on a police officer, a felony, and simple assault on the security officer: Ivy Givens, 19, of Baton Rouge; Sedale Coleman, 32, of Tucker, Georgia; Patrick Tolbert, 26, of Mobile. Two juveniles were also arrested.
Lil Boosie lawsuit says Biloxi officer used racial slur, pepper-sprayed pregnant woman Baton Rouge rapper Torrence Boosie Badazz Hatch filed a complaint Tuesday in Harrison County Circuit Court over being pepper-sprayed in Dill
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Boosie was not arrested, but he did claim that Biloxi police stole more than $1 million in jewels.
Biloxi Police Chief John Miller denied Boosies accusations. The jewelry was later returned to Boosies tour manager.
A few days after the pepper-spraying incident, the Baton Rouge native took to social media to show his displeasure with Biloxi and Black Spring Break 2017.
The video post ended with the hashtag #nobiloxinomore.
For the original story from The Sun Herald, click here.
A quarter century ago, Kathe Hambrick stood on the levee overlooking the former Tezcuco Plantation in the Darrow area of Ascension Parish. Looking across the land that today is the site of the Shell Convent Refinery, she thought about the slaves who once worked in the sugar cane fields there.
Hambrick soon after set out on a quest to learn more about the people who were enslaved at plantations in the area. On Saturday, she led a memorial ceremony at the refinery for more than 1,000 slaves who were buried in two plantation cemeteries discovered on nearby property.
The unmarked graves were found in 2013 when Shell ordered an archaeological survey. As many as 1,000 people were buried at the Monroe Plantation, and several hundred more at the Bruslie Plantation.
+3 Graves of 1,000 enslaved people found near Ascension refinery; Shell to host memorial this week DARROW The unmarked graves of as many as 1,000 slaves who toiled in the agricultural fields of two Ascension Parish plantations were uncover
Hambrick, the founder of the River Road African American Museum, and members of the museum's Burial Grounds Committee have been working with Shell to decide how best to honor those buried in the cemeteries and preserve the sites.
The Monroe cemetery is in a stand of trees surrounded by sugar cane fields, while the one at Bruslie is in an open field. Shell recently installed protective posts, benches and historic markers at both places.
"This project is very meaningful in many ways obviously, starting for the people who worked those plantations, who are interred out there," said Hugues Bourgogne, general manager of the Shell Convent Refinery. "This is the day where we are going to pay them respect and give them the right of human dignity that they did not enjoy during their living times."
"We are very proud at Shell to enable the descendant community to reconnect with your family heritage," he added.
Some of the roughly 300 people who attended the ceremony have ancestors who were slaves at those plantations and others in the area. Buses were available to take them to the cemeteries.
Hambrick said there are similar cemeteries in Louisiana and across the country where graves are unmarked and it's unclear who exactly was interred there. Those sites often are revealed when new highways, subdivisions and other developments are proposed, she said.
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Efforts are underway to ask Congress to give slave cemeteries the same level of protection as Native American burial grounds, Hambrick said.
State Rep. Ken Brass, D-Vacherie, said Saturday that he and state Sen. Ed Price, D-Gonzales, plan to file legislation soon to form a committee that would be tasked with protecting slave burial grounds in Louisiana.
Bourgogne said Shell hopes to continue working with Hambrick's museum to educate people about the cemeteries and their history.
"It is very important for us to remember the lessons of the past," he said.
Ingrid Palmquist, whose ancestors owned Tezcuco Plantation and others in the Darrow area, spoke at the ceremony.
"The people we honor today provided wealth, privilege and opportunity for their owners and the descendants of those owners for generations while their own descendants were emancipated into Jim Crow, segregation and its persisting aftermath," said Palmquist, who lives in Maryland.
She said those people's stories have not been told widely enough, and that Louisiana must address its past more honestly.
"When we hear tales of graceful and grand plantations and the fine families that owned them, let's remember reality," Palmquist said. "A plantation was the scene of a crime against humanity, and there is nothing fine about owning people."
A.P. Tureaud Jr. who is Palmquist's cousin and a descendant of both plantation owners and slaves said the cemeteries can offer a better understanding of history as well as inspiration to fix current problems.
"We need to celebrate what we are experiencing today," said Tureaud, who lives in New York. "We need to preserve the history that happened. Whether you like it or not, it's the real world. We need to move ahead from it to forge a better life for these beautiful children who are here, and for all of us to live in a world that works, that makes sense."
Louisiana native and adult film star Stormy Daniels will appear on CBS' "60 Minutes" Sunday in a much-anticipated interview to discuss her alleged affair with President Donald Trump more than a decade ago.
Daniels, whose legal name is Stephanie Clifford, has said their affair began in 2006 and continued for about a year.
Trump, through his representatives, has denied Clifford's allegations.
On Saturday, Clifford told the Washington Post that her work in the porn industry has helped to prepare her for the intense media attention surrounding the alleged affair and her "60 Minutes" interview with CNN's Anderson Cooper.
"Being in the adult industry, I've developed a thick skin and maybe a little bit of a dark sense of humor," she told the Washington Post. "But nothing could truly prepare someone for this."
Last week, former Playboy model Karen McDougal also spoke to Cooper in a televised interview, alleging that a 10-month affair she claims she had with Trump started with him offering her money after the first time they had sex.
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McDougal said her encounters with Trump began in 2006 and lasted until April 2007, roughly the same time that Daniels claims she was having an affair with Trump.
'60 Minutes' interview with Louisiana porn star Stormy Daniels in works, official says NEW YORK (AP) The head of CBS News said Tuesday that a "60 Minutes" interview with adult film star Stormy Daniels is on its way but that mor
Clifford filed a lawsuit earlier this month seeking to invalidate a nondisclosure agreement she signed days before the 2016 presidential election. In the lawsuit, she said their relationship included encounters in Lake Tahoe, Nevada, and Beverly Hills, California.
Trump married his current wife, Melania Trump, in 2005, and their son, Barron, was born in 2006.
Clifford has also offered to repay $130,000 she was paid for agreeing not to discuss the relationship and argued in court documents that the agreement is legally invalid because it was only signed by Clifford and Trumps attorney Michael Cohen, but was not signed by Trump.
"60 Minutes" will air Sunday on CBS at 6 p.m. Central.
The Associated Press contributed to this report
After yet another year where Louisiana's nursing homes ranked among the worst in the nation, a group of legislators are taking aim at the powerful nursing home industry in an attempt to radically change the way the state takes care of its elderly and disabled population.
Legislators from both the left and right say they are frustrated by the way the state's system is heavily stacked toward nursing homes, when home-health programs are less expensive and widely preferred by senior citizens. Nursing homes receive 77 percent of the Medicaid budget designated for elderly and physically disabled, with home-based programs getting the rest. In most states, the rate is closer to 60-40.
At least three bills have been filed with the intention of changing the way nursing homes are funded and managed, in part to free up more resources for alternative options for the elderly. Another bill would allow for surveillance devices in nursing homes so people can monitor the care of their loved ones. All four bills are scheduled for their first hearing of the legislative session on either Tuesday or Wednesday this week.
Legislators say the cumulative effect of their bills passing could also save the state significant sums, well over $200 million a year.
+5 Special report: Labeled 'a good-ol' boy system,' politicians in no rush to reform unpopular nursing homes A team of government experts and industry stakeholders spent more than two years painstakingly crafting a plan that would have reduced Louisianas expensive and unpopular reliance on nursing homes to house the states most helpless residents.
"This is really about seniors who want to have other options other than nursing homes," said state Rep. Tony Bacala, R-Prairieville, who is carrying one of the bills. "We don't rate well in the national average, if we're not last, we're darn close to it."
The Louisiana Nursing Home Association did not respond to phone calls and emails seeking comment for this story. But the association purchased more than $101,000 worth of commercial ad space on Baton Rouge TV channels to air a 30-second commercial in March and April espousing the benefits of nursing home care.
"Nursing homes today are a lot more focused on quality of life," a narrator on the commercial says. "We see a lot of cases where people are home alone, not taking care of themselves and then they come here and are rejuvenated."
Managed care
This year, legislators have doubled down on a bill to expand access to home health programs that has twice been killed in committee in previous years. As an added benefit, the change could generate at least $100 million dollars for the cash-strapped state, according to an assessment last year by the Legislative Fiscal Office.
+10 Special report on nursing homes: Inside Louisiana system that values profits over patients The past 10 months have ticked away at a torturously slow pace for Kenny Johnson, who prayed every day hed get the call telling him it was time to leave the nursing home.
"We're pretty much forcing people into a situation that they may or may not want to be in," Sen. Conrad Appel, R-Metairie, said of nursing homes. "My expectation is that we're doing that at a great cost to the state when instead we could be giving people the option to go to a nursing home or not, subject to their own condition and choice, and maybe have a huge savings to the state. To me, it's a no-brainer."
Appel is sponsoring one of the nursing home bills, Senate Bill 357, which is expected to shift more people out of nursing homes by expanding home- and community-based services. Under these services, aides and health care professionals provide daily help to elderly people who need assistance to stay in their own homes.
The mechanism that enables the change is called Medicaid managed care, which means the state would hire private insurance companies to manage the elderly Medicaid population. The private companies would make decisions about whether an elderly client is best suited to be in a nursing home or in their home setting with assistance and the theory is that more people would end up outside of nursing homes because it's more cost efficient.
There's about 28,000 people on waiting lists across the state to receive home- and community-based care.
+8 Special report: Lawmakers, politicians vote to enrich La. nursing homes, instead of saving money Year after year, Louisiana lawmakers gather in Baton Rouge and grouse about the unpalatable choices they face: Cut state services, raise taxes or do some of both.
Expanding the managed care population to include nursing homes means more private companies would be paying the state a 5 percent managed care tax, which has been projected to generate between $100 million and $200 million a year.
Detractors of the bill have in the past raised concerns that private insurance companies could hurt quality of care because they are motivated by profit and could deny more claims or move people out of nursing homes who are not fit to live alone.
"I was happy with the services I had been seeing with the nursing homes," said Rep. Bernard LaBas, D-Ville Platte, who last year voted against a similar measure. "I did not see where they were going to guarantee the kind of care where people are completely cared for like they are in a nursing home."
Under former Gov. Bobby Jindal, the state moved to a managed care model for the majority of the state's regular Medicaid population.
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Jindal's administration initially planned to include nursing homes. But that plan was abandoned one day after the then-leader of the nursing home association emailed the former Louisiana Department of Health secretary to tell her the association opposed the plan. Jindal received well over $1 million in campaign contributions from nursing home leaders to support his gubernatorial and presidential campaigns.
Appel called the bill a "win-win" because it both helps the state's bottom line and gives seniors more options. But he acknowledged the challenges ahead.
For the past two years, the managed care bill has been vigorously opposed by the Louisiana Nursing Home Association one of the State Capitol's most prolific campaign contributors and has never gotten out of committee. The Advocate reported last year that the industry had pumped more than $6 million into various Louisiana political campaigns over the past decade and a half.
But this year, the bill has amplified support. It's bipartisan and bicameral with a version originating in both the House and the Senate, meaning it has two opportunities to get out of committee. The bill already has amassed 19 co-sponsors, which is an unusual but strategic show of support so early in the process.
"My hope is that having a large number of co-sponsors, much more than you typically see on a bill at this stage, will at least have people take a second look and be a little more open-minded to the bill," said Bacala, who is carrying the companion bill to Appel's on the House side.
The bill is being supported by the AARP of Louisiana, which has grown more vocal in expressing its displeasure with Gov. John Bel Edwards, who it says has reneged on a promise he made to support managed care for seniors when he was running for office. As governor, Edwards could direct his administration to implement managed care without legislation.
"Gov. Edwards has gone back on his word when he was a candidate and is still choosing to ignore the 90 percent of Louisianans who want to live at home instead of in a nursing home," said Andrew Muhl, a lobbyist with AARP of Louisiana. "The governor has said repeatedly that there have been significant savings and quality improvement in the existing managed care program. ... However, when it comes to seniors, he is unwilling to include them in these same benefits, which is a reversal from what he said during his campaign."
Edwards said in an interview with The Advocate that he still had concerns about the way managed care for elders was playing out in other states and wanted to ensure the change wouldn't result in a reduction of quality. He also said he's concerned that there's a high administrative cost to implement the change that the state can't afford right now.
"It's not something that we are pursuing this year; it's not something I've said no to, but we are not there yet," Edwards said.
Rate change bill
State Rep. Kirk Talbot, R-River Ridge, said he's supporting Bacala's bill and adding one of his own that would change the formula used by the state to reimburse nursing homes. The formula has been derided by the state Legislative Auditor's Office as uncommonly generous.
Last year, a series of reports by The Advocate showed that Louisiana's nursing homes have received steeper and more regular increases in their rate payments than any other medical sector. Doctors, hospitals and home and community- and home-based health providers have seen their rates cut over the same period that nursing home per diems have skyrocketed.
Nursing homes also get statutorily guaranteed rate increases every two years. Over the last decade, nursing home rates have increased by 54 percent from $112.34 to $172.82 per person each day, despite the fact that occupancy has remained virtually the same. Talbot's bill also would end the automatic rate increases and create a formula that more closely matches other states, and includes incentives for quality measures.
Talbot cited a legislative auditor's report that indicated that if Louisiana changed its rates to mirror other states, it could save $80 million a year.
Surveillance bill
Rep. Helena Moreno, D-New Orleans, is sponsoring House Bill 281, which would allow residents of nursing homes or their family members or guardians to keep monitoring devices in their rooms.
Moreno couldn't be reached for comment.
Last year, a woman filed a suit in federal court on behalf of her 92-year-old mother because she was forbidden from placing a video camera in her room in a nursing home. The elderly woman, who had dementia, was found with a black eye that her caretakers could not explain.
The dementia patient died recently, which ended the lawsuit.
"We don't see why the nursing homes wouldn't be open to letting families see the care they are providing, especially if the care is good and residents and families choose this option," said Muhl, whose group, AARP, is supporting the measure.
Last week, Republican Gov. Phil Bryant signed a bill into law making Mississippi the first state in the nation to ban abortions past 15 weeks of delivery.
Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards was asked about the legislation and did not waffle. Edwards, a Democrat, has not been shy about being anti-abortion and said he would be inclined to sign a 15-week abortion ban. The ban on abortions in Louisiana is currently at 20 weeks.
Edwards statement on the Mississippi law is no small thing. The Mississippi 15-week ban is the strongest anti-abortion legislation ever passed in our nation. For Edwards to sign it would enrage the fastest-growing segment of his party, the hard left.
Edwards said he would need to see specific legislation before committing, but he has no opposition to the concept of barring abortions after the 15-week period.
"As people know, or should know, I am very much a pro-life individual," he said.
Edwards did try to throw his base a bone after coming out in favor of the 15-week abortion ban. He compared his views on abortion to his decision to expand Medicaid in Louisiana, providing health care coverage to nearly 470,000 people since his executive order in 2016.
"The same Catholic Christian faith that informs my view on abortion also informs my view on Medicaid expansion," he said. "It just happens that one of those positions is deemed to be on the conservative side of things and one on the liberal or progressive side.
Report: Obama strategist says Mitch Landrieu has 'strong appeal' as presidential candidate Talk of New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu possibly running for president in 2020 has cranked up in the past few weeks as the polarizing politic
Meanwhile, New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu was soaking up more of the national spotlight this past week after Politico ran a story entitled The Southern Democrat who could shake up the 2020 field. Politico first referred to Landrieu as a Cajun in the original title. I guess those D.C. types think of all of us down here on the bayou are Cajuns.
Despite what Landrieu says, he clearly has political ambitions beyond Louisiana. I tried to pin him down recently on his position on abortion. See if you can decipher a position from his prepared statement:
I believe that life is precious and should be treated with reverence from beginning to end. Creating a culture of life that is a seamless garment, is the goal I aspire to. It is essential that we not only work together to reduce the number of abortions in America, but also alleviate the conditions that many women face which cause them to make this incredibly painful choice in the first place. My votes in the Legislature and my governing philosophy reflect these beliefs. I have worked to balance these competing and compelling interests and to reconcile my faith with my oath to the constitution.
Ambiguity anyone? I understand abortion is a difficult topic, and most people would rather not think about it. But it is incumbent upon those seeking office to take a strong, clear and decisive position on abortion. They owe that to the unborn baby desperately in need of protection.
A federal judge has already temporarily blocked Mississippis abortion ban bill. A long legal fight is ahead. A bill similar to the one in Mississippi has been introduced in the Louisiana Legislature by a Democrat, state Sen. John Milkovich, of Keithville. Under Milkovich's bill, anyone who performs an abortion after the 15-week period could face up to 10 years in prison and a $100,000 fine.
If you believe one of the most important jobs of a politician is to protect the most vulnerable among us, then it's safe to say most are failing miserably. A mothers womb is one of the most dangerous places in America today. Bryant hopes to make his state the safest for an unborn baby. Credit John Bel Edwards for bucking his own party and taking a courageous stand along with Bryant.
Email Dan Fagan at faganshow@gmail.com.
Students from St. Amant High School participated in a national school walkout on March 14 at 10 a.m. to honor and pay respects to the lives that were lost in the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High school shooting. The walkout lasted 17 minutes, one minute for each of the lives lost in the shooting. During the walkout, junior Reace Dedon read aloud articles on each of the 17 people killed that day. Students held signs, wrote letters to Congress and had the opportunity to register to vote for the upcoming midterm election on Nov. 6.
Olivia Keefe is tired of being afraid to go to school.
The Ben Franklin High School junior voiced that fear the fear of being killed while sitting in a classroom Saturday when she spoke to a crowd of thousands at Duncan Plaza who had just marched through the city calling for tougher gun control laws.
And even though Keefe was speaking to a crowd in New Orleans, it was clear she directed her message to a different crowd members of Congress.
You think I dont know what Im talking about, but youre not the one who grew up practicing active shooter drills, she said. When an armed bank robber was located a block away from your school, youre not the one who hid behind a desk and prayed you wouldnt be killed. Your teacher didnt have to tell you to stop crying when you thought you would never see your mother again.
The New Orleans March for Our Lives was one of hundreds in cities across the country, according to the organizers' website, with the primary march in Washington, D.C., drawing hundreds of thousands.
All were inspired by the massacre last month at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, that left 17 students and adults dead.
It was the deadliest school shooting since 2012, when 26 people, most of them 6 or 7 years old, were killed in Sandy Hook, Connecticut.
But unlike after other such mass shootings, the Parkland students have turned their grief and anger into a movement since the Feb. 14 massacre.
About 6,000 people showed up for the New Orleans march, organizers said, including several local elected officials who came to voice their support, including City Council President Jason Williams, state Sen. and Councilwoman-elect Helena Moreno and state Rep. Gary Carter.
Thousands of protesters making their way through the Marigny at #MarchForOurLivesNOLA. @theadvocateno pic.twitter.com/ok4M1pyFri Nick Reimann (@nicksreimann) March 24, 2018
Mayor-elect LaToya Cantrell was absent, though, upsetting march organizers.
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She should be out here in front of this issue supporting our kids today, said Stacy Pfingsten, one of the organizers with Moms Demand Action, a gun control advocacy group that helped put together Saturdays event.
Pfingsten, as well as Moms Demand Action chief local organizer Lori Strosnider, said Cantrell had the event on her calendar for two weeks before canceling on Wednesday.
We were told Wednesday afternoon that she was too busy with her transitional duties to be here for the kids today, and were very disappointed, Pfingsten said.
Williams said he was proud to be at Saturdays event and that he hopes marches like the ones across the country Saturday will push legislators to pass tougher restrictions on guns.
Williams said he would support measures the marchers demanded, which include universal background checks on gun buyers, raising the age to buy assault weapons and a repeal of the Dickey Amendment a 1996 law that said "none of the funds made available for injury prevention and control at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention may be used to advocate or promote gun control."
An assault weapon a killing machine has no place in an urban setting. It has nothing to do with hunting, Williams said. Ive never been a fan of guns. I respect the constitutional amendment, but at the end of the day killing machines have no place in our city streets.
Strosnider agreed, saying that even though the Florida school shooting inspired the march, the end goal of restricting access to guns goes far beyond just school shootings.
Guns are far too easy to get in New Orleans, Strosnider said, which results in people using violence to solve problems as well as accidents when guns are found by children.
For Keefe, though, its all about feeling safe when she goes to school. She said shes dealt with a number of threats throughout her life, including one that happened as recently as 12 days ago.
She said shes seen a classmate get arrested after making a serious threat. She said shes seen too many active shooter drills. And she said shes seen too many times of mourning after mass school shootings.
Instead of snow days, Ive had school shooter days, partially because we live in Louisiana, Keefe said. We are the generation, the children, being killed when you dont advocate for gun control.
Jefferson Parish Sheriff Joe Lopinto cruised to victory in a special election Saturday, securing another two years in the job and fending off John Fortunato after a pugnacious campaign that featured increasingly personal attacks by both candidates.
Lopinto received 52 percent of the vote, a comfortable margin for an incumbent who trailed in initial polling even though he enjoyed the backing of much of the Jefferson Parish political establishment.
The most recent polls showed the race as a toss-up as election day neared, prompting last-minute campaign contributions and an aggressive get-out-the-vote effort by both candidates. But Lopinto gained momentum after a series of gaffes by Fortunato, a longtime lawman who, after a promising start, faltered in his first bid for public office.
After weeks of disparaging one another in interviews and attacks, both candidates insisted late Saturday they had run "clean" campaigns.
"Seven months ago, the citizens of Jefferson Parish didn't know who I was," Lopinto said, addressing jubilant supporters at the Lakeway Marriott hotel. "Over the last seven months, we showed them who Joe Lopinto is."
The sheriff, who previously served more than two terms in the state Legislature, said he was looking forward to returning to work Monday, and thanked the rank-and-file who were patrolling the parish even as he and his family enjoyed a raucous election party. "We're just beginning, y'all," he added.
In a concession speech at the Pontchartrain Center, a still-beaming Fortunato said he did not harbor a single regret.
"I know that we put our best foot forward," he said. "This is not going to be a somber moment for us. We're going to continue partying, like we planned on doing, until 11 o'clock at night."
Can't see video below? Click here.
The special election capped a bitter campaign that began just weeks after former Sheriff Newell Normand last summer handed Lopinto the reins of Louisiana's largest law enforcement agency. The race divided the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office even as it captivated the electorate, which had not experienced a close race for sheriff in more than a generation.
The campaign, largely devoid of policy debates, amounted to a referendum on which candidate had the more relevant resume. Fortunato flooded the parish with "Experience matters" placards, and Lopinto responded with signs of his own bearing the slogan "Real experience matters."
That one-upmanship highlighted the tit-for-tat tenor of the race, as the candidates aired more-or-less misleading advertisements and accused each other of ethics violations.
Lopinto overcame his own missteps including a surveillance scandal that raised questions about his candor and a lack of name recognition that gave Fortunato an early edge. He began his tenure in the shadow of his predecessor, seeking to make a name for himself and taking umbrage at any suggestion that he was Normand's surrogate.
Normand had been among the most influential law enforcement leaders in the region, having inherited the immense popularity of his mentor, longtime Sheriff Harry Lee, and easily winning re-election to a third term in 2015.
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Lopinto insisted he was blindsided by Normand's decision to retire and take a job as a WWL Radio talk-show host. But even he acknowledged that his ascension in the Sheriff's Office had been head-spinning, having been hired as Normand's in-house counsel in 2016 and installed the next year as chief deputy.
Fortunato, 66, felt slighted by Normand's choice of successor and by Normand's dismissive comments about Fortunato, deriding Lopinto's appointment as a "coronation" and urging voters to reject what he called the Jefferson Parish "political machine."
When Fortunato's name first surfaced as a potential candidate, Normand said: "The last three sheriffs (of Jefferson Parish) have been lawyers. I don't know that Johnny has a college degree."
Fortunato embraced that working-class image, wooing west bank communities and enjoying widespread support among black voters. He ran a grass-roots campaign in which he portrayed himself as an old-school policeman, promising to "take politics out" of law enforcement.
Lopinto, meanwhile, enjoyed the benefit of serving for seven months in the office he was seeking and having ample opportunities to get his name and face before the public when major news happened. He called news conferences repeatedly throughout the campaign and sought to emphasize the historic lows the parish has enjoyed in most major crime categories.
Lopinto also had a considerable fundraising advantage, taking in more than $1.2 million, compared with about half that much for Fortunato.
The candidates, both Republicans, differed in their background and interpretation of the role of the sheriff. Fortunato, a populist without polish, promised a return to community policing and other crime-fighting tactics that flourished in the 1990s.
Lopinto dismissed Fortunato as a behind-the-times dinosaur who lacked the leadership skills to manage an agency with 1,500 employees. He likened the office to that of a CEO, citing the agency's $125 million budget.
Fortunato's four-decade tenure at the Sheriff's Office included stints as a detective and commander of Lee's community relations division. He was shot in the line of duty in 1977 and later served for more than 30 years as the agency's spokesman.
Lopinto lacks the hot temper and flair of his predecessor, but, like Normand, he has never lost an election. He touted his experience in the state House of Representatives where he served two terms and was re-elected to a third before stepping down in 2016 and as a Sheriff's Office attorney. He also pointed to his time as a deputy, having joined the Sheriff's Office in 1997 and been promoted from patrol officer to narcotics detective.
Lee's legacy loomed large throughout the campaign, with each candidate staking a claim to the throne. Fortunato held up his longtime relationship with Lee, having served as his spokesman and confidant. But Lee's daughter, Cynthia Lee-Sheng, a parish councilwoman, endorsed Lopinto, as did much of the Jefferson Parish political establishment.
"We had two good men running for this office," Lee-Sheng said late Saturday, calling Fortunato a friend.
Lopinto stumbled early on, seeking to play down his role in a controversy in which three deputies went to an Elmwood coffee shop last fall to retrieve a surveillance video of Fortunato meeting with two retired lawmen. The sheriff insisted the deputies acted on their own accord and that he had not been aware of the footage before the Sheriff's Office received a public records request for it.
But an internal investigation found that Lopinto in fact had asked one of the deputies to retrieve the coffeehouse video, raising questions about whether the sheriff had abused his power and misled the public.
Fortunato sought to capitalize on the incident but later found himself on the defensive after he reversed his position on whether he would support Mike Yenni, the embattled parish president, for re-election.
Fortunato initially broke ranks with virtually every elected official in the parish, saying he did not think Yenni should have stepped down after acknowledging he sent inappropriate text messages to a 17-year-old boy. But he changed his tune days later, saying he would "never, ever, ever" endorse Yenni.
For the third time in two years, St. Tammany voters shot down a pair of tax renewals to operate the parish jail and courthouse Saturday.
The Justice Center tax mustered only 48 percent of the vote, while the jail tax fell just 140 votes shy of passing, with more than 27,000 ballots cast.
Parish President Pat Brister, who strongly pushed for the taxes to pass, issued a statement after the losses Saturday night, thanking those who voted for them but saying, "The fact still remains that these failures present a large hole in the parishs operating budget and this will mean cuts across the board."
The current taxes expire March 31.
Up until now, our community has been provided the best in crime protection, quality of life, public services, and efficiency in our justice system for our residents, and we will do our best to continue to protect our community with less, as the voters have decided," Brister said in her statement.
The initial attempt to renew the two taxes for 20 years at a quarter-cent each in 2016 failed by wide margins, fueled by a strong anti-tax mood in the conservative parish. A second attempt last spring, this time at one-fifth of a cent each and for only 10 years, fell short by a couple of hundred votes each.
St. Tammany officials also tried to make the courthouse tax more attractive by promising to dedicate 10 percent of the revenue from it to specialty courts, such as drug court, sobriety court and veterans court, tools that 22nd Judicial District Court judges said were helping to reduce recidivism.
This time, however, the stakes were higher, with both taxes set to expire in a week, creating an $18 million hole in the parish budget.
That means St. Tammany will see a half-cent decrease in the sales tax rate come April 1, with the rate in unincorporated areas dropping from its current 9.75 percent to 9.25 percent.
Parish officials have already been taking steps to cope with the loss of the revenue, putting a hiring freeze into effect. Sheriff Randy Smith laid off some employees and closed a work-release center in Slidell.
But some of the economizing rankled residents, such as the curtailing of hours at the Slidell Fishing Pier and Camp Salmen and the canceling of a Christmas light display.
Brister and the Parish Council also eliminated a series of three-quarter-cent sales taxes in newly created economic development districts under pressure from business groups and in fear of a voter backlash.
Officials have warned that the loss of dedicated revenue for the jail and courthouse, both of which the parish is mandated to provide, would result in steep cuts to other parish operations.
The Towers Building in Slidell, which houses satellite offices for the Clerk of Court's Office and other agencies, has been frequently mentioned as a possible casualty. That possibility came up at a Slidell City Council meeting this month.
Getting support for the taxes in Slidell was viewed as critical for this go-round, with higher turnout expected in the parishs largest municipality, where voters were deciding on a new mayor and seven City Council races.
However, council members said that the potential closure of the Towers Building was a reality, not a scare tactic.
But at least one effort to drum up support for the taxes didnt shy away from using fear as a motivator.
Keep Louisiana Working, a political action committee that describes itself as a bipartisan coalition of citizens, leaders and others interested in promoting a strong economy, in part by limiting government and reducing the tax burden, ran an internet ad that played on two St. Tammany terrors: New Orleans crime and increasing property taxes.
The ad showed a series of idyllic suburban scenes with an ominous soundtrack, switching to images of a body with a toe tag and grieving family members. It warned that New Orleans-style violence would come to St. Tammany if the taxes failed and said the parish had no choice but to hike the taxes.
The ad also said that funding to law enforcement would be cut, as it flashed a Slidell sign, even though the Slidell Police Department is not funded by the parish.
Huey Long, at a U.S. Senate hearing in 1934, was grilling the Kentucky horseman Col. E.R. Bradley. Do you, Long asked with apparent disapproval, gamble?
I gamble on anything, senator, came the reply, not excepting spitting at a crack.
As governor a few years earlier, Long had ordered state police to raid casinos around New Orleans. Nobody could imagine that they would one day be legalized and touted by Long's successors as economic development tools.
Bradley would feel right at home these days in Louisiana. Not only is it already legal to bet on practically anything, but the legislature is poised to make it even easier.
Bradley, whose Black Gold had won the Louisiana and Kentucky Derbies 10 years earlier, was very rich and was shrewd enough to pull off some betting coups. Ordinary mortals will know that it is different for them. You will lose in the long run.
That must be one of the reasons the state constitution decrees, Gambling shall be defined and suppressed by the legislature. A few paragraphs later it provides that the legislature may at any time repeal statutes authorizing gaming, gambling or wagering.
This is nuts. Legislators don't need constitutional authority to repeal statutes, especially ones they were enjoined from passing in the first place. But it is clear that nobody cares what's in the constitution anyway.
Once a state lottery, casinos and video poker had been legalized a generation ago, legislators, perhaps aghast at what they had done, were always at pains to disavow any plan to expand gambling. Now they are falling over each other to do just that.
Sen. Danny Martiny proposes to make video poker machines harder to resist by adding new games and flashier designs. He also wants major breaks for truck stops. Right now, the number of poker machines they can operate is linked to the amount of fuel they sell, but that would be scrapped after 10 years of operation. He also proposes to drop the requirement that their restaurants remain open 12 hours a day.
Rep. Major Thibaut, D-New Roads, has a bill to legalize betting on sporting events at Louisiana race tracks, provided that the U.S. Supreme Court throws out the law that currently gives Nevada a virtual monopoly. Thibaut also wants to let the tracks operate full-fledged casinos. They are currently limited to slots.
Sen. Ronnie Johns, R-Lake Charles, proposes that, all these years after they quit sailing, riverboat casinos be allowed to cast off their paddlewheels and move up to 1,200 feet on shore, where they could each be allowed to accommodate 2,365 gamblers at any one time. That should make it much easier to take customers for a ride.
The DiamondJacks riverboat in Bossier City has proven the slouch among Louisiana riverboats in separating suckers from their dough, but the plan there is not to go terrestrial. Sen. Bodi White, R-Central, has a bill that would let the boat move to the Tangipahoa River. That wouldn't be possible if boats still had to sail, for a craft of any size would soon run aground in it.
House Speaker Taylor Barras, R-New Iberia, is sponsor of a bill that would extend Harrah's contract to operate the casino until 2054. In return Harrah's would spend $350 million on a second hotel and other capital improvements around the casino and add another $7 million to the $60 million in pays in annual government tribute.
We are hearing the same siren song we heard when gambling was legalized. The bills will stimulate investment, and create countless jobs just when the state is in dire need of cash. Gambling did not prove our economic salvation last time, so what we need now is more of it.
This is one of the great confidence tricks. Huge corporations from out of state set up shop, hire a bunch of grateful locals, run games where the house cannot lose, and make off with billions of dollars that could have been profitably invested elsewhere. Bankruptcy, crime, divorce and suicide become more common. And the politicians assure us they have done us all a favor.
Perhaps they have done a favor for those who have fun gambling within their means. But Huey Long would have been shocked by the expansion of gambling in Louisiana, although, behind the scenes, the illegal variety was jake with him, as Bradley presumably knew when making his crack before the committee.
Email James Gill at Gill1407@bellsouth.net.
The Government has proposed to reduce the large company tax rate from its current 30% to 25% by 2026-27. It argues that the reduction is necessary to keep Australias company tax rate internationally competitive and will create jobs and growth, ultimately leading to wages growth.
Its been a hard sell, with those opposing the move citing, among other things, the budgetary cost and a lack of confidence in the reliability of so-called trickle down benefits to Australian workers.
We dont propose to enter into the argument as to whether a drop in the company tax rate is a good or bad thing for the Australian economy. However, as a generalisation, we dont think a tax on companies is a particularly efficient tax, given the scope for avoidance and that shareholders ultimately bear the tax burden. Most likely, it would be more effective to tax shareholders directly.
This article examines some aspects of what a company tax reduction may mean for the returns for investors in company shares. These returns come in two forms either as dividends and/or capital gains. We use some extreme examples to highlight some of the considerations.
How a company tax reduction may affect investors returns
For simplicity, we initially look at the effect on shareholders of a company that pays out all of its profits as dividends and is 100% owned by Australians. We assume our shareholder pays tax at the top marginal tax rate (i.e. 47%, including Medicare levy). The table below shows how a $100 of this companys profits and its shareholders are taxed under the Australian dividend imputation system, at both a 30% and a 25% company tax rate:
The Australian investor ends up with the same after-tax dividend, regardless of the company tax rate. The total tax payment of $47 remains unchanged but its distribution between the company and its shareholder changes.
Similarly, if we assume our shareholder has a 0% tax rate (e.g. a pension fund), the after-tax impact is no different. The tax rate reduction results in an after-tax dividend of $100, regardless of the company tax rate.
Given our assumption of a 100% payout of profits, there is no Government budgetary impact due to the reduction in the company tax rate lower company tax receipts are exactly matched by higher personal income tax receipts. Also, because the company does not retain any of its increased after-tax profits, its hard to see how a change in the company tax rate would change share valuations.
So, in this admittedly unrealistic scenario, a reduction in the company tax rate is unlikely to have any impact on the total returns of Australian investors. But what happens when we change the assumptions, allowing for foreign investors and less than 100% dividend payout ratios.
Many foreign investors are unable to fully utilise Australian imputation or franking credits, in their respective tax jurisdictions. For those foreign investors who cant use the credits, in the example above, the reduction in the company tax rate from 30% to 25% provides them with a windfall $5 increase in cash dividends for every $100 of company profits.
A higher cash dividend increases the return to foreign investors and, assuming nothing else changes, would be expected to result in an increase in the share price. The beneficiaries of the higher dividend will be foreign investors, while both foreign and Australian investors will benefit from the higher share price. The loser will be the Australian Government, as it will not receive the extra $5 in tax that the individual Australian investor pays in the example above.
The next issue to consider is the expected impact on returns when the company doesnt pay out all its profits as dividends. Without any change in its (less than 100%) dividend payout ratio, a drop in the company tax rate will mean that the company retains more cash. For the example above, in the extreme case if the payout ratio is zero, the 5% reduction in the company tax rate will lead to the company retaining a further $5 for each $100 of profit.
Financial economics suggests that the value of a company is determined by the sum of its expected future after-tax cash flows discounted by an appropriate cost of capital (i.e. required investor return). On the face of it, a drop in the company tax rate would translate to an expectation of higher future after-tax cash flow and, therefore, an increase in value. But how much will depend on:
The impact the lower company tax rate has on the cost of capital (e.g. the cost of capital could be expected to rise for a company with a high level of debt, as the after-tax cost of debt rises when the company tax rate falls); and
the share markets assessment of managements ability to effectively use the additional funds.
Another potential implication of a company tax reduction is for shareholders to increasingly prefer that companies reduce dividend payout ratios (i.e. increase earnings retention). The rationale for this is clearest if a zero company tax rate is considered. In this case, a tax paying Australian shareholder is potentially better off not receiving regular dividends, leaving the funds in the companys zero tax environment. Provided the company manages the increased funds responsibly, the investor would ultimately realise their return solely through capital gains and at a time of their choosing. Not only is tax deferral achieved, but capital gains currently receive valuable tax concessions.
In isolation, we expect a company tax reduction will increase shareholder returns
In summary, our analysis suggests the following potential implications for investors resulting from a reduction in the company tax rate:
foreign investors are potentially the largest gainers, from higher cash dividends and, most likely, higher share prices;
Australian investors after-tax dividends would be unchanged, but they would most likely benefit from higher share prices; and
Personal tax considerations would increase investors preference for lower dividend payouts/higher earnings retention.
These conclusions are based on nothing else changing in share markets. Of course, the reality is that our expectations are likely to be swamped by unrelated, inevitable market gyrations, if and when the proposed tax changes are legislated.
>> BACK TO THE NEWSLETTER: Click here to read other articles from this weeks newsletter
By Wealth Foundations
Benjamin Jumbe.
Rwandan president Paul Kagame will arrive in the country this morning for a one day working visit.
His visit comes amidst growing speculation that relations between Uganda and Rwanda have been strained lately following President Kagames skipping of the EAC summit meeting in Kampala earlier this month ,and President Musevenis absence at the just concluded extraordinary African Union summit in Rwanda.
According to the senior presidential Press secretary Don Wanyama President Kagame and his host are set to hold a closed door meeting at state house Entebbe this morning.
He says a delegation from both countries will hold a meeting later and the outcome of their discussion shall be communicated to the media.
What happens when an artist who devoted most of his career to painting landscapes and still lifes turns to the people he knows best?
That is the central premise of an international show of 59 portraits by France's Paul Cezanne opening Sunday at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, the first ever dedicated to this aspect of his oeuvre.
Of the 1,000 paintings the 19th century Provencal painter created during his lifetime, only about 160 are portraits, mostly of his close friends, family and domestic servants.
But it is perhaps in that collection that the evolution of Cezanne's individualistic, revolutionary vision is clearest, as he deconstructs space by boldly painting his wife with vanishing lips or applying layer upon layer of thick paint with a palette knife.
He may have studied Old Master works, but Cezanne "exploded" traditional ways of representing space and volume on a picture plane, said Mary Morton, co-curator of the show and head of the National Gallery's department of French paintings.
Cezanne in many ways paved the way to modernism: even the pioneering Cubist Pablo Picasso, born 42 years after the French painter, called him the "father of us all."
He relies on a "modernist understanding about how visual perception works... It's not stable, it's not linear, it's not from a single point, it's not coherent," Morton told AFP.
Texture was also key. In Antony Valabregue (1866), the artist's submission to the official Salon art exhibition in Paris critical for launching careers, Cezanne's rough-hewn style is on full display.
The jury took the coarsely layered paint and the poet-sitter's defiant and inelegant pose, fists clenched on his thighs, as a slap in the face -- and rejected it.
So roughly had Cezanne treated both the surface and the subject that one jury member commented he had painted not just with a knife but with a pistol.
'Unconventional'
"He is displacing the conventional place that you look for portraiture, which is the face, and that you're expecting a likeness," said Morton, who received a top French civilian honor this week for her contributions to the arts.
"It means that it's perhaps in the color, it's in the shape, it's coming through in an unconventional way."
Cezanne's portraits of his wife, Hortense Fiquet -- who unlike her husband came from a modest background and lacked advanced education -- are especially confounding.
Often unflattering, the pictures show her with an angled oval face, her hair pulled back and parted down the middle. She never smiles.
Some are more sympathetic, such as Madame Cezanne in a Red Armchair (circa 1877) -- but that was painted before their marriage or shortly thereafter. In it she is shown seated on a plush red throne of a chair contrasting with a golden green and blue wallpaper pattern.
In one work from the Madame Cezanne in a Red Dress (1888-1890) series, she sits undisturbed in a blue room, her yellow chair and the wall tilting chaotically behind her.
Co-curator John Elderfield does not, however, see Cezanne's renderings of his wife as commentary on a possible lack of affection in a couple that largely lived apart.
"If (art dealer Ambroise) Vollard is to be believed, he did more than 100 sittings for his portrait. She has about 30 portraits, so that's 3,000 hours. Wouldn't you be a bit fed up sitting there?" asked Elderfield, chief curator emeritus of painting and sculpture at New York's Museum of Modern Art.
"I think that even though facially it seems she's expressionless, it doesn't mean he doesn't care about her."
But Morton does not hesitate to factor in the quality of the relationship, or at least what's known of it.
"There's a really tough time after they're married," she said. "I think there's tension and melancholy, and you get that in a lot of these. I don't think he had an easy time with people."
Read also: Six Picasso exhibitions to see in Europe in 2018
The show runs through July 1 in Washington, the last stop of a tour that took in the Musee d'Orsay in Paris and London's National Portrait Gallery.
Data scientists are in high demand by companies around the world, but in Indonesia, the high demand is met with by a shortage of talent.
Ainun Najib, the head of data at Malaysian ride-hailing company Grab, stated Thursday that the reason behind the talent shortage might be the education system, which was not designed to produce data scientists.
He said the phenomenon was not limited to Indonesia, as data science was relatively new and had only grown significantly in recent years.
With no formal background in education, data scientist talents turned to other fields. Academics are now trying to fill that void, he said.
Algoritma, a startup company, was founded at the end of 2017 as the first data science academy in Indonesia.
Read also: AI is here to stay and here's what you need to know
Ainun said Grab tried to create an environment that would attract talent.
Grab employees come from 45 countries, he added.
Andreas Hadimulyono, a Grab warehouse engineer, pointed to mapping and traffic data that could be used to locate the best routes while using Grabs transportation services.
In this instance, we use data on locations, traffic and time. Even choosing a particular exit at one mall could make a difference in [deciding] which route to take. All of that is based on data, he said.
Ainun said data scientists needed to master three different skill sets: business science and the understanding of marketing and consumers; analytical ability related to mathematics and statistics; and technical ability, particularly in coding and hacking. (wng)
The end of March is a special time of year for food lovers thanks to a series of get-togethers in numerous countries to celebrate French cuisine under the banner of Good France.
In Indonesia, the festival is celebrated in the major cities of Jakarta, Bandung, Yogyakarta, Surakarta, Semarang, Surabaya, Makassar, Manado and Minahasa this year.
The highlight of the festival took place on Wednesday, when participating restaurants offered a special menu.
Some restaurants in Jakarta offered the Good France menu for several days, for instance AMKC Atelier, which will serve the dishes until Tuesday, Avec Moi until April 4, and Emilie until April 21.
Read also: Good France returns with more participants, new highlights
Meanwhile, the renowned Amuz Gourmet serves the menu until today for dinner. The Jakarta Post joined a dinner with French Ambassador to Indonesia and Timor-Leste Jean-Charles Berthonnet at Amuz on Saturday.
A table shared with a few other guests made for a chatty and casual dinner, with conversation touching on various French cheeses. Amuzs signature pastry, gougere, was followed by two options for starters, namely sake-poached chilled king prawn or escargots a la Bourguignonne.
Sake-poached chilled king prawn served at Amuz (JP/Muthi)
Berthonnet, who hails from Lille, said that the most emblematic foods from his homeland were French fries and mussels, although he later said fries were more Belgian than French.
In conjunction with this years Good France theme that showcases the culinary wealth of the French southwestern region of Nouvelle-Aquitane, one main course option was honey-roasted duck magret with foie gras cromesquis. The dish was completed with baked butternut pumpkin, king mushroom, petit pois and pilsner-balsamic jus.
A Good France 2018 dinner at Amuz gourmet restaurant, Jakarta (JP/Muthi)
While waiting for the dessert, a guest asked the ambassador whether French President Emmanuel Macron planned to visit Indonesia. Immediately Berthonnet played President Joko Jokowi Widodos recent video blog post featuring President Macron at the G20 meeting.
He went on to say with a smile that the embassy would help set up a date for the French Presidents visit.
Beyond food, Good France is an initiative to appreciate French gastronomy as a world cultural heritage and to celebrate the spirit of sharing and togetherness.
When she was young and it had snowed overnight, Park Ji Hyun would go outside and build a snowman just like any other child. Unlike them, she would then pour a kettle of boiling water over its head to destroy it.
In her game, the snowman was an American, and thus a deadly enemy of her country North Korea and its beloved leader Kim Il Sung.
Park, now 49, no longer thinks so highly of the Kim family dictatorship. The women's rights activist and two-time escapee has spent the last 10 years living in Britain.
Sitting in a cafe in New Malden, a quiet suburb on the outskirts of London that is home to more than 10,000 South Koreans and the largest number of North Koreans in Europe, she tells the long, sad tale of her journey.
After her uncle died of starvation in a devastating famine that according to Human Rights Watch killed at least one million people in the 1990s, Park fled to China but was quickly sold by a broker into a marriage where she was sexually abused and treated like a slave.
After secretly bearing a son, she was captured by the Chinese authorities and repatriated alone to a labor camp, where she was forced to work until her leg became so badly infected that she was thrown out to die.
Instead, she escaped into China again to reclaim her son and moved to Beijing where they lived in fear of capture until 2008, when a Korean-American pastor helped them find their way to the United Nations and a new life in Britain.
"I think North Korea is the 21st century holocaust," Park told Kyodo News. "My uncle died of starvation... my neighbors, they died of starvation. But nobody remembers."
Read also: S. Korea to send heavyweights of K-pop to North Korea
She is now writing a memoir about her experiences and also works for Connect North Korea, a charity working through a newly opened community center to raise public awareness of North Korean refugees and provide welfare services to help them assimilate into British life.
North Korean refugees face major hurdles to life in Britain, says charity founder Michael Glendinning, such as learning English and developing job skills, "because the work North Koreans often do inside North Korea is not any use within our kind of society."
Many North Koreans end up living in New Malden and working as manual laborers for South Korean companies, leaving them with few opportunities to assimilate or advance their careers, Glendinning said.
Official figures put the number of North Korean refugees in Britain at around 650, although he says there could be anywhere up to 1,000. He says only 30 or so North Korean refugees now enter the country each year, in comparison to 80 or 90 a decade ago.
While Park was provided with refugee status and has subsequently become a citizen, she says others have not found it so easy, and criticizes the British government for not taking more North Korean refugees.
Markus Bell, a lecturer at Sheffield University, claims the British government is not accepting North Korean refugees who arrive via South Korea as genuine asylum seekers because they are considered to have default citizenship in South Korea.
"Of course, the current sentiment on immigration and refugee issues probably doesn't make for a conducive environment," Glendinning said. In a poll published in the immediate aftermath of Britain's referendum on whether to leave the European Union, 33 percent of leave voters said the primary reason for their decision was to have better immigration control.
In response to questions about Britain's stance on North Korean refugees, a spokesperson for the British Home Office said, "The UK has a proud history of granting asylum to those who need our protection and every case is assessed on its individual merits."
Glendinning is also the founder of Korea Future Initiative, a not-for-profit organization that advocates for human rights in North Korea and provides assistance to vulnerable escapees in China and Southeast Asia.
The organization recently released a report on sexual violence against North Korean women, finding that far from being a self-professed "heaven for women," North Korea is in fact "a theatre of extensive, although unquantified, misogyny and sexual violence."
Park supports American President Donald Trump's aggressive stance toward Kim Jong Un, the current leader of North Korea, and says South Korean President Moon Jae In is mistaken in his softer approach.
She thinks the upcoming summit between Trump and Kim planned for May could be a good way to highlight the plight of those still living in North Korea.
"Trump invited North Korean refugees to the White House to hear about their stories, and I think that's a good thing," she says. "If they can talk about North Korean human rights, that could help the people there."
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Sun, March 25, 2018 13:25 1278 2c798a31c212039f000dc5df9cb6ed32 1 Politics JusufKalla,anies-baswedan,election Free
Vice President Jusuf Kalla said it was not impossible for Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan to contest the 2019 presidential election, but it would be better if he focused on his job at the moment.
Kalla and Anies were spotted together on a morning jog from the National Monument (Monas) to the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle, along with South Sulawesi Family Association members.
Everything is possible, but now [Anies should] concentrate on his job as Jakarta governor, Kalla told the media on Sunday, as quoted by kompas.com.
When asked whether he would recommend Anies as a vice presidential candidate, Kalla said that was not his job.
The parties will recommend it. They propose it. Not me, he added.
Kalla also declined to comment on whether he would be President Joko Jokowi Widodos running mate for the second time.
This is not the right time to talk about it. There is still a long way to go, he said. (hol/ahw)
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Linkedin News Desk (Agence France-Presse) London Sun, March 25, 2018 17:30 1278 2c798a31c212039f000dc5df9cb7977d 2 World #facebook,#social-media,#SocialMedia Free
Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg took out full-page ads in almost all of Britain's national newspapers Sunday to apologize for a huge data privacy scandal.
"We have a responsibility to protect your information. If we can't we don't deserve it," the back page ads state.
Zuckerberg explained there was a quiz developed by a university researcher "that leaked Facebook data of millions of people in 2014".
"This was a breach of trust, and I'm sorry we didn't do more at the time. We're now taking steps to make sure this doesn't happen again," he said.
The statement reflects public statements Zuckerberg made last week after the row prompted investigations in Europe and the United States, and sent Facebook's share price plunging.
Zuckerberg repeated that Facebook had changed the rules so no such data breach could happen again.
"We're also investigating every single app that had access to large amounts of data before we fixed this. We expect there are others," he wrote.
"And when we find them, we will ban them and tell everyone affected."
There was no mention of the British firm accused of using the data, Cambridge Analytica, which worked on US President Donald Trump's 2016 campaign.
It too has blamed the University of Cambridge researcher, Alexsandr Kogan, for any potential breach of data rules.
Kogan created a lifestyle quiz app for Facebook which was downloaded by 270,000 people, but allowed access to tens of millions of their contacts.
Facebook says he passed this to Cambridge Analytica without its knowledge. Kogan says he is being made a scapegoat.
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Linkedin Moses Ompusunggu (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Sun, March 25, 2018 10:45 1278 2c798a31c212039f000dc5df9cb6a57f 1 Politics NU,Muhammadiyah,election,hoax Free
Two of the biggest Islamic groups in Indonesia, Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) and Muhammadiyah, have pledged to ensure unity in the world's largest Muslim democracy during "the year of politics" and the era of "rampant hoax.
In a joint statement issued on Friday, NU and Muhammadiyah said they were committed to "strengthening the consensus of the founding fathers" that the stateideology of Pancasila and the unitary state of the Republic of Indonesia "are the final forms" for the country.
"Indonesia is a country that has diversity in terms of ethnic groups and religions that must be protected," read the statement, published on NU's website, nu.or.id.
"Differences must be seen as a blessing to support harmony," the two organizations said.
The two groups specifically highlighted two challenges that face democracy in Indonesia: 2018 as a year of politics and the rampant spread of hoaxes and hate speech.
The term year of politics refers to the upcoming simultaneous regional elections in 119 regions across Indonesia and the intensified efforts by the country's parties to consolidate their positions before the presidential and legislative elections slated for next year.
"Lets make democracy a part of our life, as a nation, to create substantial changes," said the NU and Muhammadiyah.
Amid what they dubbed the era of social media, the NU and Muhammadiyah called on their members to "build a conducive climate" because the rampant spread of hoaxes, hate speech and slander could potentially "disturb the unity of the nation". (ahw)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Sun, March 25, 2018 14:13 1278 2c798a31c212039f000dc5df9cb6ffc3 1 City Earth-Hour,anies-baswedan,jakarta,energy Free
Jakarta managed to save Rp 249 million (US$18,069) during Earth Hour on Saturday night, with electricity consumption being reduced by 169.9 megawatts during the one-hour annual global demonstration in support of action against climate change.
This year's campaign saw a reduction in energy consumption compared to last year when 157 MW were saved, Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan claimed, adding that carbon dioxide emissions were reduced by 122 tons this year, higher than the 112.69 recorded the previous year.
Hopefully, well have bigger awareness in the future, not only during the one-hour campaign, but also in our daily activities, Anies said at City Hall on Saturday night, as quoted by kompas.com.
He went on to invite residents to reduce electricity consumption given that the source was limited.
Prior to the campaign, the administration issued a gubernatorial instruction ordering government offices in the city, up to subdistrict level, to dim their lights for an hour starting from 8:30 p.m. The lights at some of the citys most iconic places, such as the National Monument (Monas) in Central Jakarta and the Semanggi overpass in South Jakarta, were also turned off. (fac/ahw)
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Linkedin Chris Lefkow and Sebastien Blanc (Agence France-Presse) Washington, United States Sun, March 25, 2018 08:27 1278 2c798a31c212039f000dc5df9cb66352 2 World gun-control,united-states,students Free
More than a million Americans flooded the streets of cities nationwide for emotional protests demanding tighter gun control on Saturday, marches spearheaded by teenagers from a Florida high school where 17 people were shot dead last month.
"Politicians, either represent the people or get out," Cameron Kasky, a 17-year-old from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, told the crowd at a huge rally in Washington.
"Stand for us or beware -- the voters are coming," said Kasky, one of the leaders of a dynamic and passionate student movement which has emerged following the February 14 shooting at his school.
Large crowds also turned out for demonstrations in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, Seattle and other cities -- more than 800 in all according to the organizers of the "March For Our Lives."
Mayor Bill de Blasio said 175,000 people took part at the New York rally, tweeting: "These students WILL change America."
But the largest protest was in Washington, where organizers told NBC News the crowd was estimated at more than 800,000 people, the largest gun control rally in the United States since the Million Mom March in 2000.
The main stage for the event in Washington was set up near the US Capitol and lawmakers were the target audience as speakers delivered blistering warnings that the time has come for stricter gun laws.
"The people demand a law banning the sale of assault weapons," Kasky said. "The people demand we prohibit the sale of high-capacity magazines. The people demand universal background checks."
March organizers included a link for people to register to vote on their MarchForOurLives.com website as they seek to transform their nascent movement into a potent political force.
Signs carried by protestors lambasted lawmakers who oppose tougher laws and the National Rifle Association (NRA), the powerful US gun lobby.
"These kids are right," said Jeff Turchin, a 68-year-old retired garment manufacturer who came to Washington from New York to attend the rally.
"They're basically saying the NRA is paying off these Republicans," Turchin said of the party of President Donald Trump, which also controls Congress.
The Washington rally kicked off with Andra Day singing "Rise Up" and also featured a performances by Jennifer Hudson, whose mother, brother and seven-year-old nephew were shot dead in 2008.
But the most riveting appearances were by the Stoneman Douglas students.
Emma Gonzalez, 17, took the stage wearing a green military-style jacket and ripped jeans and delivered a eulogy for the 14 students and three adults slain by 19-year-old gunman Nikolas Cruz.
Tears rolling down her face, she then stood in silence at the podium for a full four and half minutes as the crowd fidgeted and some cried out "We're with you Emma."
"Since the time that I came out here, it has been six minutes and 20 seconds," Gonzalez finally said -- the exact amount of time Cruz spent spraying bullets inside her school before fleeing.
"Fight for your lives before it's someone else's job," Gonzalez said. "Get out there and vote."
Yolanda Renee King, the nine-year-old granddaughter of civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr. brought many to tears with a surprise appearance.
"My grandfather had a dream that his four little children will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character," she told a rapt crowd.
"I have a dream that enough is enough," she said, referencing her grandfather's famous 1963 "I Have a Dream" speech on ending racism.
"And that this should be a gun-free world -- period."
In New York, former Beatle Paul McCartney showed up at a march and spoke of the December 1980 murder of his bandmate John Lennon.
"Every week you hear about a new shooting and nothing is done about it," McCartney told AFP. "But I think maybe after this something will be done about it."
On the other side of the country in Los Angeles, comedian Amy Schumer delivered a passionate plea in front of hundreds of thousands.
"You are killing children," she said, of the gun lobby. "And they call people like me 'Hollywood liberals' like there's something in it for us.
"Well, what's in it for us is knowing we're doing our part to keep our children alive."
Demonstrations of solidarity also took place around the world, including across cities in Canada, which unveiled stricter gun laws earlier this week including enhanced background checks.
In Scotland, some relatives of those killed in a school shooting in the town of Dunblane in 1996 attended a protest in Edinburgh.
Thousands meanwhile gathered in Parkland to pay tribute to those slain in the city on Valentine's Day.
The protesters met at Parkland's Pine Trails Park, the same place where a somber vigil was held in the wake of the February 14 attack at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.
Trump was in Florida as marchers gathered in Washington but the White House issued a statement.
"We applaud the many courageous young Americans exercising their First Amendment rights today," it said. "Keeping our children safe is a top priority of the President's."
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Linkedin Nethy Dharma Somba (The Jakarta Post) Jayapura Sun, March 25, 2018 17:00 1278 2c798a31c212039f000dc5df9cb77b04 1 National greenpeace,Papua,environment Free
Indigenous communities from Airu Hulu village in Jayapura regency, Papua, have accused Greenpeace of "interfering" with the management of customary forests in the region and scaring off investor.
Airu youth figure Soleman Waibara said the locals had been facing difficulties in developing their forestry and farming business potential.
We need schools, roads, electricity and proper housing. The government has been working here, but our lives have yet to change. We need investors to build our community, Soleman told The Jakarta Post.
He said Airu villagers believed regulations on protected forest and conservation forest were preventing them from enjoying the benefits of infrastructure development.
The decision to designate protected, conservation and production forest should be based on clear data and announced to locals, so we can develop the forest based on the regulations, Soleman said.
Greenpeace Papua representative Carles Tawaru rebuffed the claim, saying the organization had never tried to deter investors from coming to Papua. He went on to say that the environmental group had been collaborating with locals in campaigning for the protection of Indonesian forests.
For example, we participate in building indigenous community-based forest in Manggroholo-Sira, West Papua. We support community-based forest management and putting sovereignty in peoples hands, Carles told The Jakarta Post.
Environmentalists say forests in Papua are threatened by the rapid expansion of agricultural plantations, such as for oil palm, which have been touted as a means to improve economic opportunities. (kuk/ahw)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Japan News/ANN) Tokyo Sun, March 25, 2018 14:59 1278 2c798a31c212039f000dc5df9cb70ea3 2 Business #Japan,#Yahoo,#cryptocurrency Free
Yahoo Japan Corp. is considering entry into the virtual currency exchange business, according to sources. Via a subsidiary, the company is planning to buy a stake in bitARG Exchange Tokyo, a Tokyo-based exchange operator registered with the Financial Services Agency.
Blockchain technology, which is the basis of virtual currencies, is expected to be applied across various business fields. Yahoo Japan is apparently aiming to enter the virtual currency exchange business as soon as possible by forming a capital tie-up with a registered exchange operator.
The subsidiary is YJFX Inc., a financial futures trading company wholly owned by Yahoo Japan. The investment could be decided as early as in April.Speech
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This article appeared on The Japan News newspaper website, which is a member of Asia News Network and a media partner of The Jakarta Post
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Linkedin Nadirah H. Rodzi (The Straits Times/Asia News Network) Kuala Lumpur Sun, March 25, 2018 16:05 1278 2c798a31c212039f000dc5df9cb74063 2 SE Asia #Malaysia,#singapore,#TerrorAttack,#Terrorism,#terrorist Free
Malaysia has detained seven militants suspected of planning attacks in the country, in several raids in Johor and Sabah.
Members of a clandestine terror cell, which included two men working as janitors in Singapore, were planning to kidnap and kill policemen and attack non-Muslim houses of worship, police said in a statement yesterday (March 24).
The plot was uncovered after Malaysian counter-terrorism police, aided by their Singaporean counterparts, detained the terror suspects in a series of swoops between Feb 27 and March 15.
The order to kidnap and kill policemen was the first of its kind, according to an intelligence source.
"This cell is extremely cautious... they are vengeful against the police, especially those from E8 (counter terrorism)," an intelligence source told The Straits Times.
In a statement yesterday, Malaysia's police chief Mohamad Fuzi Harun said six suspects who were detained in Johor were members of an Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) cell.
In the first round of arrests on Feb 27, three men were nabbed, with the main suspect being a 37-year-old technician who masterminded the plans to attack places of worship in Johor Baru. He was also actively recruiting new militants.
Police picked up another three members of the same cell in follow-up sweeps on Feb 28.
He said: "The fourth suspect, a 25-year-old waiter, had been ordered by the mastermind to kidnap and kill policemen.
"Two others, aged 23 and 22, were arrested on March 1 and worked as janitors in Singapore. "
According to a Malaysian intelligence source, the two were arrested by Singaporean counterparts before they were handed over to the Malaysian police.
"Singapore was informed of the duo's alleged involvement in terrorism by Malaysia. They then tracked down and arrested the men before handing them over to the authorities here," the source said.
The seventh suspect was a 31-year-old, said to be a "trusted lieutenant" in the Abu Sayyaf group in the Philippines. He was detained in Sabah on March 15.
"The Filipino man is a trusted lieutenant to Furuji Indama, the group's leader based in Basilan.
"We believe the suspect has connections to Malaysian militant, Dr Mahmud Ahmad, and is also wanted by the Philippine authorities for involvement in a kidnap-for-ransom syndicate. He is an expert in making improvised explosive devices and had planned to attack several locations in Sabah," Mr Fuzi said.
Malaysia has arrested nearly 400 people since 2013 for suspected links to terrorism.
The Muslim-majority nation faces threats from self-radicalised ISIS sympathisers at home, and regional militant groups which seek funding and refuge in South-east Asia.
The country's first and only terrorist attack took place in June 2016, when two men on a motorcycle lobbed a grenade into a nightclub in Selangor, injuring eight people. The men were sentenced to 25 years' jail.
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This article appeared on The Straits Times newspaper website, which is a member of Asia News Network and a media partner of The Jakarta Post
Fifteen Indonesian hotels were on the list of the top 100 luxury hotels in the Asia-Pacific region, recently shared by guest feedback platform TrustYou.
Out of the 15 properties, the top five were Grand Hyatt Jakarta, Mulia Villas in Nusa Dua, Bali, JW Marriott Hotel Jakarta, Mahagiri Villas in Sanur, Bali, and eqUILIBRIA SEMINYAK, Bali.
In the Asia-Pacific, the Grand Hyatt Jakarta ranked sixth on the list, under The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa in Langkawi, Malaysia, JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa in Phuket, Thailand, Hansar Bangkok Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand, Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa in Phuket and New World Manila Bay Hotel in Manila, the Philippines.
According to a statement, the list was "drawn from TrustYous keyword analysis of travel reviews associated with hotels, destinations and travel websites scattered across the vast and fragmented market". Founded in 2008, the company reportedly draws data from over 230,000 travel reviews a month from various sources and transforms them into insights and visualizations for over half a million hotels, allowing travel sites to fine-tune their trip-planning processes and hotels to offer the best experience to their guests.
"We collect and analyze about 250 sources; TripAdvisor is one of the many sources in our system. This way we have a large number of data points from travelers from all over the world available that allows us to analyze hotels in detail and provide an analysis based on guest feedback across multiple review sources," TrustYou cofounder and CEO Benjamin Jost told The Jakarta Post via email correspondence. He added that the list was solely based on guest reviews, "Not awards, stars or anything else. Being in the top means that what these hotels are offering is really appreciated by their guests."
Read also: 20+ Indonesian hotels and resorts voted best in world and Asia
Based on the results of the analysis, Jost said Bali remains the main destination for foreign travelers to Indonesia. "However, other destinations like Jakarta, Lombok and other provinces are seeing increasing arrivals of foreign travelers; although domestic travelers still form the majority of hotel demand for these destinations. With the rise of the middle class in Indonesia, domestic travelers are traveling like never before. Hotel room supply has been increasing to cope with the growth in foreign as well as domestic travelers."
Jost also stated that the increasing use of mobile phones and messaging would impact the hospitality industry immensely in the next years. "We will see more automation happening soon as well. We are testing chat bots that can respond to a vast amount of questions and inquiries completely automatically, like 'What are the opening hours of your restaurant?', or 'Can I get a late check out?'"
He added that another trend was that users want to make smart decisions in the least amount of time possible, hence providing the right data to the right user at the right time will be crucial. "We believe that, next to price, the quality of a hotel expressed through thousands of reviews and presented in an easy-to-consume way is going to be crucial to achieving this goal."
The top 15 luxury Indonesian hotels according to TrustYou are listed below:
1. Grand Hyatt Jakarta
2. Mulia Villas Nusa Dua
3. JW Marriott Hotel Jakarta
4. Mahagiri Villas Sanur
5. eqUILIBRIA SEMINYAK Seminyak
6. The Park Lane Jakarta
7. Pool Villa Club Senggigi Beach Lombok, Mataram
8. The Sakala Resort Bali
9. L Hotel Seminyak Seminyak, Bali
10. The Oberoi Bali Denpasar
11. The Grand Bali Nusa Dua, Bali
12. The Seiryu Villas Kuta, Bali
13. The Oberoi Lombok
14. The Bali Khama Beach Resort & Spa South Kuta
15. The Amala Seminyak, Bali
The Yogyakarta provincial administration will improve a number of travel destinations located between the new Yogyakarta International Airport in Kulon Progo and Borobudur temple in Magelang, Central Java.
Tourist attractions that were considered alternative destinations are now our priorities in order to attract foreign visitors landing at the new airport in Kulon Progo, said Aris Riyanta, head of Yogyakarta Tourism Board, on Tuesday as reported by Tempo.
Aris said there are at least four destinations in Kulon Progo regency in the works to prepare for the increasing numbers of tourists once the airport begins operations in 2019.
Read also: Yogyakarta to attract tourists to Kulon Progo tea hamlets
The first is Kiskendo Cave, a natural spot in Menoreh hill, Jatimulyo village, Girimulyo Kulon Progo regency. Situated about 40 kilometers from Yogyakarta, the cave is said to be the place where the king brothers of buffalo-headed Mahesosura and cow-headed Lembusura held an epic fight against brothers Sugriwa-Subali.
A relief depicting the fight was made by an art community in 1980. An amphitheater was also built by the Yogyakarta Tourism Board in February to support the public in performing arts.
The second destination in preparation is Suroloyo Peak, the highest point in Kulon Progo Menoreh hill in Keceme village, Samigaluh regency.
Around 45 km from Yogyakarta, the spot is ideal to watch the sunrise over Borobudur temple. Toilets, food stalls and sufficient parking is available to make visiting time more comfortable.
Nglinggo Tea Plantation in the Menoreh hill is the third new destination. Located in Pagerhajo village, Samigaluh regency, several villagers houses are available to rent for overnight experiences in a homestay.
Read also: Where to dine like a royal in Yogyakarta, Surakarta
At 800 meters above sea level, the plantations panoramic view is breathtaking. Visitors can also learn about the local cultures such as traditional dances and batik making.
The fourth is Banjaroya Tourism Village in Jl. Sentolo-Muntilan, Kalibawang regency. A number of interesting spots here are the Sendangsono Maria Lourdes pilgrimage site, Ancol Kalibawang dam and Agro Durian for fruit enthusiasts.
Aris said revitalizing the spots between Kulon Progo Airport and Borobudur temple will be the administrations priority in the hope that foreign travelers will take the time to visit Yogyakarta before heading to Borobudur. (wng)
By Lee Min-hyung
U.S. President Donald Trump is on track to replace his top advisers with hard-liners, as part of a show of his strong willingness for "no compromise" with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un ahead of their planned meeting in May, experts said.
On Friday, Trump appointed John Bolton, a hawkish former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, as his new security adviser, in a move to intensify diplomatic pressure before the Washington-Pyongyang talks. Bolton is cited as one of the most hard-line diplomats in the country's history.
"The reshuffle apparently came as Trump wants to prove he is different from former U.S. presidents in dealing with the regime's nuclear and missile threats," said Lee Jin-gon, professor of political science at Kyung Hee University.
The U.S. leader, since taking office last year, has outwardly denounced relatively less aggressive North Korea policies taken by his predecessors, which Trump believes only helped intensify the regime's nuclear armament.
Not only is Slovenia the first country in the world to be declared a green destination, but it also puts on one of the most decadent and diabetes-inducing Easter celebrations ever seen.
Lets take a look at whats on offer over the holiday.
Bundles of culture
Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week in Slovenia and is celebrated across the country with the creation and blessing of beautiful bundles of plants.
Image credits: Sio1NET, Discover Slovenia.
While were bundling ourselves into chunky knits, the Slovenians are creating crafty masterpieces with bundles of olive branches, greenery, wood shavings, and different regional flowers. Some of the most intricate bundles are created in the town of Ljubno, whose residents pride themselves on their imaginative depictions of Christian motifs, farm tools and traditional practices.
Miniature artworks
Decorated, dyed, dissected it doesnt matter. Ornamental Easter eggs have a very special status in Slovenia.
Head to the Bela Krajina Museum in Metlika to see eggs turned into ornaments worthy of a place on the dinner table in Downton Abbey, all formed by hand using a special wax pen. If you fancy a bit more variety in your decorated egg, pop to the largest eggs-ibition in the town of Verzej on the banks of the Mura River.
You might even stumble into one of the egg games running across the country. Reckon youre any good at cutting an Easter egg with a coin? Me neither.
Sweet, sweet indulgence
On the third weekend of April, the town of Radovljica hosts, what can only be described as, the best festival in the world. The chocolate festival.
Image courtesy of the Slovenian Tourist Board.
Tens of thousands of sweet-toothed tourists gather over three days to satisfy their deepest cravings, participating in workshops, cooking competitions, chocolate fashion shows, and the renowned chocolate roulette. If you fancy hiding away from the swathes of Augustus Gloops, why not head to one of Slovenias thermal spas for a romantic chocolate massage.
Local vendors and shopkeepers pull out the stops over the Easter period, which makes for a great time to bag some scrummy bargains. Some shops, like the Rajskaptica Chocolate Shop, even show you the production process of their sweet treats which have been sampled by the Royals.
If its good enough for Queeny, its good enough for me.
Honey, honey, honey
If the chocolate festival doesnt curb your sugar cravings, fear not. Slovenia has a long tradition of bee-keeping.
Since the Middle Ages, honey was produced in Slovenia to create a variety of tasty treats. The infamous gingerbread man, sweet bread, mead, brandy and liqueurs are popular delicacies in the country and are proudly displayed for tourists to sample during the Easter period.
Head to the Loka region to gorge on locally-made honey pastries called mali kruhek (little bread), and learn all about ancient Slovenian honey-making traditions straight from the pastry's mouth at the Living Gingerbread Museum in Radovljica.
Central Bank of Liberia
What is the rationale or economic benefit for an entity to increase the compensation of five Board of Directors by109% (totaling US $ 774,480) in 2016, from the US $368,961 in 2015? In addition, CBL increased the salary and benefits of staff 49% (US $13,398,790 total) in 2016 from US $ 9,511,715 in 2015. Some proponents say that good pay or excessive salary does not only attract competent employees to the underdeveloped community or increase productivity. It also discourages employees, especially government employees, from demanding bribes from taxpayers in exchange, for example, awarding fraudulent concessionary agreements.
Critics of excessive salary payment say society overstate the benefit of paying too many wages. For example, addressing the topic Incentives for retaining and motivating health workers in Pacific and Asian Countries, Ms. Lyn N Henderson and Mr. Jim Tulloch reported that money was not the only factor. Drawing from a vast literature of work, they concluded that educating more health workers, supervision and management were also important factors. Is more money the remedy to reducing bribe offering in exchange for favors? Transparency International disagreed, and reported that moneymaking taxpayers are the perpetrators who usually initiate bribe offerings. For example, in the Global Witness bribery case involving the iron ore mountain Wologizi in Liberia, Global Witness accused profiteers agent of offering bribes to government officials.
Besides the issues of bribes and enticing employees, can a company increase its productivity by paying excessive wages? If so, why do Japanese companies produce quality products for reasonable wages, but American products are inferior even though chief executives receive excessive compensation? For the moment, let us look at the Central Bank of Liberias Audited Financial Statements along with the 2016 Annual Report (un-Audited) to determine if the theory of excessive salary holds true. The amounts are in Liberian dollars.
Staff: LD 1,427,877,000 in 2016 (US $ 13M), and LD 970,195,000 in 2015 (US $ 9M).
Board fees: LD 78,997,000 in 2016 ($ 788k), and LD 37,634,000 in 2015 (US $ 369K).
1)Directors reported LD 799.86 million as interest income (equivalent to the US $7 million) on page # 71 of Un-audited Annual Report, but reported LD 505,000,000 as interest income, equivalent to the US $4.9 million on page # 11 of the Audited Financial Statement. (See below Item # 1);
2) Directors did not provide relevant information of the revenue LD 1,278,478,000 (i.e., equivalent to the US $12.5M) generated from Government Loan as per page # 11 of the Audited Financial Statement. (See below item # 2)
3) Directors did not provide a schedule for the comprehensive income LD 2,999,020,000 (i.e., equivalent to the US $ 29M) as per page # 11 of the Audited Financial Statements. (See item # 3);
4) CBL overstated its loan to the government as per page # 48 of the CBL Audited Financial Statement. (See item # 4).
5) Liberian exchange rate depreciated: LD 88 in 2015 to LD 102 in 2016, page # 43 of unaudited Annual Report of the CBL;
6) Interest income decreased: LD 513,000,000 (i.e. $5M) in 2015 to LD 505,000,000 (i.e. US $ 4M) in 2016, page # 11 of the Audited Financial Statement of the CBL;
7) Directors deducted LD 1,554,428,000) (the US $ 15,239,490) from government revenue because they failed to supervise the overdraft program of First International Bank of Liberia Limited (FIBLL) as per page # 51 of the Audited Financial Statements. (See item # 5).
8) Directors did not include information about the liabilities related to the US $24m of Government Treasury Bills sold in 2016 as per page # 27 of the Un-audited Annual Report of CBL.
Do these actions and, or inactions support the excessive benefits? I dont think so. However, President Weah can use the issue of nonperformance to roll back these kinds of excessive payments. This recommendation, which is in line with President George Weahs pledge to reduce his salary by twenty-five percent, is necessary if Liberia wants to end the practice of the money culture before it becomes a way of life. An unknown Chinese commented on attitude, according to Robert C. Johnson. The unknown Chinese stated: Be careful of your habits, for your habits become your character. Be careful of your character, for your character becomes your destiny.
In Liberia today, the destined government offices or expected political positions sought by most applicants are offices that come with high salary offices as well as free gasoline, scratch cards for telephone calls, etc. In rural Liberia, aged-school-children prefer digging gold, diamond or felling trees for quick money than going to school and, or helping parents. Nonetheless, people can change if leaders institute appropriate measures or policies. And if our Pro-Poor government wants to institute effective policies, then it has to recalibrate its relationship with profiteers who prefer corrupt bureaucrats in order for them to offer more bribes in exchange of fraudulent agreements.
Sources
(1) The Board stated on page # 71 of the Un-audited Report that CBL generated LD 1,902.2 million in 2016. The increase in gross income in 2016 was mainly due to the increase in interest income earned on the CBLs deposit at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (FRBNY).
(2) (DR.) Accounts Receivable $5,000 (CR.) Bad Debts Recovered $5,000 Next, the journal entry to record the cash receipt is as follows: (DR.) Cash $5,000 (CR.) Accounts Receivable $5,000.
(3) And if they do trade internationally, often their trading partners use U.S. dollars. So, they operate internationally and still have no currency exposure Although, transactions are carried out in both currencies, the majority of the Banks transactions are currently denominated in United States Dollars (US$). Accordingly, the Central Bank considers the United States Dollars as its functional currency for the purpose of IFRS.
(4) In December 2016, the IMF gave a loan to CBL as fiscal agent of GOL in the amount of SDR 27.69 million (US$37.1 million). 12.9 million SDR (US$17.3 million) of this Extended Credit Facility (ECF) loan was provided to GOL as direct budget support
(5) (https://cbl.org.lr/doc/StatementCBLBoard_ForensicInvestigation-FIBLL.pdf). Note, the bad debt deduction was not reflected within the 2016 income statement.
Audited Financial Statements:
After guilty pleas, 3 must pay $4.9M in restitution in H&I Grain case
Nine months ago, U.S. Ambassador Nikki Haley stormed the United Nations top human rights body demanding an end to what she said is its bias against Israel and raising the prospect of a U.S. pullout if it didnt.
But the 47-member body ended its first and longest session of the year Friday by adopting five resolutions critical of Israels behavior toward the Palestinians or throwing support behind their long, fruitless cause for statehood.
Another two country-specific resolutions focused on Syria, where hundreds of thousands have died in a seven-year civil war. South Sudan, Myanmar, Iran and North Korea garnered one each.
Haley railed Friday that the Geneva-based Human Rights Council every March sets aside only two sessions to debate rights violations and abuses one for Israel and one for the rest of the world.
When the Human Rights Council treats Israel worse than North Korea, Iran and Syria, it is the council itself that is foolish and unworthy of its name, she said.
Haley said it is time for the countries who know better to demand changes, saying many agree the councils agenda is grossly biased against Israel, but too few are willing to fight it.
When that happens, as it did today, the council fails to fulfill its duty to uphold human rights around the world, she said.
Haley said the Trump administration is continuing to evaluate its membership in the Human Rights Council.
Our patience is not unlimited, she said. Todays actions make clear that the organization lacks the credibility needed to be a true advocate for human rights.
(AP)
Israels Council for Higher Education has adopted a new ethical code which includes prohibiting lecturers from taking part in academic boycotts and prohibiting discrimination against lecturers and students alike. It also prohibits a lecturer from expressing a political opinion in the classroom if the opinion is not fef
Heads of the nations university objected but the council adopted the new code nonetheless.
Acting at the behest of Education Minister Naftali Bennet, the code was written by Professor Aa Kasher. The heads of universities and lecturers are speaking out against the code, which many insist is nothing more than an effort to silence the voice of Israels left-wing. Bennet insists this is not so, citing the code treats all involve fairly and this is not targeting any sector.
The Im Tirtzu organization responded with the following statement: This is a breath of fresh air for Israeli academia, said Im Tirtzu CEO Matan Peleg whose organization was a driving force behind the code.
The code is a correct and necessary measure toward ending politicization in academia and ensuring that students receive an unbiased and pluralistic education.
However, there is still a lot of work ahead of us, added Peleg. What we have witnessed over the past year calls for intifada on campus, comparisons of Israel to Nazi Germany in the classroom, and professors promoting the boycott of Ariel University show that the true test of the code still lies ahead and that it needs to be implemented in full force.
(YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem)
Now that it is official, Mayor Nir Barkat declaring he will not seek a third term as Mayor of Jerusalem, former contender and member of the Jerusalem City Council, Moshe Leon, has announced his candidacy.
Leon said, Five years ago, I decided to put my previous life aside, turned my efforts, abilities and talents into the best interests of Jerusalem, and invested in the city as a member of the city council. We worked together and moved the city forward, contributed greatly to the development of the city, and today I am more willing than ever to advance the capital of Israel even further.
Leon, who has served as a member of the city council for the past five years and holds the portfolio responsible the minhelet local neighborhood councils, has brought many messages to the residents of the capital, with the most recent and hot being his decisive influence vis-a-vis the government ministries on the capital budget for 2018. The budget for the capital for 2018 is the largest budget that Jerusalem has, and will stand at NIS 6 billion in current budget and another NIS 3 billion in development budget a total budget of NIS 9 billion. Leon adds, This is the largest budget that the city of Jerusalem received. The capital of Israel must be conducted under economic independence. Weve made the money, now were starting to work.
Leon, who is a CPA by profession, has served as director-general of the Prime Ministers Office, and is well in tune to the workings of state agencies.
(YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem)
Tony Hetherington is Financial Mail on Sunday's ace investigator, fighting readers corners, revealing the truth that lies behind closed doors and winning victories for those who have been left out-of-pocket. Find out how to contact him below.
G.H. writes: While we were on a cruise with Thomson (now called TUI), my wife was injured by a member of the ships staff who took a short cut through a fire door that opened on to the deck. This part of the deck was a designated smoking area, with an ashtray next to the door. There were no warning signs.
My wife needed seven stitches in a gash to her leg. The ships doctor gave us a wheelchair for a week, but the holiday was ruined. Our solicitor took the case on but TUI told him it must be dealt with under maritime law in the Admiralty Court in London. This would involve using an expert barrister. TUI must know few people can fight them this way.
Injury: An accident happened on board the TUI Discovery
Tony Hetherington replies: There seems to be no dispute over what happened during your holiday on the TUI Discovery cruise ship. Your wife was in what should have been a safe place, set aside for smokers.
The crew member opened a heavy metal door from the inside, hitting her and leaving her bleeding from an open wound that required emergency treatment from the ships doctor.
A report signed by the doctor shows the wound needed cleaning and dressing every day for the rest of your trip and the stitches were eventually removed by your own doctor.
In the wake of the accident, you had the presence of mind to photograph the door. On the outside nothing warned passengers not to stand in front of it. On the inside nothing instructed the crew that it was only to be used as an emergency exit.
But soon after the accident, signs appeared. On deck the sign warned passengers not to block what was a fire exit. On the inside a fresh sign was put up, telling crew members that the door was only to be opened in an emergency.
It is hard to see this as anything other than an open and shut case. But when your solicitor asked TUI for the name of its insurer, and suggested that if TUI did not hand over copies of its records about the accident then he would take the matter to court, the shutters came down.
When your solicitor tried to file a county court claim on your wifes behalf, TUI told him he must go to the specialist Admiralty Court. At this point, as costs mounted, you and your wife halted legal action.
But when I invited TUI to comment, I was told: As we understand this matter is now the subject of legal proceedings, it would be inappropriate to comment at this time.
I told TUI repeatedly that there are no legal proceedings and I asked time and again for details of the court and case number. Eventually, TUI told me there had been a degree of confusion. When the cruise company referred to legal proceedings, all it meant was that it had heard from your solicitor.
But you no longer have a solicitor. You had to back out because he warned you of the need to pay for a specialist barrister. Your letter to The Mail on Sunday made this clear.
Sadly, TUI has proved completely unwilling to discuss the accident. It has been trying to persuade me to question your former solicitor on points of legal procedure, instead of looking into why the smoking area was set up right outside a heavy metal door, why there were no warning signs on the door and what TUI could do to help a passenger who was injured on one of its cruise ships.
Absurdly, at this late stage TUI told me that any claim could be started in the Admiralty Court and then be transferred to the far cheaper county court. So why not say this in the first place?
Even worse, at no point did TUI tell you, or me, or your solicitor about the even cheaper conciliation scheme run by the Association of British Travel Agents.
A spokesman explained: This conciliation scheme is a simple and cost-effective means for ABTA members and their customers to resolve personal injury claims for awards of up to 10,000 without the need to go to court.
I have sent you details of the ABTA scheme. But TUIs attitude throughout makes me wonder whether passengers on its ships should not just take out travel insurance. Perhaps they need legal expenses insurance as well.
If you believe you are the victim of financial wrongdoing, write to Tony Hetherington at Financial Mail, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5TS or email tony.hetherington@mailonsunday.co.uk. Because of the high volume of enquiries, personal replies cannot be given. Please send only copies of original documents, which we regret cannot be returned.
Read Tony Hetherington's case files at thisismoney.co.uk/hetherington.
Breaking into the music industry is hard - and expensive.
But where does the money in the music industry go and could you reap rewards from backing new ideas
We take a look at the industry's finances, from how much artists get from downloads, to why gigs have never been more important and how to invest yourself.
Little Mix, big rewards: The band with their Brit award last year
PUT MUSIC AHEAD OF MONEY
The music industry is worth 10billion a year in sales which sounds a lot until you realise it is a third of the revenue it raked in two decades ago.
A major reason for this is the internet. Despite websites opening up the opportunity for us to enjoy more music through streaming it has meant less money being spent on more profitable album sales.
Making a living out of becoming a rock star has therefore become increasingly difficult. For every success story, such as pop star Ed Sheeran worth 37million and girl band Little Mix, countless others fail. Even with that incredible talent, Sheeran spent a couple of years homeless often catching his sleep on the London Underground before eventually being discovered.
The cut-throat industry is now more about making profits from existing bands rather than discovering new groups. With most releases failing to cover their costs, investors must be realistic. Rob Town, musician and founder of agency Stampede Press, says: The music industry is full of sharks keen to exploit artists who are often blinded by a dream of success.
The harsh reality is this is a tough old business and you rarely get to make a living out of it even if you are particularly talented.
He adds: As soon as a band starts talking about money you know it is the beginning of the end you should always put your music before anything.
Potential investors should therefore not be primarily motivated by money but instead on how they can support an artist wanting to make music.
The A-team: But Ed Sheeran now worth 37million struggled at first
TUNE IN TO NEW ARTISTS
Thanks to the internet, artists can share their music with many millions of new potential fans through websites, social media and streaming services.
The majority of music is now listened to through streaming where you often pay a monthly subscription to get access to millions of tunes but the amount each service pays a band can vary.
Spotify is the most popular but also one of the meanest often handing out just 0.003p per tune played, according to research from the American business magazine Forbes. Deezer pays 0.004p a stream while Apple Music 0.005p. The most generous streaming services are Napster and Tidal, which pay out 0.01p and 0.008p respectively.
Subscription to Spotify and Deezer is free if willing to have occasional adverts played between the tracks or 9.99 a month without ads. Apple Music and Tidal also charge from 9.99 a month.
Music technology student Joe Brooks hopes to make a living out of music and believes social media can help achieve his dream. The 20-year-old is drummer in band Stray Foxes and is a DJ called Brxy.
Joe, of Kingston upon Thames in South West London, says: It is more about the number of new listeners rather than records sold these days and if a band attracts enough fans it will then be in more demand for gigs where it can earn some money.
Drum up fans: Joe Brooks hopes to make a living from music
He believes if you wish to support musicians further, consider visiting the music download website Bandcamp where you can pay what you feel is appropriate to download music to give financial help to emerging acts. New bands such as Stray Foxes can also be enjoyed for free on websites such as SoundCloud.
Joe adds: It is important to make the most of social media, such as Twitter, YouTube and Facebook, to ensure music and gig details are shared and hopefully people who enjoy what they have heard pass the message to other fans.
Buying music either downloaded or through hard copy CDs and vinyl makes bands far more money than streaming where it is just played online. Artists can expect to pocket perhaps between 6p and 20p per track of music bought online via a provider such as iTunes, depending on how the original deal was negotiated. A CD or vinyl album sale might see between 5 to 13 per cent of the price paid for the tunes ending up in a musicians pocket.
INVEST AS A MUSIC MOGUL
Despite the high-risk nature of the industry there is nothing to stop you getting involved just as long as you are aware you could lose all your money.
Such a gamble turned Richard Branson into a billionaire. In 1973 he invested in Mike Oldfield and Tubular Bells when no other record company would touch him. He also released best-selling album Never Mind The B*******, Heres The Sex Pistols in 1977 after the punk band was fired by other record labels.
Perhaps the best way to get involved in the market is through a seed enterprise investment scheme, such as industry-focused Amplify Music.
Gamble: Richard Branson invested in Mike Oldfield and The Sex Pistols
For a minimum of 10,000 music fans pool funds with other investors until they get a 1.5million pot. Then five bands each get 300,000 to record and release albums. The cash is tied up for three-and-a-half years and you do not get a say which bands get help that is left to experts, such as the music manager Brian Message, who has been involved in working with the band Radiohead.
The risks may be high but the tax breaks for seed enterprise investment schemes are generous. They include being able to offset half the total you have invested against your income tax bill. In addition, such schemes can avoid capital gains tax as well as inheritance tax.
Alex Davies is chief executive of Bristol-based financial adviser Wealth Club. Amplify Music is among the tax-efficient investments he offers. He says: There is no guarantee you will make any money this is not about finding a new mega star like Adele but helping promising artists.
Every time you hear their tune on the radio you can be proud and also know you own a bit of the music. He adds: Revenue comes not only from music sales but also concerts, royalties and merchandise.
The most recent Amplify Music seed enterprise investment scheme returned 60p in every 1 invested after three-and-a-half years when investors received some of their money back last September.
Despite this meaning a 10,000 investment only got them back 6,000 if they reclaimed the 5,000 income tax relief they would not be out of pocket. To be considered a seed the business has to have been around for fewer than two years but this refers to the limited company that invests the money and not necessarily the band, which could have been around longer.
Recent band successes for Amplify Music include the London Community Gospel Choir and The Boxer Rebellion.
GO OUT TO GIGS
Musicians often still tour pubs and clubs to learn their craft and start to build a fan base despite the internet revolution.
Joe Brooks, of the Stray Foxes, says: A band might have to pay 100 just to be given the opportunity to share a stage in cities such as London they are only able to make any money if they sell tickets off their own back which more than covers this initial outlay. Once established, pubs and clubs pay 150 or so if you bring in fans.
It may be a long way from filling the Wembley Arena but it is worth remembering Oasis was only discovered by chance when record label boss Alan McGee was in Glasgow to visit his father in 1993.
He went to King Tuts Wah Wah Hut club two hours early by mistake when the band played four tracks and there were only a dozen people in the crowd.
Compared to spending sometimes more than 100 to see an established band with a seat miles from the action, consider enjoying the intimacy of watching relatively unknown bands close up. For ticket prices from 10 these can prove better value.
Details of where you might find such bands can be found at websites such as TicketWeb, See Tickets and the London-based Skiddle. It is also worth scanning local newspapers and music press. University colleges are great for live music.
You might also try out battle of the bands style events where groups fight it out with other musicians to get through to another round and depend on audiences loving them. Such events include SPH Band Contest, with tickets from 7.
When buying tickets for events try to purchase direct whenever possible to avoid being ripped off. Second-hand ticket sellers StubHub UK, Viagogo, Seatwave and GetMeIn! were ordered to clean up their act by the Advertising Standards Authority earlier this month.
They were criticised by the watchdog for not being totally clear about extra charges that can be added when booking for gigs. Viagogo was also slammed for using the slogan official site when selling previously purchased tickets.
Turnaround specialist Melroses controversial 8billion takeover bid for engineer GKN is set to go to the wire when shareholders cast their votes by Thursday.
Bosses of both firms are gearing up for last-ditch talks with shareholders to convince them to back their own plans to turn around the aerospace and car parts maker.
It is the largest hostile takeover bid in Britain since the takeover of Cadbury by Kraft nearly a decade ago.
Melrose began its pursuit of GKN in January, but its overtures have been repeatedly rejected
Melrose began its dogged pursuit of GKN in January, but its overtures have been repeatedly rejected. It wants to eject the GKN board and revive the firm before ultimately selling it on.
GKN plans to revive the businesss fortunes by selling two divisions including the automotive business to Americas Dana for 4.5billion.
Analysts at Deutsche Bank have said the outcome is too close to call. They added: Should Melroses offer be successful, we would not be surprised to see the level of acceptance only moderately above the 50 per cent plus one share threshold.
Elliott Advisors, the worlds biggest activist hedge fund and the second-biggest GKN shareholder, has thrown its weight behind the Melrose bid.
It said: We acknowledge GKN managements contribution in developing the companys defence strategy and obtaining an improved offer from Melrose, but strongly believe the best way forward... is now as part of Melrose.
The former boss of Britains biggest IT firm pocketed 8.4million just months before he was forced to quit last week, The Mail on Sunday can reveal.
Chris Hsu became chief executive of Micro Focus last September when it paid US technology firm Hewlett Packard Enterprise 6.8billion for the software division he had been running.
Hsus bumper payday involved Hewlett Packard Enterprise share options triggered when he left the business to run Micro Focus.
Glory day: Chris Hsu ringing the New York Stock Exchange bell to mark Micro Focuss US listing
But this week, Newbury-based Micro Focus announced that its sales were falling faster than expected with the result that its shares slumped by half, wiping 4billion off the companys value.
Micro Focus listed in London and New York has grown through a series of acquisitions to become the UKs largest IT firm. Customers include British Airways and the US government.
However, there were concerns about its HP deal, its largest, because it included the remains of British software firm Autonomy, which Hewlett Packard bought in a disastrous deal that led to a huge corporate fraud case.
The drama follows a 24million payday for Micro Focuss executive chairman, Kevin Loosemore, in November as part of a share scheme from a previous takeover.
Hsu will not receive a payoff for leaving Micro Focus.
But a new scheme was put in place after the HP deal, putting executives and managers, including Hsu and Loosemore, in line for part of a potential 270million payout next year. However, that is based on the share price rising to 34. It is now languishing at 956p after last weeks crash.
Hewlett Packard Enterprise, a spin-off from Hewlett Packard, said Hsus share options were granted in 2016 before the Micro Focus talks. The company said in documents that Hsu successfully executed the deal on time and under budget, generating significant stockholder value.
An art dealership accused of offering to launder money through the sale of a Picasso painting has gone bust.
It is the latest casualty of an FBI sting that led to the collapse of London stockbroker Beaufort Securities at the beginning of this month.
Lenders to Mayfair Fine Art, owned by Matthew Green, called in administrators after the company failed to meet debt repayments.
Masterpiece: The Picasso painting at the centre of money laundering claims
An alleged deal to launder money through the sale of the 6.7million Picasso work entitled Personnages, Painted 11 April 1965 fell apart earlier this month when one of those involved turned out to be an undercover FBI agent.
Greens firm defaulted on a business loan it took out with Mayfair investment bank MBU Capital last October. It is unclear whether the lender, who called in administrators on March 12, will be able to recover any capital.
Facing charges: Art dealer Matthew Green
Joint administrators Ian Robert and Ryan Davies, of Kingston Smith & Partners, said in a statement: There is no known physical art gallery and investigations have begun into the location of any assets.
Green, 50, was allegedly introduced to the undercover FBI agent in London last month by Beauforts manager Peter Kyriacou and his uncle Aristos Aristodemou.
According to court papers, Aristodemou told the FBI agent he could buy a Picasso painting through Green and could later sell it to clean the money.
Green, who resigned as a director of Mayfair Fine Art in February, faces criminal charges in the US along with Kyriacou, Aristodemou and three others.
The 36million securities and money laundering operation allegedly run by Beaufort was said to stretch from Belize to Budapest.
There is no suggestion MBU Capital is involved in any wrongdoing.
JP Morgan finance chief Marianne Lake was paid 9m last year
CASHING IN A British banker dubbed the First Lady of Wall Street was paid 9million last year.
Marianne Lake, 48, is finance chief at US lender JP Morgan and seen as a contender to succeed boss Jamie Dimon when he steps down.
BONUS BROTHER Housebuilder Persimmon is on a charm offensive over the bonus of boss Jeff Fairburn.
He was to get 100million after the soaring property market boosted its share price, but has given up a quarter.
The firm said directors standard 2018 bonuses will be shared between other staff, and future schemes will only pay up to double their salaries.
FRENCH RAID French shopping centre firm Klepierre is poised to swoop on UK rival Hammerson in a hostile 4.9billion takeover bid.
Klepierre has been rebuffed by Hammerson bosses, who want to buy its fellow UK player Intu instead.
CITY LAY-OFFS Russian energy firm Gazprom has axed City staff amid rumours that it could retreat from the West.
It has merged its oil and liquefied natural gas trading desks in London as concerns grow that it could shut its HQ there.
Russian firms are feeling the heat after a former spy was poisoned in Britain this month, leading to calls for tougher sanctions.
Around one in five homeowners could be sitting on an interest-only mortgage timebomb.
This type of loan was popular in the early Noughties, as they kept monthly repayments low. Unlike a traditional repayment mortgage, you have only to pay the interest each month.
The idea is that you then save enough money via another vehicle over the course of the loan to clear the original debt in one lump sum at the end of the 25-year mortgage term.
But scores of these 1.67 million borrowers have no idea how they will repay their loan when the time comes.
Many were sold stock market-linked investment plans alongside their mortgage that were supposed to cover the debt.
Timebomb: Interest-only mortgages were popular in the early Noughties, as they kept monthly repayments low
But many of these so-called endowment policies have performed dismally, leaving homeowners with a substantial shortfall.
Others were told that fast-rising house prices would enable them to build up enough equity in their home so that when they sold it at the end of the term, they would be able to clear the loan and have enough left over to downsize to a smaller home.
But in some parts of the country, house prices have failed to soar as high as buyers hoped, while others who had planned to sell have found they don't want to leave their family home.
Around 85,000 interest-only loans are due to finish this year.
The City watchdog has warned that if homeowners don't act, they could lose their homes.
Here, we reveal sensible steps you can take to avoid disaster . . .
BANKING ON HELP
If you are worried about how you will repay your debt, call your lender. It will be able to tell you exactly when your loans matures, how much you owe and what your options are.
Banks have been told by regulator the Financial Conduct Authority that they must treat interest-only customers fairly.
This means they must make an effort to contact borrowers nearing the end of a mortgage term to ensure they have a plan in place to pay off the loan.
If you don't have a plan, lenders should work with you to find a solution. Repossession should be a last resort.
Get advice: If you are worried about how you will repay your debt, call your lender. It will be able to tell you exactly when your loans matures, how much you owe and what your options are
EXTEND YOUR LOAN TERM
Some lenders will allow interest-only borrowers to extend the term of the loan, giving a few extra years to come up with the cash. How much time you get will depend on your age and financial circumstances.
Others will let you switch to a repayment mortgage, which means your monthly repayment will go towards the interest and the capital, so you will be debt-free when your mortgage term ends.
To do this, you must provide details of earnings or income from pensions and investments to prove you can afford the repayments.
In the past, banks and building societies have refused to lend to borrowers over age 60 or 65, as this is when people typically give up work. But as people now work for longer, many firms now offer loans up until the borrower is aged 70.
Some specialist lenders, such as the Family Building Society and Marsden Building Society, have age limits of up to 90 though rates may be higher.
TAP INTO SAVINGS
It's important to have money set aside for a rainy day, but if you have thousands of pounds in savings, you might use some to clear your debt.
Isas, Premium Bonds and investments can be cashed in at any time. Check for early exit fees or charges to access your money.
If you have an endowment policy, find out what it is likely to pay out when it matures, so you have an idea of any shortfall to cover.
If you are approaching retirement age, you may want to use the 25 per cent tax-free lump sum you can take from your pension to clear the mortgage balance.
It is one of the worlds most iconic fashion events which this year drew a front-row appearance from the Queen.
But London Fashion Week, which brings designers and their fashionista followers flocking to the capital, could become one of the most high-profile victims of Brexit.
Fashion industry bigwigs, politicians and lawyers say Britains withdrawal could make must-have fashion styles on Londons catwalks vulnerable to design theft.
They say the issue needs urgent attention or risks designers deserting London for Paris and Milan already powerful rivals.
London Fashion Week: Britain's catwalk showcase could be left vulnerable to design theft
Lord Clement-Jones, an expert in the field of copyright law, said the loss of protections for unregistered ready-to-wear designs could be a massive blow to the UK economy and is urging the Government to avoid this major fashion faux pas.
Ewan Grist, an intellectual property expert at law firm Bird and Bird, said: This could leave some designs completely unprotected in the UK after Brexit and sitting ducks for copying or counterfeits.
The UK fashion industrys exports are thought to total 9.1billion a year, and the industry supports around 177,000 jobs.
Concerns centre on complex but vital rules known as EU unregistered community design rights. These protections mean designs first presented within the EU currently including the UK cannot be copied by others in the bloc for three years.
Alex Monroe, a London designer whose jewellery is sold in Fortnum & Mason, John Lewis and Fenwick shops, said the loss of these rights is a big threat.
We in Britain live by our distinctive and innovative designers, he said. Were not as big as Paris or Milan or New York, but were quirkier and individual, as we have these strong designs.
The minute you take away these exclusive, British, forward-looking designs USP [unique selling point], then theres not much left. Someones got to bloody well look after it.
Fashion royalty: The Queen and Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour at a London Fashion Week show last month
Labours Baroness Goudie said the Government needs to assure those industries that they are welcome here, and do so quite quickly. Otherwise they will look to go to Paris and Milan, because they are asking and baiting them to come.
Organisations such as fashion week will disappear from London, she said.
A survey of 500 designers by the British Fashion Council in 2016, before the referendum, found that 90 per cent of the 290 that responded wanted to remain within the EU. Just 4.3 per cent wanted to leave.
The British Fashion Council has also raised concerns in a report sent to the Parliamentary Culture Committee.
The council, chaired by Net-A-Porter founder Natalie Massenet, says the loss of protections in Britain would force many businesses to reveal their designs in the EU first in order to trigger protections, effectively closing down London Fashion Week as a platform to promote British businesses.
Caroline Rush, the chief executive of the British Fashion Council, warned in the report: It is a real challenge for London Fashion Week because everyone is going to want to be able to protect their designs as best they possibly can.
What we are going to be seeking with Government is to understand how legally you can show as part of London Fashion Week but be seen to disclose those designs maybe digitally within the EU so that those rights are protected and they are recognised on both sides.
Jewel in crown: London designer Alex Monroe and one of his designs
Harold Tillman, former boss of Jaeger and ex-chairman of the British Fashion Council, told The Mail on Sunday it is important to protect the global showcase that is London Fashion Week.
He added: Fashion and allied services are worth 40billion to the UK in GDP. I would hope this is recognised in the terms of Brexit and protections of design rights are reciprocal with continental Europe.
The Law Society, which represents solicitors across the UK, has also recently issued a report warning Parliament of the potential damage. Despite the threat posed by Brexit to designers, the potential for new trade deals has been cited as an opportunity by chief creative officer of Burberry, Christopher Bailey, who describes himself as a Remainer.
In September, Bailey, due to leave Burberry at the end of the year, said the potential for post-Brexit Britain to export its design is enormous adding: Britishness resonates globally.
A spokesman for the Governments Intellectual Property Office said that, as part of the Brexit process, the UK will establish new schemes to protect rights like these. The spokesman added: This will preserve the full scope of the unregistered community design rights in the UK.
Sir,
I am deeply concerned and perturbed by the treatment Swazi nationals receive from some of the so-called investors from the East, commonly known as Asians, more especially those - those who run fast food outlets and see cellphones and or accessories, especially those based in the bustling hub of Swaziland, Manzini.
Seemingly, customer complaints even those reported to the police seem not to deter the spiteful and shoddy treatment Swazi customers are being subjected to by some of these aliens.
I am in no way being xenophobic or inciting locals against these nationals, but some of these investors do not know any A or Z about anything called customer care and they seem to subscribe to the take it or leave motto whenever you complain about poor customer service.
numerous altercations
I have had numerous altercations, not only yours truly, but scores if not hundreds of Swazis with many of these traders. As recent as last Sunday, I went into one fast food outlet to buy myself some muffins. I had to wait patiently as the one behind the counter conversed animatedly with a group of his countrymen without even bothering to notice that there was a customer who was waiting to be served.
After attending me, I pointed out my choice of muffins which was in an already opened package. Instead of giving me what I chose, he refused and told me to take the one nearest the opening. I patiently lectured him on my right to choose as a customer what I want because it is my money which I was to spend. He arrogantly told me to suka (go away) and go to where they will sell me my choice. I threatened to report his outrageous treatment to relevant authorities and he nonchalantly and smugly told me to go ahead
I left with my tail neatly tucked between my legs, seething with anger. I am not the only Swazi who has been subjected to such and worse treatment from these brothers from the East.
Some Swazis who have threatened to report the ill treatment at the hands of these clowns to the police have even been told succinctly clear to go ahead because, they (Asians) dont fear the police. I wish to know the person who opened the floodgates and allowed these aliens to run cheap businesses in this country.
They are arrogant, practice poor hygiene in some of their shops and as I alluded earlier, the catch word customer care doesnt exist in their vocabulary. For their audacious attitude of not caring about law enforcement I, just cannot help but raise the question, have they captured our law enforcement agencies?Swazis are at a loss as to where to report the shenanigans of this business nemes is from the East. I last heard that we have Consumer Association about a century ago, where customers could lodge their complaints.
high time
If it exists, then its high time it wakes sfrom its slumber. Swazis have become aliens in their own country. These people are running the show. Turn every corner in Manzini, you will find a shop run by Asians. They have become the commercial face of Manzini, if not the whole country. Swazis were relegated to selling Airtime, vegetables and of course the famous dobha phansi - second hand clothing sellers. My question is, Is anyone out there giving a hoot about how Swazis are treated by these clowns from the East?
Idi Amin of Uganda and Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe saw through the potential menace these nationals presented and sent them packing. We are famous for our hospitality - which can be too sickening at times. We created or rather, those who opened the Asian fish and chips investee floodgates, created this Frankenstein and it is biting us rank and file Swazis, who have to submit and cower before the arrogant treatment unleashed by these friends from the East.
parliamentary probe
I last heard there was a parliamentary probe set up - using mine and your taxes - purportedly to probe the cause of the flooding of the invaders from the East in this country. As usual and as always.... it must be gathering dust somewhere!
Who will come to the rescue of us poor Swazis? Nobody cares. All they care about is hiking taxes on the very patriotic Swazis who love this country.
These people practice cash economy. They dont bank locally. The very government which is supposed to protect us consumers is doing a big, fat nothing.
That is why these Asian traders are so arrogant. Nothing and no one can do anything to them.
Do we have any Swazi Julius Malemas and his Red Berets who can rescue us from this nemesis? Just a thought....
By Alex Nxumalo
76058449.
NGWENYA Going on leave could literally mean the end of your job as you know it.
This is deduced from Prime Minister Barnabas Sibusiso Dlaminis response concerning the future of his Head of Security, Assistant Commissioner Paul Zishwili, who has reportedly gone on leave.
Niyati nani uhamba uye elivini; enccenye uyabuya encenye awubuyi, meaning, you know the nature of taking leave; you may return or you may not return.
He said it was up to those in charge of security to decide what would happen, adding that all would be settled when Zishwili returned from leave.
The Prime Minister said this when responding to questions during a press conference on his return from the African Union Summit in Rwanda.
Two months leave
The leave according to the Chief Police Information and Communications Officer (PICO) Superintendent Khulani Mamba is for a period of two months.
This is after there have been several rumours about why the PMs longest serving bodyguard Zishwili had been removed from the premiers security detail but the police are sticking to the version that the senior police officer is not feeling well. The prime minister said the issue of security always evolved.
You can all attest that the country experienced difficulties in terms of security for individuals, as opposed to the countrys security as a whole, the PM said.
He said it was important to always evaluate and re-plan his security detail as it was very important that he as the premier is safe at all times.
The security of individuals such as the PM was always under scrutiny and can never be stagnant. The NATCOM responded correctly when he said that Zishwili had taken leave.
He said there was nothing that the assistant commissioner had done wrong just that security arrangements were revised constantly and that is why certain changes have taken place.
MATSAPHA Jesus Calls Worship Centre (JC) has invited pastors who are known for calling a spade a spade.
Apostle Robert Kasaro, the senior Pastor of Jesus Calls Worship Centre, invited six pastors to administer the Word of God during this years Easter Services, which begin on Friday (March 30, 2018).
However, services at JC start on March 28 and end on April 1, 2018.
Four of the six pastors have been making newspaper headlines in their native countries.
Those who are known to be straight talkers are Bishop Tudor Bismark, Pastor Xola Nzo, Pastor Bernard Nwaka and Pastor Isaac Sithole. The other two are Pastor Bert Pretorius and Pastor Dominic Yeo.
Meanwhile, radical Zimbabwean Bishop Tudor Bismark caused a major stir in London in 2012 when he confessed to sleeping with his boss. This, he said, in front of more than 3 000 people.
His confession was received with shocked gasps followed by nervous giggles and muted applause. While it was not quite clear, the internationally recognised Jabula New Life Covenant Church founder and preacher is believed to have cryptically meant his wife, who is also a pastor in his church.
continent amused
On the other hand, Apostle Isaac Sithole, the senior Pastor of Oasis of Life Family Church in South Africa, amused the continent when he was detained for allegedly being found in possession of police uniform a cap and shirt.
In fact, members of his church were dressed in army and police uniform to symbolise tactics that are used in combat, not knowing that it was illegal for civilians to wear those clothes.
The pastor was overseeing a conference for women when he was taken to the police station in full view of congregants.
Military police and those from the SAPS allegedly found the items in the boot of his car. It took about six hours for an advocate and lawyers to find common ground with the police.
The story was carried by Sowetan. Daveyton police station commissioner Superintendent Thomas Mahwiti confirmed Sitholes detention and subsequent release.
The conference, known as Poplar, was started by Sitholes wife, Sibongile.
Poplar is a tall, fast-growing tree of north temperate regions, widely grown in shelter belts and for timber and pulp.
The essence of the message was that Christians must grow fast in their spiritual life just like the tree.
Poplar members attending the event were asked to dress in camouflage attire in keeping with the days theme: Debora arise as a mother of a nation.
About 2 000 delegates heeded the call and came dressed in replica camouflage attire, while others unwittingly came dressed in the real South African National Defence Force (SANDF) uniform, contrary to military rules.
Speaking to Sowetan on condition of anonymity, a senior military police officer confirmed that they were tipped that some delegates at the conference were illegally in possession of real SANDF uniforms.
When we tried to confiscate all the army issued uniforms, we were met with great aggression and resistance from some of the organisers. This unfortunately has led to an unsavoury stand-off, the military officer said.
Pastor Sithole said when he arrived at the conference, tempers were already high.
The items the military police and the SAPS claim were found in my car. I retrieved them from one young man who had earlier refused to hand them over, Sithole said.
When the man handed me the goods, I placed them in my car in the presence of the same police with a view to later take them to the police station and no one said anything.
But because the situation was confusing and chaotic, it never crossed my mind that the items were still in the car when it was later searched by other police at the gate, Sithole said.
I was arrested and treated as a criminal. I have no grudge against those who arrested me.
The same sentiments were echoed by Pastor Simon Montle when he said in keeping with its mandate, the church harboured no ill feelings towards the military police and SAPS.
Another man of God invited by the JC is Pastor Bernard Nwaka, the founder of Living Waters Global Churches in Africa, UK and the United States of America. He is homophobic. He congratulated Robert Mugabe, the former President of Zimbabwe, on his firm stand against homosexuality. Mugabe opined that homosexuals were worse than pigs and dogs.
likened homosexuals to abortion, prostitution
Nwaka likened homosexuals to abortion, prostitution and pornography. He said gays and lesbians were under the control and possession of the devil.
Should any funny person in future come up and say we want same-sex marriage, we will stand in the courts of law and say Zambia is a Christian nation because our constitution says so, Pastor Nwaka was quoted to have said in Zambia.
He said same-sex marriage was evil and would never be allowed in Zambia. He said the United States and United Kingdom or any other country in support of gay rights should withhold their aid if they were to assist them on condition that they observed the rights of the homosexuals.
Zambia police arrested a gay couple recently on charges of having sex against the order of nature.
Christians left
Nzos church
Philip Mubiana and Kapiri Mposhi were also denied bail on the basis that they might commit the same crime if they were released. Tribal chiefs have backed up the crackdown on homosexuality in Zambia. Same-sex acts are classified in Zambian law as a felony punishable by imprisonment of 14 years.
Five years ago, Pastor Nzo of South Africa had to deal with a split in his church. The split occurred after the man of the cloth had reportedly accused his wife and certain senior members of his church of conducting themselves in an unbecoming manner.
MBABANE - She has spent most of her employment life besides murdered business tycoon Victor Gamedze.
Lomakhosi Gcinile Dlamini was regarded as one of the most trusted servants of the industrialist who was gunned down on January 14, 2018 at a Galp filling station in Ezulwini.
Soon after Gamedzes death, this publication revealed that Dlamini had been registered as a director to one of Gamedzes companies Serjeant Investment. This is the company that owns one of Mbabanes newest and most stunning buildings, popularly referred to as the Glass House, situated in the capital citys main street, Gwamile.
It is now a little over two months since Gamedzes murder and Dlamini is no longer director of Serjeant Investments. This publication knows that Dlamini has since tendered her resignation from the company.
She confirmed this when called on Thursday afternoon and referred further information to senior attorney Sidumo Mdladla of SV Mdladla & Associates. I am no longer part of that company because I resigned. You can find more details with my lawyer Sidumo Mdladla. You can also contact Prosper Mpofu who is the companys managing director, she said. Mdladla is known to have been a close friend to Gamedze and was his attorney. He is the one who registered most of the companies that Gamedze owned and directed.
Mdladla has also been appointed the executor of the deceased businessmans estate.
He confirmed Dlaminis resignation. Yes, she has resigned as director of the company and we are in possession of her letter of resignation. The company is now under the directorship of Gamedzes wife Lungile and daughter Tengetile, the senior attorney said.
Mdladla said there was nothing sinister about Dlaminis resignation because her directorship did not come with monetary attachment.
According to the obituary read out by his family during his memorial service in January, Gamedze allegedly established Serjeant Investment a few years ago and he completed building the Glass House - a modern five storey building located in the centre of Mbabane on Gwamile Street - in 2017.
NUMEROUS PROPERTIES
The Times SUNDAY can reveal that Serjeant Investment was established on May 30, 1960, by a couple known as Lewis and Martha Serjeant who each owned one share of the company that boasted of numerous properties located along Bethusile Street, formerly known as West Street, as well as Gwamile Street, formerly known as Miller Street.
According to the Memorandum of Association of Serjeant Investments, the objects for which the Company is established were to acquire immovable properties known as Lot No 4. No 5 and No 6 Situated on West Street measuring 34 square metres and 104 feet as well as Lot No7 also on West Street measuring 27 square metres and 568 square feet.
MBABANE Finance Minister Martin Dlamini has hit banks where it hurts the most a proposed tax on their revenue but the financial institutions are fighting back.
Despite the retaliation, the minister is not backing down and insists that this is one of the ways through which banks should make a contribution to the countrys fiscus.
The ministry of finance has proposed a first-of-its-kind 2.5 per cent levy on the annual income of banks in order to boost government coffers.
Dlamini told stakeholders attending the Central Bank of Swazilands 2018 Post-Budget Seminar held on Thursday morning that there were screams from consumers over bank charges and when he tried to recover from the gains made by bankers, there were also screams from the latter.
This is seen as the minister implying that banks are charging customers more than they could afford but they (banks) do not want to be taxed for what they get from the customers.
I have been working with the banks for quite some time, I dont want to destroy my relationship with the banks but I think a contribution from our banking sector is necessary, whether its an aided contribution or an equitable contribution in terms of income, its up to them how they take it. I do not want to sit and analyse where I see our banking system making gains that are not taxed but I think I will respond to this by saying let the banks make a contribution to the fiscus of Swaziland, the minister said, much to the amusement of bank bosses who were seated in one table.
A local senior banking expert, who spoke to the Times SUNDAY, did not take kindly to the ministers comments and doubted that the minister intended to say what he said.
banking sector one of the largest taxpayers
To challenge banks to contribute to the fiscus implies that they do not at present. The banking sector is one of the largest taxpayers in the country. We are also the single largest lender with well over E10 billion in loans to Swazis, with the potential for much more. These loans help create jobs, and creating uncertainty to banks through such comments, alongside other issues, is already restraining credit growth. Economies struggle to survive the slowdown of credit granting, and thats why Im certain the minister did not intend to be antagonistic, the expert said.
He stated that nowhere has bashing banks led to economic growth.
The country is going through a tough period and we are all in this together. A slow economy with inconsistent supplier payments and large un-repaid loans is the nightmare of any bank. We want to help. Instead of pointing fingers at any particular sector, let us pull together to solve the real issues which include attracting new investment, higher employment and addressing high non-income generating spending by the country, he said. The expert banker further said whatever excuses were being picked up, the real issues around spending control will not go away until there was commitment to a different future.
Higher taxes are a short-term solution; they do not address the root cause. This current generation will face higher taxes, future generations are already being asked to pay our debt. If parliament supports this route, we shall fully comply. But we should make sure we spend on things whose value our children will see, he continued.
He also confirmed that the banking sector had opened itself to discussing necessary reforms.
MBABANE - Bishop Nash Shongwe is a business partner with incarcerated murder suspect Sipho Shongwe, it can be revealed.
The two are co-directors in a company styled V-Trac Investments which traded with, among others, the Royal Swaziland Police and the Swaziland Posts and Telecommunications Corporation (SPTC).
The founder of Divine Healing Ministries, who is also a member of the Kings Advisory Council (Liqoqo), allegedly owns 10 per cent shares together with the businessman.
Sipho owns 65 per cent while one Abel Hlatjwako is also a shareholder with a 25 per cent stake.
For registration purposes of the company, Sipho used a passport numbered 10012832, which expires on September 16, 2018.
This is according to company records kept at the Registrar of Companies - a department under the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade.
The objects for which the company was established were listed as; to engage in the business of rendering electronic security services such as installing video cameras and alarm systems.
To engage in the business of supplying and installing public address systems, video conferencing and environmental management systems, among thousands of other objectives which were mentioned in the document, including but not limited to buying, selling and refining bullion and spice, coin and precious metal and conducting prospecting and mining operations of all kinds.
Explaining how the name V- Trac Investments (Proprietary) Limited was chosen as the company name, it is explained that V- Trac is derived from video tracking, which is a unique way of doing business in that the company does live video monitoring for security and management reasons.
Our cameras installed in vehicles and buildings can be moved electronically by a remote person to follow events live on video, the short description compiled by shareholder Abel Hlatjwako read.
At the time of compiling this investigation, the bishops shareholding and directorship of V- Trac Investments (Proprietary) Limited had not changed, at least as far as the records contained within the company file on Friday. The Times SUNDAY, through its investigations can reveal that V- Trac Investments (Proprietary) Limited was registered on September 29, 2009 and initially had two directors; Abel Hlatjwako, who owned 50 per cent shares and Sipho Shongwe who also held the remaining 50 per cent.
This, however, changed after a meeting held at Gree Swaziland offices in October, the same year, where the issue of the share redistribution was discussed and finalised.
It is unclear from the documents the Times SUNDAY has in its possession how Bishop Shongwe became a shareholder in the company as this was not mentioned in the details of the meeting which was held by shareholders and directors of the company.
He (bishop) attended the said meeting. Sipho, Hlatjwako as well as Company Secretary Nicholas Mabuza were also in attendance.
The four men had gathered to discuss the need to inject supplementary cash to supply new orders, which the company had secured as well as the issue of share distribution.
According to the minutes, Hlatjwako is the one who came up with the business idea which needed a seed capital of E200 000. He informed the meeting that the new company had just procured four tenders that needed to be financed.
capacity to finance
In his presentation, he mentioned that the company did not have the capacity to finance the orders valued at E393 000. These were from the Royal Swaziland Police valued at E119 000, Universal Milling valued at E40 000, another from Valley Farm valued at E20 000 and one from the Swaziland Post and Telecommunications Company valued at E214 000.
The total value of the tenders was E746 000. He (referring to Hlatjwako) said the company did not have the money to fund these orders and the likelihood of banks considering any request in view of the newness of the business account was unlikely, read the minutes in part.
As a shareholder, Bishop Shongwe is recorded to have also suggested that he be given the orders so that he could approach SwaziBank.
However, Mabuza, the Secretary, asked Shongwe (Sipho) to bail out the company and that was when he demanded that he be given more shares than the 50 per cent he was already holding.
It is stated in the minutes of the meeting that his argument was that when he was invited to join the company as a shareholder, he only had to assist the company with a loan deposit which was repayable immediately after the loan was credited into the business account by the lending bank.
He is recorded to have observed that terms of his engagement had changed and as such he was now being requested to contribute working capital. He desired that this transaction be translated into higher shareholding, read the minutes of the meeting. Sipho further expressed displeasure over the fact that Hlatjwako was also demanding a salary of about E9 000.
He said he felt the move was grossly inappropriate in that Hlatjwako was a director for the company and as such he felt he needed to sacrifice for the development of the company like all other directors w
ho werent drawing salaries.Bishop Nash Shongwe conceded with Sipho Shongwes observation and felt that the move for a pay was premature in view of the companys financial position, read the minutes.
The secretary, who appeared to be the mediator during the meeting, then asked Sipho how he could feel if Hlatjwakos shares could be diminished and his increased in return for the needed further cash contribution to the business. He also said this could enable Hlatjwako to draw the desired salary of E9 000 from the business. The minutes revealed that Shongwe agreed to the suggestion as long as the company agreed to pay back all his money as soon as it received payment. However, Hlatjwako contested this proposal and advised that he had contributed as far as founding the company was concerned as well as bringing the business idea to a viable business state. He argued that he wanted this to be considered before the decision to review shareholding was taken up.
No mention of Bishop Nashs shareholding status is made.
It was revealed in the minutes that Hlatjwako and Sipho each held 45 per cent of the companys equity and were considered major shareholders.
A contribution basis method was proposed and accepted by the two shareholders as the basis for determining the major shareholder between them. It was again not stated what Bishop Shongwe, who held 10 per cent of the company, was expected to contribute.
Total contributions by Hlatjwako amounted to almost half a million Emalangeni at E460 000 while incarcerated businessman Shongwe contributed over a million Emalangeni to the business as his contributions amounted to E1.2 million. The minutes stated that the secretary revealed the share distribution to necessitate voting by all members who were present. The outcome was; A.B Hlatjwako had 25 per cent, Sipho Shongwe with 65 per cent and Bishop Nash remained with his initial 10 per cent shareholding.
[March 24, 2018] New Preclinical Data for THIO in BRAF-Mutant Mouse Melanoma Models
A study conducted at The Wistar Institute in collaboration with The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center has demonstrated the efficacy of targeting aberrantly active telomerase to treat therapy-resistant melanoma. The research was published in the journal Clinical Cancer Research (http://clincancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/early/2018/03/21/1078-0432.CCR-17-2773). A hallmark of several cancer types, including melanoma, is increased telomerase activation. Telomerase is an enzyme responsible for elongating telomeres which protect the integrity of chromosome ends during cell replication. While absent in most normal cells, telomerase is highly active in cancer cells, driving continuous cell divisions. "Telomerase is an almost universal oncology target. In the present study, we provide a scientific rationale for the development of new clinical cancer treatments based on targeting telomeres in cancer cells," said Jerry W. Shay, co-author of the study, and professor of Cell Biology at UT Southwestern Medical Center. Meenhard Herlyn, D.V.M., D.Sc., Caspar Wistar rofessor in Melanoma Research and director of The Wistar Institute Melanoma Research Center, and his collaborators used a modified telomerase substrate they had previously described, 6-thio-2'-deoxyguanosine or 6-thio-dG (THIO), to utilize telomerase to induce telomere dysfunction. They demonstrated that THIO induced cell death in melanoma cells harboring BRAF gene mutations and impaired tumor growth in several BRAF-mutant mouse melanoma models without affecting the viability of normal skin cells.
The team also studied the ability of THIO treatment to stop proliferation and tumor growth of therapy-resistant melanoma cells. They created a large panel of human melanoma cell lines with acquired resistance to targeted therapy and immunotherapy and showed a general sensitivity of these cells to THIO both in vitro and in vivo. "These exciting results add to a substantial amount of scientific data on THIO supporting our development program," said Frank Perabo, CEO of Barricade Therapeutics. "The data suggest that THIO could be studied in future clinical trials in a first- and second-line therapy setting, or in combination with other agents to overcome intrinsic resistance."
This work was supported by grants from NIH, DoD, Dr. Miriam and Sheldon G. Adelson Medical Research Foundation and the Melanoma Research Foundation. About THIO: THIO (6-thio-2'-deoxyguanosine or 6-thio-dG) specifically targets and induces damage to telomeric DNA, resulting in the selective death of tumor cells. Telomerase is an almost universal driver of tumor growth. THIO utilizes a novel mechanism of action, and in contrast to other telomerase inhibitor-based approaches, THIO is not a direct telomerase inhibitor. THIO causes telomere uncapping, leading to cancer cell death. Barricade Therapeutics is developing THIO for multiple oncology indications and has licensed the global exclusive rights from UT Southwestern, Dallas, TX. About Barricade Therapeutics: Barricade Therapeutics, Corp. (www.barricadetherapeutics.com) is a privately-held Biotech company based in Houston, TX. Barricade was founded based on discovery and advancement of novel first-in-class anti-cancer small molecules. The current status of the development programs is preclinical. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180324005032/en/
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[March 25, 2018] Panopto to Apple: "Let us live stream Tuesday's event"
SEATTLE, March 25, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Panopto, the leading video platform provider for businesses and universities, today announced an offer to live stream Apple's upcoming event, set to take place Tuesday, March 27 at Lane Tech High School in Chicago. Panopto's offer follows Apple's recent confirmation that the company would not live stream Tuesday's event, a break from tradition. "Live blogs are nice, but nothing comes close to video for reproducing the live event experience," said Sean Gorman, Chief Operating Officer of Panopto. "Apple's change of venue from its state-of-the-art Cupertino facilities to a Chicago high school shouldn't prevent the company from live streaming. With Panopto, Apple could produce a professional, reliable broadcast that reaches a virtually unlimited audience online, all using commodity AV hardware." Panopto's video platform provides businesses and universities with an esier, more cost-effective way to broadcast and record corporate events. Panopto enables users to live stream to any desktop or mobile web browser without the need for specialized software. And Panopto's cloud infrastructure and content delivery networks (CDNs) ensure that online attendees have a great viewing experience, regardless of where they're located and whether they number in the tens or tens of thousands.
Leading businesses like Mizuno, academic institutions like the University of Arizona, and hundreds of other organizations around the world rely on Panopto for live streaming internal and public events, including corporate town halls, campus community events, organizational announcements, and more. "Tuesday's event will be Apple's first education-focused event since 2012," noted Gorman. "As a leader in enterprise video and a company with deep roots in education, we'd love to assist in streaming to the broadest audience possible."
About Panopto
Panopto helps businesses and universities create searchable video libraries of their institutional knowledge. Since 2007, the company has been a pioneer in video capture software, video content management systems, and inside-video search technology. Today, Panopto's video platform is the largest repository of expert learning videos in the world. Headquartered in Seattle, with offices in Pittsburgh, London, Hong Kong, and Sydney, Panopto has received industry recognition for its innovation, rapid growth, and company culture. For more information, visit www.panopto.com. View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/panopto-to-apple-let-us-live-stream-tuesdays-event-300619099.html SOURCE Panopto
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FB SHAREHOLDER ALERT: The Law Offices of Vincent Wong Notifies Investors of an Investigation Involving Possible Securities Fraud Violations by the Board of Directors of Facebook, Inc.
The Law Offices of Vincent Wong notifies investors of an investigation concerning whether Facebook (News - Alert) , Inc. ("Facebook" or the "Company") (NASADAQGS: FB) violated federal securities laws.
Click here to learn about the case: http://docs.wongesq.com/FB-Info-Request-Form-1867. There is no cost or obligation to you.
On March 17, 2018, The New York Times reported that voter-profiling company Cambridge Analytica ("Cambridge") had "harvested private information from the Facebook profiles of more than 5 million users without their permission making it one of the largest data leaks in the social network's history." Then on March 18, 2018, the office of the Massachusetts Attorney General announced it had launched an investigation. Then on March 19, 2018, European Union officials also said they would commence an investigation. Following this news, Facebook shares fell to a close of $168.15 on March 20, 2018.
To learn more about the investigation of Facebook contact Vincent Wong, Esq. either via email vw@wongesq.com, by telephone at 212.425.1140, or visit http://docs.wongesq.com/FB-Info-Request-Form-1867.
Vincent Wong, Esq. is an experienced attorney that has represented investors in securities litigations involving financial fraud and violations of shareholder rights. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180325005025/en/
Friends, family remember Sheffield Park homicide victim as case remains unsolved KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Days after police ruled the death of 35-year-old mother Theresa Christman as a homicide, friends and family members gathered on Saturday at the spot where her body was found in Sheffield Park this week. On Tuesday, investigators discovered Christman's body inside a wooded area of the park.
A young mom was brutally killed in a Northeast park this month and authorities are struggling to find the culprit as family & friends plead for justice. Read more:
EPIC Kansas City Anti-Gun Turnout
More than 5,000 show up to 'March for Our Lives' in KC Between 5,000 and 6,000 people showed up to a "March for Our Lives" rally in KC on Saturday. The rally was part of a national series of such rallies that took place in cities across the county. The event began at noon at Theis Park and was expected to end around 4 p.m.
Mayor Sly James Rallies The Crowd
Mayor Sly James on Twitter Look at the faces in this crowd and see the face of America ... All kinds of people. This is the America we must fight for! #NeverAgain #MarchForOurLivesKC
Notable Crowd Push Back Against Police
Police violence should be included in gun violence conversations. #blacklivesmatter #stephonclark #marchforourliveskc #marchforourlives #everytown #policebrutality #coalitiontostopgunviolence 12 Likes, 1 Comments - Bear (@ms.rustykuntz) on Instagram: "Police violence should be included in gun violence conversations. #blacklivesmatter #stephonclark..."
Youngster Talking Point
Indivisible KC-KAN3 on Twitter We're at the #MarchForOurLivesKC. Protect Our Kids.
Gun Safety Signage
we're just out here writing history that's all. #marchforourliveskc 43 Likes, 1 Comments - kayla rose (@_rosiestone) on Instagram: "we're just out here writing history that's all. #marchforourliveskc"
The Real World Opposition Was Silent
Jay Sidie on Twitter Hey @NRA , you up? #MarchForOurLivesKC #March4OurLives #MarchForOurLives
Democratic Party Talking Points
MainStream Coalition on Twitter Thousands upon thousands of motivated voters here at #marchforourliveskc who've had enough of kids being shot at school. #MarchForOurLives
Saturday belongs to proponents of limitations on 2nd Amendment gun rights after the horrific slaughter of youngsters at a Florida high schoolRight now we offer a look at the highlights from today's event which maybe didn't earn as many fans as low-rent women's b-ball or a C-list hipster bandstill achieved a massive turnout for a local political protest.Take a peek at our tour of today's protest . . .You decide . . .
DID DIVISIVE RHETORIC RUIN THE KANSAS CITY MARCH FOR OUR LIVES???
KANSAS CITY MO - Physican, mother, and widow to gun violence, Dr. Emily Reingel speaks at 'March For Our Lives' Kansas City. Dr. Emily Reingel is a co-founder of Indivisible KC. A compelling voice from the Heartland calling for an immediate end to gun violence in America.
"Police violence should be included in gun violence conversations."
"Learn what cops do and the abuse they take every single day. They are accused of brutality when it's actually the person they are arresting that won't cooperate."
I love these people who are told they are under arrest and they yell take your hands off of me and resist arrest. 99.9% of the cops do damn good work, under enormous stress."
LIKE IT OR NOT, MIDTERM ELECTION SEASON 2018 POLITICS EARNED A FAR GREATER BOOST FROM 'MARCH FOR OUR LIVES" PROTEST THAN ANY STRICTER GUN REGULATION PROPOSALS!!!
"They could be protesting to ban bacon, I dont care. If you are a grown-ass man and you spent time today making fun of high school kids for expressing themselves in political discourse, youre a f*cking loser."
Without question, the Kansas City "March For Our Lives" demonstration was a historic moment for the local political discourse.But in the aftermath we notice that a great deal of the most captivating rhetoric focused on election campaigning and not policy changes.And so we ask . . .A few examples for consideration . . .The widow ofcertainly deserves to have a say in the local gun rights debate but her organization is not only against guns but also clings to the hope of Obamacare.Check her remarks . . .And then we noticed some. . .The response from a denizen of our blog community:Finally . . .We notice "Mothers In Charge" founderto the Kansas City crowd . . . While her anti-gun advocacy makes her perspective appropriate, it's worth noting thatfor this kind of massive youth movement.And so . . .Feel free to do the math on that statement as gun rights restrictions are exceptionally unlikely at the State or Federal level in the next year.Still . . .To be fair, here's one of the smartest things posted in the aftermath of the march . . . The perspective respects both sides of the issue yet offers an important life lesson and fact check for the political discourse and the restraint that it demands . . .Agree to disagree or otherwise, the significance of the march shouldn't be underestimated even if it might not facilitate much legislative change or local compromise on the sordid topic of guns.You decide . . .
Bank ABC shareholders today approved $93.3 million in dividend payment and a market making arrangement to support liquidity in ABC share price, at the banks annual general meeting.
Consolidated net profit, attributable to the shareholders of the parent, for the year 2017 was $193 million, 6 per cent higher compared to $183 million reported for the previous year.
The shareholders approved a cash dividend distribution of 3 per cent of the issued share capital ($0.03 per share), translating to approximately 48 per cent of the net profit for the year, attributable to the shareholders of the parent, amounting to $93.30 million.
Furthermore, the banks shareholders approved the appointment of the Securities and Investment Company (SICO) as the designated market maker with respect to Bank ABCs ordinary shares listed on the Bahrain Bourse. This market making arrangement aims to inject more market liquidity, thereby assisting any shareholders who want to buy or sell Bank ABC shares to do so.
According to this arrangement, Bank ABC can repurchase a percentage of its own shares not exceeding 3 per cent of the total and can resell them, via the designated market maker, with a view to enhancing the liquidity of the banks shares in the market.
Over time, this increased liquidity should result in the intrinsic value of Bank ABC being better reflected in its share valuation, explained Dr Khaled Kawan, Group CEO of Bank ABC.
The market making programme with SICO will be in effect for an initial 12-month period following its establishment, so as to enable Bank ABC to gauge the success of the arrangement, but it may be extended thereafter if the Board of Directors considers it appropriate.
The Bank ABC Group has had a longstanding issue in that the intrinsic value of Bank ABC is not fully reflected in its Bahrain Bourse share price. A number of factors have contributed to this, including the low trading volume of Bank ABCs ordinary shares on the Bahrain Bourse, Dr Kawan pointed out.
Bank ABC is a leading player in the regions banking industry and provides innovative wholesale financial products and services that include corporate banking, trade finance, project and structured finance, syndications, treasury products and Islamic banking. It also provides retail banking services through its network of retail banks in Jordan, Egypt, Tunisia and Algeria. TradeArabia News Service
Eagle Hills Diyar, the masterplanner of the iconic urban development Marassi Al Bahrain, said it has entered into a strategic partnership with Al Baraka Islamic Bank, one of the kingdoms leading financial institutions in the Islamic banking sector.
Under this agreement, Al Baraka Islamic Bank will provide exclusive mortgage solutions to its customers who wish to invest in any of Marassi Al Bahrains residential components.
This strategic collaboration will enable Al Baraka Islamic Bank customers who wish to invest in the project, to avail themselves of exclusive financing schemes that will facilitate their purchase of any residential units under the Marassi Al Bahrain project umbrella, remarked Dr Maher Al Shaer, the managing director at Eagle Hills Diyar, after signing the deal with Mohamed Isa Al Mutaweh, CEO and board member of Al Baraka Islamic Bank, in the presence of other senior officials at the Al Baraka Islamic Bank headquarters at Bahrain Bay.
The bank will provide eligible buyers, both Bahrainis, expatriates and GCC nationals, with flexible re-payment structures at competitive rates, to ease them through the construction period of their individual investments and repayment thereof in accordance with the banks terms and conditions, he noted.
Dr Al Shaer said: "Our alliance with a solid financial institution such as Al Baraka Islamic Bank is a strategic move to consolidate the banks customer-oriented financing solutions with our unique product offering, in an effort to offer investors the economic feasibility and opportunity to benefit from favorable funding conditions."
"One of our main roles as developers is to support our investors with convenient payment structures and to facilitate their investment journey in the long-term, in line with international standards and best practices," he stated.
Mohamed Isa Al Mutaweh, the chief executive and board member of Al Baraka Islamic Bank, said: "We are delighted to demonstrate once again our active partnership with the private sector to provide financing facilities for housing projects in the kingdom and thus facilitate housing provision to citizens and non-citizens through one of the leading housing projects Marassi Al Bahrains residential components, which is one of the most prestigious real estate companies in the kingdom."
"The bank will provide financing for those wishing to purchase a residential unit in this project on competitive terms and rates to suit different categories of customers," he added.-TradeArabia News Service
APM Terminals Bahrain, the operator of the Khalifa Bin Salman Port (KBSP) in Bahrain, has continued its collaboration with Bahrain Polytechnic for the third year by recruiting 13 of its students for various port operations including planning, technical, HR, marine services and safety.
APM Terminals Bahrain is working towards driving its future growth by developing the countrys maritime workforce, with transport and logistics being among the key strategic growth sectors for the kingdom.
As the operator of KBSP, APM Terminals Bahrain employs approximately 500 people in a wide range of maritime and logistics operations and relies heavily on skilled talent to meet the future local and regional demands of this sector, said a statement.
With stakeholder partnerships such as Bahrain Polytechnic, the company has taken on the ownership to raise awareness of the maritime industry and the lucrative career opportunities it offers to further attract young Bahraini talent, it said.
Additionally, APM Terminals has been advocating ample career opportunities for women in the maritime sector by integrating their role into mainstream activities, usually considered non-traditional and labour-intensive. In fact, over the past two years, it has facilitated career development opportunities for nine young women, by employing them across various port operations.
Ali Karim Nesaif, one of the young recruits, working in the ports technical department, said: Working at the port has been a great on-ground learning experience - it has improved my practical knowledge of technical skills, expanded my engineering background and enhanced my administrative skills.
Each day, I learn more from experience and that is a big boost in this dynamic industry, he said.
Another Bahraini youth, Asma Dhafer Abdulaal, working in the ports operational department, said: In my short seven months tenure with APM Terminals, I have had first-hand experience of working across the static planning, general cargo departments and learning more about the port, the diverse work and career opportunities it offers.
This has been a vast experience and I am really looking forward to pursuing a career in this industry, she added.
Mark Hardiman, CEO/managing director of APM Terminals Bahrain, said: We are really pleased with how our career development initiative has shaped up and most importantly, benefitted so many young Bahraini youths who are smart, enthusiastic and eager to learn.
This has played a huge role in raising awareness about the industry from an educational and career perspective as well as building a quality talent pool for the industry, he said.
Weve seen a significant increase in the number of students pursuing their interests especially women, and through our various stakeholder partnerships, we hope to cultivate the local talent to further strengthen Bahrains maritime and logistics ecosystem, he added.
Moreover, as part of its ongoing association with Bahrain Polytechnic, APM Terminals this year, will be welcoming a new batch of 40 students to attend interactive knowledge sessions at the port combined with practical understanding of various port regulations and operations. This educational programme, which is conducted over the course of one year, now in its third season enables students to study first-hand the key aspects of the industry including port operations, supply chains and safety protocols.
As part of the collaboration, APM Terminals senior management team also conduct knowledge sessions on maritime logistics with an overview of port operations for the Bahrain Polytechnic students. So far, 76 Bahrain Polytechnic students have benefitted from this educational collaboration.
As a global player operating 74 operating ports and terminal facilities and over 117 inland services operations spread over 58 countries, APM Terminals continues its commitment in creating a highly skilled and diverse local workforce for the maritime industry, it stated. TradeArabia News Service
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Pope Francis recalls that Palm Sunday is also diocesan World Youth Day and prays that the Mother of God will accompany this new generation towards the October Synod and World Youth Day, Panama, in 2019.
During the Angelus that followed the celebration of Holy Mass this Palm Sunday, Pope Francis recalled that it was also diocesan World Youth Day noting that the day was an important step on the path towards the Synod of Bishops on young people which will take place in October and to the International Day, which will take place in Panama in January 2019.
Mary accompanies new generations on their pilgrimage of faith
On this journey, he said, we are accompanied by the example and intercession of Mary, the young woman of Nazareth whom God has chosen as the Mother of her Son. She walks with us and guides the new generations on their pilgrimage of faith and fraternity.
The Pope continued, may Mary help us all to live Holy Week well. From her we learn inner silence, the gaze of the heart, the loving faith to follow Jesus on the way of the cross, which leads to the joyful light of the Resurrection.
Greeting all of the pilgrims from Italy and around the world who had taken part in the Mass in St Peters Square, the Pontiff recalled in particular the Peruvian community living in Italy. I remember with gratitude, he said, my recent trip to Peru.
France is honoring a police officer who died of his injuries after offered himself up to an Islamic extremist shooter in exchange for a hostage during an attack on a supermarket in southern France. His death is raising the death toll in the attack to four in a country that remembers a priest who was apparently killed because of his Christian faith.
By Stefan J. Bos
French President Emmanuel Macron recalled in a statement that 44-year-old Lt. Col. Arnaud Beltrame was among the first officers to respond to an attack on a supermarket in the small town of Trebes in which several people died.
"Arnaud Beltrame," the president said, "died in the service of the nation to which he had already given so much." And Macron notes that "In giving his life to end the deadly plan of a jihadi terrorist, he fell as a hero."
The police officer went inside the supermarket on Friday, after had given up his weapon and volunteered himself in exchange for a female hostage.
Earlier, 25-year-old Redouane Lakdim from the city of Carcassonne had attacked the supermarket, explained Paris prosecutor Francois Molins. The gunman was shouting "Allahu akbar!", Arabic phrase for Allah is great and claimed he was a "soldier of the Islamic State" group as he entered the Super U, where about 50 people were inside, the prosecutor said.
He said the gunman had been radicalized but added that the intelligence received in recent years did not show "a warning sign" that Lakdim would carry out an attack. The prosecutor's office also reported the arrest of two people over alleged links with a terrorist enterprise, including one woman close to Lakdim and one friend of his, a 17-year-old male.
Unbeknownst to the Morocco-born captor, police officer Beltrame left his mobile phone on so police outside could hear what was happening in the store.
Storming building
They stormed the building when they heard gunshots and Beltrame was fatally wounded. Islamic State group later said the Islamic gunman was attacking the supermarket had been responding to the group's calls to target countries in the U.S.-led coalition carrying out airstrikes against IS militants in Syria and Iraq since 2014.
The death of the police officer raises the toll to four. The shooter is also dead, and 15 people received injuries in the attack, officials said.
Beltrame, who first took his place among the elite police special forces in 2003 and served in Iraq in 2005, had organized a training session in the Aude region in December for just such a hostage situation.
His death came as France still remembers priest Jean Hamel, whose throat was slit by Islamist militants as he celebrated Mass in July 2016 in his parish church in Normandy.
Pope Francis ordered a preliminary sainthood investigation for the priest saying his unwavering faith should encourage others to show the same courage.
Greece today stepped up its rhetoric against Turkish expansionist aims in the Aegean, with the defence minister saying any Turkish attempt to impinge on Greek national territory would be crushed.
The minister, Panos Kammenos, made the statement after a military parade here in Athens to mark Greek Independence Day. It was on 25 March 1821 that the Greeks began their war of independence against the Ottoman Empire. Kammenos also warned Turkey against reviving Ottoman ideas. Other political figures, including Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, delivered similar warnings.
Souring the atmosphere is the continued detention of two Greek soldiers in a Turkish jail after they strayed across the border more than three weeks ago. Kammenos called the detentions completely illegal and called on Greeces European partners to pressure Turkey into freeing the two Greek servicemen, whom most Greeks regard as political hostages.
Kammenos concluded his comments by saying that if the Turks continued their aggressive actions, they ought to go back to Central Asia where they came from a remark that surely would not go down well in Ankara.
On the other hand, Kammenos, a right-winger, is locked in an uneasy coalition with Tsiprass leftwing government. Some here in Athens believe hes being bellicose mainly for a domestic audience.
Egyptian riot police cordon off the street at the site of a bomb attack in the northern city of Alexandria, which hit a convoy of the city's security chief, on Mar 24, 2018. (Photo: AFP/STRINGER)
The bomb, which exploded near a convoy transporting General Mostafa el-Nemr through a residential area of the Mediterranean city, killed one officer on the spot, while a young recruit died later of his wounds, a security source said.
Five other people wounded in the blast were being treated in the city's military hospital, the official said.
Nemr was not among the casualties of the "terrorist bombing that targeted the convoy", his office said, quoted by state-owned newspaper Al-Ahram.
The security chief, escorted by guards, appeared on Egyptian television visiting the scene shortly after the attack.
Prosecutor General Nabil Sadek ordered an "urgent and wide inquiry".
Photographs posted online showed black smoke rising above the site of the attack near a police station on Al-Moaskar Al-Romani street.
An AFP correspondent at the scene said security and military units had cordoned off the area of the attack, which left several burnt-out cars. Police forensics experts were examining the charred remains of the vehicle used for the bombing.
There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the blast, which came ahead of Egypt's presidential election starting Monday, in which incumbent Abdel Fattah al-Sisi looks certain to sweep to a second term in office.
ARMY SECURING ELECTIONS
Egypt's military said Saturday on Twitter that it was making "intensive preparations for the armed forces to secure the presidential election" on Mar 26-28.
Sisi stormed to victory in a 2014 poll, a year after leading the military in ousting Egypt's first freely elected leader, the Islamist Mohamed Morsi.
Since the ouster of Morsi and a crackdown on his Muslim Brotherhood, security forces have sought to quell attacks by extremists.
The Ansar Beit al-Maqdis group, which has declared allegiance to the Islamic State (IS) militant group, has killed hundreds of soldiers, policemen and civilians, mainly in its North Sinai stronghold but also elsewhere in Egypt.
IS claimed the 2015 bombing of a Russian airliner carrying tourists from the South Sinai resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, which killed all 224 people on board.
It has also killed scores of members of Egypt's minority Coptic Christian community in church bombings and shootings.
During Palm Sunday celebrations in April 2017, suicide bombers killed 45 worshippers in attacks on churches in Alexandria and Tanta, also north of Cairo. Sine then Egypt has been under a state of emergency.
Sisi gave the armed forces and police a three-month deadline in November to wipe out the militants.
The president's ultimatum came after suspected IS gunmen massacred more than 300 worshippers in a Sinai mosque associated with Sufi Muslims, seen by IS as heretics.
The deadline has since been extended and the armed forces have launched their most comprehensive campaign yet to end the five-year-old militant insurgency.
The military gives regular updates on the operation, saying it has killed more than 100 militants so far while losing at least 20 troops.
Portugal's leaders were criticised for failing to develop a coherent strategy after 112 people died in wildfires in 2017. (Photo: AFP/Francisco Leong)
Prime Minister Antonio Costa, President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and some 20 senior government officials joined workers across Portugal to start clearing several hectares of the forests covering two-thirds of the country.
Costa has made the fight against wildfires his number one priority after his cabinet faced huge public anger over what critics said was its inefficient handling of the devastating blazes in June and October 2017.
It was the first major failure for Costa's government since it came to power in November 2015, having enjoyed popularity over the European Union member's rebounding economy after years of economic crisis and austerity.
"For the first time Portugal is becoming aware that it is absolutely necessary to clear high-risk areas to reduce the number of summer fires," Costa said Saturday after arriving in the town of Loule town in the southern Algarve region.
Portugal and neighbouring Spain last year grappled with a devastating drought that left rivers nearly dry, sparked the deadly wildfires and devastated crops.
In February, Costa issued tough new rules forcing landowners to clear their woods and cut trees until Mar 15 or face fines of up to 120,000 (US$150,000).
But the decree sparked outcry from an important number of local officials and environmental organisations, which had criticised the short deadline.
"The government wants to make up in three months what should have been done over the past five years," said green group Quercus.
In response to the criticism, the government has extended the delay to May 31.
The government's push has also hit other obstacles.
The depopulation of rural areas means that landowners are often either absent or too old to cut down trees.
In addition, dissatisfaction is brewing among Portugal's 68,000 firefighters, 80 per cent of whom are volunteers who find themselves on the frontline of the blazes.
Many were left unable to communicate during last year's disasters when the wildfires destroyed phone lines and mobile network transmitters.
The authorities' plan to replace highly flammable eucalyptus plantations with more resistant species like the cork oak have been met with resistance from the paper industry.
Many small land owners in central Portugal live off the eucalyptus trade.
Planes from Qantas and Emirates. (File photo: AFP/Greg Wood)
The service makes Qantas one among a handful of airlines that operate on such long-distance intercontinental routes.
Here are some of the world's longest flights:
Auckland to Doha - 17 hr 40 min
Qatar Airways Flight 921 is currently the longest commercial journey in the world, flying passengers over 14,500 km (9,000 miles) from New Zealand to Qatar in nearly 18 hours on Boeing 777 airliners.
Auckland to Dubai - 17 hr 20 min
Auckland is also the origin of Emirates Airline Flight 449, with Airbus A380 superjumbos travelling 14,200 km in 17 and a half hours to Dubai.
Perth to London - 17 hr 20 min
The new Qantas service is the first regular link between Australia and Europe, with the airline's Boeing 787 planes connecting Perth and London in just over 17 hours. The 14,500-km route is part of the airline's ambitious plans to eventually connect Europe with airports on Australia's eastern seaboard as new, more efficient aircraft become available.
Los Angeles to Singapore - 17 hr 20 min
United Airlines launched its service connecting Los Angeles' LAX airport to Singapore using 787s last year, saying the 14,100-km link would be the longest non-stop flight - in terms of distance - from the United States to anywhere in the world.
Houston to Sydney - 17 hr 30 min
United's 787s also connect Houston in the southern US to Australia, crossing 13,800 km in around 17 and a half hours.
Singapore to New York - 19 hr
The longest flights operating today pale in comparison with Singapore Airlines Flight 22. The carrier flew Airbus A340 airliners from the city-state to New York's Newark airport - a journey of over 15,000 kilometres - from 2004 to 2013, when the service was suspended to cut costs. But the airline plans to restart flights on the route, using the ultra-long range version of the Airbus A350.
The President of the Republic of Korea (RoK), Moon Jae-in, had breakfast with his wife at a noodle soup restaurant on Hoang Minh Giam Street in Hanoi on the morning of March 24 before drawing a close to their State visit to Vietnam.
Today (March 24) is the final day of the RoK Presidents State visit to Vietnam. The President and his wife try a special beef noodle soup at a Hanoi restaurant. Nghiem Xuan Tien, vice director of the chain of noodle soup restaurants, presents a box of chopsticks to the RoK President in the hope that he will fondly remember Vietnamese cuisine after he returns to his country. The RoK President poses for a photo with RoK women and children in front of the restaurant. President Moon talks to and poses for a photo with Vietnamese and Korean people. The President takes a photo with the restaurants owner and staff. The RoK President and his wife are leaving Hanoi today (March 24), bringing an end to the three-day State visit to Vietnam. VOV
The State will have breakthroughs in the reform of legal regulations and business investment conditions for the domestic real estate market this year, according to experts. Photo batdongsanexpress.vn
The Ministry of Construction will prioritise completion of the reforms.
Nguyen Manh Khoi, deputy director of the Ministry of Constructions Department of Housing Management and Real Estate Market, said this at a seminar on property business held by the Vneconomy newspaper and the Viet Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industry earlier this week.
The ministry is planning to submit a draft resolution on reforming administrative procedures to the Government in the second quarter of this year, Khoi said.
In the draft resolution, its expected to create more favourable conditions for economic sectors, especially foreign-invested businesses, investment and business activities in the local property market by amending the Housing Law and Real Estate Business Law.
The ministry will complete specific information on the local property market and identify problems in business activities, along with finding measures to solve them, Khoi said.
However, Le Hoang Chau, chairman of the HCM City Real Estate Association, said the State should amend the Land Law, regulations on land use rights for lands of tourism resorts, Investment Law, Enterprise Law and Bidding Law to have a transparent competitive environment.
He said real estate investors should be most concerned about the risk of supply and demand.
Earlier, Minister of Construction Pham Hong Ha said in 2018, the ministry would implement a project on assessing the situation, forecasting trends and proposing market solutions and management policies to promote a stable and healthy development of the real estate market, according to baodautu.vn.
This is an important database to follow developments in the property market, propose solutions to promote those developments and enhance inspection and supervision to implement laws on housing and real estate market, Ha said.
The ministry will regularly engage in dialogues with associations and businesses to deal timely with feedback and proposals of enterprises and the public.
Nguyen Tran Nam, chairman of the Viet Nam Real Estate Association (VNREA), said the domestic real estate market has had a stable and healthy development.
In 2017, the number of real estate transactions increased sharply against 2016. Ha Noi and HCM City had 64,263 successful transactions, mainly including affordable and mid-level apartments, Nam said.
Property prices were generally stable. The price rose by five per cent for apartment and 10 per cent for land. Meanwhile, the inventory of property products in 2017 continued to decline by 17 per cent year-on-year.
In a survey jointly conducted by VNREA and its Thai partners, it shows that commercial housing projects have been consumed within six months, an expected duration in Southeast Asian countries.
Nam said credit in the real estate sector continued to grow in safe limits. By the end of 2017, outstanding real estate loans accounted for some 8 per cent of total outstanding loans. Under the direction of the Government, credit for the real estate sector has had a safe development, and more foreign investment has flown to this sector.
According to Nam, State Bank of Viet Nam this year should apply a more active and flexible credit mechanism for the real estate market.
At the same time, the State should adopt policies to promote the development of social and commercial houses as well as create conditions for the development of other sectors.
VNREA has also urged the Government to come up with solutions to the existing problems of the property market, including land fund for social houses and cheap commercial houses, as well as regulations for new kinds of real estate, such as condotel, officetel and village resorts. These solutions are expected to create favourable conditions for an impressive growth of the property market this year, Nam said.
A man is pictured looking through papers inside the offices of Cambridge Analytica in central London on the evening of March 23, 2018, just hours after a judge approved a search warrant for the offices. (Photo: AFP/Daniel Leal-Olivas)
After receiving a warrant from a judge, about 18 enforcement agents from the Information Commissioner's Office entered the company's London offices at around 8pm (2000 GMT) Friday.
"Our investigators left the premises at about 3am," a spokesman for the data watchdog said Saturday.
"We will now need to assess and consider the evidence before deciding the next steps and coming to any conclusions.
"This is one part of a larger investigation by the ICO into the use of personal data and analytics by political campaigns, parties, social media companies and other commercial actors."
Cambridge Analytica, which worked on US President Donald Trump's election campaign, has been accused of illegally mining tens of millions of users' Facebook data and using it to target potential voters.
The row has sparked a major crisis for Facebook, prompting investigations on both sides of the Atlantic and sending its share price plunging amid fears of additional regulation that could affect its business model.
Chief executive Mark Zuckerberg has issued a public apology, admitting there had been a "major breach of trust".
Cambridge Analytica received data harvested in an app developed by an independent University of Cambridge academic, which was downloaded by around 270,000 people but scooped up information on up to 50 million people.
It denies the data was used in the Trump campaign, and Facebook says it was used without its knowledge.
Questions are also being raised about Cambridge Analytica's role in Britain's vote to leave the EU in 2016. It denies working on the campaign, but a former employee says it conducted data research for a key player, Leave.EU.
Intoxicated driver attempts to flee police
A Richmond police officer observed a vehicle driving erratically in the area of 31 Mile and County Line roads on March 1, according to police report. The officer attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver continued eastbound on 31 Mile Road. The vehicle turned into a driveway on the 9900 block of St. Clair Highway. The driver exited his vehicle and attempted to go inside of the home. When the officer ordered him to stop, he did, but was argumentative with police. He was arrested for operating a vehicle while intoxicated and lodged at the Richmond Police Department.
Marijuana found in vehicle with no insurance, expired plate
A Richmond police officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle with an expired plate on March 4, according to a police report. The driver told police he did not have insurance on the vechile because he was repairing it. Before the vehicle was towed, an inventory of the vehicle was completed. Police found marijuana and paraphernalia inside of the vehicle. A warrant was requested for no insurance and possession of marijuana.
Driver stopped for expired plate also has expired license
While on patrol, a Richmond police officer noticed a vehicle with an expired plate on March 2, according to a police report. The police officer stopped the vehicle on Gratiot Avenue. After making contact with the driver, police discovered he also had an expired license. The driver was issued a citation.
Illegal dumping reported on Forest Avenue
Richmond police were dispatched to a business on the 69000 block of Forest Avenue on March 2 in response to a trespassing complaint, according to a police report. The complainant reported that someone was placing trash next to his business. While the officers were at the scene, the owner of a business on Main Street admitted setting the bags there and removed them. The case is closed.
Barb Pert Templeton, For The Voice
(Alexandria, MN) The packed room on Saturday was filled with people who hope a gift for 28 officers will never be used. Douglas County deputies and Alexandria Police officers were given a protection package to help save them in case of being fired upon by high-powered weapons. The law enforcement recipients were all sponsored by community members. A Shield616 package was provided, at a cost of $1200-$1400 each, to a little more than half of the 52 officers in both agencies within the county. The remaining officers are still in need of a sponsor.
Craig McMillan of www.WeGotYourBackUSA.org presented Shield616 recipients, Alec Swanson and Nicole Klimek with a ballistics package. The engaged couple represent both the Alexandria Police Department and Douglas County Sheriff's Office. They were also both in attendance at the Las Vegas concert that resulted in 58 fatalities. Nicole is currently a Douglas County dispatcher. She will officially become a Douglas County deputy on April 1st, 2018. She and Alec plan to get married on January 12th, 2019. They picked the date partially because 112 is Alec's badge number; therefore 1-12-19 seemed appropriate.
After Saturday's Shield616 presentations two dozen officers still remain without the additional protection. If you'd like to contribute to the fund, or sponsor an officer yourself, you're urged to go to the organization's website. (The names of the remaining officers is listed on that site.)
Sunday, March 25, 2018
Modern day slavery? Testimonies recorded by NPR suggest a pattern of slave-trade abuses of migrants detained in Libya. The conflict-riven country is a final stopover for many people from across Africa and parts of Asia taking long, risky journeys for refuge in Italy or onward in Europe.
Italy has sought to reduce the number of arrivals by financing and training Libyan authorities to stop the migration, even as rights experts decry inhumane conditions for asylum-seekers in the North African country.
On Wednesday, the United Nations human rights office reported that migrants in Libya have been bought and sold at "open slave markets."
Now, some migrants who escaped are speaking out and detailing harrowing experiences.
KJ
https://lawprofessors.typepad.com/immigration/2018/03/migrants-captured-in-libya-say-they-end-up-sold-as-slaves.html
A scene from Okja, a Netflix film that competed at Cannes last year. Photo: Netflix
Well, merde. The Cannes Film Festival has broken up with Netflix, announcing that the streaming service is banned from submitting films to future competition lineups. Theirry Fremaux, the head of the festival, will still allow Netflix to show their films out of competition, though it just means they wont be eligible for awards recognition, like the Palme dOr. The Netflix people loved the red carpet and would like to be present with other films, Fremaux said in an interview translated by THR. But they understand that the intransigence of their own model is now the opposite of ours.
The festivals decision comes after they received a fair share of criticism for including Bong Joon-hos Okja and Noah Baumbachs The Meyerowitz Stories in last years competition, which were both released on Netflixs streaming platform as opposed to a traditional cinema setting. (In terms of narrative, both films were well-received.)
Fremaux admitted he was hoping Netflix would bend its streaming strategy to better adapt to film festival culture, but to no avail. Last year, when we selected these two films, I thought I could convince Netflix to release them in cinemas, he said. I was presumptuous, they refused. As such, Cannes changed its rules to require that all competing films have a theatrical release in France and dont expect the festival to budge on that. As Fremaux puts it: The history of cinema and the history of the internet are two different things.
Photo: Oliver Upton/FX/FX Networks.
Every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way, but only the Getty family is unhappy in a way that justifies two star-studded accounts of the darkest chapter in their history, released three months apart. First came All the Money in the World, Ridley Scotts theatrical adaptation of John Pearsons nonfiction book Painfully Rich, about the 1973 kidnapping of then-teenage John Paul Getty III, heir to the Getty family fortune. After Scott decided to recast the elder Getty, played by accused pedophile Kevin Spacey, with Christopher Plummer just two months before the release date, the movie came and went from theaters. (I liked it better than most; you can read my review here.)
Now comes Trust, an FX anthology series created by Simon Beaufoy and directed by Danny Boyle, who previously collaborated on Slumdog Millionaire and 127 Hours. Based on the first three episodes (and how I wish networks would make a habit of just releasing everything theyve got for review, so that I dont have to hedge my bets!), these productions are different from, but equal to each other. Neither is an all-timer, but the performances are strong in particular, Donald Sutherland as the eldest Getty, and Brendan Fraser as a cowboy-styled fixer named Fletcher Chase and there are enough momentary fascinations to hold the viewers interest during slack sections. Both productions are funnier and more engaging than you might expect, considering that the central storyline is about a drug-addled rich teen getting kidnapped in Rome by Mafia-connected hoodlums and traumatizing the extended Getty family, except for John Paul Getty himself, a penny-pinching sphincter who responds to his grandsons abduction by holding a press conference to declare that he wont pay one solitary cent.
But here, the humor is on a different wavelength. Scotts was bitter and curdled, and it was anchored in the distress of the teenage victims mother Gail (played by Michelle Williams in the movie) whose righteous focus contrasted against her moneybags father-in-laws lordly contempt. All the Money in the World seemed to take Gails point of view, becoming increasingly exasperated and disgusted by the indifference displayed by the family patriarch. In Trust, Gail (played by Hillary Swank) is not the lens through which we filter the action, but one character among many. The series shifts points of view as it goes, laying out the emotional geography of the extended family in Sunday nights pilot, then focusing on different characters. Episode three, La Dolce Vita, is from John Paul Getty IIIs point of view. Its time-shifting contents are presented as the scrambled-up memories that play in his head while hes tied up in a kidnappers trunk beside a corpse. Episode two, Lone Star, belongs to Fletcher Chase. It has a hyper-stylized quality, fetishizing the characters cowboy hat, bolo tie, and steel-toed boots, letting Fraser address the viewer directly a la Alfie or Ferris Bueller, and scoring the whole thing with Ennio Morricone-styled Western-blues music, complete with whistling. (I wouldnt have minded if the entire thing were told to us by Chase in Frasers deadpan drawl. At one point, he dismisses all of 1973 as that mousy-haired, in-between girlfriend of a year, too old for the swinging 60s, too young for disco.)
Beaufoy and Boyles humor is detached and quizzical, alternating grim fascination with mockery. They give the Getty kidnapping a modified Coen brothers treatment, alternating satire, domestic drama, cartoon kookiness, ostentatious displays of production value, and shocking eruptions of violence. Continually on the prowl for decadence and absurdity, Trust skims the surface of this frequently disturbing experience like a dragonfly buzzing a swamp. Even the camera flits about like an insect. The opening scene, a party at the Getty estate scored (in ham-handed Forrest Gump style) to Pink Floyds Money, is done in an unbroken tracking shot that swoops down out of the sky, dips into a swimming pool (like the oft-stolen shot from I Am Cuba), flies over the tops of guests heads, then zooms around the estate, even tracking a major character as she descends a flight of stairs.
Harris Dickinson (Beach Rats) plays John Paul Getty III, hereafter referred to as Paul, a long-haired, hard-partying hedonist whos been living in Rome with his girlfriend Gisela Martine (Laura Bellini) and her twin sister Jutta (Sarah Bellini). He comes back to the family estate Sutton Place, Surrey, England hoping to score $,6000 to pay back a Roman restaurateur named Bertolini (Giuseppe Battiston). It turns out to be perfect timing: Old man Getty (Donald Sutherland), hereafter called John Paul, is thoroughly disgusted with all of his male heirs. He writes them off as low-achieving sloths, oblivious to the fact that his parenting incubated their grownup worthlessness. He finds his grandson charming, perhaps because hes an artist who knows the names of all the pricey artworks scattered around the estate, while his father and uncles dont even notice them. Paul seems sincere when hes talking to his grandfather, even though hes ultimately just looking for a bailout. When John Paul finds out that his grandson is only playing nice for cash, he buys him a plane ticket back to Rome and arranges for a car to drive him to the airport, so early that he wont have a chance to say good-bye. Funding a drug habit only encourages further abuse, he explains later.
The subsequent details are a matter of public record, though theres some disagreement about the nature of the kidnapping itself. All the Money in the World makes Paul out to be an innocent victim of circumstance. Trust buys into the idea that he tried to stage his own kidnapping (to pay the debt that his grandpa refused to cover) only to have it go badly awry and become a real kidnapping. Aside from a few historical outliers, most experts on the family history think the notion of a staged kidnapping is probably false, although theres evidence that Paul sometimes talked about it, in a What if? way.
Having Paul initiate his own kidnapping complicates the story, though not in a bad way. Even though the consensus is that it didnt go down that way, a few participants think its possible (including the sisters, who were around Paul constantly), and it helps the drama both in terms of action and theme. The arrogance that Paul exhibits when hes in hiding at one point demanding cocaine to feed his habit and then briefly escaping to enjoy a night on the town is further evidence of the Getty clans top-down sense of entitlement. This kid cant even play powerless even when he is powerless. Hes more fruit from a rotten tree. (Because Ive only seen three episodes, I cant say whether John Paul resists paying the ransom because he assumes it was all his grandsons doing anyway, because hes an asshole, or some combination.)
Boyle cross-cuts everything, though whether this is to keep us interested or to keep himself interested is hard to say. He seems to double his energy level whenever characters are doing drugs, dancing, firing guns, or running away from people who want to arrest or kill them. The series tosses in allusions to classic literature and films, including (of course) Citizen Kane, evoked in exterior shots of the estate, such as a recurring image of a crow pecking at the base of a spike-topped iron fence that marks the property line of Gettys Xanadu. But the main order of business is gawking at these rich folk and their follies a time-honored tradition in both film and television, even if its not a particularly deep one.
Acidic comedy carries the day. Beaufoy and Boyle have a knack for deadpan expressions of hatefulness, as when John Pauls butler informs him over breakfast that his grandson has been abducted, and he replies that he can read the paper on his own just fine, then adds, The butter is too hard. Sutherlands performance is so ferocious, at times frightening, that it obliterates any memory of Plummers fine work in All the Money in the World. Beaufoy seems to relish writing for a man as dynamically hateful as John Paul Getty, an elderly sexaholic who owns the world but seems incapable of experiencing an authentic moment of joy. Sutherland underplays the characters mind-boggling awfulness, which of course makes him all the more disturbing. This is a man who lived in an estate big enough to house a town, yet behaved like a Dickensian miser in his day-to-day life, doing his own laundry while staying at hotels and installing a temporary payphone on his property to stop builders calling their relatives around the world. Even Frasers drawling trickster Chase, easily the series breakout character, is an extension of the Getty fortune, drawing wads of cash to solve problems the way gunfighters draw their six-shooters.
Over time, Boyles frequently tilted camera starts to feel like the cinematographic equivalent of a raised eyebrow. Its hard to say what, exactly, Trust wishes to say about the Gettys, rich people, 20th-century America, or anything else, aside from, Wow, these people are really sad and horrible. When you have everything you could ever dream of, what do you value? asks Pauls father, John Paul Getty, Jr. (Michael Esper), a recovering drug addict himself. Then he answers his own question: Nothing. Turns out a rich life is just as messed up as a poor life its just a different kind of messed up, Chase tells us, paraphrasing the very same Leo Tolstoy quote that I alluded to at the top of this review. Then he concludes, But you knew that.
The city of Huntsville, along with hundreds of military contractors, are gearing up for the largest convention the city will host all year.
The Association of the United States Army (AUSA) holds its annual Global Force Symposium and Exposition" at the Von Braun Center March 26-28, 2018.
This year, an announcement could come out of the meetings that would have a direct impact on all of the Tennessee Valley. Sam Torrey is president of the local Redstone chapter of AUSA. He said the three-day event, that starts Monday, is bringing top brass here to discuss the best way to move the US Army into the future.
"The key topic for this year's symposium is modernization. The purpose of the event is to share the latest information from the army, as well as industy's opportunity to engage with the army. It puts on a forum for the Army to have a professional meeting to talk about the latest and greatest modernization," he said.
And industry is involved in a big way. Military contractors from all over the country are coming to town, along with 6-thousand attendees. And they have money to spend. It's "all hands on deck" for the Huntsville Madison County Convention and Visitors Bureau.
"It's 3.5 million (dollars) for the city and 300-thousand for local taxes," said Bureau sales manager Jo Seay. This is the fifth year of the symposium in the Rocket City, said Seay, "And we do a lot to keep it here and make sure that they're happy in Huntsville."
Organizers of this convention started planning it back in August. It's so big, every hotel room in the immediate Huntsville area is booked. Attendees are having to stay as far away as Athens, even southern Tennessee. At the back of the VBC the load-in has already begun. Hundreds of companies showing off the latest in military hardware and technology, many with local ties, which are important to the economies of Huntsville and north Alabama.
It's our area's deep military roots, and manufacturing and research base, that many feel could go a long way to attracting a new army command center to the area. No one is saying it out loud, but for the first time in the five-year history of Huntsville's involvement with this symposium, the Secretary of the Army himself will be here. That's leading to speculation of an announcement that Huntsville will be the new home of the Army Futures Command. This new command will oversee streamlining and R&D of new and better technology for modern soldiers.
Torrey won't come right out and say it, but there is a lot of circumstantial evidence pointing in Huntsville's favor. "Other than the fact that the Secretary of the Army is going to come here and the topic is modernization and there have been announcements since last October about the Army standing up a new modernization command. We don't know where that's going to be."
Of course, the six thousand attendees will also have plenty of opportunities to explore the Rocket City. Several meet-and-greets are planned for AUSA members, including a young professionals meeting at Campus 805, and the Rocket City Bash fundraiser at the US Space and Rocket Center.
WAAY 31 will be following the symposium next week and watching for the announcement of the Army's new Futures Command.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Thousands of people have marched in Tennessee cities to push for gun control and school safety as part of a national campaign sparked by the recent Florida school shooting.
In Memphis, media reports say about 1,500 people took to the streets Saturday in a march that went to the civil rights museum. Students led the way, yelling "enough is enough." The event included voter registration efforts.
Hundreds of people gathered in downtown Nashville. Nashville Mayor David Briley urged everyone 18 and up to vote. One of the marchers, Heather Larkin Vogler, says she wants her daughter and other children to be safe as participants spoke out against gun violence.
In Chattanooga, at least 1,000 students and adults took part in a march that took them to the Hamilton County Courthouse.
A group of local women in the Tennessee Valley gathered at a Huntsville church to celebrate women's
history month and honor women across the valley.
"I like to highlight women and this month is women's history month, so what better time to highlight women in our community," said Tiffany Draper, is founder of Tea with Tiffany.
Tea with TIffany is an organization that helps women empower one another through various meet-ups and activities.
"I feel like this is what god called me to do," Draper said.
Saturday -- the group celebrated women's history month with nearly 50 people.
They honored women throughout the tennessee valley.
Not only that, Tea with Tiffany is also celebrating one year of bringing together and inspiring women in the area.
"A lot of times as women we disconnect, and what tiffany is doing is bringing us back together," said event attendee Tonya Hammond.
Draper says she feels blessed to be bringing women together and help them day by day.
"I want to be the catalyst in helping every person reach their highest potential."
Doctors have exposed the best and worst private health insurers in a new report card that shows the major funds are continuing to grow their profits even as policy exclusions spread and customer complaints soar.
The Australian Medical Association is also sounding the alarm over changes being pursued by some of the biggest funds - most notably Bupa - which it says will curb patient choice and further undermine public trust in the industry.
In its latest annual look at the private health insurance industry, the AMA ranks eight of Australia's top funds on the basis of the benefits they pay for 21 of the most common hospital-based procedures - including colonoscopies, hip and knee replacements, breast biopsies and heart bypass surgery.
Doctors say private health insurance funds are drifting towards US-style managed care.
As consumers brace for another $200-a-year average premium price rise next week, the AMA report shows a large variation in payments - suggesting some policy holders are more likely to face out-of-pocket fees than others.
A man is in hospital with extensive burns after an explosion at his home in Darling Downs, between Armadale and Byford in Perth's south-east.
Neighbours rang emergency services around 9.10pm Saturday night saying they had heard an explosion and yelling, even as police officers on patrol nearby saw the house engulfed in flames.
Police found the 42-year-old man at a neighbour's house. The only person home during the explosion, he was badly burnt to the arms and legs, representing about 30 per cent of his body.
Paramedics took the man at top speed to Fiona Stanley Hospital, where he remains in stable condition.
It took firefighters an hour to extinguish the fire, leaving the house severely damaged.
The maiden flight of a new non-stop regular Qantas service between Australia and the UK has arrived at London's Heathrow airport.
Qantas 9 (QF9) touched down at Terminal Three at 5.03am London time, just over 17 hours after setting off from Perth at 7pm on Saturday.
The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner completed the 14,498km journey to arrive slightly earlier than the scheduled.
The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner completed the 14,498km journey to arrive slightly earlier than the scheduled arrival time 5.05am.
The UK's longest non-stop regular passenger flight will set off back for Perth at 1.15pm on Sunday.
Parts of the Swan River will soon be closed to all vessels to enable the construction of the Matagarup Bridge, which will provide pedestrian access to Perth's new stadium.
The navigation channel between Burswood and East Perth will be closed during parts of April and May.
The navigation channel between Burswood and East Perth will be closed during parts of April and May.
Transport Minister Rita Saffioti says the closures will last up to eight weeks but the confirmed start date and duration of closures will be dependent on the weather.
AAP
A pedestrian has died after she was struck by a car while walking along a road in the outer Perth suburb of Shoalwater.
The 27-year-old driver of the car was unhurt. Police are appealing for witnesses to the accident. Credit:Quentin Jones
It's alleged the driver of the car lost control and hit the 62-year-old woman on Saturday evening. She later died in hospital from her injuries.
The 27-year-old driver of the car was unhurt. Police are appealing for witnesses to the accident.
AAP
A Zimbabwe National Parks official inspecting the country's ivory stockpile at the Zimbabwe National Parks Headquarters in Harare, Zimbabwe. Credit:AP "For years I've been documenting the front-line poachers who end up serving 20 years for shooting a giraffe. Meanwhile, she was taking billions of dollars out of the country," Steirn said. "If they charge and arrest her, and she goes to jail for wildlife crimes, that will change the dynamic of the entire perception of wildlife trafficking across Africa," he said. Undercover footage filmed by Steirn shows several sources, including suspected poachers and intelligence, wildlife and aviation officials, describing how Grace Mugabe smuggled ivory poached in national parks or looted from government warehouses out of the country by exploiting an exemption from airport security screening as First Lady. They include Fariken Madzinga, 48, a registered dealer of ivory who describes in the footage how he also runs a syndicate that handles both poached ivory and tusks stolen from the government's secure stockpiles of wildlife products on behalf of Grace Mugabe. In conversations with Steirn recorded before his arrest, Madzinga described how he relies on "the president and first lady" to get contraband tusks out of the country. "In order for it to pass through customs, the goods of the First Lady were not searched. She had immunity from the government," he added. "There is nobody who is going to open this."
Madzinga and Tafadzwa Pamire, 36, were arrested in a police sting after trying to sell Steirn tusks they said had been procured from poachers. Poaching trophies recovered from traffickers are stored in a warehouse at Zimbabwe National Parks headquarters in Harare. Credit:Adrian Steirn They were carrying six large tusks worth more than 16,000 ($28,000) as unprocessed ivory when they were apprehended while carrying out the sale on February 15, according to court documents. They are due to appear in court on April 9 charged with illegal possession of raw tusks. Steirn, who will be the main state witness in the trial, said he has received death threats warning him not to testify. Documents suggest that an airport security loophole also extended to cargo shipments marked as assigned to the First Lady, allowing a much larger scale of traffic than would be possible in personal luggage.
An Airport Security Protocol (ASP), issued by the Mugabe government's Civil Aviation Authority, and printed on its letterhead, instructs the cargo department and all airport security not to scan or search any consignment connected to the first family or their entourage. While it is usual practice to exempt diplomats and heads of state, as well as immediate family members travelling with them, from searches, it is highly unusual to extend that waiver to unaccompanied cargo or beyond immediate family members. Christopher Mutsvangwa, a special adviser to Mnangagwa, said the president was aware of the allegations and had sanctioned the investigation based on the information revealed by Steirn. Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa speaks after being sworn in at the presidential inauguration ceremony in Harare in November 2107. Credit:AP "We have commenced a full inquiry in addition to ongoing investigations into the recent seizure of a large quantity of ivory that was bound for an overseas destination," Mutsvangwa, a former leader of Zimbabwe's powerful association of War Veterans and a long standing critic of Grace Mugabe within the ruling Zanu PF party, said. "The government of Zimbabwe will seek answers from all parties who have been implicated in this matter, including former First Lady Grace Mugabe and former minister of environment Saviour Kasukuwere," he said in an interview in Moscow, where he was an observer at last week's Russian presidential election. Mustvangwa said there is currently no suggestion that Robert Mugabe, who is now 94, is implicated in the smuggling ring.
However, he added that there was mounting evidence that the gang included high-ranking members of Mugabe's security apparatus and that the systemic smuggling also involved rhino horn, diamonds, and gold. "Ivory is just one part of it," he said. In his last five years in office, Mr Mugabe regularly travelled for medical treatment to Singapore using Air Zimbabwe's only long-haul aircraft, a Boeing 767. He was often accompanied by Mrs Mugabe. He last visited the city state in December, a month after he left office. On the same day he flew out of Harare, on December 11, a consignment of 200 kilograms of ivory destined for Kuala Lumpur was seized at Harare international airport. Loading
While Grace Mugabe's alleged customers have not been named, Mutswanga said the buyers are assumed to be organised criminal groups operating out of China and Malaysia. Such gangs have been linked to multi-million dollar poaching operations across Africa and have a reputation for extreme violence. In August last year Wayne Lotter, a South African conservationist investigating ivory smuggling networks, was shot dead in Tanzania. And last month Esmond Bradley Martin, an American, and one of the world's leading experts on the illegal wildlife trade, was stabbed to death at his home in Nairobi. The exposure of top Zimbabwean officials in the illegal wildlife trade will come as little surprise to conservationists, who say official corruption, including cooperating with major organised crime networks, has fuelled poaching. "Corruption is key all along the supply chain," said Lucy Vigne, a leading researcher into the smuggling of illegal ivory and rhino horn from Africa. "Officials may turn a blind eye for bribes or collude with the criminal traders in illegal wildlife trade activities themselves."
President Muhammadu Buhari's government has, however, repeatedly said it is willing to hold talks with the group.
It is the first time in years the government has said it is talking to Boko Haram about a ceasefire in an insurgency that has killed tens of thousands of people and ravaged the north east of a country that has Africa's biggest economy.
Abuja: Nigeria's government is in talks with Islamist militant group Boko Haram about a possible ceasefire, with the ultimate aim of securing a permanent cessation of hostilities, the country's information minister Lai Mohammed said on Sunday.
Boko Haram launched its insurgency in 2009, aiming to create an Islamic state. Its campaign has spread to the neighbouring countries of Chad, Cameroon and Niger, but it has been severely weakened in the last few years due to regional military pressure and has lost most of the territory it once held.
More than two million people have been displaced and the group has abducted thousands of others, including around 270 girls from a school in Chibok, Borno state, in 2014. The mass kidnapping sparked global outrage and a campaign to bring the girls back.
Loading
Mohammed made his statement in an email to Reuters outlining the background to the release of more than 100 schoolgirls freed last week by the group after being kidnapped on February 19 from the north-eastern town of Dapchi.
It was the biggest mass abduction since Chibok. Boko Haram fighters stunned Dapchi's residents on Wednesday when they drove into the town and released the girls, who said five of their group had died in captivity and one had not been freed.
A paramedic attends to an injured man during clashes between Catalan Mossos d'Esquadra regional police and pro-independence supporters trying to reach the Spanish government office in Barcelona. Credit:AP Spain's Higher Council of Judicial Power calls it "an attack" and says similar incidents of insulting graffiti have appeared on courthouses through the northeastern region. It has asked the Interior Ministry to take measures to protect the judges and courthouses. Spanish media shows images of the graffiti painted in the street near a residence belonging to Supreme Court judge Pablo Llarena in the Catalan town of Das, calling the judge a "fascist" and with the message that he is "not welcome in Das or anywhere." Puigdemont was detained by German police on Sunday. He had fled Spain in October following an illegal declaration of independence.
The Spanish government told The Associated Press it had received "official confirmation from German authorities of the arrest" of Puigdemont in response to the warrant issued by Spain's Supreme Court. Spanish state prosecutor said it was in contact with its German counterparts to carry out its request to extradite Puigdemont to Spain, where he faces charges including rebellion that could put him in prison for up to 30 years. German highway police arrested Puigdemont on Sunday morning near the A7 highway that leads into Germany, police in the northern state of Schleswig-Holstein said. German news agency Dpa said that Puigdemont was taken to a prison in the northern town of Neumuenster. Dpa photos showed a van with tinted windows believed to be carrying Puigdemont as it arrived at the prison. Video footage also showed the same van leaving a police station in Schuby near the A7 highway. A Spanish police official told the AP under customary condition of anonymity that Spain's National Centre for Intelligence and police agents from its international cooperation division helped German police to make the arrest.
Loading Loading Dpa reported that deputy state prosecutor Ralph Doepper, who is based in the northern town of Schleswig, said that a German court would likely decide by Monday whether Puigdemont would remain in custody pending the outcome of his extradition case. Doepper said that "we are at the very beginning of our assessment." "We had information that he would be in Germany or would enter Germany," he added.
A Spanish Supreme Court judge reactivated an international arrest warrant for Puigdemont on Friday when he was visiting Finland. Spain has also issued five warrants for other separatist who fled the country. Grassroots groups both for and against Catalan secession have called for protests later on Sunday in Barcelona. The pro-independence National Catalan Assembly has called on its supporters to march from office of the European Commission to the German Consulate, while pro-Spain supporters will gather at the office of Spain's government representative for Catalonia. Puigdemont, 55, is a former journalist and mayor of Girona who was thrust to the forefront of Catalonia's independence push when he was handpicked by predecessor Artur Mas to become regional president in 2016. He withstood intense political pressure from Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy and Spain's courts as he piloted the secession bid.
Spain was plunged into its worst political crisis in three decades when Puigdemont's government flouted a court ban and held an ad-hoc referendum on independence for the northeastern region in October. The Catalan parliament's subsequent declaration of independence received no international recognition and provoked a takeover of the regional government by Spanish authorities that they say won't be lifted until a new government that respects Spain's Constitution is in place. Spain had originally asked for Puigdemont's extradition from Belgium after he moved there, but later withdrew the request until judge Pablo Llarena concluded his investigation this week. Llarena ruled that a total of 25 Catalan separatists would be tried for rebellion, embezzlement or disobedience. In the meantime, Puigdemont was free to make trips to Denmark, Switzerland and Finland as part of his effort to gain international support for the secessionist movement. Puigdemont was also able to successfully run a campaign as the head of his 'Together for Catalonia' bloc in a regional election in December in which separatist parties maintained their slim majority in Catalonia's regional parliament.
He had wanted to be re-elected as Catalonia's regional president albeit while remaining abroad to avoid arrest but eventually was stopped by a Spanish court. Separatists in Catalonia are currently trying to elect a leader for the regional government before a two-month time limit is up and new elections are called. Spain's Constitution says the nation is "indivisible" and any changes to its top law must be made by its national parliament in Madrid. Nine people who promote Catalan secession have been placed in pre-trial custody to prevent what Llarena considered a flight risk or intention to continue with independence efforts. Polls show Catalonia's 7.5 million residents are equally divided over secession, although a majority support holding a legal referendum on the issue.
Washington: United States and European officials say President Donald Trump is close to expelling 20 or more Russian diplomats in response to the poisoning of a former Russian spy in Britain.
The move, which could prompt a new wave of retaliatory expulsions of US diplomats in Russia, may come as early as Monday. But US officials are still seeking clarity on how major European powers are responding to the nerve-agent attack, which critically injured a former spy, Sergei Skripal, and his daughter Yulia.
President Donald Trump, pictured on Saturday, is reportedly close to expelling Russian diplomats. Credit:AP
State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said in a statement that the United States is considering a "range of options to respond to Russia's outrageous actions in the UK, both to demonstrate our solidarity with our ally and to hold Russia accountable for its clear breach of international norms and agreements".
She declined to say what those options could be or when they might come into force.
Beshear deploys National Guard to more hospitals as cases appear to level off
For future reference, heres howll you know if Im really busy at work: a guy in Romania who was declared legally dead but turns up alive cant get that order reversed, so hes still technically dead, and it takes me several days to say something about that.
As you already know, this isnt the first time a guy who was declared legally dead but turns up alive couldnt get that order reversed. See No, Youre Still Deceased, Judge Tells Dead Man (Oct. 10, 2013). That, too, happened in a puzzling foreign land filled with people whose ways are strange to us, a land called Ohio. Under the bizarre rules in effect there, a person who has been declared legally dead must challenge that order within three years, or waive the right to do so.
My reasoning went like this: if the person is in fact dead, then you dont need to worry about a statute of limitations. If the person is not dead, then the person is not dead, and it doesnt seem to make a lot of sense to insist that he is as a matter of law.
To be fair to the judge in Ohio, he didnt write the law, and it was pretty clear that any challenge to that death order had to be made within three years. The dead guy in that case had waited 19. I dont know where that leaves you, the judge told him at the hearing, but youre still deceased as far as the law is concerned. (There was an update the next year, but as far as I can tell, his status hasnt changed.)
But lets get to Romania, another place that has a statute of limitations that applies to dead people. The Guardian reported on March 16 that a 63-year-old man, Constantin Reliu, is stuck in a similar limbo after a court ruled that he, too, is still dead, a ruling he may not be able to appeal. According to the report, Reliu left Romania to work in Turkey in 1992, came back in 1999, then left again, and that was the last his family heard from him. A while back, his wife had him declared legally dead, and went on with her life.
He might never have known he was dead if he hadnt let his immigration documents expire. The Turks detained him earlier this year and shipped him back to Romania, where, as The Guardian put it, he was detained by immigration officers who informed him he had died in 2003. He claimed otherwise, and went to court last week to prove it. But, just like in Ohio, the court held he had waited too long to challenge the ruling, and so it was too late to reanimate him now. I am officially dead, The Guardian quoted him as saying, although Im alive. He wants to go back to Turkey, where they apparently agree hes alive, but the Romanians wont give him a passport, because they say hes dead.
This story may seem sufficiently insane already, but that, my friend, is because you havent read Googles translation of the original story from the Romanian news source, Adevarul. As Ive said before, it seems miraculous that we can get nearly instant translations like this at all, but I still take a childish pleasure in what Google actually comes up with sometimes. And I dont know what it is about Romanian in particular, but Googles translations of it are pretty great. For example, the original headline probably translates as something like: The strange story of the legally dead man who showed up in court: I am officially dead, although Im alive.' Google translated it this way:
I dont know about you, but Im going to read every word of a story that starts like that.
It is possible to get some additional details from the original story, such as the good news that Reliu apparently can try to appeal his death order:
Magistrates say that the appeal was made almost [probably more than] two years after the sentence was pronounced, which is why it cannot be considered, according to the law. Thus, the dead man in acts but as real as possible in life must open a new lawsuit, appeal to an extraordinary appeal to request a review of the sentence.
And that is good news, because being dead makes it hard to find a job, which leaves him in a pretty hallucinating position until the appeal can be heard:
My mother had a housewife accident, she got up in my hands, and I do not even have money for dressing, [Google claimed Reliu said]. With the last three lions she had in the house, I took some chicken backs, and I did something to eat. Its a shouting situation. Without a bulletin, I can not do anything. I was at the mayoralty to pay a court fee, so I could not, because Im dead for them.
I know shouldnt laugh, because it really is a shouting situation. On the other hand, he probably should have written home more often.
By: Paige Cline The hills are still green for the most part, but a little[Read More]
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Page: 1 2 3 Paul McCartney remembers John Lennon at March for Our Lives in New York LoP Guest
lop guest
User ID: kaput
03-25-2018 06:41 AM
Post: #1 Paul McCartney remembers John Lennon at March for Our Lives in New York
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Paul McCartney was among those who came out in New York on Saturday for one of the March For Our Lives rallies happening across the country protesting gun violence, and referenced a personal reason for supporting the cause.
Speaking to CNNs Jason Carroll, the legendary musician and activist noted, One of my best friends was killed in gun violence, right around here, so its important to me.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/music/celebrit...li=BBnb7Kx Paul McCartney remembers John Lennon at March for Our Lives in New YorkPaul McCartney was among those who came out in New York on Saturday for one of the March For Our Lives rallies happening across the country protesting gun violence, and referenced a personal reason for supporting the cause.Speaking to CNNs Jason Carroll, the legendary musician and activist noted, One of my best friends was killed in gun violence, right around here, so its important to me. LoP Guest
lop guest
User ID: 1337
03-25-2018 07:00 AM
Post: #2 RE: Paul McCartney remembers John Lennon at March for Our Lives in New York
Paul died in 1969. LoP Guest
lop guest
User ID: 1337
03-25-2018 07:05 AM
Post: #3 RE: Paul McCartney remembers John Lennon at March for Our Lives in New York
That actually brought a tear to my eye.
Had John Lennon decided to stay in the UK, he would most likely still be alive today! LoP Guest
lop guest
User ID: 1337
03-25-2018 07:06 AM
Post: #4 RE: Paul McCartney remembers John Lennon at March for Our Lives in New York
oh look, its more british meddling in US affairs, lennon shouldnt have been f*cking someone elses wife LoP Guest
lop guest
User ID: 1337
03-25-2018 07:08 AM
Post: #5 RE: Paul McCartney remembers John Lennon at March for Our Lives in New York
That's sick because Lennon was probably assassinated by an
MK'd sleeper cell. LoP Guest
lop guest
User ID: 1337
03-25-2018 07:08 AM
Post: #6 RE: Paul McCartney remembers John Lennon at March for Our Lives in New York
LoP Guest Wrote: (03-25-2018 07:06 AM) oh look, its more british meddling in US affairs, lennon shouldnt have been f*cking someone elses wife
It's not like she was a porn star or playboy bunny It's not like she was a porn star or playboy bunny GrimShaw
Asinus Asinum Fricat
User ID: 1337
03-25-2018 07:09 AM
Posts: 32,398
Post: #7 RE: Paul McCartney remembers John Lennon at March for Our Lives in New York
LoP Guest Wrote: (03-25-2018 07:08 AM) LoP Guest Wrote: (03-25-2018 07:06 AM) oh look, its more british meddling in US affairs, lennon shouldnt have been f*cking someone elses wife
It's not like she was a porn star or playboy bunny
LoP Guest
lop guest
User ID: 1337
03-25-2018 07:10 AM
Post: #8 RE: Paul McCartney remembers John Lennon at March for Our Lives in New York
LoP Guest Wrote: (03-25-2018 07:05 AM) That actually brought a tear to my eye.
Had John Lennon decided to stay in the UK, he would most likely still be alive today!
PROBABLY....
PROBABLY.... Upside Down
I'm hot
User ID: 1337
03-25-2018 07:10 AM
Posts: 50,421
Post: #9 RE: Paul McCartney remembers John Lennon at March for Our Lives in New York
i love john lennon. more to come...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gr_eVcCAUXo i love john lennon. more to come... LoP Guest
lop guest
User ID: 1337
03-25-2018 07:15 AM
Post: #10 RE: Paul McCartney remembers John Lennon at March for Our Lives in New York
LoP Guest Wrote: (03-25-2018 07:05 AM) That actually brought a tear to my eye.
Had John Lennon decided to stay in the UK, he would most likely still be alive today!
Mrs Harrison explained she then grabbed the lamp and began hitting Abram over the head. Her husband was imploring her to 'hit him more', she explained.
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/ho...22235.html
Mrs Harrison explained she then grabbed the lamp and began hitting Abram over the head. Her husband was imploring her to 'hit him more', she explained. LoP Guest
lop guest
User ID: 1337
03-25-2018 07:23 AM
Post: #11 RE: Paul McCartney remembers John Lennon at March for Our Lives in New York
2am Breathe Wrote: (03-25-2018 07:10 AM)
i love john lennon. more to come...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gr_eVcCAUXo
STOP BEING A PARASITE. get your own life stalker. sigh. youre probably just a bot anywya. STOP BEING A PARASITE. get your own life stalker. sigh. youre probably just a bot anywya. LoP Guest
lop guest
User ID: 1337
03-25-2018 07:25 AM
Post: #12 RE: Paul McCartney remembers John Lennon at March for Our Lives in New York
LoP Guest Wrote: (03-25-2018 07:10 AM) LoP Guest Wrote: (03-25-2018 07:05 AM) That actually brought a tear to my eye.
Had John Lennon decided to stay in the UK, he would most likely still be alive today!
PROBABLY....
I used to think Yoko had him whacked, but mentally ill Americans walking around with guns seems to be the norm these days, so I no longer think Yoko did it. I used to think Yoko had him whacked, but mentally ill Americans walking around with guns seems to be the norm these days, so I no longer think Yoko did it. LoP Guest
lop guest
User ID: 1337
03-25-2018 07:29 AM
Post: #13 RE: Paul McCartney remembers John Lennon at March for Our Lives in New York
LoP Guest Wrote: (03-25-2018 07:25 AM) LoP Guest Wrote: (03-25-2018 07:10 AM) PROBABLY....
I used to think Yoko had him whacked, but mentally ill Americans walking around with guns seems to be the norm these days, so I no longer think Yoko did it.
The murder rate was much higher back then and there are vastly more firearms on the street today, but fewer murders. The murder rate was much higher back then and there are vastly more firearms on the street today, but fewer murders. tamarack
lop guest
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03-25-2018 07:41 AM
Post: #14 RE: Paul McCartney remembers John Lennon at March for Our Lives in New York
https://atomicpoet.wordpress.com/2012/01...n-trigger/ Why don't you ignorant f*cks try to learn something for once? Upside Down
I'm hot
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03-25-2018 07:46 AM
Posts: 50,421
Post: #15 RE: Paul McCartney remembers John Lennon at March for Our Lives in New York
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-1OgNqBkVE i seem human... Advertisement
More than a million demonstrators, most of them young, took to the streets of America yesterday to send a message to elected officials and the National Rifle Association: No more.
An estimated 800,000 protesters marched and rallied on the National Mall in Washington, and hundreds of thousands attended March for our Lives events in cities large and small.
A few thousand people turned out in Milwaukee, despite blustery weather. There were no counter-protesters or incidents.
Yesterday was also the beginning of a 50-mile march over four days from Madison to Janesville to protest Paul Ryan's "inaction on gun control.
Yesterdays marches were held in response to a Feb. 14 massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, where 16 students and a teacher were shot down, making the incident one of the nations worst mass school shootings. The suspect is a mentally ill 19-year-old former student at the school, who was equipped with an AR-15, a military-grade weapon.
Pull Quote These kids ought to be marching against their own hypocritical belief structures, said an NRA TV host who goes under the name Colion Noir. The only reason weve ever heard of them is because the guns didnt come soon enough.
Celebrities joined young voices in addressing crowds in Washington, New York and other cities. But the day belonged to the youth of America. One by one, they took to podiums across America to talk about the enormity of their losses and their fears of gun violence.
Perhaps most importantly, they fired a warning shot to the officials who take money from the NRA in exchange for following the groups legislative marching orders. As 11-year-old Naomi Wadler told listeners in Washington: "We stand in the shadow of the Capitol, and we know that we have seven short years until we too have the right to vote, she said. Wadler told her audience that she marched not only for students but for the untold thousands of African-American women and girls who were gunned down daily in the shadows of an indifferent nation.
Marjory Stoneman Douglas student David Hogg, whos emerged as something of a March for Life spokesperson, delivered a bold, energizing speech in which he vowed that a movement had begun and was not going away. No more, he said, threatening elected officials who take money from the NRA and fail to take action against gun violence.
Get your resume ready, he told them.
Unabashed, the NRA ridiculed the events, claiming they were organized by billionaires and Hollywood to support a left-wing political agenda. The children, they said, were mere pawns in what it called the March for Lies movement.
Although adults helped in securing permits, trucks, sound systems and other logistical necessities, the March for Lives events were otherwise organized and promoted by the youth.
The NRA has been trying to raise funds off the Parkland shooting by asserting that responses to the killings were aimed at taking away Americans 2nd Amendment right to bear firearms. The sent out 13 such tweets during a nationwide school walkout on March 14.
While the NRA went silent yesterday, prior to the marches it posted a Facebook video mocking the march as a carnival.
From where Im standing, it looks like a march to burn the Constitution and rewrite the parts that they dont like in crayon, said an NRA TV host who goes under the name Colion Noir. These kids ought to be marching against their own hypocritical belief structures, he added. The only reason weve ever heard of them is because the guns didnt come soon enough.
The NRA, which is one of the nations most feared and influential special-interest groups, says it has five million members. But the group is primarily funded by the mega-rich gun industry.
In recent years, as mass shootings have become more destructive and more visible, many states, including Wisconsin, have weakened rather than strengthened gun laws. Last year, Scott Walker and Republican legislative leaders enacted a law allowing infants to own firearms.
Below are pictures of yesterdays march in Milwaukee taken by Larry Zamba of Zamba Photography in Kenosha.
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germany joing china in ww3 LoP Guest
lop guest
User ID: kaput
03-25-2018 03:18 PM
Post: #1 germany joing china in ww3
Advertisement https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qdnkx2s9uA LoP Guest
lop guest
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03-25-2018 03:19 PM
Post: #2 RE: germany joing china in ww3
Better join china rich country, compare with US country with huge debt. Broke LoP Guest
lop guest
User ID: 1337
03-25-2018 03:22 PM
Post: #3 RE: germany joing china in ww3
Who started WW1? Germany. Who started WW2? Germany. Who will start WW3? Well Germany again!
Who has been the schemer and caused the starting of the wars? US. Who gained from all these wars?
US! Germany and Japan were made to work hard and harder. Then US started with all its allies to shut
Germany and Japan out of the market. Same devious scheme has been in play by US and UK and its old
lackeys but this time around if Germany joined China and Russia to break out from the strangle hold. China and
Russia together is 10 times stronger than when Germany was with Japan and Italy to challenge the old
US and UK establishments in WW2. What will be the outcome? Demise to US? LoP Guest
lop guest
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03-25-2018 03:24 PM
Post: #4 RE: germany joing china in ww3
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=au6dxfDW65Y
Josh Sigurdson breaks down recent news that Angela Merkel is desperately rushing to create an EU super army with Germany leading. With sights set on Russia, Germany is pushing a globalist army to fight terrorism and they claim one of the major points in the creation of an EU army is to lower tensions with Russia, despite using over the top, dangerous aggression against the country. After Brexit, the EU has been hesitant to rush to create the EU army, though it has been in the playbook. Germany's impatience is much to the dismay of many in the EU and NATO, but still contains the same end game promoted by the two globalist super powers. Reminiscent of the push by Nazi Germany to create a global government and global army, Germany is once again trekking in dangerous territory. Even former German Chancellor, Gerhard Schroder is warning that Germany is making a serious mistake, noting the aggression by Germany heading up NATO operations along Russia's border on the 71st anniversary of Nazi Germany's attack on the Soviets, a day that carries a lot of significance within Russia to this day as people gather to remember the lives lost. According to the German defense ministry, the point of all of this is to help in the creation of a "world order". One doesn't have to look far to see the crumbling ties between the west and Russia as the U.S. cuts conversational ties, MPs in Britain call for shooting down Russian planes in Syria and Russia readies their nuclear arsenal. It is important to remember that Russia has been calling for peace as Britain, Germany, Canada and the U.S. throw dangerous threats in Russia's direction, a country that stands side by side with China. As Hillary Clinton and Merkel alike threaten world war 3 with Russia all while Vladimir Putin attempts to warn the mainstream press while being sanctioned to death. The EU, their un-elected counterparts at the EC and NATO are rushing us to our demise at a time where we're more divided and weakened than ever. This is all part of the script and if we don't stand up now, we may just be marching off to our death very soon. We don't like to fear monger, but sometimes the truth is scary. Josh Sigurdson breaks down recent news that Angela Merkel is desperately rushing to create an EU super army with Germany leading. With sights set on Russia, Germany is pushing a globalist army to fight terrorism and they claim one of the major points in the creation of an EU army is to lower tensions with Russia, despite using over the top, dangerous aggression against the country. After Brexit, the EU has been hesitant to rush to create the EU army, though it has been in the playbook. Germany's impatience is much to the dismay of many in the EU and NATO, but still contains the same end game promoted by the two globalist super powers. Reminiscent of the push by Nazi Germany to create a global government and global army, Germany is once again trekking in dangerous territory. Even former German Chancellor, Gerhard Schroder is warning that Germany is making a serious mistake, noting the aggression by Germany heading up NATO operations along Russia's border on the 71st anniversary of Nazi Germany's attack on the Soviets, a day that carries a lot of significance within Russia to this day as people gather to remember the lives lost. According to the German defense ministry, the point of all of this is to help in the creation of a "world order". One doesn't have to look far to see the crumbling ties between the west and Russia as the U.S. cuts conversational ties, MPs in Britain call for shooting down Russian planes in Syria and Russia readies their nuclear arsenal. It is important to remember that Russia has been calling for peace as Britain, Germany, Canada and the U.S. throw dangerous threats in Russia's direction, a country that stands side by side with China. As Hillary Clinton and Merkel alike threaten world war 3 with Russia all while Vladimir Putin attempts to warn the mainstream press while being sanctioned to death. The EU, their un-elected counterparts at the EC and NATO are rushing us to our demise at a time where we're more divided and weakened than ever. This is all part of the script and if we don't stand up now, we may just be marching off to our death very soon. We don't like to fear monger, but sometimes the truth is scary. LoP Guest
lop guest
User ID: 1337
03-25-2018 03:27 PM
Post: #5 RE: germany joing china in ww3
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQ66hgaJc7c
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGK6e8io3R8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rs9pXZGGSco LoP Guest
lop guest
User ID: 1337
03-25-2018 03:29 PM
Post: #6 RE: germany joing china in ww3
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IoBSp97BXrE
Trump sets sight on SINKING Merkel's economy: US-EU trade war could spark CRISIS
trump is making even friends into enemies Trump sets sight on SINKING Merkel's economy: US-EU trade war could spark CRISIStrump is making even friends into enemies
Here are some facts about Bowe Bergdahl, a former American prisoner of war.
Personal: Birth date: March 28, 1986
Birth place: Sun Valley, Idaho
Birth name: Bowe Robert Bergdahl
Father: Robert Bergdahl
Mother: Jani Bergdahl
Military: US Army, 2008-present
Other Facts: Traveled in Europe before enlisting in the Army.
Worked as a crew member on a sailboat that traveled along the East Coast and to the Caribbean.
It is believed he was being held by the Taliban and the al Qaeda-aligned Haqqani network in Pakistan.
Timeline: 2008 - Enlists in the Army.
May 2009 - Is deployed to Afghanistan.
June 30, 2009 - Is captured in Paktika province, Afghanistan.
July 2, 2009 - A US military official says that a soldier is being held by the clan of warlord Siraj Haqqani. The Taliban previously claimed to have captured the soldier.
July 19, 2009 - A video of Bergdahl is posted on the internet.
December 25, 2009 - Bergdahl's captors release a video of him.
April 7, 2010 - Another video of Bergdahl is released.
June 12, 2010 - Bergdahl is promoted to specialist.
December 7, 2010 - His captors release a nearly 45-minute video of a man identified as Bergdahl.
February 2011 - Another video of Bergdahl is released.
May 6, 2011 - Bergdahl's father makes his first statement since the disappearance of his son. He releases a YouTube video asking for his son's release.
June 12, 2011 - Bergdahl is promoted to sergeant.
May 2012 - The US government acknowledges that it has engaged in talks with the Taliban to free Bergdahl.
June 6, 2013 - Bergdahl's family announces that "through the International Committee of the Red Cross, we recently received a letter we're confident was written to us by our son."
January 2014 - A US military official tells CNN that the military has obtained a new video of Bergdahl.
February 18, 2014 - A US official tells CNN discussions are under way with intermediaries overseas to see if there is any ability to gain Bergdahl's release. The discussions are being led by US diplomats and involve the Defense Department.
May 31, 2014 - President Barack Obama announces the release of Bergdahl. In exchange, five detainees at Guantanamo Bay will be released to Qatar.
June 13, 2014 - Bergdahl returns to the United States.
June 16, 2014 - The US Army announces that a two-star general will investigate the circumstances surrounding Bergdahl's decision to leave his post in Afghanistan in 2009.
July 14, 2014 - The Army announces that Bergdahl has completed medical care and mental counseling at an Army hospital in San Antonio and will return to active duty with a desk job.
July 16, 2014 - Bergdahl retains attorney Eugene Fidell.
March 3, 2015 - The US military charges Bergdahl with one count each of desertion with intent to shirk important or hazardous duty, and misbehavior before the enemy by endangering the safety of a command, unit or place.
March 25, 2015 - Bergdahl's attorney releases a statement outlining his defense of the soldier and containing a two-page letter from Bergdahl describing the torture he endured, which included months spent chained to a bed and further years spent chained on all fours or locked in a cage.
September 18, 2015 - Maj. Gen. Kenneth Dahl, the Army general who led the investigation into Bergdahl's actions in Afghanistan, testifies at a preliminary hearing that jail time would be "inappropriate" for Bergdahl. Dahl says he interviewed Bergdahl for a day and a half and "did not find any evidence to corroborate the reporting that Bergdahl was...sympathetic to the Taliban," but rather, Bergdahl wanted to call attention to what he considered poor leadership of his unit.
December 10, 2015 - The second season of the popular podcast "Serial" premieres, featuring Bergdahl's story. He speaks for the first time about the nearly five years he spent as a captive of the Taliban.
December 14, 2015 - Gen. Robert Abrams, the commander of US Army Forces Command, orders Bergdahl's case to a general court-martial, breaking with the US military officer overseeing Bergdahl's preliminary hearing who recommended that Bergdahl be referred to a special court-martial and face no jail time.
February 9, 2016 - A judge in the court proceedings involving Bergdahl issues a stay of proceedings, essentially putting the court-martial on hold. The stay is in place until an appeals court can resolve a dispute involving the sharing of classified evidence with Bergdahl's defense team.
March 17, 2016 - According to an Army Sanity Board evaluation, Bergdahl had schizotypal personality disorder "at the time of the alleged criminal conduct" and now also has post-traumatic stress disorder. That information is included in the hundreds of pages of documents that Bergdahl's defense team releases on a website called the Bergdahl Docket.
April 28, 2016 - The US Army Court of Criminal Appeals denies an appeal by the prosecution, thereby granting Bergdahl's defense team access to hundreds of thousands of pages of classified information. The court also lifts the stay of proceedings issued in early February, thus allowing Bergdahl's court-martial to proceed.
May 24, 2016 - The Army announces it posted online more than 40 documents associated with Bergdahl's ongoing case. They outline ongoing legal actions by trial counsel, defense counsel and the US Army Trial Judiciary at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
August 16, 2017 - Bergdahl chooses to be tried by a military judge instead of a jury, according to a court filing posted by his defense team.
October 16, 2017 - Pleads guilty to desertion and misbehavior before the enemy.
November 3, 2017 - Receives a dishonorable discharge from the US Army and will avoid prison time. The military judge also rules that Bergdahl's rank be reduced from sergeant to private and he will be required to pay a $1,000 fine from his salary for the next 10 months.
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - Advocates for New Yorkers with mental illness have delivered nearly 25,000 letters to state leaders urging them to find more funding for community housing for those with significant mental health challenges.
Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo has proposed an additional $10 million to expand community housing programs for the mentally ill but advocates say much more money is needed.
Community housing programs often link up residents with workforce training, medical care, therapy and other resources that advocates say reduces other costs related to homelessness, incarceration and emergency room visits.
Antonia Lasicki, director of the state Association For Community Living, says housing programs face a financial breaking point after decades of underfunding.
The letters were delivered on Wednesday. Lawmakers hope to approve a new state budget by April 1.
(Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
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Page: 1 2 3 4 5 6 Ann Coulter: In One Generation U.S. Will Be South Africa, Trump Betrayed Vo LoP Guest
lop guest
User ID: kaput
03-25-2018 03:57 PM
Post: #1 Ann Coulter: In One Generation U.S. Will Be South Africa, Trump Betrayed Vo
Advertisement Ann Coulter: In One Generation U.S. Will Be South Africa, Trump Betrayed Voters with Paul Ryan Republicanism
New York Times best-selling author and populist conservative columnist Ann Coulter says the United States will, in one generation, become South Africa after President Trump signed off on House Speaker Paul Ryans omnibus spending bill that does not include a single provision from the presidents 70-point list of pro-American immigration reforms.
In an interview with Fox News Radios Tom Shillue, Coulter slammed Trump, saying he has betrayed his base of supporters by signing the omnibus without it including any border wall funding, increasing the Catch and Release program, and not adding any new deportation agents to help deport illegal aliens living in the interior of the country.
http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/...blicanism/ New York Times best-selling author and populist conservative columnist Ann Coulter says the United States will, in one generation, become South Africa after President Trump signed off on House Speaker Paul Ryans omnibus spending bill that does not include a single provision from the presidents 70-point list of pro-American immigration reforms.In an interview with Fox News Radios Tom Shillue, Coulter slammed Trump, saying he has betrayed his base of supporters by signing the omnibus without it including any border wall funding, increasing the Catch and Release program, and not adding any new deportation agents to help deport illegal aliens living in the interior of the country. LoP Guest
lop guest
User ID: 1337
03-25-2018 04:01 PM
Post: #2 RE: Ann Coulter: In One Generation U.S. Will Be South Africa, Trump Betrayed Vo
She knew what Trump was from m the beginning, shes just another tool of the globalists doing their bidding while covering her Zionist boney ass. LoP Guest
lop guest
User ID: 1337
03-25-2018 04:02 PM
Post: #3 RE: Ann Coulter: In One Generation U.S. Will Be South Africa, Trump Betrayed Vo
Breaking your campaign promises like this needs to be considered an act of treason, punishable by public execution.
Otherwise elected presidents will keep doing this, over and over again.
We have no patriots in office at all. They're all rats and weasels. Lying to your constituents has become the norm. Charges of treason need to be filed against all of our elected officials. LoP Guest
lop guest
User ID: 1337
03-25-2018 04:03 PM
Post: #4 RE: Ann Coulter: In One Generation U.S. Will Be South Africa, Trump Betrayed Vo
Trump is just doing exactly what his boss tells him to do. LoP Guest
lop guest
User ID: 1337
03-25-2018 04:04 PM
Post: #5 RE: Ann Coulter: In One Generation U.S. Will Be South Africa, Trump Betrayed Vo
Coulter would make a good first female POTUS, much better than Killary. LoP Guest
lop guest
User ID: 1337
03-25-2018 04:04 PM
Post: #6 RE: Ann Coulter: In One Generation U.S. Will Be South Africa, Trump Betrayed Vo
His boss will rescue the US. But first he as to send us to the dark ages. LoP Guest
lop guest
User ID: 1337
03-25-2018 04:06 PM
Post: #7 RE: Ann Coulter: In One Generation U.S. Will Be South Africa, Trump Betrayed Vo
She is wrong about one generation. First term we will be like Africa or Haiti or ... LoP Guest
lop guest
User ID: 1337
03-25-2018 04:07 PM
Post: #8 RE: Ann Coulter: In One Generation U.S. Will Be South Africa, Trump Betrayed Vo
State Militias need to patrol the Mexican Border. If you are patriotic Americans, get there and do that. We are being invaded and these brown skinned people have no right to come into our country. Spiddy
Registered User
User ID: 1337
03-25-2018 04:08 PM
Posts: 17,989
Post: #9 RE: Ann Coulter: In One Generation U.S. Will Be South Africa, Trump Betrayed Vo
Why the long face Ann?
As democracy is perfected, the office of president represents, more and more closely, the inner soul of the people. On some great and glorious day the plain folks of the land will reach their heart's desire at last and the White House will be adorned by a downright moron.
H.L. Mencken 1920. Spiddy
Registered User
User ID: 1337
03-25-2018 04:09 PM
Posts: 17,989
Post: #10 RE: Ann Coulter: In One Generation U.S. Will Be South Africa, Trump Betrayed Vo
LoP Guest Wrote: (03-25-2018 04:07 PM) State Militias need to patrol the Mexican Border. If you are patriotic Americans, get there and do that. We are being invaded and these brown skinned people have no right to come into our country.
Who's gonna pay them? You? Who's gonna pay them? You?
As democracy is perfected, the office of president represents, more and more closely, the inner soul of the people. On some great and glorious day the plain folks of the land will reach their heart's desire at last and the White House will be adorned by a downright moron.
H.L. Mencken 1920. LoP Guest
lop guest
User ID: 1337
03-25-2018 04:10 PM
Post: #11 RE: Ann Coulter: In One Generation U.S. Will Be South Africa, Trump Betrayed Vo
LoP Guest Wrote: (03-25-2018 04:02 PM) Breaking your campaign promises like this needs to be considered an act of treason, punishable by public execution.
Otherwise elected presidents will keep doing this, over and over again.
We have no patriots in office at all. They're all rats and weasels. Lying to your constituents has become the norm. Charges of treason need to be filed against all of our elected officials.
Calling for the death of people is not a good thing. Round up all the illegals in the United States and fly them down to Argentina. It is all one big Spanish Speaking world down there, so they can take care of each other. Calling for the death of people is not a good thing. Round up all the illegals in the United States and fly them down to Argentina. It is all one big Spanish Speaking world down there, so they can take care of each other. LoP Guest
lop guest
User ID: 1337
03-25-2018 04:12 PM
Post: #12 RE: Ann Coulter: In One Generation U.S. Will Be South Africa, Trump Betrayed Vo
Spiddy Wrote: (03-25-2018 04:09 PM) Who's gonna pay them? You?
They are entitled to any money they can take from the illegals when they are apprehended. They are entitled to any money they can take from the illegals when they are apprehended. LoP Guest
lop guest
User ID: 1337
03-25-2018 04:18 PM
Post: #13 RE: Ann Coulter: In One Generation U.S. Will Be South Africa, Trump Betrayed Vo
Donald J. Trump
Verified account
@realDonaldTrump
Follow Follow @realDonaldTrump
More
Because of the $700 & $716 Billion Dollars gotten to rebuild our Military, many jobs are created and our Military is again rich. Building a great Border Wall, with drugs (poison) and enemy combatants pouring into our Country, is all about National Defense. Build WALL through M!
3:33 AM - 25 Mar 2018
9,715 Retweets 34,477 Likes
--------------------
maybe not, Ann Spiddy
Registered User
User ID: 1337
03-25-2018 04:24 PM
Posts: 17,989
Post: #14 RE: Ann Coulter: In One Generation U.S. Will Be South Africa, Trump Betrayed Vo
LoP Guest Wrote: (03-25-2018 04:12 PM) Spiddy Wrote: (03-25-2018 04:09 PM) Who's gonna pay them? You?
They are entitled to any money they can take from the illegals when they are apprehended.
So how many illegals would a group of twenty guys have to apprehend in a day to pay their mortgages, car loans and child support with some cash left over to cover that nights bar tab? So how many illegals would a group of twenty guys have to apprehend in a day to pay their mortgages, car loans and child support with some cash left over to cover that nights bar tab?
As democracy is perfected, the office of president represents, more and more closely, the inner soul of the people. On some great and glorious day the plain folks of the land will reach their heart's desire at last and the White House will be adorned by a downright moron.
H.L. Mencken 1920. LoP Guest
lop guest
User ID: 1337
03-25-2018 04:31 PM
Post: #15 RE: Ann Coulter: In One Generation U.S. Will Be South Africa, Trump Betrayed Vo
Spiddy Wrote: (03-25-2018 04:24 PM) LoP Guest Wrote: (03-25-2018 04:12 PM) They are entitled to any money they can take from the illegals when they are apprehended.
So how many illegals would a group of twenty guys have to apprehend in a day to pay their mortgages, car loans and child support with some cash left over to cover that nights bar tab?
Those illegal s got money spiddy Those illegal s got money spiddy Advertisement
CENTRAL INDIANA, (WLFI) It's spring now but winter weather is back in several parts of the viewing area. Heavy snowfall hit many southern counties in the area causing slower travel.
Road crews started 12 hour shifts at midnight this morning in preparation for the wintery mix. Interstates and highways throughout the area were of the highest concern to INDOT. Winter weather and travel advisories expire at 11 p.m. Saturday.
While many dread winter weather during the spring, Asmita Parashar welcomes it.
"It snowed, and I come from tropical weather so snow is good for me considering I haven't seen much of it, so snow is welcome," said Parashar.
Indiana State Police reported no major accidents along local roads or interstates throughout the day.
China News on Women
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Mary Skaba, head of the Circulation Department for the past 30 years, second from left, is joined by her circulation staff, from left, Selena Antoniello, Robin Stringfellow and Sue Giguere, at the front desk at the Jesse M. Smith Memorial Library, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary during the month of April.
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Page: 1 2 3 4 5 Trump suggests American military may pay for US-Mexico border wall since its now LoP Guest
lop guest
User ID: kaput
03-25-2018 09:30 PM
Post: #1 Trump suggests American military may pay for US-Mexico border wall since its now
Advertisement Trump suggests American military may pay for US-Mexico border wall since its now 'rich'
https://www.rt.com/usa/422286-trump-mexi...-military/
"Donald Trump has long pushed for a wall to be built along the US-Mexico border, but he seems to be no longer insistent that Mexico pay for it. The US military should construct it because its now rich, he suggested on Twitter.
"Because of the $700 & $716 Billion Dollars gotten to rebuild our Military, many jobs are created and our Military is again rich. Building a great Border Wall, with drugs (poison) and enemy combatants pouring into our Country, is all about National Defense," Trump tweeted on Sunday. He ended his tweet by saying "Build WALL through M," apparently creating his own abbreviation for "military" due to Twitter's 280-character limit."
@realDonaldTrump
Because of the $700 & $716 Billion Dollars gotten to rebuild our Military, many jobs are created and our Military is again rich. Building a great Border Wall, with drugs (poison) and enemy combatants pouring into our Country, is all about National Defense. Build WALL through M!
4:33 AM - Mar 25, 2018
"Donald Trump has long pushed for a wall to be built along the US-Mexico border, but he seems to be no longer insistent that Mexico pay for it. The US military should construct it because its now rich, he suggested on Twitter."Because of the $700 & $716 Billion Dollars gotten to rebuild our Military, many jobs are created and our Military is again rich. Building a great Border Wall, with drugs (poison) and enemy combatants pouring into our Country, is all about National Defense," Trump tweeted on Sunday. He ended his tweet by saying "Build WALL through M," apparently creating his own abbreviation for "military" due to Twitter's 280-character limit."@realDonaldTrumpBecause of the $700 & $716 Billion Dollars gotten to rebuild our Military, many jobs are created and our Military is again rich. Building a great Border Wall, with drugs (poison) and enemy combatants pouring into our Country, is all about National Defense. Build WALL through M!4:33 AM - Mar 25, 2018 LoP Guest
lop guest
User ID: 1337
03-25-2018 09:35 PM
Post: #2 RE: Trump suggests American military may pay for US-Mexico border wall since its now
It's already bankrupt so it might as well just keep spending
What's $21 trillion anyway?
MAGA Why not.. america already wastes hundreds of billions of dollars on the military so who cares!!?It's already bankrupt so it might as well just keep spendingWhat's $21 trillion anyway?MAGA LoP Guest
lop guest
User ID: 1337
03-25-2018 09:37 PM
Post: #3 RE: Trump suggests American military may pay for US-Mexico border wall since its now
Oh.. and then just pretend you're rich and that it's really Mexico paying for the wall!! LoP Guest
lop guest
User ID: 1337
03-25-2018 09:37 PM
Post: #4 RE: Trump suggests American military may pay for US-Mexico border wall since its now
LoP Guest Wrote: (03-25-2018 09:35 PM) Why not.. america already wastes hundreds of billions of dollars on the military so who cares!!?
It's already bankrupt so it might as well just keep spending
What's $21 trillion anyway?
MAGA
Yea instead we should continue to allow illegals to cross over and cost us only a few billion a year right?
Yea instead we should continue to allow illegals to cross over and cost us only a few billion a year right? LoP Guest
lop guest
User ID: 1337
03-25-2018 09:38 PM
Post: #5 RE: Trump suggests American military may pay for US-Mexico border wall since its now
Meanwhile americas infrastructure falls apart. Who will america be in debt to now? the Saudis perhaps. China is already keeping a tab. LoP Guest
lop guest
User ID: 1337
03-25-2018 09:39 PM
Post: #6 RE: Trump suggests American military may pay for US-Mexico border wall since its now
LoP Guest Wrote: (03-25-2018 09:37 PM) LoP Guest Wrote: (03-25-2018 09:35 PM) Why not.. america already wastes hundreds of billions of dollars on the military so who cares!!?
It's already bankrupt so it might as well just keep spending
What's $21 trillion anyway?
MAGA
Yea instead we should continue to allow illegals to cross over and cost us only a few billion a year right?
Someones gotta work We all know americans can't do half the jobs "illegals" do. Someones gotta workWe all know americans can't do half the jobs "illegals" do. Isabella
Registered User
User ID: 1337
03-25-2018 09:44 PM
Posts: 26,387
Post: #7 RE: Trump suggests American military may pay for US-Mexico border wall since its now
LoP Guest Wrote: (03-25-2018 09:30 PM) Trump suggests American military may pay for US-Mexico border wall since its now 'rich'
https://www.rt.com/usa/422286-trump-mexi...-military/
"Donald Trump has long pushed for a wall to be built along the US-Mexico border, but he seems to be no longer insistent that Mexico pay for it. The US military should construct it because its now rich, he suggested on Twitter.
"Because of the $700 & $716 Billion Dollars gotten to rebuild our Military, many jobs are created and our Military is again rich. Building a great Border Wall, with drugs (poison) and enemy combatants pouring into our Country, is all about National Defense," Trump tweeted on Sunday. He ended his tweet by saying "Build WALL through M," apparently creating his own abbreviation for "military" due to Twitter's 280-character limit."
@realDonaldTrump
Because of the $700 & $716 Billion Dollars gotten to rebuild our Military, many jobs are created and our Military is again rich. Building a great Border Wall, with drugs (poison) and enemy combatants pouring into our Country, is all about National Defense. Build WALL through M!
4:33 AM - Mar 25, 2018
Is this the same Pentagon that misplaced 800 million?
If so he best hurry up. Is this the same Pentagon that misplaced 800 million?If so he best hurry up. If you want to influence Trump, you got to be the last guy he talks to."
Steve Bannon LoP Guest
lop guest
User ID: 1337
03-25-2018 09:44 PM
Post: #8 RE: Trump suggests American military may pay for US-Mexico border wall since its now
LoP Guest Wrote: (03-25-2018 09:30 PM) Trump suggests American military may pay for US-Mexico border wall since its now 'rich'
https://www.rt.com/usa/422286-trump-mexi...-military/
"Donald Trump has long pushed for a wall to be built along the US-Mexico border, but he seems to be no longer insistent that Mexico pay for it. The US military should construct it because its now rich, he suggested on Twitter.
"Because of the $700 & $716 Billion Dollars gotten to rebuild our Military, many jobs are created and our Military is again rich. Building a great Border Wall, with drugs (poison) and enemy combatants pouring into our Country, is all about National Defense," Trump tweeted on Sunday. He ended his tweet by saying "Build WALL through M," apparently creating his own abbreviation for "military" due to Twitter's 280-character limit."
@realDonaldTrump
Because of the $700 & $716 Billion Dollars gotten to rebuild our Military, many jobs are created and our Military is again rich. Building a great Border Wall, with drugs (poison) and enemy combatants pouring into our Country, is all about National Defense. Build WALL through M!
4:33 AM - Mar 25, 2018
Trump is either renegotiating Nafta or ending it. THAT is how Mexico will PAY FOR THE WALL, you idiot.
Trump is either renegotiating Nafta or ending it. THAT is how Mexico will PAY FOR THE WALL, you idiot. Isabella
Registered User
User ID: 1337
03-25-2018 09:50 PM
Posts: 26,387
Post: #9 RE: Trump suggests American military may pay for US-Mexico border wall since its now
LoP Guest Wrote: (03-25-2018 09:44 PM) LoP Guest Wrote: (03-25-2018 09:30 PM) Trump suggests American military may pay for US-Mexico border wall since its now 'rich'
https://www.rt.com/usa/422286-trump-mexi...-military/
"Donald Trump has long pushed for a wall to be built along the US-Mexico border, but he seems to be no longer insistent that Mexico pay for it. The US military should construct it because its now rich, he suggested on Twitter.
"Because of the $700 & $716 Billion Dollars gotten to rebuild our Military, many jobs are created and our Military is again rich. Building a great Border Wall, with drugs (poison) and enemy combatants pouring into our Country, is all about National Defense," Trump tweeted on Sunday. He ended his tweet by saying "Build WALL through M," apparently creating his own abbreviation for "military" due to Twitter's 280-character limit."
@realDonaldTrump
Because of the $700 & $716 Billion Dollars gotten to rebuild our Military, many jobs are created and our Military is again rich. Building a great Border Wall, with drugs (poison) and enemy combatants pouring into our Country, is all about National Defense. Build WALL through M!
4:33 AM - Mar 25, 2018
Trump is either renegotiating Nafta or ending it. THAT is how Mexico will PAY FOR THE WALL, you idiot.
For starters until either or happens what he says means zilch. For starters until either or happens what he says means zilch. If you want to influence Trump, you got to be the last guy he talks to."
Steve Bannon LoP Guest
lop guest
User ID: 1337
03-25-2018 10:00 PM
Post: #10 RE: Trump suggests American military may pay for US-Mexico border wall since its now
Imma not give a damn who, or how it's paid for, so long as its built!
Pretty "slick" how he steamrolled all this through, lol...
As Commander in Chief of the military, he just authorized HIMSELF the ability to direct these funds in any manner he wants.
I saw this coming, and said nothing publicly, lol..
Yes, the f*cking wall will be a reality! LoP Guest
lop guest
User ID: 1337
03-25-2018 10:21 PM
Post: #11 RE: Trump suggests American military may pay for US-Mexico border wall since its now
LoP Guest Wrote: (03-25-2018 09:38 PM) Meanwhile americas infrastructure falls apart. Who will america be in debt to now? the Saudis perhaps. China is already keeping a tab.
MAGA.
LOL MAGA.LOL LoP Guest
lop guest
User ID: 1337
03-25-2018 10:22 PM
Post: #12 RE: Trump suggests American military may pay for US-Mexico border wall since its now
LoP Guest Wrote: (03-25-2018 09:44 PM) LoP Guest Wrote: (03-25-2018 09:30 PM) Trump suggests American military may pay for US-Mexico border wall since its now 'rich'
https://www.rt.com/usa/422286-trump-mexi...-military/
"Donald Trump has long pushed for a wall to be built along the US-Mexico border, but he seems to be no longer insistent that Mexico pay for it. The US military should construct it because its now rich, he suggested on Twitter.
"Because of the $700 & $716 Billion Dollars gotten to rebuild our Military, many jobs are created and our Military is again rich. Building a great Border Wall, with drugs (poison) and enemy combatants pouring into our Country, is all about National Defense," Trump tweeted on Sunday. He ended his tweet by saying "Build WALL through M," apparently creating his own abbreviation for "military" due to Twitter's 280-character limit."
@realDonaldTrump
Because of the $700 & $716 Billion Dollars gotten to rebuild our Military, many jobs are created and our Military is again rich. Building a great Border Wall, with drugs (poison) and enemy combatants pouring into our Country, is all about National Defense. Build WALL through M!
4:33 AM - Mar 25, 2018
Trump is either renegotiating Nafta or ending it. THAT is how Mexico will PAY FOR THE WALL, you idiot.
the Mexicans are not paying for the wall you f*cking moron.
YOU the American taxpayer is LOL the Mexicans are not paying for the wall you f*cking moron.YOU the American taxpayer is LOL LoP Guest
lop guest
User ID: 1337
03-25-2018 10:25 PM
Post: #13 RE: Trump suggests American military may pay for US-Mexico border wall since its now
LoP Guest Wrote: (03-25-2018 10:22 PM) LoP Guest Wrote: (03-25-2018 09:44 PM) Trump is either renegotiating Nafta or ending it. THAT is how Mexico will PAY FOR THE WALL, you idiot.
the Mexicans are not paying for the wall you f*cking moron.
YOU the American taxpayer is LOL
No, schmuck....it's Mexico.
They are going to lose BIGLY.....keep watching.
No, schmuck....it's Mexico.They are going to lose BIGLY.....keep watching. LoP Guest
lop guest
User ID: 1337
03-25-2018 10:26 PM
Post: #14 RE: Trump suggests American military may pay for US-Mexico border wall since its now
LoP Guest Wrote: (03-25-2018 10:25 PM) LoP Guest Wrote: (03-25-2018 10:22 PM) the Mexicans are not paying for the wall you f*cking moron.
YOU the American taxpayer is LOL
No, schmuck....it's Mexico.
They are going to lose BIGLY.....keep watching.
No schmuck.
YOU'RE paying for it.
Mexico has already told trump to get f**ked.
LOL
the bill just just signed proves America is paying for it. No schmuck.YOU'RE paying for it.Mexico has already told trump to get f**ked.LOLthe bill just just signed proves America is paying for it. LoP Guest
lop guest
User ID: 1337
03-25-2018 10:27 PM
Post: #15 RE: Trump suggests American military may pay for US-Mexico border wall since its now
Yah sure whatever Trump knows Americans have a short term memory. Advertisement
Hundreds of thousands of students demonstrated on Saturday in more than 800 March for Our Lives events throughout the United States and internationally. Demonstrations took place in every US state and on every continent except Antarctica.
An estimated 800,000 people marched in the main protest in Washington, DC, with crowds of people filling out the entire parade route along Pennsylvania Avenue. The second largest demonstration took place in New York City, where an estimated 150,000 people participated. Police estimated crowds of 40,000 and growing in Los Angeles early in the day. A crowd of 30,000 took part in the Chicago march, with thousands more in every other major US city. Demonstrations also took place in major international cities, such as London, Paris, Berlin, Sydney and Tokyo.
Student-led demonstrations of this size have not been seen in the United States since the mass demonstrations against the Vietnam War nearly fifty years ago. The scale of the demonstrations show that the profound crisis of American and world capitalism is working its way into the consciousness of young people and propelling a new generation into political struggle.
Young people who took part in the marches were looking for a political perspective that goes far beyond the narrow confines of the official debate over gun control. Students are seeking to make the connection between gun violence and the general social crisis in the United States and the violence of the American ruling class, from police killings at home to imperialist war abroad.
This was shown by some of the speeches by high school students at the main march in Washington, DC. Edna Chavez, a student from the impoverished southern portion of Los Angeles, called for the root causes of gun violence to be addressed, advocating better job opportunities for graduating high school students and changing the conditions that foster violence. Edna gave a heartbreaking account of losing her brother, mother and sister to random gun violence, and said that shootings are a fact of life that her community has become accustomed to for decades.
Other students who spoke recounted shootings that have affected themselves and their loved ones. Eleven-year-old Naomi Wadler spoke about witnessing an assault at a convenience store that broke out when the man in front of her in line found he could not afford the food he was attempting to purchase.
Students spoke with contempt for President Donald Trumps response to the Parkland shooting, particularly his call to arm teachers. One Parkland student sarcastically compared it to arming priests, rabbis and other community leaders.
The marches stood as an objective refutation of the identity-politics portrayal of American society as fundamentally divided by race. Young men and women of all races and nationalities, all of which have been impacted by mass school shootings, participated side by side in the protests.
The determined mood among students stood in marked contrast to the politics of the Democratic Party and the associated organizations that organized and led the demonstrations. The Democrats have no answer to the broader social crisis that manifests itself in outbursts of homicidal violence in schools and workplaces. This is because the Democrats are directly responsible for these conditions, having presided over a massive rise in social inequality and two full terms of war under Barack Obama. Instead, the Democrats are seeking to channel the opposition of students behind the narrower question of gun control and to promote it as an issue for them to run on in the midterm elections in November.
The Democrats were acutely aware of the gulf between themselves and the motivations of the student protesters and sought to conceal it as much as possible. Protest organizers sought to carefully restrict and vet the speakers lists in advance. While Democratic politicians were conspicuously absent from the speakers list in DC, Democratic officeholders spoke at other rallies throughout the country. This included Senator Debbie Stabenow of Michigan, who spoke at the Detroit march only days after voting with Republicans to abolish banking reforms enacted after the 2008 financial crash.
The International Youth and Students for Social Equality participated in the demonstrations throughout the country. The World Socialist Web Site provided live coverage, updates and interviews from the events on social media throughout the day.
Domenic, a high school sophomore, and his mother Susan, who is a nurse in a retirement facility, attended the DC rally.
In the school district I was in last year, we faced budget cuts, Domenic said. I was in the orchestra as an artistic way of expressing myself. They always put that as the first thing to go. It was not removed in the end because I went and spoke for it. They also wanted to take out band and art. Without that type of activity at school, there's no way for students to express themselves, which can lead to more and more depression and mental health issues. Ive seen the scars on my friends wrists. But when theyre in orchestra, theyre the happiest people they can be.
I think there needs to be some focus on the NRA [National Rifle Association], but we also need to focus on mental health and on schools. I also think there needs to be more of a balance. On a normal day youll see a guy lying right there on the ground, because he doesnt have a home. You shouldn't see someone without a home and someone else with pockets full of money.
Nick is an immigrant and high school student who attended the Chicago march. Too many have died, he said. This is it, this is where we stand.
Nick spoke out against the war-mongering in the media and among politicians against Russia, saying: We have to stop fighting with Russia. We will never move into the 21st century unless America and Russia can see eye to eye and be the leaders that can unite this world together.
Citing the opinion polls showing widespread interest among young people in socialism, the WSWS asked whether Nick and his friends had discussed the subject. All my friends talk about it, he responded. They want this era of capitalism going into unnecessary wars to end.
I mean, we went to Vietnam in 1968, and then in 2003 we went to Iraq. For what? For no reason? For oil? Students marched on Michigan Avenue in 1968, and 50 years later students are marching for the same things they did.
Monae and Atiti in Oakland
Monae and Atiti are seniors at Impact Academy in Oakland, California. I thought [the march] was very powerful because I thought it made the connection between militarization, police brutality and global warfare and gun violence on the streets and things like capitalism and money which funds [only] certain things, Atiti said. It all ties back to capitalism, and how everything is about greed.
Im frustrated, Monae said. The fact that youre putting war before our education? Its like youre trying to take our power and make us more ignorant.
Celia, Luna, Winnie and Helena in Los Angeles
Celia attended the Los Angeles demonstration with her friends Luna, Winnie and Helena. She linked the question of mass shootings to the glorification of violence and the military in the mass media. If you mention sex, its automatically shunned. You hear things like, You shouldnt be talking about that, youre so young. Yet we see literally everywhere guns and violence and murder and killing and all this, and its just normal for us. And it shouldnt be, it really shouldnt be.
In the movies its just, Well, were at war, and thats normal. All the negative effects of violence and war arent seen very often.
Paul in Detroit
Paul, a 16-year-old junior from Warren, Michigan, attended the Detroit march. When an IYSSE member noted that he has lived his entire life under war, Paul responded: Thats true. And Ive been born to a century with these mass shootings too. Ive never known what its like without these mass shootings. Columbine, I wasnt even born, and then there was Sandy Hook, and I feel like Parkland, this one really hits close to me, because these students were my age.
Were not as happy as previous generations. Because all we see is death. We see war, we see death, we see shootings, thats all we see. Congress was made to deal with these kind of [social issues]. That should be their number one priority, to make this generation have a better life than the previous one.
Damon is a high school student who attended the march in New York City. I think a lot of mainstream politics are not looking at the core of the issues, he told IYSSE members. I think a lot of the root causes go back to capitalism, and a lot of the issues like mass shootings can be prevented by socialism.
Rep. Dan Lipinski, a centrist, anti-abortion Democrat, holds a narrow lead over his progressive challenger, Marie Newman, in Tuesday's primary contest for a Chicago-area House seat.
Lipinski was ahead of Newman 51% to 49%, with 95% of precincts' tallies reported, according to Edison Research. That put his lead at about 1,600 votes.
Newman isn't conceding, telling supporters Tuesday night that she is "not quite ready to make a decision."
"I would like Mr. Lipinski to have a very painful evening, so we're going to wait," she said. "We're going to wait until every vote is counted."
Lipinski is attempting to keep the seat he's held since 2005 against an intense effort by pro-abortion-rights and women's groups -- including Planned Parenthood, NARAL Pro-Choice America and EMILY's List -- to purge the party of an anti-abortion lawmaker in a reliably Democratic district.
In a rare move against an incumbent member of their own party, two Illinois Democrats -- US Reps. Jan Schakowsky and Luis Gutierrez -- had endorsed Newman. Sen. Bernie Sanders, a Vermont independent, had also thrown his political muscle behind her candidacy.
And former President Barack Obama's campaign aides mobilized against Lipinski, trashing him at a news conference and noting that he'd been the only Illinois Democrat to vote against Obama's signature health care law.
Lipinski, for his part, argued for a "big tent" Democratic Party that tolerates a wide range of social views and is focused on the economy.
He said Democrats are still recovering from an Obama era that saw the party bleed hundreds of state legislative seats.
"We have a long way to go, and it's certainly not the time to be pushing people out of the party, telling people they're not welcome," Lipinski told CNN as he campaigned Monday. "That was one of the problems -- it's why Donald Trump got elected in the first place, because Hillary Clinton was not being seen by some people in the Midwest as fighting for working-class men and women."
The race has been the most serious challenge of Lipinski's political life. He was first elected in 2004 when his father, former Rep. Bill Lipinski, waited until after the primary to announce his resignation and steer the nomination to his son. Lipinski easily won seven terms in the district, which favored Clinton over Trump by 15 points in 2016.
The only Republican on the ballot in Tuesday's primary was Holocaust denier Arthur Jones.
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - The Indiana Department of Revenue says that since the inception of a fraud-prevention program, hackers don't seem to be targeting the state's residents as much.
The agency says it has halted more than $111 million in refunds for at least 61,000 fraudulent tax returns since launching the Identity Protection and Fraud Prevention Program in 2014.
The Indianapolis Business Journal reports that program's system uses an algorithm to flag suspicious returns and an identity-confirmation quiz to protect legitimate taxpayers.
Eva Velasquez, CEO of San Diego-based Identity Theft Resource Center, calls Indiana's program "almost a model process."
Velasquez says the agency is "essentially doing what we need to do on a grander scale."
Economic analyst Mark Hamrick says technology has made it easier for criminals to hack personal information.
(Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
President Donald Trump is weighing a recommendation from his National Security Council that he expel a group of Russian diplomats from the US in response to the poisonings of a former Russian double agent and his daughter in England, a source with knowledge of the situation told CNN.
It is believed that the US had been waiting to see what members of the European Council would do, a source with knowledge of the discussions said, and on Friday, 10 European countries announced they would follow the United Kingdom's lead by also expelling Russian diplomats.
Germany, France, Denmark, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Czech, Netherlands, Bulgaria, Ireland and several others will "likely" expel the Russians on Monday, a senior foreign diplomat told CNN.
The United Kingdom ordered 23 Russian diplomats back to Moscow last week after the country concluded that Russia was responsible for the poisonings.
The National Security Council's recommendation to Trump, made on Friday, comes after a high-level meeting at the White House on Wednesday in which the council drew up a range of options to take action against Russia, according to multiple State Department officials and a source familiar with the discussion.
Ultimately, the outcome of that meeting was a recommendation that Trump should expel more Russian diplomats from the US -- an option several sources told CNN was the most severe response under consideration.
Trump could act on the recommendation as early as Monday, one source familiar with the decision said.
Prior to Wednesday's meeting, one State Department source told CNN the move would be considered a "very serious step," especially given the last round of tit-for-tat expulsions that have left both Russia and the US with significantly smaller diplomatic forces in each other's countries.
On Tuesday, one senior State Department official, speaking on background, supported the UK's own decision to kick out 23 Russian diplomats: "We stand in solidarity with our Allies in the United Kingdom, and we fully supported the UK's decision to expel diplomats and take other actions to respond. The United States is considering a range of options to respond to this outrageous incident, both to demonstrate our solidarity with our Ally and to hold Russia accountable for its clear breach of international norms and agreements."
Russia and the UK have been embroiled in a bitter diplomatic fight since Russian former double agent Sergei Skripal, 66, and his daughter, 33-year-old Yulia Skripal, were poisoned in the English cathedral city of Salisbury on March 4.
The assault stoked British rage over what UK Prime Minister Theresa May called "a brazen attempt to murder innocent civilians on our soil."
May has accused Russia of orchestrating the attack but Russian officials have repeatedly denied carrying out the poisoning.
Russian President Vladimir Putin described the accusations as "delirium" on Sunday, in comments after winning another six years as president.
Student activists in Wisconsin are building on momentum from this weekend's March for Our Lives by embarking on a four-day, 50-mile march to House Speaker Paul Ryan's hometown to call for stricter gun control laws.
The group of 40 students set off from Madison in the direction of Janesville on Sunday in blistering 37-degree weather, wearing their warmest winter clothes and best walking shoes. Some wore shirts that said "50 Miles More."
The idea for "March for Our Lives: 50 Miles More" came to a group of students at Shorewood High School -- located in a suburb of Milwaukee -- as they were discussing ways to continue raising their voices on the issue of gun reform after Saturday's national march.
"I think we have a unique opportunity because the Speaker of the House is the most important member of the House, and he's from Wisconsin," 17-year-old Brendan Fardella, one of the march organizers, told CNN. "This is a unique way to catch his attention and call him out for his constant burying of possible gun legislation that would save hundreds of lives every day in this country."
A spokesperson for Ryan's office did not immediately respond to CNN's request for comment.
The students were also inspired by civil rights leaders of the 1960s, who organized the multi-day, 54-mile Selma to Montgomery marches in Alabama.
"At that time, people said what they were marching for was impossible," said 18-year-old Katie Eder, another march organizer. "They made the impossible possible. We're picking up where the young people of that time left off."
The students' demands align with those of the #NeverAgain movement, which organized the March for Our Lives following the deadly school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.
According to a list of demands on their website, they want lawmakers to ban military-style weapons and accessories that transform firearms from semi-automatic to automatic; impose a four-day waiting period for all gun sales; require background checks on all gun buyers; and raise the legal age to purchase to 21.
"What cheeses off kids in Wisconsin? BS Gun laws," the 50 Mile More marchers wrote on social media earlier this month.
Students: 'It's a human rights issue'
The Shorewood students used social media to organize and spread word of their march in Wisconsin. Then, on Saturday night, they bussed students willing to march from other high schools from around the state to Madison.
"We don't see this as a political issue," Fardella said, noting the group of students marching fall across the political spectrum. "It's a human rights issue."
The group -- made up of high school, middle school and some elementary school kids (who got parental permission to join) -- spent Saturday evening bonding, making posters and fueling themselves with Mexican food.
"Our lives > your money from the NRA," said one sign.
WISC-TV reporter Susan Siman also spoke to the students to give them tips on being authentic with media ahead of their march.
"50 Miles More is the modern-day 'Breakfast Club,'" she told the students.
'HEAR US ROAR, 50 MILES MORE'
The students are chaperoned by adults who have all undergone background checks, Aileen Berquist, a march spokesperson, told CNN. Eder described the chaperones as "adult allies."
The group plans on trekking about 13 miles a day. They hope to arrive in Janesville on March 28 around noon.
The students will be taking a combination of side streets, back roads, trails and other low-traffic areas in a route that was planned out in coordination with their adult advisers, including the Shorewood superintendent and local sherriff. They will not be walking in the street, Berquist said.
50 Miles More have organized the trek along with the organizations Urban Underground, Wisconsin Anti Violence Effort and March On. This last group, March On, launched an email campaign to help the students secure funding, Berquist said. Food for participants was either donated by local organizations or bought using funds the students raised.
Still, Berquist noted, "The vast majority of the planning, organizing, and sweat that went into this march was put in by students who have been working nonstop since the Parkland shooting."
At each mile, the marchers will honor a victim of gun violence. The students have also been tweeting out names and ages of victims.
To keep up morale, some students on Sunday carried speakers blasting music. At mile four, their song of choice was "The Story of Tonight" from the musical "Hamilton."
"Thanks for the inspiration @Lin_Manuel," the group tweeted at "Hamilton" creator Lin-Manuel Miranda.
They also chanted: "HEAR US ROAR! 50 MILES MORE!"
'We know what we are talking about'
Despite contacting Ryan's office, the student activists said they have not heard back from the Republican speaker of the house.
During a news conference in February, Ryan signaled he isn't supportive of proposals to impose new restrictions on gun purchases, telling reporters, "We shouldn't be banning guns for law-abiding citizens."
"Of course we want to listen to these kids, but we also want to make sure that we protect people's due process rights and legal constitutional rights while making sure that people who should not get guns don't get them," Ryan said of the demands made by survivors of the deadly school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.
The survivors met with high-profile congressional leaders -- including Ryan -- on Feb. 27. During the meeting, Ryan expressed a willingness for "moving quickly" on proposals to address gun violence, according to Florida Democratic Rep. Ted Deutch, who represents Parkland, Florida, and who attended the meeting.
Fardella said the 50 Miles More organizers haven't spoken to Ryan's office, but they have tried to connect via social media. He hopes the march leads to a conversation with the speaker of the house about what they can do about passing legislation.
Upon reaching Janesville, the students will hold a gun reform rally at Traxler Park, where young people will share the stage to address attendees. Eder said they are inviting "everyone of any age to come out."
"Young people are being looked down upon, people are saying what we are trying to accomplish is impossible," she said. "We are here to prove we know what we are talking about. We care about each other, we care about our lives. Kids are stubborn, we aren't going anywhere."
Here's a look at the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), headquartered in Brussels, Belgium.
Facts: The organization's charter states that the signing parties will "seek to promote stability and well-being in the North Atlantic area," and will "unite their efforts for collective defense and for the preservation of peace and security."
April 4, 1949 - Established when 12 nations sign the North Atlantic Treaty in a ceremony in Washington, DC.
2014-present - The current secretary general is Jens Stoltenberg, former prime minister of Norway.
March 15, 2018 - The secretary general's 2017 annual report is published.
READ: How NATO is funded and who pays what.
29 Member Countries:
Albania (2009)
Belgium (1949)
Bulgaria (2004)
Canada (1949)
Croatia (2009)
Czech Republic (1999)
Denmark (1949)
Estonia (2004)
France (1949)
Germany (1955, as West Germany)
Greece (1952)
Hungary (1999)
Iceland (1949)
Italy (1949)
Latvia (2004)
Lithuania (2004)
Luxembourg (1949)
Montenegro (2017)
Netherlands (1949)
Norway (1949)
Poland (1999)
Portugal (1949)
Romania (2004)
Slovakia (2004)
Slovenia (2004)
Spain (1982)
Turkey (1952)
United Kingdom (1949)
United States (1949)
Timeline (selected): April 4, 1949 - The 12 nations of Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, the United Kingdom and the United States sign the North Atlantic Treaty in Washington, DC.
July 25, 1950 - First meeting of NATO Council Deputies in London. US Ambassador Charles M. Spofford is elected permanent chairman.
December 19, 1950 - General Dwight Eisenhower is appointed the first supreme allied commander.
April 2, 1951 - Allied Command in Europe becomes operational with Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) in Roquencourt, near Paris.
March 12, 1952 - Lord Ismay is named the first secretary general of NATO and appointed vice chairman of the North Atlantic Council.
April 10, 1952 - Allied Command Atlantic (ACLANT) becomes operational, headquartered in Norfolk, Virginia.
April 16, 1952 - NATO establishes its provisional headquarters in Paris at the Palais de Chaillot.
April 28, 1952 - First meeting of the North Atlantic Council in permanent session in Paris.
May 6, 1952 - West Germany joins NATO.
May 14, 1955 - The Soviet Union and Eastern Bloc countries form the Warsaw Pact in response to West Germany joining NATO.
July 26, 1956 - Egypt nationalizes the Suez Canal. France and Great Britain use troops to intervene, against the wishes of the United States, causing a rift in NATO.
August 13, 1961 - The Berlin Wall is erected.
October 22-23, 1963 - NATO and the United States demonstrate the size and speed of emergency forces with 14,500 US troops flown into West Germany for maneuvers.
March 10, 1966 - France formally announces intentions to withdraw from the military structure of NATO, accusing the United States of having too much influence in the organization.
March 31, 1967 - Opening ceremony of new NATO headquarters in Casteau, near Mons, Belgium.
August 14, 1974 - Greece, angered at NATO's response to the Turkish invasion of Cyprus, withdraws from the military arm of NATO.
October 20, 1980 - Greece rejoins the NATO military structure.
May 30, 1982 - Spain joins NATO.
November 9, 1989 - The Berlin Wall comes down.
October 3, 1990 - Germany is reunified after 45 years. With German reunification, East Germany leaves the Warsaw Pact and is incorporated into NATO.
February 11, 1991 - The Warsaw Pact is dissolved.
December 13, 1991 - For the first time, the Soviet Union takes part in meetings at NATO as part of the North Atlantic Cooperation Council (NACC).
December 21, 1991 - Eleven of the republics of the former Soviet Union create a new Commonwealth of Independent States.
December 25, 1991 - The Soviet Union is officially disbanded with the resignation of Mikhail Gorbachev as president and supreme commander-in-chief of Soviet Forces.
February 28, 1994 - NATO forces shoot down four Bosnian Serb planes violating the UN-imposed no-fly zone. It is NATO's first military engagement in almost 50 years of history.
November 21, 1995 - After the Dayton Peace Accords, the war in Bosnia Herzegovina ends.
December 20, 1995 - The United Nations turns over military operations command to NATO's Implementation Force (IFOR).
January 13, 1996 - Russian troops deployed to support IFOR in Bosnia.
May 22, 1997 - NATO and the Russian Federation sign a security and cooperation pact, the "Founding Act" which establishes a NATO-Russia Permanent Joint Council (PJC).
March 24, 1999 - NATO launches air strikes against Yugoslavia to end Serbian aggression in the Kosovo region.
April 4, 1999 - 50th anniversary of the founding of NATO, celebrated in various countries throughout the year.
August 22, 2001 - Operation Essential Harvest, the disarming of ethnic Albanians in Macedonia, begins.
September 12, 2001 - For the first time, NATO invokes Article V, the Washington Treaty, its mutual defense clause, in support of the United States after the terrorist attacks.
May 14, 2002 - The last meeting of the NATO-Russia Permanent Joint Council
May 28, 2002 - NATO and Russia form the NATO-Russia Council (NRC), which makes Russia an associate member of the organization. The NRC replaces the Permanent Joint Council (PJC) that was established in 1997 by the NATO-Russia Founding Act.
November 21-22, 2002 - During the Prague Summit, NATO invites seven former Eastern Bloc countries, Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia, to discuss entry into the organization.
December 4, 2002 - Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz speaks before NATO in Brussels and requests that member nations contribute forces to a potential campaign in Iraq.
January 22, 2003 - France and Germany block discussion on war preparations submitted by the United States. The US proposal included provisions for Turkey's defense, the use of NATO equipment, and NATO's postwar role in Iraq.
January 23, 2003 - Secretary General Lord Robertson announces his intention to step down in December.
February 10, 2003 - France, Germany and Belgium block a US request that NATO provide Patriot missiles, Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft, and other equipment to Turkey. The United States had made the request anticipating that Iraq will retaliate against Turkey in the event of war. Turkey invokes article IV of the NATO charter, which requires the organization as a whole to discuss security threats to any member nation.
February 11, 2003 - A meeting to discuss the standoff over Turkey's defense preparations ends after 20 minutes with no resolution.
February 16, 2003 - NATO comes up with three defensive plans for Turkey, in the event of a US war with Iraq:
- Deployment of NATO Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft;
- NATO support for the deployment of theatre missile defences for Turkey;
- NATO support for possible deployment of Allied chemical and biological defenses. (from NATO website)
February 19, 2003 - NATO deploys defensive assistance to Turkey in the form of missiles, chemical and biological defense mechanisms, and aircraft, in the event war with Iraq presses forward.
January 5, 2004 - Jaap de Hoop Scheffer of the Netherlands becomes the new secretary general.
March 29, 2004 - NATO is expanded from 19 to 26 members when the seven nations Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia, join in an accession ceremony in Washington, DC. All are former communist states in Eastern Europe.
April 2, 2004 - First meeting of the NATO-Russian Council with 27 members.
August 10, 2004 - NATO Airborne Warning and Control Systems (AWACS) begin patrolling Greek airspace prior to the Olympic and Paralympic games. NATO's presence at the Olympics is nicknamed Distinguished Games and includes AWACS and the Multinational Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear Task Force (MN CBRN TF).
September 14, 2006 - Ukraine announces that it is shelving its aspirations to join NATO, due to opposition by the Ukrainian public and Russia.
April 2-4, 2008 - NATO leaders hold a summit in Bucharest, Romania. Croatia and Albania are invited to join the alliance.
June 17, 2008 - French President Nicolas Sarkozy announces France will soon rejoin NATO's military command, 40 years after it left.
April 3-4, 2009 - The 23rd NATO summit also marks NATO's 60th anniversary. Events are held in Strasbourg, France and Kehl, Germany. During the summit, France rejoins NATO's military command.
August 1, 2009 - Former Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen takes office as the 12th secretary general of NATO.
November 19, 2010 - NATO adopts the Strategic Concept "Active Engagement, Modern Defence" for the next 10 years.
March 24, 2011 - NATO takes command of enforcing a no-fly zone imposed on Libya by the United Nations.
March 29, 2011 - The Council of Europe rules NATO, among others, responsible for the 63 deaths from among 72 African immigrants left adrift for two weeks while attempting to reach European shores from Libya in March 2011.
May 19, 2012 - Demonstrators take to the streets of Chicago prior to the start of the NATO summit. Anti-NATO protests near Mayor Rahm Emanuel's home focus on the cost of the summit to the city and city budget cuts to mental healthcare.
May 20-21, 2012 - The 25th Summit is held in Chicago. During the summit, NATO accepts President Barack Obama's timetable to end the war in Afghanistan by 2014.
March 5, 2014 - In regards to the crisis in Ukraine, Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen announces that NATO has decided to "put the entire range of NATO-Russia cooperation under review" to send "a clear message Russia's actions have consequences."
October 1, 2014 - Jens Stoltenberg becomes secretary general.
December 2, 2015 - NATO extends an official invitation to Montenegro to join the alliance.
February 11, 2016 - Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg announces that NATO is deploying ships to the Aegean Sea to try to deter smugglers from trafficking migrants from Turkey to Greece.
June 5, 2017 - Montenegro officially becomes a member of NATO.
FULTON, Miss. (WTVA) - Fulton police search for two people after surveillance cameras caught them stealing cell phones.
Police say two suspects entered the Cell Phone Superstore Inc. located on Interchange Drive, Friday afternoon. The pair grabbed two Iphones and ran from the store.
Police ask that you look for an African American male in a white shirt and jeans and an African American female with green hair and a blue jacket.
They were last seen leaving the area in a maroon Nissan Murano, driving towards Alabama.
If you have any information on their whereabouts, you are asked to call the Fulton Police Department or North Mississippi CrimeStoppers.
DIXIE, Miss. (AP) Three years ago, Brooke Conner walked into her parents' bedroom in the middle of the night and fell into the large brown leather armchair next to their bed, writhing like a snake.
"I'm dying," she told them.
"And I thought she was," Brooke's mom, Lisa Conner, said.
Earlier that day, Lisa had followed a doctor's instructions and taken her then 34-year-old daughter off a drug called Topamax, medication she was taking to relieve migraines.
Brooke has intellectual disabilities, paired with a childhood trauma, and had lived up to that point a mostly sheltered life with her parents, Lisa and Thomas, in their Dixie home in Forrest County. She'd never experienced anything like this.
The episode spawned a series of events including a stint at a mental hospital where the family alleges Brooke was neglected for days, a claim the attorney general's office found unsupported leaving her virtually unable to walk or communicate today.
The Conner family has faced countless roadblocks in the last three years as they've tried to navigate the local hospitals and mental health system.
The Medicaid-provided in-home care has been ineffective. Calls to the Community Mental Health Center's Mobile Crisis Team have gone unanswered. A state attorney general investigation into Brooke's care met a dead end. The most recent hospital discharge attempt resulted in a car accident after Brooke had been poorly restrained.
And they have yet to achieve a diagnosis.
Brooke, a pretty, petite 37-year-old with child-like expressions, is an artist. Her paintings contain confident, dark lines resembling stained glass pieces, with whimsical yet somber-faced subjects.
She has two pet birds that live in a cage in her empty bedroom; even more live on the tree next to the window. Brooke loved to spend afternoons bird watching on her family's large, wooded property outside Hattiesburg.
She also sings Norah Jones a favorite.
Even after she became sick, Brooke could make anybody laugh. There's a video of her bouncing up and down in her bed during one hospital stay, laughing and playing the air guitar to "Walk Like an Egyptian."
Sometimes still, little bits of Brooke appear. Like last December, when she remembered the words to the 2002 song "Don't Know Why" and delivered it perfectly.
"Her mind is in there," Lisa said.
But she's mostly different now, confined to a hospital bed and often behaving erratically. Her condition, not fully understood, manifests in a movement disorder, causing awkward, repetitive motions, like swinging her hands back and forth.
Other times she hits, kicks and screams curse words at those trying to care for her.
"My daughter was sunshine. She was never like this. She should have never wound up where she wound up," Lisa said. "I'm not saying that this might not turn into some rare disease that was degenerative, but I honestly think if the system hadn't failed her at every step of the way, I don't think my daughter would be like this today."
Brooke's story highlights current shortcomings in the crucial relationship between the mental health system and general health care providers hospitals, clinics and primary care doctors.
Brooke was rushed to the hospital after that first fainting episode on March 6, 2015, after quitting Topamax cold turkey, which can cause severe withdrawal symptoms. Lisa says now that, if she had known the side effects, she wouldn't have allowed Brooke to take the medication in the first place.
Forrest General Hospital doctors diagnosed Brooke on a Saturday with chest pain and fainting caused by low blood pressure and sent her home. But the attack occurred again the following night.
When the AAA Ambulance technicians arrived this time, Lisa said, they refused to take Brooke back to the hospital. Brooke continued to deteriorate, so Lisa took her to Forrest General two days later. The ambulance service did not return calls for comment.
Lisa said Brooke's emergency room doctor barely examined her directly and that she was only given the option to see a neurologist or a psychiatrist, not both.
"You're this or you're that. You can't be both," said Brooke's father, Thomas Conner. "If you're sick and crazy, you're screwed."
Forrest General officials said they were prohibited from commenting on Brooke's case, citing patient privacy laws, and would not agree to any interviews for this story, even if they received permission from the parents.
In the emergency room Monday, Brooke hallucinated and talked about suicide. Hospital officials wanted to place her in a psychiatric facility, but Lisa said even the admissions adviser knew she was in no medical condition to go.
In the mental health field, it is a general rule that patients must be medically stabilized before being placed in psychiatric treatment.
Medical records say Brooke was medically cleared but refused to go to Pine Grove Behavioral Health & Addiction Services.
Experts also stress intervening on someone in psychiatric crisis within 24 hours, because the more quickly a person is stabilized, the less likely the person's condition will worsen or result in permanent damage.
Brooke continued to fall through the cracks.
Doctors diagnosed her with insomnia and sent her home again. In the following days, Brooke saw a new neurologist, who prescribed her Xanax, resulting in a paradoxical reaction so severe, Lisa said, "by Friday, she is running around the house; she's bonkers."
Despite her family's concerns about her medical stability, and without a psychiatric diagnosis, they followed the hospital's direction to go to Pine Grove, a mental hospital and extension of Forrest General.
Thomas and Brooke's brother Brian Conner drove Brooke who was hostile but mobile to Pine Grove on a Friday.
It was the last day her family would see her walk.
Brooke's relatives were shut out of her care during her voluntary five-day stay at Pine Grove, which ended abruptly after Brooke had become violent, catatonic and required medical attention. Limited contact with patients initially is common in mental hospitals, but Lisa said she never even got a chance to tell Pine Grove doctors her daughter is allergic to chocolate.
Brooke was rushed back to Forrest General.
"I got in through the (Forrest General) emergency room door and then got into the trauma room. I couldn't believe my eyes," Lisa said. "She was under the sheets like a wild animal. She did not know who I was. She looked sunburned. Her ears were, like, red; the tops of her joints, her fingers, they were red ... She was severely dehydrated. They told me she was eating and drinking, but she was not."
Her parents believe a combination of medications given to Brooke in Pine Grove, including Ativan, an anxiety medication, and Zyprexa, an antipsychotic, worsened her condition.
Records from Pine Grove indicate Brooke was a "limited historian," confused, refusing to eat or drink and could not communicate beyond a nod. Records also said the risks and benefits of the psychotropic drugs they gave Brooke "were discussed with the patient."
Brooke was transferred from Forrest General to Oschner Medical Center in New Orleans in April, and by June, her full list of diagnoses included more than a dozen problems including brain disease, malnutrition, catatonia, an abnormal brain MRI and she required a feeding tube.
"Of all the different experiences in the last three years we could talk at length about, the most pivotal, important part of the story is how she fell through the cracks when she was trying to raise the alarm bells, when she first started having this reaction to her medication," Brian, the brother, said. "I think we would really be in a different situation today had she not gone to Pine Grove."
Pine Grove officials also would not comment on Brooke's case.
Pediatric geneticist Dr. Brian Kirmse, who has tested Brooke in hopes of finding a genetic answer to her condition, acknowledged the significance of her time at Pine Grove and that "the person Brooke was afterward was very different from who the parents described."
Brooke has an intellectual disability, which may have a genetic component and may trigger symptoms of a mental illness, Kirmse said, but she's not a straight behavioral health patient.
"But she went to Pine Grove nonetheless. It's indicative of a disjointed mental health and health care system," he said.
Lisa asked the state attorney general to investigate her daughter's care, primarily at Pine Grove.
Jeff Cook, Forrest General vice president and general counsel, and Debbie Sanford, Pine Grove administrator, said they were unaware of any probe into Brooke's care by the attorney general's office, nor did anyone visit the campus. The hospital officials only discovered after an inquiry that investigators had pulled Brooke's medical records.
A report in the attorney general's case file said investigators reviewed the records and a year later concluded "there is no evidence identified of willful neglect by prescribing physician or Pine Grove . It is recommended that this case be closed with no further action taken."
The family thinks Brooke may have experienced neuroleptic malignant syndrome, a life-threatening reaction to antipsychotic drugs, and she's been tested for porphyria, a disorder affecting the protein that carries oxygen in the blood and which can be drug-induced.
The medical phrase "diagnostic odyssey" describes what patients, and often whole families, go through to address rare diseases. One GeneAdviser blogger emphasized the toll of "seemingly endless hospital visits, unexplained illnesses and in some cases outright dismissal by medical professionals who can't find answers."
The "odyssey" affects more people than one might think: Nearly one in 10 people will be affected by a rare disease in their lifetime.
On average, it takes eight years and countless trips to multiple doctors to receive a diagnosis for a rare disease. This March, Brooke is three years in.
"We'll probably exhaust our technological capability before we give up on trying to find an answer," Kirmse said.
Brooke's sister Jennifer Coursey said Brooke's care in the last three years has lacked continuity because each medical specialist has worked in silos, ignoring the effect of the body on the mind and vice versa.
Coursey, who lives in New Orleans and recently took over guardianship of Brooke, said she's had to tell Brooke's "life story" to countless doctors. They always want to know: "What's her baseline?"
"My sister, who cooked spaghetti and sang Bruno Mars in her bedroom and spent a ridiculous amount of time doing her makeup to go to Walmart that is baseline," Coursey said. "It's a stupid question. It's always like they want to know, 'What's the minimum we have to get to before we can send her on her way?'"
"I don't think anyone ever paid attention to the fact that she was actually a functioning person," she said.
Brooke spent several months in the hospital following her initial episode. For two years after that, her parents took care of her as she bounced between home and hospitals. The last three months, she's been in the psychiatric ward at Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans.
Some days are better than others as doctors attempt to find the appropriate medication combination for Brooke. Recently, she's strung together phrases better than she has in months, giving her family hope she might improve.
Brooke's room in the family home outside Hattiesburg is painted yellow, her favorite color, and a goat stuffed animal lives on her twin hospital bed. Christmas gifts and cards sit unopened on her dresser. Lisa thought maybe they'd celebrate a late Christmas when she returned, but now she's not sure her daughter will be back.
The last time she was supposed to come home, at the end of December, Oschner discharged her to Thomas. He planned to drive Brooke home to Hattiesburg after the hospital told him she didn't qualify for an ambulance.
They didn't get very far.
Just after getting on I-10 headed to Slidell, a restless Brooke managed to unhook her restraints, which ended up wrapped around her neck. Thomas reached over to untangle her and in the struggle, his car swerved from the middle lane to the left, causing a wreck with two other vehicles.
Both of them ended up back at Oschner, Thomas now hospitalized with injuries to his back and arm. Their only car was totaled, leaving the parents with limited transportation to see their daughter after that.
Now two months later, Lisa faces the unbearable thought of allowing the hospital to find a facility to place Brooke, where she can receive the specialized care she needs, but which may be far away. Because she is in Louisiana, and they've found nowhere for her to go in Mississippi, her parents have had to give up guardianship of Brooke to her sister Jennifer to place her out of state.
"Nobody knows, to today, where she needs to be," Lisa said.
Mississippi has a program, called DETECT, dedicated to improving the health of folks with developmental disabilities by educating health care professionals about how to best care for them in the community.
The state also operates five facilities for folks with developmental disabilities, but the concern is that Brooke is now too medically ill to live there. Besides, she's never been evaluated by the state to determine if those services are appropriate.
Lisa said before the 2015 episode, you'd have to sit and have a long conversation with Brooke before knowing she was developmentally delayed.
Christine Keiper, associate director of the Library of Hattiesburg, said Brooke was what she calls an "independent library user." Brooke visited the library with her mom nearly every week before she became sick.
"She had that smile that lights up a room," Keiper said. "Honestly, I did not know she had a disability until she was sick and wasn't able to come to the library."
Still, Brooke's parents viewed her disability as insurmountable. She didn't actually graduate high school, never worked and never participated in any programs outside of her parent's supervision. They feared she was too vulnerable, partly because of her PTSD-like symptoms, which they believe resulted from a past sexual abuse.
When Brooke was 10, her family learned she had been molested by a neighbor close to her age. She received some counseling from the local Community Mental Health Center, Pine Belt Mental Healthcare Resources. Her brief history with Pine Belt is one reason the family believes Brooke may have been inaccurately characterized as having had a history of mental illness.
Developmental disabilities and mental illnesses, while distinctly different, are often confused. But they can also co-occur.
Experts have estimated that roughly one-third of folks with intellectual disabilities also have a mental illness.
"Social isolation and exclusion with no hope of change, combined with already-existing brain differences, set the stage for mental illness," wrote Maria Quintero and Sarah Flick in a 2010 issue of Social Work Today.
Brooke's parents worried her obedient nature would always make her a target for abuse, so when she got older, she didn't participate in any of Pine Belt's programs for folks with developmental disabilities or any other vocational programs. Most of her socialization revolved around her parents, like visits from Lisa's artist friends.
"It was the safest situation for her, where she was most loved," Brian said. "I'd be lying if I said it didn't cross my mind if that was what's best ... Is that the best for her to progress and pursue happiness?"
Renee Brett, director of the Department of Mental Health's Bureau of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, said some state services she oversees consist of simply helping folks participate in the community taking them out to eat or to a movie.
"It's important for people to be able to experience life just like you and I do, and I think that's our goal," Brett said.
Brett also stressed the importance of employment opportunities. "They need to be able to use their skills and abilities just like anybody else," she said.
The effect of these opportunities on a person's overall health cannot be understated.
But even beyond concerns of abuse, the family didn't generally have much confidence in the system. In one vocational program early on, Lisa said, Brooke was going to be expected to work in a box factory.
In her school days, Brooke was separated into special education courses, often with students at much lower learning levels. Her eighth-grade teacher in home economics, one of the only classes she had with all the kids her age, said Brooke "had a special greeting every morning for everyone in the room."
"She was just a wonderful example of someone who's truly happy," said teacher Martha Williams.
But she was never challenged, Brian said.
"Just like in the medical system, she fell through the gaps in the educational system back then," Brian said. "I think she was sheltered, but I think her being sheltered was a natural response to some failings of the system at large."
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The "gaps" are many. Since 2015, sheriff's officers or volunteer firefighters have made seven visits to the Conner home for Brooke's medical emergencies, during which she tends to become violent.
Local law enforcement has a relationship with Pine Belt's Crisis Intervention Team, which aims to quickly connect folks in crisis to counselors and psychiatrists. But they've never collaborated to assist the Conner family.
Thomas said he's called the Mobile Crisis Team hotline as recently as December and had to leave a message. There was no call back.
Psychologist Rita Porter, who oversees the division responsible for the crisis teams at Pine Belt, said the crisis hotline is supposed to be accessible at all times. She couldn't explain why Thomas didn't get a call back but promised to look into it.
Porter also said the center is still working through multidisciplinary teams to educate all agencies about their services.
While they've been working with the sheriff's office for at least a year, "I can't say every single sheriff's officer is aware of the mobile crisis teams."
This is a struggle for virtually all of the 14 Community Mental Health Centers across the state. The crisis teams, operating on state grants, are managed differently and have had varying degrees of success.
The focus of recent efforts to strengthen Mississippi's mental health system, currently the subject of litigation by the U.S. Department of Justice, has been the relationship between state mental hospitals and community providers. Federal authorities have cited the state for relying too heavily on institutionalization, something the Department of Mental Health has recently acknowledged with first-ever plans to divert funds from hospitals to the community.
When anyone in Mississippi leaves a mental hospital like Pine Grove, the Community Mental Health Centers are supposed to help facilitate what's called a "warm handoff."
Coordination and communication are essential to ensure anyone managing a mental illness is given support when they return to the community.
Pine Belt Director Jerry Mayo acknowledged his center's relationship with Pine Grove, a private entity, is not as strong as it is with the state hospital.
While a patient should receive materials about Pine Belt's services when they leave Pine Grove, the two don't necessarily communicate about discharges so that the community center can proactively locate the patient.
It didn't work in Brooke's case.
With little help from state or other services, Lisa and Thomas have tried in the last three years to care for Brooke, through mental and physical decline, violent episodes and constant trips to the hospital.
"It's like our whole life stopped," Lisa said.
In the fall of 2015, Brooke started receiving services through Medicaid's Elderly and Disabled Waiver, which provides in-home care similar to that offered in a nursing facility.
"It has helped somewhat. I would say it's a broken system. You get a lot of diapers and wipes and lotion," Lisa said. "It basically comes down to diapers, wipes and lotion."
The Conners said the contracted staff was ill-equipped to handle someone in Brooke's condition, let alone provide actual therapy. Some workers, Lisa said, were unable to safely lift Brooke. Thomas found the arrest mugshot of another online.
The Department of Mental Health does administer a community-based waiver program specifically for folks with intellectual and developmental disabilities, but a funding cap imposed by the Legislature resulted in the program's frozen enrollment. Proposed legislation would remove the cap for the coming year.
Still, it takes, on average, seven years from the time a person applies for the program for them to start receiving services.
And more than 1,650 Mississippians with developmental disabilities are on the waitlist today.
10:50 | Lima, Mar. 25.
The two homes are located in Lima districts of San Isidro and Cieneguilla.
Prosecutor Marcial Paucar raided the San Isidro property, while his peer Luis Ballon led the visit to Kuczynski's summer house in Cieneguilla. Officials were seen entering the houses with boxes.
Travel restrictions
On the other hand, a Peruvian judge barred the former leader from leaving the country , also on Saturday, following a request from the Prosecutor's Office.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - There were a lot of big events in Tallahassee Saturday, including one literally called The Big Event.
For the past 11 years, FSU, FAMU and TCC have banded together to volunteer at different nonprofits around the Capital City.
Event organizers said about 1,600 students spent their Saturday helping out.
It's all about giving back and showing gratitude for the Leon County community.
"To say thank you to the community for giving back from FAMU, TCC, and Florida State students," said Jamie Handy, The Big Event Assistant Director. "We understand Leon County host all these college students, so we want to be able to say thank you for having us all around here."
The Big Event is the largest one-day student-run service project in Tallahassee.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - U.S. Rep. Al Lawson hosted his Farmers Roundtable to address issues affecting the nations agricultural industry and rural communities on March 24.
During the two-hour discussion, held at the Tallahassee Community College Center for Workforce Development, Lawson discussed federal crop insurance, nutritional programs and trade enforcement laws administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Lawson also received feedback from more than 100 attendees, which included area farmers and agriculture industry representatives.
The Farmers Roundtable provided me the opportunity to talk one-on-one with the men and women who put food on Americas tables and to receive their feedback on how we can better serve them, said Lawson. The issues we discussed are critical for our nations growers and have a strong impact on the agriculture system.
House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Collin Peterson talked about the re-authorization of the Farm Bill, a bill that ensures that our nations farmers and ranchers have the tools they need to be productive.
It was important for me to attend todays Farmers Roundtable to express my concerns about crop insurance and ask how the government can help, said Ernest Fulford, president of the Jefferson County Florida Farm Bureau. I am thankful to Congressmen Lawson and Peterson for speaking with us and listening to our needs. Hopefully they can address some of our concerns.
This was the second Farmers Roundtable hosted by Lawson, who serves on the House Agriculture Committee with Peterson.
KIEV, March 23 (Xinhua) -- A court in the Ukrainian capital said on Friday it has accepted a request from state prosecutors to arrest lawmaker Nadiya Savchenko for two months as a pre-trial restriction measure.
Savchenko, who is accused of plotting a coup, will be arrested without a bail option, the Shevchenko district court said in a statement.
Lawyers of Savchenko told local reporters that they will appeal the court's ruling next week.
Savchenko was detained by the Security Service of Ukraine on Thursday after Ukrainian parliament has deprived her of legal immunity and allowed her arrest at the request of the country's Prosecutor General Yuriy Lutsenko.
Lutsenko has accused Savchenko of planning a "large-scale terrorist attack" in central Kiev aimed at a "forcible overthrow of the constitutional system and the seizure of state power in Ukraine."
Savchenko called the accusations against her "politically motivated" and launched a hunger strike against her detention.
Savchenko, also a military pilot, has formerly participated in the conflict in eastern Ukraine along with government forces.
She spent almost two years in prison in Russia after a court there found her guilty of complicity in killing two Russian journalists in 2014 during the conflict.
The pilot has denied her role in the murder and said she had been kidnapped in Ukraine and then handed over to Russian authorities.
Savchenko was elected as a member of the Ukrainian parliament while serving her jail term in Russia. She returned to Ukraine in May 2016 after Russian President Vladimir Putin pardoned her.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-03-24 23:31:13|Editor: Jiaxin
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An abductee is seen inside an ambulance in Syrian capital Damascus' Eastern Ghouta, on March 24, 2018. A total of eight people who were kidnapped by the rebels in the Syrian capital Damascus' Eastern Ghouta were set free on Saturday under a fresh agreement. (Xinhua/Hummam Sheikh Ali)
DAMASCUS, March 24 (Xinhua) -- A total of eight people who were kidnapped by the rebels in the capital Damascus' Eastern Ghouta were set free on Saturday under a fresh agreement with the government, according to Xinhua reporter at the site.
The abductees were brought to the government-controlled area in the Panorama area on the outskirts of the town of Arbeen in Eastern Ghouta in ambulances.
They are the first batch of people to be released from rebels' captivity under a deal reached a day earlier between the Syrian government and the rebels of Failaq al-Rahman in Eastern Ghouta.
A Syrian officer in the Panorama area told Xinhua that more abductees are expected to be freed soon.
A day earlier, an agreement was reached for the evacuation of rebels and their families from new areas in Eastern Ghouta countryside.
As many as 7,000 rebels and their family members will leave areas of Jobar, Zamalka, Arbeen, and Ayn Tarma in Eastern Ghouta, and the deal covers the main rebel groups in control of those areas, namely the Failaq al-Rahman, and the al-Qaida-linked Nusra Front.
The agreement, which was mediated by the Russians, will also see the release of kidnapped people by the rebels ahead of their evacuation and lists of names were handed over to the Russian side, the report said.
The evacuation was initially planned to take place at 9:30 a.m. (0730 GMT) Saturday after the rebels hand over maps of the tunnels they dug and mines they planted in the aforementioned areas, but the process took longer than expected.
Earlier on Saturday, a total of 15 buses started entering the Arbeen town to transfer the first batch of rebels.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-03-25 00:21:18|Editor: Mu Xuequan
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HONG KONG, March 24 (Xinhua) -- The dazzling view of Hong Kong's Victoria Harbor "disappeared" for an hour on Saturday night as the light of most buildings went off in response to global environmental movement Earth Hour 2018.
This is the tenth year that Hong Kong has participated in the movement, which aims at raising the public's awareness of climate change.
The World Wide Fund (WWF) Hong Kong held a countdown for the one-hour lights out event at the Hong Kong Cultural Center Open Piazza situated on the waterfront.
At 8:30 p.m. local time, the Victoria Harbor, known for its night scenes, turned dim as most of the famous landmarks on both sides of the harbor had their lights switched off. They included International Finance Center, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center, and Tsim Sha Tsui Clock Tower.
Other landmarks such as Tsing Ma Bridge, the Government House and Legislative Council Complex also went dark for the movement.
WWF Hong Kong said that a total of 11,200 pledges from different organizations and buildings were received this year for the participation of the movement.
Edward Ho, chairman of the board of WWF Hong Kong said "We are throwing down the gauntlet to everyone in Hong Kong to follow up this one hour by pledging to reduce their energy usage by 1 percent over a 12-month period."
Wong Kam-sing, secretary for the Environment of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government, called upon the public to save energy and electricity in their everyday life for a better environment.
According to WWF Hong Kong, power consumption in Hong Kong dropped 3.47 percent during last year's Earth Hour, equivalent to a reduction of 114 tons of carbon emissions.
RABAT, March 24 (Xinhua) -- Moroccan King Mohammed VI strongly condemned on Saturday the hostage-taking in a supermarket in France's Trebes as well as the attacks in Carcassonne.
In a message sent to French President Macron, the king said that he learnt with great emotion of the tragic hostage-taking in Trebes and the "odious attacks" that preceded it in Carcassonne.
He expressed, on behalf of the Moroccan people, his firm condemnation of this "despicable" terrorist act, and assured Macron of his firm support and full solidarity.
Also, the king expressed to Macron, the bereaved families and all the French people his heartfelt condolences and sincere feelings of compassion, wishing the wounded quick recovery.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-03-25 04:06:44|Editor: Jiaxin
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People take part in the "March for Our Lives" gun control rally in Houston, the United States, on March 24, 2018. Hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets in downtown Houston in U.S. southern state of Texas on Saturday for the "March for Our Lives" gun control rally, demanding the end of gun violence and mass school shootings. (Xinhua/Song Qiong)
HOUSTON, March 24 (Xinhua) -- Hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets in downtown Houston in U.S. southern state of Texas on Saturday for the "March for Our Lives" gun control rally, demanding the end of gun violence and mass school shootings.
Carrying signs proclaiming "Enough is enough," "Gun reform now," "Fear has no place in our schools!" and "You can't pray guns away," thousands of students marched in downtown Houston as part of a nationwide "March for Our Lives" student protest of gun violence in America's schools.
The march was organized and attended by students from more than 60 area high schools, colleges, middle schools and private schools.
Meanwhile, four related marches or stationary gatherings were held in the Houston area Saturday. In all, between 10,000 and 20,000 Houston-area students were believed to participate in the rally.
Organizer Paige Cromley, a 10th grader at Woodlands' John Cooper School, said parents and teachers also helped students to organize, fund and stage the event, including securing proper permits.
Students say help has come both from Republicans and Democrats, and Saturday's events were non-partisan.
Frustrated by the lack of federal response to school shootings for many years, "students want action," Cromley said.
"Things aren't like this in other countries," she said. "We're tired of those in power telling us nothing can be done, when we know that it can."
Marcher Marcel McClinton of Spring Branch High School echoed that thought. "These thousands of people are tired of the idea that gun reform isn't something we can talk about," she said.
They joined students from throughout America who marched Saturday as part of a grassroots network of protests.
Such protesters were spurred by the Feb. 14 killings of 17 students and staff at a high school in Parkland, Florida.
Protesters advocate more restrictive gun laws to help reduce gun violence -- especially in schools -- despite years of political gridlock on the problem.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-03-25 07:17:14|Editor: Jiaxin
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People take part in the "March for Our Lives" rally in Washington D.C., the United States, on March 24, 2018. Hundreds of thousands of people gathered at Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington D.C. on Saturday for the "March for Our Lives" gun control rally, demanding the end of gun violence and mass school shootings. (Xinhua/Yang Chenglin)
WASHINGTON, March 24 (Xinhua) -- Hundred of thousands of protesters rallied in Washington D.C. on Saturday, calling for stricter control on guns, more secured schools, and an end to gun violence.
Carrying signs with slogans including "Never Again", "Am I Next?", protesters gathered in Washington's Pennsylvania Avenue that connects the Capitol Hill and the White House.
The rally "March For Our Lives" was held after 19-year-old Nikolas Cruz killed 17 people with an assault rifle in a high school in Parkland, state of Florida on Feb. 14.
The shooting has revived a national debate over gun controls, as many are concerned that mass school shootings are becoming alarmingly common.
Meanwhile, more than 800 similar events were held in cities across the country the same day, including such cities as Los Angeles, Boston, Philadelphia, New York City, and Parkland.
In New York, thousands of teenagers, teachers and parents braved the chilly weather and took to the streets in their support for a nationwide students march, calling for the U.S. Congress to pass tighter gun-control laws.
The march began with a rally at near the Central Park during which a moment of silence was observed as the names of 17 victims killed in the school shooting in Parkland were read.
Then the protesters, holding signs including "Enough is Enough", "We're the Change", "Gun violence hurts" and "I am a Teacher NOT a Security Guard," walked all the way to the midtown Manhattan.
In Chicago, thousands of people gathered at Union Park to participate in the demonstration against gun violence.
Although the temperature was only two degrees on the day, it still could not stop people from participating in the rally.
On the stage of the rally, several students spoke about the shooting incidents and victims that occurred around them and called for stricter gun laws.
In the western coast city of San Francisco, thousands of people demonstrated to advocate for gun control.
The protesters marched along the streets in Burlingame city, about 44 kilometers south of San Francisco, chanting slogans and urging their supporters on both sides of the streets to back their protests against gun crimes.
"I've always heard about gun-related crimes, and so many people get killed. It's time to take actions," said high school student Danny.
He said the U.S. government needs to have the courage to pass a new law that will help control guns and save more lives.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-03-25 07:40:13|Editor: Jiaxin
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People take part in the "March for Our Lives" rally in Chicago, the United States, on March 24, 2018. Tens of thousands of people gathered at Union Park in Chicago on Saturday for the "March for Our Lives" gun control rally, demanding the end of gun violence and mass school shootings. (Xinhua/Wang Ping)
Source: Xinhua| 2018-03-25 09:52:31|Editor: Zhou Xin
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BASEL, Switzerland, March 25 (Xinhua) -- An exhibition focusing on China's Lunar Exploration Program (CLEP) kicked off Saturday in the northern Swiss city of Basel, highlighting some of the magnificent achievements of China's aerospace industry.
As part of the ongoing Baselworld 2018 Show, the exhibition was presented jointly by China's Chang'E Aerospace Technology (Beijing) LLC and TAG Heuer, the avant-garde Swiss watchmaker, strategic partner and official timekeeper of CLEP.
"We feel honored to take this opportunity to demonstrate the achievements of CLEP, which is of great significance to the development of China's aerospace industry," Xu Xingli, general manager of Chang'E Aerospace Technology (Beijing) LLC, said at the opening ceremony of the exhibition.
Since the year 2004, when the CLEP officially started, Xu said, China has made significant progress in the exploration of the moon.
"In 2007, China's first lunar probe Chang'e-1 was successfully launched. Chang'e-1 is the first lunar probe to transmit back the most complete 3-D map of the lunar surface, marking the milestone of China becoming one of the countries with outer space exploration capability," he said.
"Since the second phase of the CLEP being approved and initiated in 2008, Chang'e-2 and Chang'e-3 lunar probes were successfully launched and they fully completed their missions," he added.
According to Xu, China's important progress in the past decade also includes sending CE-2 lunar probe directly into the Earth-moon transfer orbit in 2010, the soft landing and patrol survey on an extraterrestrial celestial body by CE-3 in 2013, and the successful landing of the return and re-entry test spacecraft in the scheduled area in 2014.
"CLEP represents the painstaking efforts of everyone involved for over a decade. In the next step, China plans to implement the Chang'e-4 lunar mission this year, and this will be the first-ever soft landing and roving survey on the far side of the moon," Zuo Wei, deputy chief designer of CLEP Ground Application System, said on the same occasion.
According to the scientist, the biggest challenge for CE-4 mission is that humans on the Earth cannot communicate directly with the farside of the moon.
To solve this problem, she said, China plans to launch a relay satellite in May 2018 to enable communication between the Earth and the farside of the moon.
The Chinese scientist also revealed that the CE-5 will be launched in 2019 and it will be the first in the world to use unmanned lunar orbital rendezvous and docking mode to achieve lunar surface sampling return.
In a tribute to China's lunar exploration achievements and illustrate the dreams of humankind for the moon, TAG Heue unveiled Saturday two special CLEP edition watches.
YANGON, March 25 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar has rejected a draft resolution on the situation of human rights in the country, tabled by the European Union (EU), Myanmar News Agency reported Sunday.
The draft resolution was considered for action on Friday during the 37th regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva.
Before taking action on the draft resolution, Myanmar Permanent Representative to the U.N. U Htin Lynn made a statement rejecting the resolution, saying that some paragraphs are highly intrusive and directly challenging the state sovereignty of Myanmar.
Despite young democracy facing challenges in its march to a democratic society, he maintained that such challenges will not derail the government's efforts in national reconciliation, peace, development and promotion and protection of human rights.
He warned that the government will not accept any attempt infringing on the state sovereignty of Myanmar, saying that Myanmar is ready to work with the international community in their constructive approaches that would help overcome national reconciliation, peace, development and humanitarian challenges of the country.
In December last year, the Myanmar representative had also rejected a resolution of the UNHRC with regard to the Rakhine issue, but pledged efforts to address the challenges of Rakhine state.
That resolution was tabled by member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
The Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army extremist terrorists launched attacks on police outposts in Rakhine on Aug. 25, displacing residents from a number of areas in Rakhine state.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-03-25 10:57:39|Editor: Jiaxin
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CANBERRA, March 25 (Xinhua) -- The first-ever non-stop flight linking Australia and the United Kingdom (UK) has departed.
The new Qantas Dreamliner, which was designed specifically to fly the route, departed on its 17-hour journey from Perth in Western Australia (WA) to London on Saturday night.
Going directly to the UK is three to five hours faster for travellers who up until now had to stop over in Asia or the Middle East.
Steven Ciobo, Australia's Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, said that the flight heralded a new era for the Australian tourism industry.
"The convenience and appeal of non-stop travel cannot be underestimated," Ciobo said in a media release on Saturday night.
"Consumer research highlights that time is one of the biggest barriers for UK consumers. The development of these ultra-long-range aircraft are a game changer for Australia's tourism industry.
"I have joined this inaugural flight and will be letting the Brits know when we land that there has never been a better time to travel to Australia."
The UK is Australia's fourth largest market for inbound tourism with inbound visitors projected to be worth between 5.5 and 6.7 billion Australian dollars (4.2 and 5.1 billion U.S. dollars) in 2020.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-03-25 11:42:47|Editor: Jiaxin
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BERLIN, March 25 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. government's latest tariff plan on Chinese imports has raised concerns of various quarters of German society that the trade protectionist move will lead to "multiple losses."
U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday signed a memorandum that could impose tariffs on up to 60 billion U.S. dollars of imports from China and restrictions on Chinese investment in the United States.
The threat of a trade war has become an important concern of the European Union (EU)'s spring summit this week in Brussels, Belgium. German Chancellor Angela Merkel stated during the summit that the EU countries unanimously support free trade and oppose trade protectionism.
German Economic Minister Peter Altmaier said he also believed that free and fair global trade is in the interest of all parties.
In addition to the appeal from politicians, German media, business leaders and analysts also voiced their disapproval of the U.S. tariff plan.
Leading business newspaper Handelsblatt published on Friday a commentary titled "Trump's trade war is doomed to failure," arguing that his desire to knock open the door of the Chinese market through trade war is doomed to fail, and it is more of a hindrance than a help to the United States and other countries.
Through the trade war, Trump will only learn the basic common sense of foreign trade: the high costs caused by tariffs will ultimately be paid by U.S. companies and consumers, it said.
Trade disputes must be resolved ultimately based on rules within the framework of the World Trade Organization, it added.
"It would be better to tackle the existing problems with negotiations rather than with unilateral tariff measures," Gabriel Felbermayr, director of the Center for International Economics at the Ifo Institute for Economic Research, a Munich-based institution, told Xinhua on Friday.
Martin Wansleben, chief executive of the Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce, said the U.S. action to impose large-scale tariffs on Chinese goods is in disregard of international rules and agreements, and is tantamount to "playing with fire," which will eventually lead to no winners.
In a world where all economies are closely interdependent,and the U.S. move will also affect Germany and the EU as a consequence, Wansleben added.
Shi Shiwei, a visiting professor at the Free University of Berlin, said the U.S. overbearing unilateralism approach not only damages the world's two largest economies, but also inflicts passive impact on German and European economies and poses a threat to the global economy.
The German financial market is also deeply concerned about the possibility of a trade war triggered by the United States.
Market analysts said that investors are bearing intensifying worries about the China-U.S. trade relationship, adding that the financial market could be more volatile in the future.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-03-25 12:02:49|Editor: Jiaxin
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BEIJING, March 25 (Xinhua) -- China will send five archeologists to Saudi Arabia Monday for the excavation of the ruins of al Serrian, according to the State Administration of Cultural Heritage.
Six Saudi archeologists will work with the Chinese staff at the Saudi port ruins on the Red Sea for 20 days, the administration said.
The excavation will be conducted with the aid of high technologies, including aerial photo by drones, digital surveys and mapping, 3D modeling.
This is the first time China has sent an archeological team to carry out systematic archeological work in an Arab country. China and Saudi Arabia signed an agreement for the excavation in December 2016.
Al Serrian, located in the southwestern Arabian Peninsula, was prosperous from the ninth to the 13th century.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-03-25 12:32:53|Editor: Jiaxin
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LIMA, March 24 (Xinhua) -- Peruvian judicial authorities imposed travel restrictions on ex-President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, banning him from leaving Peru for 18 months, Judge Juan Carlos Sanchez said on Saturday.
The order was due to an ongoing investigation into allegations that the former president accepted bribes from the Brazilian construction giant Odebrecht, said Sanchez, who heads probes into public-sector corruption.
Two places of residence owned by Kuczynski, located in Lima and the countryside area of Cieneguilla, were also searched by investigators on Saturday.
Kuczynski, 79, stepped down on Wednesday before Peru's Congress was scheduled to hold a second round of voting to impeach him for being "morally unfit" for the job.
Kuczynski reacted to the search operations via Twitter, saying "Let's leave the media show behind and not continue to damage the country's image."
He added that he had "nothing to fear" and pledged to cooperate fully with the authorities.
The allegations of corruption go back to the early 2000s, when as minister Kuczynski's U.S.-based consulting firm, Westfield Capita, accepted 4.7 million U.S. dollars from Odebrecht, which then secured lucrative public works contracts.
The former representative of Odebrecht in Lima, Jorge Barata, has admitted that he had donated 200,000 dollars to Kuczynski's 2016 presidential campaign.
Peru has also requested the extradition from the United States of then president Alejandro Toledo (2001-2006), who is also charged with accepting millions from Odebrecht.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-03-25 12:47:55|Editor: Jiaxin
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MENDOZA, Argentina, March 24 (Xinhua) -- China will host the 2019 Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) meeting of its Board of Governors, said Luis Alberto Moreno, the president of the agency on Saturday.
The announcement came at the bank's latest annual meeting of the board, which was held in Mendoza, capital of Argentina's western Mendoza province.
The IDB, teamed with Chinese authorities, selected Chengdu, capital of southwestern Sichuan province as the host city, and to spotlight its industrial and trade potential, as well as its nature conservation.
Moreno said he was looking forward to the "fantastic" organization of next year's gathering and showed his appreciation to Chen Yulu, the deputy governor of the People's Bank of China.
Chen stressed the important work of the IDB in promoting social development, industrial diversification, and infrastructure building via a multilateral platform.
"The function of the Inter-American Development Bank and China together," Chen said, will "facilitate trade, exchange knowledge and provide technological aid."
Delegates from the 48 member countries of the IDB, as well as business leaders, investors and representatives of non-governmental organizations will attend the gathering next year.
LISBON, March 25 (Xinhua) -- The Portuguese president and prime minister, as well as several government ministers, on Saturday took part in forest clearance programs across the country, in an effort to reduce the potential for wildfires.
"It's a national cause," Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa told reporters at the Peneda-Geres National Park in the northern part of the country, where he supported local efforts to clear up combustible scrub and debris.
"Our society has seen a giant leap forward by increasing people's proximity to forests and attaching greater significance to forests," he added.
Prime Minister Antonio Costa, dressed in overalls and wearing protective headgear, worked with a stringed-trimmer in Ameixial, a village in the southern part of the country.
"We have to break this vicious circle of abandonment -- a lack of income from the forests leads to the result that nobody cleans them," Costa told the Lusa Portuguese News Agency.
Minister for Justice Francisca Van Dunem donned gloves and a hardhat to take part in the clearance work in woods around the Alcoentre Prison in Azambuja, a town near Lisbon. The prison is launching a pilot scheme in training inmates to do forest clearance and management.
"They will be awarded a certificate when they are set free, which can help them enter the profession," she said.
Besides the president and the prime minister, about 20 government ministers also took part in the forest clearance efforts, which were organized by the National Republican Guard (GNR) and the Forest Fire Brigade.
The government has set March 15 as the deadline for landlords and tenants to clear potential flammable trees, bushes and undergrowth from their properties. Municipal authorities have the right to enter private property to clear the land themselves after that, according to the GNR and the Forest Fire Brigade.
The clearance efforts are to prevent Portugal from any devastating forest fire. In 2017 more than a hundred people died in wildfires in Portugal.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-03-25 13:17:59|Editor: Zhou Xin
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GUANGZHOU, March 25 (Xinhua) -- Ma Jieyao, the owner of a small stall in a garment wholesale market in the city of Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, didn't speak any English two months ago.
But now, after a few lessons in "Shop English," she is no longer afraid to face foreign buyers.
This particular variety of the English language course is all about price inquiries, bargaining, payment and delivery terms. The speakers pay little attention to grammar or pronunciation -- it's a language of getting things done.
"Now when I want to greet buyers, I say, 'Please have a look,' and I know how to show them new things. I can say 'last price' and numbers," said Ma. "And I just learned 'delivery' and 'warehouse' today."
The evolution of language always reflects changes in the economic and cultural landscape. With accelerating globalization, foreign languages are becoming more accessible and approachable.
Simplified forms of business language like Shop English course are increasingly popular among traders in Guangzhou, China's southern trade hub and home to about 1,000 wholesale markets.
Hundreds of thousands of people are looking for business opportunities there.
"If I can talk to a foreigner directly, both of us will be happy," Xia Mingyue, another shop owner, told Xinhua. Xia started taking Shop English classes two years ago. "It will save time and money. Hiring an interpreter could be expensive. Why not spend that money making the quality better or the packaging prettier?"
Xia doesn't watch Hollywood movies or listen to English songs, but she can sell her clothes to Eastern Europe or Latin America.
Xiao Wuwei, founder of an English training school, said that more than 2,000 people took its "Shop English" course in 2017. His oldest student was a 73-year-old man who sells glasses.
Xiao's school introduced a program called "Cross-border E-commerce English" two years ago to help stall keepers do business with foreigners online.
Liu Guodong is the teacher who designed the new program. He is also a part-time businessman himself.
"When you do business at your stall, you're actually waiting for the buyers to come," Liu said. "But things are different online. You have to promote your goods, write attractive product descriptions, and deal with inquiries both before and after sales, so there are many things to learn."
Xiao is planning to optimize the school's curriculum and develop programs on "Logistics English," "Design English," and "Intellectual Property Rights English."
At the same time, he has launched "Shop Spanish," "Shop Arabic" and "Shop Russian" for stall keepers, as well as "Shop Chinese" and even "Shop Cantonese" for foreign buyers, as the Belt and Road Initiative proposed by China has drawn more people and capital.
Ding Hongchao, associate professor at Guangzhou Panyu Polytechnic, pointed out that cross-border e-commerce will soon become the major form of international trade, and small stall keepers must adapt themselves to the trend.
"There are so many markets, so many stalls and so many traders in Guangzhou and in China, and it's a matter of life and death. If learning the language can help them get orders online, it'll also help the whole transition process for China's foreign trade," said Ding.
Qinzhou Port is seen in Qinzhou City, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Jan. 10, 2018. (Xinhua/Lu Boan)
BERLIN, March 25 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. government's latest tariff plan on Chinese imports has raised concerns of various quarters of German society that the trade protectionist move will lead to "multiple losses."
U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday signed a memorandum that could impose tariffs on up to 60 billion U.S. dollars of imports from China and restrictions on Chinese investment in the United States.
The threat of a trade war has become an important concern of the European Union (EU)'s spring summit this week in Brussels, Belgium. German Chancellor Angela Merkel stated during the summit that the EU countries unanimously support free trade and oppose trade protectionism.
German Economic Minister Peter Altmaier said he also believed that free and fair global trade is in the interest of all parties.
Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel (L) and France's President Emmanuel Macron (R) attend a news conference after the spring EU Summit at EU headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, early on March 23, 2018. (Xinhua/Ye Pingfan)
In addition to the appeal from politicians, German media, business leaders and analysts also voiced their disapproval of the U.S. tariff plan.
Leading business newspaper Handelsblatt published on Friday a commentary titled "Trump's trade war is doomed to failure," arguing that his desire to knock open the door of the Chinese market through trade war is doomed to fail, and it is more of a hindrance than a help to the United States and other countries.
Through the trade war, Trump will only learn the basic common sense of foreign trade: the high costs caused by tariffs will ultimately be paid by U.S. companies and consumers, it said.
Trade disputes must be resolved ultimately based on rules within the framework of the World Trade Organization, it added.
"It would be better to tackle the existing problems with negotiations rather than with unilateral tariff measures," Gabriel Felbermayr, director of the Center for International Economics at the Ifo Institute for Economic Research, a Munich-based institution, told Xinhua on Friday.
A trader works at the New York Stock Exchange in New York, the United States, March 22, 2018. U.S. stocks ended lower on Thursday, with the Dow plunging over 700 points, after the U.S. President Donald Trump announced to impose tariff on imported products from China. (Xinhua/Wang Ying)
Martin Wansleben, chief executive of the Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce, said the U.S. action to impose large-scale tariffs on Chinese goods is in disregard of international rules and agreements, and is tantamount to "playing with fire," which will eventually lead to no winners.
In a world where all economies are closely interdependent,and the U.S. move will also affect Germany and the EU as a consequence, Wansleben added.
Shi Shiwei, a visiting professor at the Free University of Berlin, said the U.S. overbearing unilateralism approach not only damages the world's two largest economies, but also inflicts passive impact on German and European economies and poses a threat to the global economy.
The German financial market is also deeply concerned about the possibility of a trade war triggered by the United States.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-03-25 14:23:07|Editor: Zhou Xin
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SHIJIAZHUANG, March 25 (Xinhua) -- Fifteen pairs of the critically endangered bird species, the Oriental stork, have appeared in the coastal areas of Tangshan, a city in north China's Hebei Province.
The rare Oriental storks have been spotted in Heiyanzi Township of Tangshan, with nine pairs of the birds brooding and another six nesting on a high voltage tower, said local sources.
The Oriental stork, also known as "ciconia boyciana" in Latin, is classified as critically endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List.
It is a large white bird with black wing feathers. An adult stork is about 1.2 meters long with a wingspan of 2 meters. The birds usually breed in northeast China. They are placed under top state protection in China.
It is believed that there are fewer than 3,000 Oriental storks living worldwide.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-03-25 14:38:08|Editor: Shi Yinglun
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WASHINGTON, March 25 (Xinhua) -- World number one Roger Federer revealed that he will opt out of the upcoming clay-court season after he lost to Australian qualifier Thanasi Kokkinakis in the second round of the Miami Open on Saturday.
"Yeah, I decided not to play," Federer said of the clay-court season. "I didn't play great last week either. Nothing new, in my opinion. I'm trying to figure things out, so I have time now."
"I'm a positive thinker. I feel like every match is another opportunity. Especially after losing one, clearly I'm down right now. I'm disappointed. I'm frustrated a little bit that I couldn't find a way. It's unfortunate how it goes."
The loss prompted the announcement that, for the second consecutive year, he would skip the clay-court season, including Roland Garros. It proved a masterstroke in 2017 as he went on to claim a record eighth Wimbledon title.
Federer, 36, knows that it is as much about keeping a spark of motivation alive as it is about managing his body.
"It's pretty simple at the end of the day. You go back to the practice court or go on vacation, you really take a break, get away from it all. When you come back to the practice court to work, whatever it is, you do it at 100 per cent."
The 21-year-old Australian's 3-6, 6-3, 7-6(4) victory drew high praise from the Swiss. This was an opponent Federer had spent time training with at his Dubai base.
"He's a cool guy, a cool demeanour," Federer said. "He's been to Dubai to practise with me a couple of times. I knew him very well. We have worked very hard together. I've always liked his game.
"I'm happy for him that on the big stage he was able to show it, centre court, Miami, people watching, beating me. It's a big result for him in his career. I hope it's going to launch him, really getting his ranking up."
Source: Xinhua| 2018-03-25 15:03:10|Editor: Mengjie
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Chinese Vice Premier Han Zheng, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, delivers a speech at the opening ceremony of the China Development Forum (CDF) in Beijing, capital of China, March 25, 2018. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei)
BEIJING, March 25 (Xinhua) -- A senior Chinese official on Sunday called for promoting high-quality development by pushing forward supply-side structural reform and accelerating the building of a modernized economy.
Vice Premier Han Zheng made the remarks in a speech at the opening ceremony of the China Development Forum, which is hosted by the Development Research Center of the State Council.
In the new era, the Chinese economy has seen a shift from high-speed growth to high-quality development, featuring medium-to-high growth, accelerated transformation of development modes, improved structure and new growth engines, said Han, who is also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.
Han described the shift to high-quality development as key to understanding the Chinese economy.
To promote high-quality development, he stressed the importance of deepening reform, taking tough steps to prevent and defuse major risks, increasing investment in innovation, improving the quality of urbanization and making a success of the rural vitalization strategy, sticking to the basic national policy of opening up, and implementing high-level trade and investment liberalization and facilitation policies.
"China has a bright future and we are confident of achieving high-quality economic development," declared Han, saying that China will continue to play its role as a responsible major country and work with people from all countries to build a community with a shared future for humanity.
The annual forum, with "China in the New Era" as its theme, brought together nearly 30 globally renowned scholars, including seven Nobel laureates, and more than 80 executives of Fortune Global 500 firms.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-03-25 16:38:22|Editor: Mengjie
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BEIJING, March 25 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Ministry of Education has issued a circular on the country's annual national college entrance examination, commonly known as gaokao, to further promote educational equality.
Starting from this year's gaokao, sports, math and science competition winners nationwide will no longer get bonus points added to their gaokao results, the ministry said in the circular issued last week
The ministry also canceled extra points for those who are named "provincial-level outstanding students" or those recognized for excellent moral performance.
The ministry said it would raise enrollment quotas for students from less developed central and western parts of the country and those from populous provinces.
In China, gaokao results are the main assessment standard for college admissions.
For years, China has awarded extra points to college applicants who win major competitions, which has prompted a boom in math and science training centers.
A total of 9.4 million Chinese high school students sat the national college entrance examination in 2017, according to the ministry.
TOKYO, March 25 (Xinhua) -- Seven people fell from a mountain ridge Sunday morning in Nagano prefecture, central Japan, leaving three killed and four injured, local police said.
The seven people fell off the ridge when heading toward the peak of the 2,805-meter high Mount Amida of the Yatsugatake mountains, local media quoted the police as saying.
The seven people were roped together climbing the mountain when the incident happened, said the media reports.
Four of the climbers were soon rescued and sent to a hospital by a police helicopter, while the three others were later found with no vital signs.
The site where the incident happened was covered by snow and the wind was strong, according to local weather agency.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-03-25 17:03:25|Editor: Lifang
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DOHA, March 25 (Xinhua) -- Qatar has released its first National List of Terrorist Classification which includes the classification and listing of 20 individuals and eight entities, an official source said on Sunday.
The Qatari National Committee to Combat Terrorism, which is affiliated to the Qatari Interior Ministry, published on its website that the terror list included "Sinai Province' and the Yemeni charity named Al-Ehsan.
The list is based on a law No. 11 of 2017 on "combating terrorism" issued last July by the Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the statement said.
The Qatari move came one day after the signing of the agreement between Saudi Arabia and the U.S. that worth 12.5 billion U.S. dollars during the visit of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman to the United States.
Qatar government has issued the terror list in response to one of 13 demands which were announced by the quartet of Arab countries boycotting Qatar,
The demands list included the closure of the Al-Jazeera channel, the severing of links with Iran, the closing of a Turkish military base on Qatari soil, and the severing of relations with Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood.
In June 2017, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt cut all diplomatic and transportation ties with Qatar, accusing it of supporting terrorism, Qatar rejected the demands and the charges.
However, Qatar later has signed a number of agreements on combating the financing of terrorism with major countries.
LOS ANGELES, March 24 (Xinhua) -- A delegation of United States and Chinese emissaries, government officials, and business leaders opposed Trump's decision to levy tariffs against China on a special cooperative trade event held Friday in California.
Attendees were buzzing over new tariffs, and were concerned about the impact they would have on future U.S.-China trade relations and the U.S. economy.
"China is California's Number One trading partner and a trade war hurts everyone," Brian Peck, chair of Los Angeles Regional Export Council, told Xinhua, adding that "cooler heads will prevail before it goes into effect."
"This isn't the right way to redress a trade imbalance," Awinash Bawle, deputy director of International Affairs and Business Development for California Governor Brown's office, said, "There are too many unpredictable consequences."
"We host hundreds of Chinese exchange students every year so our local students can experience a deeper, international cultural exchange," Howard Evans, dean of California State Polytechnic University, Pomona told Xinhua, "And this could have grave consequences for our international programs."
The event, co-hosted by State and local authorities, was held to introduce the China International Import Expo (CIIE), which is to be held in Shanghai on Nov. 5-10 this year.
Gary Toebben, president and CEO of Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce, told Xinhua that the chamber's work to promote positive trade relations between the United States and China is "so important in light of recent concerning announcements."
Zhang Ping, China's consul general in Los Angeles, and Xiadiya Abulahaiti, deputy director general of China's Ministry of Commerce to California, also attended the event.
"The actions taken by the U.S. side serves nobody's interests," Zhang said, adding that the tariffs "will directly hurt the U.S. consumers, companies and financial markets, and will also jeopardize the international trade order and world economic stability."
Abulahaiti introduced the CIIE to the attendees, and said China welcomes business leaders to attend the expo to promote their goods and services to over 150,000 buyers from China and around the world.
The decision to host the expo is an important measure China has taken to push economic globalization and support multilateral trade, said Roberto Azevedo, director-general of the World Trade Organization in an earlier press briefing.
Zhang closed the proceedings on a positive note, saying "to maintain a stable and healthy China-U.S. relationship is in the interest of both our countries ... and the world at large."
"We hope that a concerted effort will be made by people from all walks of life who care about this relationship to ensure that China-U.S. economic and trade relations stay on the right track," he added.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-03-25 17:08:26|Editor: Lifang
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JERUSALEM, March 25 (Xinhua) -- Israeli fighter jets struck a target in a military compound belonging to the Hamas in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip on Saturday night, said the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) on Sunday.
The airstrikes took place hours after the security fence was damaged by four Palestinians and they attempted to arson an engineering vehicle, said the Israeli army.
The four fled back to the Gaza Strip after an Israeli troops approached. There were no casualties and only minor damage was caused to the heavy equipment, according to the Israeli army.
This is one of many severe incidents that have taken place in the security fence area, said the Israeli military.
IDF spokesman said the IDF views any attempt to harm Israeli security infrastructure and the security fence with great severity as well as any violation of Israeli sovereignty above and below ground.
The Israeli army holds that Hamas is accountable for all occurrences in and from the Gaza Strip.
Meanwhile, the IDF warned against incidents in which residents of the Gaza Strip are called to join "riots" that serve to conceal attempts to harm security infrastructure and attempts to harm Israeli civilians or IDF troops.
The IDF will continue to thwart all attempts to harm the State of Israel and will respond severely against those who wish to harm Israeli civilians, said the Israeli army.
Since last year, the IDF has been working full-steam to complete the security barrier with censors, which is specifically designed to prevent the border-crossing attack tunnels. Once completed, the short chain-link fence that currently surrounds Gaza will be replaced.
SAMBURU, Kenya, March 25 (Xinhua) -- At least ten people were killed and several others injured on Saturday in a clash between herders and suspected cattle rustlers in Samburu County, police confirmed on Sunday.
Samburu County Commander Alfred Agengo said the attack occurred at around 9 a.m. Saturday when a group of herders grazing livestock were ambushed by heavily armed men at Lopurio area.
Agengo said no livestock was stolen during the deadly clash after unknown raiders attacked herders as they grazed cattle in the area.
Police in the area said locals teamed up with National Police Reservists and repulsed the attackers, killing six of them. Four herders were also believed to be killed.
"The aggressors were scattered and ran for their safety ... Patrol has been intensified within the area and the situation is still tense," Agengo said.
The suspects are believed to be from neighboring West Pokot and Baringo counties. Lopurio is located about 30 km away from Marti town along Maralal-Baragoi road.
Clashes between the rival cattle herding pastoralists are common in northern Kenya, with herders often carrying guns to protect their animals, but the recent fighting has been unusually heavy.
Livestock herding is the main source of income in northern and some parts of eastern Kenya, and police say cattle thefts threaten to ignite cross-community reprisals and raids that could set the stage for a surge in ethnic fighting.
1 killed, 7 injured in W. Afghan explosion: police Source: Xinhua 2018-03-25 17:28:29 HERAT, Afghanistan, March 25 (Xinhua) -- At least one Afghan civilian was killed and seven others were wounded after an explosion ripped through a mosque in the western province of Herat on Sunday, provincial police spokesman said. Editor: Lifang
Source: Xinhua| 2018-03-25 17:33:30|Editor: Lifang
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TAIYUAN, March 25 (Xinhua) -- A suspect has been returned to China from Tajikistan as a campaign to capture fugitives suspected of economic crime continues, police in Shanxi Province announced Sunday.
It is the first suspect that Shanxi police have brought back from Tajikistan in the Fox Hunt campaign, which targets suspects in economic crime who have fled overseas.
According to the local police, the suspect, who was identified by the family name as Xu, illegally obtained more than 60 million yuan (9.5 million U.S. dollars) of public funds in the name of the conglomerate he controlled between January 2007 and July 2011, and spent the money by ways including paying off previous debts and interests on those debts he owed and paid bills for his personal consumption, incurring heavy losses on the public.
Xu fled overseas after his case was exposed.
Prosecutors with the people's procuratorate of Fangshan County in Shanxi issued a warrant to arrest him in June 2015 on charges of illegal acquisition of public funds.
China requested the extradition of Xu via diplomatic channels after police in Tajikistan apprehended him in February.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-03-25 18:03:33|Editor: pengying
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Afghan security force members inspect at the site of an attack in Herat province, Afghanistan, March 25, 2018. One Afghan civilian and two assailants were killed and seven people wounded after an explosion ripped through a mosque in the western province of Herat on Sunday, a provincial police spokesman said. (Xinhua/Elyas)
HERAT, Afghanistan, March 25 (Xinhua) -- One Afghan civilian and two assailants were killed and seven people wounded after an explosion ripped through a mosque in the western province of Herat on Sunday, a provincial police spokesman said.
The blast occurred at midday after two suicide bombers tried to enter Nabi-e-Akram Mosque in Chahr Su locality, Abdul Hai Walizada, an officer of Police District 7 of the city, told Xinhua.
One terrorist detonated his explosive jacket near the entrance of the building after a security guard identified and intercepted the attackers, he said, adding that the second assailant was shot dead by the security guard.
Scores of people were offering prayers when the attack took place.
"Police and the rescue team reached the site following the attack and all the injured were rushed to Herat Regional Hospital for treatment," said the police officer.
Security forces have cordoned off the area for precautionary measures.
No group has claimed responsibility yet for the attack, but the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group attacked several mosques in Herat over the past years.
The Afghan civilians continue to bear the brunt of armed conflicts as more than 3,430 civilians were killed and over 7,000 others injured in conflict-related incidents in 2017, according to figures released by the United Nations mission in the country.
LOS ANGELES, March 24 (Xinhua) -- A photo exhibition wall was unveiled Saturday in the western U.S. city of Los Angeles in salutation to American volunteers and telling of U.S.-China friendship as the two countries joined force to fight against Japanese aggressors during World War II.
The exhibition entitled "Flying Tigers, U.S. -- China Fighting Together," showcased the story about the First American Volunteer Group, nicknamed the Flying Tigers, founded by General Claire Lee Chennault.
Historical photos, including Chinese and American pilots gathering together in front of a fighter plane, and a Thank You letter from Chennault to Chinese military leader Zhu De for his troops rescuing Flying Tigers, will be permanently displayed at the Proud Bird Food Bazaar and Events Center near the Los Angeles International Airport.
Organized by American Flying Tigers Communication Association and U.S.-China Peace and Friendship Promotion Committee, the event attracted hundreds of visitors from both countries. All the photos on display were collected from various sources including museums, private foundations and individuals.
Addressing the ceremony, Chinese Consul General in Los Angeles Zhang Ping noted that Chinese people will never forget the sacrifices by the U.S. heroes of the Flying Tigers during the World War II.
"Today, as we revisit this part of history, commemorate the virtue of the Flying Tigers, it comes more important that we need to inherit this legacy and make sure that such friendship will be passed on from generation to generation," he added.
"It is my fondest hope that the sign of the Flying Tiger will remain aloft just as long as it is needed and that it will always be remembered on both shores of the Pacific as the symbol of two great peoples working toward a common goal in war and peace," Nell Chennault Calloway, CEO of Chennault Aviation and Military Museum, adduced a quotation from her grandfather, General Chennault, in her speech.
"We have a lot of young people here, they are learning about the time that we fought together side by side as brothers, they are learning how we are able to defeat the imperial Japanese army, but also they are learning about the friendship we had during the time of war," She told Xinhua, adding that China and the United States must become partners in the 21st Century.
"Remembering history is to open up a better future," said Xu Shaoli, president of American Flying Tigers Communication Association.
The Flying Tigers helped China fight against Japanese aggressor troops, destroying over 2,600 Japanese planes and 44 warships at the cost of losing 563 planes and over 1,500 lives of crew members during the fight.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-03-25 18:38:37|Editor: Lifang
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File photo shows the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force conducting a high-sea training mission. Shen Jinke, spokesperson for the PLA Air Force, said a formation, including H-6K bombers and Su-30 fighters, carried out a real combat training mission in the West Pacific via the Miyako Strait. The PLA Air Force has sent another team consisting of combat aircraft, including H-6K bombers and Su-35 fighter jets, for a joint combat patrol mission in the South China Sea area, according to Shen. (Xinhua)
BEIJING, March 25 (Xinhua) -- The People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force recently conducted a high-sea training mission in the West Pacific and a joint combat patrol mission in the South China Sea, an air force spokesperson confirmed Sunday.
Shen Jinke, spokesperson for the PLA Air Force, said a formation, including H-6K bombers and Su-30 fighters, carried out a real combat training mission in the West Pacific via the Miyako Strait.
The training aimed to improve high-sea combat ability, and was in line with international law and practice, he said.
The PLA Air Force has sent another team consisting of combat aircraft,including H-6K bombers and Su-35 fighter jets, for a joint combat patrol mission in the South China Sea area, according to Shen.
Shen said that the Su-35 fighter jets carrying out real combat training will enable the air force to improve real combat capability under long-distance and high-sea conditions.
The PLA Air Force will continue to safeguard national sovereignty and security, as well as support the country's peaceful development through high-sea training and combat patrol missions, according to Shen.
by Justice Lee Adoboe
ACCRA, March 25 (Xinhua) -- Kafui Adzah can be called a tech-savvy entrepreneur in Ghana. She left her banking employment in 2012 to establish a cuisine business selling local dishes, including the popular "Wakye," boiled rice and beans served with chilly sauce.
What makes her business in Accra stand out is all her food is served by orders done through a mobile phone app and she receives money through Mobile Money and other apps.
The 33-year-old cooked food vendor told Xinhua she now hardly receives physical cash.
"I use Mobile Money and I receive my sales on it."
Adzah is not alone in this electronic cash transaction boom that is catching on in Ghana, with experts suggesting it would become a dominant factor in business transactions in the country in the years to come.
Mobile money services provided by telecom companies are helping improve deposit mobilization by the banking sector while removing major bottlenecks to financial intermediation.
Ghana's central bank reported that the value of the country's mobile transactions almost doubled last year to reach 155.8 billion cedis.
One of the mobile telecoms companies MTN reported that it had paid 71 million Ghana cedis or 16.01 million U.S. dollars as interest on deposits to Mobile Money account holders in 2017.
There is a growing convergence between Mobile Money services and commercial banks where bank accounts are getting linked to mobile money accounts for easy access.
Electronic transactions in Ghana come either through Mobile Money services or direct bank transfers through apps that link bank accounts with mobile phones.
Many of those who use electronic cash transactions said it is more convenient, swift and safe as it cuts down on time spent in banking halls, while protecting users against theft by pick-pockets and robbers.
"It is so convenient and secure; I don't carry cash home after work. And the buyer doesn't have to worry about carrying cash. Even my bank account, I monitor it electronically," Adzah said.
"Mobile money allows me to pay for services from any location, which hitherto, I would have had to go to the offices of the service providers to pay for. A typical example is the DSTV (a pay-per-view TV station) subscription," Emmanuel Dennis Dzorkpe, a contractor in Takoradi, said.
He added: "Then I have ready and easy access to my funds, unlike in the past when you would have to queue at banking halls to check on the status of your account or put up with faulty ATM machines trying to withdraw money."
In response to the trend, major commercial banks in Ghana are reportedly investing heavily in electronic banking platforms that enable customers to do transaction or manage their accounts through a mobile phone app.
This development, experts argue, will put a stop to the physical branch expansion drive that banks do at the moment in order to expand their service base.
"Within five years, most commercial banks would stop the brick and mortar expansion drive as digital transactions would become more effective tools for reaching clients," Arnold Parker, Managing Director of AFB, a non-bank financial service company, told Xinhua.
Parker said people with daily eight-hour jobs were beginning to realize that electronic banking was the way forward, prompting the banks to invest heavily in digital infrastructure.
Moreover, the micro-finance service operator said the digital financing would catalyze economic growth as projects do not get stalled.
"One of the things that worry us most is when we see uncompleted houses and projects. A lot of people try to buy land and it takes them forever to develop that. So once you have people beginning to have access to financing, what then happens is that their personal projects begin to be done with speed," he said.
"So that means that there is demand in the economy: people are buying cement, more blocks, employing masons, employing carpenters."
Parker explained that the integration of Ghana's financial market into the global financial market would also become a faster reality through electronic transactions.
Kofi Yamoah, Managing Director of Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE), believed technology is going to play a major part, whether in banking or other services, in the near future.
"So we all need to draw attention to it so that we don't necessarily think that if you want to expand as a financial institution, you must have 1,000 brick and mortar braches. You can still reach your customers by other means."
SECURITY PREWARNING
Yet like other countries that have seen an electronic transations boom, there have been rising concerns in Ghana over the safety of digital transactions.
On Wednesday, Bank of Ghana Governor Ernest Addison assured their resolve to protect the system as the banking sector has witnessed global cyber-attacks that resulted in disruptions to some critical financial services and destroyed financial assets and savings.
"The digitization of banking operations has engineered innovative financial products and expanded the scope of financial services alongside improved payments and settlement systems. These notwithstanding, the growth of technology-driven electronic payments are also associated with cyber-related risks such as insecure card data systems and identity theft."
"As policy makers and regulators, we will continue to exercise firm oversight of the payment system, monitor risks associated with digital innovation and develop appropriate regulatory responses without stifling innovation," the governor said.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-03-25 20:23:49|Editor: pengying
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GAZA, March 25 (Xinhua) -- Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of the Islamic Hamas Movement, staged on Sunday "defensive drills" in the Gaza Strip amid mounting tension with Israel.
Hundreds of Qassam militants, carrying light machine guns, were deployed on main streets across the Gaza Strip, which Hamas ruled since its violent takeover in 2007.
Explosions were heard in different parts of the coastal territory, while tank-like military vehicles were also observed.
Local sources reported that a number of missiles were also fired into the sea.
Observers believe that Hamas military exercises are aimed at testing the readiness and coordination of its land, naval and air forces.
This is the first time for Qassam Brigades, which embrace thousands of well-trained fighters, to launch defensive exercises in Gaza.
The drills come days after units of Israeli and U.S. armies wrapped up joint military maneuvers in Israel.
Hours before the exercises started, Israeli air raids targeted a Qassam military site in Southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, causing grave damages, but no casualties.
The Israeli airstrikes came in response to an earlier infiltration of four Palestinians who crossed the border fence into Israeli territories and damaged an Israeli army machine.
The Israeli army held responsible for all anti-Israel hostile activities in Gaza, warning of urging Palestinians there to demonstrate along the border fence.
The army stressed that such demonstrations are used as a cover to target the security of Israel, its soldiers and citizens.
Meanwhile, spokesman for Hamas, Fawzi Barhoum, said in a press statement that the Israeli airstrikes aim at foiling the preparations for massive marches the Palestinians are preparing.
Hamas and other Palestinian factions are preparing for a large popular demonstration along the borders withe Israel that will be held on March 30 to protest the blockade that Israel has imposed on the Hamas-ruled enclave since 2007.
Hamas called on Gaza populations to peacefully demonstrate during the big march close to the borders with Israel.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-03-25 20:50:36|Editor: pengying
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Afghan Security force members escort a suspected militant after being arrested in Jalalabad city, the capital of Nangarhar province, Afghanistan, March 25, 2018. Afghan security personnel captured three suspected militants during a military operation in Nangarhar province, a local official said on Sunday. (Xinhua/Saifurahman Safi)
by Bosun Awoniyi
LAGOS, March 25 (Xinhua) -- The fate of most Nigerian northern politicians as candidates in the February 2019 general election hangs in the balance as 17 influential groups passed a vote of no confidence in President Muhammadu Buhari and politicians of northern extraction.
Led by the Arewa Consultative Forum and Northern Elders' Forum, the groups said the Nigerian leader and other politicians from the region have failed the north as they were unable to address the myriad problems of the region including security and poverty.
This was the conclusion of a summit of northern groups held in the northern city of Kaduna on Saturday.
They warned that "no Northern politician should expect to be voted for in the next general election unless they demonstrate a willingness to champion a massive assault on poverty and underdevelopment in the North.
The communique of the summit was read by the Chief of Staff to the Senate President, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed.
The groups said since 2015, northerners have occupied position with the potentials to make decisive differences in the economy, security and political fortunes in the region.
However, the groups said their political leaders had failed in all fronts, necessitating them to call on them to brace up or be voted out in 2019.
Earlier, the convener of the summit, Ango Abdullahi, said as election was less than one year away, it was imperative that the north search for credible presidential candidate to replace President Buhari.
The former vice-chancellor said the elders were also searching for credible potential governors and legislators to better represent the interest of the region.
Nigeria is scheduled to hold general elections in February 2019.
Nigeria in recent times has witnessed a worrying level of insecurity. The West African nation has lost more than 20,000 lives in the Northern region since 2009 to the insurgency of terror group Boko Haram.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-03-25 20:53:52|Editor: Lu Hui
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People take part in the "March for Our Lives" rally in Washington D.C., the United States, on March 24, 2018. Hundreds of thousands of people gathered at Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington D.C. on Saturday for the "March for Our Lives" gun control rally, demanding the end of gun violence and mass school shootings. (Xinhua/Yang Chenglin)
LOS ANGELES, March 24 (Xinhua) -- Tens of thousands of people marched Saturday in southern California in solidarity with the Florida high school mass shooting, as part of a series of student-led marches for stronger gun control laws across the United States.
It was the latest display of frustration by students with the national debate on gun control.
In Los Angeles, students and demonstrators lined up near City Hall, where students, celebrities and local politicians raised their voices to put an end to the cycle of school shootings.
Protesters held banners and signs that read "Protect Kids Not Guns" and "Arms Are For Hugging", chanting "Hey NRA, how many kids did you kill today?"
The NRA refers to the pro-gun group of the National Rifle Association.
The call-and-response chants rippled through the crowd of thousands of students, parents and grandparents and echoed off the historic buildings of Broadway's theater district.
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti was one of the first speakers. He began by leading the crowd in a call and response: "Whose streets?" he said, and the crowd roared "Our streets!" "Whose lives?" "Our lives!" "Whose nation?" "Our nation!"
The mayor welcomed "our leaders, the students who are here today" and told them "today will be written in the history books that your children will read."
He pointed to California's bans on assault rifles, bump stocks and waiting periods on gun sales as a model for federal legislation, and closed with a message for President Donald Trump -- "Get with the program Mr. President, or get the hell out of the way."
Police officers on the scene put the early crowd estimate at more than 40,000. Organizers said they anticipated as many as 200,000 people.
Trump's supporters and the National Rifle Association staged a counter-protest at LAPD headquarters in downtown, holding signs such as "Defend the right!" and a flag "Don't Tread On Me" flag.
Other marches also took place in Southern California, according to the City News Service.
The events were organized or inspired by some student survivors of the Feb. 14 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, that left 17 people dead. The carnage was allegedly carried out by a 19-year-old former student who had legally purchased an assault rifle.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-03-25 21:39:01|Editor: Lu Hui
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Ousted Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont (C) addresses a press conference at the Press Club Europe in Brussels, Belgium, on Oct. 31, 2017. (Xinhua/Ye Pingfan)
MADRID, March 25 (Xinhua) -- The Spanish government confirmed on Sunday that former Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont has been detained in Germany.
Puigdemont, who has been in exile in Belgium since leaving Spain on Oct. 29, 2017 in order to avoid facing charges of sedition and rebellion, was arrested around 30 kilometers inside Germany at around 11:19 local time.
The arrest happened shortly after he had crossed from Denmark into Germany en-route to Belgium in a car, after having participated in a conference in the Finnish capital of Helsinki.
The detention came after the Supreme Court Judge Pablo Llanera on Friday reactivated a European detention order for Puigdemont and six other leading Catalan separatists for the charges related to the Catalan independence referendum of Oct. 1, 2017 and the unilateral declaration of independence on Oct. 27 last year.
Friday also saw judge Llanera send five other Catalan leaders to prison to await trial on those charges, as well as others such as disobedience and the misuse of public funds. Among those sent to prison were Jordi Turull, who had been the candidate to replace Puigdemont as leader and former Catalan speaker Carme Forcadell,
Puigdemont's lawyer, Alfono Cuevillas, confirmed his client was "in a police station and his legal defense has already been activated," adding he was being treated "correctly at all times."
DIRE DAWA, Ethiopia, March 25 (Xinhua) -- Over two months into its commercial operation, the Ethiopia-Djibouti railway has brought much cheer and optimism to Ethiopian passengers.
Alemu Mersha, a young businessman traveling from Addis Ababa to Ethiopia's second largest city Dire Dawa, is one of the passengers aboard the train on Sunday, which he said is an "advantageous way to do business."
The 756-km railway, which officially commenced its commercial operations for both passenger and freight services between the two countries in January, connects landlocked Ethiopia to its neighboring Red Sea nation of Djibouti.
According to Mersha, the business is not as usual since the railway commenced its operations, both in terms of its affordability and time efficiency.
"There were times that I had to travel via airplane from Addis Ababa to Dire Dawa and vice versa whenever I had tasks at hand to accomplish within a short period of time," said Mersha, complaining about the huge amount of money spent on the journeys.
The Ethiopia-Djibouti railway currently charges less than 25 U.S. dollars for a two-way passenger service from Addis Ababa to Dire Dawa, while an airplane service costs at least 130 U.S. dollars.
Alemayehu Leyew, another passenger who is experiencing his first rail travel to Djibouti with his wife for recreation purpose, said the rail travel is much more comfortable than he previously thought.
"This is my first time to use a rail service for transportation," he said. "It feels great and it's also comfortable."
Leyew also urged to scale up the railway to connect other parts of the East African country.
"We need to scale up the rail transportation service into every corners of the country so as to speed up our country's modernization process," Leyew said.
Saliya Mehamed, an Ethiopian captain at the Ethiopia-Djibouti railway transportation service, told Xinhua on Sunday that the feedback from the passengers is "very positive so far."
"Our customers are very happy and the number of customers is increasing very much," she said.
The railway, contracted by two Chinese companies China Railway Group (CREC) and China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), is currently managed by a consortium of Chinese companies for a period of six years.
Wang Tao, Human Resource Department Head at the Ethiopia-Djibouti Standard Gauge Rail Transport share-company, told Xinhua that enabling local professionals to take over the railway transportation system is underway.
According to Wang, the railway service will be completely managed by locals within the coming few years as the knowledge transfer procedure is effectively underway.
Ethiopian professionals who are taking part in the knowledge transfer also said both theoretical and practical trainings are helping them become the pioneer rail transportation professionals in the East African country's recent history.
"We are so glad to take this opportunity because it's a new system for us," said Saliya Mehamed, who envisaged to become a rail captain in the near future.
Ethiopia has also recently commended the electrified railway's freight services, which has the capacity of transporting 106 containers in a single route.
According to the share-company, the railway has transported over 2,000 containers of commodities from the port to central Ethiopia during its first two months of operations.
According to Tilahun Kassa, director of Ethiopia-Djibouti Standard Gauge Rail Transport company, the linkage between the Djibouti port and Ethiopia's Modjo dry port has shown early achievements and is expected to further expand Ethiopia's export and international trading.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-03-25 21:59:04|Editor: Chengcheng
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A Greek army tank drives past the Greek Parliament during a military parade marking the Greek Independence Day in Athens, Greece, on March 25, 2018. Greece celebrated on Sunday the 197th anniversary of the start of war of independence from the 400-year rule of the Ottoman Empire on March 25, 1821 with a customary military parade in the center of Athens. (Xinhua/Marios Lolos)
ATHENS, March 25 (Xinhua) -- Greece celebrated on Sunday the 197th anniversary of the start of war of independence from the 400-year rule of the Ottoman Empire on March 25, 1821 with a customary military parade in the center of Athens.
Hundreds of citizens waved the Greek national flag and mechanized units and foot soldiers marched in front of the parliament building, while flights of Armed Forces aircraft and helicopters flashed above the crowd.
In their messages for the day, Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos, who attended the parade in Athens and Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras who travelled to Psara island in the Aegean Sea, referred to recent tensions with neighboring Turkey.
They both urged constructive dialogue and respect for international law to resolve all pending differences between the two countries.
"We are a nation and peoples of peace, friendship and democracy ... But we are also a nation and peoples who will always defend the freedom, borders and national sovereignty of our country and our great European family," Pavlopoulos said, according to an emailed statement.
Greece and the European Union support Turkey's European prospect, but they also have the will and power to defend their sovereignty, Greek national news agency AMNA quoted the Greek president as saying.
"Turkey must realize that in the 21st century the prosperity and progress of a nation cannot be guaranteed with provocations and nationalistic rhetoric, but with mutual respect and collaboration with neighbors and the constant efforts to resolve issues," said Tsipras.
Greece and Turkey, with rifts on territorial rights in the Aegean and the Cyprus issue, saw their relations further soured after eight Turkish soldiers fled to Greece in July 2016 following a failed coup attempt in Turkey.
Meanwhile, Turkey also detained two Greek soldiers who according to Athens entered Turkish soil by mistake earlier this month.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-03-25 22:14:06|Editor: Lu Hui
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JERUSALEM, March 25 (Xinhua) -- Israel approved on Sunday a huge plan to digitize the health records of its 9 million citizen population and make them available for academic and industry researchers.
According to a statement released by the Prime Minister's Office, under the so-called "mosaic" plan, the government will collect data on the health status of volunteers.
As part of the plan, when a person undergoes medical checkups, he or she would be asked for their consent to contribute anonymous blood and DNA samples to a national bank.
The bank would be made available for Israeli and international researchers from universities and the commercial companies.
"This is a great asset and we want to make it available to researchers, developers and companies in order to receive two things: one is preventive medicine, and the second is personal medicine tailored to each individual," Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told his cabinet.
"We are developing the industries of tomorrow. In effect these are the industries of today," he said.
MOGADISHU, March 25 (Xinhua) -- At least five people were killed and several other injured when a car laden with bombs exploded in Somalia capital Mogadishu on Sunday.
A police officer who requested anonymity told Xinhua the explosion hit the entrance of the Interior Ministry.
"We now have established that five people have been killed," the officer said.
An eye witness named Mohamed Abdinasir said the blast happened at a checkpoint in front of the interior ministry.
"There were many cars at the checkpoint as police were conducting security checks when the bomb exploded," Abdinasir told Xinhua.
The blast happened barely a week after another deadly attack at Wehliye hoel in the city center claimed over 14 lives.
No group so far has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-03-25 22:49:12|Editor: yan
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ADEN, Yemen, March 25 (Xinhua) -- Yemeni troops launched an operation and captured three militants linked to the Islamic State group in Yemen's southern port city of Aden on Sunday, a police official told Xinhua.
The UAE-backed anti-terror troops raided a building after getting intelligence tips about the presence of militants and criminals belonging to the Islamic State in Aden province, the local police source said on condition of anonymity.
According to the details, three IS-linked militants were seized along with a large amount of grenades and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) from the targeted building.
"High-tech cameras apparently used by IS drive-by shooters, computers, TNT and C-4 explosives were confiscated by the troops," the source said.
Other security sources confirmed to Xinhua that "a well-trained team of the Islamic State militants responsible for conducting drive-by shootings and assassinations in Aden was caught this morning."
The Yemeni police sources said that the arrested were involved in several incidents of terrorism and assassinations of military commanders in Aden.
The captured militants have been shifted to undisclosed locations supervised by the Saudi-led coalition where they are undergoing investigation.
Yemeni government forces and intelligence agencies are on high alert and have sped up security raids in Aden to abort any imminent terrorist attacks.
During the past two years, the al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) and other terrorist groups including the Islamic State had an active presence in Yemen's southern part.
Both the al-Qaida militants and Islamic State group often launch suicide and roadside bombings against Yemeni security forces based in several provinces of the country.
The impoverished Arab country has been locked into a civil war since the Iranian-backed Shiite Houthi rebels overran much of the country militarily and seized all northern provinces, including capital Sanaa, in 2014.
Saudi Arabia leads an Arab military coalition that intervened in Yemen in 2015 to support the government of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi after Iran-backed Houthi rebels forced him into exile.
The United Nations has listed Yemen as the world's number one humanitarian crisis, with seven million Yemenis on the brink of famine and cholera causing more than 2,000 deaths.
HUA HIN, Thailand, March 25 (Xinhua) -- Giant fancy kites in shapes of super heroes from 14 countries worldwide took to sky at the Thailand International Kite Festival in southern Thailand's seaside resort Hua Hin on Sunday.
The summer sky above the coastal city has been filled with color as giant kites in the forms of cartoon characters namely superman, transformers and batman and kites in geometric forms soar. All kinds of kites ride the sea breezes, including big kites, little kites, stunt kites, high tech kites and the battling displays of international kites.
Shows of unique Thai kites dancing in the sky, accompanied by Thai classical music Pi Phat ensemble have been the highlight of the event in which flying teams from four countries jointly show off their high-speed flying skills to improvise an air ballet of kites.
The tourism authority of Thailand has invited 20 kite flying teams from various countries, including Switzerland, Germany, France and China. Held during March 23 to March 25, the event attracts thousands of kite enthusiasts from all over the world to the famous seaside destination on the gulf of Thailand.
"We are looking for the best kite fliers in the world, and we know the best ones are in China, namely the two-line teams and the big-kite teams." said the festival's co-organizer, Ron Spaulding.
"It's a family kite festival. I'm inviting people with their families to the event, as it's a place to leave good memories," said Ron, adding that the festival is a golden opportunity for family gathering as Thai students have summer vocation in March.
"The festival runs in a very friendly atmosphere and it has so many countries represented, that's what makes it different. It's like a cultural exchange running for nearly 20 years so all became a family," said Simon, a kite flier from New Zealand who has been a fan of the festival for more than three years.
The festival returns to Hua Hin this year, a town about a three-hour drive from Bangkok.
Once a quiet fishing village, Hua Hin grew into a fashionable escape for residents of Bangkok after the 1920s, when the Thai royal family built summer palaces here. Hua Hin Beach, popular for kitesurfing and other water sports, is the main stretch of sand, lined with high-end hotels and seafood shacks.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-03-25 23:44:21|Editor: yan
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By Burak Akinci
ANKARA, March 25 (Xinhua) -- The presidents of Turkey, Russia and Iran will meet in a trilateral summit on Syria in Istanbul on April 4.
It comes after the capture by Turkish-led forces of a Kurdish stronghold in northern Syria and amid Turkish threats to extend the massive operation further east.
The meeting will be hosted by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and will be the second such tripartite summit following the previous one last November in the Russian Black Sea resort of Sochi.
The summit will be attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Iranian counterpart Hassan Rouhani as the three leaders will seek to salvage their efforts to end the seven-year Syrian conflict.
As part of peace talks in the Kazakh capital Astana sponsored by Ankara, Moscow and Tehran, the three countries' foreign ministers met on Friday and discussed preparations for next month's summit, the Turkish foreign ministry said in a statement.
The three countries have worked together despite their different positions. While Iran and Russia have provided military support to the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Turkey has repeatedly called for his ousting and supported Syrian rebels.
MESSAGE OF COOPERATION
Experts believed that the mere fact that regional actors are gathering would be considered as a message of international dialogue in search of a negotiated peace in war-torn Syria.
"The most concrete result that would emerge from this summit will be one of the determination to pursue the cooperation between Turkey, Russia and Iran," said Kerim Has, a lecturer at Moscow State University.
The specialist on foreign relations and Russia commented that "such a message despite the Afrin operation would be important for the three (regional) players."
He was referring to the offensive launched by Turkish troops against Kurdish fighters in the Syrian enclave.
Ankara on Jan. 20 launched an air and ground offensive with Syrian rebels against the Syrian Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) militia that Ankara considers as a terrorist group in Afrin in northern Syria.
The main objective is to cleanse the Kurdish forces from its 900-km-long border with Syria, victim of a civil war for seven years.
The operation, dubbed Olive Branch, follows Turkey's 2016-2017 offensive Euphrates Shield in Syria against the YPG and the Islamic State (IS) extremist group.
TURKEY VOWS TO EXTEND OPERATIONS
Turkish-led forces captured virtually unopposed Afrin city center nearly two months into the incursion. Erdogan has vowed to expand the offensive to other Kurdish-held regions further east, sparking fears of a possible clash with U.S. troops deployed in the area.
"We will continue this process until we entirely eliminate this corridor, including in Manbij, Ayn al-Arab and Tal Abyad," the Turkish leader said, insisting also that when the "security threat for Turkey is eliminated, we will not be indefinitely there, we will retreat."
Assurances given by the Turkish leadership that Turkish troops will not stay in Syria are essential for the implementation of ground rules covered by the Astana and Geneva agreements and their signatories, reminded Has.
"It would be appropriate to consider the military and political outcome of the Afrin operation on a short and medium term ... The other actors would certainly not welcome the creation of a zone under Turkish sovereignty on Syrian soil," he added.
As part of the Astana process, Turkey, Iran and Russia have set out to create four so-called de-escalation zones in Idlib, the greater Damascus area, the southern region of Daraa and the city of Homs.
But intense bombardment has hit in recent weeks Eastern Ghouta, a rebel enclave near Damascus, designated in May 2017 as a "de-escalation zone," killing hundreds of civilian, according to independent sources.
"The deplorable situation in Eastern Ghouta will be on the table" in Istanbul, said a Turkish diplomatic source to Xinhua on condition of anonymity.
The Istanbul summit will also be the latest example of the intensifying dialogue between Ankara and Moscow on the Syrian crisis.
The two countries have been working closely together since a 2016 reconciliation deal ended a crisis sparked by the downing by Turkey of a Russian war plane over Syria.
Turkey saw its bilateral relations with NATO ally the United States faltering over its military support for the YPG, who has helped the U.S.-led coalition in its fight against the IS since 2014.
Erdogan on Tuesday criticized the U.S. for not having sided with Turkey's security concerns in Syria. "You say you are our strategic partner, and then you go and collaborate with terrorists," he said, referring to the Kurdish militia, calling on Washington to "respect" Turkey.
Washington announced on Tuesday a plan to eject the YPG from Manbij, which Turkey denied having been approved by the United States, raising fears that the two NATO partners could dangerously confront each other in this area where 2,000 U.S. special forces are stationed.
Some analysts thought that by giving a green light to Turkish airplanes to use the space it controls over Syria, Russia has meddled in the Turkish-U.S. dispute to weaken the NATO alliance.
"The green light given to Operation Olive Branch shows that even though they are reluctant, Russia and Iran prefer Turkey who would transfer in the end the control of Afrin to regime forces rather to an independently manoeuvring YPG, who would be unpredictable," argued Has.
The fact that Turkey has promised to rebuild the infrastructure of Afrin and ensure the safe return of thousands of refugees is also a factor that justifies Ankara's motive.
While the U.S. State department spokesperson Heather Nauert has voiced concern over a mass evacuation of Afrin city, quoting the United Nations reporting up to 250,000 Kurds having fled the region, massive preparations are underway by Turkish aid organizations such as the Red Crescent to provide immediate assistance to the population of Afrin, said Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdag on Tuesday.
"We want to make sure that our operation brings hope to all ethnic populations of Afrin," said the Turkish diplomatic source, implying that until the trilateral summit of April serious assistance will be conveyed to this part of Syria.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-03-25 23:44:21|Editor: Liangyu
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BEIJING, March 25 (Xinhua) -- China will remain unwavering in opening up its service sector with more measures in the pipeline despite continued trade deficits, an official said Sunday.
Vice Minister of Commerce Wang Shouwen said the country will widen market access in finance, telecom, heath care, education and old-age care for foreign investors, and will ease restrictions on foreign holdings in financial businesses including banks, brokerages and funds.
"We will unveil timetables and roadmaps to open up sectors including finance, new energy vehicles and gas stations," Wang said while addressing the China Development Forum in Beijing.
The commitment to opening-up was in contrast with the country's deficit of 255.4 billion U.S. dollars in service trade last year.
"We have as always supported free, fair trade," Wang said.
China has opened 120 industries related to service trade for foreign investors, surpassing the goal of 100 industries set when China joined the World Trade Organization nearly two decades ago.
In free trade zones, the government has fully liberalized many sectors closely watched by foreign investors, including credit ratings, accounting, e-commerce, power batteries and railway traffic equipment, Wang said.
China has also cut red tape in foreign investment with many approval procedures simplified or scrapped, and more favorable policies could be expected, according to the vice minister.
"We will soon promote pre-establishment national treatment and a negative list for foreign businesses nationwide," Wang said.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-03-25 23:49:22|Editor: Xiang Bo
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BEIJING, March 25 (Xinhua) -- In speculation over future development of China-U.S. trade relations after U.S. President Donald Trump's signing of a memorandum to impose heavy tariffs on Chinese imports, the U.S. side should be aware that arrogance is no way leading to good business.
Despite risks of harming interests of China and the United States itself, Trump on Thursday signed the executive memorandum that could result in heavy tariffs on up to 60 billion U.S. dollars of imports from China as well as harsher restrictions on Chinese investments.
Meanwhile, Trump also announced a 25 percent tariff on steel imports and a 10 percent tariff on aluminum earlier this month, triggering global criticism on his trade bullying move.
The trade protectionist policies adopted by Washington have severely violated basic trade rules built by the international community in the past several decades, and were also ruining the international image and status of the world's biggest economy.
China and the United States are each other's key trade partners. After decades of cooperation, they are no longer able to draw a clear line between their interests.
Despite competition, the two economies are remarkably complementary to each other and their relationship has been seen as a story of mutual benefit.
China has always advocated win-win cooperation and negotiated settlement of disputes. However, it will never remain silent when its rights and interests are damaged by other countries.
China has prepared and has the strength to safeguard national interests, but it also hopes that both sides could remain rational and work together to preserve the broad picture of China-U.S. economic and trade relations.
In recent years, China has promoted the development of its economic strength and technological advantages to a new level. With an optimized industrial structure, an enhanced economic resilience and a broader space for macroeconomic policies, China is not afraid of engaging in a trade war.
With a huge domestic market and a complete system of industry, China is capable of taking counter measures against hostilities.
Even so, China still underlines that it prefers to settle disputes through dialogue and consultation.
As the two largest economies in the world, China and the United States will never benefit from a trade war that may devastate global economic stability.
It is hardly avoidable for any two countries to have conflict of interests in doing business, compliance with trade rules and launching dialogue and exchange of opinions will be the only right way to solve disputes in trade.
Washington should take Beijing's stance seriously and do not be penny wise and pound foolish, which will hurt itself and others as well.
Related:
Chinese vice premier urges U.S. to maintain stability of bilateral trade
BEIJING, March 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Liu He had a phone conversation with U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin Saturday morning, urging concerted efforts to maintain the stability of China-U.S. trade ties.
During their conversation, Mnuchin briefed the Chinese side on the latest development of Section 301 investigation report released by the U.S. side. Full story
Commentary: Chinese economy resilient enough to cope with trade war
BEIJING, March 24 (Xinhua) -- History tells that trade wars are a losing game. No one benefits, and everyone ends up a bit bruised.
Despite the risk of triggering a trade war, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive memorandum that could result in heavy tariffs on up to 60-billion-U.S.-dollar imports from China as well as restrictions on Chinese investments. Full story
China to take all necessary countermeasures against possible trade war: Chinese ambassador to U.S.
WASHINGTON, March 23 (Xinhua) -- China opposes trade protectionism and will fight against any possible trade war, said Chinese Ambassador to the United States Cui Tiankai in a TV interview with U.S. Bloomberg on Friday.
Cui said the Chinese side is clearly against any unilateral protectionist moves and a trade war, which "would hurt everybody, including the United States itself, and that would certainly hurt the daily life of the American middle-class people, the American companies and the financial market." Full story
China will fight to the end in any trade war: Foreign Ministry
BEIJING, March 23 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Friday reaffirmed its position on recent U.S. trade moves, saying that China will fight to the end in any trade war.
TRIPOLI, March 25 (Xinhua) -- Germany has allocated 9.8 million euros (12.1 million U.S. dollars) to UNICEF's programs to help 30,000 vulnerable children over the next four years, said UNICEF in Libya in a statement Sunday.
"The German government commits 9.8 million euros to UNICEF to support at least 30,000 vulnerable children and their families in Libya with child protection, education, water and sanitation services over the next four years," the statement said.
"With a total donation of over 20 million euros, Germany is the largest donor to UNICEF Libya's programs providing much needed services to vulnerable children and families and contributing to biding the resilience of the communities and strengthening the systems," the statement added.
Abdel-Rahman Ghandour, UNICEF Libya's special representative, hailed Germany's "generous contribution which will enable us to reach children in Libya who are in urgent need of support."
"Through our cooperation with UNICEF, Germany contributes to strengthen child protection services and systems, provide access to quality education for conflict-affected children in Libya and ensure access to safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene facilities for children in Libya and their families including, internally displaced people, returnees, host communities and children on the move," said German Ambassador to Libya Christian Buck.
A UNICEF report earlier this year said that more than 370,000 children would be in need of urgent assistance in 2018, due to the continuing deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Libya.
Libya has been plagued by insecurity and political crisis since the 2011 uprising that toppled former leader Gaddafi's regime.
A Turkish military tank advances on a street in Afrin, Syria, on March 24, 2018. (Xinhua)
ANKARA, March 25 (Xinhua) -- The presidents of Turkey, Russia and Iran will meet in a trilateral summit on Syria in Istanbul on April 4.
It comes after the capture by Turkish-led forces of a Kurdish stronghold in northern Syria and amid Turkish threats to extend the massive operation further east.
The meeting will be hosted by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and will be the second such tripartite summit following the previous one last November in the Russian Black Sea resort of Sochi.
The summit will be attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Iranian counterpart Hassan Rouhani as the three leaders will seek to salvage their efforts to end the seven-year Syrian conflict.
As part of peace talks in the Kazakh capital Astana sponsored by Ankara, Moscow and Tehran, the three countries' foreign ministers met on Friday and discussed preparations for next month's summit, the Turkish foreign ministry said in a statement.
The three countries have worked together despite their different positions. While Iran and Russia have provided military support to the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Turkey has repeatedly called for his ousting and supported Syrian rebels.
MESSAGE OF COOPERATION
Experts believed that the mere fact that regional actors are gathering would be considered as a message of international dialogue in search of a negotiated peace in war-torn Syria.
"The most concrete result that would emerge from this summit will be one of the determination to pursue the cooperation between Turkey, Russia and Iran," said Kerim Has, a lecturer at Moscow State University.
The specialist on foreign relations and Russia commented that "such a message despite the Afrin operation would be important for the three (regional) players."
He was referring to the offensive launched by Turkish troops against Kurdish fighters in the Syrian enclave.
Ankara on Jan. 20 launched an air and ground offensive with Syrian rebels against the Syrian Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) militia that Ankara considers as a terrorist group in Afrin in northern Syria.
The main objective is to cleanse the Kurdish forces from its 900-km-long border with Syria, victim of a civil war for seven years.
The operation, dubbed Olive Branch, follows Turkey's 2016-2017 offensive Euphrates Shield in Syria against the YPG and the Islamic State (IS) extremist group.
TURKEY VOWS TO EXTEND OPERATIONS
Turkish-led forces captured virtually unopposed Afrin city center nearly two months into the incursion. Erdogan has vowed to expand the offensive to other Kurdish-held regions further east, sparking fears of a possible clash with U.S. troops deployed in the area.
"We will continue this process until we entirely eliminate this corridor, including in Manbij, Ayn al-Arab and Tal Abyad," the Turkish leader said, insisting also that when the "security threat for Turkey is eliminated, we will not be indefinitely there, we will retreat."
Assurances given by the Turkish leadership that Turkish troops will not stay in Syria are essential for the implementation of ground rules covered by the Astana and Geneva agreements and their signatories, reminded Has.
"It would be appropriate to consider the military and political outcome of the Afrin operation on a short and medium term ... The other actors would certainly not welcome the creation of a zone under Turkish sovereignty on Syrian soil," he added.
As part of the Astana process, Turkey, Iran and Russia have set out to create four so-called de-escalation zones in Idlib, the greater Damascus area, the southern region of Daraa and the city of Homs.
But intense bombardment has hit in recent weeks Eastern Ghouta, a rebel enclave near Damascus, designated in May 2017 as a "de-escalation zone," killing hundreds of civilian, according to independent sources.
"The deplorable situation in Eastern Ghouta will be on the table" in Istanbul, said a Turkish diplomatic source to Xinhua on condition of anonymity.
The Istanbul summit will also be the latest example of the intensifying dialogue between Ankara and Moscow on the Syrian crisis.
The two countries have been working closely together since a 2016 reconciliation deal ended a crisis sparked by the downing by Turkey of a Russian war plane over Syria.
Turkey saw its bilateral relations with NATO ally the United States faltering over its military support for the YPG, who has helped the U.S.-led coalition in its fight against the IS since 2014.
Erdogan on Tuesday criticized the U.S. for not having sided with Turkey's security concerns in Syria. "You say you are our strategic partner, and then you go and collaborate with terrorists," he said, referring to the Kurdish militia, calling on Washington to "respect" Turkey.
Washington announced on Tuesday a plan to eject the YPG from Manbij, which Turkey denied having been approved by the United States, raising fears that the two NATO partners could dangerously confront each other in this area where 2,000 U.S. special forces are stationed.
Some analysts thought that by giving a green light to Turkish airplanes to use the space it controls over Syria, Russia has meddled in the Turkish-U.S. dispute to weaken the NATO alliance.
"The green light given to Operation Olive Branch shows that even though they are reluctant, Russia and Iran prefer Turkey who would transfer in the end the control of Afrin to regime forces rather to an independently manoeuvring YPG, who would be unpredictable," argued Has.
The fact that Turkey has promised to rebuild the infrastructure of Afrin and ensure the safe return of thousands of refugees is also a factor that justifies Ankara's motive.
While the U.S. State department spokesperson Heather Nauert has voiced concern over a mass evacuation of Afrin city, quoting the United Nations reporting up to 250,000 Kurds having fled the region, massive preparations are underway by Turkish aid organizations such as the Red Crescent to provide immediate assistance to the population of Afrin, said Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdag on Tuesday.
"We want to make sure that our operation brings hope to all ethnic populations of Afrin," said the Turkish diplomatic source, implying that until the trilateral summit of April serious assistance will be conveyed to this part of Syria.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-03-26 01:04:33|Editor: Chengcheng
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Ousted Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont (C) addresses a press conference at the Press Club Europe in Brussels, Belgium, on Oct. 31, 2017. (Xinhua/Ye Pingfan)
BERLIN, March 25 (Xinhua) -- Spain's former Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont was arrested on the entry of Germany from Denmark on Sunday, German police confirmed.
According to the local Focus Online, a German police spokesperson confirmed the arrest, saying that based on a European warrant, Puigdemont was arrested at 11:19 a.m. local time by the Autobahn police force of Schleswig-Holstein, on the Federal Highway 7 in the direction toward Hamburg, from where he wanted to return to Belgium.
In the meantime, the local newspaper Kieler Nachrichten cited judicial circles as saying that Puigdemont was apparently considering applying for asylum in Germany.
"Should he do so, the asylum application will be examined as any other by the Federal Office for Migration," said a spokesman for the Schleswig-Holstein Ministry of Interior, according to the report.
In Germany the prosecution or the execution of a European arrest warrant takes precedence over an asylum procedure. The judiciary in Schleswig-Holstein is now examining whether Puigdemont will be placed in extradition. The decision of the district court is expected on Monday.
Lawyer Jaume Alonso-Cuevillas said on his Twitter that Puigdemont was held on Sunday when he crossed the border from Denmark to Germany. He also confirmed that Puigdemont had been on his way back to Belgium where he lives in exile since fleeing Spain.
Puigdemont has been a fugitive since Catalonia's failed bid to become independent from Spain last October. The Spanish Supreme Court on Friday issued fresh arrest warrants against Puigdemont and some other individuals behind the independence bid.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says a military operation has started in Iraq's Sinjar. (Reuters photo)
ANKARA, March 25 (Xinhua) -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Sunday a military operation had started in Iraq's Sinjar.
"We said that the operation won't end with Afrin. Now operations have begun there (Sinjar)," Erdogan said at a congress of his ruling Justice and Development Party in the Black Sea province of Trabzon, local media reported.
He also said that the Turkish-led forces would take control of Syrian northern town of Tel Rifaat, a Kurdish-controlled enclave cut off from a larger expanse of Kurdish territory in the northeast of Syria.
"We will achieve this operation's goal by taking control of Tel Rifaat within a short period," Turkish president stressed.
He urged the U.S. to transfer control of Syria's Manbij from the People's Protection Units (YPG) to the city's "real owners."
"If the YPG group is not removed from Manbij, we will be forced to remove them with the support of the local Syrian people," Erdogan added.
On Saturday, Turkish military announced Syria's Afrin region has been taken under "complete" control after an eight-week offensive to drive Syrian Kurdish YPG fighters from the region.
President Erdogan has repeatedly vowed to extend the military operation along the Syrian border.
Turkey launched Operation Olive Branch on Jan. 20 to clear the YPG, which Ankara considers a terror group affiliated to the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), from northwestern Syria.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-03-26 02:14:42|Editor: yan
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DAMASCUS, March 25 (Xinhua) -- A total of 3,708 rebels and their family members evacuated Syria's Eastern Ghouta area on Sunday, as the second batch to leave areas under the control of Failaq al-Rahman militia, state TV reported.
The rebels and members of their families were transported by 52 buses from the outskirts of the town of Arbeen in Eastern Ghouta toward rebel-held areas in northwestern Syria.
This is the second batch to leave areas under the control of Failaq al-Rahman, a day after 981 rebels and their families evacuated toward rebel-held areas in Idlib province in northwestern Syria.
The evacuation is part of a recently-reached deal between the rebels and the Syrian army under the Russian mediation.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-03-26 02:34:45|Editor: yan
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DAMASCUS, March 25 (Xinhua) -- A total of 3,708 rebels and their family members evacuated Syria's Eastern Ghouta area on Sunday, as the second batch to leave areas under the control of Failaq al-Rahman militia, state TV reported.
The rebels and members of their families were transported by 52 buses from the outskirts of the town of Arbeen in Eastern Ghouta toward rebel-held areas in northwestern Syria.
This is the second batch to leave areas under the control of Failaq al-Rahman, a day after 981 rebels and their families evacuated toward rebel-held areas in Idlib province in northwestern Syria.
The evacuation is part of a recently-reached deal between the rebels and the Syrian army under the Russian mediation.
According to the deal, some 7,000 rebels and their family members will leave areas of Jobar, Zamalka, Arbeen, and Ayn Tarma in the central part of Eastern Ghouta, and the deal covers the main rebel groups in control of those areas, namely the Failaq al-Rahman, and the al-Qaida-linked Nusra Front.
These areas have been the launching pad for firing mortar and rocket shells on the Syria capital of Damascus throughout the last seven years of crisis.
The agreement will also see the release of kidnapped people by the rebels and lists of names were handed over to the Russian side, the report said.
The fresh deal comes a day after the Failaq al-Rahman group declared a unilateral cease-fire to negotiate its withdrawal from the region.
This development came as the Syrian army has so far captured over 90 percent of Eastern Ghouta in an offensive that has been dragging on since late last month.
Eastern Ghouta, a 105-square-km agricultural region consisting of several towns and farmlands, poses the last threat to the capital due to its proximity to government-controlled neighborhoods east of Damascus and ongoing mortar attacks that target residential areas in the capital, pushing people over the edge.
Four major rebel groups are currently positioned inside Eastern Ghouta, namely the Islam Army, Failaq al-Rahman, Ahrar al-Sham, and the Nusra Front.
The UN humanitarian agencies have sounded the alarm about the worsening humanitarian situation for 400,000 people in that region, where activists said around 1,000 people have been killed since late last month by the heavy bombardment and military showdown in areas of Eastern Ghouta.
As the Syrian army advanced in Eastern Ghouta, tens of thousands of civilians have fled toward government-controlled areas for the first time in six years, with activists placing the number of the civilians that have so far left at 140,000, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-03-26 02:39:46|Editor: yan
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CAIRO, March 25 (Xinhua) -- The Egyptian police killed six terrorists on Sunday during an anti-terror raid in Beheira province north of the capital Cairo, the Egyptian Interior Ministry said in a statement.
The anti-terror police raid came hours before Egypt's 2018 presidential election kicks off on Monday morning, in which incumbent President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi is expected to easily win a second four-year term.
The interior ministry said the terrorist cell in Beheira was involved in Saturday's car bomb in nearby coastal province of Alexandria that killed two policemen and wounded at least four others.
LJUBLJANA, March 25 (Xinhua) -- Adria Airways has started to launch a series of direct flights to seven new destinations connecting Slovenia with European cities and the Balkan region as flights from Ljubljana to Sofia was set off on Sunday.
Holger Kowarsch, CEO of the Slovenia-based air carrier, claimed at the launching ceremony on Sunday that the new flights will bring the connections between Slovenia and others "even more closely."
According to the Adria's announcement, the carrier launched flights to Sofia Sunday, with flights to Bucharest and Geneva to follow in the coming days, and flights to Hamburg, Dusseldorf, Dubrovnik and Brac in Croatia by end of April.
The carrier, which recorded double-digit growth last year according to the CEO, will add three new aircraft to its fleet this year and has hired new employees, bringing new tourists and investors to Slovenia.
Adria was acquired by the German 4K Invest through AA International Aviation Holding in early 2016, according to the Slovenian Press Agency.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-03-26 02:59:50|Editor: yan
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CAIRO, March 25 (Xinhua) -- The Egyptian police killed six terrorists on Sunday during an anti-terror raid in Beheira province north of the capital Cairo, the Egyptian Interior Ministry said in a statement.
The anti-terror police raid came hours before Egypt's 2018 presidential election kicks off on Monday morning, in which incumbent President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi is expected to easily win a second four-year term.
The interior ministry said the terrorist cell in Beheira was involved in Saturday's car bomb attack in nearby coastal province of Alexandria that killed two policemen and wounded at least four others.
The statement pointed out that the six terrorists belonged to Hasm militant group which emerged late 2016 and is seen by the police as the armed wing of the currently outlawed Muslim Brotherhood group of former Islamist President Mohamed Morsi.
Hasm group has claimed responsibility for a number of terrorist attacks that killed policemen in Egypt.
Terror activities in Egypt have killed hundreds of security men and civilians since the military toppled Morsi in July 2013 in response to mass protests against his one-year rule and his Brotherhood group.
The Sinai-based branch of the Islamic State (IS) regional terrorist group claimed responsibility for most of the terror operations in Egypt over the past few years.
The Egyptian security forces have killed hundreds of terrorists and arrested thousands of suspects during the country's anti-terror war declared by President Sisi, the army chief then, following Morsi's ouster.
ORAN, Algeria, March 25 (Xinhua) -- Algeria pledges on Sunday to review hydrocarbons law to attract foreign investment.
Algerian Energy Minister, Mustapha Guitouni, reassured international energy firms the reviewing process, adding that he would submit a new draft law on hydrocarbons soon.
He made the announcement in his opening speech at the eighth North Africa Petroleum Exhibition & Conference held in the western province of Oran.
He added that the government is "waging a war on bureaucracy and removing legal and administrative barriers and constraints that stifle any investment today."
Guitouni further reassured foreign investors that the government has been introducing more transparent procedures in terms of the procurements of deals and contracts to ensure fair treatment for all bidders.
Last October, Algerian Prime Minister Ahmed Ouyahia said the government is intended to amend the law on hydrocarbons in order to attract foreign investors.
In 2006, the parliament passed a law introducing windfall tax on profits made by foreign companies when oil prices exceed 30 U.S. dollars a barrel. Such a decision provoked indignation of foreign companies in the country, while deterred others from entering the country to invest in upstream or downstream fields.
The CEO of the Algerian Agency for Valorisation of Hydrocarbon Resources, Arezki Hocini, stressed that "the overhaul of the hydrocarbons law, under development, is highly awaited, as it is expected to accelerate the recovery of Algerian hydrocarbons activity and investment."
CHICAGO, March 25 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. government's latest plan to impose huge tariffs on imports from China is like palliative that does not solve the problem in the long run, said a U.S. scholar on economics and trade.
U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday signed a memorandum that could impose tariffs on up to 60 billion U.S. dollars of imports from China and restrictions on Chinese investment in the United States.
Khairy Tourk, a professor with the Stuart School of Business of the Illinois Institute of Technology, said the Trump administration's decision to restrict Chinese investment would be restrictions for new jobs created in the United States.
"President Trump is calling for creating more jobs here, but now the action would work against his policy. So this is really negatively developed." Tourk told Xinhua in a recent interview.
Tourk believes the main issue is not tariff but the natural technology transfer, "many people here claim China is stealing American technology so they want to put restrictions on Chinese investment, that is definitely wrong."
On the other hand, Tourk said the U.S. government believes that tariff is a useful tool to bring balance in the United States and China trade relationship, but it is not the main cause, "We in the U.S are not saving enough, so we have to import resources and products achieving from overseas; this is the truth."
Tourk holds that policy makers here are lack of long term vision. "The best way to improve the American economy is to increase productivity, but this takes a lot of time, so it is easy for politicians to take some palliative (actions), but it does not heal the real cause of the problem."
Source: Xinhua| 2018-03-26 03:54:57|Editor: yan
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TEHRAN, March 25 (Xinhua) -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani will pay official visits to Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan to discuss ways of improving mutual relations, Press TV reported on Sunday.
During the two-day visit, Rouhani will discuss latest developments in the region.
He will leave Tehran for Ashgabat on Tuesday first at the invitation of his Turkmen counterpart, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow.
Rouhani and Berdimuhamedow will hold talks and then the two countries' high-ranking delegations would meet.
Iran and Turkmenistan would also sign documents for cooperation in the presence of the two presidents.
Iranian president would pay a short visit to Turkmenistan ancient city of Merv.
On Wednesday, Rouhani will head for Baku to hold talks with his Azeri counterpart, Ilham Aliyev.
In the presence of Rouhani and Aliyev, Tehran and Baku are scheduled to sign several cooperation documents after which the two presidents will attend a joint press conference.
An economic meeting would be held on Thursday to discuss the strengthening of cooperation among the two countries' state-run sectors and economic agents.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-03-26 04:25:03|Editor: Chengcheng
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Members of the emergency ministry fire service try to put out the fire at the Zimnyaya Vishnya shopping mall in Kemerovo, Russia, on March 25, 2018. At least 37 people were killed in a fire in a shopping mall in south central Russia's Kemerovo city on Sunday, while many others are missing, TASS news agency reported, citing a source with firefighters. (Xinhua/Sputnik)
MOSCOW, March 25 (Xinhua) -- At least 37 people were killed in a fire in a shopping mall in south central Russia's Kemerovo city on Sunday, while many others are missing, TASS news agency reported, citing a source with firefighters.
Earlier reports said 69 people, including 40 children, were missing.
Firefighters are working at the scene to search for the missing.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-03-26 04:50:06|Editor: yan
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by Murad Abdu
ADEN, Yemen, March 25 (Xinhua) -- The three-year long civil war and ongoing military intervention have not only caused destruction to Yemen's infrastructure but made people less resilient to face hardships in life than any time before.
Yemeni families feel more helpless and unable to encounter the widespread poverty and adversities created by the ongoing conflict that started in 2015.
A shockingly large number of children were deprived from education after losing their fathers, mothers and brothers, or the breadwinner in the families during the internal military conflict in Yemen. They have no option except to go out and look for physical labor to gain money and buy basic foodstuffs.
In the southern port city of Aden, where the internationally-backed Yemeni government is based, a number of destitute children who were displaced from other northern provinces work to sell second-hand items and clothes on the streets.
Looking worn out, 13 year-old Obeid Ahmed, who fled the neighboring province of Taiz after losing his house during shelling by Houthi rebels, is working for survival by standing on the street side and trying hardly to sell his miscellaneous items for car drivers in Aden's neighborhood of KhorMaksar.
"Houthis invaded Taiz and their shells destroyed our small house. My father who was a teacher died along with my brother in the shelling. Now, I am trying to work by selling things on the streets," said Ahmed, blaming the local and international humanitarian organizations for having done nothing to support him.
Rashad Mustafa, who is from the central province of al-Bayda to live in Aden, is selling chewing gum and washing windshields, said that he barely gain money to buy medicine for his injured mother.
"I have to work hard despite the hot weather in Aden to gain money. My mother needs medicine because she injured in a roadside bomb blast," said Rashad, hoping to come back to his village and see his friends.
"Life became more difficult and three years of suffering is enough because we can't endure more. We are lost and have no future. Enough war ... Enough destruction," Rashad added.
Scores of economically impoverished families escaped from war-torn areas to government-controlled provinces are facing dire challenges and receive no tangible humanitarian support from the organizations, said a humanitarian officer who asked to remain anonymous.
"Most of the Yemeni people are going through harsh humanitarian conditions and the only solution for this catastrophe is ending the war. Humanitarian aids are not adequate," the officer said.
As for Um Belal Khaled, a 50-year-old woman displaced from the Red Sea coast city of Mocha to Aden, she told Xinhua that this is her second year in displacement and suffering.
She was widowed two years ago when a Saudi-led airstrike hit mistakenly against a civilian vehicle, killing her husband who was traveling overnight alone.
"No one knows what the fate of our country will be but I call our countrymen and decision-makers to reconcile and accept each other. It's time to rebuild our country," said Um Belal.
In the Houthi-controlled capital Sanaa and other northern provinces, people live in very bad conditions amid different crises such as severe shortage of cooking gas and the spread of diseases.
Residents said many families in Sanaa started using firewood and coal to cook their daily meals instead of gas, which has been monopolized by Houthi authorities for political reasons.
Citizens in Sanaa also blamed the Houthis who are controlling the city's affairs and occupying government ministries including the oil companies since September 2014.
The Houthi rebels government urge people to march to the streets of Sanaa on Monday to commemorate the third anniversary of the Saudi-led military intervention in Yemen.
The pro-Houthi demonstrations will express the group's strong disapproval and rejection to the inactive of international community and weapon-selling from the United States to Saudi Arabia.
Some other residents said the Houthi militia threatened to use force and arresting campaigns against those who will not participate in the demonstration against the Saudi-led coalition.
"We are forced to go out tomorrow to support the Houthis by attending demonstrations. No one can stay at home because Houthis will come to pick you out. To be honest, people are fed up with Houthis but they have no solution," a Sanaa-based resident said anonymously.
After three years of conflict and destruction, observers say that the Yemeni rivals are still insisting on solving the country's crisis by force, with no political solution in sight.
The impoverished Arab country has been locked in a civil war for three years after the Iranian-backed Shiite Houthi rebels who overran much of the country militarily and seized all northern provinces including Sanaa in late 2014.
Saudi Arabia has been leading an Arab military coalition since March 2015 to support the government of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi after the Houthis forced him into exile.
The war has killed more than 10,000 Yemenis, half of them civilians, and displaced over 3 million others, according to UN humanitarian agencies.
The ongoing war has hit a stalemate, creating the largest humanitarian crisis in the world and pushing the country into the brink of famine, with an estimated 385,000 children suffering from acute malnutrition, thus putting them at heightened risk of acute watery diarrhea and cholera, according to the UN agencies.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-03-26 05:15:09|Editor: yan
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SANAA, March 25 (Xinhua) -- Yemenis Houthi rebels fired several long-range ballistic missiles toward four Saudi international airports on Sunday midnight, said a statement posted on the Houthi-controlled Saba news agency.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-03-26 05:40:12|Editor: yan
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SANAA, March 25 (Xinhua) -- Yemenis Houthi rebels fired several long-range ballistic missiles toward four Saudi international airports on Sunday midnight, said a statement posted on the Houthi-controlled Saba news agency.
One ballistic missile was fired toward King Khaled International Airport north of the Saudi capital Riyadh.
The second missile targeted Abha International Airport in the Saudi southwestern province of Asir.
It added that the third missile was fired toward the International Airport of the southern Saudi province of Jizan, while the fourth missile targeted the regional airport of the Saudi southeastern province of Najran.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-03-26 05:50:14|Editor: yan
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DAMASCUS, March 25 (Xinhua) -- A total of 110,000 civilians have so far evacuated the capital Damascus' Eastern Ghouta area since earlier this month, state news agency SANA reported on Sunday.
The Syrian army secured the evacuation of civilians as the number increases on a daily basis since the evacuation started in mid-March.
Meanwhile, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights placed the number of civilians leaving Eastern Ghouta at 140,000.
This comes amid ongoing evacuation of rebels and their families from key areas in central Ghouta.
The observatory recently said the Syrian army captured 90 percent of Eastern Ghouta as part of a military operation that has started late last month.
Eastern Ghouta, a 105-square-km agricultural region consisting of several towns and farmlands, poses the last threat to the capital due to its proximity to government-controlled neighborhoods east of Damascus and ongoing mortar attacks that target residential areas in the capital, pushing people over the edge.
Four major rebel groups are currently positioned inside Eastern Ghouta, namely the Islam Army, Failaq al-Rahman, Ahrar al-Sham, and the Levant Liberation Committee, known as the al-Qaida-linked Nusra Front.
The UN humanitarian agencies have sounded the alarm about the worsening humanitarian situation for 400,000 people in that region, where activists said around 1,000 people have been killed since late last month by the heavy bombardment and military showdown in areas of Eastern Ghouta.
TRIPOLI, March 25 (Xinhua) -- UN envoy to Libya, Ghassan Salame, on Sunday said he would make a final attempt to hold a session between Libyan parties to amend the UN-sponsored political agreement.
Salame also said he stressed to speaker of the eastern-based House of Representatives, Agila Saleh, the need to expedite holding public elections before the end of this year.
The UN envoy made his remarks following a meeting with Saleh in the eastern city of Al-Qubbah to discuss the latest political developments in Libya and preparations for the upcoming elections.
"I will make a final attempt to bring together the political parties to hold a session for amending the agreement," he said.
The amendments, mainly related to executive authority, are part of an action plan Salame proposed in September last year to end the political crisis in Libya. The plan also includes holding parliamentary and presidential elections before the end of 2018.
Libya is suffering a political division between the eastern government based in Tobruk and the western government based in Tripoli backed by the UN.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-03-26 06:30:19|Editor: yan
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SANAA, March 25 (Xinhua) -- Yemeni Houthi rebels fired several long-range ballistic missiles toward four Saudi international airports on Sunday midnight, said a statement posted on the Houthi-controlled Saba news agency.
One ballistic missile was fired toward King Khaled International Airport north of the Saudi capital Riyadh.
The second missile targeted Abha International Airport in the Saudi southwestern province of Asir.
It added that the third missile was fired toward the International Airport of the southern Saudi province of Jizan, while the fourth missile targeted the regional airport of the Saudi southeastern province of Najran.
"The move came in response to an order from the leader of revolution, Abdul-Malik al-Houthi," the Houthi group said in the statement.
"The missile attacks were also in revenge against Saudi-led coalition for using all weapons in their war against the Yemeni people," they added.
The dominant group also said it fired several other ballistic missiles on several other Saudi targets, but it did not name such targets.
The missile attacks came shortly after Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi gave a televised speech through the group-controlled channels to commemorate the third anniversary of war that pitted his rebel group against the Yemeni internationally recognized government backed by the Saudi-led coalition forces.
In his speech, al-Houthi vowed to step up ballistic missile attacks on Saudi Arabia. He also called his supporters to rally on Monday in the capital Sanaa, which is under his group control since late 2014, to show strong against what he said the "enemy."
Meanwhile, Saudi-owned Al Arabiya TV channel reported that Saudi air defenses intercepted and destroyed one of the ballistic missiles over the King Khaled International Airport north of the capital Riyadh.
Saudi activists in the social media reported powerful explosions over the sky of Riyadh. There were no Saudi official reports on casualties yet.
The Sunday midnight attacks were the latest in a series of attacks claimed by the Yemeni Houthi group against the Saudi airports.
On Thursday, the Houthis said they fired a short-range ballistic missile toward the Saudi oil giant Aramco. However, Aramco said its plants are operating normally and declined to give further details.
In March 2015, Saudi Arabia led a military coalition of Arab forces, backed by the United States, to intervene in Yemen's conflict to back the government of exiled President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi.
The coalition has launched thousands of airstrikes on the Iran-aligned Shiite Houthis, in attempts to roll back rebel gains and reinstate Hadi in the capital Sanaa.
Houthis have launched hundreds of ballistic missiles toward Saudi cities, with most of them intercepted by Saudi air defense forces.
The war has so far killed more than 10,000 Yemenis, mostly civilians, and pushed the Arab country to the brink of mass famine.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-03-26 07:20:25|Editor: Liangyu
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World Bank Chief Executive Officer Kristalina Georgieva speaks during a session titled "Supply-Side Structural Reform: Financial Policies" at the China Development Forum 2018 in Beijing, capital of China, March 25, 2018. The annual forum, with "China in the New Era" as its theme, brought together nearly 30 globally renowned scholars, including seven Nobel laureates, and more than 80 executives of Fortune Global 500 firms. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua)
Arizona News
Phoenix, Arizona - Attorney General Mark Brnovich announced a State Grand Jury indicted Daniel Barraza Nevarez on multiple felony counts of Fraudulent Schemes & Artifices, Money Laundering, Forgery, and Criminal Impersonation in connection with an alleged scam designed to defraud homeowners and lenders.
Nevarez allegedly filed a series of forged quitclaim deeds transferring ownership of at least 18 different homes to himself. The homeowners did not know Nevarez and were unaware the deeds to their homes had been transferred to him. The homes were located in different parts of Maricopa County including Scottsdale and Paradise Valley. One of the property deeds transferred is valued at approximately $3.5 million. Nevarez is then accused of contacting home equity lenders to try to take out cash loans on those same properties. To date, we believe Nevarez was unsuccessful in taking out a loan on those properties.
Nevarez was arrested during an undercover operation conducted by the Arizona Attorney Generals Office and the Scottsdale Police Department.
Concerned homeowners can go to the Maricopa County Recorder's Office website to check to see what documents have been recorded in their name.
Assistant Attorney General Adam J. Schwartz is prosecuting this case.
Arizona News
Phoenix, Arizona - Governor Doug Ducey signed House Bill 2434 into law making Arizona the first state in the nation to enact a groundbreaking regulatory fintech sandbox. Arizona joins countries such as the United Kingdom, Singapore, United Arab Emirates, and Australia in encouraging fintech investment by instituting sandboxes. The bill was sponsored by Representative Jeff Weninger and drafted by the Office of Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich. Brnovich first called for the enactment of a fintech regulatory sandbox in a September 2017 op-ed in American Banker.
In Arizonas sandbox, startups, entrepreneurs, and even established companies can launch products on a limited, temporary scale to consumers to test innovative products, services, business models, and delivery mechanisms in the real market without incurring the regulatory costs and burdens that would otherwise be imposed. The Arizona Attorney Generals Office will administer the sandbox.
The idea of a regulatory fintech sandbox is not new, and while its being discussed at the federal level, Congress is moving at a glacial pace, said Attorney General Mark Brnovich. Arizona has always been a state for big ideas and this is just one more place where we are trailblazing in entrepreneurship and innovation. I hope to see the sandbox serve as a catalyst for capital investment in Arizona and provide opportunities for Arizona businesses and consumers to thrive.
The sandbox will allow entrepreneurs to give new ideas a chance in the real market without incurring the regulatory costs and burdens that would otherwise be imposed. The bill also includes a reciprocity provision permitting the Attorney General to enter into agreements that would allow Arizona sandbox participants to operate in other jurisdictions that establish similar programs.
Currently, it can take a startup several months and tens of thousands of dollars in fees, compliance costs, and legal expenses to navigate the regulatory maze in just one state. This slow-moving and expensive process is unacceptable in an industry like fintech that is rapidly changing and developing.
Overview of the regulatory sandbox program:
Arizona News
Phoenix, Arizona - Attorney General Mark Brnovich announced Francisco Aguirre, the owner of Montecristo Properties, will spend 7.5 years behind bars for defrauding 40 families in Arizona. A judge ordered Aguirre be placed on 6 years of probation after he is released from prison. Aguirre must also pay $2 million dollars in full restitution to the victims of his real estate scam.
Aguirres actions were absolutely despicable, said Attorney General Mark Brnovich. He prayed on Hispanic families by using his multimedia broadcast show to put himself in a position of trust in the community. These families believed Aguirre would help them turn their dream of home ownership into a reality, instead they were scammed out of their life savings.
In January 2018, Aguirre pleaded guilty to one count of Fraudulent Schemes and Artifices, one count of Theft, and two counts of Forgery. From 2013 to 2015, Aguirre defrauded mostly spanish-speaking families who wanted to buy homes. The families believed they were purchasing homes from Aguirre and gave him a down payment only to find out they never owned or had a title to the home. Many of the families were forced to vacate the homes after they had already paid Aguirre thousands of dollars in what they believed were down payments and/or monthly mortgage payments. In some cases, Aguirre purported to sell the same home twice to two separate victims.
Aguirre carried out his fraud scheme through his companies Montecristo Properties, LLC, Montecristo Property Investments, LLC, and San Marino Property Investments, LLC. Aguirre operated his businesses out of a building called The Office Pile in Phoenix, AZ.
Assistant Attorneys General Maura C. Quigley and Mary Harriss prosecuted this case.
Arizona News
Phoenix, Arizona - To improve the safety of Arizona schools and communities, Governor Doug Ducey released the Safe Arizona Schools Plan.
Arizona students have the right to feel safe in their classrooms and parents deserve peace of mind that their children are protected at school and in their communities. Learning from past tragedies and looking at the cracks in the system, areas have been identified where resources can be provided to protect against severe threats and close loopholes to better protect Arizonans while still guarding the Second Amendment rights of law abiding citizens.
When developing these Arizona based solutions, Governor Ducey met with stakeholders from across the state including: students, parents, teachers, school administrators, behavioral and mental health professionals, law enforcement officers, county prosecutors, Democratic and Republican legislators, the Arizona Attorney General and the Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction.
To address the shared concerns and priorities of these diverse groups, the Safe Arizona Schools Plan was developed.
Arizona can lead the nation in tackling the issue of school safety and the Safe Arizona Schools Plan is an aggressive approach that puts the safety of our schools and communities first, said Governor Ducey. This plan has been shaped by the lessons weve learned from past tragedies and by meaningful solutions weve heard from Arizonans across the state. School safety is a top priority for the entire state and we are committed to taking swift and decisive action to increase the safety of our communities.
Calls for action in the plan include:
Border News
Nogales, Arizona - U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at Arizonas Port of Nogales apprehended a Mexican national involved in a failed attempt to smuggle more than $67,000 worth of methamphetamine into the United States Saturday.
Officers working at the Mariposa Crossing referred a 36-year-old Mexican man for further inspection of his Volkswagen sedan. The inspection led to the discovery of more than 22 pounds of methamphetamine. They also seized nearly 3 pounds of a substance suspected to be tramadol.
Officers seized the drugs and vehicle, and turned the arrested subject over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcements Homeland Security Investigations.
Border News
San Luis, Arizona - U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers arrested a cross-border traveler Sunday in a failed drug smuggling attempt at Arizonas Port of San Luis.
Officers working the pedestrian lanes referred a 37-year-old U.S. citizen from Ontario, California for additional search as he attempted to enter the U.S. from Mexico on Sunday afternoon. A CBP canine alert led officers to discover one and one-half pound of meth, worth $4,600 stuffed into the front of his pants.
CBP officers seized the drugs. The subject was arrested and turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcements Homeland Security Investigations.
Border News
Nogales, Arizona - U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at Arizonas Port of Nogales apprehended a Tucson woman involved in a failed attempt to smuggle nearly $691,000 worth of cocaine into the United States Wednesday.
Officers working at the Dennis DeConcini Crossing referred a 39-year-old woman for further inspection of her Ford SUV. A CBP narcotics detection canine alerted to an odor it was trained to detect leading officers to the fuel tank, which they removed. Inside were multiple packages of cocaine, which weighed nearly 61 pounds.
Officers seized the drugs and vehicle, and turned the subject over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcements Homeland Security Investigations.
Border News
Sells, Arizona - Border Patrol agents assigned to Tucson and Three Points stations, along with Tucson Sectors Mobile Response Team, arrested two U.S. citizens for human smuggling two Mexican nationals into the U.S. after they fled from agents east of Sells Thursday evening.
Agents assigned to the Three Points Station attempted to conduct an immigration stop on a Chevy Cavalier south of Sells. The driver failed to stop and continued driving north. Upon approaching Sells, the vehicle slowed and two people dressed in camouflage exited the moving vehicle running into the desert.
With the assistance of Tohono Oodham Police Department, Border Patrol agents arrested the two men in camouflage and identified them as Mexican nationals illegally in the United States.
MRT agents on State Route 86 re-located the Chevy Cavalier and directed an Air and Marine Operations helicopter to monitor it. The sedan continued traveling east, failing to stop for agents. As the sedan approached the SR86 Immigration Checkpoint, Tucson agents deployed a tire deflation device. The driver swerved, crashing into the desert, where agents apprehended the driver and passenger, who attempted to flee on foot.
The 26-year-old driver did not require medical care, but agents transported the 20-year-old passenger to a Tucson area hospital for evaluation. Both U.S. citizens are being processed for smuggling violations and the two Mexican nationals, ages 31 and 43, are being processed for immigration violations.
Federal law allows agents to charge individuals by complaint, a method that allows the filing of charges for criminal activity without inferring guilt. An individual is presumed innocent unless and until competent evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials welcome assistance from the community. Citizens can report suspicious activity to the Border Patrol and remain anonymous by calling 1-877-872-7435 toll free. Reporting illicit activity could result in saving someones life.
Health News
Dallas, Texas - Severe combat wounds and chronic PTSD (posttraumatic stress disorder) may put service men and women at risk of having high blood pressure later, according to new research in the American Heart Associations journal Hypertension.
PTSD, a mental health disorder that stems from a traumatic or life-threatening event, has been previously linked to risk of high blood pressure and other issues, including substance abuse, obesity, coronary artery disease, and suicide.
The new study reviewed records of 3,846 U.S. service members in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars who received intensive care for combat injuries sustained from February 2002 until February 2011. Their average age when they were wounded was 26. More than 14 percent of combatants developed high blood pressure at least 90 days after being wounded. How severe initial injuries were, and how frequently PTSD was noted in medical records after the wounding, separately affected later risk of hypertension, the study found.
What we found surprised us. PTSD does appear to increase the risk of hypertension, said Maj. Ian J. Stewart, M.D., the studys senior author, who works from the David Grant U.S. Air Force Medical Center at Travis Air Force Base in California. But we thought that hypertension risk from the injury would depend on the presence of PTSD. Instead, increased hypertension risk is additive to the injury itself, said Stewart.
The study incorporated each service members Injury Severity Score, a scale ranging from 1 to 75 that gauges the total impact of multiple injuries, based on assessment of six body regions.
For instance, a third-degree burn covering 20 percent of the skins surface, plus a concussion and minor scalp cut, would yield a score of 11. A traumatic amputation at the hip would be scored at 16, and a 60 percent third-degree burn plus six rib fractures would be scored at 41.
The study found that for every five-point increase in Injury Severity Score, overall risk of high blood pressure rose 5 percent. Patients with an Injury Severity Score of 25 or lower and no recorded PTSD diagnosis had the lowest hypertension risk.
Compared with patients who had no record of a PTSD diagnosis, those with 1 to 15 PTSD notations in their files had an 85 percent higher risk of hypertension. Those who had PTSD noted more than 15 timessuggesting the condition was more chronichad 114 percent increase in the risk of high blood pressure, the study found.
As in other studies, this research found that age, acute kidney injury and race were associated with risk of developing high blood pressure. Risk increased about 5 percent for every year older a veteran was, and was 69 percent higher for African-Americans, compared with whites. Suffering acute injury to the kidneys, which play a key role in regulating blood pressure, also was linked to a higher risk for hypertension.
Its important for policy makers to better understand Iraq and Afghanistan veterans long-term potential health-related risks and costs, Stewart said. He cited a report from Harvard Kennedy School estimating those could total about $970 billion, including almost $288 billion in direct medical costs, over the next 40 years.
Veterans suffer long after wars end and wounds heal, he said. Our society will be paying the price for years to come.
The study included up to 10 years worth of records following each wounded service member, reflecting care in both Department of Defense health facilities and medical visits through the TRICARE program, a health care program of the U.S. Department of Defense Military Health System.
Stewart and his colleagues suspect that development of high blood pressure and other chronic medical conditions after combat injury might generally be traced through three routes:
through PTSD or other mental health conditions that arise, such as depression or anxiety;
through physiological changes, including inflammatory or metabolic responses,
or due to lifestyle changes such as smoking or gaining weight. More research into these areas is needed, the authors note.
High blood pressure is defined as blood pressure readings 130/80 mm Hg and above. Untreated, it can lead to stroke, heart and kidney disease, vision loss and sexual dysfunction.
Strengths of the study include the high number of medical visits recorded for each patient, and the use of Department of Defense databases that allowed researchers to track patients over time rather than rely on individuals own accounts. However, the study did not follow patients in real time, and couldnt control for differences in how blood pressure readings were taken. The study also lacked biological data such as measurements of inflammatory markers, and information about behaviors such as smoking that impact future health.
Co-authors are Jeffrey T. Howard, Ph.D.; Jonathan A. Sosnov, M.D.; Jud C. Janak, Ph.D.; Adi V. Gundlapalli, M.D., Ph.D.; Warren B. Pettey, M.P.H.; and Lauren E. Walker, M.S.W. Author disclosures are on the manuscript.
The U.S. Air Force, Headquarters, Office of the Surgeon General funded the study.
Latest News
Yuma, Arizona - Special Operations and Intelligence Border Patrol agents detected and apprehended 204 suspects near the Imperial Sand Dunes west of Yuma, during a three-week Border Patrol operation between February and March.
Agents from Yuma Sectors Special Operations Detachment and Intelligence Unit, along with El Centro Sectors Intelligence Unit apprehended 175 foreign nationals who illegally entered the United States near the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area. Twenty-nine additional subjects, many United States citizens, were arrested for coordinating and facilitating human smuggling attempts. Several subjects attempted to evade apprehension by running, or jumping into irrigation canals, and fleeing in vehicles. Nineteen vehicles involved were seized.
Coordination, integration, and rapid adaptation are key elements of success in securing our nations borders, said Yuma Sector Chief Patrol Agent Anthony J. Porvaznik. The hardworking men and women in the operation significantly impacted the transnational criminal organizations exploiting our communities.
Yuma Sector SOD is comprised of certified special operations agents from the Special Operations Group; the Border Patrol Search Trauma & Rescue Unit; and the Border Patrol Tactical Unit. Agents assigned to this unit undergo an intense training regimen before being certified SOD agents.
Yuma and El Centro Sector intelligence units are responsible for prioritizing, analyzing and providing intelligence support through specialized teams and units that counteract terrorism and transnational crime. SIU enhances intelligence data collection processes ensuring U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and U.S. Border Patrol objectives are achieved.
Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents effectively combat smuggling organizations attempting to illegally transport people and contraband through Southwestern Arizona and California. Citizens can help the Border Patrol and U.S. Customs and Border Protection by calling 1-866-999-8727 toll-free to report suspicious activity. Callers can remain anonymous.
Latest News
San Luis, Arizona - U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers arrested a San Luis resident Thursday in connection to a failed smuggling attempt at Arizonas Port of San Luis.
Officers at the pedestrian crossing area referred a 21-year-old male U.S. citizen for additional questioning as he attempted to enter the U.S. from Mexico. Following an alert by a CBP narcotics detection canine to an odor it was trained to detect, officers discovered more than 8 pounds of methamphetamine, worth more than $24,000 wrapped around his torso.
CBP officers seized the drugs, while the subject was arrested and turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcements Homeland Security Investigations.
Yuma News
Yuma, Arizona - Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents arrested a previously deported illegal alien with multiple felony convictions late Monday evening.
At approximately 9:00 p.m., Yuma Station agents arrested Hector Gutierrez-Perez, a 54-year-old Mexican national, near County 8 Street and Levee Road after he illegally entered the United States once again.
During processing, agents discovered that Gutierrez-Perez has multiple felony convictions out of Bakersfield and Santa Cruz, California including unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor, obstructing a public officer, and battery on a person. Additional records checks revealed that Gutierrez-Perez was also previously convicted of possession of narcotics/controlled substance, transporting/selling of narcotics, hit and run, and driving while under the influence of alcohol/drugs.
Gutierrez-Perez is being prosecuted for re-entry after deportation.
Federal law allows agents to charge individuals by complaint, a method that allows for the filing of criminal activity charges without inferring guilt. An individual is presumed innocent unless or until competent evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents effectively combat smuggling organizations attempting to illegally transport people and contraband through southwestern Arizona and California. Citizens can help the Border Patrol and U.S. Customs and Border Protection by calling 1-866-999-8727 toll-free to report suspicious activity. Callers can remain anonymous.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-03-23 23:12:43|Editor: Mengjie
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Chinese Premier Li Keqiang meets with Cameroonian President Paul Biya in Beijing, capital of China, March 23, 2018. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei)
BEIJING, March 23 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Friday met with Cameroonian President Paul Biya, saying that China is willing to help the western African country's sustainable economic development.
During their meeting at the Great Hall of the People, Li said both China and Cameroon are developing countries that share common interests in development.
China has provided Cameroon with assistance within its capability and never attached any political conditions, Li said.
The premier encouraged Chinese enterprises to invest in Cameroon and called for innovative cooperation in areas of infrastructure and construction of industrial parks.
Li called on both countries to safeguard liberalization, trade and investment, abide by market principles and business rules and oppose protectionism.
Li also hailed the long-term friendship between the two countries, saying that China is ready to boost political mutual trust and beneficial cooperation in the hope of forging ahead bilateral ties.
Echoing Li's remarks, Biya said Cameroon appreciated China's great support and assistance in areas of economy, social development and culture.
Cameroon will continue to advance friendship and cooperation with China so as to lift bilateral relationship to a new high, he said.
Biya is paying a state visit to China from Thursday to Saturday at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Xi held talks with him on Thursday. The two presidents witnessed the signing of agreements on economic and technological cooperation, human resources development, infrastructural construction and industrial cooperation.
Inspector General of Police (Home Guard and Civil Defence) D Roopa Moudgil, who had claimed that jailed former AIADMK leader VK Sasikala had free access outside Bengaluru jail she was lodged in, has refused to accept Namma Bengaluru Award, given by a non-profit organisation Namma Bengaluru Foundation.
The senior police official has refused to accept the award because of a high cash reward associated with the same. She has written to the organisation saying her conscience does not permit her to accept the award.
"Every government servant is expected to maintain neutrality and equidistance from all quasi-political bodies and associations that have even the bare minimum political overtone. Only then a public servant can maintain a clean and fair image in the eyes of the public," read Roopa's letter.
"It becomes all the more relevant now in the view of the ensuing elections," added Roopa, who was nominated for the Government Official of the Year category. Eight government officers including Roopa have been shortlisted for the award and the winner will be announced at an event in Bengaluru.
In 2017, D Roopa came to light when she submitted a CCTV footage to anti-corruption bureau in Karnataka showing Sasikala and her relative Ilavarasi entering Parappana Agrahara Central jail in civilian clothes.
In her four-page report, she had also alleged that a special kitchen was functioning in the jail for Sasikala, where she was lodged since February 15 to serve her sentence.
She had also claimed that the AIADMK chief gets special food daily, cooked by special chefs in a special kitchen near the women's cell. Roopa had also revealed that special treatment also being extended to Abdul Karim Telgi, convicted in fake stamp paper scam. "3-4 convicted prisoners have been allotted to Abdul Telgi for body massage," D Roopa had claimed.
(With ANI inputs)
Mumbai: Actor R Madhavan says he can't be a part of Rohit Shetty's 'Simmba' due to an injury.
Madhavan underwent a shoulder surgery last month, and since he is recuperating, he had to even withdraw from joining actor Saif Ali Khan in Navdeep Singh's historical drama, which is heavy on action scenes. Now the actor also won't be seen in 'Simmba', in which he was reportedly going to play the villain.
"Hey folks... So I am a huge crazy fan of Rohit Shetty and his films. As is my son. It breaks both our hearts that I'm not able to be a part of this film because of my injury. I'm well on my way to recovery but this is a huge opportunity and excitement lost," Madhavan tweeted on Sunday.
Hey folks .. So I am a huge crazy fan of Rohit Shetty and his films. As is my son. It breaks both our hearts that Im not able to be a part of this film because of my injury. Im well on my way to recovery but this is a huge opportunity and excitement lost. https://t.co/9YJBctaCJI Ranganathan Madhavan (@ActorMadhavan) March 25, 2018
Madhavan was last seen in web series 'Breathe', which explores the life of an ordinary man facing extraordinary circumstances. "The injury kind of ruined everything," the actor had told IANS in an earlier interview after he had to opt out of the Saif-starrer.
The Karan Johar's Dharma Productions which is producing Rohit Shetty's entertainer 'Simmba' starring Ranveer Singh recently revealed the leading lady in the film. The official Twitter handle of Dharma Productions announced that Sara Ali Khan will be the female lead in the film.
In the film, Ranveer will be seen doing high-octane action sequences. The actor will be seen in the role of a badass cop and he will soon start training for the action sequences in the film.
New Delhi: Anushka Sharma and Varun Dhawan left their fans in a frenzy as the duo reached the national capital for the shoot of their next venture, 'Sui Dhaaga'. They were greeted by at least thousand fans that landed up at the movie set to wish them luck and get a glimpse of the actors.
After hearing continuous chants of their names, the 'Judwa' actor and 'Pari' actress came out to greet the crowd.
Meanwhile, this is for the first time Varun and Anushka have teamed up for a project. The actors recently wrapped up the first schedule of the film in Bhopal. Recently, Varun and Anushka shot for an emotional scene at the bus top in Bhopal and the pictures from the location got leaked online.
Recently, Varun and Anushka shoot for an intense sequence from the film at a bus stop in Bhopal. While Varun was dressed in an off-white shirt and pyjamas, Anushka was seen in a blue saree and looked nowhere close to her glam avatar.
In the film, Anushka will be seen essaying the role of a woman who earns her living by embroidering clothes while Varun plays a tailor.
'Sui Dhaaga' is based on the stories of self-reliance and high spirits of the two central characters rooted in an earthy town of India. The love story is helmed by Sharat Katariya and is slated to hit the screens on September 28.
Mumbai: As many as 500 Air India pilots are awaiting government's nod for the common pay structure recommended by the Dharmadhikari committee in 2012, nearly six months after the Indian Pilots Guild (IPG) consented to it.
According to sources, the IPG gave consent to the common pay structure in October 2017, following which the proposal was sent to the Civil Aviation Ministry for its approval, which is still "awaited".
The Dharmadhikari panel had submitted its report to the government way back in January 2012, calling for common pay and allowances as per the norms for other public sector enterprises.
The IPG represents the Boeing wide-body fleet at the flag carrier.It agreed to accept the common pay structure for pilots in line with the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) guidelines.
Under the common pay structure, flying allowance will be paid only in rupees and not in dollars, the IPG had said. Besides, pilots' flying allowance hours will be reduced to 70 hours per month from 80 earlier. However, they will be entitled to higher over-time fees.
When contacted, an Air India spokesperson declined to comment, saying it is an internal policy issue. The Indian Commercial Pilots Association (ICPA), which represents the Airbus fleet pilots at the state-owned carrier, has long ago accepted the recommendations.
Meanwhile, Air India has decided to promote some 100 pilots to the executive rank as part of the level-mapping exercise, sources said. "At the time of merger, a section of Air India narrow-body (erstwhile Indian Airlines) pilots got promoted. On the other hand, a section of wide-body (Air India) pilots had not got any promotion since 2007, resulting in anomalies," they said.
The promotion of 100-odd pilots is aimed at removing such discrepancies, sources said. Once the agreement is in place, the pilots in Air India will have a uniform salary structure for both the Airbus and Boeing fleets, as per the sources.
Following the decision to merge the two airlines in 2007, various processes were to be integrated within 18-24 months, including HR. To arrive at common structure, the ministry constituted a committee of external experts under Justice Dharmadhikari.
The panel submitted its report in January 2012, which was further examined by a three-member inter-ministerial committee to suggest a time frame for implementation.
The inter-ministerial panel submitted its report in May 2012, and subsequently an implementation-cum-anomaly rectification committee was set up to implement the recommendations of the panel.
New Delhi: AirAsia on Sunday announced fares as low as Rs 850 to domestic destinations and Rs 1,999 to international destinations if tickets are booked from its website or mobile app between March 26 and April 1.
The fares would be applicable for travel between October 1 to May 28, the budget airline said in a statement.
"The promotional one way all-in fares start from Rs 850 and the discount applies to all bookings made through airasia.Com and the AirAsia mobile application," it said.
Tickets to international destinations such as Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Phuket and Melbourne can also be booked at as low as Rs 1,999, the statement added.
AirAsia has services to domestic destinations such as Bengaluru, Ranchi, Jaipur, Bhubaneswar, Visakhapatnam, Nagpur, Indore, Kochi, Hyderabad, Pune, Guwahati, Chennai and Kolkata, it said.
The promotional offers can be availed for these destinations, the statement added.
New Delhi: Former NITI Aayog vice-chairman Arvind Panagariya has made a strong case for privatisation of public sector banks with the exception of State Bank of India (SBI), saying that political parties serious of forming the government in 2019 should include the proposal in their manifesto.
Panagariya, who is currently a professor of economics at Columbia University, further said that predominance of scandals and NPAs in PSBs is only one albeit important reason for privatisation of PSBs.
"I firmly believe that privatisation of all PSBs except perhaps the State Bank of India should be on the election manifestos of all parties who wish to present themselves as serious candidates to form the government in 2019," he said in an interview to Press Trust of India.
Panagariya was replying to a query related to the recent banking frauds, including nearly Rs 13,000 crore at Punjab National Bank (PNB).
The eminent economist further argued that efficiency and productivity too demand that the government relinquish its control of the large number of banks whose market valuation has dwindled despite the fact that they hold the bulk of the deposits.
Panagariya noted that it is disingenuous to argue, as many advocates of PSBs do, that achieving social goals of lending requires two-dozen banks in the public sector.
"The fact of the matter is that private sector banks have often performed better than public sector banks in delivering on their priority-sector-lending obligations," he pointed out.
Asked to comment on recent trade tensions, with US President Donald Trump targeting India, Panagariya said that he would not hesitate to liberalise India's trade further rather than risk the United States closing its markets to Indian goods.
On Nobel laureate Paul Krugman's recent comment that India story could end with mass unemployment, the former NITI Aayog vice chairman admitted that Professor Krugman is surely right to point to the importance of manufacturing in the economic transformation of a developing country.
"I think manufacturing growth is essential for creating productive and well-paid jobs rather than escape mass unemployment," he said, adding that the economy is surely creating jobs.
"The problem we face is that it is creating very few jobs that fully exploit the potential of our workers," Panagariya insisted.
Talking about overall economy, he said that India remains stable in macroeconomic terms. "The GDP growth rate has been on the rising trend during the latest two quarters for which we have data, it rose from 5.7 percent during the first quarter of 2017-18 to 6.5 percent in the second quarter and 7.2 percent in the third quarter. I expect the upward trend to continue," Panagariya asserted.
On protest by farmers across India, the economist said he always favoured cash transfers to rural BPL households in times of crop failures via Aadhaar-linked bank accounts.
"In the medium run, the government strategy of raising farmer incomes through marketing reforms and increased farm productivity are right on target," Panagariya said.
(With PTI inputs)
Kareena who is currently in Singapore to turn showstopper for her favourite fashion designer Manish Malhotra has been spotted chilling out with her BFF. Just before the fashion event, the two ladies hit out at the streets on the foreign land and chilled out in each other's company.
Sharing a picture of herself with Kareena as hot the road jack in Singapore, Amrita wrote, "Singapore diaries !Hit the road jack #bffs." In the photo, the two glamorous queens are seen having a fun time together. The duo twinned in distressed jeans and looked as stylish as ever. While Kareena donned a white top with a military jacket, Amrita was seen in an animal printed top, black shades and her hair tied into a ponytail.
Singapore diaries!Hit the road jack #bffs A post shared by Amrita Arora (@amuaroraofficial) on Mar 25, 2018 at 12:51am PDT
Kareena, who is known to share a very close rapport with Amrita, is often seen enjoying her free time with her. Recently, she had paid visited Gauri Khan's design studio in Mumbai and there too, the actress was accompanied by her bestie Amrita.
On the work front, Bebo is awaiting the release of her film 'Veere Di Wedding' that also features Sonam Kapoor, Swara Bhaskar and Shikha Talsania.
The head priest of Ajmer Sharif Dargah in Rajasthans Ajmer was on Sunday stopped from entering the shrine as he appointed his son, Naseeruddin Ali, as his successor. Naseeruddin questioned the move to stop the head priest from entering the shrine.
Terming it as hooliganism, he said, How can they stop the head priest from entering the Dargah? This is hooliganism, even the administration is helpless. They have locked us out.
#Ajmer: How can they stop the head priest from entering the Dargah? This is hooliganism, even the administration is helpless. They have locked us out: Naseeruddin Ali, son of head priest after protests against head priest appointing son as successor. #Rajasthan pic.twitter.com/Xb6CSBqE2X ANI (@ANI) March 25, 2018
There was huge police presence at the shrine to control the crowd and prevent any untoward incident.
In a picture released by news agency ANI, Naseeruddin is seen discussing the issue with police officials. Huge crowd can be seen around Naseeruddin.
NEW DELHI: Mukesh Ambani's eldest son, Akash has reportedly proposed to Shloka Mehta - daughter of diamantaire Russell Mehta for marriage. The proposal happened on Saturday evening at a ceremony in Goa in the presence of his family.
Also, the would-be-couple reportedly had a pre-engagement photoshoot.
Media reports had earlier suggested that they would be tying the knot later this year. The two families have, however, refused to comment on the wedding.
An announcement of engagement can be made in next few weeks with the wedding being planned for early December.
Akash is the eldest son of India's richest man Mukesh Ambani and Shloka Mehta is the daughter of Russell Mehta, who heads Rosy Blue Diamonds.
Akash and twin sister Isha are eldest of the three children of Mukesh and Nita Ambani. He is on the board of Reliance Jio, the group's fast-growing telecom venture.
The Ambanis and Mehtas know each other well and even Akash and Shloka studied together at Dhirubhai Ambani International School.
Shloka is youngest of three children of Russell and Mona Mehta.
Shloka, who after finishing schooling at Dhirubhai Ambani International School in 2009 went on to study Anthropology at Princeton University and masters in Law at The London School of Economics and Political Science, is a director on Rosy Blue Foundation since July 2014. She is also a co-founder of ConnectFor, which matches volunteers with NGOs that need them.
(With inputs from PTI)
Jerusalem: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu today expressed hope that direct flights over Saudi Arabia from Tel Aviv to Mumbai would soon materialise, days after Air India's maiden flight from New Delhi flew over Saudi airspace to Israel's economic hub.
Netanyahu in a Cabinet meeting indicated that the next goal is to allow direct flights over Saudi Arabia from Tel Aviv to Mumbai by Israeli flag carrier El Al.
El Al currently has four direct flights from Tel Aviv to Mumbai, but it must take a circuitous route to avoid Saudi airspace, and a flight that should take just under five hours, ends up taking about eight.
On Thursday, Air India's maiden flight to Israel landed in Tel Aviv, reducing the travel time substantially after Saudi Arabia for the first time allowed a commercial flight to use its airspace, indicating a thaw in relations between the Arab kingdom and the Jewish state.
State-run Air India introduced the direct thrice-a-week flight from New Delhi to Tel Aviv, heralding a new beginning in people-to-people contacts and diplomatic ties between India and Israel.
Saudi Arabia permitted Air India to use its airspace, enabling it to take a shorter route that covers the distance in 7.25 hours, about 2.10 hours less as compared to El Al, the only other airline that flies between Israel and India.
Though he did not mention El Al by name, Netanyahu said that following the Air India flights, "the goal that I hope we set for ourselves is that the next flight or flights will also include direct flights from Tel Aviv to Mumbai in five hours, less time than Tel Aviv to London. The significance of that would be enormous," the Jerusalem Post reported.
Saudi Arabia, while granting overflight rights to Air India for flights to and from Israel, has so far been unwilling to do the same for El Al.
Netanyahu characterised Air India's inaugural flight as "historic" saying "the significance of this is clear to everyone". "Israel's economy will grow in two ways either with new products or through new markets," he said, adding "What we did here is breakthrough to huge new markets, and this is a very big change".
Netanyahu said that paving the way for the Air India flights is something that has taken a number of years, and creates "tremendous potential for Israel. I think the long-term significance for Israel will become clear later, but now there is no need to talk more about it, in order to ensure other similar developments".
New Delhi/Thiruvananthapuram: The Narendra Modi government on Sunday slammed Congress President Rahul Gandhi's tweet on Prime Minister Narendra Modi alleged data breach on NaMo app and the mainstream media's silence on the entire issue.
Union Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology KJ Alphons on Sunday in Thiruvananthapuram said, "You think Prime Minister Narendra Modi is going to give your data to a private company in the US. Don't believe in such fake stories," reported news agency ANI.
The MoS for Electronics and Information Technology further said that what is given in Aadhaar are just name and address. Your biometric data is with UIDAI and let me assure you that it has not been breached, it's absolutely secure. We have given authorisation to govt agencies to access Aadhaar information.
Earlier, the Congress President Rahul Gandhi on micro-blogging site Twitter said, "Hi! My name is Narendra Modi. I am India's Prime Minister. When you sign up for my official App, I give all your data to my friends in American companies.
PS. Thanks, mainstream media, you're doing a great job of burying this critical story, as always, he tweeted.
Hi! My name is Narendra Modi. I am India's Prime Minister. When you sign up for my official App, I give all your data to my friends in American companies. Ps. Thanks mainstream media, you're doing a great job of burying this critical story, as always.https://t.co/IZYzkuH1ZH Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) March 25, 2018
The Congress President tweet was in reference to recent data breach allegations by French hacker Elliot Alderson on his twitter handle @fs0c131y.
On Saturday, Alderson shared a series of tweets claiming that Narendra Modi Android app compromised personal user and device information by sending it to a third-party domain in.wzrkt.com allegedly belonging to an American firm.
When you create a profile in the official @narendramodi #Android app, all your device info (OS, network type, Carrier ) and personal data (email, photo, gender, name, ) are send without your consent to a third-party domain called https://t.co/N3zA3QeNZO. pic.twitter.com/Vey3OP6hcf Elliot Alderson (@fs0c131y) March 23, 2018
Alderson wrote, When you create a profile in the official @narendramodi #Android app, all your device info (OS, network type, Carrier ) and personal data (email, photo, gender, name, ) are send without your consent to a third-party domain called http://in.wzrkt.com (sic)
Alderson added that the domain in.wzrkt.com is classified as a phishing link by the company G-Data. This website is hosted by @GoDaddy and the whois info are hidden. The hacker has earlier reported security lapses in UIDAI's Aadhaar data and digital payments company Paytm.
Dehradun: India is ready to take on any unforeseen situation in Doklam, said Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday. The statement comes days after Chinese President Xi Jinping said they are prepared to fight a bloody battle against its enemies.
On Saturday Indian envoy Gautam Bambawale claimed that any attempt by China to change the status quo along the Indian border may lead to another Doklam-like stand-off between the two nations.
We are alert and ready for any unforeseen situation in Doklam. We are constantly working on the modernisation of our forces. We will maintain our territorial integrity, Sitharaman.
Indian and Chinese troops were locked in a 73-day-long standoff in Doklam from June 16 last year after India stopped the building of a road in the disputed area by the Chinese Army. The face-off ended on August 28, 2017.
"In order to maintain the peace and tranquillity (along India-China border), there are certain areas, certain sectors which are very sensitive, where we must not change the status quo. If anyone changes the status quo, it will lead to a situation like what happened in Doklam," Bambawale said.
Earlier this month, the Defence Minister told Parliament said China has undertaken construction of helipads, sentry posts and trenches for its army personnel there.
Sources said China has been keeping its troops in north Doklam and significantly ramping up its infrastructure in the disputed area.
In January, Army Chief General Bipin Rawat had said the time had come for India to shift its focus from borders with Pakistan to the frontier with China, indicating the seriousness of the situation.
Meanwhile, both India and China have been rapidly modernising their military with a focus on advanced hardware.
While India has inked deals with numerous countries like France, Russia, Israel and the United States for military hardware, China is focusing on exponentially increasing its expeditionary capabilities.
On Tuesday, President Xi Jinping said, "Not a single inch of our land will be or can be ceded from China."
"We are resolved to fight the bloody battle against our enemies," Xi added
With agency inputs
BENGALURU: The central government has decided to solve the water problems in Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan by utilising water from rivers flowing into Pakistan, Union Water Resources Minister Nitin Gadkari said here on Saturday.
He said the government has also introduced a new scheme where water will reach farmers through innovative technology using pipe system rather than canals, avoiding land acquisition costs to the tune of Rs 6,000 crore.
Gadkari made these remarks in his inaugural address at an event organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry here, according to a release issued by the organisers.
Citing the case of the Godavari, where 3000 tmc of water is flowing to the sea, Gadkari said the government is constructing adam at Polavaram in Andhra Pradesh at a cost of Rs 60,000 crore to check Indravati river flow, which is a tributary of the Godavari and flows in full spate through a thick forest.
"This water can then be carried till the tail end of Tamil Nadu, almost 1,300 km by pipeline. Once this project is completed, Tamil Nadu will get almost 450 TMC of water," he said.
Gadkari, who also holds the portfolios of road, transport and highways and shipping, said the government is very keen on developing Karwar port in Karnataka and is willing to spend Rs 3,000 crore for the projects if the state government is in agreement.
Touching upon waterways as a cheaper logistical option, he said the government is encouraging seaplanes and called on HAL to form a Joint Venture with the government to manufacture them.
According to him, around 10,000 seaplanes would be required in the next two years.
Gadkari also emphasised the urgent need to reduce pollution and urged the automobile industry to produce vehicles that would run on electricity and alternative fuels like ethanol and methanol, which could be produced from agricultural waste.
"Conversion of waste into wealth is the future," he said.
Gadkari also said the current road construction is at 28 kms a day and the target for next year is 40 kms per day.
He stated that the government has already signed work contracts for projects worth Rs 8,50,000 crore for roads, ports, shipping and water resources.
Stating that the government's plan was to develop two lakh kilometers of highways, with 12 express highways, he said work on a new highway between Bengaluru and Mysuru at a cost of Rs 7,000 crore, will commence from Saturday.
He also said that government would start work on a ring-road for Bengaluru, which will cost around Rs 10,000 crore.
Gadkari said work on the Rs 16,000 crore express highway project between Bengaluru and Chennai is expected to start by end of March or beginning of April this year.
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will on Sunday address the nation and share his thoughts in his 'Mann Ki Baat' program. The 42nd edition of the program will be broadcast on All India Radio (AIR) and Doordarshan at 11 AM.
The monthly radio programme will also be broadcast on the Narendra Modi mobile application.
On Saturday, the Prime Minister took to Twitter to inform about his next address.
Akashwani will broadcast the programme in regional languages immediately after the Hindi broadcast.
The radio speech is also streamed on the YouTube channels of the Prime Minister's Office, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and DD News.
In his previous 'Mann Ki Baat' programme on February 25, PM Modi lauded the contribution of India in the field of sciene and technology. Ahead of the National Science Day on February 28, the PM said that science and technology are value neutral. "It is up to us what we want the machine to do for us," he said.
In his 40th edition of 'Mann Ki Baat' Prime Minister Modi had said, "Woman power is playing a pioneering role and establishing milestones and there are no upper limits for Nari Shakti.
NEW DELHI: Country's apex body of doctors Indian Medical Association (IMA), which has been on a nationwide march from February 25 to deprecate the current form of the National Medical Commission (NMC) Bill, on Sunday held protested in Delhi.
Doctors under the banner of Indian Medical Association protest against the National Medical Commission (NMC) bill in #Delhi pic.twitter.com/mRvhqKMNgo ANI (@ANI) March 25, 2018
The 'Mahapanchayat' was held at Delhi's Indira Gandhi Stadium.
The IMA has strongly opposed the draft Bill that seeks to replace the Medical Council of India with a new body, claiming it will cripple the medical profession.
"The bill, which has the potential to adversely alter the course of medical education and healthcare delivery in India, will also make irrevocable damage if passed in its current forms," IMA's General Secretary Dr R N Tandon had said.
Cutting across party lines, the members of Parliament have also voiced their concern and opposition towards the bill, which has now been referred to the standing committee.
IMA's National President, Dr Ravi Wankhedkar had said, "Vehemently opposing the commission, IMA has already started a march across India and will converge before the Doctors Mahapanchayat in New Delhi. Over 20,000 medical fraternities are expected at the venue."
IMA, which is a self-regulating body run by doctors, has over 1,725 local branches across the country and has held simultaneous yatras across the country to generate awareness among masses.
Earlier this month, the IMA had organised a cycle rally across India with an aim to sensitise the masses about the issue.
According to the bill, the government can fix the fee for only 40 percent of the seats in private medical colleges.
"As the remaining 60 percent of seats does not come under the guidelines, the colleges shall be charging the higher fee. This clause is paradoxical in nature and makes it pro-rich reservation system," Tandon had said.
"If functional, this means that the present ratio of 15 percent allotted to private and deemed universities for charging high fees stands augmented to the entire 60 percent which itself is a real travesty of its kind," he had added.
The IMA is also opposing the clause in the bill which calls for allowing practitioners of traditional medicine system to pursue modern medicine.
"If the bill is incorporated with such liberal provisions, it will only end up with half-baked and ill-equipped medical practices which will put the health of Indian population at stake," Dr Vinay Aggarwal, former president of IMA, had said.
(With inputs from PTI)
Headlines of the day:
1. Rahul accuses govt of stalling appointment of judges, says PM Modi's 'ego was hurt'
After targeting the Centre over pending court cases, Congress president Rahul Gandhi has now hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over appointment of judges to Supreme Court and High Courts. Read full report
2. Newly-appointed Hurriyat chief Ashraf Sehrai's son joins Hizbul Mujahideen
Junaid Ashraf, son of the newly elected chairman of Tehreek-e-Hurriyat Mohammad Ashraf Sehrai has joined terrorist organisation Hizbul Mujahideen, Jammu and Kashmir police said on Saturday. Read full report
3. D Roopa, who exposed special jail treatment to Sasikala, refuses Namma Bengaluru Award
Inspector General of Police (Home Guard and Civil Defence) D Roopa Moudgil, who had claimed that jailed former AIADMK leader VK Sasikala had free access outside Bengaluru jail she was lodged in, has refused to accept Namma Bengaluru Award, given by a non-profit organisation Namma Bengaluru Foundation. Read full report
4. India to solve water crisis by utilising rivers flowing to Pakistan
The central government has decided to solve the water problems in Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan by utilising water from rivers flowing into Pakistan, Union Water Resources Minister Nitin Gadkari said here on Saturday. Read full report
5. Google remembers late actor Farooque Shaikh with doodle on his birth anniversary
Google pays tribute to late actor Farooque Shaikh with a doodle on his 70th birth anniversary on Sunday. The actor was born on March 25, 1948. Read full report
NEW DELHI: Shortly after his monthly radio address Mann Ki Baat, the 3D animation video of Prime Minister Narendra Modi depicting Trikonasana (the triangle posture) Yoga was released. This was the 42nd edition of PM Modi's 'Mann Ki Baat' programme.
Addressing the nation on Mann Ki Baat earlier today, the Prime Minister said that he is not a Yoga teacher, but people have made him one. "I am not a Yoga teacher, but some people with their creativity has made me one. A 3D video of mine has been made, which I will share with you all," PM Modi had said.
Yoga has become a mass movement, said Modi adding that it has now reached every household.
Dedicating a major part of the radio address to farmers and healthcare, PM Modi also said that the Centre has taken several steps to improve the situation.
Recalling the Budget 2018, the PM said that the farmers will be given 1.5 times minimum support price (MSP) fair price for the crops.
On healthcare, the Prime Minister said, "We are concentrating on affordable healthcare along with preventive healthcare. We are working to ensure National Health Centres reach every part of the country."
Batting for fit and better India, he also urged the youth of the country to launch Fit India movement and work towards making it a success.
PM Modi also admitted to receiving several letters from, who talked about their preparation for examinations.
The Prime Minister also spoke on Dalit icon BR Ambedkar who dreamt of making India as an industrial powerhouse. "It was Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar who dreamt of vibrant cities with top infrastructure. (We're) Working on India's economic growth and fulfilling Dr. Ambedkar's dreams. For people like us, who belong to the poor and backward sections of society, Dr. Ambedkar is our inspiration," he said.
If wed stayed in Hong Kong, I dont think my brother and I would have got the grades to go to university, but in Canada we thrived. I was determined to learn English so I could make friends. I read a lot of books and I read the Bible, which is how I became a Christian.
My parents decided to emigrate to Toronto when I was 11 they thought there would be better opportunities for my brother and I, and there was also uncertainty over the future in Hong Kong.
TORONTO - My parents met at Hong Kong University. My father worked in the Education Bureau and my mum was a social worker. I was born in 1979.
High-flier Sheena Li, who grew up in Hong Kong before her family moved to Canada, shuns wealth and prestige to make a difference among the worlds most needy communities
My auntie was involved with the church and thats how we found a community and a life in Toronto. My brother and I got involved with a youth group, and when I was 18, I did my first trip with them.
We went to Mexico to help at an orphanage and also introduce stories from the Bible. I got to see life in a part of the world thats very impoverished. It made a big impression on me. I was a teenager and very idealistic, I wanted to do good. Ive ended up doing this as my career, but Im not as naive as I was. Seeing real tragedy, violence and suffering, I realised its not as romantic as I used to think.
My brother wanted to do something in aerospace he was a big fan of Top Gun and became an aeronautical engineer. I got straight As and went on to do a four-year undergraduate degree in life sciences. After university, I took a gap year and was a bit lost. I worked in a hospital doing research.
Sheena Li (left) with Dr Sabrina Butler operating on a pregnant woman victim of domestic abuse
My Sunday school teacher was a dental surgeon in a psychiatric centre and I asked if I could shadow him. That made a big impression on me and I decided I wanted to be a dentist, but not in private practice I wanted to reach out to people who were vulnerable and needy.
In 2003, I went to dental school in Pennsylvania in the United States for four years. Then I did a residency, training in a hospital for a year. Then, in 2008, I went to Kenya for a year, with Africa Inland Mission, as a volunteer at Kijabe Hospital.
A missionary dentist and a general surgeon who dealt with a lot of trauma to the face and the mouth mentored me. The people there were coming from war-torn Sudan and Somalia. There was one man we treated whod had a bullet lodged in his jaw for 18 years it had been left untreated and so it was infected. I learned a lot.
I returned to Toronto and worked two jobs to pay off my student debt. I worked in private practice and also joined a government program with Health Canada that flew me to places in the Canadian Arctic to do dentistry for remote groups. I wanted to do a public-health fellowship, and went to Hawaii for 18 months for that.
I wanted to go to Africa and was set for Liberia in the summer of 2014, but then Ebola happened and all staff were evacuated. Instead, I went to Papua New Guinea. I arrived at the mission hospital in 2015 to help start the dental unit. It was a two-year posting. I saw a lot of broken jaws from tribal fights injuries from machetes and rocks.
The highlands are very remote there are no roads and you can only get there by flying. Some groups there were only discovered in 1933. We treated people and shared Gods love with them regardless of whether or not they choose to believe.
Many cases I treated resulted from tribal fights and domestic violence against women. In PNG, a husband sometimes takes a second or third wife and it can lead to fights. We had one case where the man took a third wife and told his first wife to go and buy rice. She wasnt happy so he broke her jaw.
Every week, we saw broken jaws. They just pick up a rock and smash up their spouse. I also saw a lot of chronic infections: teeth abysses where the tooth has been rotting and the bone becomes infected and it can drain into their eye and the face can become swollen. People can die from a rotten tooth if they cant get to us in time.
Im going to stay in PNG for a while. Im based in Goroka with a group called Ethnos360 which has aviation, so they can fly me to the remote tribes. You have to go with people who the chief knows, otherwise its not safe. You cant just go in as someone they dont know theyll feel threatened.
Whenever you go out, you are never alone as a girl. A lot of my friends are local people and they watch out for me. People have lice and typhoid and TB (tuberculosis) and cholera Ive had all my vaccinations, but there are still risks.
Being a nine-to-five dentist didnt suit me. What Im doing now is a better fit. I see people with broken teeth, broken mouths, broken jaws, broken lives.
Im not paid for my work my church supports me. I dont make an income, but it assists with day-to-day living. But we live in abundance I dont think we lack. I may not drive a Ferrari, I dont live like a doctor, but were very content with what were doing and get so much in return.
After targeting the Centre over pending court cases, Congress president Rahul Gandhi has now hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over appointment of judges to Supreme Court and High Courts. The Congress chief has alleged that more than 100 judges, whose names have been cleared for appointment in higher judiciary, are still awaiting approval from the NDA government.
Taking to microblogging site Twitter, Rahul Gandhi alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modis ego was hurt when the name of Justice KM Joseph was proposed for appointment to the Supreme Court. Justice Joseph had, in a verdict in 2016, overturned Presidents rule in Uttarakhand as the Chief Justice of the states High Court.
Using hashtag #JudiciaryDemonetised, Rahul Gandhi tweeted, Justice K M Joseph, overturned Presidents rule in Uttarakhand in 2016. When his name was proposed for the Supreme Court, Modi jis ego was hurt. Approval of over 100 judges, cleared for the Supreme Court and various High Courts are now on hold.
Justice K M Joseph, overturned Presidents rule in Uttarakhand in 2016. When his name was proposed for the Supreme Court, Modi jis ego was hurt. Approval of over 100 judges, cleared for the Supreme Court and various High Courts are now on hold.#JudiciaryDemonetised Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) March 24, 2018
In 2016, the Centre had imposed Presidents rule in Uttarakhand, toppling Harish Rawat-led Congress government in the state. The Congress had challenged the decision in the High Court, accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of misusing its power. Justice KM Joseph later quashed the imposition of the Presidents rule in the state.
The attach by the Gandhi scion came after he raised concerns over millions of pending cases in courts and shortage of judges. Hitting out at Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, Rahul charged him with "peddling fake news" instead of strengthening the collapsing legal system.
"Legal system collapsing under Pending Cases: Supreme Court 55,000+, High Court 37 Lakh+, Lower Courts 2.6 Crore+. Yet, a staggering 400 High Court and 6,000 Lower Court judges not appointed, while Law Minister preoccupied peddling fake news," he had said on Twitter, using the hashtag #JudiciaryDemonetised.
NEW DELHI: In the wake of alleged misuse of user data on Facebook, Twitterati witnessed a war of words between the Congress president Rahul Gandhi and Union Law and IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad. Attacking the ruling government, Rahul questioned the Centre over pending court cases and appointment of judges to Supreme Court and High Courts.
Rahul's attack came following a political slugfest continues between the ruling BJP and the Congress over allegations that the opposition party has engaged the services of British consulting firm Cambridge Analytica with an eye on the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.
"Legal system collapsing under Pending Cases: Supreme Court 55,000+, High Court 37 Lakh+, Lower Courts 2.6 Crore+. Yet, a staggering 400 High Court and 6,000 Lower Court judges not appointed, while Law Minister preoccupied peddling fake news," Gandhi tweeted.
Legal system collapsing under Pending Cases: Supreme Court
55,000 + High Court
37 Lakh + Lower Courts
2.6 Crore + Yet, a staggering 400 High Court and 6,000 Lower Court judges not appointed, while Law Minister preoccupied peddling fake news. #JudiciaryDemonetised pic.twitter.com/qSpKcIuPKW Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) March 24, 2018
Taking a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over delay in appointment of judges to the Supreme Court and High Courts, he said "Justice K M Joseph, overturned President's rule in Uttarakhand in 2016. When his name was proposed for the Supreme Court, Modi jis ego was hurt. Approval of over 100 judges, cleared for the Supreme Court and various High Courts are now on hold. #JudiciaryDemonetised(sic)."
Justice K M Joseph, overturned Presidents rule in Uttarakhand in 2016. When his name was proposed for the Supreme Court, Modi jis ego was hurt. Approval of over 100 judges, cleared for the Supreme Court and various High Courts are now on hold.#JudiciaryDemonetised Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) March 24, 2018
Prasad replied Rahul in a series of tweets. "Mr. Rahul Gandhi, the notice given to Cambridge Analytica for Data Manipulation has naturally worried you. Angry, frustrated and apprehensive, you are now dragging the judiciary. Deeply reprehensible," he wrote.
Mr Rahul Gandhi, maintaining your track record your team has failed you once again by not doing their homework. Average appointments of High Court Judges under UPA-1 was 86 per year, and in UPA-2 it was 79 per year. Under NDA it has been 109 per year. pic.twitter.com/84QX8RK0jC Ravi Shankar Prasad (@rsprasad) March 24, 2018
In 2016 a record 126 High Court Judges were appointed in one year- highest since independence.
Since May 2014 NDA Govt appointed 17 SC Judges, 326 HC judges & made 304 additional judges permanent & also created 173 new posts of High Court Judges, compared to 20 created in UPA 2 pic.twitter.com/PoummhmylL Ravi Shankar Prasad (@rsprasad) March 24, 2018
Providing data and a number charts, the union minister said that the pendency of cases and appointment of judges was a legacy of the UPA government. The BJP is working hard to improve the situation, he added.
Mr Rahul Gandhi, pendency is the legacy which UPA Govt of 10years had given us where judicial infrastructure development was the lowest priority. We r improving the situation by creating more infrastructure, more digitization & greater technology application in disposal of cases pic.twitter.com/VEQ2ak8WRr Ravi Shankar Prasad (@rsprasad) March 24, 2018
"Mr Rahul Gandhi, maintaining your track record your team has failed you once again by not doing their homework. Average appointments of High Court Judges under UPA-1 was 86 per year, and in UPA-2 it was 79 per year. Under NDA it has been 109 per year," he wrote in another tweet.
After Congress president Rahul Gandhi, now former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah has targeted the Narendra Modi government over the issue of alleged Aadhaar data leak. Taking to Twitter, the National Conference leader has hit out at Union minister KJ Alphons.
Referring to a statement by Alphons that people had no problem in sharing their data for US visa but were facing problems in doing so to their own government, Omar Abdullah said that the difference is that people go for US visa voluntarily and also have the option to not apply for the visa.
Sir, the difference is that I have an option not to apply for a US visa if I find the process intrusive, he tweeted. The former J&K CM further said if people would be given an option to not share their data with the government. Will the Govt give me the choice of opting out of sharing my data with you? he added.
Earlier, Alphons had said, I filled up to 10 pages for US Visa form. We have absolutely no problem giving our fingerprints and getting body naked before the white man at all. When your own government asks for your name and address, there is a massive revolution saying it's intrusion in privacy.
Alphons had targeted Rahul Gandhi saying, You think Prime Minister Narendra Modi is going to give your data to a private company in the US. Don't believe in such fake stories.
The MoS for Electronics and Information Technology further said that what is given in Aadhaar are just name and address. Your biometric data is with UIDAI and let me assure you that it has not been breached, it's absolutely secure. We have given authorisation to govt agencies to access Aadhaar information.
Earlier, Rahul Gandhi had said on micro-blogging site Twitter, "Hi! My name is Narendra Modi. I am India's Prime Minister. When you sign up for my official App, I give all your data to my friends in American companies.
SRINAGAR: Junaid Ashraf, son of the newly elected chairman of Tehreek-e-Hurriyat Mohammad Ashraf Sehrai has joined terrorist organisation Hizbul Mujahideen, Jammu and Kashmir police said on Saturday. The information comes barely 24 hours after the separatist leader filing a missing report for his son.
"Junaid Ashraf, the 26-year-old son of Sehrai, has joined the Hizbul Mujahideen militant group," a police official said.
Earlier this week, Sehrai was appointed chairman of the separatist group after Syed Ali Shah Geelani, who held the post for 15 years, decided to step down.
The newly elected Hurriyat chief is a hardliner known for his radical ideology.
In his first interview as chairman to local Kashmiri media, Sehrai had called the Islamic State ideology's venomous and that their ideology has nothing to do with Kashmir.
He appealed the Kashmiri youth to avoid being influenced by ISIS ideology or go to extremes, and read Islamic books instead.
Sehrai's interview was released days before Junaid joined the Hizbul militant group.
Junaid, who holds an MBA degree from Kashmir University, reportedly hails from Tikipora village in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara. Mannan Wani, the AMU research scholar who joined the Hizbul in January, also hails from the same village. The two have been reported to be friends.
On Saturday, the family had lodged a report with the police after Junaid went missing following Friday prayers.
Afterwards, an image of Junaid holding an AK-47 assault rifle and wearing an armor vest went viral on social media. The accompanying photo caption read "Junaid Ashraf, who has a master's degree in business administration from Kashmir University, has been code-named Amaar Bhai."
"His picture wielding an AK-47 rifle was circulated on the social media. A message posted with the picture said Junaid had joined the Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) militant outfit," the officer added.
New Delhi: BJP president Amit Shah will be touring Karnataka for two days from Monday during which he will visit mutts associated with the Lingayat and Dalit communities.
Besides visiting a number of mutts associated with various communities, including Lingayats and Dalits, he will also address farmers' and traders' meetings, take out a road show and attend party events in the poll-bound state.
Shah will go to Siddaganga mutt on Monday and on Tuesday he will on Tuesday visit Madara Chennaiah mutt, which has been traditionally associated with Dalits.
Shah will also visit the Bekkinkal, Sirgere and Muruga mutts among others during his visit to the state's central region.
Looking forward to being in Central Karnataka for two days, where I will attend a wide range of programmes and interact with people of Tumakuru, Shivamogga, Davanagere and Chitradurga districts. pic.twitter.com/4sl1qDvNTJ Amit Shah (@AmitShah) March 25, 2018
Following the Siddaramaiah government's decision to accord minority religion status to Lingayats, who have mostly welcomed the move, Shah's visits to their holy places and meeting gurus is seen as part of his efforts to ensure that the community, the largest in the state, continues to back the BJP.
The Congress government's decision, political observers have said, is aimed at denting the vote bank of the BJP, which has declared BS Yeddyurappa its chief ministerial candidate.
The BJP is making an all-out effort to unseat the Congress in Karnataka. Congress president Rahul Gandhi has also been frequenting the state and has visited holy places linked to different religions and castes.
Rahul Gandhi attacks BJP in Karnataka:
Meanwhile, Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Sunday accused the Narendra Modi government of being 'afraid' to face the no-confidence motion moved against it. "In parliament, a no-confidence motion against the Modi government has been moved. For the past ten days it has been stalled because the government is afraid," he said at a public rally in Mysuru.
Congress President @RahulGandhi's roadshow in Mysuru during the #JanaAashirwadaYatre attracts a sea of supporters and well wishers. pic.twitter.com/vNK2oyQmkg Congress (@INCIndia) March 25, 2018
In his speeches almost devoted entirely to attack PM Modi, Rahul chided the government on the Punjab National Bank scam, foreign policy and Jammu and Kashmir situation.
Earlier, at a rally in KR Pete on Sunday, he praised the Siddaramaiah government in the state and said that it had worked for the poor, downtrodden and backward communities. Rahul even credited the CM with running a "clean government".
(With PTI inputs)
KR Pete: Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Sunday asked former prime minister HD Deve Gowda's party Janata Dal (Secular) to come clean on its support to the BJP.
"JD(S), they have to make it clear whether they are the BJP's B team or not. They (JD-S) have to make it clear whether they are supporting the BJP, if yes, why?, he asked at a public meeting in the Vokkaliga belt of the old Mysuru region, considered a JD(S) stronghold.
The Congress president, who is in the fourth round of campaigning in poll-bound Karnataka, is currently touring the old Mysuru region, where the Vokkaliga community has a significant presence. The JD(S) enjoys the support of the Vokkaligas.
Congress President @RahulGandhi's roadshow in Mysuru during the #JanaAashirwadaYatre attracts a sea of supporters and well wishers. pic.twitter.com/vNK2oyQmkg Congress (@INCIndia) March 25, 2018
Thousands of people gave a traditional welcome to Congress President @RahulGandhi in K.R. Pete of Mandya District. #JanaAashirwadaYatre pic.twitter.com/Ap2eDWK31T Karnataka Congress (@INCKarnataka) March 25, 2018
Congress President @RahulGandhi is welcomed by Darshan Puttannaiah, a leader of KRRS (Karnataka farmer's association) in Pandavapura, Mandya. #JanaAashirwadaYatre pic.twitter.com/6et6LI6LLv Congress (@INCIndia) March 25, 2018
On Saturday too, Rahul had dubbed JD(S) a "B-team" of BJP and had nicknamed JD(S) as "Janata Dal Sangh Parivar.". Taking on the JD(S), he had said 'S' in JD(S) stood for secular, "but in this election, they have got a new name JD(S) - Janata Dal Sangh Parivar."
The Congress chief had further said that the coming Assembly polls was a face-off between two ideologies - on one side BJP and RSS and on the other the Congress.
"In between, there is the third party which is the B team of BJP that is JD(S)," he had said at a public rally in Malavalli in Mandya district, PTI reported.
Rahul had told the gathering, "I will tell you. Let BJP's A team, B team or C team come together. Congress party is going to win this election."
Meanwhile, terming employment generation the "biggest problem" in the country, Rahul on Sunday attacked the BJP-led central government for "not" fulfilling the promises it had made to the people such as job creation and addressing the issue of farmers' distress.
Raising the Nirav Modi issue and alleging that the diamantaire had run away with Rs 22,000 crore, the Congress president questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's silence on the matter. "What kind of chowkidari (watchman's job) is Narendra Modi doing," he asked.
Praising the Siddaramaiah government in the state, Rahul said it had worked for the poor, downtrodden and backward communities. He even credited the CM with running a "clean government".
The Assembly election is due in Karnataka by April-May.
(With PTI inputs)
Mysuru: Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Sunday accused the Narendra Modi government of being 'afraid' to face the no-confidence motion moved against it. "In Parliament, a no-confidence motion against the Modi government has been moved. For the past ten days it has been stalled because the government is afraid," he said at a public rally in Mysuru.
Congress President @RahulGandhi's roadshow in Mysuru during the #JanaAashirwadaYatre attracts a sea of supporters and well wishers. pic.twitter.com/vNK2oyQmkg Congress (@INCIndia) March 25, 2018
The second half of the budget session of Parliament has been a complete washout since commencement with protests from Congress, AIADMK, TDP and YSR Congress Party on various issues stalling the proceedings. Congress has given the notice to move a no-confidence motion against the Modi government, becoming the third party to do so after YSRCP and TDP.
With the Lok Sabha not being in order, the no-confidence motion of YSRCP and TDP have not been taken up so far. The government has stated that it was willing for a discussion on the no-confidence motion.
"Since ten days, BJP is stalling the no-confidence motion in Parliament as it's scared": @RahulGandhi, Congress President in Mysuru pic.twitter.com/X5QKAz6eOD Karnataka Congress (@INCKarnataka) March 25, 2018
Meanwhile, in his speeches almost devoted entirely to attack PM Modi, Rahul chided the government on the Punjab National Bank scam, foreign policy and Jammu and Kashmir situation.
On the upcoming Assembly polls in Karnataka, Gandhi said he was confident of his party winning not only the state but also the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. "Congress needs to fight harder at every single booth and defeat BJP.I am confident that we will win Karnataka in 2018 and in the General Election in 2019 too," Rahul said. He added that Congress would give a tough fight to BJP in each and every booth and give them a crushing defeat.
"Congress leaders are United. In every booth, our cadre are working hard for victory. We will win Karnataka polls & then win the 2019 Lok Sabha Elections as well. Both at the State & centre, there will be Congress Govts": @RahulGandhi, Congress President pic.twitter.com/vyBVErRNRc Karnataka Congress (@INCKarnataka) March 25, 2018
Terming employment generation the "biggest problem" in the country, Rahul attacked the BJP-led central government for "not" fulfilling the promises it had made to the people such as job creation and addressing the issue of farmers' distress.
Earlier at a rally in KR Pete, he praised the Siddaramaiah government in the state and said that the CM had worked for the poor, downtrodden and backward communities. Rahul even the Siddaramaiah with running a "clean government".
(With PTI inputs)
New Delhi: Bollywood actor Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor are shooting for 'Brahmastra' in Bulgaria. The actress shared a picture from the sets with Ranbir and Ayan, she captioned it, 'It's just the beginning'
& its just the beginning.. A post shared by Alia (@aliaabhatt) on Mar 24, 2018 at 1:57am PDT
Recently, Alia Bhatt got injured on the sets of 'Brahmastra' in Bulgaria while shooting an action sequence. The actress hurt her right arm and shoulder, a DNA report claimed.
The team was shooting for a scene when Alia fell and hurt herself. She has injured her right shoulder and arm. Theres a clot in her arm, so she has been advised bed rest. She is in a lot of pain. Her right arm is bandaged and held up in a sling, so she cant exert it or her shoulder for the next 15 days," the tabloid reported. However, Alia resumed shoot sooner than expected and has reportedly wrapped up the first schedule of the film.
Post Brahmastra, Alia will be seen with Ranveer Singh in Gully Boy and with Vicky Kaushal in Raazi.
'Brahmastra' is the first instalment of the upcoming fantasy adventure trilogy by Ayan Mukerji. The film will bring Amitabh Bachchan, Ranbir and Alia together for the first time and is slated to release on Independence Day, August 15, 2019.
Global sensation Priyanka Chopra, who recently returned back to her city, seems to be missing her stay in Los Angeles. At least, that's what her top recently said it.
After her return to Mumbai, Priyanka had been making most of her time to fullest. Recently, she was recently spotted pampering herself at a salon in the city. Dressed in a white tee, brown pants and hair left loose, the actress was clicked carrying a serious expression.
She waa pair of ivory white pumps and printed sunglasses. But what caught our attention was the message on her tee that read, 'Livin in LA.'
Check out her pics:
Priyanka recently finished shooting for the third season of 'Quantico'. Though she is yet to make an official announcement of her comeback, the buzz is there that Priyanka has signed a biopic on Kalpana Chawla. She has also given her nod for Salman Khan-starrer 'Bharat', which will be directed by Ali Abbas Zafar.
The actress was also roped in to do Rakesh Sharma biopic opposite Aamir Khan, but since the superstar has been replaced by Shah Rukh Khan, she seems to have opted out of the project.
She was seen catching up with good friend Arpita Khan recently.
New Delhi: Pakistani actress Mahira Khan, who made her Bollywood debut with Shah Rukh Khan-starrer 'Raees' last year, says the Hindi film industry was never her aim.
'Raees' released in January 2017, just a few months after bilateral tensions intensified between India and Pakistan over the September 18, 2016 Uri attack that left 19 Indian soldiers dead and the September 28 surgical strikes by India on Pakistan terror camps.
Mahira spoke about the impact of the tensions on the countries' film industries on "HARDtalk on BBC World News".
'Raees' did not release in Pakistan. And Mahira was not allowed to promote the film in India as the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena gave an ultimatum to Pakistani artistes to leave the country and to keep away from its showbiz.
"At that time I was angry. I was sad and angry and there were moments of disappointment and just hurt, you know. Now I've come to a place where I believe that anger doesn't really make me a better actor. It doesn't do anything for me as a person, so I've let go of that, because at that time I was in the mix of it," said Mahira.
Didn't it stall her career in a way?
"Bollywood was never really the aim actually. I mean sure you could argue that I could have done more films there, for sure I could have. But right after 'Raees' I had already started working on (Pakistani film) Verna', even before all of this happened. My focus was always Pakistan," she said.
She said people may perceive that it was a 'big jolt to her career -- and it was -- but she has moved on.
"Currently I just feel it's just something else to be working and be part of this movement of the film industry (in Pakistan) at the moment.
"Because how I look at it, is that 20 years from now when either my son or kids from today want to become actors, we would have set this industry for them, which they won't have to struggle so much," added the 33-year-old actress, who has a son named Azlaan.
Her upcoming film 'Verna' which is based on the rape culture and politics in Pakistan, has reportedly rubbed many in Pakistan the wrong way. With a strong problem of freedom to express getting suppressed in Pakistan, has she ever considered shifting base to another country?
Mahira: "I don't think that I can tell any story better than the story of my own country, than the stories of my own countrymen. I want to be able to bring out stories like 'Verna', as well as stories which are of the modern and new generation like 'Ho Mann Jahaan', which is a film I did of the youth of Pakistan. So I want to be that person.
"Also, because we are artistes, I think that's a problem we all suffer. We are dreamers, so we are constantly looking at this is going to happen, and this is honestly all I am thinking about all the time, that one day I will go to a cinema house and there just won't be enough space to fill it."
Mahira is currently filming for 'Saat Din Mohabbat In' and 'Maula Jatt 2'.
The 'HARDtalk on BBC World News' episode with Mahira will air on Monday.
New Delhi: Actress Shraddha Kapoor, who is juggling between shooting for her upcoming films "Batti Gul Meter Chalu" and "Stree" -- both of which are set in small towns -- says she feels privileged to essay characters from the "heart of the country".
The actress has been juggling schedules between the small towns of Tehri in Uttarakhand and Chanderi in Madhya Pradesh.
"It's a real privilege to play characters who come from small towns. That's the heart of our country. There is so much to learn and absorb," Shraddha said in a statement.
According to a source close to the actress, when she approaches a character, Shraddha likes to go all out to absorb the role's characteristics. So, she is living locally, learning the local dialect of these places and she is really enjoying this opportunity to explore the remote areas of the country.
New Delhi: Comedian Kapil Sharma has grabbed a lot of eyebrows because of his Twitter war with ex-colleague Sunil Grover ahead of the launch of his comeback show 'Family Time With Kapil Sharma'. But the controversies don't seem to leave his way anytime soon.
Recently, there were reports that Bollywood actors Tiger Shroff and Disha Patani were supposed to shoot with Kapil Sharma for the second episode of Family Time With Kapil Sharma ahead of the release of their film Baaghi 2. However, Kapil has a different story to tell.
Quashing the rumours of cancelling the shoot, Kapil took to Twitter and wrote, "Tiger was never supposed to shoot for our 2nd episode, so shoot cancel hone ka sawaal hi paida nahi hota. kuch to authenticity rakha karo yaar. Twitter kya ab explanation dene ke liye hi reh gya hai?Best wishes to my brother @iTIGERSHROFF for #baaghi2 see u soon bro.. lots of love.
Tiger was never supposed to shoot for our 2nd episode, so shoot cancel hone ka sawaal hi paida nahi hota.kuch to authenticity rakha karo yaar.Twitter kya ab explanation dene ke liye hi reh gya hai?Best wishes to my brother @iTIGERSHROFF for #baaghi2 see u soon bro.. lots of love KAPIL (@KapilSharmaK9) March 24, 2018
Earlier on Friday, the channel said in a statement, There has been a technical issue on the sets which cannot be resolved immediately. Hence, todays shoot had to be rescheduled. The press conference is also been rescheduled. We will update you on the revised dates. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
In the past ( during The Kapil Sharma Show last year ), Kapil had made headlines for cancelling shoots at the eleventh hour. There were reports suggesting that he made Bollywood stars like Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn and Arjun Kapoor wait and they had to leave the sets without shooting.
Kapil's much-awaited new show is slated to go on air this weekend and the opening episode will have Ajay Devgn.
The promo of the show featuring the Raid superstar was unveiled a few days back.
The show will replace Super Dancer season 2 hosted by Shilpa Shetty, Geeta Kapoor and Anurag Basu in the prime time slot.
Lucknow/Ghaziabad: In a major crackdown on criminals in western Uttar Pradesh, three wanted law-breakers were killed while six others arrested in seven encounters in four districts, in which six policemen were also injured, officials claimed on Sunday.
Saharanpur, Ghaziabad, Gautam Buddha Nagar and Muzaffarnagar were the districts where shoot-outs took place in the past 24 hours in which three "criminals were killed and seven arrested", DIG (Law and Order) Praveen Kumar said.
Six policemen were also injured in the encounters, he told reporters in the state capital.
After it swept the UP Assembly polls, the Yogi Adityanath-led government has repeatedly claimed that improving law and order was one of its priorities.
One of the gun-fights that took place today was in Sector 119 (phase-3) area in Gautam Buddha Nagar where Shravan Chowdhury, carrying a reward of Rs 1 lakh, was injured, while his accomplice escaped, police officials said.
Chowdhury was taken to a district hospital, where he died during treatment, they said. Crime Branch Inspector Balwan Singh and constables Satyaveer and Sanjeev were also injured in the encounter, the DIG said.
In Saharanpur, a notorious gangster, Salim, was killed in a shootout in which Sub-Inspector Sachin Sharma of Mandi police station was also hurt, Saharanpur Senior Superintendent of Police Bablu Kumar said.
Acting on a late-night information that a gang had robbed a farmer of Rs 1 lakh and a motorcycle in Manoharpur village under the Sarsawa police station area, a swift action police team was deployed to nab the criminals, he said.
The SWAT team spotted bike-borne gangsters coming from Chilkana side and flagged them to stop, but they opened fire, the official said. The police returned fire, killing one of the gangsters, while another fled under the cover of darkness, he said.
The slain criminal was identified as Salim, Bablu Kumar said.
The police recovered the looted money and the bike of farmer, Nawab, besides a pistol and several rounds of cartridges, the SSP said.
Another shoot-out occurred in the area under Vijay Nagar police station in Ghaziabad, where a local history sheeter, carrying a reward of Rs 25,000, was involved, Ghaziabad SSP Vaibhav Krishna said.
Sunder (35), hailing from Pilkhuwa town, was wanted in five cases of attempt to murder, killing and robbery, he said.
SSP Krishna said the encounter took place around 8.15 pm yesterday near Akbarpur Bahrampur on national highway 24. Sunder was on a bike, and when the police signalled him to stop, he fired on the police team, he said.
The police returned fire hitting Sunder in the right leg, Krishna said, adding Vijay Nagar SHO Naresh Kumar was also injured. Both Naresh Kumar and Sunder were admitted to a hospital, officials said.
A country-made pistol, a knife and a few live cartridges were seized from Sunder, the official said.
The SSP said Sunder today died at a private hospital in Noida.
As reports of encounters poured in, UP DGP O P Singh said wrong-doers would not be spared and the long arm of the law will catch up with them.
"Encounters are not planned. But if anyone attacks us, we will deal with them with an iron hand," Singh told PTI when asked about the spate of gun-fights.
In another encounter in Noida's Dankaur town, two criminals were injured while two of their accomplices escaped, police said.
The two injured criminals, Asraf and Salim, residents of Sambhal district, were later arrested. The four persons allegedly stole a truck from the sector 39 area, police said.
The police claimed to have seized a country-made pistol, three empty cartridges, six live cartridges and a truck from their possession, they said.
Another gun-fight took place in neighbouring Dadri where Jitendra, carrying a reward of Rs 25,000 on his head, was arrested, a senior police officer said.
In Muzaffarnagar district, two criminals - Raees and Javed - were injured in a shoot-out in Budhana area after which they were arrested, police said. During the encounter a policeman, Sauveer, was also injured.
Twelve cases of loot and murder were pending against the two criminals.
In yet another encounter in Ghaziabad, a wanted criminal, Rahul, was arrested while constable Sachin was injured in the Sihani gate area, the police official said.
The Sihani Gate police last night signalled a biker to stop for checking. After halting, the rider opened fire on the police team and tried to escape. In retaliation the police fired during which the rider, later identified as Rahul, and a constable sustained bullet shot injuries, police officials said.
Both were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Rahul had committed crimes in Ghaziabad, Hapur and east Delhi, officials claimed.
Allahabad: Hindu Yuva Vahini workers were seen brandishing swords during a procession in Allahabad on Sunday on the occasion of Ram Navami.
Hindu Yuva Vahini was founded by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in April 2002 on the day on Rama Navami.
Allahabad: Hindu Yuva Vahini workers carried out a procession on the occasion of #RamNavami where they were seen brandishing swords. pic.twitter.com/ToPHFkWsfI ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) March 25, 2018
Ram Navami was celebrated across the country to honour the birth of Lord Rama. This day marks the end of nine-day Chaitra-Navratri celebrations, which is celebrated in the Hindu month of Chaitra that falls on the cusp of spring and summer.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday extended his greeting to the nation on Ram Navami. The Prime Minister took to Twitter and said, "I offer my greeting on the holy occasion of Ram Navami to all the citizens." Along with the tweet in Hindi, he posted a clip as well.
He also said in his monthly radio programme 'Mann ki Baat' on Sunday that Lord Ram and Ramayana continue to inspire and have a positive impact, not just in India, but in other parts of the world as well.
On the other hand, the ruling Trinamool Congress and the Opposition BJP organised rallies and colourful processions to celebrate Ram Navami in various parts of the West Bengal on Sunday, with the saffron party dubbing these rallies as the first step towards "uniting the Hindus" of Bengal.
The TMC in a bid to counter the rallies by the BJP and Sangh affiliates took out colourful processions and organised Ram Puja in various parts of the state and said, "BJP won't be able to use Ram Navami as an excuse to divide the people of the state".
In Kolkata, several Ram Navami rallies were organised by members of the Sangh Parivar. Colourful processions with saffron flags and posters were taken out with participants shouting slogans hailing Lord Rama.
(With Agency inputs)
Berlin: German police on Sunday arrested Catalonia`s former president Carles Puigdemont as he crossed the border with Denmark by car, after Spain`s Supreme Court vowed to prosecute key separatists over their breakaway bid.
The arrest comes five months after Puigdemont went on the run as Spanish prosecutors sought to charge him in the wake of a vote by the Catalan parliament to declare independence.
Puigdemont`s detention puts his fate in the hands of German courts, which will have to decide whether to pass him to Spanish authorities to face charges of "rebellion and misuse of public funds".
In Barcelona, thousands of people -- many carrying Catalan separatist flags -- marched in protest against the arrest, chanting "Puigdemont our president" and "Freedom for the political prisoners".
Some protesters threw rubbish bins at Catalan police, who responded by beating demonstrators with their batons or firing warning shots in the air.
Puigdemont`s arrest is the latest chapter in a secession saga that has bitterly divided Catalans and triggered Spain`s worst political crisis in decades.
Puigdemont "was arrested today (Sunday) at 11:19 am by Schleswig-Holstein`s highway patrol force," a German police spokesman told AFP, adding that the detention was based on a European warrant.
The former Catalan leader will be brought before a judge on Monday to "verify the identity of the person arrested," German prosecutors said separately, adding that the court will then decide if he is to remain in custody pending extradition proceedings.
The arrest comes two days after Spain`s supreme court issued international arrest warrants for 13 Catalan separatists including Puigdemont and his nominated successor Jordi Turull over their role in the region`s failed bid for independence.
The court said they would be prosecuted for "rebellion", a charge which carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison.
Nine of the 13 face charges of rebellion and misuse of public funds. The other four are wanted for rebellion only. Twelve more face less serious charges like disobedience.
Issuing the warrant for Puigdemont on Friday, Judge Pablo Llarena accused the ousted Catalan leader of organising an independence referendum in October last year despite a ban from Madrid.
The vote had been swiftly followed by the Catalan parliament`s declaration of independence on October 27.
As Spanish authorities moved in to impose direct rule over the region, Puigdemont and four other deputies fled to Belgium.
Hours after Puigdemont was detained in Germany, a spokesman from Police Scotland said one of these deputies, Clara Ponsati, who has since gone to Scotland and is one of the 13 wanted for both rebellion and misuse of public funds, was "making arrangements" to surrender to authorities there. Puigdemont had been visiting Finland since Thursday, but slipped out of the Nordic country before Finnish police could detain him.
Puigdemont`s party spokeswoman Anna Grabalosa said the arrest "happened as he crossed the Danish-German border".
Puigdemont`s lawyer Jaume Alonso-Cuevillas, added on Twitter that he was picked up by German police as he was travelling back to Belgium to "present himself, as always, at the disposal of Belgian courts".
Spanish police said the arrest came thanks to a "coordinated operation between police and the CNI", Spain`s intelligence agency.
German authorities have 60 days to decide whether to extradite Puigdemont to Spain.
Elsa Artadi, a spokeswoman for Puigdemont`s Together for Catalonia party, said that he should fight his extradition to Spain.
"Spain does not guarantee a fair trial; only revenge and repression," she wrote on Twitter.In Barcelona, thousands answered a call by hardcore separatists, the Committees for the Defence of the Republic (CDR), to protest against Puigdemont`s arrest.
"What they are doing these days is totally disproportionate, we are being treated like criminals for wanting independence," Rosa Vela, a 60-year-old teacher, told AFP.
Albert Rivera, the leader of the centrist party Ciudadanos which was set up in Catalonia to fight against separatism, welcomed Puigdemont`s arrest.
"The flight of the coup leader Puigdemont is over. Trying to destroy a European democracy, bypassing democratic laws, breaking up coexistence or misusing public money cannot enjoy impunity...."
While separatist parties won Catalonia`s regional elections in December called by Madrid, they have been unable to form a government as they have picked candidates are now either in exile, in jail or facing prosecution.
The Supreme Court`s decision to prosecute the group of separatists sunk the Catalan parliament deeper into a quagmire as its latest regional presidential candidate Jordi Turull was placed in custody over the breakaway bid.
That marks the third time that parliament has been thwarted in its bid to nominate a new president.
After Puigdemont was forced to withdraw his bid for the presidency as he could not return to Spain without facing arrest, another pro-independence leader Jordi Sanchez followed suit when a judge refused to let him out of jail to be sworn in.
Fresh regional elections will be triggered if a new leader is not elected by May 22.
Washington: A 30-year-old man, trying to prostitute his four-year-old daughter to several clients for sex, has been sentenced to 60 years in prison on Friday.
In 2015, the Wisconsin-based Andrew James Turley, 28-year-old at the time, posted an advertisement on Craigslist titled Play with Daddie's Little Girl. In the ad description, Turley mentioned his daughter is "younger than 10".
During interaction with a client on email, he said that the child would be given sleep-inducing medication ahead of the encounter and that he'd charge $1,000 for two hours.
According to the Harris County district attorney's office, Turley reportedly implied that his daughter "might be too young for intercourse but everything else was OK."
The client, an undercover police officer, visited Turley's apartment in November 2015, where the child lived with her mother. He was reportedly led to a bedroom, where the girl was lying unresponsive and naked under a blanket.
The child's mother was reportedly unaware of the entire incident.
Finding him guilty of trafficking a child and compelling prostitution of a minor, Turley was sentenced to 60 years in prison (30 years on each of the two charges) by a jury in Harris County, Texas. Turley will not be eligible for parole until he's 75.
Washington: US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that "many lawyers" want to help him in the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election amid speculation suggesting that the president is having difficulty finding a new attorney after the departure of one of his top legal representatives last week.
"Many lawyers and top law firms want to represent me in the Russia case...don't believe the Fake News narrative that it is hard to find a lawyer who wants to take this on," said Trump on Twitter.
The statement comes after his main attorney, John Dowd, stepped down on Thursday from his position representing Trump in Special Counsel Robert Mueller's Russia probe, Efe reported.
The Washington Post suggested this past week that Trump was having difficulty finding top-quality attorneys to represent him in the case, citing multiple advisers to the president familiar with the negotiations.
"Fame & fortune will NEVER be turned down by a lawyer, though some are conflicted," Trump continued in a pair of tweets on the subject.
According to The Post, some law firms have said that they "do not want the controversy of representing a divisive and unpopular president" while others have claimed that they have existing clients presenting conflicts of interest should they also take on Trump as a client.
In any case, Trump said that the "Problem is that a new...lawyer or law firm will take months to get up to speed (if for no other reason than they can bill more), which is unfair to our great country -- and I am very happy with my existing team."
"Besides, there was NO COLLUSION with Russia, except by Crooked Hillary and the Dems!" he concluded.
Last week, Trump's attorneys provided documents to Mueller on the Russia matter with the aim of avoiding having the president personally interviewed as part of that investigation, The Post reported.
The daily, citing two sources familiar with the facts, said that the documents included written descriptions of key moments and incidents under investigation in the hope of reducing the possibility that Mueller might question the mogul.
Trump's legal team, according to the same sources, is concerned that the magnate might expose himself legally in a lengthy interview, above all because of his well-known tendency for making imprecise and/or factually inaccurate statements.
None Ukrainian soldier was injured as a result of shootings
The militants shot at Ukrainian positions 13 times over past 24 hours, as Donbas conflict HQ reports.
Russian troops fired at Ukrainian defense works from various grenade launchers in Donetsk sector near Kamianka (Donetsk region). Militants used grenade launchers and heavy machine guns to shoot at Armed Forces positions near Lebedynske and Novotroitske (Donetsk region).
Besides, Ukrainian positions near Starohnativka, Pavlopil, and Butivka mine (Donetsk region) were under fire as well.
The militants shot from grenade launchers and heavy machine guns at Ukrainian positions near Troitske (Luhansk region), they used small arms not far from Shchastya.
None Ukrainian soldier was injured as a result of shootings.
Earlier, the militants performed three shootings on March 23. The ceasefire was obeyed on March 21-22.
Open source
One Ukrainian soldier died as a result of enemy fire in the area of Donbas conflict in Eastern Ukraine. This is stated in the summary of the press center of the HQ as of 18:00 on Facebook.
"Unfortunately, as a result of the enemy fire, one Ukrainian defender died," the headquarters said.
From the beginning of the day, 19 shellings of Ukrainian positions in the Donetsk direction were reported.
In particular, from the 120 mm mortar shells banned by the Minsk agreements, the aggressor fired Ukrainian positions in the Opytne and Lebedynske, and from 82 mortar shells and a tank fired near Pisky. Also, 82-mm mortars were used by the enemy regarding the defenders of Talakivka, grenade launchers of various systems - on the defenders of Avdiivka, Bohdanivka and Shyrokine, and large-caliber machine guns along our fortifications in the vicinity of Verkhnyotoretske.
In addition, from the small arms, the occupiers fired upon the positions of Ukrainian forces near the Butivka, Kamyanka mines and three times the Maryinka.
Silence remained in Luhansk direction.
Related: 35 people missing in fire in Kemerovo, Russia
Carles Puigdemont, Catalan leader El Periodico
German police detained the former head of the Catalan government Carles Puigdemont after crossing the border with Denmark. This is reported by El Pais with reference to the lawyer of the politician.
Puigdemont was detained shortly after noon in the federal state of Schleswig-Holstein on the basis of the European arrest warrant issued by Spain. He traveled to Denmark by car and headed for Hamburg, from where he intended to go to Belgium.
Thus, the German criminal code provides for crimes that are incriminated to Puigdemont in Spain, from 10 years of imprisonment to life imprisonment.
According to the lawyer, the German police are now carrying out all the necessary checks within the framework of the European arrest warrant.
Earlier, Carles Puigdemont left the territory of Finland, thus avoiding arrest.
We recall that the Supreme Court of Spain issued a European arrest warrant for the former chairman of the Catalan government and four other politicians who left Spain.
Note that on October 1 in Catalonia, a referendum on independence was held. According to the results, 90.18% voted for independence with 43% turnout. The Spanish government did not recognize the de facto declaration of independence by Catalonia.
On October 27, the Catalan government voted to declare independence from Spain.
At the same time, the Senate of Spain voted for the introduction of Art. 155 of the Constitution of the country, according to which the self-government in Catalonia is suspended. On the same day, Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy dismissed the parliament of Catalonia and announced new elections. After the report in the official newspaper of the Spanish government, the power in Catalonia passed to the government in Madrid.
After that, the former head of Catalonia Carles Puigdemont left for Belgium, along with five members of his government. The Belgian authorities said that Puigdemont could be on the territory of the country, like any citizen of a European country. Later, the suspended leader of Catalonia said that he would be in Belgium until the early elections to the Catalan parliament.
Related: Freedom Day in Belarus: government conducts detentions
TASS
Russian President Vladimir Putin will not allow anyone to outstep the red lines of the national interests of the country, RIA Novosti reports the statement of his press secretary Dmitry Peskov.
"The international agenda is rather tense, rather unfavorable for Russia. Putin's foreign policy - namely, he defines the country's foreign policy - is consistent, constructive, aimed at building good relations with all states. As the president himself says, politics has so advanced form as far as the states themselves are ready for this, "Peskov said.
He added that Putin "will not allow anyone to outstep the red lines of Russia's national interests."
We recall, on March 15, the United States of America extended sanctions against the Russian Federation. It is noted that the sanctions were extended against 14 private individuals and the company "Internet Research Agency". In addition, sanctions on five persons and four companies were specified.
Sanctions were imposed by the United States and its NATO allies, as well as a number of other countries against the Russian Federation, following the illegal annexation of Ukrainian Crimea by this country and intervention in military operations in eastern Ukraine.
In January, the US expanded sanctions against the Russian Federation due to aggression against Ukraine. The EU officially extended for six months restrictive measures against 150 citizens and 38 Russian companies until September 15, 2018.
Related: 35 people missing in fire in Kemerovo, Russia
The Telegraph
The Polish Foreign Ministry considers unjustified accusations that Warsaw is trying to choose heroes for Ukraine. This was stated by the Deputy Foreign Minister of Poland Bartosz Cichocki, Wpolityce reports.
"The point of view that Warsaw wants to choose Ukraine's heroes or influence the content of Ukrainian history books is completely unjustified," he said.
But, according to Cichocki, the Polish government will never agree to the Poles being deprived of the right to bury their relatives.
The politician stressed that the issues of historical memory between the countries are still acute, because Ukraine was not interested in the Polish proposal to create a "political mechanism for their settlement."
Earlier, Cichocki said that there is no crisis in Polish-Ukrainian relations. As an example, he cited the cooperation of states in the defense sphere and the position of Warsaw on the question of annexation of Crimea and Russian aggression in Donbas.
Also Cihotsky stressed that Poland "is the leader of pro-Ukrainian initiatives and consistently supports Kyiv." From the latter, Warsaw made it easier for Ukrainians to access their market, which allows them to work legally and earn money.
According to him, even in the "field of history" there is a lasting cooperation, for example, in the preservation of monuments and cemeteries.
Related: Ukraine doesn't expel Russian diplomats following example of Europe
mil.gov.ua
Ukraine does not expel Russian diplomats following the example of Europe, as this will mean the automatic expulsion of Ukrainian consuls from the Russian Federation, whose presence in the country is extremely important for Ukrainian political prisoners. This was announced on Facebook page by First Vice Speaker of Parliament, representative of Ukraine in the humanitarian subgroup of the Tripartite Contact Group Iryna Gerashchenko.
"I'm tired of the unprofessionalism... There is no Russian ambassador in Ukraine for a long time, we did not accept agreement for a new ambassador, as there is no Ukrainian ambassador to Russia. Our diplomatic relations are reduced to a critical minimum, the embassies have a few diplomats and consuls. The deportation of Russian consuls will cause the expulsion of Ukrainian consuls - and our political prisoners in Russia will remain face-to-face with the mordor, without the chance to see the Ukrainian representative at least once in a few months, to feel minimal support, "she said.
Gerashchenko reminded that Stanislav Klykh, Mykila Karpyuk, Roman Suschenko, Pavlo Gryb, and others remain in Russian prisons.
As reported, earlier the Western media reported that the US and about 20 European countries are preparing to expel Russian diplomats associated with Moscow spy networks.
A week ago, Russian diplomats were expelled from Great Britain. This was the result of ignoring demand of London to provide explanations for the so-called "case of Skripal."
Related: Skripal case: Kremlin calls actions of London "unprecedented rudeness"
Open source
Ukraine switched to summer time. The hands of the clock were moved an hour forward at 3:00 on Sunday, March 25.
This annual procedure is carried out to save energy consumption. However, the transition to another time regime leads to a deterioration of sleep, the work of the cardiovascular and immune systems, as well as other metabolic processes.
Removing the hands of the clock for summer time on the territory of Ukraine is carried out every year since 1981. It is believed that this leads to more efficient use of daylight hours during the summer.
Earlier it was stipulated that in 2012 the clock hands in Ukraine will be moved for the last time. But the Ukrainian authorities did not consider this issue, so the process of moving the clock twice a year remained a tradition of the country.
The transition to seasonal time is carried out in more than one hundred countries of the world. In particular, the US and Canada have already switched to summer time. All the countries of the world that operate on such a system move the hands of the clock on different days. In Jordan, the clock is moved according to the scheme "last Thursday in March - the last Friday of September", and in Brazil - "the third Sunday in February - the third Sunday in October." In addition, many agrarian countries refused to switch to "summer" time, because the working day there provides the highest efficiency during the daytime.
In Europe, only Iceland, Belarus and Russia do not switch to summer time. In the post-Soviet space the watch hands are moved only in Ukraine and Moldova. Earlier in 2011, the Russian Federation decided not to switch to winter time. But the last country that refused this was Turkey.
Related: Shopping mall caught fire in Russian city of Kemerovo, four children died
Belarusian opposition holds meetings on Freedom Day every year on March 25. Last year the meeting was unsanctioned, which resulted in detentions of participants, including journalists
Public figures are being detained in Belarus. They are believed to organize an unsanctioned demonstration in Minsk on Freedom Day, as Euroradio reports.
The message says that detentions were conducted in the regions previously and will be continued on Sunday.
Slavomyr Adamovych, Belarusian poet and public figure, was detained in Maryina Horka. He was taken from the train on his way to Minsk to celebrate the 100th anniversary since Belarus was declared independent and took him to the District Office of Internal Affairs, Elena Tolstaya, the spokesperson of Rasam, solidarity movement, wrote on Facebook.
The journalist Olha Chaychyz was detained on her way to Minsk.
It is also known that Mikola Statkevich, opposition politician, former presidential candidate of 2010 Belarus presidential elections, was detained on Sunday in Minsk, as Viasna Human Rights Center reported.
Belarusian opposition holds meetings on Freedom Day every year on March 25. Last year the meeting was unsanctioned, which resulted in detentions of participants, including journalists.
Belarusian Peoples Republic was declared in 1918 by the group of Belarusian national movement. The Republic existed as an independent state from 1918 to 1919.
Russia intends to connect its territory on the Far East with North Korea, as The Washington Post reported referring to its resource.
It was informed, that Russia is connected with North Koreas territory by the railway link over the Tuman River on the border. The construction of the new bridge is important for transporting goods without entering China.
North Korean authorities informed, that there are more than 20 checkpoints between North Korea and China, and none with Russia. The new bridge will allow to reduce and cheapen Russian export to North Korea.
Russia and North Korea negotiated this week. The news agency reports that the construction of the new bridge extends beyond UN sanctions against North Korea.
Certainly, Russia and North Korea have a trading history. During the Cold War the Soviet Union was a huge North Koreas financial ally, accounting for as much as half of North Korea's foreign trade during the 1970s and 1980s, as the news agency informs.
Groysman said that today Ukraine has to build production and develop its product
Volodymyr Groysman, Ukraines PM, believes that Ukraines Government decision to terminate economic cooperation program with Russia will benefit Ukraine, balance its export policy and make the state stronger. He stated this in the interview for one of the channels, Governments press-office reports.
It was Russia to take unacceptable steps the war in Donbas, economic pressure. That is why we had to make this decision. Our export to Europe and Asia is increasing. Due to the termination, we become even stronger, the PM stated.
Groysman said that today Ukraine has to build production and develop its product. I am happy, that we are independent from Russia now. We have our own huge potential, the Prime Minister said.
Earlier, it was reported that the Cabinet of Ministers intends to terminate economic cooperation programs with Russia for 2011-2020 and create a state agency Office on attracting and support of investments.
Security Service officers are true professionals, thanks to them Ukraine manages to counter the Hybrid War and Kremlins covert operations on the territory of our State. I am grateful to the Service staff for their work for the sake of victory and Ukraines future! Poroshenko said
Ukraines President Petro Poroshenko, Volodymyr Groysman, Ukraines PM, and Oleksandr Turchynov, Secretary of the National Security and Defence Council congratulated the officers of the Security Service of Ukraine with their professional holiday and thanked them for their service on Facebook.
Security Service officers are true professionals, thanks to them Ukraine manages to counter the Hybrid War and Kremlins covert operations on the territory of our State. I am grateful to the Service staff for their work for the sake of victory and Ukraines future! Poroshenko wrote.
Volodymyr Groysman, Ukraines PM, noted that the Security Service is experiencing qualitative changes and introduces new work approaches upon criterions of the EU and NATO Ukraines partners.
On the behalf of the government and me personally, congratulations on the professional holiday! I wish the servicemen of Ukraines Security Service a peaceful sky, good health, patience and strength to counter external and internal danger, welfare and personal happiness. The future of our state depends on your service, the Prime Minister stated.
Oleksandr Turchynov, Secretary of the National Security joint the congratulations:
I sincerely congratulate the staff of the Security Service of Ukraine! I would like to say thank you to the Security officers, who endeavoured to release captivated Ukrainian soldiers and civilians! I wish you to be always on top at work and in life! I wish you good health, welfare and inexhaustible energy! God bless you and your families!
Vasyl Hrytsak, the Head of the Security Service of Ukraine, conveyed congratulations on the occasion of the 26th anniversary of SBU formation. He also honoured the memory of 23 officers who died in Donbas conflict zone.
Ukrainian Security Service officers are fighting on the visible and invisible fronts and protect national interests of the state, along with legal rights and freedoms of the civilians. The entire country became a front for us. We neutralize the enemy not only in Donbas conflict zone, but also in the deep home front. We bow down before our 23 heroes, who gave their lives in the battle with the enemy, which ruined the homeland, Hrytsak reminded.
All honour to the officers of the Security Service of Ukraine, SBU veterans for their loyalty to the oath. Your courage, scrupulous honesty and high professional level are the main virtues of an effective protection of the states security. With all my heart I wish you and your families good health, welfare, patience, new professional accomplishments and success in your service! SBU Head added.
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.
League of Municipalities report tries to push public-private broadband partnerships while critic says government should get out of the way
Erin Wynia, legislative counsel for the N.C. League of Municipalities, talks to reporters in the state legislative building after delivering remarks at a press conference encouraging greater broadband Internet access in the state. (CJ photo by Dan Way)
State laws and regulations prevent municipalities from collaborating with Internet Service Providers in public-private partnerships that could bridge the urban-rural digital divide, the N.C. League of Municipalities says.A group of municipal officials held a press conference Wednesday, March 21, with state Rep. John Szoka, R-Cumberland, to unveil a new report titledsaid Jacksonville Mayor Pro Tem Michael Lazzara, League of Municipalities president.But an expert who acknowledges an urban-rural gap between the quality of available online services says government investment often funds technologies that are outdated by the time they become functional. Removing regulations and enabling private investment, in his view, could close that gap faster and cheaper than creating hybrid government/private entities.Szoka urged legislative colleagues to use the report's recommendations as guidance for action.Among other things, the League's report cites three potential public-private partnership models with varying levels of local government involvement, financial risk, and control. The goal is to connect 637,671 North Carolina residents identified by the Federal Communications Commission as lacking high-speed internet to a broadband service.Among those, 95 percent of them, or 607,431, live in rural areas. Officials with the league say the FCC's estimate of the number of underserved North Carolinians is too low.In a telephone interview, David Williams, president of the Washington, D.C.-based Taxpayers Protection Alliance, agreed with the authors that connecting rural, isolated, and underserved areas to fast broadband Internet access is vital. But he firmly opposes public-private partnerships, favoring greater free market solutions.Williams said of public-private systems.Szoka, a primary sponsor of House Bill 68 , the BRIGHT Futures Act, was joined at the press conference by Rep. Kevin Corbin, R-Macon, who co-sponsored the measure.Szoka said. The measure passed the House 109-8. It is in the Senate Committee on Rules and Operations.Szoka said the Senate needs to act on his bill in the upcoming short session. He believes senators could use the report's recommendations to further strengthen H.B. 68.Szoka said.He said the urban-rural divide wouldn't be solved by throwing money at problems, or viewing industrial recruitment to rural areas as a silver bullet.Szoka said.said Erin Wynia, League of Municipalities general counsel. The report, which she co-authored, casts broadband as a modern equivalent to legacy government infrastructure such as roads, water and sewer service, electricity and natural gas.Different types of technology are possible, along with differing ways government could help connect unserved areas, she said. They include fiber strands, the poles that the fibers run between, plastic conduit pipes buried underground, or antennas and electronics that light up fibers carrying data from one point to another.But before local governments can engage in public-private partnerships they need legislation to raise money through taxes and bonds, to spend money on broadband infrastructure, and to lease infrastructure to private and nonprofit entities that would operate and profit from use of the infrastructure.Williams counters that broadband isn't a true infrastructure. Local governments characterize it as a utility, though, to open a floodgate of subsidies.he said. He cited KentuckyWired as an example of a failed public-private partnership. It is supposed to wire all Kentucky counties with 3,400 miles of cable. In two years it has completed only about 60 miles.The private company in a Utah public-private partnership wanted the government to impose a $20 fee on everyone's electric utility bills to recoup its investment, even if the utility customer wasn't using the broadband service, Williams said. A Wyoming partnership said it would break even in about 1,200 years.Government involvement should be restricted to things such as temporary tax breaks for equipment purchases, or rescinding regulations that impede broadband access, Williams said.The private sector has invested trillions of dollars into development and deployment of internet technology over the past 20 years, and is better suited to building out its networks than government is, Williams said.He said government involvement doesn't keep pace with emerging technologies. Taxpayers might foot a bill over decades for technology that becomes obsolete long before then.Indeed, he noted, on the FCC meeting agenda for Thursday, March 22, is consideration of removing regulations on 5G internet, an emerging technology that's faster, less expensive, and easier to install.Williams said.
Remarks by President Trump at the Generation Next Summit Panel Discussion with Charlie Kirk
Press Release:
Eisenhower Executive Office Building 2:21 P.M. EST
MR. KIRK: So, thank you, Mr. President.
THE PRESIDENT: Nice group.
MR. KIRK: This is a great audience of millennial leaders from all across the country. So thank you for taking the time to address us today.
So, this morning you signed some very historic - you know, a historic piece of regulation against China. They've been stealing our jobs for many years now, and the critics have said that, you know, this will trigger a trade war. I like to say we've been in a trade war for 40 years. So you -
THE PRESIDENT: And losing.
MR. KIRK: That's right. That's correct. (Laughter.) So thank you for what you're doing to stand up for the American worker. Would you like to comment on that and what it means -
THE PRESIDENT: Well, it was an honor, actually, doing it. We had a great news conference a little while ago. And it's Section 301. It's a very complex pile of words. But, honestly, it's very simple. And the simplicity is what makes it beautiful.
Look, we've lost, I mean, so many factories - probably 60,000 factories. Nobody can even believe it. In fact, when I first heard the number, I said, "That can't be real." We lost anywhere from 6 [million] to 7 million jobs over a relatively short period of time. And it's a whole different thing.
Now, I have to tell you, they're coming back. Over the last year, we are bringing jobs back. As of about two weeks ago, 153 million jobs. It's the highest number of jobs we've ever had in our country. So it is coming back.
But we're losing $375 billion with China. It could be $504 billion, depending on the way you count. A lot of different ways of counting. But no matter how you count, it's bad.
And we're doing something that will be the start of making trade with China more fair. We're so far down. And our Presidents, frankly - our past Presidents should never have allowed this to happen. This has been many, many years. It's sort of like the Middle East. How did that happen? And other things. How did all of these things happen? And North Korea - how did this happen, where it got so bad? I shouldn't be the one negotiating North Korea. This should have been done years ago, Charlie. This should have been done by somebody before they were in the position that they're in right now.
But we got stuck with a lot of beauties, but we'll fix them. (Laughter.) We'll fix them. (Applause.)
MR. KIRK: I would like to say, if a Democrat President accomplished one-tenth of what you've done over the last year, they would say it's historic and it's unbelievable. And so, what you've done for the American people to change the trajectory and save this country and our generation is quite phenomenal.
So let's talk about tax reform. The Democrats call it "crumbs." A thousand dollars is not crumbs to the young people in this room. It's the biggest middle-class tax cut in American history, but it's also the biggest young person - essentially, the millennial tax cut. So talk about the amazing economic benefits that we're seeing thanks to the tax cut package that you championed and you successfully got through Congress.
THE PRESIDENT: Okay, Charlie. And a couple of things: The individual mandate was knocked out by itself, that would be a big bill. Knocking out the - (applause). This is for Obamacare, where you have the privilege of paying a lot of money so that you don't have to buy bad healthcare. Okay? And we got it knocked out. That was a big thing.
And ANWR - we have that approved, which is tremendous in terms of one of the great energy reservoirs in the world. And they've been working on it. Reagan tried. Bush tried. Every President was trying to get it approved, and we got it approved. And that was part of our bill.
And then, of course, we have the tremendous tax cuts for people. And I guess if you think about it, millennials starting out, you have a tremendous advantage now over what you had. You're going to pay less taxes. You have far more incentive. You're going to have a lot more money left in your paycheck to spend. And that's part of the beauty. And we're seeing it, and we're seeing the numbers.
And, you know, we were at about 1.2 percent GDP. We've now hit 3, and another 3, and a 3.2. And we'll see what this next quarter is. That could be a good quarter.
Our businesses are flourishing. Jobs are - now, people are going to have choice. And that's choice of jobs. You know, before, if they got one job, they'd stay there even if they didn't like it because they had no alternative. Now, people are going out and they're looking at five, six, seven jobs, and they're making a choice. So that really works out.
But young people coming out of college, coming out of even high school. We're trying a very big push for vocational schools. I like the name vocational school, where somebody is good at fixing motors. I remember I'd be in school, in lower schools, and I'd be doing a test. And there would be somebody on my right who was not too good. (Laughter.) This was not a great student. This was not going to be Einstein, academically. Okay? (Laughter.) And, yet, that person could fix an engine or a motor so - he was incredible. Blind folded. And, by the way, that's what he liked. And that's probably - I don't know, we lost track - but it's probably what he ended up doing. But he had a great ability at that - far greater than me or far greater than other people. But he'll never be a student, nor did he want that kind of learning, that kind of whatever you want to call it.
So we need vocational schools. Now, they call them, a lot of times, community colleges. I don't think it's an accurate definition.
We're having a lot of companies come into the United States. We need workers. And, by the way, illegal immigration - which will be probably one part of a question but I'll give you the answer right now - we want people to come into our country, but we want them to come in based on merit. Because we're going to need these people because we have tremendous numbers of companies coming in, whether it's Chrysler leaving Mexico and coming into Michigan, or Foxconn - you know, Foxconn is going to open up a tremendous place in Wisconsin, and we're very proud of that because that was a deal that nobody even thought was happening or could happen.
Apple - they make a lot of the Apple products - Apple is taking $350 billion and they're coming into our country with - building here. And I said to Tim Cook a long time ago, "Tim, it's wonderful, Apple - it's nice - but we want you to build the places here." And he said, because of our tax, because of what we've done, they're bringing in - they're actually bringing in about $240 billion, but they're going to be investing $350 billion on new plants and a tremendous campus and lots of other things.
So it's very exciting, and very exciting for millennials. Very, very exciting for jobs.
MR. KIRK: Absolutely. And black youth unemployment at an all-time low. (Applause.) Latino youth unemployment at an all-time low. (Applause.)
THE PRESIDENT: That's true. All-time low, black unemployment. I'm very proud of that. And Hispanic unemployment, all-time low. Woman - women unemployment, the lowest in 18 years. We're doing great. We're really doing great. And I really believe that - I don't want to sound braggadocios - (laughter) - but I think that there's never been an administration that's done as much as we've done in the first year.
You know, if you look at regulations - forget about tax - I think the cutting of the regulations may be as important or more important than even the tremendous tax cuts.
MR. KIRK: That's right. And you said you would get rid of one regulation - two regulations for every one. And I think it's now 22 for every 1, thanks to your leadership with that.
THE PRESIDENT: And that will be 22 for 1. (Applause.)
MR. KIRK: That's absolutely amazing. It's amazing. And so, shifting gears for a minute here, one of the other things that you've done so successfully during your campaign and presidency is crush political correctness. And what the college network that we represent - I represent an organization on 1,200 college and high school campuses - is it's harder than ever to espouse support of your presidency and the ideas that you're fighting for. So thank you for what you're doing to help give us the courage of our convictions to fight against political correctness.
But what advice do you have for young patriots and conservatives on campus that support your agenda that are being ridiculed and silenced because of administrators that are clamping down on free speech?
THE PRESIDENT: So, Charlie, it's a great question. I think the numbers are actually much different than people think. I think we have a lot of support. If they have one campus or two campuses that we know what they are, it gets all the publicity.
We have campuses where you have a vast majority of people that are, perhaps, like many of the people in this room - you could call it conservative, you call it whatever you want - but they're people that want free speech. If you look at what's going on with free speech, with the super left, with Antifa, with all of these characters - I'll tell you what, they get a lot of publicity. But you go to the real campuses and you go all over the country or you go out to the Middle-West, you go out even to the coast in many cases, we have a tremendous support. I would say we have majority support. I think it's highly overblown. Highly overblown.
MR. KIRK: I totally agree. And we see it on the ground, and people say, "Hey, I'm a Trump supporter, I'm just not allowed to say it because of the culture that's been created by the administrators and the professors." And kind of piggybacking off of that, what you see on college campuses, and the speakers being disinvited and, you know, the assault on these ideas, I think it's so important what your administration is doing for the Department of Justice to support these lawsuits to help advance this free speech movement on campus.
So, kind of talking generationally in general, this is something that I'm quite curious about, and a lot of people ask me: I consider you to be one of the most successful businesspeople in American history, and your successful presidential run is something that all people, young people included, should look up to. What advice would you give to the 25-year-old Donald Trump, knowing what you know today? (Laughter.)
THE PRESIDENT: Don't run for President. (Laughter and applause.)
MR. KIRK: But we're glad you did.
THE PRESIDENT: You know, I was talking to Mercedes and Sarah walking off - you know, the Oval Office is right across the street - and I said, all my life I've gotten really - you know, look, we all get, every once and a while, a knock - but I got the greatest publicity. I was getting such great - until I ran for office. (Laughter.)
But it's been - people get it. People really do get it. There is a lot of fake news out there. Nobody had any idea. And, you know, I'm actually proud of the fact that I exposed it, to a large extent. Because we exposed it. (Applause.) It's something - it's an achievement.
And you have some great news. And you know, when I say, "fake," I don't mean everybody. Not every one of those many people back there. I just say we have shown something that a lot of people didn't really understand. If you look at approval rating, their approval rating is - sorry, folks - it's down the tubes. (Laughter.) Because people have found out how dishonest it is. However, you have some great, great reporters. You have some great people in the press, people that I have tremendous respect for. And it is that way, also. And that's very important. And it's also reassuring to know that, you know, that's the fact.
MR. KIRK: Absolutely. And your capacity to be able to fight back against the press - and look, they say - they talk about your approval ratings - these are the same people that said you were going to lose in a landslide victory, and now we're supposed to believe these approval rating polls.
THE PRESIDENT: Well, I think a lot of the polls are not real too, because there were - a couple of them got us right, but a lot of them didn't. And lot of them purposely didn't, because, you know, they set an expectation when they give you a certain poll. People say, "Oh, gee, I think I'm not going to vote. I love Trump but he's not going to be able to make." So they'll go to a movie and they'll say, "We'll go home and we'll watch later." And they go home and they watch and they say, "Gee, if only we voted." But they really voted. In 2016, they came out and they voted. There was nobody that stayed home.
And as you know, the results were far greater than the polls. Now, a lot of people just don't want to talk about it. They say, you know, we love Trump but we don't have to talk about it. We love - what do we love? We love a strong military. We like low taxes. We like all of the things that are happening now, jobs, tremendous cutting in regulation. All of the things that you see happening right now, they like that. They don't have to talk about it.
They went into the booth - and you know, look, this was the big story. People came out that nobody knew existed. And the Democrats are looking for those people right now. (Laughter.)
I got a tremendous number of people from the Obama administration, where they voted for Obama - President Obama - they voted for him and they voted for me. They voted for Bernie Sanders - a lot of people - and I think because he was right about trade. The difference is I know how to fix the problem, not just talk about it. But he was right and that's what we're doing. That's why we had the 301 meeting today on China.
But Bernie Sanders was very strong on saying that we're getting ripped off on trade. He happened to be right. And I got a lot of Sanders voters. Who would think that? You know, you would think I would have gotten virtually none, but many of them came - that was a big part of the difference between Hillary Clinton and myself.
So we have a tremendous amount of support. And it's sort of an interesting thing: Sometimes they say, "You add nine. Whatever Trump's poll number is, add nine." People don't want to talk about it. They don't want to be bothered. But when they get into the voting booth, they say, "Vote Trump."
You know, we gave a speech the other night in Pennsylvania for a very nice guy, Rick Saccone. And it was - the level of love in that room was incredible. We were in Pensacola, Florida a couple of weeks ago. The place was just rocking. Now, I don't know if it's transferable. They say a lot of it's not transferable. They may like me. They may vote for me. They're all saying I'm going to do great in 2020. I mean, you know, let's see what happens, right?
But I don't - they don't know if it's transferable. I hope it's transferable because we have to do our agenda. We have to win in '18. We have to get the agenda. We need more Republicans.
We could also, by the way, get rid of the filibuster situation going on in the Senate. I feel very strongly about that. It would make life a lot easy - easier. But you look at some of the votes - we would get so many more votes - if you could work that with youth - get rid of it, because certain senators just want to keep it. But it makes things a little bit tougher.
But I will say, we need more Republicans and we're going to get your taxes - you know, I don't know I you know but we're - I was with Kevin Brady the other day. We're starting a phase two on tax cuts. We're going to get more tax cuts and we're going to be very focused again on the middle class. We're going to get a phase-two tax cut because it worked so well. Nobody thought it would be like this. It worked so - the word "crumbs" is going to be like the word "deplorable," I think, for Hillary. (Applause.)
MR. KIRK: Totally agree. And -
THE PRESIDENT: Hey, Charlie, when she said the word - I was watching that speech, and I thought it was, you know, not very nice, but I didn't see it that bad. And the next day, I'm at a speech and women are coming in, "I'm a deplorable." The husband, "I'm a deplorable." And I say, "What's going on?" That word really - and it was a basic -
MR. KIRK: Irredeemable.
THE PRESIDENT: It was a - that's right. She actually said "deplorable and irredeemable." Irredeemable is probably worse. (Laughter.)
MR. KIRK: She was reading off a teleprompter.
Perhaps the Last Real Democrat has died in Georgia
Zell Bryan Miller
(February 24, 1932 March 23, 2018)
I have met Zell Miller several times in my life but cannot say I was anything more than just another person he met during his storied Political Career. I posted a story about one of my escapades during the 1970s. I left out the rest of the story. After the incident with the transmission we went to a local Hotel to wait for transportation. It was early morning and we encountered Zell Miller and a "bevy" of supporters in the bar. He was at that time a big wheel in the Democratic party. Common sense and propriety motivated me to leave that part of the Drag Racing story out of the article in this link: Drag Racing In Atlanta
Like most Marines, Zell would tell you what he had on his mind regardless of what you thought of him. He left the senate with the admonition that he was sick of the crap in Washington. Contrary to what some might think, I voted for Zell Miller (A Democrat) on several occasions. I did not always agree with his positions but that is what makes political choices so interesting. You must look at the sum total of a candidate's beliefs and choose those that more accurately match our own. Here is a summation of his life after his passing recently at the age of 86.
Here is an extract of his life from Wikipidea: Miller's successor as governor, Roy Barnes, appointed Miller to a U.S. Senate seat following the death of Republican Sen. Paul Coverdell in July 2000. While the Democratic Party's historic control of Georgia politics had waned for years, Miller remained popular. He defeated Mack Mattingly in a special election to keep the seat in November 2000. Miller often supported Republicans and criticized Democrats during his tenure in the Senate. He supported much of George W. Bush's agenda, including tax cuts and oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. He supported pro-life policies as a senator, after supporting abortion rights as governor. However, Miller remained a Democrat, saying, "I'll be a Democrat 'til the day I die." Miller campaigned for fellow Georgia Democrat Max Cleland in his 2002 re-election campaign against Republican Congressman Saxby Chambliss, despite their ideological differences. Miller argued in his book A National Party No More: The Conscience of a Conservative Democrat (authored and published in 2003) that the Democratic Party lost its majority because it does not stand for the same ideals that it did in the era of John F. Kennedy. He argued that the Democratic Party, as it now stands, is a far left-wing party that is out of touch with the America of today and that the Republican Party now embraces the conservative Democratic ideals that he has held for so long. The book spent nine weeks in the New York Times Best Seller list for hardback non-fiction, rising to fourth position. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zell_Miller
Perhaps in what time I have remaining I will find another "DEMOCRAT" to vote for. I am growing weary of voting for "DEMOCRATS" cloaked in Republican robes. I dearly wish my "Libertarian" party would gain some traction in the public's mind. Semper fi Zell
In its latest bigoted move against anything that doesn't share DNA with a loaf of Wonder Bread, the Trump Administration unveiled a new policy on Friday that will all but eliminate the ability of transgendered patriots to serve in the military.
It's the continuation of shit that he's hoped would stick to Washington's bureaucratic walls in the past: in August of last year, Trump sent Defense Secretary Jim Mattis a memo that ordered him to change a policy put in place by the Obama administration. The policy allowed transgendered soldiers to proudly lay their lives on the line for their country and receive the quality medical care they deserve in thanks for their service.
The force behind Trump's stab at transgender service members comes from a policy laid out by the Pentagon and the Justice Department in February: it states that military personnel need to be available for deployment for up to a year at a time. If you can't hack that, you can't stay in the ranks. That could temporarily interrupt the military career of individuals who plan on having a child or come down with a severe illness that requires extensive medical treatment outside of a war zone. But it absolutely screws anyone seeking gender reassignment surgery, which can span multiple, complex visits under the knife. It actually sounds reasonable, when you think of it in terms of medical care and deployability. But that's because it's supposed to: the most hateful bile often comes from the mouths of seemingly rational men.
Given that thousands of transgender personnel currently serve the nation with honor, I call bullshit: If they've been able to do their jobs up until now, there's no reason that others with the guts to put on a uniform, no matter how they identify, couldn't do the same.
According to USA Today, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi called the ban what it isa load of bullshit: "This latest memorandum is the same cowardly, disgusting ban the president announced last summer," Pelosi said. "No one with the strength and bravery to serve in the U.S. military should be turned away because of who they are. The president's hateful ban is purpose-built to humiliate our brave transgender members of the military who serve with honor and dignity."
Given that Trump was too much of a chickenshit to answer the call to service in Vietnam, I'm personally amazed that he wouldn't relish the opportunity to have anybody stand in harms way to protect his flabby orange ass. But here we are. You can bet that we'll be watching this story as it develops.
Image: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Mark Logico This Image was released by the United States Navy with the ID 100522-N-7498L-130 (next).
After you #DeleteFacebook (here's step-by-step instructions, because they make it damned hard), you'll be wanting to replace the services it provided like instant messaging, event planning, and social news sharing.
In Wired, Louise Matsakis gives her recommendations for alternatives to Facebook: Nuzzel for social news; Signal for messaging; Paperless Post and Doodle for event-planning; your calendar for Birthday reminders; Nextdoor for local swap-meets; GroupMe for group discussions; and a password manager for logins.
This week's On the Media presents an excellent series on Facebook and the media coverage, and I was especially interested in Clay Shirky's point that Facebook isn't successful because it's so good at hosting group message-boards; rather, its magic lies in finding people to form groups with. If you have a rare disease, Facebook can help you find people in the same situation to trade tips and support with.
But Facebook is primarily oriented around "engagement" making things "go viral" and get shared and clicked, which is utterly beside the point when the major value-add from Facebook is the ability to have small, specialized discussions with people who are hard to locate otherwise. It suggests a roadmap for people planning their own Facebook killers, centered around solving this real human problem without creating a new one that drives their business model for one thing, an interest-oriented people-finder is easy to place relevant advertising on without spying on people, much in the same way that Twitter lets you target an ad to people who share or post with a given hashtag.
(I also liked Shirky's point that Germany is performing the same role in privacy rules that California serves in auto-safety; just like automakers ensure that all the cars they sell everywhere can pass California's strict safety and emissions standards, online services are now making privacy policies for everyone that pass muster in Germany)
While deleting Facebook might feel like a step in a more private direction, it's ultimately not going to do much to change the online digital economy that profits by collecting your personal information and selling it to data brokers. Facebook collects arguably the most private information, but plenty of other popular social networking apps like Snapchat and Twitter collect your data too. That's their entire business model: When you're not paying for a product, you are the product. Even your internet-service provider is likely collecting your personal information. In fact, through its expansive ad network, Facebook even collects info from people who aren't even on the platform. Still, deleting your Facebook account will prevent some of your personal info from being sucked up, and might make you feel better too. And with a few choice downloads, you won't miss a thing.
Deleting Facebook? Here Are the Best Alternatives For What You'll Miss [Louise Matsakis/Wired]
(Image: Torley, CC-BY-SA)
News / National
by Stephen Jakes
Coalition of Democrats presidential candidate Elton Mangoma has condemned in strongest terms the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission Chairperson' Priscilla Chigumba's trip to Russia with special adviser to the president Christopher Mutsvbangwa which he said shows that the elections will not be free and fair."There will never be free and fair elections I n Zimbabwe Coalition of Democrats (CODE) have condemned Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC)Chairperson Justice Priscilla Chigumba's trip to Russia with Presidential adviser Christopher Mutsvangwa to observe the just ended Russian Elections. President Mangoma together with other CODE members have noted with concern that Zimbabwe will never have free and fair 2018 elections because ZEC is not indpendent as it claims to be bt its a puppet of ZANU PF," Mangoma said."Similarly with the case of Chiefs Council Chief Fortune Charumbira who accompanied Mnangagwa to the A.U summit violating the constitutional provisions that require traditional leaders to be independent . Section 280 of the constitution clearly states that traditional leaders should not belong to any political party or act in a partisan manner in the discharge of their duties or further the interest of a political party . We hope the European Union will bring an observer mission during the election period to expose ZANU PF."
News / National
by Staff reporter
Former Simba Makoni top ally Harry Peter Wilson who recently formed his own party, the Democratic Opposition Party (DOP) has challenged President Emmerson Mnangagwa to solve the on-going cash crisis if he was sincere about stabilising the economy.This comes after long queues in the second largest city have been growing in the past few weeks.While Mnangagwa's government has claimed to have signed several mega deals with various foreign countries in his first 100 days in office, the financial situation in the country has remained subdued with cash crisis blighting his economic revival efforts."When ED ascended to the office, a lot of Zimbabweans were very hopeful for a better future," Wilson said."He came promising so much by his administration. But so far nothing materialistic is on the table."Wilson said it is sad that up to date the cash crisis has persisted with long-suffering Zimbabweans sleeping in bank queues to withdraw cash as little as $20."Mnangagwa is proud, he is bragging all over about the turnaround of the economy which some of us are not seeing."We only hear and read about it in the media, it's all propaganda but on the ground, the story is different," he said."What this chap (Mnangagwa) should realise is that the same people who are sleeping in bank queues are the same who are supposed to vote for him."People are tired of promises, fake promises for that matter."Why not solve the cash crisis first then we can talk about development in the country."People want tangible things," Wilson said.The opposition leader said Mnangagwa should translate talk into action."We cannot tell the world Zimbabwe is open for business yet we have a banking system that is in shambles."How can an investor survive on $20 a day?"We must be realistic on the path of transformation of our economy if we want to sustainable economic."
News / National
by Staff reporter
In a marked departure from its previous tough stance against Zimbabwe, the United States of America has given President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his administration significant encouragement - which should lead to the normalisation of relations between the two countries if Harare manages this year's watershed elections well.With ousted former president Robert Mugabe's relations with the West having been toxic for most of the past two decades, the US government has to date been renewing its targeted sanctions against Zimbabwe and the country's then top leadership.But on Thursday, Washington introduced a Bill which amends the biting Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Act (Zidera), which introduced tough sanctions against Mugabe personally, as well as many of his senior officials and State entities.The new Bill, now referred to as the Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Amendment Act of 2018, does not only contain conditions which are specific to Mnangagwa's new dispensation - but if these conditions are met, will see Trump's administration completely removing the current sanctions and re-establishing wholesome relations with Harare.US Senators Jeff Flake and Chris Coons, who are both members of Washington's Senate Foreign Relations Committee, introduced the Bill which clearly lays out the framework for both currencies and future American relations with Zimbabwe.According to the Bill, the US will fully embrace Zimbabwe if Mnangagwa's government implements a raft of measures which include setting up an independent electoral body; allowing Zimbabweans in the Diaspora to vote; this year's elections being both free and fair, and taking place without the involvement of the country's military."The Defence Forces of Zimbabwe are neither permitted to actively participate in campaigning for any candidate nor to intimidate voters, and must verifiably and credibly uphold their constitutionally-mandated duty to respect the fundamental rights and freedoms of all persons and be non-partisan in character."(Observers should be) permitted to observe the entire electoral process, both prior to, on, and following voting day, including by monitoring polling stations and counting centres, and are able to independently operate in a manner enabling them to access and analyse vote tallying, tabulation, and the transmission and content of voting results."Candidates should be allowed free and full access to State media, which must afford equal time and coverage to all registered parties in an impartial manner, and must be able to campaign in an environment that is free from intimidation and violence," reads part of the new Bill.Other conditions that are included in the new Bill are that the government releases without cost to all registered political parties print and digital formats of the biometric voter registration roll."Civil Society Organisations must freely and independently be able to carry out voter and civic education, and to monitor the entire electoral process, including by observing, recording and transmitting public-posted or announced voting results, including at the ward, constituency, and all higher levels of the vote-tallying process, including through the conduct of one or more parallel vote tabulation exercises," the new Bill demands further.Since assuming office in November last year - on the back of a military-assisted intervention - Mnangagwa has embarked on a spirited campaign to end Zimbabwe's international isolation.The 75-year-old Zanu PF leader has so far played nice with not just the Americans, but also other Western powers, as well as Russia and China. However, his critics have accused his government of not prioritising law and electoral reforms at home.This has seen rights and opposition political groups demanding sweeping reforms - including the addressing of past violations such as Gukurahundi, Operation Murambatsvina and the violence that followed the hotly-disputed 2008 polls - all of which date back to Mugabe's era.Washington's new Bill also demands that Mnangagwa's government looks into all these outstanding issues, including repealing restrictive laws such as the much-criticised Public Order Security Act (Posa).Mnangagwa - who served as Mugabe's right-hand man for five decades - signed into law the National Reconciliation Bill in January this year, which seeks to address previous conflicts such as the Gukurahundi massacres of the early 1980s.Early this month, Zimbabwe's new president also appointed a former High Court judge, Sello Nare, to head the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC) - two years after the death of Cyril Ndebele who previously chaired it.Since the fall of Mugabe late last year, civil society groups have stepped up pressure on the new government to deal with all the outstanding issues emanating that require urgent attention.Topping the issues that civic groups want Mnangagwa and his government to deal with is the emotive Gukurahundi killings.During his maiden appearance at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland in January, Mnangagwa said the government was keen to address Gukurahundi."We are not saying the past must be thrown away from history, it has happened, it is there. Just a week ago, I signed a Bill - the National Healing and Reconciliation Bill - into an Act and have assigned one of my vice presidents to deal with that so that the communities that were affected can air their grievances ... and with recommendations from that commission we should be able to address those issues," he said."Let me assure you, just recently I had a meeting with chiefs from Matabeleland, discussing with them, because I feel there is that bad patch in our history and we would want to correct it ... we would want to say whatever wrong was committed we must say the government of the day must apologise."Wherever a community has suffered any injury, if it is possible to repair that injury, do it. So, as a community, as a government and traditional leaders we have agreed on how to deal with that issue. I am happy (about) that," Mnangagwa added.
Opinion / Columnist
Nelson Chamisa might look young and energetic, but he lacks the intelligence in contemporary politics. He is still stuck in the Stone Age where he thinks people are gullible and can be sold anything.His visit to Harare Hospital's maternity section yesterday is an indication that he lacks tactic and has no clue on how to approach voters. Mere visits to hospitals, fake promises and lies will not win him any votes; it is the same barren script pursued by his predecessor Morgan Tsvangirai, God Rest His Dear Soul.Lack of originality is what's moving Chamisa to tow Tsvangirai's line. Some opinion leaders in the community have expressed their dismay at the line that Chamisa has chosen to tow. "Does this young man think we have forgotten all the false promises and lies that we were fed by his departed boss, if he thinks he deserves our vote, then he should change his approach," said one political analyst who chose to remain anonymous.Chamisa should understand that promises are like crying babies in the theatre, they should be carried out at once. If he feels he can improve the situation better than it already is at the moment that would be a welcome move to prove to the people that he can do it. Modern day rhetoric calls for action to support one's utterances, not Chamisa's stone-age promises that never come to fruition.Since Chamisa's maiden appearance as the head of the MDC-T, he has exhibited lack of wisdom and traits of ignorance about the constituency he wishes to lure. He believes that lies will put him over and win him the election. It shows that Morgan had not groomed any of his deputies to take over in his absence, as such the young man is in the political wilderness, not sure of the modus operandi to use. Someone should tell the young man that he should be careful because most of the times, promises based on ignorance always come to haunt one in the future.One would think that Chamisa's lies about the President of the United States of America, Donald Trump allegedly promising Zimbabwe US$15billion if the MDC Alliance wins the forthcoming elections, would have taught him a lesson when he was asked to withdraw his statement. But no, he seems to take pleasure in ushering these false promises, he should know that broken vows are like broken mirrors, they leave those who held to them bleeding and starring at fractured images of themselves, and for that, Chamisa is decampaigning himself big time. When ZANU PF wins the forthcoming elections, Chamisa should be reminded that he rigged himself by thinking people are gullible.It is also apparent that his lack of originality has not made him resort to recycle stone-age campaign tactics that don't apply anymore but has also turned him into a copy-cat. We all know who was doing hospital visits lately, it has been the First Lady, Auxillia Mnangagwa, and she made efforts to improve the services she found lacking during her hospital visits. She lobbied for the mobile cancer screening van which has been across the country even as far as the peripherals offering free cancer screening to women and girls. What change have Chamisa proffered to Harare Hospital or even to that child that he pretentiously held lovingly?The formation of a GNU gave the MDC T the responsibility to run the Ministry of Health and Child Care to prove itself worthy by improving on the conditions and services. They failed to improve anything, instead they left the health care Ministry in a worse state than it was. MDC-T should know that it is not fair to ask others to do what they are not willing to do themselves.As if this was not enough to prove their fake and failed policies, now Chamisa is at it again promising bullet trains in an economy that needs its health sector revamped. Bullet trains are a luxury that Zimbabwe doesn't need at this moment, however, the call by President Mnangagwa that Zimbabwe is open for business is what this country needs and the ripple effects of Foreign Direct Investment will result into improving other sectors such as the Health Sector. Chamisa should understand that it is often easier to fight for your principles than to live up them, stop pointing fingers and deliver.
Fredericton police responded to at least 30 calls Friday night and into Saturday morning, including an armed robbery on Prospect Street.
Police said a business was robbed just before 9 p.m. Friday by a male who fled in a dark-coloured sedan. Police would not say which business was robbed, or what weapon was used, but are asking anyone with information to contact them or Crime Stoppers.
That was the start of a busy night for Fredericton police.
At 11 p.m., they responded to a break and enter in progress at a vacant residence on the city's south side. Police said a lone male broke into a residence and fled the area before they arrived.
Shortly after midnight, police responded to a "serious assault" at a bar on the south side. A woman was taken to hospital with what police described as non life-threatening injuries. The investigation is ongoing, but police said the assault is not believed to be random.
Police cars spray painted
At 1:30 a.m. Saturday, four youths were arrested while spray-painting Fredericton police vehicles that were parked at the station, according to police. Police believe the same youths had spray-painted and broken windows out of vehicles parked in the Frederick Square parking garage. Two of the youths will be appearing in court on a later date on multiple charges of mischief and property damage.
Fredericton Police Sgt. Shane Duffy said it was a busy night for officers, but not uncommon.
"We have spurts like that fairly commonly," he said.
When Juanita Jacobs retired last year from nursing after 36 years she didn't start taking it easy.
Instead, the Corner Brook woman decided to volunteer on a medical ship that travelled to Papua New Guinea, north of Australia.
"I'm always looking for, I guess, areas in the world that I can help," she told the Corner Brook Morning Show on Tuesday, after several weeks away.
She and a friend had travelled to the area last year, after she learned about YWAM Youth With A Mission, a Christian missionary organization and recently returned from a second stint on the boat.
"I was retiring, I wanted to continue to use medical skills, and he researched and found that ship, and we volunteered there. It was awesome, an awesome experience."
Just the basics
The vessel delivers dental care on the ship itself and provides primary care for anything from malaria and tuberculosis to broken bones along with on land vaccinations, and optometry services, including, occasionally, cataract surgery.
Jacobs who volunteered with friend Debbie Murley, a retired teacher from Corner Brook said the villages visited by the ship were much more basic than what people are used to in Canada.
"Houses built on sticks, there's no grocery stores in those communities. A market would include blankets on the ground or something on the ground with fresh fruit and vegetables being sold," she said.
"Some of the villages do have small health-care clinics with maybe one worker. Some of the centres are bigger than that, obviously, but very basic. There's no places to go shopping, and malls or movies or anything like that. It's very small communities, many times."
The nurse said volunteering gave her a new appreciation for things we take for granted in Canada.
"Babies in this city right now do not have to worry about good health care, including vaccinations," she said.
"I've seen many children in that country, two and three years old, who've never been vaccinated for anything. Children, siblings, who've died of malaria, TB, and that is heart-wrenching when you're assessing babies and you realize the history of the family."
Story continues
Work is a gift
Still, she considers the work she's been able to do a privilege.
"You retire at a point that you think, 'OK, what's next for me? Like, is my medical career over?' And then we found the ship, and when I went there, I honestly felt invigorated to continue to use the skills that I've learned from so many people over 36 years, to still use them in such primitive ways. It was definitely a gift to me."
Environment Canada issued a snowfall warning for areas in northern Manitoba Sunday afternoon.
The Pas, Wanless, Westray, Clearwater Lake Provincial Park, Flin Flon, Cranberry Portage, and Snow Lake have been issued a snowfall warning, with total amounts expected between 15 to 25 cm.
People in those areas are advised to stay updated via warning updates, radio, and social media, Environment Canada said.
Snowfall is expected to slow late Sunday evening.
Ivanka Trump challenged her father President Donald Trump over his treatment of her husband, Jared Kushner, during the 2016 presidential campaign, Vanity Fair reported Friday.
A campaign staffer told the publication that Ivanka burst into her fathers Trump Tower office to take him to task for his treatment of her husband, who worked as an adviser on his presidential campaign.
09_25_Ivanka_Trump_Kushner_emails
Win McNamee/Getty
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Hes left his business to be a part of this. You have no idea what hes sacrificing to be here and how hard he is working for you, the First Daughter added.
When she said how much his conduct had hurt her and her husband, Trump reportedly "caved" immediately, and replied.
All right, all right, all right. What does he want?
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After Trump was elected President, he appointed Kushner as an adviser with a sprawling set of responsibilities, including brokering Middle East peace deal and relations with Mexico.
However the appointment of John Kelly as White House chief of staff saw his portfolio reduced, according to multiple reports in November.
In February, Kushners security clearance was downgraded, and it was reported that Special Counsel Robert Mueller is probing Kushner's efforts to secure financing from foreign investors during the presidential transition as well as his contact with Russians during the presidential campaign.
Jared and Ivanka have also faced accusations of conflict of interest since taking their White House roles, with officials from other countries reportedly discussing how to gain influence over Kushner by exploiting his business ties and inexperience.
This article was first written by Newsweek
More from Newsweek
More than 180 robots built by students from more than a dozen Manitoba schools duked it out on Saturday, battling over rough terrain and in sumo wrestling rings for the title of best bot.
"We don't actually make them smarter. What we do is we help reveal to students how smart they are and how capable they are, and how they can go on to greater and better things in this area," said Herb Reynolds, chair of the planning committee for the 23rd annual Manitoba Robot Games.
The event, held in the Field House at Winnipeg's Tec Voc High School, was open to some of the province's youngest builders, ranging from kids who haven't yet started school to teens about to graduate. Some of them have been working on their inventions for months, Reynolds said.
"I love it," said Emily Thorlakson, 10. This year was her fifth at the competition, and her little black-and-white robot, Baby, fought it out in the mini sumo wrestling category.
She built it from a kit at home in about six hours, she said, and it made her feel "incredible."
"I just love being able to build a robot and fight with it," she said.
Julian Kleinsasser, 17, has been competing in the event since he was in Grade 4, he said. Now in Grade 11 at Crystal Springs School in Ste. Agathe, Man., he brought three robots he built named Donkey, Try Harder and Faultier the last "sloth" in German, named after the sloth from the Ice Age movies.
"It's fun. I like building stuff like that. It's a great environment. The races are fun, the people are awesome," he said.
He said building a robot is "pretty simple," as long as you've got the right materials and have a plan.
"You just build it, test it. Something breaks, you just do it again."
'1st rule of robots is: robots break'
In addition to robot sumo wrestling, where robots try to push each other out of a ring, machines could also compete in the "super scramble" a rough-terrain race and a tractor pull, among other events. The operators of the top three bots get a plaque, a cash prize, a T-shirt and a trophy they keep for the year.
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Reynolds said between 180 and 200 robots were registered, with more than 200 student creators behind them.
He said the most important part of the event to him is what students take away from it.
"What students get is some experience doing something and making something work," he said. "They do wiring, they do mechanical work, they design and most of all, they solve problems, because the first rule of robots is: robots break."
This year's Manitoba Robot Games started at 10 a.m. and ran until 5 p.m. on Saturday. Participants paid $5 per robot and admission was free.
When Muhammed Reyis's family was forced out of Syria and moved to Turkey to work, his dreams of graduating high school came to an end.
"We had to work there to support our family," said the 20-year-old, who grew up with four siblings. "We weren't able to go to school."
He knew better than to dare dream of going to university, he said.
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Then the Reyises signed up in Turkey for a program that could allow the seven-member family to immigrate to Canada.
There were hurdles, Reyis said, but eventually the family was accepted and arrived in the country two years ago.
"On the first day I came to Canada, I wasn't even able to say my name [or] how to introduce myself," said the teen, who now speaks three languages, including English.
Welcome to New Brunswick
But soon, his old dreams about going to school were back. He was inspired by people who worked while going to school, so he got a part-time job at the Delta Hotel in Fredericton.
And he became a student at Fredericton High School, where he's relied heavily on his teachers and peers. He's also worked hard at his studies and has managed a 94 per cent average.
This week, the Grade 12 student was accepted at the University of New Brunswick, where he hopes to study engineering, a dream he had as a little boy.
"I met a lot of people in my classes going to UNB, doing engineering there," he said. "There's a lot of Arabic people here that I know that are going into engineering too, so they were all part of the decision that I made."
Got news at lunch
Reyis found out he had been accepted while checking his email on a lunch break this week.
"I read the email that said, 'You have been accepted into the engineering program at UNB" he said. "I was like, 'Does that mean I got accepted?'"
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His English teacher reassured him he was in. And the excitement continued once his parents heard the news.
In Syria and Turkey, Reyis said, his mom and dad never imagined him graduating from university.
"Oh my God, they were so happy," he said. "That was their dream since I was a little kid, to be able to do university and finish my education."
Good friends
Krista Reid was one of the first people to find out about Reyis's acceptance. She took part in the First Fredericton Friends program, which helps immigrant families get settled.
"The people that are coming here are very driven," she said. "They want a good life. They want an excellent life for their kids."
When she signed up for the program, she was expected to visit the family four to six hours a week. That quickly turned to 20 hours, as she helped the family find an apartment and the children do their homework. This week, the family is getting help with their taxes.
"We just became such good friends," Reid said.
After he graduates from university, Reyis hopes to get a job in New Brunswick.
"I'm really thankful for being a part of this community," he said.
Diane Bergeron was deemed legally blind at a young age, but being visually impaired hasn't stopped her from living a full, independent life.
Bergeron is vice-president of engagement and international affairs with the Canadian National Institute for the Blind. She became a CNIB client when she was first considered legally blind, at the age of 10.
The organization is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, giving Bergeron an opportunity to reflect on the strides she's made since she lost her sight as a child.
Back to basics
"It's really important for people who lose their sight to learn how to be safe in their external environments in their community, but also in their own homes," Bergeron told CBC Radio's Ottawa Morning.
People who are visually impaired have to deal with a lot that those with sight might not even think about. They have to learn and re-learn basic life skills as well, which is something the CNIB does," Bergeron said.
"Learning how to iron without burning yourself, how to rearrange your closet to make sure you're not wearing pink pants and purple shirts," she said. "Just trying to keep yourself together so that you can get back to a life that is independent and you can go out in the world and be safe."
Since age 10, with the help of the organization, Bergeron has learned how to be independent. She went on to earn a master's degree, become a parent and travel around the world for work with her guide dog.
Nothing like a good book
The CNIB was created in 1918 to support veterans who had lost their sight after being injured in the First World War. The organization's precursor was a group of helpful people who volunteered their time to read to the blind.
One of the organization's more well-known programs is its partnership with the Centre for Equitable Library Access.
The partnership sends audiobooks to CNIB members in the mail, so that getting lost in a good book isn't exclusively for people who can see. These days books are also available for download online.
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For Bergeron, who says she reads about five books a week, the most profound experience in her time with the CNIB was when her daughter was struggling to read.
"She was in Grade 2 and she couldn't identify letters and we realized as a blind parent I couldn't show her the printed letters and the words," she said. "So CNIB had volunteers come to my house to help my daughter read, and within six months she was reading at an advanced level for her age."
The CNIB's birthday celebrations begin March 31.
Welcome to NJC for this last show of March. Unfortunately you are stuck with me... by the way my name is O'shea Adagio and I am the host of another show here on CKCU called Vintage Love. I will do my best to fill these 2 hours with the music that you have come to expect from the NJC crew... but hopefully you will be gentle if I am not able to fill those shoes. Anyway, thank you for tuning into New Jack City and I hope you enjoy the music tonight.. or I should say, this morning. :-) Guest Host: O'shea Adagio CKCU 03.1FM www.ckcufm.com Request Line: (613)520-CKCU
The arguments came in the case of Jack Greene, whose November execution was halted by the Arkansas Supreme Court
Lawyers for the state of Arkansas argued Friday that the state prison director has long had the power to determine a death row inmate's sanity and that now isn't the time to change the way it moves the prisoners closer to their executions.
The arguments came in the case of Jack Greene, whose November execution was halted by the Arkansas Supreme Court so it could review his attorneys' arguments that the state correction director, Wendy Kelley, should not be deciding whether he is competent enough to be executed.
Greene's lawyers say doctors have found Greene delusional but Kelley has chosen to rely on outdated assessments of Greene's mental health in determining whether he's eligible to be executed. Greene's lawyers also have argued that Kelley shouldn't be making the determination because her boss, Gov. Asa Hutchinson, sets execution dates.
In papers filed at the state Supreme Court on Friday, assistant attorney general Kathryn Henry wrote that states are entitled to set the guidelines for review, as long as there is a "basic fairness." She also claims that, under the Arkansas Constitution, Greene cannot sue Kelley.
While previous court decisions didn't define "basic fairness," the presumption is that an inmate who is sane at his trial is sane until his execution, Henry wrote. "Only after 'a substantial threshold showing of insanity'" can an inmate win a review - and that review can be "far less formal than a trial," she wrote.
Against his lawyers' advice, Greene has insisted in a number of venues that he is not insane. State lawyers say that is reason enough for justices to dissolve the stay that was issued shortly before Greene's scheduled execution last Nov. 9.
A week before the execution date, a circuit judge said she couldn't hold a hearing on Greene's competence because, under state law, Kelley had the "exclusive authority" to determine whether the inmate was sane enough to be executed. The Arkansas Supreme Court later voted 5-2 to issue a stay and take Greene's case for review, rejecting state arguments.
Greene was convicted of killing Sidney Burnett in an attack that the Supreme Court previously described as "butchery and torture." He bound Burnett, beat him with a can of hominy, stomped on him and cut him from his mouth to an ear before shooting him in the chest and head.
"I knew what I was doing to him. I couldn't stand what I was doing to him. And I put the gun to his head and killed him," Greene told the state Parole Board last year. He also said his lawyers were making up stories about his having delusions.
Arkansas currently does not have a full supply of execution drugs, as 75 vials of vecuronium bromide have expired. The drug is used to stop the inmates' breathing while 2 other drugs sedate them and stop their hearts.
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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
Associated Press, March 24, 2018
Two Australian citizens in custody in Sydney are among 5 men facing the death penalty in Lebanon for their part in a planned airplane bombing last year.
Senior Lebanon military court judge Alaa Khatib has recommended the 5 men face death by firing squad for their part in the alleged terror plot, The Australian reports.
The attack would have seen the plotters detonate bombs hidden in a Barbie doll and a meat grinder on an Etihad flight from Sydney to Abu Dhabi on July 15 last year, killing 400 passengers and crew.
Amer Khayat, who is a dual dual Australian-Lebanese citizen, is the only 1 of the 5 in jail in Lebanon and would be the 1st to face the firing squad. The others, including the 2 men in custody in Sydney, will be trialled in absentia.
Lebanese authorities detained Sydney man Khayat last July after learning he had visited Tripoli multiple times to get married, only to get divorced a short time after.
During questioning Khayat allegedly revealed his attempt to smuggle explosives aboard the flight.
The plan was thwarted after hand luggage containing the devices was found to be overweight at check-in and left at the counter.
The bag is believed to have contained a self-timed bomb, hidden inside a doll.
That bomb upon detonation would have detonated another bomb hidden inside the grinder, stored in a 2nd carry-on bag.
Lebanese authorities notified Australian authorities of their findings, prompting a series of raids across Sydney late in July.
Amer's brothers Khaled and Mahmout were subsequently arrested and charged with 2 counts of planning a terrorist attack.
A 3rd brother Tareq, an ISIS commander, is in hiding in Syria. The 5th accused - a relative of the Khayats based in Sydney - was investigated by police, but no evidence was found to support suspicions he took part in the plot.
All 5 men stand accused by Lebanese authorities of participating in terrorist activities, being part of a terrorist group and scheming to commit mass murder.
| Report an error, an omission, a typo; suggest a story or a new angle to an existing story; submit a piece, a comment; recommend a resource; contact the webmaster, contact us: deathpenaltynews@gmail.com
Opposed to Capital Punishment? Help us keep this blog up and running! DONATE!
"One is absolutely sickened, not by the crimes that the wicked have committed,
but by the punishments that the good have inflicted." -- Oscar Wilde
9news.com.au, March 24, 2018
More than 400 convicts have been put to death since 1990, rights activists say.
Not until this month did the news come out, when the mans mother notified a campaigner against the death penalty, Andrey Poluda, TUT.by reported
Europes major transnational organizations denounced the latest execution.
Once again we stand firm against any death sentence imposed by the Belarusian judiciary and any executions carried out in that country, Yves Cruchten, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europes general rapporteur on the abolition of the death penalty, and Andrea Rigoni, PACE rapporteur on the situation in Belarus, said in an 8 March statement
Cruchten and Rigoni once again called upon the government to place a moratorium on executions.
Belarus has remained outside the Council of Europe, Europes chief human rights watchdog, largely over the organizations opposition to capital punishment.
The European Union also condemned any use of the death penalty and called on Belarus to introduce without delay a moratorium on the death penalty as a first step towards its abolition.
Belarus is the only country in Europe or the Commonwealth of Independent States where the death penalty is still used. Trials in capital cases and executions take place behind a veil of secrecy. Relatives of condemned people are not informed about their executions and the place of burial remains unknown.
Poluda is active in Belaruss best known rights group, Vesna, a rare open opponent of capital punishment in the country.
Hyderabad: Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University (PJTSAU) on Saturday signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Canadian Zeolite Corporation to undertake research studies on using of natural Zeolite for improving crop yields.
A Memorandum of Agreement was signed by the registrar, PJTSAU, Dr S. Sudheer Kumar and Balapratap Reddy of Indo-Can Zeolite corporation in the presence of Dr V. Praveen Rao, VC PJTSAU to undertake research studies by testing of natural Zeolite for development of various applications establishing crop yield patterns, optimisation of utility of fertilisers, moisture conservation etc.,
Further, as part of this MoA they may conduct research trials on evaporation index in different soils in addition to agronomic, economic, social and environmental benefits of improved nutrient management practices in paddy, cotton, chillies, and maize crops.
The Cabinet of Ministers announced the largest ever road construction and repair efforts in Ukraine, Ryanair discount carrier signed the long-awaited cooperation agreement with the airports Boryspil and Lviv, the government severed economic relations with Russia, while the agrarians continue to demand from deputies to give them back VAT refunds for oilseeds exports - these are the key economic developments of the outgoing week.
Spring is gaining ground, slowly but confidently. However, along with the snow, asphalt on Ukrainian highways has also been melting, traditionally. The problem with roads remains quite acute, despite the fact that the road overhaul is the main priority in the work of the government and billions of dollars are being allocated for these purposes. Moreover, the Cabinet is not going to stop at this: by 2020, they plan to have spent an astonishing UAH 300 billion for road construction and repair.
"Starting in 2016, we have solved a lot of problems that have been accumulating over the years, and started repair and construction. We clearly see the condition of Ukrainian roads as millions of people are forced to drive amid countless pits," Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman stated frankly at a government meeting on Wednesday.
Along with the allocation of funds, the Cabinet intends to pay more attention to the quality of roadworks. Unfair contractors are threatened with sanctions. They will have to re-do repairs for their own cost. In addition, contractors will be required to provide a five-year quality guarantee.
Minister of Infrastructure Volodymyr Omelyan specified that this year, the road management agency, Ukravtodor, received an unprecedented UAH 30 million to control the quality of the works performed.
Ryanair now in Ukraine
Europe's largest discount carrier has finally come to Ukraine after more than a year of dramatic and scandalous negotiations. On Friday, CEOs of Boryspil and Lviv airports signed contracts with Ryanair's top executive in the presence of the Minister of Infrastructure Omelyan and even President Petro Poroshenko, who arrived precisely to attend at the event.
It should be assumed that the parties have reached a certain compromise. Last year, Boryspil CEO Pavlo Ryabikin called Ryanair's tough demands for discounts the main reason for the disruption of talks. The initial demands could result in over UAH 2 billion in lost profits for Boryspil annually.
Now that the talks are behind, Ryanair will be starting its flights from Ukraine in October 2018. First, it will be 15 flights with a starting ticket price of EUR 10.
"I received information from the airline. In the beginning, the price will be EUR 10. They will open 10 flights from Kyiv and five from Lviv. The average ticket price for Ukrainians will be EUR 40. In the first year of operations, they intend to fly 1 million passengers," President Petro Poroshenko said at a press conference. 40% of that million will be European travelers who will come to Ukraine. Some 850,000 passengers are expected to fly Ryanair in the first year, while in the second year, perhaps the 1 million mark will be crossed, according to Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary.
According to him, Ukraine is becoming a very attractive tourist destination as hundreds of thousands of Europeans are expected to visit Kyiv, Lviv, and eventually, perhaps, Odesa and other cities.
From Kyiv, the airline will fly to Barcelona, Bratislava, Warsaw, Vilnius, Wroclaw, Gdansk, Krakow, Poznan, Stockholm, and London. From Lviv - to Warsaw, Dusseldorf, Krakow, Memmingen, and London.
GDP growth without Russia
Continuing the process of reorienting foreign policy toward Europe, the Cabinet of Ministers on Wednesday terminated the program of economic cooperation with Russia, signed during the Yanukovych period in 2011, supposed to last until 2020.
Commenting on the situation ahead of decision-making, Prime Minister Groysman said that this step is necessary to reorient the Ukrainian economy way from a raw-material bond imposed by Russia.
"The government is ready to approve the decision to sever the program of economic cooperation with Russia. Russia must pay a high price for aggression. We are working to reorient our economy away from the bond constantly imposed by Russia, binding us as a raw material supplement to their economy," Groysman stressed.
However, according to Deputy Minister of Economic Development and Trade, Ukraine's trade representative Natalia Mykolskaya, the program had a framework nature so its termination would not entail any significant consequences and risks for either Ukraine or Russia.
Mykolskaya noted that the domestic economy had as early as 2014 found a substitute for the market of its northern neighbor and had already reached trade figures at the level of the period before the war with Russia.
"The number of Ukrainian companies exporting to the European Union has doubled since the launch of the free trade zone. What is important is that the companies are also being reoriented from the Russian market to the EU market and the markets of third countries - Africa, the Middle East, the U.S., and Canada," the Deputy Minister noted.
The thesis about the stable state of the Ukrainian economy is proved by positive statistics on GDP growth. In 2017, Ukraine's GDP growth was at 2.5%, which exceeds the previously announced operative estimate at 2.2%. It is also reported that the nominal GDP over the year amounted to UAH 2.983 trillion, and GDP per person at UAH 70,210.
Meanwhile, the statistics of this year are not so rosy: the growth of industrial production in Ukraine in February 2018 in annual terms slowed down by 1.9%.
According to the State Statistics Service, the highest growth in industrial output in February was recorded in chemical industry (43.1%), production of computers, electronic and optical products (19.3%). The largest drop in annual terms was seen in the production of electrical equipment (16.2%), and food industry (4.6%).
Protests of agrarians
The outgoing week was remembered by large-scale rallies of Ukrainian farmers protesting against the cancellation of VAT refunds for oilseeds export. On Tuesday morning, activists blocked 13 main highways of the country so that the Verkhovna Rada finally supported the bill, which renews the budgetary refund of value-added tax for the export of oilseeds.
The bill was approved by the Verkhovna Rada committee on agrarian policy and land relations, and on Wednesday it was approved by the parliamentary committee on tax and customs policy. Now it is yet to be adopted in the session hall.
On Thursday, the agrarians picketed the parliament in order to remind the deputies that the bill is extremely important for farmers and it cannot be ignored.
According to the author of the bill, MP Ivan Miroshnychenko, losses of oilseed producers after the abolition of VAT refunds for export of technical oil crops - soybean and rape - will amount to about UAH 10-12 billion annually.
"It's just a way to transfer money from the farmer's pocket to that of processors, from the pocket of ordinary people to the pocket of an oligarch. We very much hope that the parliament will overcome the resistance of large business lobbyists, the draft will be put on the agenda, the committee will be instructed to urgently consider it, and we will be able to vote on Thursday," said Mykhailo Sokolov, Deputy Chair of the All-Ukrainian Agrarian Council.
But on Thursday, the bill was never brought to the vote so the question remains open to this day and the fate of agricultural producers is still in the legislators' hands.
Soon we will find out whether the people's deputies are ready to meet the demands of the country's agrarians. It will be easy to see who's really listening to farmers, and who's playing into the hands of certain big players.
Yelizaveta Korchemakha
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Four years ago this month, Russia held an illegitimate, fabricated referendum in Ukraine in an attempt to legitimize its purported annexation of Ukrainian territory. Crimean residents were compelled to vote under scrutiny by heavily armed Russian troops. Russias claim that Ukrainians made a free choice in that illegitimate exercise lacks credibility.
On March 14, Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke in Crimeas largest city, Sevastopol, before a crowd to mark the fourth anniversary of the sham referendum. In this campaign rally, President Putin reiterated Russias false claims to Ukrainian territory in another open admission that the Russian government disdains the international order and disrespects the territorial integrity of sovereign nations, said State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert in a written statement.
In light of Putins remarks, Nauert added, it is important to call attention to the illegitimacy of the staged referendum, but also to the tremendous human costs the Russian government has imposed on the people of Crimea.
Over the past four years, Russia has engaged in a campaign of coercion and violence, targeting anyone opposed to its attempted annexation. Russian occupation authorities have subjected Crimean Tatars, ethnic Ukrainians, pro-Ukrainian activists, civil society members, and independent journalists to politically motivated prosecution and ongoing repression, while methodically suppressing nongovernmental organizations and independent media outlets.
[The United States] stand[s] behind those courageous individuals who continue to speak out about these abuses and we call on Russia to cease its attempts to quell fundamental freedoms of expression, peaceful assembly and association, and religion or belief, Nauert said.
We reaffirm our commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.Crimea is part of Ukraine and our Crimea-related sanctions will remain in place until Russia returns control of the peninsula to Ukraine.
The UN Human Rights Council has adopted a resolution extending the mandate on Iran, the Islamic Republics official news agency IRNA reported.
According to IRNA, Adopted along with five other resolutions in a meeting in Geneva on Friday, the resolution on Iran extended by a period of one year the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iran.
21 members of the Council voted in favor of the resolution, while 7 others voted against, with 19 abstentions.
Burundi, China, Cuba, Iraq, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan and Venezuela voted against the resolution.
The resolution assigned the Special Rapporteur to submit a report on the implementation of the mandate at the Councils fortieth session and to the General Assembly at its seventy-third session.
Introducing draft texts were Bulgaria on behalf of the European Union, Japan, United Kingdom, Qatar, Russian Federation, Sweden on behalf of a group of countries, and the United States.
The Council's thirty-seventh session, which opened on Feb. 26, was closed on March 23.
The Islamic Republics representative to the Council, Mohsen Naziri Asl described the resolution as spiteful and politically motivated.
The Council has not yet appointed a successor to Asma Jahangir as the UN Special Rapporteur. Jahangir, a prominent lawyer from Pakistan died on February 11, aged 66.
According to United Nations Human Rights, Office of High Commissioners website, Ms. Jahangir presented her first critical report to the Human Rights Council on 13 March 2017.
Asma Jahangir was the second Special Rapporteur of the Human Rights Council on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran since the re-establishment of the mandate by the Human Rights Council.
She succeeded Maldivian diplomat, Ahmad Shahid.
In her second report published on March 5, 2018, Asma Jahangir criticized the Iranian government for its continued crackdown on freedom of expression and restrictions on access to information, while detainees appeared to be systematically subjected to abuse, including torture and rape.
"Despite assurances from the government, improvements are either not forthcoming or are being implemented very slowly and in piecemeal," she said in a later report.
The Islamic Republic has repeatedly denied the UN Special Rapporteurs visas to travel to Iran.
Meanwhile, the UNs Human Rights Council, on its last session on Friday, also extended the mandates on the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea, Syria, South Sudan and Myanmar.
Chief Commander of the Islamic Republics regular army has once again threatened Israel with total annihilation.
Referring to a comment by the Islamic Republics Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi said, We will finish off Israels life within less than 25 years.
Khamenei had asserted earlier, I would say that they [Israel] will not see the end of these 25 years.
Furthermore, on Thursday June 22, 2017, a post on Khameneis Twitter account read, there is no doubt that we will witness the demise of Zionist entity [Israel].
Speaking to Tasnim news agency run by the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), Mousavi insisted on Saturday, March 24, God willing, we will crush the US and see the Israeli regime terminated in less than 25 years.
Mousavi, who nearly seven months ago was appointed as Chief Commander of the regular army, has a long record of lashing out at Israel.
A month after his appointment on Thursday evening, August 24, 2017, Mousavi echoed his boss comments, saying, The Zionist regime of Israel would not exist in 25 years and Iran will be the side who decides how to end the war if a military offensive breaks out against the country.
The Islamic Republics senior officials have always described Israel as a cancerous tumor and promised to cut it out.
However, the war of words with Israel has significantly intensified in recent months in Iran.
Less than a week ago, Fars News, run by IRGC, cited mid-ranking cleric Abdollah Haji Sadeghi as saying, at a ceremony in the city of Ahvaz, We are now ready for conquering Bait-ul-Muqaddas (Jerusalem) and wiping out the regime occupying Quds.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei appointed Abdollah Haji Sadeghi as his representative to IRGC, three weeks ago.
Qassem Soleimani, the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) Quds (Qods)Force, has called for the eradication of Israel in retaliation for the killing of a Hezbollah commander ten years ago.
Speaking in Tehran at a ceremony commemorating the 39th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution February 14, Soleimani said The eradication of Israel would be the best revenge for the killing of Imad Mughniyeh.
Mughniyeh, also known as Abu Rezvan, was a commander with Lebanons Shia militant group Hezbollah who was killed in a bomb blast on February 12, 2008 during one of his frequent visits to Damascus, Syria. Hezbollah and Iran have always attributed the assassination to Israels intelligence service, the Mossad.
Soleimani also said, The enemy should know that revenge for Mughniyehs blood will not be taken by firing a missile or killing just one person, adding, The revenge for his blood is the eradication of Israel. The enemy knows this is going to happen most certainly. This is what God has promised and it will definitely happen.
Present at the commemoration ceremony were several Hezbollah members, Ahmed Jibril, the leader of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, Ayatollah Khameneis adviser Ali Akbar Velayati, and newly appointed Leader of Friday prayers in Tehran, Mohammad Hussein Abutorabi.
Days later, reacting to Soleimanis rhetoric, Russian Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov told his Iranian counterpart, Comments such as wiping out Israel from the map are unacceptable and are a wrong way for advancing a countrys interests.
In the meantime, Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused the Islamic Republic in recent months of expanding its military presence in Syria., declaring that Tehrans ultimate aim is war with Israel and its destruction.
High-ranking Shiite cleric Nasser Makarem Shirazi has criticized Iranian officials for using the expression compulsory hijab, fearing its negative connotation would undermine the Islamic nature of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Speaking in Qom during a meeting with Police Chief Hossein Ashtari on March 24, Makarem Shirazi, better known as Makarem, tried to reduce a social and political problem to a debate about vocabulary by claiming that the Iranian government has not forced hijab upon Iranian women. it is rather a requirement women should comply with, Makarem insisted.
Referring to Iranian womens popular peaceful protests against compulsory hijab, Makarem said: Anti-revolutionary elements want to eliminate hijab in order to undermine Islam and the Islamic regime.
He advised: The police should treat women who do not observe the hijab in a friendly and decent manner, but a militant campaign against hijab should be dealt with differently.
Iranian police has violently supressed peaceful demonstrations against compulsory hijab, in some cases while arresting protesters. Meanwhile, reports say some of the women arrested for taking off their hijab have ben beaten in jail.
Makarem stressed There is no difference in the opinion of various clerics regarding hijab, but clerics and other theologians speaking to media in Iran and abroad do not agree on dress code for women, and many believe that it is up to women to decide on what to wear.
Others, such as Shiite cleric Hassan Yousefi Eshkevari had said in the past that rules about hijab can change as times change. Iranian judiciary later disrobed and jailed Eshkevari.
Iraq-based Shiite clerics Ayatollah Mohammad Eshaq Fayyaz declared during a meeting with Irans Judiciary Chief Sadeq Larijani in 2016 Forcing women to wear hijab will not make the dress code popular.
Political figures such as reformist Mostafa Tajzadeh have voiced their opposition to compulsory hijab.
Alireza Beheshti, the son of Islamic Republics first Chief Justice Ayatollah Mohammad Beheshti, has said that his father was against compulsory hijab, and that women were allowed to enter his office without hijab.
In one of the strongest comments against compulsory hijab, Ayatollah Mohamad Ali Ayazi, a prominent theologian in Qom, quoted renowned Shiite scholars such as Ayatollahs Morteza Motahari, Mohammad Beheshti and Mahmoud Taleghani as saying that forcing women to wear hijab is not a religious practice and is against the Islamic cannon, the Shariah.
Makarem, however, insisted during his meeting with the police chief that Hijab is an Islamic law that should not be broken.
On social media, Makarem has been the subject of numerous anecdotes for banning anything that feels good, including scratching an itching foot.
Lawyers such as Mehrangiz Kar have contended on Twitter that laws cannot be against the societys norms and customs.
Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and some of his hardline aides such as Ahmad Jannati have opposed demonstrations against compulsory hijab and attacked insiders who have criticized compulsory hijab, alluding to earlier remarks by President Hassan Rouhani.
Peaceful demonstrations against compulsory Hijab took a new momentum in late December 2017 while massive protests against social and economic injustice and political mismanagement were going on in about 100 Iranian cities.
At least 35 women who took off their headscarf in public have been arrested so far and some later freed on bail. Two of those women have been sentenced to 24 and 23 months in jail, although the sentence of one of them has been commuted to three months.
At least 76 people were killed in car accidents in the first three days of the Iranian New Year and 126 in preceding days.
According to highway patrol deputy chief Mousa Amiri, car accidents left 16 people dead and 467 injured on March 22, the second day of the Iranian New Year (March 22).
Overturned cars, which made up 40 percent of car accidents, topped the list of lethal crashes.
The parliamentary Research Center reported that traffic-related accidents cost the country $7 billion to $11 billion annually.
Estimates vary about total number of road fatalities in Iran, but the by all accounts it is much higher than the world average.
According to WHOs 2013 statistics, the average number of road accident deaths in the world is 17 per 100,000 inhabitants. Irans average for the same year is 32 per 100,000, which is close to the highest accident death rate in the world.
Official estimates by the Roads and Transportation Ministry show that around 25,000 people are killed and about 250,000 injured in car accidents in Iran each year. It is also estimated that car accidents claim three lives per hour in Iran.
Based on a World Health Organization (WHO) 2014 report, 9.52 percent of total deaths in Iran involved car accidents and reached more than 32,000 per year.
The two-week break for Norooz (ending April 2 in the Iranian new year) typically witnesses the years deadliest car crashes across the country.
It is estimated that overall more than half a million have been killed in car crashes in the past two decades.
The statistics are so horrific that even the clergy have stepped in to encourage people to drive safely.
Violating traffic laws is a sin, and following these rules is a religious duty, asserted one of the officially recognized grand ayatollahs, Nasser Makarem Shirazi.
He had earlier reiterated, Driving when tired, illegally passing other cars, and running red lights are haram (forbidden).
Substandard roads, older cars, lack of proper training, inadequate law enforcement, and driver sleepiness are the major reasons for traffic accidents in Iran.
Roads, particularly in mountainous regions, are old and poorly maintained.
A report jointly compiled by UNICEF in tandem with Irans Health Ministry, the State Welfare Organisation, police, and the Municipality of Tehran said that every 19 minutes someone dies on Irans roads, and every two minutes a family hears that a relative has survived a crash but with serious injury and perhaps lifelong disability.
Traffic fatalities cost Irans economy $6 billion every year, which amounts to more than 5 percent of the countrys gross national product.
Some 25 percent of all road fatalities in Iran involve motorcycles, and more than 60 percent of those occur because drivers are not wearing a helmet.
Some 7,000 members of a Syrian rebel group and their relatives are preparing to leave eastern Ghouta to opposition-held areas north of the country as part of an agreement to evacuate the second of three pockets held by opposition fighters east of the capital, Damascus, Syria's state media reported.
The expected departure on March 24 comes a day after an agreement was reached between Faylaq al-Rahman, the second-most-powerful rebel group in eastern Ghouta, and the Russians to surrender the second of three pockets in eastern Ghouta, where rebels have been holding out over the past few years.
Early on March 24, bulldozers removed giant sand barriers from a main road in the town of Harasta that will be used by the rebels and their relatives on their way to the country's north.
The government-controlled Syrian Central Military Media said a corridor was being prepared for Faylaq al-Rahman members and their relatives to leave the towns of Zamalka, Arbeen, Ein Tarma, and Jobar.
The evacuations come after thousands left Harasta, the first pocket, after a similar deal for the evacuation of armed fighters and civilians.
Based on reporting by Reuters and AP
Baku, Azerbaijan, March 25
Trend:
Over the past 24 hours, Armenias armed forces have 109 times violated the ceasefire along the line of contact between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry said March 25.
Armenias armed forces were using large-caliber 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, March 25
By Leman Zeynalova Trend:
One of the main problems of authors writing on the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is the misuse of the terminology and there are different groups who misuse the terminology on the conflict, Javid Valiyev, Head of Foreign Policy Analysis department, Center for Strategic Studies under the President of Azerbaijan, said in his article published in Modern Diplomacy.
Some authors in purpose misuse the terminologies like the former US ambassador to Armenia John Evans did. John Evans presented Nagorno-Karabakh as a legal entity and Bako Saahakyan as its legal representative, wrote Valiyev.
He went on to add that others unintentionally interpret the terms by describing Bako Sahakyan as a leader of Nagorno-Karabakh.
While the authors approach in the article is rather different, one can assume that the use of the Nagorno-Karabakh leader in the headline is an unintentional misuse of the word. The headlines are very important since they dictate number of people reading the story, when social media could massively spread it out, the article reads.
Valiyev wrote that firstly, Bako Sahakyan, was born in Khankendi, then the central city of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast (NKAO) of Azerbaijan.
In 1988, before becoming the activist of the separatist movement of Nagorno-Karabakh, Bako Sahakyan held different positions in NKAO. In 1990, he joined Nagorno-Karabakh separatist military movement against Azerbaijan. Sahakyan started his career as a responsible person for smuggling arms for Nagorno-Karabakh separatists from abroad, but he was called back due to embezzlement of some money. As a leader of separatists, he is known for buying ordinary peoples loyalty through cash money, said the article.
The author notes that secondly, Bako Sahakyan cannot be recognized as the legitimate representative of Nagorno-Karabakh, since Azerbaijanis living there were deported from their homelands in between 1988-1994.
Until today, more than 780.000 Azerbaijanis have been deported from the Nagorno-Karabakh region as a result of the Armenia-backed military operations internationally recognized as occupation by the UN Security Council resolutions and resolutions from other international organizations. Because of the occupation, the members of Azerbaijani community of Nagorno-Karabakh remains internationally displaced persons in different regions of Azerbaijan. Thus, the Nagorno-Karabakh region is not consisted of Armenians only, the Azerbaijani population used to live there before they were forcefully left from their homelands.
Bako Sahakyan is a representative of illegal entity that occupied the sovereign states territories, Valiyev said, adding that Nagorno-Karabakh is an internationally-recognized part of Azerbaijan.
The issue is not that no country in the world recognizes separatist regime in Nagorno-Karabakh as an independent state; it is merely enough to glance at the map of Azerbaijan on the UN official page. The official website of the US State Department also displays Nagorno-Karabakh as a part of Azerbaijan. And yet, despite the fact that the UN and also the United States recognize Nagorno-Karabakh as a part of Azerbaijan, the US State Department still provided the visa for Bako Sahakyan. By issuing a visa for the separatist leader, the U.S. government indirectly supports the illegal activity of separatists, which killed thousands of people and caused the mass deportation of the civilian population from their homelands, said the article.
To sum up, the author wrote that whether intentionally or unintentionally, misusing the terminology of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict serves the legalization of the illegal entity on the territory of the sovereign state, which is totally unacceptable.
Officials and experts should be careful in choosing the terminology. Because, separatism is not just a problem for Eurasian geography, but as we have seen in the case of Catalonia, for the whole world, said the article.
Baku, Azerbaijan, March 25
Trend:
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has attended the opening of Yeni Dashkand-Umudalilar highway in Barda after renovation.
Chairman of the Board of Directors of Azerbaijan Highway State Agency Saleh Mammadov informed President Ilham Aliyev of the technical indicators of the road, which links 17 settlements with a total population of 15,000 people. The 25km-long road is 6 meters in width.
The head of state cut the ribbon symbolizing the official opening of the highway.
Baku, Azerbaijan, March 25
By Ilkin Shafiyev Trend:
Russia and the CIS countries are currently the priority markets for the export of Azerbaijani fruit and vegetable products, Bashir Guliyev, chairman of Fruit and Vegetable Producers and Exporters Association of Azerbaijan, told Trend.
"As of today, the Russian market is the main export direction for us. Azerbaijan also exports to CIS countries, mainly to those located north of our country. As for Europe, then currently there is very strong competition in this area. The North European market is provided by the countries of North Africa and Southern Europe. Consumption in the Nordic countries does not exceed the volume of supplies today," Guliyev said.
Fruit and Vegetable Producers and Exporters Association of Azerbaijan was established in August 2016.
The main goal of the Association is to coordinate the activities of local entrepreneurs engaged in this field, increase production and boost export opportunities.
According to Azerbaijans State Customs Committee, Azerbaijan exported fruit and vegetable products worth about $503 million in 2017.
Baku, Azerbaijan, March 25
By Ilkin Shafiyev - Trend:
The Southern Gas Corridor (SGC) project will benefit both Azerbaijan and other participating countries, Alexander Pasechnik, head of the Analytical Department at Russias National Energy Security Fund, told Trend.
"All involved parties will benefit from the implementation of the SGC project," he said. "The project will give impetus to infrastructure development, which will have a multiplier effect on the economies of the participating countries."
The expert stressed that the project will lead to increased competition, primarily in the Turkish market.
"The initial stage of the SGC project involves supplying up to 10 million cubic meters of gas per year to the Turkish market, the Azerbaijani gas will primarily go there," he said. "As is known, Russias Gazprom company is also expanding potential to increase its presence in the Turkish market. However, given the growing demand for gas in Turkey, I believe that this wont be a problem for suppliers, although new supplies will push the parties to price compromises."
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 an 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 Shah Deniz Stage 2, 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).
Ashgabad, Turkmenistan, March 25
By Huseyn Hasanov - Trend:
About 24.04 percent of voters have voted in Turkmenistan's parliamentary elections as of 09:00 local time, Central Commission for Elections and Referenda (CEC) of Turkmenistan said.
Voting in the parliamentary elections in Turkmenistan began at 07:00 and will last until 19:00.
For 125 seats in the parliament of Turkmenistan, 284 candidates nominated by parties and groups of citizens.
Over 3.2 million voters were registered in the country. Voting will take place at 2.6 thousand polling stations, 39 of which are open at diplomatic missions and consulates of Turkmenistan abroad, including Azerbaijan.
On Sunday, elections are also held in the country for members of local government and self-government bodies - the Halk Maslahaty and Gengesh.
Baku, Azerbaijan, March 25
By Khalid Kazimov Trend:
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani is slated to begin his regional tour to Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan on March 27.
Parviz Esmaeili, the deputy for communications and information at the presidents office, has said that Hassan Rouhani will leave Tehran for the Turkmen capital Ashgabat on Tuesday.
During the two-day visit, Hassan Rouhani will meet his Turkmen counterpart and he will later visit the city of Merv. In the meantime, the representatives of the private sectors of the two countries will join a meeting to discuss the expansion of cooperation.
On Wednesday afternoon, the president will depart for Baku the capital of Azerbaijan.
Esmaeili added that the sides during the presidents visit to Baku are expected to sign agreements on cooperation.
President Rouhani on the same day will also join a press conference in Baku.
On Thursday an event to discuss the ways for deepening economic cooperation between the two countries will be held.
President Rouhani will return Tehran on Thursday noon.
Carles Puigdemont has been detained in Germany, according to the former Catalan presidents lawyer, RT reports.
An arrest warrant was issued for Puigdemont in Finland after the former president visited the country for talks with lawmakers. He was returning to Belgium, where he lives in self-imposed exile, when he was detained by German authorities after crossing the border from Denmark.
Puigdemont fled Finland after authorities there confirmed they had received an extradition request from Spain. Spain has requested extradition of its national, who is currently visiting Finland, the Finnish National Bureau of Investigation said in a statement on Saturday. The police have reported to the prosecutor and have engaged in the exchange of additional information with Spanish authorities.
A European arrest warrant for Puigdemont and a number of his aides was issued by the Spanish Supreme Court Friday. Puigdemont is wanted on charges of rebellion and sedition after leading a pro-independence referendum deemed illegal by the Spanish government late last year.
The vote led to riots across the region amid accusations of police violence. Puidgemont fled the region in the wake of the vote. A number of his colleagues have spent time in jail and are now facing trial.
At least eight police officers were killed in a Daesh ambush on a highway in Iraq Saturday, according to a local police officer, Anadolu reported.
Diyala Police Captain Habib al-Shammari told Anadolu Agency the ambush took place at the Baghdad-Kirkuk highway.
The eight police officers were taken to a hill and were shot dead, he added.
Lt. Semir al-Hamidi said federal police and Hashd al-Shaabi forces had been sent to the area following the incident.
The far north of Australia has been lashed by Tropical Cyclone Nora, bringing strong winds, heavy rain and some flooding Al Jazeera news reported
The system reached the northern state of Queensland late on Saturday, where it impacted the western coast of Cape York, the northern tip of the state.
There were no reports of injuries so far, although utilities company Ergon Energy said more than 230 homes had temporarily lost power.
The Bureau of Meteorology reported winds of up to 100kph, with 24 hour rainfall totals exceeding 110mm.
Having made landfall, the cyclone weakened quickly. A final warning has now been issued for the storm as the winds continue to rapidly die down.
Even though the winds are no longer a concern, further flooding is still likely, and the heavy rain extends far and wide. Torrential downpours have caused flooding in some low-lying parts of Cairns.
Nora is now travelling south down the coast, where it is expected to reach Kowanyama, in Queensland's Gulf Country. Some areas could see a further 100 to 200mm of rain over the next 24 hours.
Jonty Hall, Bureau of Meteorology weather forecaster, added "So it's going to be a day, day-and-a-half, it's just going to be sitting in almost the same spot producing pretty heavy rain fall throughout that area ... so the total accumulation for the whole event for some places down there may be between 500 to 700mm."
Twenty-four people were injured after a hand grenade was hurled towards the stage of a spring festival event in Dera Ismail Khan on Saturday.
The victims included children as well as two FC peronnel.
Unidentified persons threw the small bomb in the direction of the stage where former president Dera Ismail Khan Bar Association Qaizar Miankhail was also present.
The incident took place in the Sikandar village where eyewitnesses confirmed that the hand grenade was thrown from behind the stage.
The incident occurred within the Chodwan Police Station with the injured being shifted to hospital in the wake of the attack.
The authorities reached the scene and cordoned off the area.
Weve called in fresh contingents and a search operation is ongoing to arrest those behind the attack, a district administration official told The Express Tribune.
Mexico CityWith allegations of Russian interference and a flood of fake news, the race for Mexicos presidential election is shaping up to look a lot like the last one in its giant northern neighbor, the United States. The campaign for the July 1 polls officially opens Friday, but already the internet is swarming with dubious news stories: there are allegations of meddling by Moscow, and attention is fixated on scandal-rocked data miner Cambridge Analyticas local activities. Trying to get ahead of the curve, the National Electoral Institute recently signed deals with Facebook and Twitter, and is due to sign another with Google, seeking to fight the fake with the true. We are going to ask all the social networks to let us publish official information on their platforms, said INE board member Enrique Andrade. That includes broadcasts of the three presidential debates and live election results. The social media giants are very interested in this election after what happened in the United States and all the things that were said about them, said Andrade. But teaming up with them is a risky bet for the INE. No sooner had its deal with Facebook been announced than a new scandal engulfed the social network over allegations that Cambridge Analytica, a British communications firm, had illegally harvested the data of tens of millions of US users and used it to target potential voters on behalf of Donald Trump. The INE was left scrambling to explain. Any allegation that we are handing over information [on Mexican voters], which the INE zealously protects, is false, said the head of the electoral authority, Lorenzo Cordova. Fake news almost required Besides their deals with the INE, Facebook, Twitter and Google are all partners on a project called #Verificado2018, an alliance of 60 Mexican media outlets, universities and non-profit groups launched to check facts and flag false information about the race. It already has plenty of work. In a country where corruption runs deep and the truth is often murky, the fake news era is particularly loaded. The leading target for doctored videos, fabricated news articles and straight up slander has so far been the presidential front-runner, veteran leftist Andres Manuel Lopez Obradorknown simply as AMLO or El Peje, for a less-than-pretty fish native to his home state, Tabasco. On the website PejeLeaks.org, articles accuse Lopez Obrador of corruption, and sinister videos paint his inner circle as a mafia of thugs. The anonymous sites declared goal is to show the world the dark and unknown side of the former Mexico City mayor, the founder of the left-wing party Morena. In a similar vein, the Facebook page MorenaNarcos is dedicated to exposing the supposed link between Lopez Obrador and Mexicos powerful drug cartels.This is the work of professionals. Its well-funded, with no trace of whos behind it, said Morenas social media coordinator, Jesus Ramirez. Indeed, Mexicos fake news has particularly slick production values. The political analyst Roberto Morris says that may be an unintended consequence of the countrys strict campaign-finance laws. A 2008 reform bars donors from funding campaign adsor attack ads against rival campaignsin traditional media. In Mexico the law is so restrictive that you are almost requiring this kind of thing, he said. Trolling the troll Lopez Obradors strategy has been to turn the insults to irony. Accused of links to Russia, he jokingly donned a Russian-style ushanka hat and called himself Andres Manuelovich. But not everyone is laughing about fears that Russia could try to interfere in Mexicos election, as it allegedly did in the United States. Outgoing US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said during a visit to Mexico last month the country should beware of Russias fingerprints on elections around the world. My advice to Mexico would be pay attention, he said. Mexican media have reported there is an unusual amount of traffic from Russia on the INE website where Mexicans living overseas register to vote. The electoral authority denies it has picked up anything out of the ordinary, but says it has bolstered its information security structures just in case. Then there is Cambridge Analyticas presence in Mexico. The company told Bloomberg News last July that it was turning to Mexico in search of a new presidential candidate to get behind, after helping Trump to victory. It partnered with an ad-based free airtime app called Pig.gi to mine users data. But the firm said Friday it had severed ties with the controversial company.
EU's top officials will host Turkish President Reccep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday in the Bulgarian city of Varna, for talks on improving relations between the bloc and Ankara TRT World reported
At that meeting, the bloc has said it will promise another 3 billion euros ($3.7 bln) to support Syrian refugees in Turkey.
Turkey has the second-biggest NATO army and is instrumental in curbing immigration to Europe from the Middle East and Africa.
One thing Turkey will definitely be looking forward to is an update to the customs union, a major trade agreement signed more than 20 years ago.
Lack of planning has made Turkey dependent on energy lobbies, main opposition Republican Peoples Party (CHP) leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu said, DHA News agency reported
Turkey has surrendered to energy lobbies. Western countries do not surrender to energy lobbies but Turkey does. The reason behind this is the fact that there is not adequate planning in Turkey, said Kilicdaroglu, addressing the attendees of his partys energy workshop in the Black Sea province of Zonguldak, known for its pit coal mines.
The Republic of Turkey is dependent on Russia in the field of energy, almost by 60 percent. Aside from that, Russia has been building a nuclear reactor. When it is completed, Turkeys dependence rate will rise to 70-80 percent. If we accidentally tangle with Russia, they can turn the natural gas valves off to make us tremble with cold. What does this situation show us? It shows where Turkey has ended up with the wrong energy policies, he added.
Even though Turkey is the seventh largest coal producer in the world, Turkey has been importing coal, the CHP leader recalled. He pointed out the country had an increasing energy expenditure.
Our country is the fifth biggest natural gas importer in the world. We spent $27 billion in 2016 for energy and an extra burden of $10 billion was laid on the nation in 2017, bringing the total energy cost to $37 billion. In 2018, the energy bill will be much higher, Kilicdaroglu said.
Human life should not be that cheap. If miners working underground die due to an occupational accident, the state should provide benefits to the families without discrimination, he stressed, pointing to the high rate of deadly occupational accidents and the multifaceted indemnity practices in Turkey.
General Mining Workers Union (GMIS) chair Ahmet Demirci and Chamber of Mining Engineers of Turkey (UCTEA) head Ayhan Yuksel were among the attendees of the workshop.
US President Donald Trump called for stronger anti-terror measures after Friday's attacks in southern France, Sputnik International reports.
"France honors a great hero. Officer died after bravely swapping places with the hostage in Daesh* terror attack. So much bravery around the world constantly fighting radical Islamic terrorism. Even stronger measures needed, especially at borders!" Trump wrote on his Twitter page, paying tribute to Lt. Col. Arnaud Beltrame, who swapped places with a hostage during the deadly attacks and later succumbed to his wounds.
A series of attacks hit the southern French department of Aude on Friday. A 26-year-old Moroccan national, Redouane Lakdim, who was living in Carcassonne and reportedly obtained a French citizenship in 2015, hijacked a car, wounding the driver and killing the passenger, to drive to Trebes where he took people hostage at a supermarket. Some of the hostages managed to leave the supermarket before a police assault.
KYODO NEWS - Mar 25, 2018 - 16:39 | All, World
Former U.S. President Barack Obama stressed Sunday the importance of the Japan-U.S. alliance and the international community working together to deal with the threat from North Korea.
"North Korea is a real threat," Obama, who is currently visiting Japan as part of a four-nation tour of Asia and Oceania, said at an international forum in Tokyo hosted by a private organization.
(Photo courtesy of Tokyo-based Worldwide Support for Development)
"Pyongyang has consistently pursued the development of nuclear weapons, (North Korean leader) Kim Jong Un is not shy about announcing his intentions to produce even more nuclear weapons, test nuclear weapons and develop the delivery system capabilities that pose a significant threat not just to the region but around the world."
Obama said that while the ideal is to resolve the threat from North Korea peacefully, it is important for the Japan-U.S. alliance to continue to work with South Korea and China to keep pressure on Pyongyang.
"So far we have not seen as much progress obviously as we would have liked but I think the one thing that is important is to recognize that individually, no country can solve this problem as effectively as if we all work together," he said.
Obama also recalled his visit to Hiroshima in 2016 as an "extraordinary powerful moment," saying the trip was not only to speak about nuclear weapons but the necessity for countries to find ways to reduce tensions and avoid war whenever possible.
Obama, who won the Nobel Peace Prize for his stated intention to seek a world without nuclear weapons, became the first incumbent U.S. leader to visit Hiroshima, which was devastated by the first U.S. atomic bombing late in World War II.
Obama and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe also visited Hawaii's Pearl Harbor in a show of reconciliation between the two former wartime foes.
"I think the relationship between the United States and Japan is symbolic of the way in which former adversaries can be extraordinary friends and allies and turn swords into plowshares and create prosperity for not only our two countries but also create stability for the world," Obama said.
Following the forum, Obama met with Abe for lunch at a sushi restaurant to "renew friendship," according to the Japanese government.
However, the Adani Group has taken the dispute regarding the delay in completion for arbitration and has argued that the first phase could be fully operationalised only by 2024.
The ever-dynamic geopolitical situation in the Asia-Pacific region has been resulting in equally dynamic partnerships and alliances. Case in point: a critical side event to the Sydney Declaration that resulted from the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit recently is the establishment of a strategic partnership between Australia and Vietnam. The pact is particularly wide-ranging, stipulating bilateral cooperation in areas like economics and trade, defense, law and justice, intelligence and security, education, science and technology, social affairs, culture, and even people-to-people links. It represents a progression in the two countries diplomatic relations, which was established 45 years ago in 1973, a sign that evolving geopolitical realities call for evolving relations. It is not surprising, therefore, that a key feature of the partnership, especially in the context of the broader security issues hounding the Asia Pacific region, is its potential contribution as a stabilizing influence. There was no overt mention of China in the two countries joint statement, for instance, but the writing on the wall couldnt be clearer. It read: We reaffirm our commitment to promoting security and safety, freedom of navigation and overflight, and the rule of law, including the observance and implementation of international legal obligations in good faith; and to the settlement of disputes by peaceful means, without resorting to the threat or use of force, in accordance with international law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the SEA and through the appropriate Asean-led mechanisms. The value of such an unambiguous support for the Code of Conduct and non-militarization cannot be overstated. It should also send a strong message against actions that run counter to building regional trust and confidence. Vietnam, of course, is one of the countries challenging Chinas historic claims to islands and island features in the disputed territory. Asean, with the Philippines as sitting chairman last year, was unable to finalize a binding Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, an area that the strategic partnership also categorically seeks to add its voice to. We reiterate the importance of the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea and the early conclusion of an effective and binding Code of Conduct between Asean and China, consistent with international law. The Vietnam-Australia deal can serve as a good template of a strategic partnership that the Philippine government can use in enhancing similar bilateral agreements with Asean member-nations and beyond. Diplomatically, it shows how two nations with different political systemsVietnam is communistcan build respect and cooperation based on shared interests.For their part, both the Philippines and Vietnam, facing similarly daunting challenges in defending their maritime claims in the face of an emerging superpower, can benefit from more institutional efforts that support the rule of law in the region. For instance, the Vietnam-Australia strategic partnerships stipulations on defense and security cooperation include the reaffirmation of a commitment to closer defense, law and justice, intelligence and security cooperation, contributing to the peace, stability and development of the region. These include committing to an annual meeting of the two countries defense chiefs to facilitate high-level dialogue on defense matters, which can serve as a good venue to explore further defense cooperation, including in education and training, maritime and aviation security, peace keeping training and support, counter-terrorism, war legacy issues, and other areas. Cooperation between Australian and Vietnamese police, maritime and border authorities is also covered, as are efforts to address threats like transnational crime, such as human trafficking, narcotics trafficking, money laundering, terrorism, and cybercrime. In the economic front, the deepening of a bilateral trade and investment relationship is foremost in the agenda, in particular the establishment of a similar high-level meeting to identify opportunities to expand trade, identify potential areas for synergy, and build a mutually beneficial agriculture partnership, including joint research and technical assistance to boost Vietnams agriculture sector. Clearly, this is an area that the Philippines can also stand to benefit from. But as a vital cog in the evolving geopolitical chess match that is the Asia Pacific region, the Vietnam-Australia strategic partnership is a force, ultimately, toward regional and international cooperation, as opposed to increasing protectionism and intimidation. In fact, the two countries vowed to work closely to preserve the open, inclusive and rules-based regional order, which underpins regional peace, security, stability and increasing prosperity. We share the goal of reinforcing and developing regional and international institutions to promote our common political, economic and security interests. Thus, given the obvious value of these possibilities, the presence of President Rodrigo Dutertethe only head of state who did not attend the summitwas sorely missed. There are clear lessons here for the Philippines. It only needs to listen and be open to them.
Googles Fuchsia operating system first popped up in 2016 as a single command line and was first noticed in May of last year when the company unveiled an experimental, but innovative home screen design. This is an open source project and can be found on the Googles code depository and on GitHub. The Fuchsia is designed to be a revolutionary operating system which according to Google is aimed at modern phones and modern personal computers,.
There are tons of rumors and mystery surrounding this operating system, Google has yet to confirm all those details. We currently dont know whether it is just an experiment or is aimed to replace the current Android Eco-system. However, an early developer preview of Fuchsia was released for Pixel Book and it seems like the operating system can, in the long run, replace both Android and Chrome OS.
Fuchsia: What Exactly Is It?
The Fuchsia is an entirely new operating system and completely differs from Android and Chrome OS as it is not based on Linux. Rather it is based on Googles own new microkernel known as Zircon (formerly known as Magenta) which is designed to be consistently upgrade-able which will help in eliminating the problem that Google faces with Android like struggling to get updates rolled out across the entire ecosystem of devices and prevent apps from being incompatible after a system upgrade.
The current version of Fuchsia is called Armadillo and is built in Googles Flutter SDK which is used to develop cross-platform code compatible with multiple operating systems. Not only that, but Google has even added Apples programming language, Swift. Most of the UI is programmed in Dart (a language designed to feel familiar to JavaScript and Java engineers).
There is also a confirmation from developers that Fuchsia is not merely a toy thing at Google. Heres what Dave Burke, Googles VP of Android engineering, told Android Police about Fuchsia in May 2017: Fuchsia is an early-stage experimental project. We, you know, we actually have lots of cool early projects at Google. I think whats interesting here is its open source, so people can see it and comment on it. Like lots of early-stage projects, its gonna probably pivot and morph.
The Fuchsia UI:
The Fuchsia completely re-imagines the home screen with its material UI, it is basically an early user interface with a card-based design which uses its own special renderer known as Escher. The home screen is basically a big scrolling list with all your notifications, profile picture, windows, buttons, pop up boxes and more. All are cleanly layered and has specialized shadows giving a depth to your view.
The apps launch in their own cards, you can also combine up to three apps in a single card to work in split-screen mode. You can also find Story cards, or a list of recent apps on your home screen and it also has a list of suggestion from your Feed which can directly open up two apps in one card to offer a combined action.
The Fuchsia also has a desktop-centric home screen code-named Capybara which is designed to provide a complete desktop/laptop like-experience.
Final Verdict:
Fuchsia is currently looking in a pretty good state and who knows one day it might replace Android. But currently, we can not surely say anything about it. It has a long way to go and everything really seems to be up in the air for now. It is all subject to change, we will keep you up to date on this project so stay tuned for more details.
2018 Fed 100
Federal 100: Susan Wedge
Name: Susan Wedge
Title: Vice President, Public Service Digital and Cognitive Leader
Company: IBM Services
AI evangelist. In a year when everyone seemed to be talking about blockchain and artificial intelligence, Wedge set out to make government applications a reality. Under her leadership, IBM opened a digital studio space that gives federal partners access to the tools and expertise that are driving digital reinvention for private-sector innovators. Similar transformation in government requires a tailored approach, and Wedge was instrumental in identifying and providing the needed adjustments. She also collaborated with multiple agencies to launch blockchain pilot projects and helped shift the conversation about cognitive computing from sci-fi speculation to practical use cases.
Click here for the full list
The following is a roundup of major figures in business, economics and politics who spoke with CNBC at the China Development Forum in Beijing on Sunday.
Tune into CNBC on air Monday and Tuesday for the broadcast of these interviews, and get more details starting Monday at CNBC.com.
Douglas Peterson, CEO of S&P Global
"Blunt force instruments" like tariffs won't go as far with China as talks will, said Peterson of financial services firm S&P Global, as the U.S. moves ahead with levies on Chinese imports.
"Clearly there are aspects to access to the Chinese market that people have been frustrated with," Peterson acknowledged in his interview with CNBC. "On the other hand, I don't know if this is really the right approach to have ... the United States coming in unilaterally to put in place tariffs and sanctions on trade."
William Cohen, former US Defense secretary
There are good reasons to be skeptical about a bilateral meeting that's supposed to take place between the U.S. and North Korea, Cohen said.
U.S. President Donald Trump made the surprise decision earlier this month to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un by May, although specific details of that meeting have yet to be announced. Cohen maintained that, based on personal experience, he still had reservations over what could possibly follow.
Laurent Guyot, CEO of Thales China
The executive for the French defense giant, which operates in China , said safeguarding the company's technology is important, but the effort is no barrier to his firm's success there.
Guyot reframed the issue to place it outside of the hot-button topic of "technology transfer."
"The new rule of success is to co-develop in China," he said. "It's to generate technology from China together with Chinese partners. In that case, we don't talk about transfer of technology we talk about building value in China, for China and also for the group."
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Vasant Narasimhan, CEO of Novartis
Swiss pharmaceuticals company Novartis NOVN-CH will move toward making a decision on the fate of Alcon its eye care business in the first half of 2019, Narasimhan reiterated.
"With Alcon ... we look forward to taking a potential action, moving toward a potential decision in the first half of 2019. And that's still the timeline that we will maintain and no change on that," Narasimhan told CNBC.
Takehiko Nakao, president of the Asian Development Bank
There is much that China can do to create more equality in its society, and to let its people enjoy the fruits of its growth and technological development, said Takehiko Nakao.
"To me, my challenge is how to make society more equal? How to make the older population enjoy better life from the fruits of this technological development, growth and also globalization?" he asked.
More From CNBC
Updated | Self-taught rocket man and proud flat-Earther Mad Mike Hughes has finally blasted off in his homemade rocket. Soaring 1,875 feet off the ground Saturday, he made it back to Earth in one pieceif a little clobbered, The Associated Press reports.
The launch has been a long time coming. Originally planned for last November, it was hit by multiple delays because of mechanical troubles and issues with the Bureau of Land Management.
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The 61-year old limo driver finally launched near Amboy, California before landing hard some 1,500 feet from his takeoff point. The daredevil told AP that, aside from a sore back, he was doing fine after the launch.
Hughes, who has been fine-tuning the rocket in his garage for months, also converted a mobile home into a launch ramp.
This thing wants to kill you 10 different ways," he said. "This thing will kill you in a heartbeat.
Hughes pulled his parachute and descended shortly after blast-off, which took place sometime after 3 p.m. PDT. Falling too fast, he opened a second parachute before reaching the ground with a thump. After paramedics looked him over, Hughes said he felt relieved now the launch was complete.
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3_25_Earth
Apollo 17 Crew/NASA/Public Domain
"I'm tired of people saying I chickened out and didn't build a rocket," he told AP. "I'm tired of that stuff. I manned up and did it."
After the launch, Hughes was looking forward to eating his dinner and seeing his cats. "I'll feel it in the morning," he said. "I won't be able to get out of bed."
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This isnt the first time Hughes has launched himself up in a homemade rocket. He said he made it 1,374 feet in another launch on January 30, 2014. However, footage of the launch has not emerged and, according to AP, some have questioned whether he really took off.
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Hughes ambitions reach far higher than 1,875 feet. In the future hed like to to travel some 68 miles up in a rocket-cum-balloona Rockoon.
"Do I believe the Earth is shaped like a Frisbee? I believe it is," he said. "Do I know for sure? No. That's why I want to go up in space."
In the meantime, the self taught rocket scientist has set his sights on politics with a plan to run for governor.
"This is no joke," Hughes said. "I want to do it."
This story has been updated to include more information about Hughes' rocket.
This article was first written by Newsweek
More from Newsweek
Facebooks data leak sent the company stock (FB) plunging more than 10% in the past week and raised heated debate on the tech companys privacy policy and whether it and other firms that collect user data should be more heavily regulated. On Saturday, Apples CEO Tim Cook commented on the issue, calling for well-crafted regulations at the annual China Development Forum in Beijing.
Weve worried for a number of years that people in many countries were giving up data probably without knowing fully what they were doing, and that these detailed profiles that were being built of them, that one day something would occur and people would be incredibly offended by what had been done without them being aware of it. Unfortunately, that prediction has come true more than once, Cook said when asked about the Facebook data misuse by Cambridge Analytica. I think that this certain situation is so dire and has become so large that probably some well-crafted regulation is necessary.
Apple has emphasized security and privacy as an important selling point in its products. Unlike Google or Facebook, whose revenue is driven by ads, Apple mainly makes money by selling premium devices like iPads and iPhones. Cook finds the idea of collecting data and selling them to marketers unacceptable.
The ability of anyone to know what youve been browsing about for years, who your contacts are, who their contacts are, things you like and dislike and every intimate detail of your life from my own point of view it shouldnt exist, Cook said.
Apples business model is different
Unlike other tech giants like Facebook and Google, Apple says it doesnt profit from collecting user data. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
Cook said he has been careful of inviting government regulations. Back in 2016, Apple had a well-known dispute with the FBI over obtaining access to an iPhone used by a shooter in the San Bernardino attack. Though the FBI ultimately broke into the phone without Apples help, Apple pledged it would go to court to protect user privacy. Last year, Sen. Al Franken raised privacy issues on the iPhone Xs Face ID authentication technology. Apple soon responded by clarifying the data would never be sent to Apple, nor is it included in device backups.
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Its not the first time that Cook has critiqued peer tech companies. In an open letter in 2014, he emphasized that Apple doesnt build profiles of its users from their email content or browsing habits to sell to advertisers, essentially calling out Google and Facebook.
Our business model is very straightforward: We sell great products, he wrote. We dont build a profile based on your email content or web browsing habits to sell to advertisers. We dont monetize the information you store on your iPhone or in iCloud. And we dont read your email or your messages to get information to market to you.
Krystal Hu covers technology and economy for Yahoo Finance. Follow her on Twitter
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The designers of a giant water slide that decapitated a 10-year-old boy went ahead with the project despite having no technical or engineering qualifications, prosecutors say.
Criminal charges have been brought against Schlitterbahn Waterpark in Kansas City following the death of Caleb Schwab on its Verruckt water slide in August 2016.
Tyler Miles, a former director of operations at the park, also faces an involuntary manslaughter charge over the incident, in which a raft carrying the boy and two women went airborne, forcing his head into a pole.
A grand jury indictment made public on Friday said Verruckt, German for insane, violated nearly all aspects of industry safety standards.
Court documents said park co-owner Jeff Henry and lead designer John Schooley concocted the idea of building the worlds tallest water slide in 2012 on the spur of the moment.
They produced a prototype for Verruckt, just 36 days after first devising the ride, a job amusement park design experts later told prosecutors should have taken a four-person team of engineers between three and six months.
Mr Henry and Mr Schooley did not possess any formal qualifications in water slide design, and used trial-and-error methods in an attempt to solve problems with rafts going airborne during testing, the indictment says.
Henry and Schooley lacked the technical expertise to properly design a complex amusement ride such as Verruckt, the indictment continued.
Ex-water park director Tyler Miles faces an involuntary manslaughter charge (PA)
Neither of the two men possessed any kind of technical or engineering credential relevant to amusement ride design or safety.
Court documents said Mr Schooley had admitted: If we actually knew how to do this, and it could be done that easily, it wouldnt be that spectacular.
Prosecutors said Mr Miles, Mr Henry and Mr Schooley had all been aware of problems with the slides design and a number of other people had been hurt while riding the 51-metre slide.
A total of 11 people suffered injuries, including slipped spinal disks, whiplash, broken toes and lacerations on the ride in the period between when it became operational in July 2014 and the day of the fatal crash.
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Evidence in the form of corporate emails, memoranda, blueprints, video recordings, photographs and eyewitness statements revealed that this childs death and the rapidly growing list of injuries were foreseeable and expected outcomes, the indictment said.
Verruckts designers and operators knew that Verruckt posed a substantial and unjustifiable risk of death or severe bodily harm.
Mr Miles pleaded not guilty to the charges on Friday and was later released on bail, which has been set at $50,000 (35,000).
Veteran FBI agent Andrew McCabe, pictured in 2017, said he found out about his firing "in the most disembodied, impersonal way" (AFP Photo/ALEX WONG)
Washington (AFP) - Veteran FBI agent Andrew McCabe, who was fired just before his retirement, condemned on Friday the "extended humiliation" and "unhinged public attacks" he endured from President Donald Trump and his administration.
McCabe, writing in The Washington Post, said he found out about his sacking earlier this month third-hand from a friend who called to tell him about a news report, only later receiving an email from the Justice Department.
"After two decades of public service, I found out that I had been fired in the most disembodied, impersonal way," he said.
According to the Justice Department, McCabe, who was the FBI's deputy under former director James Comey, was fired because he made unauthorized disclosures to the media, and had not been fully honest "on multiple occasions" with the department's inspector general.
He denied those allegations, saying that he "did not knowingly mislead or lie to investigators," and that his contact with a reporter was "fully within my power to authorize as deputy director."
Trump has repeatedly accused McCabe and Comey of having protected presidential candidate Hillary Clinton from prosecution over her misuse of a private email server while she was secretary of state, and over the actions of the private Clinton Foundation set up by her husband, former president Bill Clinton.
Trump was also publicly upset about McCabe's defense of Comey -- whom the president fired in May 2017 in frustration at the ongoing FBI probe into alleged collusion between his election campaign and Russia.
McCabe is potentially a key witness in that probe.
Andrew McCabe and Jeff Sessions Investigation:
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The simple solution would be for Congress to allocate more funding for the National Park Service, but that has been challenge.
One proposal aims to address the deferred maintenance backlog. The National Park Service Legacy Act is a bipartisan bill introduced in Congress that would require federal mineral revenues to be placed into a dedicated fund over the next 30 years.
Most of the funds 80 percent would be used for rehabilitation and repair projects at national parks and historic sites. The remaining 20 percent would be committed to transportation projects.
The bill has 65 cosponsors in the House, including U.S. Rep. John Katko. Argust lauded Katko, R-Camillus, for supporting the measure.
"He's been a champion of getting the home of Harriet Tubman designated as a national historical park and I think he recognizes the value in making sure that areas like that are maintained," she said.
There is another benefit to addressing the long list of projects: the impact on the economy.
An analysis conducted by Cadmus Group on behalf of The Pew Charitable Trusts found that investing in park maintenance could create 9,847 jobs in New York and more than 110,000 across the country.
"The well-being of our national parks affects the prosperity of our local businesses and community at large," said Anna Marie Neuland, executive director of the Cazenovia Chamber of Commerce. "Our parks need funding for these crucial repairs that could create or support jobs while also providing renewed economic opportunity and tourism to the region."
Online producer Robert Harding can be reached at (315) 282-2220 or robert.harding@lee.net. Follow him on Twitter @robertharding.
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This week, Binance, the worlds largest cryptocurrency exchange with a $1.7 billion daily trading volume, has relocated its headquarters to Malta, a region that has always been friendly to cryptocurrency businesses and investors.
Along with its current team, Binance has moved its resources over to Malta, and has decided to employ more than 200 full-time employees to fully establish the company in the region. For any multi-billion dollar startup like Binance, the relocation of headquarters comes with difficulties, especially in regards to finances and regulatory conflicts.
But, it seems evident that the pro-blockchain attitude of Malta authorities has given Binance confidence to relocate its team and business to the region, placing Malta at the forefront of cryptocurrency growth.
Malta, The Blockchain Island
Silvio Schembri, Maltas Parliamentary Secretary for Financial Services, Digital Economy & Innovation, stated in an interview with the Binance team that the country remains confident in the work that is being done in the cryptocurrency sector. He further emphasized that Binances presence in the region would continue to allow Malta to evolve into the Blockchain Island.
This is a clear vote of confidence in our country and the work being done in this sector, mainly by the latest policy launched to offer a regulatory framework of DLT operations. It is obvious that Malta has become a natural point of reference on the international sphere and companies such as Binance will continue to look into Malta to further expand their operations or establish a base. Binances presence in Malta sustains our vision, that of making Malta The Blockchain Island, said Schembri.
In an official statement, the Binance team noted that Maltas existing regulations and pro-blockchain legislation for its local cryptocurrency businesses ultimately convinced the company to invest in the European nation, after visiting and evaluating several regions.
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Changpeng Zhao, the CEO at Binance who is better known as CZ, stated that the Binance team were inspired by the logical and forward-thinking nature of Schembri, and the rest of the Malta government.
After meeting with Parliamentary Secretary, Mr Silvio Schembri, we were impressed by the logical, clear and forward-thinking nature of Maltas leadership. After reviewing a proposal bill, we are convinced that Malta will be the next hotbed for innovative blockchain companies and a centre of the blockchain ecosystem in Europe. Binance is committed to lending our expertise to help shape a healthy regulatory framework as well as providing funds for other blockchain start-ups to grow the industry further in Malta, Zhao said.
Influence on Other Regions
Recently, South Korean authorities have started to discuss the possibility of legalizing domestic initial coin offerings (ICOs) once again, after Kakao, the countrys largest internet conglomerate that operates KakaoTalk, KakaoPay, KakaoStory, KakaoStock, and KakaoTaxi, the countrys largest app that have nearly 90 percent market share of the messaging, payment, social media, online stock brokerage, and taxi service markets, revealed its plans to move its blockchain venture outside of South Korea.
Inevitably, startups and multi-billion dollar conglomerates will relocate to regions that are equipped with pro-blockchain legislature and are led by forward-thinking regulators. Maltas warm welcome of cryptocurrency businesses and exchanges will likely influence other regions, like Japan and South Korea, to continue providing sound regulations to businesses to ensure their markets can grow exponentially, without regulatory conflicts.
Featured image from Shutterstock.
The post Malta Wants to Become The Blockchain Island, With Worlds Largest Cryptocurrency Exchange appeared first on CCN.
* Nearly a month on, worst-hit areas still await help
* Provincial officials yet to receive relief funds
* Water, food and shelter needed in disaster zone
By Tom Westbrook
SYDNEY, March 25 (Reuters) - Almost a month after a deadly earthquake, Papua New Guinea is struggling to get aid to desperate survivors, having allocated just a fraction of its relief funds, while a rent dispute left disaster officials briefly locked out of their offices.
The scale of the emergency is testing the finances and capacity of one of the world's poorest countries, disaster and relief officials say, after the magnitude 7.5 quake rocked its remote mountainous highlands on Feb. 26, killing 100 people.
Thousands of survivors have walked to remote airstrips and jungle clearings, awaiting helicopters bringing supplies of food, water and medicines, aid agencies and authorities say.
"To date, we do not have any money to do all the necessary things," Tom Edabe, the disaster coordinator for the hardest-hit province of Hela, said by telephone from Tari, its capital.
"(The) government is trying to assist and have budgeted some money, but to date we have not received anything...we have only been given food, and non-food items supplied by other NGOs."
Continuing aftershocks rattle residents, who have to collect water brought by daily rainstorms to ensure adequate supplies, Edabe, the disaster coordinator, said.
"The biggest thing that people need, apart from food, is water," said James Pima, a helicopter pilot and flight manager at aviation firm HeliSolutions in the Western Highlands capital of Mt. Hagen, about 170 km (100 miles) from the disaster zone.
"They don't have clean water to cook or drink ... they are standing there staring. The expression on their faces is blank."
His firm's three helicopters fly relief missions "fully flat-out every day," Pima added.
Destruction to roads and runways means authorities must rely on helicopters to fly in relief. But while nimble, the craft can only carry smaller loads than fixed-wing aircraft and cannot fly during the afternoon thunderstorms.
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The logistics problems wind all the way to PNG's disaster centre, where officials told Reuters they had been locked out of their office in Port Moresby, the capital, for two days last week after the government missed a rental payment.
"That was correct, Monday and Tuesday," a spokeswoman said.
In a joint report with the United Nations published on Friday, the agency cited "lack of quality data" about food shortages, limited aircraft assets and "significant gaps" in sanitation support as being the biggest problems it faced.
The office of Prime Minister Peter O'Neill did not respond to emailed questions from Reuters.
On his website, O'Neill has previously said, "There will be no quick fix, the damage from this disaster will take months and years to be repaired."
'POLITICAL GAMES'
The government had approved relief funds amounting to 450 million kina ($130 million), O'Neill said initially, but a later statement mentioned only 3 million kina in initial relief - or less than 1 percent - had been allocated to the worst-hit areas.
In its November budget, the government made plans to rein in spending and trim debt projected to stand at 25.8 billion kina in 2018.
The impoverished country is also missing its largest revenue earner, after the quake forced a shutdown of Exxon Mobil Corp's liquefied natural gas project, which has annual sales of $3 billion at current LNG prices. The firm is still assessing quake damage at its facilities.
O'Neill last week hit out at critics of the aid effort for playing "political games," while thanking Australia and New Zealand for military aircraft that provided assistance beyond the capacity of PNG's own defence forces.
His political opponent, former Prime Minister Mekere Morauta, had called the government's response "tardy" and inadequate.
"Relief sources say mobile medical centres and operating theatres are needed urgently, and that only international partners can supply them," Morauta said last week.
Foreign aid pledges of about $49 million have come in from Australia, China, the European Union, Japan, New Zealand and the United States, says the United Nations, most of it provided by private companies.
Exxon and its partner, Oil Search Ltd, say they have provided $6 million in cash and kind for quake relief.
Local officials say the scale of destruction, with villages buried by landslides and provincial towns flattened, has overwhelmed authorities in Papua New Guinea, which straddles the geologically active Pacific Ring of Fire.
"Policemen are still struggling because there is no support flying in and out," said Naring Bongi of the quake-damaged police station in the Southern Highlands capital of Mendi.
"There is not enough food to supply care centres, they need fresh water," he added. ($1=3.3445 kinas)
(Reporting by Tom Westbrook in SYDNEY Editing by Clarence Fernandez)
With the increasingly steady stream of Mars-related news over the past couple of years it can be easy to forget that NASA has had high-tech hardware rolling around on the planets surface for quite a while now. We got a great reminder of that today, as NASAs Mars Curiosity rover is celebrating its 2,000th Martian day rolling around on the dusty world. The journey hasnt always been easy, and NASA has be forced to rethink its approach to solving problems on more than one occasion, but Curiosity has far outlived its original mission timeline.
NASA measures Curiositys time on the planet in Martian days, called sols, which are slightly longer than Earth days. Its 2,000 sols equals 2,054 Earth days, which is even more impressive.
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Curiosity was originally launched in late November of 2011. It arrived on Mars on August 6th, 2012, and NASA planned for the rover to last just shy of 700 Earth days, or 668 Martian sols. It has nearly tripled that original goal, and traveled far more than NASA could have possibly hoped for.
Curiositys lengthy stay on Mars has come with its fair share of issues. Most recently, the rovers drill extension mechanism failed, forcing NASA to invent a new way of using the implement without relying on the faulty hardware. It was a trying time for the Curiosity team, but thats just part of the job when working with now-antiquated hardware thats been exploring another planet for over five years.
To celebrate Curiositys achievement, NASA released a stunning new image captured by the rover earlier this year. The photo is a shot of Mount Sharp which the rover has been exploring for the past three years. Its a composite image pieced together from several photographs, and its a timely reminder of the harsh conditions Curiosity has been forced to endure during its 2,000 days of exploration.
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At the moment, the world has more than enough oil to meet its needs. In fact, it has too much, which is why OPEC is holding back some of its production to drain off a portion of the excess crude sitting in storage depots around the world. Furthermore, according to an estimate from the International Energy Agency (IEA), the oil market will remain well supplied through at least 2020 even though demand should continue expanding at a brisk pace.
It's a different story post-2020, where there's a growing concern that the oil industry might not be able to keep up with continued demand growth because it's not reinvesting enough money into longer-term projects. That could result in a big shortfall in supplies, potentially fueling a significant spike in oil prices in the coming years.
The worst year ever
In its latest market report, the IEA pointed out that the oil industry only discovered 4 billion barrels of new oil resources last year. While that might sound like plenty, it fell well short of the 36 billion barrels consumed by the global economy last year. It was also a record low for the industry and followed up a similarly poor showing in 2016 when the industry found the fewest barrels in 70 years. Driving the dearth of discoveries is the fact that oil producers have significantly cut exploration spending in recent years.
Oil field worker with a laptop at sunset.
Analysts are crunching the numbers and don't like what they see ahead. Image source: Getty Images.
While low oil prices played a major role in the discovery drop, a string of drilling expensive dry holes caused several explorers to abandon their efforts in recent years. One of the most notable failures was Royal Dutch Shell's (NYSE: RDS-A)(NYSE: RDS-B) big flop in the Arctic waters off Alaska. The big oil giant spent upwards of $7 billion to acquire leases and drill an exploration well only to come up dry. U.S. oil giant ConocoPhillips (NYSE: COP) also had big ambitions in the Alaskan Arctic, but they never got off the ground. Those failed exploration efforts were among many by ConocoPhillips in recent years, which also drilled a string of dry holes all across the Atlantic. The company decided to abandon its deepwater exploration efforts a few years ago.
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An even bigger problem in the near term
The decline in discoveries in recent years could hurt the industry down the road. However, the more pressing issue is that oil companies have spent less money developing previous finds to meet medium-term global needs. The IEA noted that investment spending barely budged last year and will only be 6% higher this year. That level remains well below the peak before oil prices plunged a few years ago, and it's a concern because producers aren't spending very much of it on long-term projects that will boost supplies after 2020. That's leading the IEA to warn that the market might struggle to meet growing demand in the future.
Offshore oil and rig platform in sunrise on frozen sea.
Image source: Getty Images.
While the steep decline in the price of oil has driven the spending reduction, another issue is where oil companies have allocated capital. Instead off spending money on major long-term projects, companies like ConocoPhillips shifted the bulk of their investments into drilling shale wells in the U.S., which unleash a quick gusher of oil that they need to continually replace with new wells. While the exceptional returns on these wells enable companies to produce more oil for less money, they can't maintain that strategy forever, because they are rapidly depleting the inventory of prolific shale locations, which leads the IEA to believe that output from this resource will probably peak within a few years. The industry therefore needs to invest in more longer-term projects such as developing deepwater discoveries or new oil sands facilities because these assets deliver a steadier production rate.
The issue is that only a handful of oil giants are currently pursuing these long-term projects. ExxonMobil (NYSE: XOM) and Hess (NYSE: HES), for example, sanctioned the first phase of their offshore discovery in Guyana last year. The $3.2 billion project should produce 120,000 barrels per day when it comes online in 2020. Exxon and Hess have two more phases in development, which could ultimately produce 500,000 barrels per day. That development is part of ExxonMobil's big push to add 1 million barrels of oil equivalent per day of new production by 2025. While that will help, it's just a drop in the bucket for an industry that will need to produce more than 100 million barrels each day in the coming years.
Meanwhile, other projects take much longer to develop. For example, Canadian oil giant Suncor Energy (NYSE: SU) recently applied to build a new oil sands facility in the country. The 160,000-barrel-per-day Lewis project would cost CA$6.2 billion ($4.7 billion). However, Suncor Energy probably won't even break ground on construction until 2024 and wouldn't produce a drop of oil from it until 2027. That long lead time on large-scale projects is one of the reasons the IEA remains concerned about whether the industry can provide enough crude to meet demand in the early part of the next decade if shale output begins tapering off as anticipated.
Keep a close eye on this issue
While the world remains awash in oil right now, that might not be the case a few years from now. If oil demand grows as much as anticipated, there might not be enough fuel in the shale growth tank to both offset the decline of legacy wells and meet this growing need for crude. Oil companies therefore must start work now on longer-term projects that will come online around the time shale could run out of gas. If they wait too long, the world could find itself short of the fuel it needs, which could potentially cause another super-spike in crude prices. That's why investors with an eye toward the future should watch industry investment levels -- it could have significant future ramifications.
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Matthew DiLallo owns shares of ConocoPhillips. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
A Russian official claims that his country never partnered with Venezuela on the Petro, Venezuelas national cryptocurrency, Russias news source Tass reported on Friday. The Petro marks the worlds first state cryptocurrency.
Artyom Kozhin, deputy director of the information and press department of the Russian Foreign Ministry, on Friday claimed a news story published by Time magazine and other news sources claiming to have an exclusive on the Petros Russian origin are false.
Russian Claims Time Ignored Facts
The Russian Finance Ministry advised Time magazine that it firmly denied any involvement in the Petro, and that Time ignored the ministrys statement. In a meeting on Feb. 21, 2018 in Moscow, Kozhin said Simon Zerpa, Venezuelas Minster of Economy and Finance, gave a booklet about the cryptocurrency to the Russian finance minister only to inform the Russians about the project, but none of the parties mentioned reviewed or discussed Russian-Venezuelan activity about cryptocurrency.
The Petro, the rate of which is linked to the cost of oil produced in Venezuela, was announced in December by Venezuelas president Nicolas Maduro as a payment tool to escape global sanctions and a U.S. blockade. The Petro pre-sale of 82.4 million Petros was announced on Feb. 20, 2018.
Time: Putin Authorized Involvement
Time magazine reported that Russian president Vladimir Putin authorized helping Venezuela launch the Petro, citing anonymous sources close to the half hidden joint venture.
The Time report mentioned two Russians with ties to Russian banks acting as advisers on the Petro, Denis Druzhkov and Fyodor Bogorodsky. The two Russians were reportedly seated in the front row in the presidential palace during the Petros launch.
Druzhkov, according to an Associated Press report, is CEO of Zeus Trading, which was fined $31,000 and barred from trading three years ago by the Chicago Mercantile Exchange for fraudulent trading in futures contracts.
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Bogorodsky, according to the report, lives in Uruguay and was described by the government as director of a company, Aerotrading, whose website consists of a single home page with no company information.
Also read: Russia secretly helped Venezuela launch state crypto Petro: report
Time Sourced Russian Bank Official
Senior Kremlin advisers have overseen the Petro project, according to a Russian state bank executive who deals with cryptocurrencies, Time reported. In addition, Putin signed off on the project last year, the report said.
People close to Putin, they told him this is how to avoid the sanctions. This is how the whole thing started, the state bank executive reportedly added.
The Kremlin did not respond to a request for comment from Time, but Moscows Finance Ministry said none of Russias financial authorities were involved in developing or launching the Petro.
The Venezuelan government did not respond to the magazine for comment either.
Featured image from Shutterstock.
The post Russian Official Refutes Countrys Role In Venezuelas Petro Crytpocurrency appeared first on CCN.
Apple CEO Tim Cook looks on during a visit of the shopfitting company Dula that delivers tables for Apple stores worldwide in Vreden, western Germany, on February 7, 2017. (Photo: BERND THISSEN/AFP/Getty Images)
Apple CEO Tim Cook kicked of this years China Development Forum in Beijing today with an address that hit on a number of hot button topics, user privacy concerns and a looming U.S./China trade war.
The executive touched on privacy regulations, in the wake of a breech of trust that found Cambridge Analytica harvesting information from 50 million Facebook users.
I think that this certain situation is so dire and has become so large that probably some well-crafted regulation is necessary, Cook is quoted as saying, in a report from Bloomberg. The ability of anyone to know what youve been browsing about for years, who your contacts are, who their contacts are, things you like and dislike and every intimate detail of your life -- from my own point of view it shouldnt exist.
The specter of privacy concerns has, of course, been a hot button topic for Apple over the decades, particularly as devices and apps demand more and more of our personal information. Late last year, for instance, then Senator Al Franken pressed the company over Face ID a subject to which Apple quickly responded.
Cook's statement reflects similar comments Steve Jobs made about privacy back in 2010 and an event where Mark Zuckerberg was also speaking.
"Privacy means people know what theyre signing up for, in plain English, and repeatedly," Jobs said. "Im an optimist; I believe people are smart, and some people want to share more data than other people do. Ask them. Ask them every time. Make them tell you to stop asking them if they get tired of your asking them. Let them know precisely what youre going to do with their data."
In his own address, Cook noted that many of the concerns around what companies might do with all of the personal data has come true more than once.
Cook also addressed growing tensions between the U.S. and China, a market that has been increasingly important to Apples bottom line -- and, of course, a place where much of the company's manufacturing occurs.
My belief is that businesses should be engaged with governments in countries where they are doing business, whether they agree or disagree, Cook said, according to Reuters.
Tensions between the two countries have only grown more heated in recent days. Just this week, the Trump administration announced plans to place $60 billion in tariffs on Chinese goods, with the burden landing heavily on electronics.
FILE PHOTO: Facebook Founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg speaks on stage during the annual Facebook F8 developers conference in San Jose, California, U.S., April 18, 2017. REUTERS/Stephen Lam/File Photo
By David Shepardson
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. lawmakers on Friday formally asked Facebook Inc's Catch the full interview below and sound off on your thoughts on Killer Mikes stance below. Killer Mike received a lot of backlash for his sit-down interview with NRA TV. From that perspective, Killer Mike's method of raising his children or his social awareness have come under fire, by observers who misperceived his general likability as reason enough to believe he was on their side of the gun debate. Well he's not, but it's hardly due to his character changing overnight. Killer Mike took a minute to disseminate fact from fiction. Killer Mike wants to make a clear distinction between his support for gun ownership and support for the NRA. He believes the two positions are not mutually exclusive. In fact he's only guilty by association? Killer Mike's conversation with gun rights activist Colion Noir also produced a memorable quote about social action. He feels that a lot of celebrities lend their support to causes considering the causal effect their pledge has on the the social issue at large, adding that "Celebrities are told what to do." Killer Mike does not regret his decision to speak out publicly. He chooses to defend his claim to the second amendment, the fundamental right to keep and bear arms in the United States. He won't be drawn to either side. In a post which has since been deleted from his Twitter, Ski Mask The Slum God cancelled his European Tour, well actually it was his management team that made the address. "Unfortunately we had to cancel the Europe tour for this weekend," his 'Management' wrote for starters. "Ski has been advised by doctors to avoid long flights at this time. We are very sorry for the inconvenience and appreciate all the fans that bought tickets were coming to the shows. We promise to make it up to you all soon. Ski will provide a statement in his own words soon." It's unclear as to why the rapper or his management team have pulled the plug on their press release, maybe they are mulling their options. On Wednesday, Ski Mask received disconcerting news from his doctor regarding a rare illness which has stunted his growth, referring to it as "Fat Boy Disease." Ski Mask is trying to address his health before it metastasizes into something worse. We have not learned of his diagnosis, but it does seem severe enough to cause a sober pause of activity. We will remain wishful in the interim. For now, his health remains the single matter of importance, true fans will understand. [via XXL] Houston ISDs new leader may not be a visionary. No one Ive talked to describes Grenita Lathan that way. And thats fine by me. Im starting to think vision is overrated in the education world. At times, its merely a glorified moniker for glad-handers who talk big and change little. Visionaries can also be truly well-meaning leaders so desperate to move kids toward progress that theyll jump into the first shiny vehicle offering to take them there - without checking under the hood first. At this point, Texas largest school district doesnt need vision so much as it needs a plan. A good, well thought-out, well-vetted plan. And someone who can execute that plan amid perhaps the highest stakes any school leader can imagine. That will take hard work, commitment, passion, deep knowledge of Houston and the districts challenges, and yes, intestinal fortitude. From what I hear from those who know her, Lathan has all that in spades. Read more: Interim HISD superintendent takes control amid major challenges Houston should breathe a sigh of relief that board trustees had the good sense to pick her as interim superintendent. Ive seen her make decisions that were right on the cusp of costing her her job. Shes willing to stand up for what she believes in, said former HISD Superintendent Terry Grier, who hired Lathan from Peoria, Illinois during his tenure. Having said that, this is a different animal in Houston. They all think they know and none of them do. Including me, when I first arrived. You dont have a clue about the magnitude and the scope of that job. How big it is, how fast things move, and just the meanness of the politics there. Of course, Lathan surely has a clue by now, having been in Houston for a few years, most recently as the districts chief academic officer. People who know her say she is student-focused, fair, approachable and skilled at hiring and empowering good people. She may not be quite as entertaining a speaker as departing Superintendent Richard Carranza, but what she lacks in delivery she seems to make up for in substance. Thats what HISD needs right now, as it faces a budget crisis and the threat of a state takeover of the board over persistently low-performing schools. Lathan also needs to reassure parents, students and staff confused and worried about dramatic changes to magnet programs and increasing central office control. Regardless of which proposals Lathan chooses to pursue, she should be transparent in her decision-making and clear in her messaging about what will actually be implemented, how and when something lacking under Carranza. Read more: HISD Superintendent Richard Carranza hit the right notes but missed the mark Lathan had a tumultuous tenure as superintendent in Peoria, but some of that seems to stem from her tough decision to remove a popular principal among allegations of test-tampering. In North Carolina, Grier said Lathan turned around one of the roughest elementary schools in the country in just three years. And HISD officials have credited the 26-year veteran educator with leading more than 20 schools out of an improvement required state rating to a met standard rating. Dr. Lathan has a track record of turning schools around, board President Rhonda Skillern-Jones said in a press release. We are fortunate to have someone of her caliber on our leadership team, and we hope this will be a seamless transition as we continue to move the district forward. Whether she likes it or not, Lathan will have to expand her duties beyond those of an educational leader to incorporate those of a politician. A savvy politician. She will have to wade through class and race politics, past the special interest groups, past the people wanting the district to do business with their friends and relatives, to do whats right for kids. That includes no-brainers like a comprehensive independent performance review to see where the money is going and where it can be rerouted to increase efficiency and equity. That includes the harder decisions. Sometimes, whats right for kids is keeping a small struggling school open. But sometimes, its closing it. Board members will howl, as is their right. They are elected representatives of grown-up constituents who can vote them out of office. Read more: HISD needs an audit, not a revolution and deep budget cuts As superintendent, Lathans only constituents are 213,000 students, nearly all of whom have no vote at all. The key to whether or not she or anybody else is going to be a success is whether the board will start behaving like a school board should, Grier said. And stop the micromanagement and behave in a more professional way. Hes right. But Lathan cant depend on the board changing overnight. Shes got to be prepared to handle the pressure, even from those who have supported her most, and to stand up to it. The only debt she owes is to the children. In this town, that debt, which all Houstonians bear, is long overdue. The late Sen. Strom Thurmond of South Carolina maintained such a skill at constituent services, so the political legend goes, that the voters of South Carolina came to anticipate a personal phone call from the senator on their birthdays. But Ted Cruz has ol Strom beat. Our junior senator doesnt just know your birthday. He probably also knows your favorite movies and television shows, your closest friends, where you went on your last vacation, who you dated in college and whether or not it was ever complicated. Thats because when Cruz ran for president in 2016 he paid $5.8 million for Cambridge Analytica to scrape hyper-specific information from Facebook users to help target individual voters. The British political consulting company, which is owned in part by right-wing, big-money donor Robert Mercer, is now at the center of a scandal after the firm was caught improperly harvesting information from 50 million users. Questions remain about whether that information was used in Donald Trumps presidential campaign. Cambridge Analytica has also made headlines for its questionable relations with Russia and CEO Alexander Nix bragging about bribing and blackmailing politicians. BRONK: Facebook should get out of politics for the 2018 election Facebook has responded by suspending Cambridge Analytica as a third-party client and tried to end their story there, essentially shrugging its shoulders and saying that trading in personal information isnt a bug its the business model. But this isnt the first time Facebook has landed in trouble for allowing users privacy to be violated. In 2011, the company was caught deceiving people about the extent to which their personal information was being shared and eventually signed an agreement with the Federal Trade Commission promising to make changes. It is now clear that Mark Zuckerberg didnt get the iMessage. The Facebook CEO has been asked to testify before Congress and the FTC is reupping its investigation into the social media company. The next step should involve Congress passing a law, similar to the European Unions General Data Protection Regulation, that makes companies financially liable when theyre negligent in the protection of private data. Whether Facebook, Equifax or Target, corporations must be held to a higher standard when handling our personal information. But it cant end there. BERSHIDSKY: Cambridge Analytica is a red herring: Facebook is the real problem The bigger question is how growing data empires treat not only their users and consumers, but also producers. Facebook and Google alike harness their massive collection of peoples private information to control markets and dominate publishers, artists and advertising companies. Together the social media network and search engine controlled 63 percent of online ad spending last year. The technology may be new, but the problem is fundamental first movers in an industry grow big, buy up or quash competitors and become a monopoly. When that happened with AT&T, the government regulated the telecom like a utility and then divided it into Baby Bells. Standard Oil, as well, was broken up into smaller competitors. The Open Markets Institute has recommended a nine-point plan for Facebook that involves spinning off its ad network, rolling back the purchases of WhatsApp and Instagram, and holding the company to the same transparency standard as television and radio for political advertisements. The ongoing scandal about Facebook and Cambridge Analytica is about more than the 2016 election. Its about whether Congress upholds its responsibility to protect our economy from dangerous domination. Because it doesnt really matter whether our representatives remember birthdays. It matters whether theyre looking out for our best interests and that means crafting appropriate regulation for 21st century industries. Student involvement drives educational success. Thats a fact weve both learned, one as a member of the HISD Student Congress (StuCon) and the other as a teacher. Through StuCon, students have helped administrators understand how the lack of internet access can significantly decrease the quality of the education a low-income student receives. After sustained advocacy from students, HISD formed partnerships with Sprint and Comcast to increase accessibility. Even at a classroom level, student input can make for better schools. For example, Rajs former students created the Pre-Calculus Advisory Council, which was a group of 20 students who provided feedback on the previous weeks lessons and advice regarding the upcoming lessons. This group of students, who had collectively seen hundreds of teachers, provided invaluable advice that improved the outcomes in Rajs class. EDITORIAL: Carranza bails on Houston. Good luck, New York City. While these are just two anecdotes, there is significant research showing that schools and districts that create formal channels for student voice in school improvement achieve higher and more sustainable outcomes. The Houston Independent School District should build on this research and harness the power and insight of students as it selects its new superintendent. This is a particularly opportune time for student involvement given HISD faces several looming challenges. We highlight two particularly salient ones. First, due to states recapture system and Hurricane Harvey, HISD faces a shortfall of more than $115 million for the 2018-2019 year, and thus will likely have to make real cuts to balance its budget. Second, under HB 1842, if a campus is on the Improvement Required list for five consecutive years, TEA must either close the school or take over the school district. HISD has 10 campuses that are at risk of triggering this law. While schools can get an exemption if districts partner with a non-profit, higher education institution or charter school, HISD will have to make decisions about with whom to partner or whether to risk school closure or district takeover. While we may agree student voice is important, one question is: How should HISD involve its more than 215,000 students? We offer two specific recommendations. EDITORIAL: HISD is moving too fast, and in the wrong direction One, HISD should provide StuCon a vote in the selection of the superintendent. StuCon is a student-run, student-led nonprofit organization that is officially recognized as a student advisory board to the board of trustees. For years, StuCon has been leading civic engagement efforts. They lobbied in Austin, wrote an amicus cures brief, held a TedX event, wrote the preamble for the districts student code of conduct, and earned a $12,500 donation from the Simmons Foundation to create a civic engagement program. Their clear impact on the district and strong track record for advocacy demonstrate why they ought to have a vote. If providing StuCon an official vote is not feasible, the HISD School Board could consult a student adviser. This student could serve as consultant who advises the board on major decisions, such as the next superintendent. The board could select this adviser from StuCon itself or perhaps via an application. PARENTS: Don't shortchange HISD's neighborhood schools In the final analysis, the exact mechanics of incorporating student voice (StuCon or a student advisor) is less critical than actually seeking student input. Students like Martha or those who served on Rajs Pre-Calculus Advisory Council prove that students have much to offer policymakers. Todays students are tomorrows leaders. So HISD, rather than neglecting them, should harness student leadership and voice to make critical decisions, including selecting the next superintendent. 2 1 of 2 J. Scott Applewhite, STF / Associated Press Show More Show Less 2 of 2 Elise Amendola, STF / Associated Press Show More Show Less In light of President Donald Trumps deeper-than-the-deepest-ocean bromance with his pal in Moscow, we were only mildly surprised when he ignored his national security teams all-caps DO NOT CONGRATULATE briefing advice during his ill-advised chat with newly reelected Vladimir Putin. Trumps call also against the advice of his national security team is yet another sign, as if we needed one, that the presidents Russia thing, whatever it is, is no mere dalliance (unlike other Trump relationships coming to light these days). Whether its business, politics or personal concerns that fuel this relationship, theres little doubt that Trumps bizarre Russophilia is deep and its dangerous. When it came to calling Putin, Trump blithely kept his own counsel or council as he repeatedly tweeted the word last week but his frenzy of activity in the last few days cant be ignored. His dismissal of Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and National Security Advisor H.R. McMaster and his increasing preference for right-wing extremists, sycophants and Fox News pundits in the White House are neon-flashing, Broadway-bright messages that we now are dealing with Trump Unbound. In the wake of the Cambridge Analytica scandal, many Facebook users have taken to downloading their data. It may be in preparation for possibly deleting their accounts, or they just want to know what kind of data Facebook has on them. Some owners of smartphones and tablets that use Google's Android operating system have been getting a surprise. It seems that, under certain circumstances, Facebook is logging text messages and voice phone calls. Both The Verge and Ars Technica are reporting on this. One thing is clear from both: this only affects Android users. Those who use Apple's iOS operating system are not seeing the data in their downloads. #DeleteFacebook: I really want to quit Facebook, but . . . This first came to light after New Zealand Facebook user Dylan McKay reported on Twitter that he'd found call logs in his data download. That prompted others to begin looking, including Houston novelist Mat Johnson. 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 Not every user of Android smartphones is seeing this, however. Some think it may be related to using Facebook Messenger as the default SMS app, though McKay pointed out he doesn't do that. Sean Gallgher of Ars appears to have figured out it. It depends on what kind of permissions you granted on older versions of Android in the past. Those will carry over into future versions unless you changed them. If you granted permission to read contacts during Facebook's installation on Android a few versions agospecifically before Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean)that permission also granted Facebook access to call and message logs by default. The permission structure was changed in the Android API in version 16. But Android applications could bypass this change if they were written to earlier versions of the API, so Facebook API could continue to gain access to call and SMS data by specifying an earlier Android SDK version. Google deprecated version 4.0 of the Android API in October 2017the point at which the latest call metadata in Facebook users' data was found. Apple iOS has never allowed silent access to call data. Facebook has issued a statement regarding the collection of the call and SMS data to both sites, saying it's part of system for finding people you know on the social network: "The most important part of apps and services that help you make connections is to make it easy to find the people you want to connect with. So, the first time you sign in on your phone to a messaging or social app, it's a widely used practice to begin by uploading your phone contacts." This will only add fuel to the fire over Facebook's collection and handling of user data. It makes sense to upload contact lists for this purpose, though why Facebook would need to know when and how you communicate with those contacts is not clear. Batten down: How to lock down a Facebook account or delete the account This discovery also begs the question: Are other apps doing this? Android allows this level of data gathering, so it's possible Facebook is not alone. Facebook could fix this by shutting off this kind of logging in its app, but it would be up to Google to shut it down for Android as a whole. Of course, since there are so many Android devices out there running old versions of the operating system, a fix would only be available to owners of newer phones. If you want to download your user data, you'll find a link to do at the bottom of Facebook's general Settings page. You can find more details in my story about how to tighten Facebook's privacy controls or deactivate/delete your account. McKay, by the way, has posted a Google Docs survey for those who have downloaded their Facebook data to report what they found. You can find the rolling results here. Update 3.26.2018: Facebook has posted some details about how its collection of data from Android devices works, saying Android users who installed its Messenger app agreed to the practice at installation. When you sign up for Messenger or Facebook Lite on Android, or log into Messenger on an Android device, you are given the option to continuously upload your contacts as well as your call and text history. For Messenger, you can either turn it on, choose 'learn more' or 'not now'. On Facebook Lite, the options are to turn it on or 'skip'. If you chose to turn this feature on, we will begin to continuously log this information, which can be downloaded at any time using the Download Your Information tool. Facebook The post offers links to turn off the action in settings, or to see and manage your contacts data. While it's true that Facebook users may have approved settings, it's likely many didn't grasp the implications of what they were approving, given the reaction to the news. Dwight Silverman is the technology editor for the Houston Chronicle and the grillmaster for the TechBurger tech news site. Follow him on Twitter and Facebook. 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. Kareena Kapoor Khan Poses in Black Swimsuit as She Says Bye to Summer in Maldives, See Photo It's just the math. At any given moment there are hundreds of United planes in the air. and they are carrying tens of thousands of customers. Unfortunately that makes for countless opportunities for unforeseen events. ... We had a truly horrific event last year that everyone in the world frankly heard about. It was flight 3411, with the doctor that was dragged off the plane. And people say, 'Aren't you glad that's over? Can't you wait for that thing to go away?' That is the furthest thing from my mind and our mind. We want it front and center. We constantly want to be reminded of how things can go wrong so quickly." When was the last time you were excited to go to work? If you feel that work is a necessity marked mostly with unsatisfying thoughts and unfulfilling opportunities, you'd be in a majority group: 70 percent of employees have a negative experience of work. Perhaps your experience is stained by feeling like a number in the corporate machinery. Or maybe there is an absence of quality connections at work. Both are symptoms of unhuman workplaces. Such workplaces fail to connect employees' needs with organizational outcomes. Unhuman workplaces leave employees at all levels feeling as though their talents are wasted or taken for granted. Such workplaces struggle to connect purpose with individual and team efforts. A predominate belief of one-sidedness creates disbelief that leads to myriad outcomes that don't benefit the company and its employees. The belief of one-sidedness is created when the employee experience is forsaken to benefit executives, shareholders, or even Board members. As the employee experience and their experience of work increase in importance, companies that fail to adapt will struggle to attract and retain high performing employees. A failure to change is always a recipe for mediocrity, obsolescence, or irrelevance. What Is a Human Workplace? Human workplaces purposefully tap into human needs to generate value for the company's many stakeholders: employees, customers, shareholders, and executives, at a minimum. Organizational cultures that are human place high importance on ideals like high-quality relationships, trust building/being trustworthy, personal and professional growth, and being curious. Highlighting Five Practices to Shape the Workplace to Be Human Humanizing the workplace is an intention that is best shared across all people leaders. In the spirit of helping and making a difference, the following list includes high-leverage focus areas to shape your culture to be more human. The ideas below are inputs to creating a positive, human experience of work. Each one helps make it easier for employees to contribute and fulfill and learn about their potential. Develop a strengths mindset A strengths-based mindset believes it is equally as important to promote what is right with people and not focus solely on their weaknesses. Strengths are defined as competence and work that energizes you. When combined, these two inputs promote peak performance. At WorqIQ, we use the UK's StrengthScope assessment to learn about strengths. Create a mindfulness program At LinkedIn, Scott Shute, the VP of Global Customer Operations, married his lifelong meditation practice to supporting the company's mindfulness program. To help employees effectively manage stress, promote creating a more profound source of personal happiness, and even increase resilience, Shute and LinkedIn created Mindful Moments. It's a self-paced online learning program anyone in LinkedIn can take to learn about mindfulness. Promote positivity Another outcome of mindfulness is positivity. Cultivate positivity by focusing on what's possible and examining what's right and not just what's wrong with an idea or approach. Back at LinkedIn, Shute shared a practice where team meetings start with people sharing a personal win or kudos or story of gratitude. Barbara Fredrickson, professor of psychology at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, has researched positivity. Positive emotions broaden people's thinking, an invaluable asset to problem-solving and making a difference. Focus on belonging practices Belonging is one of our most basic human needs. We are wired to work together with others. Menlo Innovations, a software development company, creates a sense of belonging by pairing employees to work together. The pairs are reshuffled each week. This practice helps raise awareness of different working styles and areas of expertise. They build into the pairing a reliance on one another. Help employees identify their personal core values When you can articulate what drives you, it's easier to align your efforts with your growth goals and better helps the company achieve its goals, too. At Luck Companies, their practice of values-based leadership and expecting employees to know and define their own values shapes belonging, positive self-identity, and stronger relationships. Other high leverage practices worth evaluating for your company include the following: Increase employee awareness of their purpose with that of the company's. Design activities that position employees to know and learn from colleagues outside their immediate work group. Raise employees' satisfaction with their accomplishments by relentlessly promoting progress in work and projects. Additionally, redesign physical workspaces to encourage connection and also offer solitary, quiet workspaces useful for deep work. Finally, audit your people processes and practices. Your primary objective is to sunset those long-standing processes and practices that undermine trust (like requiring employees to follow scripts when talking with customers). You'll also want to modernize requirements that are in step with today's realities. For example, update your travel and expense limits for meals. It's not practical to limit employees to $7 for breakfast when traveling for the company. A British woman is living the American dream after packing up her life with her family to travel around the country in a converted school bus. Debbie Mayes, 33, from Wigan, UK, has four children with her husband Gabriel, 45, from Angleton, Texas, whom she met at a ministry school in Illinois. After growing tired of their 5,000-sq-ft family home, the couple made the decision to buy and refurbish a classic American school bus which cost them 27,000 and six months to transform. Recommended How estate agents are turning to Instagram to sell homes The Mayes stripped out the seats, painted it white and added in a kitchen, cosy living area and bedrooms before embarking on a cross-country adventure. So far, the family has racked up 3,000 miles in their bus travelling through Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado, Wyoming, Utah and Nevada, before finishing their trip in California. We were living in a 5000-sq-ft house with Gabriel working multiple jobs, sometimes working until the early hours of the morning, Mayes told Metro. Things emotionally started to fall apart. We were both miserable and disconnected so realised we needed to change everything about our life. After watching a YouTube video, the family thought they would be well-suited to that lifestyle and, despite being sceptical at first, knew it would be the perfect way to help them reconnect as a family. The mother-of-four insists that the bus life has brought the family closer together and that the children love the freedom it enables them to have. She says that the best thing about renovating the bus is how connected the family has come. While they used to spend all their time in different rooms of the house, now they go on adventures, watch moves together and read books at bedtime. Life is so much simpler now. Stuff is not as important to us, we spend much more time outside or having fun experiences as a family," Mayes explained. Eventually, the family plans to settle in Northern California but before they build their forever home they hope to travel to either Alaska or Mexico. While the 33-year-old says the experience has completely changed the familys lives she has some words of wisdom for anyone wishing to follow in their footsteps. Mayes says that the family receive so many e-mails from people who are "miserable" with their lives but always seem to find an excuse not to make changes To combat this she says not to waste time worrying what people or think or having everything perfectly planned. If you are unhappy with where you are at you are only one decision away from changing everything and you will feel so much freedom when you start living your life the way you feel called to live it, she adds. As hundreds of thousands gathered at March for Our Lives demonstrations across America, Stranger Things actress Millie Bobby Brown showed her support for the movement at the Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards on Saturday night. Making a strong sartorial and political statement, the actress who plays Eleven on the Netflix hit wore a custom Calvin Klein jacket that featured the names of the 17 victims of the Parkland shooting in Florida. Above the names read March For Our Lives while Never Again was printed above her front left pocket in support of the weekends nationwide protest against gun violence. Recommended Florida shooting survivors lead March for our Lives gun control rally Taking to the stage to accept the award for Favourite TV Actress, the 14-year-old also highlighted the cause with an emotional speech. Thank you so much for this award, and to Nickelodeon for bringing us all together, she said. As we saw a moment ago, the March for Our Lives demonstrations that took place all over the world today have inspired me and impacted us all in one way or another. But more than anything, I get to be up here, and I'm privileged to have a voice that can be heard, one that I can use to hopefully make a positive difference and help influence change. OK, so there's an amazing support, love and kindness in this room right now, and I want to encourage everyone to embrace it and to pass it on. She concluded, "For the angels among us, your spirit lives on. This is for you." The Stranger Things actress wore a jacket that featured the names of the 17 victims of the Parkland shooting After the show, Brown posted a photo of her jacket on Twitter and Instagram thanking Calvin for supporting her and the movement. Thank you to all the fans who voted for me and for Stranger Things at Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards today, she wrote. Recommended Millie Bobby Brown comforts boy after no one shows up to his birthday A big [folded hands emoji] also to my friends at Calvin Klein for being such a champion of important causes and efforts to create positivity in this world. #marchforourlives #neveragain While the Stranger Things star was unable to make an appearance at the march, other celebrities including Miley Cyrus, Kim Kardashian, Kanye West, Ariana Grande, George and Amal Clooney, and Paul McCartney took to the streets to show their support. Home to some of the worlds most exciting street food, Hong Kong is a foodies paradise. Here is a guide to some of Hong Kongs wallet-friendly eats focusing on the Sham Shui Po area. Busy street of Sham Shui Po The Michelin-recommended district is located in the northwestern part of the Kowloon Peninsula. Its a market-lovers haven and is a treasure trove when it comes to mouthwatering street food. Street food joint Block 18 Doggies Noodle specialises in hearty bowls of glutinous rice noodles in rich broth with minced meat and mushrooms. Their fake shark fin soup with duck is another popular dish. A popular dish at Block 18 Doggie's Noodles Kwan Kee Store, recommended in the street food section of the 2016 Michelin Guide, is known for its steamed rice pudding (also known as put chai ko) as well as other Chinese steamed puddings like black sesame rolls and white sugar cake. Kwan Kee Store is renowned for its steamed rice pudding aka put chai ko Popular eatery Hop Yik Tais cheung fun or rice noodle rolls goes well with soy sauce, sesame sauce and sweet sauce. Expect to queue to sample its delights. Cheung fun or rice noodle rolls Hole in the wall tofu joint Kung Wo Dou Bun Chong specialises in soya bean products. They have pan-fried tofu snacks (tofu squares with fish paste), homemade sweet soy milk and silky smooth tofu pudding. Another hole in the wall Hong Kong style cafe known as cha chaa teng is the family-run San Hang Yuen. Open 24/7, it is known for its Beef and egg sandwich and milk tea. San Hang Yuens milk tea has more than 60 types of Ceylon tea leaves that come in different sizes and origin. These are just some of the many eateries in the area, perfect for those who wish to refuel from shopping, those who are peckish or just plain hangry Block 18 Doggies Noodle, 88 Fuk Wing Street, Sham Shui Po, Hong Kong Kwan Kee Store, 10, 115-117 Fuk Wa St, Sham Shui Po, Hong Kong Hop Yik Tai, G/F, 121 Kweilin Street, Sham Shui Po, Hong Kong Kung Wo Dou Bun Chong, G/F, 118 Pei Ho St, Sham Shui Po, Hong Kong San Hang Yuen, 38 Kweilin Street, Sham Shui Po For more information on Hong Kong visit: http://www.discoverhongkong.com/uk/. The crisis ravaging Facebook started when a young researcher, regretful over his role in turning data on an estimated tens of millions of US voters into a high-tech political persuasion machine, decided to come forward with his story. And he imagined that Facebook, whose user profiles were part of that effort, could be a partner in helping to exhume this painful truth and perhaps embrace some changes to its privacy policy. But instead of a joint announcement, Christopher Wylie awoke early last Saturday in London, where he lives, to the news that Facebook had published a blog post announcing the suspensions of him, his former employer and one other person for allegedly mishandling Facebook data in an incident that happened in 2014 and had been known to Facebook for more than a year. That explosive moment last weekend turned Wylie, 28, into an unlikely foil to one of the tech industrys most powerful and lucrative companies. The onetime student of fashion trends with pink hair and a stubborn streak has delivered revelations that have triggered government investigations on both sides of the Atlantic, sent Facebooks stock price plunging and pushed long-simmering privacy concerns to a boil. I didnt set out to attack Facebook. Facebook has just been incredibly uncooperative, Wylie said. It hasnt respected the role of the media and scrutiny and embraced this scrutiny and worked to improve itself. What happened instead, he said, was an own goal by Facebook. In hours of interviews with The Washington Post this week, Wylie traced his work for the data analysis firm Cambridge Analytica, his growing misgivings before he quit in 2014, and his shock and horror when the companys most famous client, Donald Trump, won the presidency nearly two years later. He also described previously unreported contact with Corey Lewandowski, Trumps first campaign manager, in spring 2015. (Lewandowski denied any contact.) And Wylie shared his suspicion though unconfirmed that data collected and used by Cambridge Analytica may have fallen into Russian hands. But Wylie spoke with particular passion about his own feelings of guilt for helping to develop an advanced new form of political targeting that was used by people whose conservative politics are the opposite of his own. Some say that Wylie is a flawed whistleblower, that he never should have helped collect data on tens of millions of Facebook users and should not have waited years to publicly reveal his misgivings about working for Cambridge Analytica. But he says hes trying to make matters right by speaking out now. I literally left a ticking time bomb, Wylie said in his lawyers London office. I didnt quite appreciate that I had done that. And then it blew up. Wylie, a Canadian citizen, moved to London in 2010 and started to work in 2013 for SCL Group, which he said conducted information operations around the world and also worked in campaigns, especially in African nations. As research director, Wylie helped that company give birth to Cambridge Analytica as an American brand that would focus on US politics with at least $10m (7m) from billionaire hedge-fund manager Robert Mercer. The Cambridge Analytica office was in the posh Mayfair neighbourhood, and the dozens of young workers many of them contractors, a number of whom were from Eastern Europe buzzed about with Apple laptops. At the helm, said Wylie, was Mercers daughter Rebekah, who was president, and conservative strategist Steve Bannon, who was vice-president. Running day-to-day operations was a smooth-talking upper-crust Briton, Alexander Nix. Nix did not respond to requests for comment on Wednesday. Cambridge Analytica suspended Nix on Tuesday after a television sting showed him on secret recordings talking about employing unethical tactics to win elections, including bribery and using sex workers for honey pots. Wylie said he helped set up the television stations sting. Wylie said that it was under Nixs direction but with the knowledge of Bannon and Rebekah Mercer that Cambridge Analytica began an ambitious data-gathering programme that included tapping into the Facebook profiles of 50 million users through the use of a personality-testing app. The company did that with the help of a Russian American psychologist at Cambridge University, Aleksandr Kogan, who also made regular visits back to Russia, according to Wylie. Wylie says he regrets his role in the gathering of data on US voters (Jake Naughton/Washington Post) Wylie said he and others at Cambridge Analytica were initially sceptical of the power of this tactic for gathering data. But when the company approved $1,000 for Kogan to experiment with his app, he produced data on 1,000 people who downloaded it and roughly 160,000 of their friends all in a matter of hours. Cambridge Analytica next approved $10,000 for a second round of testing and was rewarded with nearly a million records, including names, home towns, dates of birth, religious affiliations, work and educational histories, and preferences, as expressed using the popular Facebook like button on many social media updates, news stories and other online posts. They soon married that data with voter lists and commercial data broker information and discovered they had a remarkably precise portrait of a large swath of the American electorate. Kogans app, called thisisyourdigitallife and portrayed as being for research purposes, gathered data on the 270,000 people who downloaded it and tens of millions of their Facebook friends. It was this data and others that Wylie later worried might have ended up in Russian hands. Im not saying that we put it on a drive and posted it to Vladimir Putin on Number 1 Red Square, Wylie said, referring to the Russian presidents official residence. But he said that he and others affiliated with Cambridge Analytica briefed Lukoil, a Russian oil company, on its research into American voters. He said Kogan also made regular visits to Russia but acknowledged that he did not know what Kogan did there. Kogan has not replied to requests for comment. Kogan called the suggestions that he was a spy just silly in an email, seen by CNN, that he wrote to colleagues at Cambridge University. If I am Russian spy, I am the worlds dumbest spy. For Wylie, a data scientist with an avid interest in politics and culture, the collection of Facebook and other data did not initially trouble him. The social media platform made such data grabs easy for app developers though it began severely restricting them in 2015 and Wylie saw it as a powerful way to study an entire nation on a scale at once broad and precise. Combined with other data, Cambridge Analytica hoped to profile the entire American electorate something it already had done in other countries and determine what pitches would work best for each individual voter. The project also appeared to excite its benefactors. One former Cambridge Analytica employee, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal corporate matters, described hearing Rebekah Mercer express over the phone excitement at the results of 2014 congressional midterms, when Republicans made significant gains to which Cambrige Analytica said it had contributed. But Wylie and others clashed with Nix, whom he called a bully. Wylie also grew weary of the increasingly far-right tenor of the politics the researchers were helping to propel. They discovered and refined potent themes about keeping out immigrants, draining the swamp and restoring an earlier era of national greatness as understood mainly to mean for white American men. When Wylie told Nix at a London coffee shop in 2014 that he was going to leave at the end of the year, he heard a boast that at the time sounded ridiculous but, in retrospect, haunted him. Just you wait, Nix told Wylie, according to his recollection. Youre going to leave, but were going to be in the White House. But it was not clear to Wylie at that point who might lead such an eventual White House bid. In fact, Cambridge Analytica worked with Senator Ted Cruz, R-Texas, during the presidential primary before signing on with the Trump campaign. Months after he and several other Cambridge Analytica employees quit the firm, they got a mysterious message from somebody purporting to represent the Trump Organisation. Wylie and others, unfamiliar with Trumps brewing political ambitions, thought they might find themselves somehow involved in Trumps Apprentice reality television show. Wylie said he ended up speaking with Lewandowski, Trumps first campaign manager, in conference calls in which Lewandowski reportedly described a forthcoming Trump run for president. Lewandowski later met in person with several of Wylies former Cambridge Analytica colleagues at Trump Tower in spring 2015, Wylie said in an account backed by one of those people who did attend. But the plan to work for the campaign doing voter analysis fizzled, in large part because the mostly liberal former Cambridge Analytica employees didnt want to wade back into conservative politics. Zuckerberg was asked to explain how the data of tens of millions of the social media sites users reached Cambridge Analytica (David Paul Morris/Bloomberg) Lewandowski said the campaign had been pitched by Cambridge Analytica but never hired them and had no recollection of meeting with any former employees. Ive never heard of those guys, Lewandowski said of Wylie and the other former employees. It didnt happen. But the brief flirtation did have a concrete consequence. SCL Group threatened legal action against Wylie for supposedly violating a noncompete clause he signed before quitting. Wylie was confused he had no idea that the company considered Trump a client or potential client and began to suspect that he had been set up. To resolve the legal dispute, he signed a nondisclosure agreement that would later complicate his efforts to speak out about the work he had done for Cambridge Analytica. Wylies sense of uneasiness about that work began building when he heard Trump, in 2016, start using themes that Cambridge Analytica had developed in 2014 about building walls and draining the swamp. More than most, Wylie knew the science behind why they might be effective. His discomfort grew when Bannon formally joined the Trump campaign in August 2016. Election results on 8 November 2016, filled Wylie with a profound sense of dread. A friend who worked on the campaign of Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton and was familiar with Wylies previous work sent him a message saying, What did you do? Manipulating an election in a small developing country doesnt have the same sort of ripple effect of electing Donald Trump into the White House, Wylie said. It hit home at the inauguration. It is unclear how much Cambridge Analytica contributed to Trumps win. Soon after Trumps inauguration, Wylie began talking with an Observer reporter, Carole Cadwalladr, who had been working on stories about Cambridge Analytica. He also retained an attorney, Tamsin Allen, and began working directly with Britains Information Commissioners Office, which started an investigation into Cambridge Analytica. Earlier this month, Wylie received a sharply worded letter from Facebook, which demanded access to his smartphone and computer. He refused, saying that he already had shared information with the British authorities and saw no reason to do so with a private company especially one whose own activities might be called into question. It was not Wylies first encounter with Facebook. The company had sent a letter in August 2016 saying that Kogan, the Cambridge researcher, should not have shared the data of Facebook users. Downloading names, home towns, work histories and likes of 50 million users was not against the rules at least in 2014 but Kogan should not have transferred the data to Cambridge Analytica, Facebook wrote. Facebook wanted the data destroyed. Wylie said he complied with that request, though he does not know if Kogan or Cambridge Analytica did. (Cambridge Analytica has issued several statements in recent days denying any wrongdoing.) Silicon Valley-based Facebook posted a blog on Friday announcing the suspension of Kogan, Wylie and the parent company of Cambridge Analytica. When he was awakened by a call around 3am by a reporter, Wylie was furious at Facebook for acting unilaterally and accusing him of misdeeds when he had come forward to authorities. Days later, he still is. Wylies career as Facebook critic quickly moved to a new level. Lawmakers in the United States and Europe began demanding that Facebook chief executive Mark Zuckerberg personally explain how the data of 50 million users reached a mysterious company with ties to Bannon, the Mercers and Trump. State attorneys general began investigating. So did the Federal Trade Commission over concerns that Facebook had violated a 2011 consent decree over privacy issues. Alexander Nix in the companys Fifth Avenue office. Wylie recalls Nix saying: Youre going to leave, but were going to be in the White House (Joshua Bright /Washington Post) When told that Wylie thought he had been mistreated by Facebook, the social media company responded that Cambridge Analytica and Kogan had agreed to an audit of their servers and systems. Mr Wylie thus far has declined. Facebook on Wednesday said it would conduct audits of thousands of apps in response to the breach of trust caused by Cambridge Analytica. Facebook is not the government. Facebook is not the state. Im working with the legal authority, Wylie said, referring to the Information Commissioners Office. Im not going to be bullied by Facebook. As for the broader issues the privacy intrusions of the data collection, the manipulation of voters, the possible role in electing Trump, the possibility that Cambridge Analyticas work might have reached Russians Wylie feels remorse. Wylie says he wants to expose the machinations of data gathering for political purposes as fully as hes able. He dreams of resuming his work as a data scientist some day. For now, he is something like a full-time whistleblower. In an emotional moment on Tuesday night at the journalists Frontline Club, Wylie told a packed audience that his decision to step forward was about taking responsibility. If youve done something wrong, the first step is to try to own up and tell people about it, he said. Im on my first step. William Booth in London, Elizabeth Dwoskin in Los Angeles and Michael Kranish in Washington contributed to this report Washington Post British children are being forced into modern slavery in the UK as more potential victims are reported than ever before. A total of 5,145 potential victims were referred into the system last year, an increase of 35 per cent on the year before, and the National Crime Agency (NCA) believes the number will continue to rise. The largest group was British citizens (819, more than double the 326 referred in 2016), followed by Albanian and Vietnamese nationals. The NCA said a rising number of British modern slaves are being reported because of police referring teenage victims exploited by criminal gangs. Most are being used for sex or as drug mules by county lines groups that supply from urban centres into rural areas, often exploiting young and vulnerable people to distribute their product. Suspected labour exploitation was the most frequently cited category, accounting for 2,352 cases - nearly half of all referrals. Other reports were linked to suspected sexual exploitation (1,744) and domestic servitude (488). The majority, 4,714, of referrals were passed to English police forces for crime recording purposes, with 207 referred in Scotland, 193 in Wales and 31 in Northern Ireland. Of the referrals logged last year, 1,595, or nearly a third, related to exploitation alleged to have happened overseas. Liam Vernon, a senior manager in the NCAs modern slavery and human trafficking unit, said the figure was shocking. The reality is that there isnt a region in the UK that isnt affected, he told The Independent. The number is shocking and our assessment is that this is an under-reported crime. Investigators put the huge increase down to a better understanding of exploitation by police and other authorities, who have been flagging more people to the dedicated National Referral Mechanism (NRM). The body works to identify victims of human trafficking or modern slavery and ensure they receive support to escape their situation. Police warn modern slaves 'staffing nail bars across UK' as Vietnamese gang jailed in landmark case Gangs frequently use children under the age of 18 in the belief they will be less suspicious and receive lenient sentences if caught. Some of the children found in the trade also have mental health issues and are drug users themselves, coming from broken homes, traumatic lives, state care or having been reported missing, the NCA said. Recommended Gangs recruiting children as young as 12 as Class A drug dealers Several police forces have discovered care homes being actively targeted to recruit vulnerable children, while sexual grooming was also found in some areas seeing girls being coerced into relationships with gang members. Will Kerr, director of the NCA, said the rising phenomenon was a particular concern. We are now dealing with an evolving threat, he added. The criminals involved in these types of exploitation are going into online spaces, particularly adult services website, to enable their criminality. Other common countries of origin include China, Nigeria, Romania, Sudan, Eritrea, India, Poland and Pakistan, but 116 different nationalities are known to be affected. The majority of modern slaves identified are subject to forced labour, sexual exploitation or domestic servitude. Victims have been found in a range of legal and illegal trades in the UK, including Vietnamese nail bars, cannabis farming, prostitution, flower-picking and at hand car washes. UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 11 September 2021 Arsenals Takehiro Tomiyasu attempts to control the ball during the Premier League match at The Emirates Stadium PA 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 UK news in pictures 8 August 2021 Great Britain's Laura Kenny during the closing ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Olympic stadium in Japan PA UK news in pictures 7 August 2021 People from the Glasgow Southside community take part in the Govanhill Carnival, an anti-racist celebration of pride, unity and the contributions immigrants have made to the community in Govanhill, at Queen's Park, Glasgow PA UK news in pictures 6 August 2021 Chijindu Ujah of Britain, Zharnel Hughes of Britain, Richard Kilty of Britain and Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake of Britain celebrate winning silver as they pose with Asha Philip of Britain, Imani Lansiquot of Britain, Dina Asher-Smith of Britain and Daryll Neita of Britain after they won bronze in the women's 4 x 100m relay during Olympic Games Day 14 Getty UK news in pictures 5 August 2021 A protester places flowers on a photograph of an executed man during a demonstration organised by supporters of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) to protest against the inauguration of Iran's new president Ebrahim Raisi in central London AFP via Getty UK news in pictures 4 August 2021 England's Joe Root looks on as India's KL Rahul doesn't make it to a catch during day one of Cinch First Test match at Trent Bridge, Nottingham PA UK news in pictures 3 August 2021 Great Britain's Laura Kenny and Jason Kenny with their silver medals for the Women's Team Pursuit and Mens Team Sprint during the Track Cycling at the Izu Velodrome on the eleventh day of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Japan PA UK news in pictures 2 August 2021 Great Britains Charlotte Worthington competes during the Womens BMX Freestyle Final at the Tokyo Olympics PA UK news in pictures 1 August 2021 EPA UK news in pictures 31 July 2021 James Guy, Adam Peaty and Kathleen Dawson celebrate winning the gold medal in the mixed 4x100m medley relay final at the Tokyo Olympics AP UK news in pictures 30 July 2021 Great Britain's Bethany Shriever and Kye Whyte celebrate their Gold and Silver medals respectively for the Cycling BMX Racing at the Ariake Urban Sports Park on the seventh day of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Japan PA UK news in pictures 29 July 2021 Team GB's Mallory Franklin during the Womens Canoe Slalom Final on day six of the Tokyo Olympic Games. She went on to win the silver medal Getty UK news in pictures 28 July 2021 Canoers on Llyn Padarn lake in Snowdonia, Gwynedd. It was announced that the north-west Wales slate landscape has been granted UNESCO World Heritage Status PA UK news in pictures 27 July 2021 A view of one of two areas now being used at a warehouse facility in Dover, Kent, for boats used by people thought to be migrants. PA UK news in pictures 26 July 2021 A woman is helped by Border Force officers as a group of people thought to be migrants are brought in to Dover, Kent, onboard a Border Force vessel, following a small boat incident in the Channel PA UK news in pictures 25 July 2021 Vehicles drive through deep water on a flooded road in Nine Elms, London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 24 July 2021 Utilities workers inspect a 15x20ft sinkhole on Green Lane, Liverpool, which is suspected to have been caused by ruptured water main PA Some people-smuggling gangs are directly involved in modern slavery, with hotspots lying on migration routes from West Africa and through the Mediterranean. At some point on every migrants journey they will become more and more vulnerable to practices like debt bondage, sexual exploitation and labour exploitation, Mr Vernon said. The Independent has interviewed men who were made to carry out forced labour in Libya in order to pay for their freedom or onward journey, by militias who transport women to be raped for cash. Recommended Sex trafficking victim reveals terror at being forced out of UK Some gangs are taking advantage of vulnerability, while others are targeting victims by posing as recruiters for legitimate work in Britain and then forcing them into slavery when they arrive. Romania is a nexus for such recruitment, as is Nigeria, with both countries involved in recent court cases. A Romanian gang leader was jailed for seven years on Friday after forcing his victims to work in construction and threatening to beat them to death if they asked to be paid. David Lupu, 29, lured targets from his home country with a promise of a 50 a day and a good standard of living, but kept them in squalid conditions and confiscated their documents. He told the men, who were given limited food, that they would have to pay hundreds of pounds for permits to work in the UK, so they remained under his control until two victims managed to reach a London police station. Detective Constable Marie Marshall said: The victims in this case were promised work and a future in London. The reality was very different and they were exploited by the Lupu, who arranged work with no intention of payment, saddling the victims in debt. David Lupu recruited men from Romania to work in London and kept them as modern slaves (Metropolitan Police) The NCA was involved in another case in Spain, which saw 39 women and girls who had been forced into prostitution by a Nigerian gang freed and 89 suspects arrested last week. They had undergone voodoo rituals before leaving their home country to make them comply with their masters orders on the refugee route to Europe via Libya and the Mediterranean Sea. After arriving in Spain, the victims were forced to live in cave-like houses and made to work as prostitutes for the profit of gang leaders remaining in Nigeria. The number of modern slaves globally is unknown but in the UK a government estimate in 2014 put the figure at between 10,000 and 13,000 people. Recommended Meet the former modern slaves fleeing over the Mediterranean to Europe Our judgement is that is an under-estimate and in the next three years we expect the number to rise, Mr Vernon said. This is a profitable area for crime groups and we see technology and the internet developing as an enabler, making it easier for criminals to operate and harder for law enforcement to tackle on our own. It is important to have strong international cooperation and the public have a really strong role to play. Victoria Atkins, the minister for crime, safeguarding and vulnerability, described modern slavery and trafficking as despicable crimes which see some of the most vulnerable people in society targeted by ruthless predators. She said the Modern Slavery Act 2015 was helping security services pursue offenders and bring the issue out of the shadows, with 600 live police investigations underway, adding: We know there is more to do, and we are working to improve the system for identifying victims and supporting them to leave situations of exploitation and begin to recover and rebuild their lives. Anyone who wants information or to report a case of modern slavery is asked to call the dedicated helpline on 0800 0121 700 or visit the website. Additional reporting by PA Student environmental activists interrupted this years Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race to protest against both universities investment in fossil fuel companies. Letting off orange flares on Hammersmith Bridge, the demonstrators dropped a 10m banner reading Oxbridge Divest during the mens race. The stunt caused temporary confusion as revellers views were blocked, but the race itself was not disrupted. Recommended Cambridge claim clean sweep against Oxford in 2018 Boat Race Cambridge were in the lead as they passed beneath the bridge, and they went on to win the race. Around 25 student climate campaigners from Oxford and Cambridge were allegedly involved in the protests, quickly dispersing from the scene afterwards. Their actions were the latest in a long-running campaign against fossil fuel investment. They claim the aim of divestment is to highlight the "moral unacceptability of further fossil fuel exploration and extraction. Oxford v Cambridge: The Boat Race in numbers It is estimated that around 6 per cent of Cambridges 6.3bn university endowment is invested in fossil fuels. Calls for divestment have increased since the Panama Papers revealed both universities had invested tens of millions of pounds in a joint venture to develop oil exploration and deep-sea drilling operations. Recommended UK universities confirm fossil fuel divestment plans Over a quarter of British higher education institutions have already divested from fossil fuels, with the University of Glasgow becoming the first university in Europe to take such action in 2014. Recent universities pledging to divest have included Durham, Bristol and Cardiff. Julia Peck, member of Oxford Climate Justice Campaign, said the Oxbridge campaigns imagine two universities investing in a sustainable future; such a future simply cannot involve fossil fuels for the good of both people and planet". Cambridge University has previously said they have negligible exposure to fossil fuel industries while Oxford said it had very low exposure to the broader energy sector. David Davis took part in a live interview on the BBCs Andrew Marr Show on Sunday with a sick bucket beside him, after falling ill before he was due on the programme. Having reportedly vomited just before he went on air, the Brexit Secretary was also seen with a glass of water and a box of tissues just in case of further bouts of illness. Despite being unwell with food poisoning, Mr Davis managed to get through a discussion that focused on the the Irish border issue after Brexit. Commentator Isabel Oakeshott, who also appeared on the programme, said on Twitter: "Drama on #Marr as @DavidDavisMP only just made it thru interview due to serious sick bug. "We had a bucket on set...! That SAS training.." Tom Newton Dunn, The Sun's political editor, hailed the minister's "extreme heroics". On the show, Mr Davis said it was incredibly probable that the UK would reach a final deal with the EU, but said you can never stop making arrangements if a deal is not reached. He likened the issue to having insurance, saying: You dont expect your house to burn down, its less than a one in 100,000 chance, but you have house insurance anyway. Mr Davis also said physical checks on the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland could be avoided with a whole lot of technology. He also told the BBC show the Government was committed to protecting the Good Friday Agreement at all costs and would not allow a return to the borders of the past. UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures 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 UK news in pictures 8 August 2021 Great Britain's Laura Kenny during the closing ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Olympic stadium in Japan PA UK news in pictures 7 August 2021 People from the Glasgow Southside community take part in the Govanhill Carnival, an anti-racist celebration of pride, unity and the contributions immigrants have made to the community in Govanhill, at Queen's Park, Glasgow PA UK news in pictures 6 August 2021 Chijindu Ujah of Britain, Zharnel Hughes of Britain, Richard Kilty of Britain and Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake of Britain celebrate winning silver as they pose with Asha Philip of Britain, Imani Lansiquot of Britain, Dina Asher-Smith of Britain and Daryll Neita of Britain after they won bronze in the women's 4 x 100m relay during Olympic Games Day 14 Getty UK news in pictures 5 August 2021 A protester places flowers on a photograph of an executed man during a demonstration organised by supporters of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) to protest against the inauguration of Iran's new president Ebrahim Raisi in central London AFP via Getty UK news in pictures 4 August 2021 England's Joe Root looks on as India's KL Rahul doesn't make it to a catch during day one of Cinch First Test match at Trent Bridge, Nottingham PA UK news in pictures 3 August 2021 Great Britain's Laura Kenny and Jason Kenny with their silver medals for the Women's Team Pursuit and Mens Team Sprint during the Track Cycling at the Izu Velodrome on the eleventh day of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Japan PA UK news in pictures 2 August 2021 Great Britains Charlotte Worthington competes during the Womens BMX Freestyle Final at the Tokyo Olympics PA There is a risk in trying to focus just on the downsides because the real likely outcome - the overwhelmingly likely outcome - is option A, Mr Davis said. Option A is that we get a free-trade agreement, we get a customs agreement, all of those make the Northern Ireland issue much, much easier to solve. Talks between the UK and Ecuador over the future of Julian Assange at its London embassy have broken down, the South American country's foreign minister said. Maria Fernanda Espinosa suggested British officials had been unwilling to negotiate over the Wikileaks founder's potential release. Earlier this month, a judge upheld an arrest warrant issued when Mr Assange skipped bail as he fought extradition to Sweden in 2012. The 46-year-old has been at the embassy ever since as he fears extradition to the United States for questioning over the activities of WikiLeaks if he leaves. Ms Espinosa said of the failed talks: "To mediate you need two parties, Ecuador is willing, but not necessarily the other party." Ecuador said it would continue to protect Mr Assange's rights, however, there was a risk to his physical and psychological well-being after spending nearly six years in the building as a "refugee". The country has assessed more than 30 similar cases in a bid to break the deadlock, including that of British-Iranian citizen Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, who is in prison in Iran accused of spying. This included options for granting diplomatic immunity, although Ecuador said it would continue to respect the UK's laws. In November, Ms Espinosa said Mr Assange had been granted Ecuadorian citizenship. The foreign minister said Ecuador was trying to make Mr Assange a member of its diplomatic team, which would grant him additional rights under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations including special legal immunity and safe passage. UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures 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 UK news in pictures 8 August 2021 Great Britain's Laura Kenny during the closing ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Olympic stadium in Japan PA UK news in pictures 7 August 2021 People from the Glasgow Southside community take part in the Govanhill Carnival, an anti-racist celebration of pride, unity and the contributions immigrants have made to the community in Govanhill, at Queen's Park, Glasgow PA UK news in pictures 6 August 2021 Chijindu Ujah of Britain, Zharnel Hughes of Britain, Richard Kilty of Britain and Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake of Britain celebrate winning silver as they pose with Asha Philip of Britain, Imani Lansiquot of Britain, Dina Asher-Smith of Britain and Daryll Neita of Britain after they won bronze in the women's 4 x 100m relay during Olympic Games Day 14 Getty UK news in pictures 5 August 2021 A protester places flowers on a photograph of an executed man during a demonstration organised by supporters of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) to protest against the inauguration of Iran's new president Ebrahim Raisi in central London AFP via Getty UK news in pictures 4 August 2021 England's Joe Root looks on as India's KL Rahul doesn't make it to a catch during day one of Cinch First Test match at Trent Bridge, Nottingham PA UK news in pictures 3 August 2021 Great Britain's Laura Kenny and Jason Kenny with their silver medals for the Women's Team Pursuit and Mens Team Sprint during the Track Cycling at the Izu Velodrome on the eleventh day of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Japan PA Last week, former cabinet minister Sir Patrick McLoughlin asked the Home Office when action will be taken over Mr Assange's case during questions at the House of Commons. He said the first three years of Mr Assange's five-year stay in the embassy had cost the Metropolitan Police an additional 11m. PA Nearly half of Britons are braced for economic pain in the months after Brexit, a new poll reveals, a year after Theresa May fired the starting gun on negotiations. The exclusive BMG survey for The Independent suggests that only a quarter of people believe the UK will be more prosperous in the short term after it leaves the European Union, while 49 per cent thought people would be worse off. However, in the longer term, voters are more optimistic about their prosperity, with 43 per cent believing the UK will be better off outside of the EU, compared to 36 per cent who fear people will be left poorer after Brexit. Recommended EU leaders approve new strategy for Brexit trade talks with UK Leaked Whitehall analysis recently revealed that the UK would be worse off under every possible scenario after Brexit, with some regions seeing their economies shrink by up to 16 per cent. Analysis of official forecasts, seen by The Independent, said the British economy could suffer a 252bn hit if Britain crashes out of the EU without a deal. However Chancellor Philip Hammond declared he was feeling Tigger-ish during his spring budget statement this month, as economic forecasts showed improvements in growth and borrowing. The poll comes a year after Article 50 was invoked, starting the two-year countdown for Britains exit from the European Union. But with only 12 months to go until exit day in March 2019, the survey also found the majority of people are still in the dark about Britains future outside the bloc. More than seven out of 10 people (72 per cent) said their understanding of life after Brexit was unclear, while only 28 per cent said they were clear or very clear on what ministers want to achieve. More than 1,800 people were surveyed between 13 and 16 March days after the Prime Minister delivered her landmark Mansion House speech, which was intended to offer clarity on the Governments Brexit strategy. Asked if the UK should stay in the EU, 53 per cent backed Remain and 47 per cent backed Leave. It comes after European leaders signed off plans for a transition period, agreed by Brexit Secretary David Davis and Michel Barnier, which clears the way for vital talks on Britains future relationship with Brussels for the first time. Mr Barnier, the EUs Brexit chief negotiator, said the deal marked a decisive moment in this difficult and extraordinary negotiation but warned that future talks must respect the principles and identity of the EU and the single market. UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures 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 UK news in pictures 8 August 2021 Great Britain's Laura Kenny during the closing ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Olympic stadium in Japan PA UK news in pictures 7 August 2021 People from the Glasgow Southside community take part in the Govanhill Carnival, an anti-racist celebration of pride, unity and the contributions immigrants have made to the community in Govanhill, at Queen's Park, Glasgow PA UK news in pictures 6 August 2021 Chijindu Ujah of Britain, Zharnel Hughes of Britain, Richard Kilty of Britain and Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake of Britain celebrate winning silver as they pose with Asha Philip of Britain, Imani Lansiquot of Britain, Dina Asher-Smith of Britain and Daryll Neita of Britain after they won bronze in the women's 4 x 100m relay during Olympic Games Day 14 Getty UK news in pictures 5 August 2021 A protester places flowers on a photograph of an executed man during a demonstration organised by supporters of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) to protest against the inauguration of Iran's new president Ebrahim Raisi in central London AFP via Getty UK news in pictures 4 August 2021 England's Joe Root looks on as India's KL Rahul doesn't make it to a catch during day one of Cinch First Test match at Trent Bridge, Nottingham PA UK news in pictures 3 August 2021 Great Britain's Laura Kenny and Jason Kenny with their silver medals for the Women's Team Pursuit and Mens Team Sprint during the Track Cycling at the Izu Velodrome on the eleventh day of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Japan PA UK news in pictures 2 August 2021 Great Britains Charlotte Worthington competes during the Womens BMX Freestyle Final at the Tokyo Olympics PA UK news in pictures 1 August 2021 EPA The Irish border remains a thorny issue, as the EU has effectively told the UK to come up with an alternative to a hard border before the next summit in June, or be forced to bring in a backstop solution that would keep Northern Ireland in the EUs customs union. Ministers are hoping that trade talks could unlock a solution, as part of plans for trade between Britain and the rest of the EU to be as frictionless as possible. BMG interviewed a representative sample of 1,815 adults living in Great Britain between 13 and 16 March. Data are weighted. BMG are members of the British polling council and abide by their rules. As Theresa May faces the arduous Brexit negotiations abroad with the EU27 she also faces a battle on the home front in the House of Commons over the next 12 months. She has the unenviable task of getting major pieces of legislation related to Britains withdrawal from the European Union through the chamber. Expect Brexit to dominate the parliamentary agenda. Given the fragility of the Government, a working majority along with the Democratic Unionist Party of just 13 and a healthy pro-EU majority in the House of Lords, anything could happen in the febrile atmosphere at Westminster. Here The Independent takes a look at the key challenges the Prime Minister faces over the next 12 months in the build-up to Britain withdrawing from the EU at 11pm on 29 March 2019. EU Withdrawal Bill This is the crucial piece of legislation currently making its way through the Lords that aims to transpose European law onto the UKs statue book on the day Britain formally leaves the bloc in March 2019. The purpose of the bill is to ensure Britain does not face a legal cliff-edge when it leaves the EU. Briefly known as the Great Repeal Bill the legislation will also repeal the 1972 European Communities Act. During the Commons stage the Government endured one humiliating defeat when around a dozen Tory MPs voted against the party whip. It required the Government to write its assurance for a vote on the final Brexit deal into legislation. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn described the Commons defeat as a humiliating loss of authority for the Government. Trouble could also be brewing after the Easter recess when peers will have the chance to amend parts of the bill at the Report Stage. While they will not attempt to block the bill or prevent Brexit they will expect to win some concessions from the Government. Expect some parliamentary ping-pong in the coming months. Immigration Bill This significant bill set out in the Queens speech will outline the UKs plans for its post-Brexit immigration system. The changes expected in the legislation, such as ending the free movement of people a key pillar of the EU will come into force after the Brexit transition period in December 2020. The immigration white paper was originally due to be published last summer, and then by the end of 2017, but last month was pushed back again until the Prime Minister had agreed a transition deal with the EU27. The delay prolongs uncertainty over the Governments intentions for post-Brexit immigration rules and for people entering the UK. In February hugely frustrated business groups condemned the hold-up which means the anticipated Immigration Bill will also be delayed until much later in 2018. Agriculture Bill As Britain will no longer be subject to the Common Agricultural Policy after Brexit, which provides financial support to farmers across member states, it will need a new Agriculture Bill. The Environment Secretary Michael Gove also wants to use the bill to achieve his stated ambition of a so-called Green Brexit. A consultation expected to last until May is underway for this bill. There is no timetable yet as to when it will enter the Commons. Jeremy Corbyn announces support of a customs union after Brexit There is also expected to be a Fisheries Bill and given the recent controversy over fishing rights after Brexit expect there to be a heated debated on this. This legislation will replace the EUs Common Fisheries Policy despised by Brexiteers with the aim of the UK regaining full control over its waters. Nuclear Safeguards Bill Since Britain is leaving Euratom the European nuclear regulator it has been a member of since 1957 after Brexit, this bill aims to establish a UK nuclear safeguards regime and will create new powers for the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Secretary. It will also establish the Office for Nuclear Regulation that according to the Government will be as comprehensive and robust as that currently provided by Euratom. Recommended MPs demand close cooperation with Euratom after Brexit This has already passed through the Commons and is expected to have its third reading in the Lords this week. Taxation (Cross-Border Trade) Bill Also referred to as the Customs Bill, the new legislation will, according to the Government, provide ministers with the ability to establish a standalone customs regime and ensure that VAT and excise legislation operates effectively after Britains withdrawal from the bloc. But last month the Prime Minister was accused of running scared of the Commons to avoid a possible Government defeat on an amendment to the bill. The pro-EU Conservative MPs Anna Soubry and Ken Clarke are leading a Conservative rebellion to keep Britain in a customs union in the EU in the same terms as existed before exit day. Labour is likely to back a vote on the issue. Given Ms May has explicitly rejected remaining in a customs union with the EU and it being unacceptable for Cabinet heavyweights such as Boris Johnson and Michael Gove, the amendment, if accepted, could pose a serious threat to the stability of the Government. Its return to the Commons is yet to be announced. Vote on the final deal This is expected in the autumn or at the beginning of 2019 theoretically leaving enough time for the Prime Minister to head back to Brussels for a renegotiation should MPs vote down her withdrawal deal in the Commons. But some ministers are more bullish about the issue, claiming that if MPs vote down the final deal then Britain will quit the EU without a deal. Just last week Brexit minister Lord Callanan suggested that the UK would fall back on World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules. Asked what the Government would do should the Commons reject the deal, he replied: In such circumstances first, we hope that Parliament will not reject it and we will negotiate for the best possible outcome that would be an instruction to move ahead without a deal. David Davis, the Brexit Secretary, has also insisted the vote will not be an opportunity for MPs to reject Brexit and the UK will leave the European Union regardless of the result of the vote. But if Ms May loses the vote on whether to approve the deal it will be a significant blow to her authority and her premiership could even be on the line. David Davis has said the Government will continue to plan for a no-deal scenario despite reaching an agreement with Brussels on the transition period last week. The Brexit Secretary said that progress made in the negotiations meant it was now incredibly probable very, very highly probable that there would be a final deal reached with the EU. But he compared the Governments continued no-deal preparation to insurance, telling BBCs Andrew Marr Show: You don't expect your house to burn down, it's less than a one in 100,000 chance, but you have house insurance anyway. Mr Davis added that you can never stop making arrangements for a potential no-deal scenario, because thats one of the things that guarantees the deal. Also countries always prepare. France is preparing, Holland is preparing, Belgium and Germany are preparing none of them expect it to happen but make preparations just in case." His comments follows the Brexit minister Lord Callanans remarks in the Lords last week in which he insisted that if Parliament votes down the deal agreed between Theresa May and the EU27 then the UK would still leave the bloc, without a deal. Asked by peers what the Government would do should the Commons reject the final deal, he replied: In such circumstances first, we hope that Parliament will not reject it and we will negotiate for the best possible outcome that would be an instruction to move ahead without a deal. Recommended The domestic challenges Theresa May will face in countdown to Brexit On the contentious issue of the Northern Irish border, Mr Davis also insisted that there would be trade or technological solution to avoid control points at the frontier. When challenged that there were no other borders of that kind in the world, Mr Davis said: We have got a whole load of new technology now. He added: There are ways to do this, you can't just say 'we haven't done it anywhere else', we haven't attempted to do it anywhere else. UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures 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 UK news in pictures 8 August 2021 Great Britain's Laura Kenny during the closing ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Olympic stadium in Japan PA UK news in pictures 7 August 2021 People from the Glasgow Southside community take part in the Govanhill Carnival, an anti-racist celebration of pride, unity and the contributions immigrants have made to the community in Govanhill, at Queen's Park, Glasgow PA UK news in pictures 6 August 2021 Chijindu Ujah of Britain, Zharnel Hughes of Britain, Richard Kilty of Britain and Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake of Britain celebrate winning silver as they pose with Asha Philip of Britain, Imani Lansiquot of Britain, Dina Asher-Smith of Britain and Daryll Neita of Britain after they won bronze in the women's 4 x 100m relay during Olympic Games Day 14 Getty UK news in pictures 5 August 2021 A protester places flowers on a photograph of an executed man during a demonstration organised by supporters of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) to protest against the inauguration of Iran's new president Ebrahim Raisi in central London AFP via Getty UK news in pictures 4 August 2021 England's Joe Root looks on as India's KL Rahul doesn't make it to a catch during day one of Cinch First Test match at Trent Bridge, Nottingham PA UK news in pictures 3 August 2021 Great Britain's Laura Kenny and Jason Kenny with their silver medals for the Women's Team Pursuit and Mens Team Sprint during the Track Cycling at the Izu Velodrome on the eleventh day of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Japan PA UK news in pictures 2 August 2021 Great Britains Charlotte Worthington competes during the Womens BMX Freestyle Final at the Tokyo Olympics PA UK news in pictures 1 August 2021 EPA UK news in pictures 31 July 2021 James Guy, Adam Peaty and Kathleen Dawson celebrate winning the gold medal in the mixed 4x100m medley relay final at the Tokyo Olympics AP UK news in pictures 30 July 2021 Great Britain's Bethany Shriever and Kye Whyte celebrate their Gold and Silver medals respectively for the Cycling BMX Racing at the Ariake Urban Sports Park on the seventh day of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Japan PA Pressed on Labour's planned amendment to Brexit legislation, Mr Davis said he would have to see what they came up with. But he added: We will not allow a return to the borders of the past, we will preserve - at all costs - the Belfast Agreement." Tom Watson has refused to rule out Labour calling for another EU referendum on the final Brexit deal but added it is highly, highly, highly unlikely. The comments from Labours deputy leader come after Jeremy Corbyn sacked frontbencher Owen Smith for breaking collective Shadow Cabinet responsibility and urging his party to listen to its members and throw its weight behind a second public vote. Asked on the BBCs Andrew Marr Show whether a fresh referendum was off the agenda for the Labour Party, Mr Watson replied: Weve never called for a second referendum. What we want is we want a meaningful vote. Now, how the course of this you should always keep your options open in a negotiation. I think it is highly, highly, highly unlikely we will be calling for a second referendum. What we want is a meaningful vote and to apply pressure to get the Government to change its position. He added that he was disappointed to see Mr Smith leave his post as Shadow Northern Ireland Secretary, but added his colleague is aware of how collective responsibility works. When you join a shadow cabinet you may have your own personal views, but you're there representing the collective view of the Labour Party, and if I'm being honest I don't think Jeremy really did have a choice but to ask him to stand down, and I think he was probably right on that. Recommended Owen Smith sacked by Jeremy Corbyn from Labour frontbench But Brandon Lewis, the Conservative Party chairman, said: Only days ago Jeremy Corbyn fired Owen Smith for calling for a second referendum, which many senior members in Labour support - will there be any of Labour's frontbench left by the end of the week?" Mr Watson, who is also the Shadow Culture Secretary, added he is very, very sorry that people feel hurt following the handling of a row over an anti-semitic mural. Mr Watson branded the image a horrible anti-semitic mural that was rightly taken down. Mr Corbyn drew criticism for his response to a Facebook post by street artist Mear One about a plan to paint over the controversial east London mural. That is why Jeremy has expressed deep regret and apologised for that and has actually said that it's right that the mural was taken down, Mr Watson said. He added: I'm very, very sorry that people feel hurt by this and that's why I think it's right that Jeremy has expressed regret for it. UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 11 September 2021 Arsenals Takehiro Tomiyasu attempts to control the ball during the Premier League match at The Emirates Stadium PA 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 UK news in pictures 8 August 2021 Great Britain's Laura Kenny during the closing ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Olympic stadium in Japan PA UK news in pictures 7 August 2021 People from the Glasgow Southside community take part in the Govanhill Carnival, an anti-racist celebration of pride, unity and the contributions immigrants have made to the community in Govanhill, at Queen's Park, Glasgow PA UK news in pictures 6 August 2021 Chijindu Ujah of Britain, Zharnel Hughes of Britain, Richard Kilty of Britain and Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake of Britain celebrate winning silver as they pose with Asha Philip of Britain, Imani Lansiquot of Britain, Dina Asher-Smith of Britain and Daryll Neita of Britain after they won bronze in the women's 4 x 100m relay during Olympic Games Day 14 Getty UK news in pictures 5 August 2021 A protester places flowers on a photograph of an executed man during a demonstration organised by supporters of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) to protest against the inauguration of Iran's new president Ebrahim Raisi in central London AFP via Getty UK news in pictures 4 August 2021 England's Joe Root looks on as India's KL Rahul doesn't make it to a catch during day one of Cinch First Test match at Trent Bridge, Nottingham PA UK news in pictures 3 August 2021 Great Britain's Laura Kenny and Jason Kenny with their silver medals for the Women's Team Pursuit and Mens Team Sprint during the Track Cycling at the Izu Velodrome on the eleventh day of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Japan PA UK news in pictures 2 August 2021 Great Britains Charlotte Worthington competes during the Womens BMX Freestyle Final at the Tokyo Olympics PA UK news in pictures 1 August 2021 EPA UK news in pictures 31 July 2021 James Guy, Adam Peaty and Kathleen Dawson celebrate winning the gold medal in the mixed 4x100m medley relay final at the Tokyo Olympics AP UK news in pictures 30 July 2021 Great Britain's Bethany Shriever and Kye Whyte celebrate their Gold and Silver medals respectively for the Cycling BMX Racing at the Ariake Urban Sports Park on the seventh day of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Japan PA UK news in pictures 29 July 2021 Team GB's Mallory Franklin during the Womens Canoe Slalom Final on day six of the Tokyo Olympic Games. She went on to win the silver medal Getty UK news in pictures 28 July 2021 Canoers on Llyn Padarn lake in Snowdonia, Gwynedd. It was announced that the north-west Wales slate landscape has been granted UNESCO World Heritage Status PA UK news in pictures 27 July 2021 A view of one of two areas now being used at a warehouse facility in Dover, Kent, for boats used by people thought to be migrants. PA UK news in pictures 26 July 2021 A woman is helped by Border Force officers as a group of people thought to be migrants are brought in to Dover, Kent, onboard a Border Force vessel, following a small boat incident in the Channel PA UK news in pictures 25 July 2021 Vehicles drive through deep water on a flooded road in Nine Elms, London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 24 July 2021 Utilities workers inspect a 15x20ft sinkhole on Green Lane, Liverpool, which is suspected to have been caused by ruptured water main PA He said that he didn't see the mural, he was talking about free expression and I think now that he has seen the mural, he's right to say that it was right not just to be removed but that he expresses deep regret for the offence caused by the mural. Labour and Co-operative MP Luciana Berger, head of Jewish Labour, said the response by the leader's office was wholly inadequate and failed to understand on any level the hurt and anguish felt about anti-semitism. Police must investigate claims that Vote Leave cheated during the European Union referendum campaign, Labour and the Liberal Democrats have said. It comes after senior cabinet ministers involved in the officially designated Brexit campaign reacted furiously to claims related to Vote Leaves links to another campaign BeLeave which it helped fund. According to former BeLeave volunteer and whistleblower Shahmir Sanni, Vote Leave used the organisation to get around strict spending limits set by the Electoral Commission. I know that Vote Leave cheated, he told Channel 4 News. I know that people have been lied to and that the referendum wasnt legitimate. Vote Leave has strongly denied wrongdoing and said the 625,000 donated to BeLeave in the final days of the 2016 campaign was within the rules. Tom Brake, the Liberal Democrats Brexit spokesperson, said the allegations were stunning, adding: The British people expect fair play and campaigns to abide by the rules they must not be cheated. These allegations must be examined by the police. If they represent what happened it is outrageous and shameful. The referendum had a very narrow outcome. One of the biggest exercises in democracy must not turn out to be one of Britains biggest electoral frauds. And appearing on the BBC Andrew Marr Show, Labours deputy leader, Tom Watson, said the Prime Minister needed to ensure the Electoral Commission had the resources to fully investigate the allegations made. He added: I think we need to make sure that they were not aware of what was going on and thats why I think the resources are needed and if needs be the police should be resourced to investigate as well. But Boris Johnson, the Foreign Secretary, who was a leading figure in Vote Leave, posted on social media: Vote Leave won fair and square and legally. We are leaving the EU in a year and going global. UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures 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 UK news in pictures 8 August 2021 Great Britain's Laura Kenny during the closing ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Olympic stadium in Japan PA UK news in pictures 7 August 2021 People from the Glasgow Southside community take part in the Govanhill Carnival, an anti-racist celebration of pride, unity and the contributions immigrants have made to the community in Govanhill, at Queen's Park, Glasgow PA UK news in pictures 6 August 2021 Chijindu Ujah of Britain, Zharnel Hughes of Britain, Richard Kilty of Britain and Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake of Britain celebrate winning silver as they pose with Asha Philip of Britain, Imani Lansiquot of Britain, Dina Asher-Smith of Britain and Daryll Neita of Britain after they won bronze in the women's 4 x 100m relay during Olympic Games Day 14 Getty UK news in pictures 5 August 2021 A protester places flowers on a photograph of an executed man during a demonstration organised by supporters of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) to protest against the inauguration of Iran's new president Ebrahim Raisi in central London AFP via Getty UK news in pictures 4 August 2021 England's Joe Root looks on as India's KL Rahul doesn't make it to a catch during day one of Cinch First Test match at Trent Bridge, Nottingham PA UK news in pictures 3 August 2021 Great Britain's Laura Kenny and Jason Kenny with their silver medals for the Women's Team Pursuit and Mens Team Sprint during the Track Cycling at the Izu Velodrome on the eleventh day of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Japan PA UK news in pictures 2 August 2021 Great Britains Charlotte Worthington competes during the Womens BMX Freestyle Final at the Tokyo Olympics PA UK news in pictures 1 August 2021 EPA UK news in pictures 31 July 2021 James Guy, Adam Peaty and Kathleen Dawson celebrate winning the gold medal in the mixed 4x100m medley relay final at the Tokyo Olympics AP UK news in pictures 30 July 2021 Great Britain's Bethany Shriever and Kye Whyte celebrate their Gold and Silver medals respectively for the Cycling BMX Racing at the Ariake Urban Sports Park on the seventh day of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Japan PA UK news in pictures 29 July 2021 Team GB's Mallory Franklin during the Womens Canoe Slalom Final on day six of the Tokyo Olympic Games. She went on to win the silver medal Getty Environment Secretary Michael Gove who was campaign co-chairman of Vote Leave added: I respect the motives and understand the feelings of those who voted to remain in the EU. But 17.4 million opted to leave in a free and fair vote and the result must be respected. Its our job now to work to overcome division. The Brexit Secretary Davis Davis said on the BBC Andrew Marr Show: The individuals concerned have denied it, its really a matter if theres any truth to it at all for the Electoral Commission to investigate. But thats for them to decide, not for a minister to say. The claims come as Mr Sanni also said that Stephen Parkinson, his former boyfriend and political secretary to Theresa May, had publicly outed him as gay in the run-up to the Channel 4 and Observer disclosures over electoral spending. Mr Parkinson, who at the time was a senior Vote Leave figure, disclosed on Friday that he had been in an 18-month personal relationship with fellow Brexit campaigner Mr Sanni. Mr Sanni went to the Electoral Commission with two other pro-Brexit friends on Thursday, who said they helped the Vote Leave campaign two years ago, Channel 4 reported. Their lawyers have given the election watchdog signed statements. Mr Sanni told the broadcaster he was initially a Vote Leave outreach volunteer but he was then assigned to BeLeave. Vote Leave said it did not recall Mr Sanni working as a volunteer, but he was like hundreds of others who occasionally visited the offices. Mr Sanni said that he and BeLeaves co-founder Darren Grimes always reported to Mr Parkinson. There was no time where anything BeLeave did didnt go through Stephen, he said. In the final 10 days of the 2016 referendum campaign Vote Leave donated 625,000 to Mr Grimes, who was registered as a permitted participant, with the money used to pay Canadian data firm Aggregate IQ (AIQ), the programme said. Asked whether they could have refused to spend the money on AIQ, Mr Sanni said: We didnt ever feel like we had that level of control. The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Show all 8 1 /8 The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Post-Brexit immigration workers sorting radishes on a production line at a farm in Norfolk. One possible post-Brexit immigration scheme could struggle to channel workers towards less attractive roles - while another may heighten the risk of labour exploitation, a new report warns. PA The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Customs union A key point in the negotiations remains Britain's access to, or withdrawal from, the EU customs union. Since the referendum there has been hot debate over the meaning of Brexit: would it entail a full withdrawal from the existing agreement, known as hard Brexit, or the soft version in which we would remain part of a common customs area for most goods, as Turkey does? No 10 has so far insisted that Brexit means Brexit and that Britain will be leaving the customs union, but may be inclined to change its position once the potential risks to the UKs economic outlook become clearer. Alamy The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Northern Ireland-Irish border Though progress was made last year, there has still been no solid agreement on whether there should be a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. To ensure borderless travel on the island, the countries must be in regulatory alignment and therefore adhere to the same rules as the customs union. In December, the Conservative Partys coalition partners, the DUP, refused a draft agreement that would place the UK/EU border in the Irish Sea due to its potential to undermine the union. May has promised that would not be the case and has suggested that a specific solution would need to be found. Getty The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Transition period Despite protests from a small number of Conservative MPs, the Government and the EU are largely in agreement that a transitional period is needed after Brexit. The talks, however, have reached an impasse. Though May has agreed that the UK will continue to contribute to the EU budget until 2021, the PM wants to be able to select which laws made during this time the UK will have to adhere to. Chief negotiator Michel Barnier has said the UK must adopt all of the laws passed during the transition, without any input from British ministers or MEPs. EPA The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Rights of EU citizens living the UK The Prime Minister has promised EU citizens already living in the UK the right to live and work here after Brexit, but the rights of those who arrive after Brexit day remains unclear. May insists that those who arrive during the transition period should not be allowed to stay, whereas the EU believe the cut-off point should be later. Getty The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Future trade agreement (with the EU) Despite this being a key issue in negotiations, the Government has yet to lay out exactly what it wants from a trade deal with the EU. Infighting within the Cabinet has prevented a solid position from being reached, with some MPs content that "no deal is better than a bad deal" while others rally behind single market access. The EU has already confirmed that access to the single market would be impossible without the UK remaining in the customs union. Getty The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Future trade agreements (internationally) The Government has already begun trying to woo foreign leaders into prospective trade agreements, with various high profile state visits to China, India and Canada for May, and the now infamous invitation to US President Donald Trump to visit London. However the UK cannot make trade agreements with another country while it is still a member of the EU, and the potential loss of trade with the world's major powers is a source of anxiety for the PM. The EU has said the UK cannot secure trade deals during the transition period. EPA The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Financial services Banks in the UK will be hit hard regardless of the Brexit outcome. The EU has refused to give British banks passporting rights to trade within the EU, dashing hopes of a special City deal. However according to new reports Germany has suggested allowing trade on the condition that the UK continues paying into the EU budget even after the transition period. Getty Thats what I mean, we never felt like we had control over the organisation itself. Mr Parkinson said he was saddened by the factually incorrect and misleading statements by Mr Sanni and his lawyers. He added: At the relevant time during the referendum period, the commission advised Vote Leave that it was permissible to make a donation in the way it proposed to do to BeLeave. Twice since the referendum the commission has investigated this matter, and twice it has found no evidence of wrongdoing. A third investigation into the same issue is currently taking place. The Electoral Commission has not contacted me in relation to any of these inquiries, but I will of course be happy to assist in them if they wish me to do so. I firmly deny the allegations in the programme. I had no responsibility for digital campaigning or donations on the Vote Leave campaign, and am confident that I stayed within the law and strict spending rules at all times. Mr Grimes also denies all the allegations, Channel 4 said. A Vote Leave spokesman said it had twice been cleared on this matter by the Electoral Commission adding: There are now a number of new accusations and allegations. While many of them seem irrelevant or trivial, some are serious and potentially damaging to the reputations of those caught up in those allegations. As has been the case throughout, Vote Leave is obligated to review to the extent it can after this long elapsed period since the referendum all such allegations, and is doing so. We will as appropriate share any relevant findings with the Electoral Commission, again as we have always done. An Electoral Commission spokeswoman said: The commission has a number of investigations open in relation to campaigners at the EU referendum; it does not comment on live investigations. At least four people have been killed after a car bomb exploded close to Somalias parliament building in the capital, Mogadishu. A device was detonated at a checkpoint close to the interior ministry after soldiers had stopped a suspicious vehicle on Sunday, senior Somali police officer Capt Mohamed Hussein said. The blast took place on a road leading to the presidential palace, just 200 yards from the complexs main gates. 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 Capt Hussein said at least four people had died in the explosion, including two soldiers, while 10 rickshaw rivers had also been injured. A few hours earlier, another car bomb outside the capital had killed two people, including the driver. Officers said the explosion occurred after soldiers arrived at the scene to inspect the "suspicious" car, which had become stuck on a sandy road in the Sinka Dheer area. The latest bombings come just three days after at least 14 people were killed and 10 others wounded in a car bomb blast near Mogadishus Weheliye hotel on the busy Makka Almukarramah road. No party immediately claimed responsibility for the bombing, although the city is often targeted by the al Qaeda-linked extremist group al-Shabaab. The Islamist group has been blamed by Somali authorities for a truck bombing in October, which killed 512 people, the deadliest attack in the nations history. The Horn of Africa nation continues to struggle to counter al-Shabaab. Concerns have risen over plans to hand over the country's security to Somalia's own forces as a 21,000-strong African Union force begins a withdrawal that is expected to be complete in 2020. The US military, which has stepped up efforts against al-Shabaab in the past year with dozens of drone strikes, has said Somali forces are not yet ready. Additional reporting by Reuters. The 23-year-old man behind the deadly Austin bombing spree described himself as a psychopath in a confession tape he made before killing himself. Mark Conditt, who was unemployed and lived in the suburb of Pflugerville, Texas, showed no remorse for his actions in the video, US congressman Michael McCaul told a news conference. The 25-minute clip was recovered from a mobile phone after Conditt blew himself up as police officers closed in to arrest him. Police had not previously revealed details of the confession, in which Conditt admitted being responsible for the bombings that began on 2 March, other than describing him as a very challenged young man. Two people were killed and five others wounded in a series of parcel bombings in the Texan city of Austin. I think the best evidence we have at this point in time is the confession itself ... He did refer to himself as a psychopath, Mr McCaul said. It's hard to imagine someone whose mind is so sick that they could commit bombings like this and feel absolutely no remorse. He added there did not appear to be anything in Conditts confession that was sort of racially motivated but said it was still part of the ongoing investigation. Several bombing victims, including the two who died, were either African-American or Hispanic. Three of the devices were left as parcels outside victims homes, two were shipped as FedEx parcels and another was placed on a pavement and attached to a tripwire mechanism. Austin bombings suspect dead Show all 23 1 /23 Austin bombings suspect dead Austin bombings suspect dead March 21 Austin bombings suspect named as 24-year-old Mark Anthony Conditt by Texas police. Facebook Austin bombings suspect dead March 21 The bomber's car at the scene surrounded by law enforcement vehicles after he detonated a device following them closing in on him. kvue Austin bombings suspect dead March 21 Officials investigate the scene. AP Austin bombings suspect dead March 21 Law enforcement officials search for evidence at the location where the suspected package bomber was killed in suburban Austin. Getty Austin bombings suspect dead March 21 The Austin bomber's car after he detonated the device. kvue Austin bombings suspect dead March 21 Agent in Charge Fred Milanowski, Interim Austin Police Chief Brian Manley and FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs speak to the media as law enforcement investigates the scene. EPA Austin bombings suspect dead March 21 The scene after the Austin bomber detonated a device in his car. kvue Austin bombings suspect dead March 21 Emergency responders investigate the scene. EPA Austin bombings suspect dead March 21 Police vehicles are seen just south of the Woodspring Suite and Red Roof Inn along the interstate as police investigate. The bombing suspect was identified by police and according to media reports he allegedly blew himself up after being confronted by police after being sought in connection with more than five bombings across the Austin, Texas area. EPA Austin bombings suspect dead March 21 Officials work at the scene early on Wednesday. AP Austin bombings suspect dead March 21 Austin Police and ATF section off parts of Slaughter Lane. Rex Austin bombings suspect dead March 21 Grocery carts block a vacated Randall's along Slaughter and Brodie Lanes near the scene of the explosion. Rex Austin bombings suspect dead March 21 Officials work at the scene. AP Austin bombings suspect dead March 20 Law enforcement personnel are seen gathering evidence outside a FedEx Store which was closed for investigation after a fifth bombing in Austin. There has been five bombings in the month of March in neighborhoods across Austin and police think they are all related. Reuters Austin bombings suspect dead March 20 Caity Colvard gets emotional as she watches a massive response of law enforcement officers at a bomb explosion site at a Goodwill store in Austin. Emergency teams were responding to another reported explosion in Texas' capital, this one at a Goodwill store in the southern part of the city. AP Austin bombings suspect dead March 20 FBI agents carrying items out in paper bags and boxes as they exit the FedEx store. EPA Austin bombings suspect dead March 20 Damage from a bomb blast that killed a man earlier in the month is pictured at the front porch of a home on Haverford Drive in Austin. Reuters Austin bombings suspect dead March 19 FBI and police investigate a bombing at the intersection of Republic of Texas and Mission Oaks boulevards. Rex Austin bombings suspect dead March 19 Investigators work at the scene of a bombing on Dawn Song Drive in the Travis Country neighborhood. Rex Austin bombings suspect dead March 19 A police crime scene van arrives near the site of the explosion. Police warned nearby residents to remain indoors overnight as investigators looked for possible links to other deadly package bombings elsewhere in the city this month. AP Austin bombings suspect dead March 19 Police tape marks off the neighborhood where the package bomb went off. It is the fourth similar bombing in three weeks in the Austin area. Getty Austin bombings suspect dead March 19 Austin police chief Brian Manley talks with FBI Special Agent after explosion on Sunday. AP Austin bombings suspect dead March 18 Police maintain a cordon near the site of the explosion in southwest Austin. Reuters Police traced the devices back to Conditt via several pieces of evidence, including unusual screws and batteries. An investigation is underway to find out whether anyone helped him build or plant the devices and to uncover his motives. A Wisconsin man who authorities said posted an advertisement on Craigslist to sell his then-four-year-old daughter for sex has been sentenced to 60 years in prison. Andrew James Turley was sentenced on Friday after a jury in Harris County, Texas, convicted him of trafficking a child and compelling prostitution of someone under the age of 18, prosecutors said. The sentence comes more than two years after Turley, 30, caught the attention of Houston police officers who saw a Craigslist ad called Play with Daddies Little Girl. Turley described his daughter as younger than 10 as he arranged for a meeting with a potential client in more than 70 email exchanges, according to the Harris County district attorneys office. He told the client in several emails that he would give the child some sleep medication ahead of the encounter and that he charges $1,000 (707) for two hours. The district attorneys office said Turley implied that his daughter might be too young for intercourse but everything else was OK. Unbeknown to Turley, the client was an undercover police officer. Turley was arrested in November 2015, after the undercover officer showed up at a Houston apartment where the child was living with her mother. Turley was in Houston to visit with his daughter, prosecutors said. The girl was in a bedroom, unresponsive and lying naked under a blanket, ABC affiliate KTRK reported. The childs mother, who was not charged, did not know what Turley was doing, KTRK reported. This case broke my heart, said Stewanna Miskell, one of the assistant district attorneys who prosecuted the case. A father is supposed to be a protector not a predator. Jurors saw the need to keep him out of our community. Turley was sentenced to 30 years on each of the two charges. He will not be eligible for parole until hes 75. 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 National Center for Missing and Exploited Children said it responded to more than 10,000 reports of possible child sex trafficking in 2017. Its unclear how many of the reports resulted in criminal charges and convictions. Staca Shehan, the organisations executive director, said there are no reliable statistics for how many children are trafficked for sex every year in the United States. In October, an infant and her 5-year-old sister were among the dozens of sexually exploited juveniles rescued after a nationwide sting that resulted in the arrests of 120 accused sex traffickers, the FBI announced. The agency said the infant and her sister were for sale for $600. The Washington Post A self-taught rocket man who believes the earth is flat blasted himself 1,875 feet into the air, in an effort to reach orbit and reassure himself the world is shaped like a Frisbee. Mad Mike Hughes, who has been likened to cartoon character Wile E. Coyote, propelled himself into the sky in a homemade rocket on Saturday, landing hard in the Mojave Desert. The 61-year-old limo driver said he was fine apart from his aching back after the launch near Amboy, California. Im tired of people saying I chickened out and didnt build a rocket, he said after being checked out by paramedics. Im tired of that stuff; I manned up and did it. Mr Hughes worked on overhauling his rocket in his garage for months before the launch on Saturday, which was given the go-ahead by Albert Okura, who owns Amboy. Mad Mike Hughes is checked by paramedics after his homemade rocket trip (AP) He converted a mobile home into a ramp and modified it to launch from a vertical angle so he would not fall back to the ground on public land. It appeared Saturday might bring another string of cancellations, given the wind was blowing and his rocket was losing steam. But some time after 3pm, and without a countdown, Mr Hughes rocket soared into the sky. The most incredible space images of Earth Show all 30 1 /30 The most incredible space images of Earth The most incredible space images of Earth Striking Africa Explore ESA astronaut Tim Peake's stunning photos of Earth, taken from the International Space Station during his six month mission (captions by Tom Peake) "The striking colour and texture of Africa Illizi, Algeria" The most incredible space images of Earth Favourite Reef "Every day spent living in space is a great day, but today was particularly special. I got to speak with one of my inspirational heroes Prof Stephen Hawking and his amazing daughter Lucy, who developed the Principia Space Diary to engage children with STEM subjects. As well as talking about dark matter, quantum entanglement, alien life and light beam powered nanocraft we also got to see an amazing pass over the Bahamas and this - my favourite reef smile emoticon" The most incredible space images of Earth Russia's north-east coast "Sunrise approaching Russia's frozen north-east coast" The most incredible space images of Earth Hello London "Hello London! Fancy a run? :) #LondonMarathon" The most incredible space images of Earth Bahamas "50 shades of blue: Bahamas" The most incredible space images of Earth Yinchuan "Snow on the mountains next to Yinchuan in China" The most incredible space images of Earth Rocket flames in Africa "Is it just me or do I see some rocket flames down there? These strange land features are in the Erg Iguidi desert, with its yellow stripes of sand stretching from Algeria to northern Mauritania in the Sahara" The most incredible space images of Earth Stunning colours "Sunlight reflecting the stunning colours of this Himalayan lake" The most incredible space images of Earth The real Everest "The real thing: found Everest! Last picture turned out to be third-tallest mountain Kanchengjunga" The most incredible space images of Earth Go Exomars "Go #Exomars have a great mission. Earth has more in common with Mars than you might think #AfricaArt" The most incredible space images of Earth Tenerife "Amazingly clear view of Tenerife" The most incredible space images of Earth Midday winter sun "Some midday winter sun glinting off Greenlands snow-capped peaks" The most incredible space images of Earth Sand dunes "Great texture in these huge sand dunes, Saudi Arabia" The most incredible space images of Earth Dragon Dam "The dam makes this river look like a dragons tail. Oahe Dam north of Pierre, South Dakota in the United States. (North is to the right)" The most incredible space images of Earth Smoking volcano "Spotted volcano smoking away on Russias far east coast this morning heat has melted snow around top" The most incredible space images of Earth New Zealand "New Zealand looking stunning in the sunshine. Mt Cook centre left with the Grand Plateau to the front and Mt Tasman (3,497m) to the right of the Grand Plateau. Fox Glacier in the middle then Franz Josef curving right. Tasman Lake (largest at front) is at the foot of the Tasman glacier which runs along the front of them. The Hooker Glacier flows out behind Mt Cook coming down to meet the Mueller Glacier on the left of the photo. The Murchison Glacier is at the front of the photo running parallel with the Tasman Glacier" The most incredible space images of Earth Plankton bloom "Another great pass over Patagonia and a swirling plankton bloom off the coast" The most incredible space images of Earth Alaska "We dont often get such clear views of Alaska" The most incredible space images of Earth Lights along the Nile "Lights along the Nile stretching into the distance from Cairo" The most incredible space images of Earth Kamchatka "The Pacific Ring of Fire clear to see amongst the volcanoes of Kamchatka, Russia" The most incredible space images of Earth Cumulonimbus "Im guessing there was an impressive storm going on under that cumulonimbus cloud" The most incredible space images of Earth Night Sahara "Night-time Sahara you can really see how thin the Earths atmosphere is in this picture" The most incredible space images of Earth Japan "Tokyo and Japanese coast. This image shows most of Japan with the largest mass of light corresponding to Tokyo. The white lights on the left are fishing boats" The most incredible space images of Earth Morning sun volcanoes "Morning sun striking active volcanoes in Guatemala" The most incredible space images of Earth Tapajos River "The vast waters of the Tapajos river, Amazonia" The most incredible space images of Earth Patagonia "Beautiful glacial river water flowing from this Patagonian ice field Lake Viedma, West is up" The most incredible space images of Earth Dubai Palms "Minus the #Dragon photobomb this time..." The most incredible space images of Earth Sediment in Ethiopia "Sediment spilling into this mountain lake, Ethiopia" The most incredible space images of Earth Italy "We have phases of short nights on the International Space Station sunlight is nearly always visible right now. No prizes for guessing where this is" The most incredible space images of Earth Panama Canal "From one mighty ocean to another ships passing through the Panama canal" He reached a speed he estimated to be around 350mph before pulling his parachute. The limo driver was dropping too fast, though, and had to deploy a second one. He landed with a thud and the rockets nose broke in two places as designed. This thing wants to kill you 10 different ways, said Mr Hughes, who had an altimeter in his cockpit to measure his altitude. Am I glad I did it? Yeah, I guess. Ill feel it in the morning. I wont be able to get out of bed. Mike Hughes, who believes the earth is flat, said his story has brought out the nuts (AP) At least I can go home and have dinner and see my cats tonight, he added. The launch is said to have lasted three to four minutes, with the rocket landing about 1,500 feet from the ramp. According to Mr Hughes, he also launched a rocket 1,374ft into the air in Arizona in 2014 before collapsing and taking three days to recover. Social media users mocked Mr Hughes mission, posting messages such as Hell be fine next to a picture of Wile E. Coyote strapped to a rocket. I hope he doesnt blow something up, retired Nasa astronaut Jerry Linenger said as Hughes plans captured widespread attention. Mr Linenger orbited the globe more than 2,000 times during four months in 1997. Rocketry, as our private space companies found out, isnt as easy as it looks, he added. Hughes often sparred with his critics on social media leading up to the launch, through Facebook comments and a 12-minute video addressed to his doubters My story really is incredible, he said. Its got a bunch of story lines the garage-built thing. Im an older guy. Its out in the middle of nowhere, plus the Flat Earth. The problem is it brings out all the nuts also, people questioning everything. Its the downside of all this. The self-taught rocket man added: Do I believe the Earth is shaped like a Frisbee? I believe it is, he said. Do I know for sure? No. Thats why I want to go up in space. In the future Mr Hughes wants to build a Rockoon a rocket that is carried into the atmosphere by a gas-filled balloon, then separated from the balloon and lit which would take him about 68 miles up. He also plans to run for governor of California. Additional reporting by Associated Press When a Russian news agency reached out to George Papadopoulos to request an interview shortly before the 2016 election, the young adviser to then-candidate Donald Trump made sure to seek approval from campaign headquarters. You should do it, deputy communications director Bryan Lanza urged Papadopoulos in a September 2016 email, emphasising the benefits of a US partnership with Russia. The exchange was a sign that Papadopoulos who pushed the Trump operation to meet with Russian officials had the campaigns blessing for some of his foreign outreach. Since Papadopoulos pleaded guilty last year to lying to the FBI about his Russia contacts during the campaign and agreed to cooperate with special counsel Robert S Mueller III, Trump officials have sought to paint the 30-year old energy consultant as a low level volunteer whose outreach to Russia was not authorised by the campaign and in some cases, was actively discouraged. But emails described to The Washington Post, which are among thousands of documents turned over to investigators examining Russias interference in the 2016 campaign, show that Papadopoulos had more extensive contact with key Trump campaign and presidential transition officials than has been publicly acknowledged. Among those who communicated with Papadopoulos were senior campaign figures such as chief executive Stephen Bannon and adviser Michael Flynn, who corresponded with him about his efforts to broker ties between Mr Trump and top foreign officials, the emails show. As late as December 2016, as president-elect Mr Trump was preparing to take office, Papadopoulos tried to serve as a conduit for the defence minister of Greece, transmitting what he said was a proposal for a strategic alliance from the Russian-allied Greek official that was reviewed by both Mr Bannon and Flynn, then in line to be national security adviser. The previously undisclosed emails paint a portrait of a young researcher who demonstrated an early and intense interest in joining Mr Trumps presidential bid, beginning in July 2015, just weeks after the celebrity mogul announced his candidacy eight months before his name first publicly surfaced. Thomas Breen, an attorney for Papadopoulos, declined to comment. A White House spokesman declined to comment. In a tweet after Papadopoulos pleaded guilty, Mr Trump wrote that few people knew the young, low level volunteer named George, who has already proven to be a liar. Another Trump campaign staffer dismissed Papadopoulos as a mere coffee boy during the campaign. Papadopoulos is the only associate of Mr Trump known to have told prosecutors he had advance warning that the Russians held emails that could be damaging to Mr Trumps Democratic opponent, Hillary Clinton. A London-based professor told Papadopoulos in April 2016 that the Russians had dirt on Ms Clinton in the form of thousands of emails, according to his plea agreement. It is not known if Papadopoulos relayed that information to other campaign officials. 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 young aide was not a central player in Mr Trumps inner circle. At times, he appeared as a supplicant to his superiors on the campaign, who occasionally ignored his notes or appeared to rebuff him, the emails show. Shortly after joining the campaign, Papadopoulos was rebuked by campaign officials for giving an unauthorised interview to a British newspaper, The Washington Post previously reported. But the documents also indicate that amid Papadopouloss advocacy of closer ties to Russia, he retained access to top officials even after Mr Trumps victory. A former intern and researcher at the conservative Hudson Institute, Papadopoulos was living in London when the 2016 presidential race kicked off. Less than a decade out of college, he had never worked for a campaign before. In July 2015, Papadopoulos contacted then-campaign manager Corey Lewandowski about his interest in joining Mr Trumps campaign, according to an email he sent the following month to deputy campaign manager Michael Glassner, now executive director of Mr Trumps re-election effort. The reason for my message is because I have been in touch with Mr Corey Lewandowski since early last month about obtaining an advisory role to Mr Trump on matters of energy security and US policy in the Eastern Mediterranean, he wrote to Mr Glassner. He corresponded for months with both Mr Lewandowski and Mr Glassner, according to the emails. The two campaign officials responded politely, but initially told him no job was available. Mr Glassner and Mr Lewandowski did not respond to requests for comment. In December 2015, Papadopoulos went to work for the campaign of neurosurgeon Ben Carson, who was then challenging Trump for the GOP nomination. After several months, Papadopoulos reached out again to the Trump campaign to inform them he would be leaving the flagging Carson campaign. I wanted to let you know that I stopped working as Ben Carsons principle foreign policy adviser. Id be interested in getting on board with the Trump team. Is the team looking to expand? Papadopoulos wrote to Mr Glassner early in March 2016. At the time, Mr Trump was surging in the polls and the real estate developer was under increasing pressure to name foreign policy advisers to his team. Mr Glassner quickly connected Papadopoulos with campaign co-chairman Sam Clovis. Mr Clovis and Papadopoulos spoke by phone four days later, a conversation in which Mr Clovis said improving relations with Russia was a top campaign foreign policy goal, according to what Papadopoulos later told prosecutors. Mr Clovis, who did not respond to a request for comment, has previously denied that account. Recommended EU expects Donald Trump to back down and exempt Europe from tariffs Later that month, Mr Trump himself named Papadopoulos among a list of five people advising his campaign on foreign policy during a meeting with The Washington Post editorial board. Excellent guy, the candidate said. At the end of March, Papadopoulos attended a meeting of Mr Trumps newly named national security advisory group at Mr Trumps not-yet-opened hotel in Washington. After introducing himself, the young adviser announced he could organise a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Mr Trump, according to court documents. The following month, he intensified his outreach to new Russian contacts he had met through the London professor, Joseph Mifsud. They included a woman who had been introduced to him as a Putin relative and Ivan Timofeev, a director of a Moscow think tank. Papadopoulos highlighted these contacts in numerous emails to campaign officials disclosed by prosecutors and described previously to The Washington Post. In May, Papadopoulos forwarded to campaign officials a note he received from Mr Timofeev informing him that Russian foreign ministry officials were open to a Trump visit. That idea was batted down by campaign chairman Paul Manafort, who emailed his associate Rick Gates: We need to communicate that DT is not doing these trips. Still, Papadopoulos persisted and was encouraged by Mr Clovis in August to pursue meetings on his own if feasible, according to court documents. A lawyer for Mr Clovis has said he was merely being polite and did not authorise Papadopoulos to represent the campaign abroad. That spring, Papadopoulos spoke to a group of researchers in Israel, where he announced Mr Trump believed Putin was a responsible actor and potential partner, according to The Jerusalem Post. Several months later, Papadopoulos alerted the campaign that he had an opportunity to speak to the Russian news outlet Interfax. Received a request from Interfax Russian News Agency with Ksenia Baygarova on US-Russia ties under a President Trump. What do you think? he wrote to Mr Lanza on 9 September 2016. If the campaign wants me to do it, can answer similar to the answers I gave in April while in Israel. Mr Lanza gave the go-ahead, citing the conflict in Syria as a reason to work the Russians. Papadopoulos then offered to send the campaign a copy of the interview after it was published. Youre the best. Thank you! Mr Lanza responded. Mr Lanza declined to comment. In the interview, published 30 September 2016, Papadopoulos told the Russian media outlet Mr Trump had been open about his willingness to usher in a new chapter in US-Russia ties, specifically citing the need for cooperation in Syria. According to prosecutors, Papadopoulos also sent the Interfax story to Mr Mifsud after its publication. Ms Baygarova, the Interfax reporter who interviewed Papadopoulos, said in an email to The Washington Post that she reached out to Papadopoulos after being assigned to interview a representative of both presidential campaigns. She said she sent messages to each person on a list of Trump foreign policy advisers. Only Papadopoulos responded. She said he insisted on answering questions in writing, resisting edits even after they met in person in New York. During their meeting, she said Papadopoulos was very nice and friendly. I got the impression that he was not very experienced. However, he did seem to be a very ambitious and sincere Trump supporter, she said. Recommended Trump defends congratulating Putin on election victory Around the same time, Papadopoulos began communicating with Mr Bannon about messages he was receiving from a contact at the Egyptian embassy about that countrys interest in organising a meeting between President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi and Mr Trump. The emails show Papadopoulos was the first to alert the campaign to Mr El-Sissis interest in meeting and then connected top campaign leadership to the Egyptian embassy. In a statement, a spokesman for the Egyptian embassy confirmed that an embassy official contacted Papadopoulos as a way to reach the Trump campaign. Mr Bannon requested talking points from Papadopoulos for the meeting, sought a phone call with him to discuss it and ultimately asked Papadopoulos to contact the embassy to alert an official when a time was finalised, the emails show. Papadopouloss role in the meeting was first reported by The New York Times. This is a great move on our side. A home run, Papadopoulos wrote to Mr Bannon, in an email that has not previously been reported. Agree, Mr Bannon responded. But very hard sell to DJT. Mr Trump and Mr El-Sissi met the next night at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. The session put the GOP nominee on a par with Ms Clinton, who had previously announced she would be meeting with the Egyptian leader while he was in town. Mr Sessions and Flynn also attended the Trump meeting. We met for a long time, actually. There was a good chemistry there, Mr Trump told Fox Businesss Lou Dobbs the next day. William Burck, an attorney for Mr Bannon, declined to comment. Papadopoulos continued to position himself as a go-between for Mr Trumps top staff and key foreign officials after Mr Trumps victory. In December 2016, Papadopoulos alerted Mr Bannon that he had recently been in contact with Greek Defence Minister Panos Kammenos, a pro-Russian Greek nationalist who has met with Putin. They want to sign a government-to-government agreement with the USA for all rights to all energy fields offshore, strategic foothold in the Mediterranean and Balkans, Papadopoulos wrote in an email. Mr Bannon forwarded the message to Flynn and Flynns deputy, KT McFarland. Will work this one, Flynn responded. It is not clear if Flynn pursued the Greek offer. In late December, Flynn wrote in an email to Papadopoulos that he believed the young advisers suggestions presented great opportunities. We will examine these and determine if this is something we should take on early. Stay in touch and at some point, we should get together. He signed the email, Mike. Robert Kelner, an attorney for Flynn, declined to comment. An attorney for Ms McFarland did not respond to a request for comment. In an interview, Mr Kammenos said he did not seek Papadopoulos help in reaching Trumps aides. He said that before the election, Papadopoulos sent him an energy proposal he thought had merit. By Mr Trumps election, he said he had concluded Papadopoulos was not a major figure in Mr Trumps world and established his own contact with the presidential transition. Mr Kammenos added: I think Mr Papadopoulos is a very young person with dreams. The Washington Post Sir Paul McCartney has taken part in the March for Our Lives event in New York, saying that part of the reason he did so was because "one of my best friends was killed in gun violence right around here." Sir Paul was referring to his fellow Beatles member John Lennon, who was shot and killed by Mark David Chapman outside the entrance to the Dakota apartment building in Manhattan on 8 December 1980. Wearing a shirt emblazoned with the phrase "We can end gun violence," Sir Paul said that what happened to Lennon means the issue is "important to me". Recommended Students warn Congress about their voting power at gun control marches The music star was one of 175,000 people to take part in the New York event, according to a tweet from the city's mayor Bill de Blasio. The march was itself one of more than 800 events scheduled to take place around the world on Saturday, including the anchor event in Washington DC. When asked whether actions such as the nationwide marches will make a difference in securing more gun control, Sir Paul told CNN: "I don't know." But he added that it is "what we can do, so I am here to do it." March for Our Lives in pictures Show all 13 1 /13 March for Our Lives in pictures March for Our Lives in pictures Demonstrators chant during the protest for gun legislation and school safety AP March for Our Lives in pictures Trevon Tre Bosley, 19, of Chicago, the brother of Terrell Bosley who was killed in 2006 in a case of mistaken identity, speaks during the rally AP March for Our Lives in pictures Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School student Delaney Tarr speaks at the rally AFP/Getty March for Our Lives in pictures Protestors line the streets in Washington Getty Images March for Our Lives in pictures People arrive for the March For Our Lives rally against gun violence in Washington, DC AFP/Getty March for Our Lives in pictures Protestors carrying placards in Washington AFP/Getty March for Our Lives in pictures Protestors hold up placards in Washington AFP/Getty March for Our Lives in pictures Schoolchildren wear targets ahead of the rally Getty March for Our Lives in pictures Attendees congregate in preparation for the march Getty March for Our Lives in pictures Students brought a host of innovative placards AFP/Getty March for Our Lives in pictures The movements main demand is the banning of assault rifles Getty March for Our Lives in pictures Since the Florida shooting, students have called for urgent gun reform AFP/Getty March for Our Lives in pictures In the wake of the Florida attack, President Donald Trump called for teachers to be armed AFP/Getty The focal point was the March for Our Lives rally in Washington DC, but tens of thousands turned out in cities such as New York, Boston, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston and Minneapolis in demonstrations sparked by the survivors of the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida on Valentines Day. Beyond America - where there were about 800 events - there were protests in London, Belfast, Geneva and a number of other cities across the globe. The marches felt like the culmination of more than a month of political pressure led by the survivors of the massacre in which 17 people were killed and more than a dozen others injured. There have been some successes in that time, with some gun control measures having been signed into law in Florida, but the main message was that this was the start of something, not the end. Hundreds of thousands of people, many of them students, have joined anti-gun protests across America and around the world in one of the largest expressions of popular opposition in years. The focal point was the March for Our Lives rally in Washington DC, but tens of thousands also turned out in New York, Boston, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston and Minneapolis in demonstrations sparked by the survivors of the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida on Valentines Day. Beyond America where there were about 800 events there were protests in London, Belfast, Geneva and a number of other cities across the globe. The marches felt like the culmination of more than a month of political pressure led by the survivors of the massacre in which 17 people were killed including 14 students and more than a dozen others injured. There have been some successes in that time, with some gun control measures having been signed into law in Florida, but the main message was that this was the start of something, not the end. Cameron Kasky, one of the students who lost classmates in the Parkland shooting, told the crowd in Washington: Welcome to the revolution. [This] is the springboard that my generation and all who stand with us will use to jump to a safer future, he said of the call for change. He said that what the students want is action on gun violence, including a federal law banning the sale of assault weapons, a law prohibiting the sale of high-capacity magazines for ammunition and universal background checks for gun sales. Dont worry, we got this, he added. In the weeks since the shooting, the Parkland students have re-energised the call for gun law reform and have rejected the mantra of the powerful gun rights lobby spearheaded by the National Rifle Association (NRA) and a number of the politicians it supports with funds that control is not needed. Bringing signs reading We Are the Change, No More Silence and Keep NRA Money Out Of Politics, protesters packed Pennsylvania Avenue between the Capitol and the White House and cheered every speaker, including Parkland student Emma Gonzalez, the leader of the student organisers, who spent six minutes in silence to illustrate the time it took for the 17 to be killed. Tears streamed down her face as she did so. March for Our Lives in pictures Show all 13 1 /13 March for Our Lives in pictures March for Our Lives in pictures Demonstrators chant during the protest for gun legislation and school safety AP March for Our Lives in pictures Trevon Tre Bosley, 19, of Chicago, the brother of Terrell Bosley who was killed in 2006 in a case of mistaken identity, speaks during the rally AP March for Our Lives in pictures Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School student Delaney Tarr speaks at the rally AFP/Getty March for Our Lives in pictures Protestors line the streets in Washington Getty Images March for Our Lives in pictures People arrive for the March For Our Lives rally against gun violence in Washington, DC AFP/Getty March for Our Lives in pictures Protestors carrying placards in Washington AFP/Getty March for Our Lives in pictures Protestors hold up placards in Washington AFP/Getty March for Our Lives in pictures Schoolchildren wear targets ahead of the rally Getty March for Our Lives in pictures Attendees congregate in preparation for the march Getty March for Our Lives in pictures Students brought a host of innovative placards AFP/Getty March for Our Lives in pictures The movements main demand is the banning of assault rifles Getty March for Our Lives in pictures Since the Florida shooting, students have called for urgent gun reform AFP/Getty March for Our Lives in pictures In the wake of the Florida attack, President Donald Trump called for teachers to be armed AFP/Getty The marches across the country attracted a diverse range of protesters, young and old, as well as a cross-section of society no matter race or gender identity. Lisa Valley, 59, had come from Grove City Pennsylvania to attend the Washington DC march and praised the student leaders that had organised the rally. The students have inspired me about something Ive felt strongly about for a long time Sensible gun control is a good thing. Its not even something we should think twice about, she said. Sydney Nadler, 21, came from Ohio. She told The Independent she was one of the 50 students and staff her school, Ohio Wesleyan University, sponsored to attend the event in Washington. I find it disturbing how our elected officials are more concerned about receiving finances to be re-elected than those who are electing them. 11-year-old Naomi Wadler delivers amazing speech on gun violence at March For Our Lives protest On stage, there was also a push to show that it is not just school shootings that is the issue, but gun violence as a whole. Naomi Wadler, 11, led a walk-out at her elementary school in Virginia on 14 March as part of another nationwide action. She told the rally in Washington that she was there to speak up for the African-American girls whose stories dont make the front page of every national newspaper, whose stories dont lead on the evening news. She ended her speech by quoting Toni Morrison: If theres a book that you want to read and it hasnt been written yet, you must be the one to write it. Yolanda Renee King, nine, the granddaughter of Martin Luther King Jr, made a surprise appearance and told the crowd: I have a dream that enough is enough. Seventeen-year-old Edna Chavez from Los Angeles, who lost her brother to gun violence, also gave a powerful speech. There were celebrities on stage, with Miley Cyrus and Ariana Grande in Washington and Amy Schumer in Los Angeles. But others also joined the marches, including Kim Kardashian-West and Kanye West in Washington and Paul McCartney in New York. McCartney told CNN he had a personal stake in gun control as one of my best friends was shot not far from here, referring to Beatles bandmate John Lennon, who was gunned down in 1980. Jamie Motley, 18 another marcher in New York is a budding activist, his aunt Cindy Finch said. He has autism, which makes it hard for him to complete some tasks, like tying his shoes. But, Ms Finch said because he is 18 and has no criminal record, he can go into a store, act relatively normal and legally buy an AR-15 in many states. The sale of the weapon, which was used in the Parkland shooting, is why they were there. Sanjana Jaiswal, 13, who attends Edgemont High School in Scarsdale, New York, said she was marching because being in a huge group of people who care so much about these incredibly important topics and issues is a wonderful thing for any person. Justine Ravis, a special education teacher at Castle Hill Middle School in the Bronx, told The Independent, that she wanted to to show the kids were proud of them. Back in Washington, the last time an event attracted so much fanfare was in January 2017, when around 500,000 people gathered in the nations capital for the Womens March. That march, which took place the day after Donald Trump was inaugurated, was largely viewed as a protest against the new President. Organisers expected a similar number on Saturday, while in New York, Mayor Bill de Blasio tweeted that the March of Our Lives rally in the city today drew 175,000 people. 'Welcome to the revolution': Watch Cameron Kasky's passionate #MarchForOurLives speech in full March for Our Lives took place as Mr Trump spent time at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, almost 1,600 km (1,000 miles) away from Washington. While the White House put out a statement applauding the many courageous young Americans protesting across the country, Mr Trump himself was silent on Twitter about the rally as it was going on. His predecessor, Barack Obama, tweeted a message of support. In the wake of the Parkland shooting, Mr Trump had floated several possible ideas to tackle gun violence including arming teachers. But the President, who has received notable support from the NRA, later appeared to bow to the gun lobby by backing away from loftier gun control bills and his calls for raising the age to buy semi-automatic weapons from 18 to 21. The students said they are aware change may have to come at the ballot box on Saturday Senator Marco Rubio, a Republican from Florida commended the Parkland students and their supporters, but added that many other Americans do not support a gun ban and called any such move an infringement on the Second Amendment rights of law abiding citizens. During the afternoon there were a number of pro-gun rallies in places such as Salt Lake City in Utah, which were attended by thousands of people, but their numbers were small compared to the gun control demonstrations. Another Parkland survivor, David Hogg, said such attitudes towards gun control may not last long. Were going to make sure the best people get in our elections to run not as politicians, but as Americans. Because this this is not cutting it, he said, pointing at the white-domed Capitol. We can and we will change the world! Wrapping up the Washington rally, Ms Gonzalez made their point clear: Fight for your lives before it is someone elses job. The interior departments internal watchdog agency has opened an investigation into P Daniel Smith, currently the top-ranking official at the National Park Service, for allegedly making a gesture involving his genitalia in the hallways of the departments headquarters earlier this year. Nancy DiPaolo, a spokesperson for the interiors office of the inspector general, confirmed late on Friday the office will begin a probe into the allegation. Its being processed and we will be opening an investigation, she said. In a letter, an anonymous Park Service employee describes how on either the 10 January or 11 January Mr Smith grabbed his crotch and his penis and acted out as though he was urinating on the wall while relaying a story to another employee at the Main Interior Building in Washington. The employee wrote he or she chose not to sign the letter for fear of reprisal from within the park service, a division in the sprawling interior department. I wish I could come forward, the worker wrote, but retaliation is real. The employee added it could have been a sexual act, but that regardless, he grabbed his crotch and penis in a public place. The 8 March letter was addressed to interior secretary Ryan Zinke, whose office forwarded it to the inspector general, Ms DiPaolo said. The Washington Post obtained the letter from the advocacy group Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility, which also received it. Since taking office, Mr Zinke has pledged to curb a culture of misconduct inside the Park Service, which oversees 417 locations covering more than 84 million acres spread across the United States. Last October, an internal survey revealed more than one in 10 Park Service employees felt they had been sexually harassed on the job. Mr Zinke took action by firing four senior management staffers within the department for inappropriate conduct, including sexual harassment. The agency undertook the survey after a scandal at the Grand Canyon National Park, where investigators found that male employees preyed on female colleagues during long trips down the Colorado River. I fired four, I will fire 400 if necessary, Mr Zinke told the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee last week. Mr Zinke encouraged witnesses of improper behaviour to come forward: When you see something, say something is the policy in the department of the interior. In early January, the same week of the alleged incident, Mr Smith assumed the role of deputy director within the agency, replacing acting director Mike Reynolds after his 300-day term in the temporary position expired. Mr Smith is currently exercising the authority of director for the Park Service because Donald Trump has not yet named a nominee for that position, which the Senate would need to confirm. Mr Smith has come under scrutiny from the office of the inspector general before. 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 Investigators there determined Mr Smith had improperly helped Washington Redskins owner Daniel Snyder cut down more than 130 trees on park property in 2004 to improve the view of the Potomac River at his Maryland estate. The inspector general report said the decision should have been left to biologists at the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park. The office of inspector general, which scouts for illegal or inefficient actions within interior, said it expects the investigation into Mr Smith to be quick. I wouldnt expect it to be a long one, spokesperson Ms DiPaolo said. The spokesperson for the Park Service did not reply to a request for comment. The Washington Post Close Preview released of Stormy Daniels 60 minutes interview with Anderson Cooper After months of headline grabbing intrigue, adult film actress Stormy Daniels has spoken publicly about an alleged affair with President Donald Trump in her first televised interview. Ms Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, appeared appear on CBSs 60 Minutes, interviewed by longtime host Anderson Cooper. The interview, which was actually taped earlier this month, was broadcast even though Mr Trumps lawyers had sought to stop the interview from being made public. Ms Daniels claimed in the in interview that she was threatened with physical violence after she first attempted to go public with the story by a man who told her: Leave Trump alone. She claimed the encounter took place in a Las Vegas parking lot in 2011, some time after she had arranged for the story of an alleged sexual dalliance with Mr Trump to be sold to a magazine. Ms Daniels said was on her way to a fitness class with her infant daughter when she said she was accosted. A guy walked up on me and said to me, Leave Trump alone. Forget the story, she said. Ms Daniels then claimed the man, who she could not identify, leaned around and looked at my daughter and said, Thats a beautiful little girl. Itd be a shame if something happened to her mom. And then he was gone. See the latest updates in the live blog below. Please allow some time for it to load Ms Daniels received $130,000 from a company established by Trump attorney Michael Cohen just before the 2016 presidential election. Mr Cohen said the money came from his own funds and denies it being paid on behalf of the president. Ms Daniels told Anderson Cooper that the agreement was appealing because it meant she would receive some money but also not have to worry about the effect the revelation of the alleged affair would have on her child. She signed the agreement 11 days before the election. Earlier this month Ms Daniels launched a lawsuit against Mr Trump and Mr Cohen claiming the non-disclosure agreement (NDA) she signed about the alleged 2006 affair is void as Mr Trump did not sign it. Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Show all 30 1 /30 Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Threatening to shut down Twitter after being fact-checked After the president tweeted that voting by post would be "substantially fraudulent", Twitter attached a warning label to his tweet and referred readers to a site which explained how the claim was "unsubstantiated". Trump then said Twitter was "stifling free speech" and that he may have to shut it down, something which he would not have the power to do AFP/Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Flippantly dismissing a serious allegation of sexual assault When author E Jean Carroll accused Trump of raping her, the president responded: Number one, shes not my type. Number two, it never happened. It never happened, OK?" AFP/Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Insulting the Mayor of London as he landed in London Just before touching down at Stansted Airport for his state visit, Trump took time out to @ the London mayor Sadiq Khan on twitter. He said that Khan has done a "terrible job"as mayor and that he is a "stone cold loser" Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Taking plenty of "Executive Time" The president's official schedule sets aside the hours from 8 to 11am daily for "Executive Time". Further intermittent periods of "Executive Time" are scheduled throughout any given day, ranging from 15 minutes to 3 hours. His duties in these hours have not been officially disclosed, though Axios reports that he spends them watching TV, reading the newspapers and tweeting Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Shutdown the government for over a month in an effort to secure funding for his wall With Mexico declining to pay for the wall, the president has faced difficulty in raising the required $5bn at home. Due to his demand that the money for the wall be included in the budget, and Congress's refusal, the government partially shut down on 22 December 2018. It remained shut for over a month, the longest period in history Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Joking about the Nazi occupation of France to President Macron In this tweet from 13 November 2018, the president mocks Emmanuel Macron's suggestion of a "true, European army" by invoking the conflict between France and Germany in the world wars Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Railing against the Mueller investigation The president has repeatedly claimed that the Mueller investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, is a "rigged witch hunt" Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Contradicting a US intelligence report on Russian meddling in the presence of Vladimir Putin In the press conference that followed his landmark meeting with Russian president Vladimir Putin, Trump stated that he saw no reason why Russia would have meddled in the 2016 US election. This contradicted a 2017 report by the US Office of the Director of National Intelligence that found evidence of Russian interference in favour of Trump Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Contradicting his contradiction of a US intelligence report on Russian meddling Following furious backlash in the US, the president claimed that he meant to say that he saw no reason why it would not have been Russia who meddled in the 2016 US election. As to why he would have intended to use such bizarre phrasing, he did not comment Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Colouring in the US flag wrong The president coloured in the US flag wrongly during a visit to a children's hospital in Columbus, Ohio. He added a blue stripe where in tradition, and statute, there have been only white and red stripes AFP/Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Firing a Secretary of State over Twitter The president announced on Twitter that he was appointing Mike Pompeo as Secretary of State, much to the surprise of then Secretary of State Rex Tillerson Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Quoting a catchphrase from a reality TV show when discussing police brutality While addressing the issue of black athletes not standing for the national anthem in protest of police brutality, the president made reference to his catchphrase from reality TV show "The Apprentice": you're fired! Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Calling African nations "S***hole Countries" Ever one for diplomacy, the president reportedly referred to African nations as "s***hole countries". Asked to confirm this when meeting with Nigeria's President Buhari, Trump stated that there are "some countries that are in very bad shape". Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Defending Russian President Vladimir Putin Trump appeared to equate US foreign actions to those of Russian president Vladimir Putin, saying: There are a lot of killers. You think our countrys so innocent? Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Asking for people to 'pray' for Arnold Schwarzenegger At the National Prayer Breakfast, Trump couldnt help but to ask for prayers for the ratings on Arnold Schwarzeneggers show to be good. Schwarzenegger took over as host of The Apprentice which buoyed Trumps celebrity status years ago Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Hanging up on Australian PM Malcolm Turnbull Early in his presidency, Trump reportedly hung up the phone on Australian prime minister Malcolm Turnbull after the foreign leader angered him over refugee plans. Mr Trump later said that it was the worst call he had had so far Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... The 'Muslim ban' Perhaps one of his most controversial policies while acting as president, Trumps travel ban targeting predominantly Muslim countries has bought him a lot of criticism. The bans were immediately protested, and judges initially blocked their implementation. The Supreme Court later sided with the administrations argument that the ban was developed out of concern for US security Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Praising crowd size while touring Hurricane Harvey damage After Hurricane Harvey ravaged southeastern Texas, Trump paid the area a visit. While his response to the disaster in Houston was generally applauded, the president picked up some flack when he gave a speech outside Houston (he reportedly did not visit disaster zones), and praised the size of the crowds there AP Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... 'Little Rocket Man' During his first-ever speech to the United Nations General Assembly, Trump tried out a new nickname for North Korea leader Kim Jong-un: Rocket Man. He later tweaked it to be little Rocket Man as the two feuded, and threatened each other with nuclear war. During that speech, he also threatened to totally annihilate North Korea Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Attacking Sadiq Khan following London Bridge terror attack After the attack on the London Bridge, Trump lashed out at London Mayor Sadiq Khan, criticising Khan for saying there was no reason to be alarmed after the attack. Trump was taking the comments out of context, as Khan was simply saying that the police had everything under control Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Claiming presenter Mika Brezinkski was 'bleeding from the face' Never one not to mock his enemies, Trump mocked MSNBCs Morning Joe co-host Mika Brzezinski, saying that she and co-host Joe Scarborough had approached him before his inauguration asking to join him. He noted that she was bleeding badly from a face-lift at the time, and that he said no MSNBC Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Claiming the blame for Charlottesville was on 'both sides' Trump refused to condemn far-right extremists involved in violence at 'the march for the right' protests in Charlottesville, even after the murder of counter protester Heather Heyer AP Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Retweeting cartoon of CNN being hit by a 'Trump train' Trump retweeted a cartoon showing a Trump-branded train running over a person whose body and head were replaced by a CNN avatar. He later deleted the retweet Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Tweeting about 'slamming' CNN Trump caught some flack when he tweeted a video showing him wrestling down an individual whose head had been replaced by a CNN avatar. Trump has singled CNN out in particular with his chants of fake news Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Firing head of the FBI, James Comey Trumps firing of former FBI Director James Comey landed him with a federal investigation into Russias meddling in the 2016 election that has caused many a headache for the White House. The White House initially said that the decision was made after consultation from the Justice Department. Then Mr Trump himself said that he had decided to fire him in part because he wanted the Russia investigation Mr Comey was conducting to stop Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Not realising being president would be 'hard' Just three months into his presidency, Trump admitted that being president is harder than he thought it would be. Though Trump insisted on the 2016 campaign trail that doing the job would be easy for him, he admitted in an interview that living in the White House is harder than running a business empire Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Accusing Obama of wiretapping him Trump accused former president Barack Obama of wire tapping him on twitter. The Justice Department later clarified: Obama had not, in fact, done so Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Claiming there had been 3 million 'illegal votes' Trump was never very happy about losing the popular vote to Hillary Clinton by 2.8 million ballots. So, he and White House voter-fraud commissioner Kris Kobach have claimed that anywhere between three and five million people voted illegally during the 2016 election. Conveniently, he says that all of those illegal votes went to Clinton. (There is no evidence to support that level of widespread voter fraud.) Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Leaving Jews out of the Holocaust memorial statement Just days after taking office, Trumps White House issued a statement on International Holocaust Remembrance Day, but didnt mention jews or even the word jewish in the written statement Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Anger over Inauguration crowd size Trumps inauguration crowd was visibly, and noticeably, smaller than that of his predecessor, Barack Obama. But, he really wanted to have had the largest crowd on record. So, he praised it as the biggest crowd ever. Relatedly, Trump also claimed that it stopped raining in Washington at the moment he was inaugurated. It didnt, the day was very dreary Reuters Attorneys defending Mr Trump and Mr Cohen's company have filed to move the lawsuit against their clients to federal court and are claiming she could owe in excess of $20 million for violating the NDA. In their filing, the Trump and Cohen attorneys say that Ms Daniels agreed to pay $1 million for each breach, and and allege that 20 such breaches have taken place. Ms Daniels has offered to return the money paid in the "hush agreement" in order to speak freely about her alleged relationship with Trump. Mr Trump, through the White House and his representatives, has denied that the affair took place. Senator Marco Rubio of Florida has told those who attended the March for Our Lives protests that while he respects their views on gun control, he does not agree with all of the solutions they propose. The Republicans constituents include the survivors of last months shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida that left 17 people dead. Stoneman Douglas students took the stage in downtown Washington to urge members of Congress to pass stricter gun control laws, saying inaction would no longer be tolerated. The march in the nations capital was accompanied by hundreds of sibling protests in cities across the US. I commend those who today are peacefully exercising their First Amendment rights to march in favor of a gun ban, Mr Rubio said in a statement. He continued: While I do not agree with all of the solutions they propose, I respect their views and recognise that many Americans support certain gun bans. However, many other Americans do not support a gun ban. They too want to prevent mass shootings, but view banning guns as an infringement on the Second Amendment rights of law abiding citizens that ultimately will not prevent these tragedies. Mr Rubio went on to say that while protests are a legitimate way of making a point, in our system of government, making a change requires finding common ground with those who hold opposing views. March for Our Lives in pictures Show all 13 1 /13 March for Our Lives in pictures March for Our Lives in pictures Demonstrators chant during the protest for gun legislation and school safety AP March for Our Lives in pictures Trevon Tre Bosley, 19, of Chicago, the brother of Terrell Bosley who was killed in 2006 in a case of mistaken identity, speaks during the rally AP March for Our Lives in pictures Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School student Delaney Tarr speaks at the rally AFP/Getty March for Our Lives in pictures Protestors line the streets in Washington Getty Images March for Our Lives in pictures People arrive for the March For Our Lives rally against gun violence in Washington, DC AFP/Getty March for Our Lives in pictures Protestors carrying placards in Washington AFP/Getty March for Our Lives in pictures Protestors hold up placards in Washington AFP/Getty March for Our Lives in pictures Schoolchildren wear targets ahead of the rally Getty March for Our Lives in pictures Attendees congregate in preparation for the march Getty March for Our Lives in pictures Students brought a host of innovative placards AFP/Getty March for Our Lives in pictures The movements main demand is the banning of assault rifles Getty March for Our Lives in pictures Since the Florida shooting, students have called for urgent gun reform AFP/Getty March for Our Lives in pictures In the wake of the Florida attack, President Donald Trump called for teachers to be armed AFP/Getty The Stoneman Douglas students have frequently criticised Mr Rubio for accepting campaign contributions from the National Rifle Association, one of the most powerful gun-rights lobbying groups. On Saturday, students wore orange $1.05 price tags the amount the NRA has contributed to Mr Rubio divided by the number of students in Florida. They says this is how much each student is worth to the two-term senator. During a CNN town hall in February, students demanded that Mr Rubio refuse to accept future contributions from the gun lobby. The Republican declined to meet this demand. Eleven-year-old Naomi Wadler stunned many with her March for Our Lives speech honouring black girls whose stories dont make the news, with some calling her their president and our future. The fifth grader from Alexandria, Virginia was chosen to speak at the main event in Washington after she organised a walkout at her elementary school to protest gun violence and honour the 17 lives lost during a shooting last month at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. I am here to acknowledge and represent the African-American girls whose stories dont make the front page of every national newspaper, whose stories dont lead on the evening news, Ms Wadler said. I represent the African-American women who are victims of gun violence, who are simply statistics instead of vibrant, beautiful girls full of potential. She and her friends may be 11, she said, but we know life isnt equal for everyone and we know what is right and wrong. We also know that we stand in the shadow of the Capitol, and we know that we have seven short years until we too have the right to vote, Ms Wadler added. The fifth grader has made waves on Twitter. Now This News wrote that this brilliant 11-year-old girl is doing more to address gun violence and systemic racism than most adults. March for Our Lives in pictures Show all 13 1 /13 March for Our Lives in pictures March for Our Lives in pictures Demonstrators chant during the protest for gun legislation and school safety AP March for Our Lives in pictures Trevon Tre Bosley, 19, of Chicago, the brother of Terrell Bosley who was killed in 2006 in a case of mistaken identity, speaks during the rally AP March for Our Lives in pictures Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School student Delaney Tarr speaks at the rally AFP/Getty March for Our Lives in pictures Protestors line the streets in Washington Getty Images March for Our Lives in pictures People arrive for the March For Our Lives rally against gun violence in Washington, DC AFP/Getty March for Our Lives in pictures Protestors carrying placards in Washington AFP/Getty March for Our Lives in pictures Protestors hold up placards in Washington AFP/Getty March for Our Lives in pictures Schoolchildren wear targets ahead of the rally Getty March for Our Lives in pictures Attendees congregate in preparation for the march Getty March for Our Lives in pictures Students brought a host of innovative placards AFP/Getty March for Our Lives in pictures The movements main demand is the banning of assault rifles Getty March for Our Lives in pictures Since the Florida shooting, students have called for urgent gun reform AFP/Getty March for Our Lives in pictures In the wake of the Florida attack, President Donald Trump called for teachers to be armed AFP/Getty Wow wow Naomi Wadler, another person wrote. She is ELEVEN YEARS OLD. And smarter than us all. #marchforourlives. The more than three-hour event in front of Capitol Hill was led by students of Stoneman Douglas. They, along with several other young speakers affected by gun violence, called on members of Congress to pass tighter gun control laws. Unless legislators acted, they would be voted out of office, the students said. Emma Cummings, 24, and Katie Whittum, 23, said it was impressive that all of the speakers were young, were from different places across the US and had such different experiences. I thought that made the impact greater, Ms Cummings told The Independent. Gender rights groups have vowed to fight against Donald Trumps transphobia masquerading as policy after the President moved to ban most transgender troops from serving in the military. Several legal challenges to Mr Trumps initial ban, announced in July, are ongoing. At least four federal judges refusing to allow the ban on transgender troops to go into effect. Because of the injunctions, the Pentagon has been allowing transgender individuals to enlist since January. Last week, Mr Trump approved a policy recommendation stating that transgender persons who require or have undergone gender transition are disqualified from military service. Transgender troops who are currently in the US military may remain in the ranks, the White House said. Recommended Trump moves to limit transgender people from military service The policy has outraged many advocate groups. What the White House has released tonight is transphobia masquerading as policy. This policy is not based on an evaluation of new evidence, Joshua Block, a senior staff attorney at the American Civil Liberties Unions LGBT and HIV Project, said in a statement. It is reverse-engineered for the sole purpose of carrying out President Trumps reckless and unconstitutional ban, undermining the ability of transgender service members to serve openly and military readiness as a whole, he added. One of the forefronts of the legal fight is in California, where a federal judge rejected the Trump administrations request to throw out a lawsuit against the ban. Californias attorney general, Xavier Becerra, said the state would continue to vigorously defend the rights of transgender individuals. Lambda Legal and OutServe-SLDN, meanwhile, said they would seek a permanent injunction to block the ban before a federal judge in Seattle. 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 Justice Department said in a statement that it would defend the Pentagons authority to implement personnel policies they have determined are necessary to best defend our nation and would ask the courts to lift all related preliminary injunctions. On Friday, the White House said retaining troops with a history or diagnosis of gender dysphoria wanting to transition gender presents considerable risk to military effectiveness and lethality. Gender dysphoria was defined as those who may require substantial medical treatment, including through medical drugs or surgery. The policy adopted recommendations that Mr Trump received last month from Defence Secretary Jim Mattis. Mr Trump in July 2017 declared on Twitter that the US would not accept or allow ... transgender individuals to serve in any capacity in the military, reversing an Obama administration plan to allow transgender individuals to serve openly. The tweets surprised the Pentagon, which initiated a review of the policies. In a memo to the President, Mr Mattis said there were substantial risks with allowing military personnel who seek to undertake a treatment to change their gender or who question their gender identity. Mr Mattis said exempting those in the military from well-established mental health, physical health and sex-based standards applying to all service members could hurt military effectiveness and lethality. The policy does includes narrow exemptions allowing some transgender members to serve. AP contributed to this report The top US general for Africa Command (Africom) said the military could face a significant ramifications if China takes control of a port in Djibouti. Marine General Thomas Waldhauser explained during a House Armed Services Committee hearing that the port was important for re-supplying the US base in the country as well as a fuelling stop for Navy ships. However, the Doraleh Container Terminal, along the Red Sea, may have been nationalised following a government dispute with the Dubai-based company which ran it in order to give control to China. Recommended China clears path for Xi Jinping to rule beyond 2023 China has already built a military base in the small east African nation because of its geographic importance as a route to the Suez Canal. Djibouti also hosts approximately 4,000 American personnel, including special operations forces. It also serves a launch pad for operations in Yemen and Somalia. While "China has been on the African continent for quite some time...we as a combatant command have not dealt with it in terms of a strategic interest," Mr Waldhauser noted, adding that China could place limits or burdens on US supplies that come through the port. "We are taking baby steps in that regard," he said, adding that he is in the process of re-writing US military strategy in order to take Chinas growing muscle on the continent into consideration. Djibouti's strategic position draws world's armies Part of the issue was brought up by Republican Representative Bradley Byrne in a letter to Defence Secretary James Mattis. Mr Byrne wrote about how the government Djibouti may have conducted an illegal seizure of the port from the Dubai-based company DP World, which is pursuing the matter in the London Court of International Arbitration. What is to say that government wouldn't illegally terminate our lease before its term is up," Mr Byrne wrote. Mr Waldhauser said China may be looking for more locations and ports to control in the near future. China has made strides on the continent by providing aid in the form of infrastructure investment and, to a certain degree job creation, rather than traditional forms of food, medical, and economic aid many African nations have had to take from Western countries. The government also pledged a $124bn investment to connect Africa, Asia, and other ports through its Silk Road initiative. 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 As a result, it has boosted African oil and mining sectors and China is a destination for 15 to 16 percent of sub-Saharan Africas exports and the source of 14 to 21 percent of the regions imports, according to the Council on Foreign Relations. They have also constructed shopping malls, stadiums, and host nation government buildings, prompting Mr Waldhauser to say that the US will never outspend China on the continent. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said the US will give more than $533m in humanitarian aid for victims of conflicts and drought in Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan, and countries bordering Lake Chad. However, he said he thought Chinas investments on the continent encouraged dependency versus the US aid, which promotes sustainable growth. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said in Beijing he did not know anything about the port situation, but China's cooperation with Africa was neither aimed at any third party nor aimed at excluding anyone. "We hope that the US side can objectively and fairly view China's development and China-Africa cooperation," he told a daily news briefing. Former president Barack Obama has spoken out on the rising tensions with North Korea, describing the country as a real threat. He said the negotiations with North Korea on its nuclear weapons program were difficult, partly because the country's isolation minimises possible leverage, such as trade and travel sanctions against Pyongyang. Mr Obama stressed the need to work with other countries, including China as well as South Korea and Japan, to combine pressure on North Korea. He was speaking at a packed hall in Tokyo during his tour of Asia which has included earlier stops in Singapore, New Zealand and Australia. "North Korea is an example of a country that is so far out of the international norms and so disconnected with the rest of the world," Mr Obama said. "North Korea is a real threat. Our view has always been that we would prefer to resolve these issues peacefully," he said. He also added that otherwise "the cost in terms of human life would be significant." Mr Obama also noted previous efforts on Iran's nuclear weapons were more successful because there was more leverage but there's little commerce and travel with North Korea to begin with. "That makes them less subject to these kinds of negotiations," he said of North Korea. He acknowledged progress on a nuclear-free world will likely take a long time as long as Russia and the US could not agree to start reducing their stockpiles. 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 Reflecting on his 2016 visit to to Hiroshima, one of two Japanese cities where the US dropped atomic bombs in the closing days of World War II. His visit was the first by an American president. Almost all American presidents tend to be relatively popular in Japan, which views the US as its most important ally. But many Japanese particularly appreciate Mr Obama's efforts on denuclearisation and remember with fondness his trip to Hiroshima and his message of working towards a world without nuclear weapons. "It was an extraordinarily powerful moment for me," Mr Obama said. Agencies contributed to this report South Korea's coast guard scrambled to rescue 163 people stranded on a ferry after it hit a rock. A rescue operation was launched on Sunday after the vessel crashed off islands in Sinan County. A coast guard official confirmed all 158 passengers and five crew members were being taken to shore on four coast guard vessels and a number of civilian fishing boats which rushed to help. He said the rescue operation went smoothly because the ferry was not flooded and did not lose its balance despite the crash. It seems that the ferry's front grazed the rock after it changed directions to avoid a fishing boat passing by, he added. Rescue workers treated six people for minor injuries caused from the shock of the crash, which left the ferry's front pushed atop the rock. All of the 158 passengers and five crew members on the ferry were wearing life vests as they waited for the rescue workers. The ferry crashed not far from where the 'Sewol' (pictured) sank and killed more than 300 people in 2014 (AP) Another coast guard official, from the nearby port of Mokpo, said his department planned to question the ferry's captain and crew members to investigate the cause of the crash. Tests from alcohol detectors showed that none of them had been drinking before the accident, he said. The coast guard initially said the ferry was carrying 187 passengers, but later revised the number to 158. The area is not far from where a ferry sank and killed more than 300 people in 2014, triggering a national outpouring of grief and soul-searching over lax safety standards. Most of the passengers who died when the 6,800-tonne Sewol capsized and sank on April 16, 2014, were students on a high school trip. Fugitive former Catalan president Carles Puigdemont has been arrested in Germany. The exiled separatist politician was detained on a European Arrest Warrant by German police on Sunday while attempting to cross the border into Denmark. His solicitor, Jaume Alonso-Cuevillas said on Twitter Mr Puigdemont had been intending to travel back to Belgium, where he has resided since fleeing Spain in October. "President Carles Puigdemont was held in Germany when he crossed the border from Denmark, on his way to Belgium from Finland," the lawyer said. "The treatment has been correct at all times. By now he is at a police station and his legal defence is already activated. "The president was going to Belgium to put himself, as always, at the disposal of Belgian justice." The former Catalan leader has been living in exile following a failed bid by his regional government to declare independence from Spain. Recommended Exiled Catalan minister condemns silence over separatist prisoners A Spanish Supreme Court judge reactivated an international arrest warrant for Mr Puigdemont on Friday when he was visiting Finland. He had evaded capture and slipped out of the country after it became clear Finnish authorities intended to act on the warrant and launch an extradition process to Spain. A spokesman for Spanish state prosecutors said: "Following the arrest of Carles Puigdemont, Spain's State Prosecution is in contact with Germany's State Prosecution Service and Eurojust to make sure they have all the documentation they need." Mr Puigdemont is expected to have to appear before a judge on Monday, who will ask him if he agrees to be extradited to Spain. Albert Rivera, leader of the pro-union Ciudadanos party, who has been a vocal critic of the ousted president and his independence allies, tweeted: "Coup leader Puigdemont's escape has been brought to an end. "There should be no impunity for someone who tries to destroy a European democracy, flout democratic laws, fracture co-existence and misuse public funds to do so. "The justice system has done its job." Catalan parliament votes on independence: in pictures Show all 15 1 /15 Catalan parliament votes on independence: in pictures Catalan parliament votes on independence: in pictures Catalan parliament votes for independence Catalan independence supporters react to the news that the Catalan Parliament voted to declare independence Getty Images Catalan parliament votes on independence: in pictures Catalan parliament votes for independence Catalan separatists react as the Catalan Parliament votes the independence of Catalonia Rex Catalan parliament votes on independence: in pictures Catalan parliament votes for independence People react as they celebrate the unilateral declaration of independence of Catalonia AP Catalan parliament votes on independence: in pictures Catalan parliament votes for independence Catalan government members, pro independence deputies, and Mayors from pro indpendence towns sing the Catalan anthem REUTERS Catalan parliament votes on independence: in pictures Catalan parliament votes for independence People celebrate after the approval of the declaration of a uniteral independence EPA Catalan parliament votes on independence: in pictures Catalan parliament votes for independence Catalan pro-independence mayors raise their batons as they gather in the parliament AFP/Getty Images Catalan parliament votes on independence: in pictures Catalan parliament votes for independence Catala president Carles Puigdemont sings the Catalan anthem AFP/Getty Images Catalan parliament votes on independence: in pictures Catalan parliament votes for independence Protesters shouts slogans during a rally outside the Catalan Parliament AP Catalan parliament votes on independence: in pictures Catalan parliament votes for independence People react as they watch on giant screens a plenary session outside the Catalan regional parliament REUTERS Catalan parliament votes on independence: in pictures Catalan parliament votes for independence An aerial view shows thousands of people gathering near the Catalan regional Parliament EPA Catalan parliament votes on independence: in pictures Catalan parliament votes for independence Protesters during a rally outside the Catalan Parliament AP Catalan parliament votes on independence: in pictures Catalan parliament votes for independence People react as they watch on giant screens REUTERS Catalan parliament votes on independence: in pictures Catalan parliament votes for independence Leftist party CUP leader Anna Gabriel casts her ballot REUTERS Catalan parliament votes on independence: in pictures Catalan parliament votes for independence A protester reacts AP Catalan parliament votes on independence: in pictures Catalan parliament votes for independence Popular Party leader Xavier Garcia Albiol gestures REUTERS In a statement, German police said Mr Puigdemont was detained near a section of the A7 highway in the northern state of Schleswig-Holstein, which cuts through the state from the city of Flensburg. The force did not disclose exactly where Mr Puigdemont was being held, but reports suggest he had been taken to a police station in Schuby, around 20 miles from the Danish border. Mr Puigdemont could face up to 25 years in prison if he returns to Spain on charges of rebellion and sedition for organising an illegal referendum in Catalonia that led to the region's unilateral declaration of independence in October. He is one of 13 Catalan separatist politicians who were charged with rebellion offences by Spanish judges last week. The orders included six international arrest warrants for fugitives now living outside Spain. More than 10,000 people have taken to the streets of the Moldovan capital in support of reunification between Romania and Moldova. Union between Romania, who is a member of the European Union, and its smaller neighbour to the northeast looks unlikely but the issue highlights a divide in Moldova between pro-Western and Moscow-backed factions. The demonstration was peaceful although police said they detained 21 people who wanted to disrupt the rally, seizing gas masks, knives and masks. The country that is now Moldova was part of Tsarist Russia during the 19th century and known as Bessarabia. After the First World War it joined what was known as Greater Romania but it was annexed by the Soviet Union in 1940. When the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991, it became independent under the name Moldova. It is now split between a Romanian-speaking majority and the breakaway region Transdniestria, which is propped up by Russia. The former president of Romania, Traian Basescu, attended the rally, which coincided with the 100th anniversary of Moldova joining Greater Romania. "We call upon the deputies of the Moldovan and Romanian parliament to vote in the near future for unification," Mr Basescu said. There was no official reaction from the Romanian side. 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 Moldovan government, which favours closer ties with the European Union and the United States, often locks horns with the pro-Russian President Igor Dodon, who wants closer ties to Moscow. If his party wins elections due in 2018, Mr Dodon has previously suggested passing a law that bans unionist organisations seen to be undermining the integrity of the state because they want to join Romania. Mr Dodon asked those who oppose reunification not to stage a rival rally on Sunday. "I urge all patriots and statesmen not to march against the unionists on March 25. We should not give them an additional reason for demonstrations or provocations," Mr Dodon said. A British journalist has been jailed for 10 years for beating his wife to death with a hammer at their Dubai home. Francis Matthew was sentenced in absence at the Dubai Court of the First Instance on Sunday after being found guilty of killing his 62-year-old wife Jane Matthew in July last year. The former editor of English-language publication Gulf News had faced the possibility of the death penalty over the incident. Matthew initially told police that burglars had broken into the couples three-bedroom villa in the upmarket Jumeriah neighbourhood and killed his wife of 30 years. Jane Matthew was beaten to death by her husband in July 2017 (PA) However, he later capitulated under interrogation, allegedly telling officers Mrs Matthew had grown angry with him because they were in debt and needed to move. The journalist then lost his temper after she called him a "loser" and told him "you should provide financially", police said. A report by Emirati investigators detailed how Matthew fetched a hammer after his wife had pushed him, following her into their bedroom and striking her twice in the head with blows that proved to be fatal. Recommended I was ignored by British judges when jailed in Dubai The 61-year-old had faced a charge of premeditated murder, but his lawyers maintained he never intended to kill Mrs Matthew and was instead acting in a sudden fit of intense outrage. It is not clear from trial judge Fahad al-Shamsis verdict whether or not the court accepted this defence. A statement released by Mrs Matthews family following the sentencing said relatives believed "justice has not yet been done", announcing their intention to appeal the ruling. "Jane was a loving wife, mother, daughter, sister and aunt," the statement said: "Losing her in such a brutal manner has left the family both bewildered and shocked. "We attended the Dubai Courts today, and our family has been saddened by the sentence given to Francis Matthew, Jane's killer. 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 "We feel that justice has not yet been done as we realise that the actual sentence served may be less than the 10-year sentence. We hope that this sentence is changed on appeal." Matthew served at the editor of Gulf News between 1995 and 2005 and had continued to write regularly for the daily after stepping down, contributing a weekly column, while also appearing as a commentator on television. The Matthews had married in Chippenham, Wiltshire in 1985. Additional reporting by PA Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has praised the US government for passing a law that suspends some financial aid to Palestinians in the form of stipends paid to families of those killed or jailed in fighting with Israel. The Taylor Force Act, named after an American killed in Israel by a Palestinian in 2016, was approved as part of a $1.3 trillion (0.9 trillion) spending bill signed by President Donald Trump. On Sunday, Mr Netanyahu called the law a powerful signal by the US that changes the rules by cutting hundreds of millions of dollars for the Palestinian Authority that they invest in encouraging terrorism. The Palestinians say the families are victims of violence. Palestinian official Nabil Abu Rdeneh condemned the law, saying it doesnt allow for the creation of an atmosphere conducive to peace. AP Airlines have dismissed government plans to crack down on the way that extra charges are calculated and applied to flight bookings. The Department for Transport (DfT) wants to improve clarity when travellers are booking flights so they can compare like with like, and reduce the occurrence of unexpected charges appearing just before the payment stage. The aviation minister, Baroness Sugg, said: When passengers book flights, they can sometimes be hit with additional charges over and above the original quoted flight cost. We want to ensure people have as much information as possible when making decisions over which flight to book. We will explore ways to improve and enhance the information available, so passengers can make well-informed decisions before deciding who to fly with. Before the no-frills revolution, airlines offered broadly the same deal, including a meal, a drink and a 20kg baggage allowance. But with the rise of easyJet, Ryanair and other budget carriers, every airline now has its own set of policies. While consumers groups broadly welcome greater transparency, airlines have been scathing about the chances of such a plan succeeding. We all do things differently, and we all make it clear what our rules are, said a senior executive at one low-cost carrier. I just dont see how it could work. Research by The Independent on a single route, London to Lisbon, shows the complexity involved. The four competing airlines British Airways, easyJet, Ryanair and TAP Portugal have wildly different policies. BA offers an extremely generous cabin-baggage limit; Ryanair and TAP Portugal allow two pieces but no more than 10kg; and easyJet has no weight limit but restricts passengers to one piece. On board, all except TAP Portugal (and British Airways business class) charge for food and drink; the Portuguese airline provides economy passengers with a complimentary sandwich, hot drink and alcoholic drink, which on other airlines would cost roughly 10. It is not clear how such diverse information could be fairly presented in a digestible form. 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 DfT is also investigating charges imposed by airlines for items such as baggage checked in at the airport and reprinting boarding passes for which Ryanair has a 20 fee. Officials are considering whether the charges are out of proportion to the costs involved. But airlines reject the accusation that their fees are unreasonable. All our charges are clear, said the airline executive. If you dont like them, dont book with us. The first nonstop flight from Australia to Britain has touched down at Heathrow. Qantas flight 9 from Perth, capital of Western Australia, landed at 5.02am after a flight that had lasted 17 hours and covered 9,050 miles. The route took the aircraft over the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka, the southern tip of India, Oman, the UAE, Iran, Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania, Austria, Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium. After a flight through the night, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner made landfall over Foulness Island in Essex, and flew over north London and Berkshire before landing on the southern runway at Heathrow. Previously, all Australia-UK flights had stopped at least once en route to refuel. But improved technology and fuel efficiency means the 787 can cover the ground between Perth and London with a full payload without the need to stop. The first passenger to emerge was Robert Williamson, a mining executive from Perth who had travelled in business class. He told The Independent: It was surprisingly good above my expectation. I feel really good. Peter Robinson, a builder from Liverpool who now lives in Perth, flew in economy. He said the flight was good, quicker than I thought, but described the food as ordinary. There were cameras everywhere on the plane, he said. All the presenters from Perth TV are here. Simon Calder boards the first nonstop flight from Australia to UK - taking 17 hours and 9,050 miles Four pilots operated the flight, with Captain Lisa Norman in command. She told The Independent: This is absolutely the pinnacle of my career. No one has ever done this before. Ive flown into Perth lots, and Ive flown into London lots, but Ive actually never joined the two dots together before. CNNs business presenter, Richard Quest, emerged from the flight to say: I think theyve nailed it. They have made what could be an extremely unpleasant experience into something quite enjoyable. Alan Joyce, the chief executive of Qantas, said: This is a game-changer. This is a historic moment for Australia, and historic for Qantas. Welcome party: the scene at Heathrow Terminal 3 greeting the first nonstop passengers from Australia to Britain (Simon Calder) He predicted that flights on the much longer link from London to Sydney will begin in 2022. Thats when we think Boeing and Airbus will have an aircraft that can do the operation, and were working closely with them to get the aircraft there. Western Australia lost its direct link from the UK a decade ago, and regards the new nonstop flight as a strong tourism opportunity. The states premier, Mark McGowan, said: Youve got great food, great wine, less expensive accommodation than the eastern states, and the opportunity for beaches, good climate and wonderful nature-based attractions. The first flight from the UK to Australia was in 1919, when Ross and Keith Smith won a prize of 10,000 for completing the journey in four weeks. Qantas established the Kangaroo Route in 1947, when it required seven stops and took four days. UK-Australia nonstop: record-breaking 17 hour flight Show all 10 1 /10 UK-Australia nonstop: record-breaking 17 hour flight UK-Australia nonstop: record-breaking 17 hour flight The Qantas flight is the first nonstop UK to Australia passenger route Qantas UK-Australia nonstop: record-breaking 17 hour flight Welcome party: the scene at Heathrow Terminal 3 greeting the first non-stop passengers from Australia to Britain Simon Calder UK-Australia nonstop: record-breaking 17 hour flight Last call: departure screen at Heathrow for the first nonstop passenger flight to Australia Simon Calder UK-Australia nonstop: record-breaking 17 hour flight Qantas' Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner used for the historic flight Qantas UK-Australia nonstop: record-breaking 17 hour flight Travel appetite: Inflight breakfast on London-Perth nonstop flight Simon Calder UK-Australia nonstop: record-breaking 17 hour flight Globe shrinking: Moving map on Qantas flight 10 Simon Calder UK-Australia nonstop: record-breaking 17 hour flight World beater: The first London-Perth nonstop flight at dawn over the Indian Ocean Simon Calder UK-Australia nonstop: record-breaking 17 hour flight Chicken or ...? Beef option for dinner on flight QF10 Simon Calder UK-Australia nonstop: record-breaking 17 hour flight Long haul: Qantas Boeing 787 just arrived at Perth from London Simon Calder UK-Australia nonstop: record-breaking 17 hour flight Land fall: Simon Calder (left) grabs a selfie with two didgeridoo players who greeted the maiden flight from London Perth Airport Test bookings made by The Independent for travel in April, low season on the route, show fares of 828 in economy, 2,732 in premium economy and 5,127 in business class. The aircraft will stay on the ground at Heathrow for eight hours before returning to Perth. British Airways says it has no plans to compete with Qantas on the route. The economic and political costs of leaving the EU are becoming more apparent by the day. Far from having its cake and eating it, Britain faces wrenching economic adjustment and an unprecedented loss of political influence. Despite this, there remains a broad consensus that we must accept Brexit for the sake of political legitimacy. Even a second referendum is ruled out on the grounds that the result would be close, and as such would not put the issue to bed while inflaming Brexiters sense of injustice. Those who argue we have no choice but to push ahead are being Panglossian about what post-Brexit British politics will look like. Brexit will neither neuter populism nor prevent a further decline in political legitimacy. Indeed, Brexit poses a bigger threat to the legitimacy of Britains political institutions than if we stayed in the EU. Labour deputy leader Tom Watson refuses to rule out new Brexit referendum First, Brexit will make it even harder to build the necessary political coalition in in favour of the large-scale redistribution and investment in infrastructure, skills and education needed to turn around the left-behind regions of the country. Poor Brexit voters will not be able to rely on support from wealthier Brexit supporters for such action; the latter tend to be in favour of shrinking the state, not expanding it. Indeed, the Brexit camp is united by only one thing the EU as a scapegoat for things they do not like. No, if Britain is to get serious about addressing the economic concerns of Brexit voters, it will be because Remain voters throw their weight behind such a programme. But it will not be easy to persuade Remainers that they should pay a lot more tax to address the deep-seated economic and social problems of Brexit-voting areas when their own living standards have taken a hit and their freedoms have been eroded. Many will no doubt condemn this as yet another example of the metropolitan complacency that got us into this mess in the first place. Leaving aside the awkward fact that it is not the largely Labour- and Liberal Democrat-voting metropolitans who are to blame for Britains fractured economic geography, it is deluded to think that Britain will simply come together. Mutual fear and loathing is likely to grow, not subside. Second, voters have short memories. Few people will acknowledge they made a mistake by voting to quit the EU. Many Brexit voters are likely to turn against Britains established parties when they realise that Brexit comes with dramatically higher costs than they were led to believe. If a trade deal with the US accelerates the dismantling of the NHS or when Britain finds itself having to dance to the EUs tune just to secure a minimal trade deal, they will blame politicians for misleading them. And their disillusionment with politics is likely to grow. Third, whichever party or coalition of parties is in power in Britain will spend the next 10 years firefighting. British politicians are gradually waking up to the scale of what the country is undertaking, but voters remain in the dark. There will be neither the money nor the political capacity to address popular concerns. With Brexit dominating the political agenda to the exclusion of all else, government will seem remote and out of touch. The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Show all 8 1 /8 The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Post-Brexit immigration workers sorting radishes on a production line at a farm in Norfolk. One possible post-Brexit immigration scheme could struggle to channel workers towards less attractive roles - while another may heighten the risk of labour exploitation, a new report warns. PA The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Customs union A key point in the negotiations remains Britain's access to, or withdrawal from, the EU customs union. Since the referendum there has been hot debate over the meaning of Brexit: would it entail a full withdrawal from the existing agreement, known as hard Brexit, or the soft version in which we would remain part of a common customs area for most goods, as Turkey does? No 10 has so far insisted that Brexit means Brexit and that Britain will be leaving the customs union, but may be inclined to change its position once the potential risks to the UKs economic outlook become clearer. Alamy The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Northern Ireland-Irish border Though progress was made last year, there has still been no solid agreement on whether there should be a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. To ensure borderless travel on the island, the countries must be in regulatory alignment and therefore adhere to the same rules as the customs union. In December, the Conservative Partys coalition partners, the DUP, refused a draft agreement that would place the UK/EU border in the Irish Sea due to its potential to undermine the union. May has promised that would not be the case and has suggested that a specific solution would need to be found. Getty The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Transition period Despite protests from a small number of Conservative MPs, the Government and the EU are largely in agreement that a transitional period is needed after Brexit. The talks, however, have reached an impasse. Though May has agreed that the UK will continue to contribute to the EU budget until 2021, the PM wants to be able to select which laws made during this time the UK will have to adhere to. Chief negotiator Michel Barnier has said the UK must adopt all of the laws passed during the transition, without any input from British ministers or MEPs. EPA The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Rights of EU citizens living the UK The Prime Minister has promised EU citizens already living in the UK the right to live and work here after Brexit, but the rights of those who arrive after Brexit day remains unclear. May insists that those who arrive during the transition period should not be allowed to stay, whereas the EU believe the cut-off point should be later. Getty The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Future trade agreement (with the EU) Despite this being a key issue in negotiations, the Government has yet to lay out exactly what it wants from a trade deal with the EU. Infighting within the Cabinet has prevented a solid position from being reached, with some MPs content that "no deal is better than a bad deal" while others rally behind single market access. The EU has already confirmed that access to the single market would be impossible without the UK remaining in the customs union. Getty The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Future trade agreements (internationally) The Government has already begun trying to woo foreign leaders into prospective trade agreements, with various high profile state visits to China, India and Canada for May, and the now infamous invitation to US President Donald Trump to visit London. However the UK cannot make trade agreements with another country while it is still a member of the EU, and the potential loss of trade with the world's major powers is a source of anxiety for the PM. The EU has said the UK cannot secure trade deals during the transition period. EPA The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Financial services Banks in the UK will be hit hard regardless of the Brexit outcome. The EU has refused to give British banks passporting rights to trade within the EU, dashing hopes of a special City deal. However according to new reports Germany has suggested allowing trade on the condition that the UK continues paying into the EU budget even after the transition period. Getty Far from heading off the challenge from populist forces, Brexit Britain will be fertile ground for them. Far from empowering British politicians, Brexit will make it harder for British governments to bring about change because it will weaken the countrys economy, divide its electorate and leave it little scope to shape the European, let alone global, economy in its interests. It may gain some formal control over policymaking. But formal sovereignty is not substantive sovereignty certainly in the case of a middling power such as the UK. Britain faces only unpalatable political choices. But Brexit, especially the hard Brexit that Britain is on course for, will do much more damage to the countrys political stability and the legitimacy of its political institutions than reversing Brexit and having to deal with the resentment of those who voted for it. Britain will be left poorer, more divided and with an even bigger political legitimacy problem. By making it harder to address legitimate economic grievances of many of those who voted to leave the EU, Brexit threatens to open the way for a further intensification of populism. Simon Tilford is chief economist at the Institute for Global Change The government of Gabon have accused the multi-national environmental services group Veolia of widespread pollution in the country, terminating the companys contract to distribute water and electricity. Veolia, which owns 51% of Gabonese firm SEEG, has rejected the accusations and threatened legal action after all 35 SEEG sites were seized by the government. At a news conference in the capital Libreville, Gabons Communication Minister Alain-Claude Bilie By Nze said There is considerable environmental damage at almost all of the sites exploited by SEEG. Oils and fuel have been spilled on the ground, without any protection or precautions, in flagrant violation of environmental regulations. French company Veolia, which provides water, waste and energy management services in numerous countries and employs 163,000 people, denounced the move as a brutal expropriation. It has provided utilities in Gabon for more than 20 years. In an official response, Veolia stated: The SEEG has never intentionally discharged hydrocarbons into rivers near the sites it operates. These allegations, which are made only a few days after the company was requisitioned, complain of environmental damage at almost all the sites. This diagnosis' is made with unusual rapidity, given that certain installations are several days traveling time from Libreville. Recommended New TV show tells of capture of Gabon ivory smuggling gang It is surprising that none of the inspection agencies of the public authorities such as the Water and Energy Sector Regulatory Authority, the Ministry of Water and Energy and the Department of the Environment has ever highlighted environmental damage, though they have carried out audits throughout the period of the concession. The SEEG is subject to regular audits by the Gabonese authorities, more than ten in the last ten years. The water produced and distributed by the SEEG is always drinkable and treated once it has been extracted and before being distributed. It meets all the sanitary requirements of the World Health Organization, which exceed the Gabonese regulations. Environmental inspections of SEEG power and water pumping stations are still underway. Professor Lee White, Head of Gabon's National Parks Agency, has worked as a conservation and environmental policy maker in Central Africa for over 30 years. He told The Independent that the situation has already caused serious environmental damage, including to the Ogooue Ramsar Site, which is home to the country's rare forest elephants, manatee and gorillas. It needs to be addressed immediately. Professor White said This is a very serious situation. I visited the SEEG station in Lambarene on Tuesday and saw oil and diesel being channeled into a trench that flows directly into the Ogooue River. Aside from the obvious environmental damage, no one knows the consequences it could have on public health. They have treated Africa like a dustbin. If this was happening in Europe prison sentences would be handed out. However Professor White acknowledges the part played by the government, adding it is obvious that this has been a chronic situation for years. We are at fault for not checking and making sure Veolia respected national and international standards. Gabon gave Veolia majority shareholder status because we knew we did not have the capacity to manage the infrastructure and they have an international reputation for environmental standards. Our controls were not up to scratch. Veolia blames the government for failing to live up to its investment obligations, saying We maintain that the debt of the Gabonese State, for its consumption of water and electricity, is 41 billion CFA francs (55million), to date. SEEGs annual accounts are public record and have been certified for 20 years by two of the largest international audit firms. An international audit will only confirm this truth. Meanwhile, government spokesperson Minister Bilie By Nze said that on top of legal penalties of up to 500 million CFA francs (680,000) for each polluted site, Gabon will seek for SEEG to shoulder the clean-up costs, which will run into tens of millions. In response, Veolia has stated it will take legal action and do whatever is necessary to protect its employees and the integrity of its subsidiary, up to and including The International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes . For the past 24 hours my inbox has been full of abusive messages from online trolls. Their messages range from just plain offensive to the genuinely frightening. The reason? Six-year-old photographs of me in a bikini have ended up all over the internet and in several national newspapers. To explain how this happened in a concise and logical way is pretty difficult because fair logic doesnt apply here. To try to explain: I was asked to comment on a recent rule change in pro surfing that prohibits photographers from gratuitously zooming in on female competitors wearing bikinis. As a former competitor I was happy to comment on this, having experience of being zoomed in on many times. I referred this news group to a blog post Id written on the subject, where I discussed the hyper-sexualisation of women in the media, the objectification I have experienced and the importance of overcoming this unconscious bias to move away from a potentially damaging archetype of female surfers. I also discussed the fact that female cold water surfers are not being represented by many surfing media outlets. My blog post was twisted in the story, and the story was then copied in the wider press. In a week where Brazilian politician and activist Marielle Franco was shot dead, a car bomb killed 14 in Somalia and the Great Pacific Garbage Patch continued to grow exponentially, there was a picture of me in a bikini, next to headlines such as, I never get coverage now Im covered up. Emma Watson asks Malala Yousafzai about feminism As a female athlete, I have often been asked to comment on various issues and my words have been taken out of context before. In the past I have kept quiet, but I am not a young girl any more: I will stand up and have my voice represented clearly and correctly. This latest incident has made me angry, and it has also made me determined to do better, to make more effort to use my platform for those women whose voices are not normally heard, in sport and elsewhere. There are some extra details the newspapers didnt care to add to my story. Although I surf in a thick winter wetsuit in west Ireland, I have not stopped wearing bikinis in warmer climes. Only two days ago, I proudly posted a photo of myself in a bikini made from recycled plastics. I do really like my wetsuit; not only does it keep me warm, it keeps us all equal, it emphasises neutrality. Ive made the personal choice to opt for leggings or a long-sleeved rash guard more often to protect myself from the elements on holidays, and I also feel this is more respectful in Muslim countries such as the Maldives. Photos of this type of gear, oddly enough, are not the ones that ended up in the media. For me, surfing has become a place of unselfconscious freedom and expression, a way to heal depression and anxiety, and to remain present and grounded. I would love for everyone from all walks of life to have the opportunity to participate and enhance their life in this way. So why are so many media outlets not representing female surfers and female athletes in general from certain groups? Sport is supposed to set you free, not make you feel objectified and as if you should fit into a pretty little box to participate. There is a need for more female role models to make sporting culture more healthy, empowering and diverse. I am not talking solely about myself in a wetsuit here; rather I am speaking about a whole world of female surfers that are not being represented: female surfers around the globe, of different races and religions, surfers with disabilities, surfers from the trans and non-binary communities, surfers in conflict war zones and impoverished communities to mention a few. We have to make some big decisions in life about who we work with, especially in the modelling and athlete world where you are personally endorsing brands. Given the opportunities now, I try to mainly work with brands that clearly align with and represent my personal beliefs on fair trade, sustainability and equality. I wish I had realised the importance of this at 18, not 30. When we know better, we do better. I also realise I am now privileged enough to make these choices; many people would not be in a position to turn down good money based purely on their principles. One of the main things I have learned from this experience is the tough skin that our leaders and role models, be they athletes, politicians or celebrities, must have. People in the public eye are constantly judged and the internet leaves us so vulnerable. There is a real and very damaging disconnect between people writing offensively and the human being on the receiving end, a person with their own story and their own trauma. International Womens Day: groundbreaking figures from history Show all 17 1 /17 International Womens Day: groundbreaking figures from history International Womens Day: groundbreaking figures from history Radical political activist Angela Davis speaks at a protest in Raleigh Getty International Womens Day: groundbreaking figures from history Poor pay, 14 hour days and dangerous working conditions led to a strike by around 1400 women and girls at a match factory in Bow, London, 1888. The action was later coined The Matchgirls Strike International Womens Day: groundbreaking figures from history Christabel Pankhurst, one of the founders of the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU) and a leading member of the suffragette movement, addresses a crowd in Trafalgar Square in a speech in which she invites the crowd to rush the House of Commons, 11 October 1908. Christabel Pankhurst and her mother Emmeline, alongside Flora Drummond, were arrested two days later charged with conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace. The rush on parliament went ahead without them however, with over 60,000 suffragettes attempting to break through the 5000 strong police cordon protecting parliament. Getty International Womens Day: groundbreaking figures from history Suffragette Emily Davison is hit and killed by King George V's horse Anmer during the 1913 Epsom Derby. She fell underneath the galloping horse after leaping from the crowd and trying to grab hold of the reins Getty International Womens Day: groundbreaking figures from history Striking women machinists from the Ford plant at Dagenham protest outside negotiations over their wages, 1968. The women went on strike over their lack of pay in relation to their male colleagues. The action helped to trigger the Equal Pay Act 1970 Getty International Womens Day: groundbreaking figures from history The women's liberation movement march in Washington, August 1970 Getty International Womens Day: groundbreaking figures from history Protestors disrupt the 1970 Miss World competition. Original caption: The Miss World contest causes a feminist storm as demonstrators invade the Royal Albert Hall where the contest was held. Protestors fired ink at spectators and let off stink bombs in scenes resembling a school assembly. The unruly ladies were eventually expelled from the hall by security guards and policemen Getty International Womens Day: groundbreaking figures from history Somalians demonstrating in Mogadishu for the release of Angela Davis, March 1972, a Black Panther activist imprisoned in the USA after being charged with first degree murder. Davis was later acquitted Getty International Womens Day: groundbreaking figures from history Jayaben Desai, one of the mostly British-Asian women out on strike at the Grunwick factory in 1977, pictured on the picket line Getty International Womens Day: groundbreaking figures from history Women protest against nuclear weapons outside of RAF base Greenham Common, 1982 Getty International Womens Day: groundbreaking figures from history Indian protestors hold candles during a rally in New Delhi in December 2012, after the death of a student who was gang raped on a bus in the Indian capital Getty International Womens Day: groundbreaking figures from history A feminist group Sisters Uncut protesting against cuts to domestic violence refuges occupy the red carpet during a protest at the Suffragette premiere, 7 October 2015 Getty International Womens Day: groundbreaking figures from history People gather for the Womens March in Washington, January 2017 Reuters International Womens Day: groundbreaking figures from history Protesters walk during the Womens March on Washington, with the US Capitol in the background, in January, 2017. Donald Trump was sworn in as president the previous day Getty International Womens Day: groundbreaking figures from history Women march as part of the gender equality protest in London, March 2017 AFP/Getty International Womens Day: groundbreaking figures from history Demonstrators march through during the March4Women event, 4 March 2018, London Getty International Womens Day: groundbreaking figures from history Placards are displayed during the March4Women, 4 March 2018, London Getty Some days I am a fragile mess, but I am a work in progress. I know I want to help create a world where women and men are valued as equals and our differences are celebrated, a world where all people strive to make the world, both environmentally and culturally, a better place. I have spent the last couple of months living off my credit card and working towards producing a documentary film series on the strength and resilience of female surfers in places like Gaza Palestine, Haiti and India, the aim of which is to reframe a narrative that often excludes these women. I hope the work I am doing now helps prepare the next generation of female athletes to surpass me in every way. If the result of my work, and of me speaking up, leads to a misconstrued truth and an inbox full of trolls telling me to shave my armpits and eat some cake, then I guess I will just have to continue to rise up for what I believe in. The recent hostility I have received shows me that our work as women is far from over. If you need me in the meantime, Ill be fighting the patriarchy from my iPhone 4. Oh, and #metoo. Sophie Hellyer is an environmentalist, surfer, brand ambassador and model. She is the former English surfing champion and now lives on the west coast of Ireland. Over the past couple of days, the Brexit storm has turned even uglier. At its centre stands Shahmir Sanni, the young Vote Leave volunteer turned whistleblower, who became the target of a public outing by a Government adviser. The allegations made by Sanni against the Leave campaign relate in part to political secretary Stephen Parkinson, a Vote Leave chief who now advises Theresa May. Parkinson, in a statement released initially on a blog owned by Brexit mastermind Dominic Cummings proceeded to out Sanni as a gay man, without his consent. Parkinson referred to their personal relationship, and the fact that they dated for 18 months, and this statement was subsequently distributed by the official No 10 Press office. Following the release of Parkinsons statement, a law firm acting on behalf of Sanni, Bindmans LLP, released a statement of condemnation, saying that they believed it to be the first time a Downing Street official statement has been used to out someone. In the statement, Sannis lawyer explains: My client is now having to come out to his mother and family tonight, and members of his family in Pakistan are being forced to take urgent protective measures to ensure their safety. Parkinsons original statement was then rather begrudgingly taken down from the blog, although Cummings was at pains to lay the blame firmly at the feet of The Observer and Channel 4, who first reported Sannis allegations. Then, to make matters worse, Parkinson released a further statement in which he claimed that his outing of Sanni was unavoidable in fact, he suggests that it was Sannis fault. I cannot see how our relationship, which was ongoing at the time of the referendum and which is a material fact in the allegations being made, could have remained private once Shahmir decided to publicise his false claims in this way. The top 15 worst countries to be gay in Europe Show all 15 1 /15 The top 15 worst countries to be gay in Europe The top 15 worst countries to be gay in Europe 15. Italy Getty Images The top 15 worst countries to be gay in Europe 14. Macedonia The top 15 worst countries to be gay in Europe 13. Poland Getty Images The top 15 worst countries to be gay in Europe 12. Liechtenstein The top 15 worst countries to be gay in Europe 11. Lithuania The top 15 worst countries to be gay in Europe 10. Latvia This content is subject to copyright. The top 15 worst countries to be gay in Europe 9. San Marino The top 15 worst countries to be gay in Europe 8. Moldova The top 15 worst countries to be gay in Europe 7. Belarus Getty Images The top 15 worst countries to be gay in Europe 6. Ukraine Getty Images The top 15 worst countries to be gay in Europe 5. Monaco The top 15 worst countries to be gay in Europe 4. Turkey Getty Images The top 15 worst countries to be gay in Europe 3. Armenia The top 15 worst countries to be gay in Europe 2. Russia Getty Images The top 15 worst countries to be gay in Europe 1. Azerbaijan Getty/AFP As I watched this unfold yesterday, agog, the story playing out had an almost surreal quality. A senior figure in Government, evidently with the backing of the Downing Street press office machine, had just outed a gay man. Then, when confronted with the suggestion that this could quite literally put peoples lives in danger, this same senior figure shrugged off any responsibility, showed no contrition or compassion, claiming that he had had no other choice. There are undoubtedly many people who have a far deeper understanding than I of the arguments and evidence that has been put forward by Sanni and tireless journalists such as Carole Cadwalladr. Regardless, however grave the accusations and however profound their implications for the Vote Leave establishment, our Government and its representatives do not have the right to put the lives of British citizens and their families at risk; nor do they have the right to violate their privacy. The fact that the citizen in question is a whistleblower at the centre of the Vote Leave campaign a campaign involving high profile figures at the centre of Government does lead me towards some quite grim speculation about their motives. It is completely unacceptable for the Government to out anybody, in any context. Coming out is a personal decision, and taking that decision away from someone constitutes a violation of their right to privacy and can be dangerous for any number of reasons. It has been suggested by some that this particular outing constitutes a violation of his rights under Article 8 of the European Court of Human Rights: Right to respect for private and family life. There are times in my life where, had I been outed as Mr Sanni has been, Im quite sure it would have had a severe impact on my mental health and my family relationships. UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures 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 UK news in pictures 8 August 2021 Great Britain's Laura Kenny during the closing ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Olympic stadium in Japan PA UK news in pictures 7 August 2021 People from the Glasgow Southside community take part in the Govanhill Carnival, an anti-racist celebration of pride, unity and the contributions immigrants have made to the community in Govanhill, at Queen's Park, Glasgow PA UK news in pictures 6 August 2021 Chijindu Ujah of Britain, Zharnel Hughes of Britain, Richard Kilty of Britain and Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake of Britain celebrate winning silver as they pose with Asha Philip of Britain, Imani Lansiquot of Britain, Dina Asher-Smith of Britain and Daryll Neita of Britain after they won bronze in the women's 4 x 100m relay during Olympic Games Day 14 Getty UK news in pictures 5 August 2021 A protester places flowers on a photograph of an executed man during a demonstration organised by supporters of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) to protest against the inauguration of Iran's new president Ebrahim Raisi in central London AFP via Getty For Sanni and his family, the revelation of his sexuality could quite possibly be a matter of life and death. In Pakistan, having a member of the family who is LGBT can be a matter of considerable shame, with concerns about what others will think and how they will act as a result. Families often force their relatives to marry people of the opposite gender, with the alternative often being total disownment. Lesbians are frequently the victims of so-called honour killings. Many people choose to stay closeted, while others take the risk of marrying someone of the opposite gender and living as LGBT in secret. A report by the Home Office in 2016 outlines the various risks posed to LGBT individuals in Pakistan, stating that young men or boys that identify as gay typically face expulsion from the family home if they do not relinquish their sexual orientation. Gang violence, rape and blackmail are also common. So, our government knows about these risks they publish papers on them and the risk to families tainted by extension cannot be underestimated. I cannot be alone in being deeply angry at the actions of Stephen Parkinson and our Government over the past couple of days. The idea that a public outing was unavoidable is ludicrous, and the decision by Parkinson and the Number 10 press office to stoop this low feels profoundly cynical and quite possibly puts lives in danger. It is our duty to speak out on behalf of that citizen in solidarity, so Shahmir, today I am speaking out. I am with you. David Davis has insisted that a solution will be found to the Irish border issue after Brexit and a trade deal with Brussels is now incredibly probable. The Brexit Secretary said a trade deal the most comprehensive one ever would make the border problem much easier to solve. Mr Davis said the Government was committed to protecting the Good Friday Agreement at all costs. There is a risk in trying to focus just on the downsides because the real likely outcome the overwhelmingly likely outcome is option A, he told BBCs Andrew Marr show. Option A is that we get a free-trade agreement, we get a customs agreement, all of those make the Northern Ireland issue much, much easier to solve. "There is a risk in trying to focus just on the downsides" Brexit Secretary @DavidDavisMP tells #marr "The real likely outcome is 'Option A'...getting a free trade agreement, a customs agreement...all of those make the Northern Ireland issue much easier" pic.twitter.com/kZXyH2Rbxt The Andrew Marr Show (@MarrShow) March 25, 2018 The EU withdrawal deal includes a fallback option of Northern Ireland effectively continuing to remain in the customs union, but Mr Davis said either the UK-EU trade deal or new technology could prevent that. When challenged that there were no other borders of that kind in the world, Mr Davis told the Andrew Marr Show: We have got a whole load of new technology now. He added: There are ways to do this, you cant just say we havent done it anywhere else, we havent attempted to do it anywhere else. Pressed on Labours planned amendment to Brexit legislation which would enshrine the commitment to no hard border in law Mr Davis said he would have to see what they came up with. But he added: We will not allow a return to the borders of the past, we will preserve at all costs the Belfast Agreement. Although Mr Davis said the progress meant it was now incredibly probable, very, very highly probable that there would be a final deal, you can never stop making arrangements for a potential no-deal scenario. He told the show it was like insurance: You dont expect your house to burn down, its less than a one in 100,000 chance, but you have house insurance anyway. A Sunday Times report suggested Mr Davis has privately threatened to resign if Britains fishermen are not handed control of their waters again from 2021. He defended the deal struck with Brussels during his Andrew Marr Show appearance during which he was battling illness. He said: We will negotiate with our surrounding states so that we have access to their waters and theirs to ours, and markets and so on, but it will be under our control. It will not any longer be under the qualified majority voting arrangements we currently have. .@DavidDavisMP says UK will get big, comprehensive trade deal with EU "It will not be like Norway" he tells #marr pic.twitter.com/WTCunpZMH5 The Andrew Marr Show (@MarrShow) March 25, 2018 Mr Davis denied that the UK was ultimately heading towards a Norway-style relationship with the EU. It will be nowhere like Norway, he said. This will not really look like any other deal as it stands at the moment, it will be a free-trade deal, a comprehensive one, the most comprehensive one ever even the European Union is now using words similar to that. That would deliver us a lot of access, but it will not be like Norway. Meanwhile, prominent Tory Eurosceptic Jacob Rees-Mogg will warn that failure to stand up to Brussels in the talks could leave the UK humiliated on a scale not seen since the Suez crisis. In a speech on Thursday marking a year until Brexit, the European Research Group chairman will say: It would be an admission of abject failure, a view of our politicians, of our leaders, of our establishment that we were not fit, that we were too craven, that we were too weak to be able to govern ourselves and that therefore we had to go crawling back to the mighty bastion of power that is Brussels. He will add: As with the disaster of Suez it would end up being a national humiliation based on lies. Theresa May will carry out a whistlestop tour of the UK on Thursday, a year before the countrys exit from the European Union. The tour will see the Prime Minister meet workers and families in every nation of the UK as she seeks to persuade them that Brexit can strengthen the bonds between them. Her tour comes as the administrations in Scotland and Wales remain unwilling to sign up to the UK Governments plans for what to do with powers as they return from Brussels straining the links between Holyrood, Cardiff Bay and Westminster. And the issue of the post-Brexit border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland is yet to be resolved in talks between the UK and EU. A Downing Street source said now was the time to bring our country back together and celebrate our union. "This gives certainty to people and businesses, it gives them the clarity to plan for their future, and it ensures that they will only have to make one adjustment, one change when we enter into the new relationship with the European Union" PM @theresa_may at #EUCO pic.twitter.com/2grF4rQlU6 UK Prime Minister (@10DowningStreet) March 23, 2018 Mrs Mays travels around the country will be followed in the coming weeks by other Cabinet ministers including Environment Secretary Michael Gove, who will visit fishing communities angry at the compromises made by the Government to secure an implementation period. Chancellor Philip Hammond will visit financial centres in Leeds, Edinburgh, Bristol and London. The ministerial tours come after the EU agreed to the implementation period sought by the UK and cleared the way for talks on a future trade deal. A Downing Street source said: Having reached an agreement on the implementation period, businesses have the certainty they need to plan. Crucially during that period we will be able to strike and sign new trade deals across the world but, just as it is important that we are an outward-facing nation, it is equally important that we spend the months leading up to Brexit strengthening our own union of nations. In 12 months we will be leaving the EU and as that becomes real for people it is right that they will be asking what Brexit means from them. That is why Cabinet ministers will go out across the country, meeting people from all walks of life, listening to their views and explaining how we can secure a new deep and special partnership with the European Union that will strengthen our union, bring together communities, grow our economies and keep our people safe. This is the time to bring our country back together, to celebrate our union and to be confident that we are building a better future for Britain. Hotels group Dalata expects to add around 300 Irish jobs this year on foot of opening three new hotels. Deputy chief executive Stephen McNally told the Sunday Independent that the company aims to open two properties in Dublin and one in Cork by the end of 2018. But he warned that difficulties in getting extra storeys through planning meant build costs per room were higher, making it more challenging to tackle the capital's hotel room shortage and making banks "more nervous" about financing hotel projects. "We're opening a hotel on Kevin Street in Dublin and we would have built six storeys instead of four... that would help to solve the capacity problem," McNally said. Dalata - Ireland's largest hotels group which owns the Maldron and Clayton brands - told investors last month that the supply shortage is likely to continue for a number of years. Of 2,500 rooms projected by Savills to open in 2019, Dalata said just 1,100 are under construction. "Increase in supply [is] expected to be matched by increase in demand from continued economic growth, increased visitor numbers and growing evidence of office relocations from London to Dublin," the company said. Serviced office company Iconic Offices has hired Deloitte to help raise equity for an ambitious growth plan. The company, which is planning to expand into continental Europe, has assembled a portfolio spanning 14 locations in Dublin and 250,000 square feet. It said it is aiming to expand its portfolio by 538,000 square feet over the next five years - both in Dublin and on the continent - with space to accommodate 7,000 workstations. It aims to add 100 new jobs in that period - mostly in Dublin. The serviced office model involves a company managing an office space and renting it out by the workstation. Iconic said it has posted annual growth of more than 100pc every year since it was founded in 2013 and a 500pc increase in ebitda run rate (a projection based on initial performance) since drawing down a 4m debt facility. "This has led to the doubling of headcount to a 50-plus-strong workforce, as well as increasing the total number of workstations to in excess of 2,000. "Further expansion will see the Iconic Offices portfolio grow by a minimum of 1,000 workstations over the next 12 months," Iconic said. Chief executive Joe McGinley said the capital injection it is seeking would "transform the business, will see Iconic Offices reach its full potential, and will allow us add lots of new talent to the company". New York-based WeWork - valued at around $20bn (16bn) - is the most high-profile operator in the industry, and has recently become the biggest private tenant in London, according to data gathered for Bloomberg by commercial property news service CoStar. Growing demand for flexible leases has drawn increasing competition. Blackstone bought The Office Group for about 500m earlier this year and plans to expand the business while British Land Co, the UK's second-largest Reit, has started Storey, a new flexible workspace brand. There were almost 1,140 serviced office and co-working facilities in London in April 2017, up from around 490 in 2012, according to data collated by broker Instant Offices. Founded in 2010 in New York, WeWork started life offering short-term offices and has expanded into a diverse range of areas, from co-living to kindergartens, all of which centre on the idea of creating a community. Created by Israeli Adam Neumann and American Michael McKelvey, the company has also begun branching out from purely leasing office space and has now begun purchasing properties in London and New York. Additional reporting Bloomberg Bank of Ireland has donated the services of a senior executive to the Irish Catholic Bishops' Conference as part of a 20m fundraising drive to host the World Meeting of Families (WMoF) in Dublin. Niall O'Shea - head of BoI's programme to develop and implement an accounting solution for financial instruments - has been seconded to the Irish Bishops, where he is head of financial development for the WMoF. The WMoF, the world's largest Catholic gathering, held every three years, received a major boost last week after Pope Francis confirmed he will attend the Dublin event. It will feature a Mass in the Phoenix Park and a concert in Croke Park. O'Shea, Bank of Ireland's former CFO for the retail division across Ireland and the UK, has been in situ with the hierarchy since July of last year. O'Shea's secondment marks the first public contribution by a major corporate brand for the highly-anticipated papal visit which has been shrouded in some controversy. The event has been overshadowed by a burgeoning clerical sex abuse crisis in Newry, the removal of images and text of same-sex families from brochures sent to parishioners ahead of the WMoF and the high-profile snub of former President Mary McAleese from a conference on women in the Vatican. Several high-net-worth individuals and at least 10 leading domestic brands are being targeted to become 1m-strong strategic partners. Archbishop of Dublin Diarmuid Martin says the event will cost some 20m. Expand Close Bank of Ireland Stock image / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Bank of Ireland Stock image "Bank of Ireland have kindly facilitated seconding Niall O'Shea to the World Meeting of Families 2018 and he will be with us until after the WMoF 2018 concludes in August 2018," said a spokeswoman for the WMoF. "At this commercially sensitive stage of fundraising, we are not releasing information on the value of individual and/or corporate donations." However, it is understood around 10m of the target has been raised to date, primarily from US donors and including more than 2m gleaned so far from Irish parishioners following a series of national Church collections. The WMoF has engaged US communications guru Brian Tierney as well as Irish-American philanthropist Susan Davis to lead fundraising efforts in America where some conservative donors are reluctant to support Pope Francis because of his perceived liberalism. Tierney, former publisher of the Philadelphia Inquirer, Daily News and Philly.com, is credited with helping to raise some $50m for the 2015 WMoF in Philadelphia. Davis, chairwoman of Susan Davis International, a global strategic communications and public affairs firm based in Washington DC, is also a board member of the American Ireland Fund. OShea is regarded as a major coup for the hierarchy. Before joining Bank of Ireland, he previously held a series of senior financial roles including director of financial services risk management at EY and group chief accountant for RTE. The fundraising committee in Ireland is led by Bishop John Fleming, Bishop of Killala and Father Tim Bartlett, Secretary General for the 9th WMoF. The committees sole female member is publisher and businesswoman Norah Casey, who last month was named Philanthropist of the Year by the Community Foundation of Ireland. Last month Casey said in an interview that Irish-American firms in the US were being approached to help defray the costs of the Dublin event including the Phoenix Park Mass, a free event that could nonetheless cost up to 7m to stage owing to security and related costs. Casey said that before approaching Irish high-net-worth individuals and brands, they had to pass a test to ensure their ethics and practices aligned with Pope Francis message. However, the WMoF could prove problematic for some Irish companies with dedicated diversity and inclusion policies. This follows the removal of text and images featuring same-sex couples from booklets sent to Catholic parishes in preparation for the visit to Ireland. Some companies have privately expressed discomfort with the exclusion, from a conference in the Vatican, of former Irish President Mary McAleese. Earlier this month, McAleese called for a public inquiry into clerical abuse after she revealed her youngest brother was abused by paedophile priest Malachy Finnegan. McAleese said she had only recently found out her brother, Clement Lenaghan (49), suffered abuse by Fr Finnegan when he was a student at St Colmans College in Newry. In an emotional interview on RTEs Today with Sean ORourke, McAleese described how her baby brother was seriously, physically and sadistically abused by the late priest. Francesca McDonagh has certainly been a new broom at Bank of Ireland. Among those leaving the bank are Michael Torpey, chief executive of the corporate and treasury division and Peter Morris, CEO of governance, who have both signalled that they plan to retire during the summer. Liam McLoughlin, Bank of Ireland's long-serving head of retail banking, was another to announce his departure this year. Filings for Bank of Ireland UK, the subsidiary that includes its joint venture with the Royal Mail, has also seen a raft of changes at the top. Three directors have moved on from the board. David Weymouth, chairman of OneSavings bank left in late 2017. Patrick Butler has also left and has been appointed as a non-executive director of Dublin-listed challenger bank Aldermore and as chairman, while the group chief operating officer Lewis Love, who revealed plans to depart earlier this month, has naturally left the UK board also. As the three men have exited the UK business, a new woman has joined the board since Francesca's arrival from HSBC. Mimi Kung has become the second woman to join what appears like a slimmed down board. Mimi has quite an interesting CV and is also a non-executive director at Post Italiane. Her previous roles include stints at American Express and GE Capital. Some 40pc of the Bank of Ireland's assets are in the UK and given the regulatory Brexit uncertainty which lies ahead, Mimi and the board with have their work cut out for them. Hats off to the Sunday Independent's Dearbhail McDonald, who had the unenviable task of moderating a debate last week on the future of transport and tourism in Ireland. In one corner, Declan Kearney, head of communications at Aer Lingus. In the other, Dublin Airport managing director Vincent Harrison. Kearney's boss, Aer Lingus chief executive Stephen Kavanagh, hasn't pulled any punches in the past with his criticisms of Dublin Airport operator DAA, demanding more aggressive expansion to match the airline's transatlantic hub ambitions. So it was probably best to keep Andrew Murphy, Vincent Harrison's opposite number at Shannon Airport, for the second panel or risk a battle of wills. Shannon - which divorced from the DAA six years ago - is an angry ex, with claims last year (echoed by the Midwest business sector) that Government policy is "immature" and skewed towards a one-airport policy, ie Dublin. But in the end Harrison and Kearney, drawn together to comment on an ambitious report by the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation (Itic) to boost visitor revenue by 65pc by 2025, appeared to be on the one page about one thing: don't do a Heathrow. While the second Dublin Airport runway development has rumbled on, Harrison said it's actually a success story. "We firmly believe our runway will be open before they [Heathrow] even get planning permission for their new one," he said. And while Ireland's often accused of not planning ahead, he revealed that "when we had less than one million passengers a year at the airport, that twin runway system was on the map". And Kearney warmed to the notion, saying that "the most mobile asset you can have is aircraft; if you snooze you lose". Ie, grow facilities - and quickly. He added: "Aviation traffic finds its own path - if you don't invest it will trickle its own way. Heathrow is a main hub in an economy 15 times our size, but the airport is only just over twice our size" [in passenger figures], adding that it's been overtaken in importance by newer players like Dubai International. The only note of discord is how fast Dublin will develop - the Aer Lingus man wants transatlantic passengers to be able to transfer easily to European services and vice versa, while Harrison countered that he has 47 other airlines to worry about, not just a transatlantic-focused carrier. But spare a thought for the next man up, Andrew Murphy. While Harrison said Dublin "meets and greets 85pc of all inbound passengers", Murphy looked like someone who'd give his right arm for some crumbs off the big table. With Dublin happy to be on the periphery of Europe, in-between North America and the EU, it's not so easy for the Midwest, said Murphy, and enticing traffic from Europe, in the face of competition from the UK, is no small feat. Meanwhile, Declan Kearney is obviously a dab hand at this communications lark, managing to get a dig in at you-know-who over at Ryanair. Amid all the talk of planning for the future, he spoke of when Terminal 2 opened in 2010, during the economic crash and falling passenger figures, "there were others in the industry saying it [T2] was the death of Irish aviation". He who laughs last and all that... There's better news for regional business travellers with the new seasonal Air France Hop! service from Cork to Paris Charles De Gaulle - reported in this column in January - to be extended. The daily service - both business and economy on board 76-seater Embraer 170s - was initially due to run until October 27. However, Air France said that due to "positive forward bookings", it will now run year-round, and offer onward connections to over 180 destinations, most handily Mexico and Brazil, as well as European cities. The Air France announcement is a bit of good news for Cork Airport, which fell at the final hurdle recently to land a route from Lufthansa subsidiary Eurowings. Kosice won the route - voted on by members of the public on social media- and it was the latest viral marketing triumph for the Cologne-headquartered carrier. However, there were grumblings of gamesmanship and vote-bots on Twitter from some of the 10,500 or so Irish voters, claiming that the eventual winner in Slovakia, had some hard-to-believe voting swells. Cork Airport's top brass, who are still hoping to entice Eurowings to Leeside nevertheless, were in radio-silence mode when contacted by this column after the disappointment. Heineken Irelands managing director Maggie Timoney said the company believed it could win an even greater share of the cider market. Stock picture Drinks giant Heineken is to put its weight behind a new cider in the coming weeks as it sets out to win a greater share of the market. The new cider brand will join Heineken's Orchard Thieves, which has taken a share of 12pc of the market in less than three years. The new entrant will put market leader C&C under further pressure in Ireland, where it has already lost ground to Orchard Thieves. In its most recent financial update, the Bulmers owner said that the Irish trading environment "remains highly competitive, both within long alcoholic drinks and from other categories". Heineken Ireland's managing director Maggie Timoney said the company believed it could win an even greater share of the cider market. "We think that there's still not a lot of choice in cider in Ireland and we want to ensure that we can offer more choice to the Irish consumer. So we're going to continue to innovate in cider and offer that choice, and we will launch a new cider in the next two to three weeks," she said. Timoney declined to reveal the name of the new brand, but said it would not be a niche offering. "I would say it's a very balanced cider, so not too sweet, not too dry." She also said that the company had been impressed by the impact of Orchard Thieves. "We invested a lot of money, but it did exceed our expectations and we still have a lot of work to do on that. It's a young brand." C&C will not welcome new competition from Heineken. It generates revenues of over 300m in Ireland and has an operating profit margin of 20.1pc. For the year to February 2018, it said the "overall cider category had declined 1pc, while Bulmers brand volumes were down circa 6pc reflecting the loss of on-trade draught distribution points". Heineken has also just launched a low-alcohol beer in Ireland, Heineken 0.0. It is already available in around 20 countries. Timoney said: "It is a launch to satisfy a consumer need that is absolutely there if you look at the consumer trends globally, and even Ireland, moderation, health and wellness, are key trends. A brand like Heineken should offer consumers choice." Sales in the low and no-alcohol category are growing in Ireland. "As trends continue to move in the positive direction for low and no alcohol, I think retailers and publicans will be forced to offer more choice," said Timoney. Since the inception of the Irish state, Dublin has attracted the lion's share of investment, both indigenous and foreign. Stock image By nearly every metric, Ireland Inc is on the up. Unemployment is at its lowest level in a decade. Consumer spending is on the rise. Multinationals continue to invest heavily. We're the fastest-growing economy in the EU, and PwC projects that we'll stay the fastest-growing economy in the eurozone until 2024. The newly-announced Project Ireland 2040 shows that the Government is keen to maintain this skyward trajectory. The plan - a hugely ambitious vision for Ireland's development over the next 20 years - promises new hospitals, new schools, new transport infrastructure, new development funds, and widespread job creation. It is keenly focused on balanced regional development and drawing investment and jobs away from Dublin, which is increasingly at risk of overheating. Since the inception of the Irish state, Dublin has attracted the lion's share of investment, both indigenous and foreign. The banks of the mouth of the River Liffey alone boast two major business hubs, one for tech and another for finance. This investment hasn't come without its challenges. Dublin now has a desperately low supply of housing, competition for school places is fierce, and transport infrastructure is under immense pressure. With Ireland's population set to swell by an additional million people by 2040, the Government is determined to encourage further growth in other urban centres. Increasingly, employers in our capital city are finding it impossible to secure qualified staff to fill critical roles - particularly as unemployment has continued to fall month-on-month. However, Ireland's impressive unemployment rate, at 6pc, masks the fact that unemployment in some parts of the country remains staggeringly high. Harnessing unemployment blackspots In July last year, the CSO published data which identified the country's worst unemployment blackspots, so called because these electoral areas (all 79) had, at a minimum, unemployment rates of at least 27pc. In one area, it was as high as 58pc. Limerick city had 18 such blackspots, followed by Waterford with 9, with others located in more rural counties such as Longford, Mayo and Tipperary. Yet from a more positive perspective, this tells us that in many areas of the country there is an ample pool of potential workers, who with investment in education, training and upskilling, could meet at least some of our current labour market shortages. Put simply, Ireland's regions need investment. The Government doesn't create jobs, but it does help to create the social and economic conditions for them. Access to education and training, back-to-work initiatives, upskilling opportunities and affordable childcare services are all critical to ensuring those who may be currently excluded from the labour market can participate in it. Capital investment is also crucial Without the modern infrastructure in place that businesses need to truly prosper, such as motorways, railroads, air links, high-speed broadband, most if not all of which Dublin enjoys, then Ireland's economic growth will remain limited and centralised. An example of essential new infrastructure is the M20 motorway, a new road proposed in Project Ireland that links the economies of Cork and Limerick. Right now, using regional roads, drivers can expect a trip of at least an hour-and-a-half between the two in ideal conditions. It's long enough to discourage commuting and raise transportation costs. The motorway, when or if it is built, could cut that down to an hour or less - this has obvious benefits for businesses and workers. Many young professionals simply don't have the luxury of waiting for these projects to begin. The rising cost of accommodation in Dublin is pushing many people out to surrounding counties and further afield. But while they may live outside the city, most will commute back into it. Poor broadband in regional areas means that remote working is often difficult if not impossible. A fast internet connection is a priority in today's world, and the Government can no longer afford to delay broadband rollouts where they are most needed. Creating national competition between cities Ultimately, increased investment in regional infrastructure will allow more national competition between cities. This is a good thing for every Irish professional and business. It helps to drive down prices, spur on job creation, create new markets for products and services, and encourage a more even spread of urban and rural development across the country. Project Ireland sets big goals for Ireland. It is an acknowledgement that the country's economic recovery and strong growth cannot be taken for granted. It is becoming almost physically impossible for Dublin to remain the only major business and social centre. To ensure the plan's targets are met, our regions need to truly come into their own as economic powerhouses. Their capital cities-Cork, Limerick, Waterford, Galway - need to develop to a point where industries and professionals recognise them as places of opportunity and move freely between them and the capital, as we see in Stockholm, Malmo and Gothenburg in Sweden, or Brussels, Ghent and Antwerp in Belgium. The groundwork is already there - now we just need to start building. Orla Moran is the general manager of IrishJobs.ie The TV and radio producer Pat O'Mahony, appeared on RTE's First Dates earlier this month in a quest to find love. Well-known for presenting the RTE fashion show, Head to Toe, in the 1990s, O'Mahony has also produced and presented various TV and radio shows, including the award-winning Reporters at War series. He is originally from Kildare Town and now living in Dublin. For more information - or to read his Off Message blog, visit patomahony.ie. What's the most important lesson about money your career in broadcasting has taught you? To respect whatever money you might have in your bank account at any point - it's not there to be spent right now as there may well be quiet periods ahead. I learnt this not so much in broadcasting but from freelancing in general. What's the most expensive thing about being a parent? The cost of third-level education. What's the most expensive country you ever visited? No idea. I was lucky enough to travel throughout Europe and to the US when working with Head 2 Toe - our expenses were covered so I was cosseted then from real world costs in places like Milan, Paris and New York. But I've also gone to many of these same places on my own. I hitched around Europe twice as a kid and did a summer J1 trip to Boston while at college. I have no great memories of everyday ridiculous prices - mostly I imagine because wherever I go, I tend to avoid the places that charge top dollar. What's your favourite Irish coin? I don't have one. But I have a small collection of old Irish coins: a bunch of half crowns, a couple of silver shillings, and some copper from the 1960s. These were given to me by my mum a while back. Someday they may be worth a small fortune because they sure aren't now. Apart from property, what's the most expensive thing you have ever bought? I imagine if you added up all the hard cash I've spent on my music collection and equipment over the years, it would be head and shoulders above everything else. What was your worst job? I've had many. I've sold insurance door-to-door around the country, washed and packed offal in a meat factory in my hometown of Kildare, and packed gherkins in Germany. But if I was to pick one, it would be the insurance sales gig. What was your biggest financial mistake? Probably leaving Head 2 Toe in 1994 after five years - but from a sanity perspective, it was a no-brainer. What was your best financial killing? Getting the high-budget Reporters At War documentary series commissioned by Discovery in 2003. It was undoubtedly the best gig I've ever worked on. Not only did I get to work on it for eight months, as it was (mostly) my idea, I got a very healthy cut of the production fee and of subsequent international sales. Your favourite song or tune about money? Cash Money by Prince Charles and The City Beat Band. It's a cracking tune from my youth. What was the last thing you bought online? Plane and train tickets. Do you ever haggle? No. My dad used to haggle all the time when we were kids which used to embarrass the crap out of us. I tend to shop around for major purchases anyway, so hopefully get the best price that way. What's the best advice you ever got about money? My old man always told me not to buy a car as long as I could get by without one as it would eat up all my money. As soon as he died, I bought my first car, though in fairness it was a cheap yoke so I could get down to mum whenever I wanted. It quickly turned out I needed it for work then anyway. Q: I have lived in Spain since January 2017 where I work as a self-employed teacher. However, I worked in Ireland for some weeks during 2017, earning around 2,000 (PAYE income only). The same will happen this year. What are the tax implications of the few weeks' Irish work? I am assuming I don't need to declare either Spanish income in Ireland or Irish income in Spain? I am a little confused and I don't want to be double-taxed. Fergal, Barcelona, Spain A: In drafting our reply, we assume that you do not have any income other than the Irish and Spanish income set out in your question. Based on the information provided, we are unable to determine your tax residency status. Your Irish PAYE income is taxable in Ireland as you perform your duties here. The extent of your liability to Irish income tax on your Spanish income will depend on whether you are tax resident here. You are Irish tax resident for a tax year if you are in Ireland for 183 days or more in any year of assessment, or for 280 days or more in the year of assessment and the preceding year. If you spend 30 days or less in Ireland for any tax year, you cannot be Irish tax resident for that year. If you are in Ireland at any time during a day, that day is counted in determining your Irish tax residence. If you are not Irish tax resident in 2017 and 2018, there is no need for you to submit an Irish tax return. But as set out above, you will continue to pay Irish tax at source on your Irish PAYE income. Spanish income tax might also arise on your Irish PAYE income, potentially giving rise to tax liabilities in Ireland and Spain on the same income. If you are tax resident in Ireland in 2017 and 2018, you will pay Irish taxes on your worldwide income. You will be required to register for income tax with the Revenue Commissioners and file a Form 11 return declaring your Irish and Spanish income. Depending on your tax residency status in Spain, you may also be liable to Spanish tax again - raising the possibility of double taxation. However, the Double Taxation Agreement between Ireland and Spain should mean that your income is not doubly taxed. This is generally provided for by crediting any foreign tax paid against any liability in your country of tax residence as determined under the treaty, or in certain circumstances exempting that income from tax in either Ireland or Spain. You should get advice in Spain to ensure that you comply with your Spanish tax obligations. Pension drawdown Q: I have two pensions: one from my previous job as an employee - which has a sum of 454,000 in it; the other a Personal Retirement Savings Account (PRSA) with 300,000 in it as I've been self employed since 2000. If I draw down my pension from my employed work, can I continue to make tax savings by investing in my PRSA as I continue to earn. Michael, Naas, Co Kildare A: Depending on your age and the employer pension scheme rules, you may be able to draw down your employer pension scheme and continue as self-employed and fund a PRSA. The maximum lifetime threshold which you can fund through all your pension schemes is 2m over your lifetime. (In other words, the maximum pension fund on which you can get tax relief on over your lifetime is 2m). You may be able to take part of the funds as a tax-free lump sum - up to a maximum tax-free lump sum of 200,000 in your lifetime. The next 300,000 is taxed at 20pc. Normally an employer pension scheme is available to be drawn down by you between the age of 60 and 70 years. However, you should refer to your own scheme booklet to find out when your pension is available to you. At retirement, you have three options: take part of the funds as a tax-free lump sum and part of them as taxable; buy an annuity - that is, a guaranteed income stream for life; or transfer the balance of the funds to an approved retirement fund (ARF - a personal retirement fund). If you have drawn from your former employer scheme, but have a separate self-employed income which meets the requirements for pension purposes, you may continue to fund a PRSA. Benefits normally can be taken between the age of 60 and 75. While you may continue to fund your PRSA, it's important that you review the lifetime limits for pensions and tax-free lump sums as these apply to your total pension pot. PRSA contributions may be made in relation to your current year's earnings and also backdated for 2017 - prior to filing your tax return in October/November 2018. Topping up State pension Q: I have a question in relation to the contributory State pension - regarding the change from averaging to the new system based on years of contribution (known as the Total Contribution Approach). Where an individual has low social insurance credits and cannot gain the benefit of the new HomeCarer's credits, why can't they have the ability to make additional contributions to increase their State pension similar to what they can do in Britain? The system at the moment is not flexible enough for people with low credits who wish to make additional contributions - and the qualifying rules to make additional contributions is limited and means it leaves so many people unable to bridge the gap. I have a low number of social insurance credits and therefore it looks like I will only qualify for a fraction of the State pension under the new Total Contribution Approach. What options do I have to make additional voluntary contributions to increase my chances of qualifying for the full non-contributory State pension - and will my only option be to apply for a means-tested State pension? John, Churchtown, Dublin 16 A: Unfortunately, there is no way of making additional contributions to increase your State pension similar to the British position. The only facility currently available in Ireland to ensure your social security record is up-to-date is by making voluntary contributions. In order to make voluntary contributions, you must no longer be in employment or if you are self-employed, be no longer making compulsory PRSI contributions. If you are already getting a social welfare payment or signing on for credits, you may get credited contributions which will also keep your social insurance record up to date. To be eligible to make voluntary contributions you must meet three conditions. First, you must have at least 520 PRSI contributions paid under compulsory insurance in either employment or self-employment. Second, you must apply to make your voluntary contribution within 60 months (five years) of the end of the last completed tax year (contribution year) during which you last paid compulsory insurance or you were last awarded a credited contribution. Third, you must agree to pay voluntary contributions from the start of the contribution week that follows the week in which you leave compulsory insurance. If you do not meet the conditions in order to be eligible to make voluntary contributions, then unfortunately the only other option available to you is to apply for the non-contributory State pension, which is means-tested. John Byrne is tax partner with Crowe Horwath At its simplest, innovation in food and beverage products is the market-led development of new or improved products to meet changing customer needs. Stock Image The value of Irish food, drink and horticulture exports increased by 13pc in 2017, to reach 12.6bn - a new record. This stellar performance marked the eighth successive year of growth for Ireland's largest indigenous sector. Many factors have played a role in this achievement, but chief among them is the ingenuity and innovative capacity of Irish food companies. Companies in this market must be capable of extremely rapid responses to changes in consumer demand while at the same time be able to meet the exacting requirements of the grocery multiples when it comes to price, quality and new product development. At its simplest, innovation in food and beverage products is the market-led development of new or improved products to meet changing customer needs. But it is actually much more multifaceted than that. It is about embracing an innovation culture right throughout the whole business. It means taking a customer-centric approach in all aspects of the company, from the people hired through to the technology and processes utilised, the packaging of the products and the way they are branded and sold. Enterprise Ireland supports food and beverage innovation in numerous ways and we have assisted approximately 100 significant in-company research, development and innovation projects for clients across the sector since 2013. These projects range from new, more efficient and lower-cost manufacturing processes to product reformulation and new product development, with the aim of breaking into new customer segments and markets. Among the innovative companies supported by Enterprise Ireland is Keohanes Seafoods of Cork. It realised that many consumers did not like the hassle of preparing and cooking fish and was the first company in Ireland to produce a microwaveable skin-film range of products, which means the consumer never has to touch the product. Keohanes used a packaging technology designed for other purposes and has brought fish from the fish counter to the chilled convenience aisle. Cork company Dairy Concepts is manufacturing hand-held nutritious dairy snacks for children, using patented milk casein technology. The key competitive differentiator of its Fruchee product is that it contains 40pc less sugar along with higher calcium, protein and Vitamin D than competitors. Dublin-based Nuritas is developing technology that combines artificial intelligence and DNA analysis to discover the health benefits of peptides in natural foods. It's a great example of a food startup company that Enterprise Ireland has worked with at feasibility stage and is now supporting to scale. Large companies in the dairy, beverage and meat-processing sectors are also highly innovative, as their export success demonstrates. There is clear evidence to demonstrate the role of innovation in this success. Enterprise Ireland carried out a survey in 2016 which showed that firms who availed of innovation supports from us reported an average 67pc growth in global sales. These supports take many forms. The Agile Innovation Fund gives companies support of up to 50pc of eligible project expenditure up to 300,000. This is very useful for projects which need to happen rapidly - the approval process is fast tracked enabling companies to get projects delivered quickly. In addition to in-company R&D, we also support companies in collaborative innovation projects, helping them to access the insights of researchers working across Ireland's third-level sector, and European expertise and funding under the EU Horizon 2020 programme. But we cannot allow ourselves to become complacent when it comes to innovation. Food companies throughout Europe and beyond are competing for the same markets, while Brexit will create new challenges. A continued laser-like focus on innovation will be required in order to maintain and add to our success on international markets. Orla Battersby is divisional manager for Food at Enterprise Ireland In a high-touch business like Harvey Norman, the sales teams have a huge impact on the customer's experience. So the need for employee engagement is high. Photo: Ian Waldie/Bloomberg News. With the accelerated pace of change in recent years, trends such as disruption, digitalisation, innovation and so on, have crept into our daily corporate language. There are countless stories and examples of how each one affects business results. In the pursuit of profit, it's easy for organisations to forget about the impact their business has on society, employees, human rights and the wider environment. It is very encouraging now to see so many companies grabbing hold of this and prioritising their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Many of my clients include CSR in their business planning. You'll regularly see links and references on corporate websites to nominated charities, such as Londis supporting Pieta House and Glanbia supporting Barretstown. I do appreciate that it may be seen and misinterpreted by some as a cynical brand-building tactic. There is no doubt that it can only be good for your brand. But I have experienced some genuine and heart-warming examples that are well-intended. Harvey Norman Founded in Australia in 1961, Harvey Norman now has 300 stores worldwide. The Irish story started 15 years ago and from there it grew to become a leading retailer of furniture, bedding, computers and electrical goods. It now has 15 stores across the island of Ireland. Despite the downturn, Harvey Norman stuck it out. At great cost, it showed a commitment to its own employees and took a long-term view of the Irish market. It further invested in Ireland by recently opening a new flagship store in Tallaght. Harvey Norman is a retailer where almost every customer interacts with an employee on every visit. That's not the same for every retailer. After all, you could shop in Tesco and pay at the automated checkout without speaking to a soul. In a high-touch business like Harvey Norman, the sales teams have a huge impact on the customer's experience. So the need for employee engagement is high. When the Irish company returned to profit, it decided to also reinvest in its people. A major Leadership Development Programme was one initiative. And, because employee engagement is so critical to excellent customer service, it surveyed the full team countrywide to get anonymous views on life in Harvey Norman. For a multi-site retailer that is totally owned by the company (not a franchise operation) it delegates much more autonomy to each store manager than I've seen in other retailers. Despite deals being negotiated centrally, managers locally make a lot of decisions about product mix, presentation and more. That also includes which local communities should be supported and how. Challenges Harvey Norman recognises the link between employee engagement and customer satisfaction. Therefore it takes employee engagement surveys seriously. In the most recent one, the company got high scores in many areas which made it very proud. But in the interest of continuous improvement, there was one area that stood out as an opportunity for improvement. While there were lots of community initiatives, staff felt that the company could be more expressive in showing they care through CSR. CSR Tips 1 The first thing for any organisation to do is to include CSR on the agenda. It may be that you already have some initiatives and are not calling it CSR. There are excellent resources in csrhub.ie and bitc.ie that encourage you to do an initial audit of your current initiatives and your future aspirations. 2 There are some fundamental things that you could put into action straight away, such as respecting the environment, partnering with a charity, supporting job-bridge programmes, etc. Harvey Norman already ensures that the wood in the furniture that it buys comes from sustainable forests. It uses low-energy lights in stores. It also ensures that work conditions and labour laws are respected in their total supply chain. 3 Get your people involved and encourage them to come up with relevant initiatives that they can own and drive. When the initiatives come from the bottom up, the level of engagement increases. Harvey Norman listened to its people in the engagement survey and facilitated a company-wide CSR project, empowering stores to develop their own plans. 4 Be authentic and use your strengths and skills in your CSR projects. If you are a professional services company that releases your people for one day a year to paint a premises for a charity, well that of course has to be admired. But what about using the skills at your disposal in another way? Harvey Norman is in the bedding and furniture business. Its initiatives focused on providing bedding to the Peter McVerry Trust, raising 180,000 in four weeks. "Not only that, but we now intend to enable the Trust to piggy-back on our buying power to get better deals in the future," said chief executive Blaine Callard. "We are also exploring the idea of providing training in computers to the disadvantaged." Summary When you take CSR seriously, there are a number of potential wins for you. Involving your people organisation-wide is hugely positive, motivating and makes people feel good. Engagement, pride and commitment increases. Customers and suppliers will also respect you for it and that's good for business. Alan O'Neill is a change consultant and non-executive director. For 30-plus years he has been supporting global and iconic brands through change. Alan-oneill.com. Business advice questions for Alan can be sent to sundaybusiness@independent.ie Qualcomm's investors re-elected the chipmaker's board at a shareholders' meeting that would have been dramatically different had the largest proposed acquisition in technology industry history not been stopped. Ten directors, including chief executive officer Steve Mollenkopf, were elected unopposed on Friday at a meeting in San Diego rescheduled in the midst of Qualcomm's successful four-month effort to fight off a hostile takeover by Broadcom. The results are preliminary with a full tally due in a few days, chairman Jeff Henderson said at the meeting. The world's largest maker of chips for mobile phones is struggling with the fallout from the proposed acquisition, which was blocked earlier this month by an executive order from US President Donald Trump, citing security concerns. Broadcom appeared ready to seize control of the board and overturn Qualcomm's opposition to its rival's $117bn (94bn) acquisition offer before the White House action. Even with Broadcom's bid derailed, Qualcomm faces the same issues that have driven down its stock and made it a target - costly legal battles with regulators and key customer Apple over the chipmaker's lucrative licensing business and the loss of market share for its products. Henderson said directors are aware of the unease among shareholders after talking with many of them during the Broadcom fight. "We appreciate your candid feedback," he said on Friday. "We have heard you loud and clear." One investor at the meeting asked the management team how they planned to push the share price back up to the $80 range where it once traded. The shareholder also asked for more cash to be returned to investors. "We've been faithful and we voted for you," he said. "How about a little of that loot?" When told the company's overseas cash was already committed to an acquisition, he wasn't impressed, provoking widespread laughter with his follow-up comment. "That doesn't sound very close to $80," he said. Broadcom looked in a position to win a majority of Qualcomm's board seats, according to information obtained by Bloomberg two days ahead of the meeting, originally scheduled for March 6, based on a count of more than half of the votes cast. Mollenkopf and chairman Paul Jacobs were among the lowest vote-getters at that point. Friday's final vote count will be announced later. Jacobs was stripped of the chairman's role during the Broadcom fight and Qualcomm withdrew his nomination when he said he was seeking to take the company private. Mollenkopf, Jacobs and the board had argued that Qualcomm was stronger as a stand-alone company and would boost earnings as new wireless technology comes to market, it expands into new areas and the legal issues dogging its licensing business are resolved. Shareholders who have seen the stock underperform will now focus on whether management lives up to the promises that Mollenkopf repeated again last Friday. The most immediate issue is the delay of Qualcomm's purchase of NXP Semiconductors, which has dragged on through regulator scrutiny for more than a year and is still being looked at by Chinese authorities. NXP is crucial to Qualcomm's plan to diversify its sources of revenue into automotive chips. The company remains confident it can complete the transaction, Mollenkopf told shareholders. It held talks earlier this week with Chinese officials and the remedies being asked for are broadly similar to those demanded by European regulators before they signed off, said Don Rosenberg, Qualcomm's general counsel. Some of the developments in China currently are predictable, while others are "somewhat opaque," he said. Hanging over the company is its licensing dispute with Apple. The two are locked in a web of lawsuits that make take years to resolve. Apple's decision to withhold its payments is costing Qualcomm about $2bn a year in revenue. Regulators also have fined the company after accusing it of abusing its market-leading position in mobile chips. Qualcomm argues that it will overturn those decisions and get Apple to pay by winning in court over time. The key legal fight with Apple is still in the discovery stage and the trial will begin as early as this autumn, Rosenberg said. The chipmaker is unique in the industry in that it gets the majority of its profit from licensing technology. The company owns patents that underpin the fundamentals of all modern high-speed data mobile phone systems, meaning it gets a royalty for every smartphone sold, regardless of whether a device uses Qualcomm's chips. Investors say the legal fights create too much uncertainty in modelling its earnings, causing a drag on the stock price. Jacobs, son of company founder Irwin Jacobs and its former chief executive officer, is exploring a way to take Qualcomm private, a move that would remove it from the short-term scrutiny of being a public company. Jacobs' effort to raise the more that $120bn needed may prove difficult. Jacobs addressed the meeting as a director for the last time without mentioning his pending attempt to buy it. He focused his comments on Qualcomm's history of achievements in technology and expressed gratitude to his father, employees and the board. He received a round of applause from the audience in the 400-person auditorium in Qualcomm's main building. Bloomberg Dubliner James O'Reilly, who co-founded the high-end US co-working space business NeueHouse, is developing new workspaces for Life Time, a chain of gyms in the US. As president of Life Time Work, he is rolling out up to 50 spaces in US cities where it already has gyms, beginning with Philadelphia. In that city the new space is in an old Macy's department store building, across the road from an Apple store. While other big cities such as New York, Miami, Boston and San Francisco are in its sights, further locations may be more suburban, O'Reilly said. They will be aimed at remote workers and freelancers in the Millennial age group and above who increasingly live in more suburban locations to be near to their families and good schools. Privately-owned Life Time, which was founded by Iranian-American entrepreneur Bahram Akradi, has over 1.8 million members at gyms in 27 US states. It also has revenues of over $1.3bn a year, according to its website. O'Reilly declined to reveal whether he has a stake in the new project. "The goal with Life Time Work is to expand all over the US. We're in 130 locations, so it's conceivable that we will get to 50 that will be adjacent to or integrated with the existing gyms in, say the next five years, if not sooner. "We will focus on both urban and suburban markets around the US and Canada, targeting millennials and experienced entrepreneurs, as well those working remotely for larger corporations. Expand Close President, Life Time Work James OReilly / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp President, Life Time Work James OReilly "The trend we're seeing in twenty- and thirty-something entrepreneurs is that their population is increasingly growing in suburban areas rather than city centres, where rents and property prices are a lot higher. More people are also working remotely, increasing from a rate of about 21pc to 34pc in 2016 here in the US," O'Reilly said. The Irishman and his co-founders of high-end co-working space Neuehouse, which has spaces in New York and Hollywood, were early in grasping the opportunity to develop them, establishing the business in 2011 and opening the New York one in 2013. They attracted successful creative freelancers and others who could afford their premium fees based on a private membership model. Reports in the US said that a number of celebrities including actress Meg Ryan and author Salman Rushdie are paid-up members, while both locations regularly hosted events for communities working in TV, fashion, film and other media. It became a popular celebrity hangout, while also attracting successful tech entrepreneurs. While there had been plans to open a third NeueHouse in London in 2016 or 2017, the opening did not go-ahead, though it's understood to remain an ambition. The expansion to Hollywood had stretched the company, in taking on a former CBS Radio building on Sunset Boulevard that needed extensive renovation, O'Reilly said. Having previously raised $25m in 2015, the company revised its plans last year in order to stabilise the business. US media mogul Barry Diller - a former CEO of Paramount and Fox - and his wife, the fashion designer Diane Von Furstenburg, who came up with the concept of the wrap dress, invested in the firm. Hong Kong property investment firm Great Eagle Holdings also took part in the round. O'Reilly retains a stake in Neuehouse, it is understood. "With the likes of WeWork dominating the co-working sector, it has become very commoditised. Without changing our processes, we can open in new spaces faster than others. The business is a big engine, with a lot of operational know-how, to do the same thing as with the gyms: identify properties, design or build and fit them out, and then market and operate them. "Having taken on this role last year, it's a great opportunity to apply my experience from NeueHouse to a business that's operating and growing at such a high level. We could recruit up to 3,000 new people every year for Life Time Work," he added. During the March 25-27 visit, made at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron, the two sides are scheduled to sign a series of important cooperation documents on defence, justice, space technology, intellectual property, climate change response and tourism, along with economic contracts worth tens of billions of US$.Strategic plans and new cooperation frameworks and mechanisms issued during the trip will develop the Vietnam-France strategic partnership.The visit will also be an occasion to popularise Vietnam as a country with many reform achievements, a trustworthy partner ready to bolster ties with France, an emerging market with numerous investment and business opportunities for French businesses and an attractive, safe and friendly destination for French tourists.Vietnam and France set up diplomatic ties on April 12, 1973. Overcoming ups and downs in history, over the past 45 years, especially since the establishment of the strategic partnership in 2013, Vietnam-France relations have developed well.France is an important European partner of Vietnam. It also respects Vietnams stature and contributions to peace, stability and development in the region and the world. Vietnams membership of the ASEAN Economic Community and many free trade agreements, including the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), expected to take effect in the near future, will bring new cooperation chances for both countries. VNS They may be young, but the Byrne brothers are settling into life in America and showcasing their musical and dancing talents to large crowds daily. Donegal natives Luca (13), Finn (11) and Dempsey (8) bid farewell to Ireland in January to try and break America after millions of people watched their video on Independent.ie and their own Facebook page. The family are based in Orlando, performing in Disney World's Raglan Road pub. The video above shows their fantastic performance on St Patrick's day. "Yeah settling in perfectly. Loving every minute of it. 85 degrees again today, whats not to love!", their father Tommy Byrne told Independent.ie. "We're still in shock that we're actually here. The boys love it." Credit: The Byrne Brothers/Raglan Road Orlando The video of their performance in Galway last December was the most viewed last year. Watch it below: Video of the Day Send your videos to video@independent.ie. A collection of interviews about Martin McGuinness published on the first anniversary of his death never comes close to providing a balanced portrait of the the IRA chief turned peacemaker. Mary Lou McDonald has a pithy message for anyone who disapproves of her friendship with the late Martin McGuinness. "Feck them!" she says in her contribution to Jude Collins's new book, a collection of personal reminisces about the former deputy first minister and IRA chief. She also criticises the southern media's "utterly repulsive" treatment of McGuinness during his failed 2011 presidential bid, railing against Miriam O'Callaghan and Vincent Browne while using language such as "hypocrisy... obnoxious... a failure of public service broadcasting." As McDonald's comments suggest, Martin McGuinness: The Man I Knew will probably be best appreciated by devotees of the Sinn Fein cause. Although Collins's interviewees include politicians, policemen, pundits, priests and Provos, by his own admission he failed to persuade many unionist voices that they should take part. Sometimes rambling but often revealing, these first-person narratives make for a good, varied read - without ever coming close to providing a balanced portrait of their enigmatic subject. As usual with anything written about the North, it is helpful to know the author's own perspective. Collins is a blogger, broadcaster and retired lecturer from Omagh with strong nationalist views. The former DUP MLA Nelson McCausland has called him "one of the most sectarian journalists I have ever come across" and "a nasty little man", while the loyalist leader Willie Frazer once said, "I was struggling to find a term suitable for Jude Collins, but I couldn't so 'prat' will have to do." (These testimonials are proudly displayed on Collins's own website.) Whatever about his other qualities, Collins is clearly a skilful interviewer who knows how to draw out telling details. The former republican prisoner Eamonn MacDermott recalls McGuinness privately saying of the Good Friday Agreement: "It's crap. But it's the best we can get at the moment." According to the Irish government strategist Martin Mansergh, his namesake admitted that Sinn Fein's policy on Europe was backward and needed updating. McGuinness's own assistant Aodhan Mac an tSaoir describes how his boss once ended a row with Peter Mandelson by sending the Northern Ireland Secretary a Tommy Fleming cassette. The socialist campaigner Eamonn McCann remembers him discussing ways of making soda bread: "We talked about whether or not it was blasphemous to put raisins in... he was something of a fundamentalist on the buttermilk question." Video of the Day Some of the tributes here could most charitably be described as sentimental. David Latimer, a highly respected Presbyterian minister in Derry, declares: "I honestly think one day somebody who controls everything put his hand on Martin's shoulder" and quotes an English woman who thinks God entered her kitchen while she listened to McGuinness's funeral. On a more temporal level, many of his old comrades praise him as a warm, practical character with remarkably little ego. For what it is worth, that was my experience, too. As a nervous young reporter in 2001, I was sent to the Falls Road in Belfast to interview Gerry Adams for In Dublin magazine. While waiting in the reception area at Sinn Fein HQ, some hard men who looked like they'd escaped from Long Kesh that morning began staring me out. McGuinness strolled by, noted my discomfort and sat down to exchange some friendly words - a small, human gesture that I deeply appreciated. Even a book as sympathetic as this one, however, makes it clear that McGuinness's claim to have left the IRA in 1974 was laughably untrue. Dermot Ahern, who as Minister for Foreign Affairs began negotiating with him in 2004, says: "We would have regarded McGuinness as being the main IRA aspect at the meeting." The former Sinn Fein chairman Mitchel McLaughlin remembers: "He had a very tight grip on the types of bombing campaigns that were admitted." "When Martin came into the office and some of those there were IRA guys, you just knew, there was a body language of respect," says the former Derry Journal editor Pat McArt. "You could tell it was a case of, 'whatever Martin says, goes'." Niall O'Dowd, the Irish Voice founder and confidant of President Bill Clinton (whose funeral eulogy is also included), puts it even more bluntly: "I always thought Martin was the man who ultimately swayed a lot of the decisions with the IRA. I think he was their No 1 guy... people were scared of him." In the absence of firm evidence about what the 'Butcher of the Bogside' actually did, however, Collins's interviewees tend to fall back on polite euphemisms. "His moral compass may have gotten lost", "I think Martin realised he had been misled," and "There had to be a period... where he had that indifference to human life," are just a few examples. Gerry Adams claims that he urged his close friend to write a memoir, but it would have contained an almighty hole since McGuinness had no wish to publicly confess any sins either. "If you're asking me, for example... did I throw a stone that hit a soldier in the head and took blood from him, or did I throw a petrol bomb at a member of the RUC, or did I ever fire a shot that killed a soldier, you know, what's the point?" he challenged the future British foreign secretary Boris Johnson in a 2000 interview. "What's the point of it?" Perhaps McGuinness secretly worried that the IRA's murderous campaign had been pointless, too. Towards the end, Pat McArt says: "He was a bit disillusioned by what was going on in the south... [it] had become very materialistic and all the rest of it... People in the north wanted to be Irish, it was important to them... whereas the Brits in the south were busy watching Coronation Street and EastEnders." "Was there a good and a bad Martin McGuinness?" asks Dawn Purvis, ex-leader of the Progressive Unionist Party. "I wouldn't know. I only met the good one." Collins's project is a valuable contribution to the historical record - but a definitive account of the bad Martin McGuinness will clearly have to be written by someone else. An Irish director has revealed how casting his own family in his debut film allowed them to heal rifts which had formed after his devoutly Catholic parents struggled with his siblings' life paths. Johnny O'Donnell, from Omagh, has written, produced and directed Our Father, a feature length thriller inspired, in part, by his own family, and which will screen at next month's Belfast Film Festival. It tells the story of a devoutly Catholic father who spirals out of control as he attempts to save his children from what he sees as the path of evil. What begins as a drama based on his real life family becomes a fictional thriller at the mid-point. Expand Close Johnny O'Donnell / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Johnny O'Donnell Five years ago Johnny's nephew Jacob was born to his sister Deborah (31), something which caused a family rift as she was unmarried at the time. Johnny's brother Ryan (29) also came out to his parents Tony and Marian and they struggled to come to terms with the news. Those struggles and that family dynamic form the foundation of Our Father. Funded by Johnny, his family, friends, "a few trips to the bank, a few credit cards", and filmed in Omagh with a skeleton crew and limited resources, the film has been five years in the making. What is more remarkable is that Johnny made the unusual decision to cast his own family members as themselves. Expand Close Marian and Tony in a scene from Our Father / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Marian and Tony in a scene from Our Father "It's very exposing for them," reveals Johnny, who says he had to handle the situation "delicately and with care" when he approached them about playing themselves in a film which could potentially be seen by people on the big screen. Expand Close Johnny's sister Deborah / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Johnny's sister Deborah "The movie was born really when Jacob was born. My sister faced coming home to Ireland to face that judgement and I remember sitting down with them individually and had a conversation with them and told them I would be asking them to bear their souls for the world to see and asked them if they were comfortable with that," he says. Video of the Day "Their first question was why? Why would you do this? I said I could see this movie as something that could unite us, bring us closer together, something cathartic to help us work through these troubling emotions and struggles. Expand Close Jacob as a baby / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Jacob as a baby "Also, it could be something we could look back on and kind of provide us with perspective. If we could see it from the outside looking it would be a great objective perspective to see." Johnny also believed that other families who might be dealing with similar issues could "draw strength and inspiration" from their story. Ultimately his parents and siblings believed in his vision and signed up, despite having virtually no acting experience. Expand Close Tony O'Donnell / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Tony O'Donnell Only his father had experience on a film set, having accompanied Johnny, an actor, on various jobs over the years, and finding himself working as an extra. His mother, a housewife, surprised him with her flair for improvisation. And his sister's previous modelling experience meant she was comfortable in front of the camera. "It was bizarre directing them but a lot of moments were improvised and it really helped to get an authentic performance from them. Some scenes blew me away," says Johnny. Expand Close Johnny's mother Marian / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Johnny's mother Marian However the film is received, the family ultimately benefited hugely from their feature film therapy. "It was amazing," says Johnny. "It brought us so much closer together and allowed us to work through those difficult emotions together. I was there as mediator. "We recreated the scene where my brother came out to my mum. That really happened and its a very heartbreaking, powerful scene. The emotions are raw. In recreating it we were able to go through those emotions again and it sort of helped them a lot. "My mum and my dad now do accept my brother and my sister and my nephew Jacob - they've been embraced by the family." Expand Close Johnny's brother Ryan / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Johnny's brother Ryan While Johnny has trained in film had roles in Paul Greengrass' Bloody Sunday and Rebel Heart, he is currently working as a concierge in London and was forced to film Our Father on short trips home to Omagh. He's something of a celebrity in his hometown having caused a security alert while filming outside the police station. "It was mayhem," he says. "We did have police permission but in the scene, which was a major action set piece, we had dissident Republicans shooting at PSNI officers as they were coming out of the station. Expand Close A still from Our Father's action scene / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A still from Our Father's action scene "Motorists and pedestrians were confronted by this scene of PSNI officers lying on the ground looking like they'd been shot so the motorists took off and the pedestrians were screaming and running. It was chaotic. I was really worried the production would be shut down and I would never make a movie again. "But people in Omagh laugh now and tell me not to be causing any more security alerts!" As well as directing and assuming pretty much every other role at some point during the production, Johnny plays a fictional character, the eldest son who becomes one of the aforementioned dissident Republicans. "I would definitely like to point out that he's a fictional character - I believe in peace and reconciliation," he says. He was, however, interested in exploring the political landscape of Northern Ireland in the film. "It's interesting as an Irish man in England, the English perspective is that the Troubles are over in Northern Ireland and that they ended with the Good Friday Agreement. So I wanted to capture the landscape in an authentic way. Growing up you're surrounded by people with hardline views so I wanted the film to reflect Northern Ireland as it is in terms of family, religion, politics, sexuality - all those themes." Our Father screens at the Belfast Film Festival on April 15. For more info you can check out the movie's Facebook page HERE No doubt about it, Irish television comedy is in the midst of a riveting run. Derry Girls, The Young Offenders, Bridget & Eamon and Can't Cope Won't Cope lead the way in giving us a chuckle at home, but critically for the audience figures and financial security, they've put Irish comedy back on the map. All four have been welcomed in the UK, and globally in the case of Can't Cope, with its Netflix distribution deal. "TV comedy seems to come and go in waves," notes PJ Gallagher, who plays Principal Barry Walsh in The Young Offenders and is a veteran in the stand-up/TV comedy field. "If you look back 25 years ago, there were great shows like The End and Nighthawks. "Then there was a lull and 10 years later, there was Podge & Rodge, Des Bishop and, if I may, I'd like to include myself with Naked Camera and Anonymous. And of course there was Father Ted." Expand Close Can't Cope Won't Cope / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Can't Cope Won't Cope Until the new crop of comedy, the first sign of which was Chris O'Dowd's Moone Boy, Graham Linehan and Arthur Mathews' show was the last to prove that Irish-penned comedy could compete on a global scale (Mrs Brown's Boys being more divisive). Father Ted completed its extensive run 20 years ago, but its legacy helped inspire the current crop of TV. "It opened doors for my generation of Irish writers," says Lisa McGee, writer and creator of Derry Girls. "I still remember watching the opening of that first episode, I was 14 and I instantly fell in love with it. It was so funny and clever, and while it was hugely popular with audiences outside of Ireland, I think Irish audiences appreciated another layer to it, a sort of inside joke." This dual layer was also the key to Derry Girls' record-breaking success. The first series received an average of 2.5 million viewers, making it Channel 4's biggest comedy launch in five years, since Ricky Gervais's Derek. It shone a realistic light on being a Derry teenager while dealing with the realities of the Troubles - and the more complicated matters of convent school, friends and boys ("You can't marry an orange man, Michelle!" "That's a pity. I think there's something really sexy about the fact that they hate us so much"). If we question why the sudden interest in Irish stories, for McGee, it was a natural follow-on from London Irish, her comedy which received mixed reviews. Derry Girls merely continued McGee's relationship with Channel 4. "I never really tried to sell the idea to them if I'm honest," she says. "It took about a year and a half to get the pilot episode into shape, working on other things and then coming back to it. When I and producers Liz Lewin and Caroline Leddy thought it was ready to show Channel 4, we took it to them. I don't think I could have sold an idea like Derry Girls with a document or in a pitch. It would have sounded too strange. We needed to get a script in front of them and get them laughing." Expand Close Derry Girls / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Derry Girls Video of the Day Channel 4, the UK's home of alternative television, is also the home of Sharon Horgan and Rob Delaney's Catastrophe, another show that was brought to screens through the traditional model where a solid script was enough for it to be commissioned. Bridget & Eamon and Damo and Ivor, meanwhile, took different routes, where they both started off as sketches on Republic of Telly that piqued enough interest to be turned into full series. Now, Damo and Ivor is on the silver screen, and Bridget & Eamon is being shown worldwide via UKTV Gold, Amazon and Hulu. Indeed, the evolving way in which people watch telly, their rising expectations and the way programmes are financed, has opened up other avenues in the world of TV comedy. The hope is to harness this new model to create more appealing shows. Ailish McElmeel of Deadpan Productions, the company behind comedy-dramas Nowhere Fast and Can't Cope Won't Cope, explains: "Before, it was a case that RTE, who make the majority of domestic television, weren't responsive to new television. The drama department didn't commission, and the comedy department had no budget. There's this idea that comedy is cheaper to produce but that's not true - in fact, people are likely to give an okay drama more of a chance than a comedy, so good production values are key. "Once we could access great television on the internet, it was clear that there needed to be more investment. So a lot of effort went into building relationships with international organisations to make co-productions. It's also about making a show that appeal to a wide audience so it can be sold on to other countries." The result of this new model can be seen with The Young Offenders, whose first series has just wrapped up after airing on RTE (where it received around 400,000 viewers an episode) and BBC Three, the Beeb's streaming channel aimed at younger audiences. Written, created and directed by Peter Foott, it follows loveable rouges Conor and Jock (Alex Murphy and Chris Walley) as they hatch hare-brained schemes in Cork city ("Think about the things your mam could do with five grand." "She could get a nice blouse or something."). It follows on from the excellent film of the same name, released last year. "I think the BBC saw the film as a 90-minute long pilot," says PJ Gallagher, who switched roles after playing Ray, an unhinged drug dealer, in the film. "Really, Cork City is the biggest character in it, but at the same time, it could be shot anywhere in the world because it's just depicting young people very well. That's like Derry Girls. Both are written by people who remember what it's like to be young, so when an audience watches it, they know they're not being lied to." Lisa agrees: "More than an appetite for stories from Ireland, I think there's a real appetite for authenticity, for exploring worlds that are less familiar to a television audience." In which case, the future looks bright for quality TV. A second series of Derry Girls and The Young Offenders were signed off after the first episode of each, suggesting a continued buoyant scene. While Eddie Doyle, RTE's head of comedy who brought in the changes, has left for BBC Northern Ireland, RTE are continuing this momentum to become digitally and internationally focused. For example, Comedy Bites replaced Republic of Telly as a showcase for rising talent, and adult animated show Ends Meet aired on RTE Player before its run on RTE2 last month. There's also a joint-funding initiative with the Irish Film Board aimed specifically at new comedy scripts with international appeal - a shortlist of 10 was recently announced, and next year one will be developed into a six-part series. Similarly, TV3 have plans for airing more original comedy. They've dabbled in it, with Jason Byrne's Snaptastic Show and more recently, stand-up comic Joanne McNally's documentary Baby Haters. But scripted comedy is on their radar for the future, especially now they're rebranding as Virgin Media TV under new, international owners. "We've always been ambitious in drama, but comedy has to be handled carefully, as you want it to be of high quality and resonate with an Irish audience," says Andrew Byrne, the commissioning editor. "It also has to bring opportunities internationally, especially as we can easily feed into the bigger Virgin Media group. More than ever, we're open to this type of show." With the audience, writers, producers, and channels all eager to find the next Derry Girls, it seems Irish comedy hasn't had its last laugh just yet. 30 Seconds To Mars frontman Jared Leto intervened to calm down rowing fans at the rock bands gig on Friday night. The Oscar-winning actor and rock star paused a performance of the groups This Is War in Cardiff and told two gig-goers to just chill. In footage shot by fan Simon Lawton Leto instructs the fans to move away from each other before adding: Just separate from one another. I mean what the f*** hey, the woman with the blonde one. If you want to jump around, jump around but just step aside, Leto added. He told the crowd: Our shows are all about do whatever the f*** you want to do but dont upset other people. The Hollywood star then restarted the song after telling fans to go extra f****** crazy during this song. Leto also pulled out a Welsh flag during the performance at Cardiffs Motorpoint Arena. The band are currently on a five-stop tour across the UK ahead of the release of their upcoming album America next month. The ending of wholesale coal distribution by Bord na Mona (BNM) has angered its workers. The announcement in recent days will result in the shutdown of BNM coal depots around Ireland and result in more than 45 jobs being lost, unions said last night. The job losses and closure of the coal depots will follow the loss of 85 jobs on Wednesday caused by the semi-state company's decision to wind down and close the Littleton briquette factory in Co Tipperary. The nationwide ban on smoky coal that comes into effect at the end of next year has been blamed for the closure of the depots. Workers had hoped the company would begin manufacturing smokeless fuel to replace its smoky coal business and they were disappointed when BNM decided not to do so, they said. The Bord na Mona Group of Unions is seeking a meeting with the company to express the anger of its members concerning the announcement that it intends to close its coal operations. The coal operations affected are the Lullymore facility and the BNM fuel headquarters in Newbridge, both in Co Kildare, as well as a number of coal depots around the country. John Regan, BNM Group of Unions secretary and Siptu organiser, said: "The BNM Group of Unions was provided with no advance notice of the announcement on Wednesday that the company intends to close coal operations around the country. "Our members are angered that no engagement took place with their union officials but not surprised by this move by Bord na Mona, as the same approach has been adopted previously. The repeated behaviour of this semi-state employer towards its loyal workforce and their union representatives is completely unacceptable," he said. "At a meeting with management, the BNM Group of Unions will be demanding to know why it was kept in the dark about company plans which have such a severe impact on our members," he said. He told the Sunday Independent that managers were despatched to depots last Wednesday to tell the workers of the closures. "The BNM Group of Unions should have been fully briefed on the plans that were brought before the company board yesterday which seek a reduction in the number of workers across all BNM coal operations," he said. "At the meeting, we will be seeking to discuss the full implications of this decision in terms of the jobs of more than 45 people the company has stated will be lost," he said. The compulsory redundancy of 85 workers at Littleton that comes into effect on Wednesday marks the first time that unions have agreed to mandatory job losses in a State-owned enterprise since the closure of Irish Shipping in 1982. Workers in the Littleton plant had voted strongly in favour of accepting the redundancy package which provides for six weeks' pay for each year worked, but up to a limit of two years' pay. However, it is believed when other factors are taken into consideration, some workers will receive more than the two years' pay maximum. Around 40 of the Littleton plant's 127 staff are remaining on a temporary basis to complete the wind-down of the facility. A roofer who violently attacked three women in Dublin over a five-year period will be sentenced in May. Slawomir Gierlowski (33), of Galtymore Road, Drimnagh, Dublin, had denied attacking the women in 2011, 2015 and 2016 at locations around Clondalkin, south Dublin. After a three-week trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, a jury of 11 men yesterday found Gierlowski guilty of carrying out the 2016 attack. The jury had returned guilty verdicts the previous day in relation to the earlier offences. Judge Pauline Codd commended the three complainants for the strength and courage shown by each of them in giving evidence. Gierlowski, a Polish national who has lived and worked in Ireland since 2008, sat impassively as the verdicts were delivered. He has been in custody since his arrest in June 2016 as a suspect for the attack the previous month. Judge Codd remanded him in continuing custody until May 14 for a sentence hearing. In the first two attacks, the victims were walking home late at night. The third attack took place in broad daylight. Teresa OKeefe and Eleanor Laffin who lost their sister Hannah Burke and mother Bridget OCallaghan on the flight. Pictures: Patrick Browne A man who lost his brother in the Tuskar Rock air tragedy 50 years ago has said that what bereaved families desperately want is information rather than commemoration. Jerome McCormack lost his brother Niall when Flight 712 mysteriously crashed into the sea off the Wexford coast on March 24, 1968, only minutes after leaving Cork Airport en route to London Heathrow. A total of 61 people, including Aer Lingus aircrew and passengers, lost their lives in what remains Ireland's worst domestic air tragedy. Mr McCormack paid tribute to those who have arranged special memorials for the 50th anniversary of the tragedy. He remains convinced that there has been a cover-up of the true cause of the tragedy. "I need information and not commemoration," he said. "I am not saying that in a snide way at all - I applaud the people in Rosslare and Cork, and I thank them for everything they have done." Mr McCormack said he remains convinced an errant missile was responsible for bringing down the Vickers Viscount. A report in 2002 by French and Australian experts ruled out the possibility that the Viscount was hit by another aircraft or missile. The international study concluded the cause may have been as a result of structural failure, corrosion, metal fatigue, 'flutter' or a even bird strike. This weekend, special ceremonies are taking place in Wexford and Cork. A 50th anniversary Mass will be held today at the Church of the Assumption in Ballyphehane, Cork. A special memorial service took place in Wexford yesterday - the last point of land crossed by the Aer Lingus plane. In Cork, the famous Shandon Bells sounded 61 times yesterday - once for every life lost at Tuskar Rock. Many relatives of those who died that day were in attendance at the ceremonies. The only warning of the crash was a brief, garbled message from the flight crew that the plane was at 12,000ft and was spinning and descending rapidly. There were no survivors. Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and leaders of ministries, agencies and Quang Nam province attended in the ceremony.The APL brand is one of the worlds largest container shipping lines under the French group CMA with a global network. The first shipment imported consignment of car accessories from Hiroshima Japan in order to meet the production progress of Thaco- Mazda Manufactory.The first container ship carrying car accessories of Mazda, equipment and machines is to serve car manufacture and assembly of Thaco- Mazda Factory and the Chu Lai-Truong Hai Auto Mechanical Industrial Park.Thaco also held an opening ceremony of Thaco-Mazda Manufactory this morning. BY ANH PHUONG- Translated by Huyen Huong Paul Redmond was 21 before the shadow that had been following him for his entire life started to take shape. It was then that he discovered the name of the woman who had given birth to him in the Castlepollard Mother and Baby Home, Co Westmeath, in 1964. She was Adeline, she was from the northside of Dublin and, he was told, she was 21 when he was born - although he later learned that she had, in fact, been 20. "I vividly recall that day," he says. "I was told in St James's Hospital by a social worker and she sat there with my file and I thought, 'That's my whole life - and I want it!' There isn't an adoptee that hasn't sat there and not thought 'Give that file to me - that's my life'." It was a moment of joy - one that he'd thought about for years before that fateful moment in 1985. "I remember getting out of the hospital and literally running across to the sunny side of the street and singing Van Morrison's 'Bright Side of the Road' to myself. I was so happy." But the satisfaction of finally learning something about his mother would not bring the sort of happiness he dreamed of. Years later, when he had eventually tracked her down, he was devastated to discover that she wanted nothing to do with him. The trauma of giving him up had been so great that she had blocked much of the memory out and she simply wanted to get on with the rest of her life. Today, Paul Redmond is at peace with that. He is happily married to Siobhan and has two children who light up his life, and he no longer has to dwell on what might have been. "I'm actually luckier than most adoptees in that I found out who my natural mother was and I got to speak to her, even if it was by phone and only for 40 minutes," he says. "So many people never get to find out that much - and they have to live their entire lives not knowing how their mother was." Redmond was adopted at 17 days by a Dublin couple - who, he says, were the sort of parents any adoptee might dream of. "My father died in 2015 and I miss him terribly every day, but I really was one of the lucky ones - I had a great upbringing." He has just written a book about the nine mother and baby homes known to have existed in Ireland, and while he doesn't shirk from telling his own story, The Adoption Machine is cut from very different cloth from Martin Sixsmith's The Lost Child of Philomena Lee, which went on to become the hit movie, Philomena. Redmond's book is more an academic study of the institutions that were part of Ireland's dark and - for much of the 20th century - secret history. And it's utterly engrossing. The Adoption Machine examines, in great detail, the scale of the mother and baby home industry, the shocking mortality rates in these makeshift maternity hospitals and the illegal adoption trade that separated mothers from their babies and netted religious orders millions of euro in today's money. It also looks at the mass grave scandal at the Tuam mother and baby home - a story that has disgraced Ireland internationally - and presents evidence that suggests the nationwide picture is far, far worse. Painstaking work "Tuam is just the tip of the iceberg," he says. "It was the fourth or fifth biggest of nine homes. Somewhere like St Patrick's [Dublin], you're looking at least over 2,000 dead there - or up to 3,000 if you go right back to 1900 [when it opened, although information is sketchy for its first 20 years]. We know now that at least 200 died in Castlepollard. Bethany [Dublin] is at over 250. Sean Ross [Roscrea, Co Tipperary] - we're sure of 800. Bessborough [Cork] will certainly run to over 1,200 - maybe even 2,000. "For years, I was going around this town like a crazy conspiracy theorist, banging on about thousands of dead children - and people were going, 'Yeah, right'. I went to politicians and garda stations and journalists, and some people took an interest, but by and large it was just dismissed. Now, I keep saying, 'Thank God for Catherine Corless'." The Galway woman was the one who brought Tuam to the world's attention thanks to painstaking work tracing all 800 babies who had died there. She paid 4 for each death certificate. "Catherine's extraordinary, and so are people like Derek Leinster who did so much work on the [Church of Ireland-run] Bethany House. What people mightn't appreciate is that mother and baby homes were terribly secretive. Files were destroyed, and for years very little was known about them. They were often behind high walls and nobody really knew what went on there. It took a lot of digging - I mean none of us knew until recently that a mother and baby home called St Gerard's [Mountjoy Square, Dublin] existed. It only operated for six years in the 1930s." He rejects the notion, frequently espoused over the past three decades, that the deeply religious Irish society at the time was complicit in the shame. After all, single mothers were treated appallingly for most of the 20th century in this country and with abortion prohibited, many felt there was no option but to "go to the nuns" when they became pregnant. "The vast majority of the public didn't know what was going on," he says. "They knew there were terrible places but they didn't realise that the horror behind the walls was because of the church. They had assumed the clergy were just doing their best. They thought the people in them were the problem. "Places like Castlepollard and Sean Ross were off the beaten track and the nuns kept to themselves. I mean, the nuns at Castlepollard did their grocery shopping in Dublin - they had very little interaction with the locals." He says mortality rates were exorbitant, especially in the 1920s and 1930s - with more than 60pc of babies dying at Bessborough in one year alone. "They weren't hospitals. They didn't have doctors or nurses. And, I'll say it out loud, they just didn't care who lived or died. But they started to care when they realised they could sell the babies, and once the adoption business really got off the ground, the mortality rate went way down. Suddenly, these babies had a monetary value - and they were keen to cash in on that." Redmond has campaigned for years, but the book was difficult to write - especially when it came to talking about his own situation. "You have to remember that there was such a stigma to being born illegitimate in this country. Back then, you couldn't join the guards if you were born out of wedlock and certain professions were closed off to you, too." (Canon Law prohibited illegitimates from joining the priesthood until the rule was repealed in 1983). He is angered by the dithering of the Government when it comes to redress for victims of mother and baby homes. "It's shameful that the Government won't accept what happened and say, 'We will look after you guys now'. I'm very angry about that. One of our great comrades was Victor Stevenson and he was in Westbank Orphanage [Co Wicklow] - Victor died suddenly of a heart attack. That man has gone to his grave without getting justice and that breaks my heart." He believes campaigners like him have been fobbed off repeatedly. "Even since the Tuam story came out in 2014, there's been no sign of apology or redress or even medical cards. There's been no acknowledgement, nothing - and our people are dying. "I genuinely believe that this is an attempt to reduce the bill by the government in general. I think some politicians have been decent, like James Reilly. Justice delayed is justice denied to all those people who have died. If you're going to do the decent thing, for Christ's sake, just get on and do it." He has been disheartened by the lack of action from the Taoiseach. "In an ideal world, I'd love Leo Varadkar to stand up in the Dail and go 'I accept that these people went through hell. I apologise for what they went through and we are going to offer them a redress package that will make their final years of life better." Redmond believes any redress packages should begin with the mothers first. "Start with them first and then move down to adoptees - and do it in some sort of order where there's some kind of decency involved and, for Christ's sake, get on with it. "The waiting is sickening and unjust and incredibly frustrating. All that's lacking in this country is political will and that's why I point the finger specifically at Leo Varadkar and [children's minister] Katherine Zappone. It could be sorted out very quickly, but all they do is stall, stall, stall - and by doing so, they are radically reducing the bill. For both the Church and the Government, it's all down to money." Is he concerned about people becoming apathetic to his cause? "I think there's a worry of that for sure," he says. "How much of that stuff can you deal with it before you just can't handle any more? "The general public have been battered by this. You'd the horrors of Brendan Smyth and [Sean] Fortune, of Ferns [diocese] and the revelation that not only were the priests doing it, but they were moving them around. "Then there was the detail that emerged about the abuses in the industrial schools and the Magdalene laundries, the 'banished babies', the Mary Raftery documentary [States of Fear], the Ryan Report it seems to be never-ending. But we have to face up to the horrors of our own past." Redmond is concerned that younger people - who are growing up in an increasingly secular Ireland - are simple unaware of how bad the old days used to be. "I don't wish to generalise, but a lot of young people simply aren't interested," he says. "They're on their phones all the time, looking at the latest hashtag and fad, and, unfortunately some of them don't have a grasp of the historical context or the slightest comprehension about how oppressive this country was, particularly in the countryside." One senses Paul Redmond will never give up fighting for justice. "There are a lot of parallels with the Holocaust - that idea of dehumanising people and the sense that anyone who survives has a duty to bear witness. "This book is my way to bear witness, a rage against the machine and an attempt to do something. It's to make people realise that this is not just about 800 babies in Tuam, but about the living survivors, too. And those people have to take precedence over the dead." The Adoption Machine by Paul Jude Redmond (published by Merrion Press), is out now, 16.99 Adoption trade in numbers 35,000 the estimated number of women who were in mother and baby homes between the foundation of the state in 1922 and when the last of them, Bessborough, closed in 1996. 6,000 the estimated number of babies who died at mother and baby homes in the time period above and are buried in mass 'angel graves'. Paul Redmond says Tuam is "the tip of the iceberg". 20,000 the estimated number of women who gave birth in workhouses and 'country homes', as various facilities outside the mother and baby home model were colloquially known, since 1900. 34.4pc the illegitimate baby mortality rate in 1923. By contrast, the mortality rate for those born in wedlock was 6.6pc that year. 2,051 the number of babies and children in 20 nationwide 'care' institutions, including mother and baby homes, who were subjected to vaccine trials between 1930 and 1935. 8.50 the weekly allowance for 'unmarried mothers' introduced in 1973 after years of campaigning - it would help end the stigma surrounding illegitimacy and hasten the end of the mother and baby homes. Some, including Tuam and Sean Ross, had already closed by then. Source: The Adoption Machine A mum fears her 12-year-old son who has autism will regress due to the fact that she can't place him in a secondary school anywhere in Dublin or Kildare. Jack Cullen is due to start second level this September and needs to attend a school with am ASD unit or a class for children with special needs. His mum, Karen Kavanagh, began searching for schools in September 2015 when she was given a list of 11 schools by the HSE. These were schools in Dublin and Kildare that were able to meet his needs. However due to the schools being at capacity she has not been able to secure a place. If there is no place found a home-tutor will be provided. Jack has autism and is also severely dyslexic but has been in a special education setting since his mum sought early intervention for him after his diagnosis. He just graduated from primary school in Drimnagh. There is no school with an ASD unit in Tallaght where the family live but there is no availability anywhere in the capital or in Co Kildare. "He's very outgoing now, he has two good friends, he has his independence, he travels back and forth to school. All of that is going to be taken away from him," she said. "I think he'll regress if he is taught at home. It will take away everything I've fought for for Jack. When he was diagnosed I was told social skills were one of the main factors in autism and by keeping him at home they are contradicting themselves. "If he doesn't get a school it will undo all of the good work he has done and the school have done for him," she added. "He'll be isolated and there are too many distractions at home." The worried mum said the uncertainty around his schooling situation is having a negative effect on her own mental health. "I'm stressed, I'm not sleeping, I'm anxious and I'm full of anger to be honest. I feel like I'm knocking on every door and not getting any answers," she said. However, she is more concerned about the negative effect the delay will have on her son if he does manage to secure a place as he will have lost out on a valuable period of transition. "He should be going through the transition now, routine and structure is so important when you have a child with autism. He needs to be getting used to the building and the bus routes, everything," she said. A home tutor will not meet her son's needs and will be tantamount to a violation of his fundamental rights Ms Kavanagh said. "He is entitled to an education and a school like every other child." The mum-of-two has contacted Tusla and the Minister for Education, Richard Bruton directly. A Department of Education spokesperson said they cannot comment on individual cases, but advised that parents of students with special educational needs who are experiencing difficulties in locating a school placement "are supported through their local Special Educational Needs Organiser (SENO) and local Educational Welfare Officer (EWO)". "The Department is working with the NCSE and the relevant education partners to ensure that a placement will be available for all students for the forthcoming school year," they said. "Under Section 29 of the Education Act, a parent or guardian can make an appeal to the Department of Education and Skills in respect of a decision by a board of management or a person acting on behalf of a board of management to: Refuse to enrol a student in the school;Permanently exclude a student from the school; or Suspend a student from the school for a cumulative period of 20 schools days in any one school year. "The appeals process is currently underway. "While this process is ongoing or where there is no placement available, the Departments Home Tuition Grant Schemes can provide funding towards home tuition as an interim measure until a placement becomes available. "It is intended to include a provision in the Education (Admission to Schools) Bill at Report Stage that will provide for, based on reports and advice from the NCSE, Ministerial powers to require a school to open a special class or increase the number of special classes in schools identified by the NCSE." Lynnn Byrne, a member of the Tallaght Parents Support Network, has been supporting and advocating for Karen and Jack. She faced a similar situation for her son a number of years ago. "It's a sad indictment of this country that nearly a decade later we are still here," she said. A MOTHER has said she fears her five-year-old son with autism will be forced into home-schooling as she can't find a school for him to attend in September. Linda Byrne from Balbriggan, Co Dublin told Independent.ie that she is desperately fighting to get a school place for her son Ryan. Ryan, who has autism, is currently attending pre-school at an Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) unit at an Educate Together school in Skerries, with six other children. The mainstream school does not have an ASD unit for primary level students and so Linda is desperately searching for a school place for her son for the next school year. Read More "I'm dreading July when I have to tell Ryan that he won't be going back to his school and he won't be able to see his friends. His school is his safe place so he will be devastated that he has to leave," Linda said. "There are no schools at all nearby that Ryan can attend. The closest school that will take him is in Artane but he'd have to get up at 6am to get there every day. "There needs to be more schools with basic ASD units for children with autism. The Department of Education should be ashamed that these kids are left with no schools to go to." Linda said that her only options are to attend the Artane school or to arrange home-schooling for Ryan. "Ryan gets really anxious when he travels. He used to throw up all the time on the 10-minute bus journey to school every morning. I can't make him travel an hour to school to get to Artane. "Whereas finding a tutor for Ryan's needs will be like trying to find a needle in a haystack. If he moves to home-schooling he'll regress completey. He only just learned how to talk and if we take him away from his peers he'll not make any more progress. I can't keep my child locked away at home because there aren't enough supports in schools for kids with autism. These kids are falling through the cracks of the education system." Linda added that other children "don't have to fight as hard to get school places". "Ryan has a basic right to education yet there is no school with an available place for him. I'm disgusted by how hard I have to fight for Ryan constantly." Linda said that six other children in Ryan's class are facing a similar struggle to find a primary school for September. "It's not just one child that is affected. It's dozens and it happens every year. There is no place for the kids to go. "Another local school that has an ASD unit has a three-year waiting list. Ryan won't get in until he is at least 8-years'-old and he's as high as fourth on the list. "I have grant money to buy a uniform but I've no school to buy a uniform for. If Ryan didn't have autism, he would have no problem being accepted into a school. It's heartbreaking. "I'm not asking for anything mad, I'm just asking for their to be some system that looks after kids with autism like Ryan so that they can access education." Speaking to Independent.ie, Principal at Skerries Educate Together National School Tomas Hickey said that there is "undoubtedly a crisis emerging in relation to availability of school places for children in the area". "We have every sympathy for the plight that parents are finding themselves in in not being able to access school places for their young children. In recognition of this growing issue, the Skerries ETNS Board is intent on exploring the establishment of an ASD resource in the future. However, the Board does not see that such a unit can be set up without proper training and planning as well as a purpose-built facility and input from the relevant Government departments and the National Council For Special Education. "Skerries ETNS has only had experience in accessing resources for pre-school at this point. The Skerries ETNS pre-school for children with ASD, Seolta, has been up and running for four years. The school spent a year and a half preparing for the unit to be opened. During that time a staff member received appropriate training and continued to access training opportunities while teaching the class. "The Board focused on recruiting some new members of staff who already had relevant experience or training whenever recruitment opportunities arose after this and this allowed the facility to be increased to two classes. Securing resources for this facility was relatively straight forward although quite a lot of fundraising took place to augment the equipment which was acquired from Departmental funding." CEO of Autism Ireland, Samantha Judge said while the situation has improved year-on-year, there is a widespread problem of finding schools for children with autism. "Some regions may be better resourced than others, but there are certainly too few specialised placements for children with ASD. "There are many families indicating that their child is without placement, but yet the NCSE suggests there are sufficient placements available. "In addition to more placements, there needs to be better training. Teachers in ASD units should ultimately be required to at a minimum, have qualification in autism, but ideally in special education. There needs to be greater efforts to redefine SNA position to acknowledge their role in supporting the childs development. There also needs to be additional special schools for children with autism and complex needs opened. Many have expanded, but still at best might accommodate approx 40 children, with children commuting for an hour or more." In a statement the Department of Education said that it would not be appropriate to comment on any individual case but if a parent is struggling to find a place for their child, they should contact their local Special Educational Needs Organiser (SENO), who is there to support them. "Where there is no placement available for a child with Special Educational Needs, the Department will consider applications under the Home Tuition Grant Scheme, where a student can receive up to 20 hours home tuition per week as an interim measure until a placement becomes available," the department said in a statement. The spokesperson pointed to an increase in funding in recent years and said there are more places for students special needs in recent years. "There are now over 1,300 special classes in mainstream schools, compared to 548 in 2011. 1,048 are special classes catering for students diagnosed with ASD, up from 330 in 2011." The Department also said that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is "aware of the emerging need in the north Dublin area from year to year, and where special provision is required it is planned and established to meet that need". THE former president of UCD's students' union said she believes social media is putting pressure on young voters, saying; "It is not easy to be pro-life and young". Katie Ascough, who was impeached from UCD last year after removing abortion information from student pamphlets following legal advice from the union's lawyer, said that young people are highly engaged in the upcoming referendum. Speaking to Independent.ie, Ms Ascough said that she has been keeping "very busy" canvassing on a six-week Lives Saved nationwide tour with the Love Both Project. The 21-year-old from Co Dublin said that the campaign received a "great" response and that people across Ireland were interested in debating the Eighth Amendment. Expand Close Katie Ascough / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Katie Ascough "Everyone is aware of the upcoming referendum and they do want to hear both sides of the debate. People want to be able to make an informed decision in May," Ms Ascough told Independent.ie. Ms Ascough said that she believes the referendum is difficult, in particular, for young people. The former students' union president added that she believes social media is also adding pressure onto young voters. "Social media doesnt reflect the truth of our society. There has become a stigma that being pro-life isnt cool. Im not a fan of Twitter because it isnt a balanced platform. It is not easy to be pro-life and young. It is very hard to go against what is perceived to be the cool-thing on campus. Its ridiculous that young people have to break a stigma based around the right to live. "What kind of society are we living in that a right to life is seen as anti-cultural and un-cool?" Ms Ascough said that if young people were properly informed, she believes the pro-life side would win the referendum. Expand Close Katie Ascough / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Katie Ascough "Its very important that everyone votes. If undecided students could be presented with two sides of the debate, I would be confident and looking forward to seeing a large youth turnout in this referendum. "However, given the imminence of a referendum and the current oppression of freedom of speech in universities across the country, I am not holding my breath for a fair and open debate before May. "Despite that, we will be going out and campaigning and trying our best to keep the Eighth Amendment." Ms Ascough said that she became involved in the pro-life campaign after her mum had a miscarriage when she was 15-years-old. "My mum had a miscarriage at 13 weeks. There I was holding my little brother in my hands. I could look into his face. He had a perfectly formed face. He had fingernails. He had creases on his knuckles. He was just so perfectly human and so small. It really opened my eyes to the humanity of an unborn. "I have a responsibility to speak up for those babies who dont have a voice." She added that "everyone is instinctively pro-life". "Nobody thinks it is OK to end a life. The Eighth Amendment is simply a human rights issue. Its not that complicated." Ms Ascough said that the Pro-Life campaign has been fighting hard to inform women exactly what an abortion is. However, some pro-life campaigners have come under fire for holding graphic signs of abortions outside public places. "Women deserve to know what happens when they have an abortion... it wouldnt be my personal choice to use graphic images on posters but it is important to inform people about the reality of an abortion," she said. Ms Ascough said that she hopes Ireland rejects repealing the Eighth Amendment. "For once, it would be nice to see Ireland be ahead of the times and reject abortion. Its incredible what an abortion culture can do and it would be great if, for once, Ireland didnt just follow other countries and be ahead of the times." 'Beware the Ides of March." Shakespeare's soothsayer twice warns Julius Caesar of his impending assassination. While another great leader, Abraham Lincoln, dreamt of his assassination. All of which suggests that superstitions sometimes hold water - a compound that was at the core of Irish engineer CY O'Connor's life. For water was as precious as the greed for gold that made so many gravitate to Western Australia. Leading its first premier, Sir John Forrest, to express concern about white prospectors ill-treating Aboriginals by excluding them from their traditional sources of water, known as "gnamma holes". "Personally, I am not an advocate of chaining wild blacks to show water," he said magnanimously. Though this was partly pragmatic, as "experience has taught me that when under compulsion they will conduct white people to some rock hole not valued by the tribe". But those were the days when nothing could thwart white gods; with Forrest declaring "it will be said of us, as Isaiah said of old, 'they made a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert'." O'Connor was his white wizard who piped water to the gold fields, across 350 miles of hills and arid terrain. No wonder white folk felt invincible, with Forrest boasting that "natives, owing to their usual improvidence, filthy habits and want of brain power, in never looking ahead, cannot stand excessive thirst, like the well-trained white man". Yet it was O'Connor who ended up in a watery grave this month in 1902, writing: "I fear that my brain is suffering... I have lost control of my thoughts" before riding into the ocean at Fremantle (close to where Aboriginal tradition says the spirits of the departed leave the coast to travel over the sea to the island of the dead) and shooting himself. His suicide was blamed on stress and relentless criticism. But some claim that he was 'sung' to death by tribes who were angry because he destroyed their ancient fishing grounds to build Fremantle Harbour. Of course, our civilisation considers such a curse to be nonsense. Certainly, many monuments in the region celebrate O'Connor; such as his bust atop a pile of rocks in a water feature that, alas, is bone dry. Or a hologram that tribes of his day might have found ironic, given the sign on it that reads "due to mechanical problems, CY O'Connor is out of order". Perhaps most bizarre is what happened to the bronze statue of O'Connor that stands in the ocean where he died. For the head and torso mysteriously disappeared last month. It was eventually located and repaired, the sculptor commenting that O'Connor was looking "better than ever". Is it a coincidence that the statue of O'Connor's first full day back at sea was on March 15, otherwise known as the Ides of March - the day in ancient Rome when debts were settled? Or did the tragic engineer have to pay his dues to the tribes he dispossessed by losing his head twice? "The surgeon came in with a nurse and Mam, Dad and I stood together. They started talking medical gibberish and were listing his endless injuries that I wont mention as it is quite upsetting to hear. As they spoke I stood waiting for the line that they always said in ER on Sunday nights, 'But we managed to save him.' And I waited. Until eventually the surgeon said the line that I can hear still to this day. 'We did everything we could, we couldnt save him.' "I looked at him very confused. They didnt say that in ER. Mam collapsed to the floor wailing. Dad tried to pull her up. My family members all roared crying. Mam and Dad grabbed me. Everyone started pulling at me. GO AWAY, I screamed in silence. I didnt want anyone to touch me. I was in a state of complete shock and denial. He is not dead. Marcus is not dead. My brother is not dead." In her new memoir, DJ Meghann Scully shares her experience dealing with grief and how she rebuilt her life after the "darkest hours". The 27-year-old DJ at Spin South West radio, has launched a new book entitled 'Broken Love: My Journey Through loss and Grief'. In her book, Meghann explores the shocking deaths of her brother and father, just 18 months apart, and how it affected her teenage years. Speaking to Independent.ie, Meghann gives readers an exclusive insight into her new book. Expand Close Meghann Scully / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Meghann Scully "In 2005, my only brother Marcus died in a car crash alongside his friend Cathal. He was only 18 and my family was devastated. "Marcus was travelling home from GAA training when the car crashed. I'll never forget the phone ringing and hearing that Marcus had been injured." Meghann said that at just 15, her "whole world was turned upside down" at the news of her brother's death. "I was 15 at the time so I had to learn what it was like to deal with grief at a very young age. I had just finished my Junior Cert mocks and my world was turned upside down. "At 15 I should have been worrying about what dress I would wear to the disco, not about burying my brother. At first, I thought he was just injured and I was worried about how much time he would have to take off from training. It was so difficult trying to come to terms with the fact that my healthy and happy 18-year-old brother was dead." Meghann said that watching her parents Maxie and Pauline deal with her brother's death made it harder for her to grieve. Expand Close DJ Meghann Scully / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp DJ Meghann Scully "My parents were so devastated. My mum used to wail during the night. Her crying in the hallway used to go through me. I had to suppress my own feelings and be around for my mum. "After a while I knew I had to return to school and that was very difficult. One of the hardest things about grieving is that one day you wake up and realise that things have to go back to a new normal. You realise you have to get up and go to school or work because life hasn't stopped and that's really difficult to grasp." She added that going back to school was "extra difficult" because everyone treated her differently. "My first day back was horrific. Everyone was staring at me sympathetically. I just wanted to ignore my grief and escape the sadness at home. There was a dark cloud over my entire family and I just wanted to escape it all." Meghann said that she "put her head down" and threw herself into her Junior Cert studies. "I realised I had no other choice but to get on with it and that's what I did. I wanted to do well in my exams for Marcus." Just 18 months later, Meghann was struck by another tragedy. Meghanns father, Maxie, died too, aged 52, of a broken heart. "My dad died just before I was to sit my Leaving Cert. I walked back into the assembly hall and had to face my entire year staring at me again. I wanted to put my head down again and push away all the grief I was feeling." At university in Limerick, Meghann said she flourished after getting a fresh start. "In college nobody knew about my grief. I didn't have to tell anyone about my brother and my dad. It was just what I needed. "I was outgoing and chatty in college. I was the life and soul of the party and was always organising fun events for my friends. I never showed anyone my vulnerable side." It wasn't until Meghann did her Masters in NUIG that she says she suffered from a "breakdown". "Everything just became too much and I said 'enough is enough'. My body and mind changed and I could no longer hide my grief. I thought I was having a breakdown but my mum said I was having a breakthrough. "It was 10 years since my brother's death that I finally started to grieve properly. I could no longer escape my feelings and I had to deal with them then and there. "I went through a lot of different processes including counselling and alternative healing and I felt it very useful talking with people who had been through similar experiences. "When I went through my breakdown I thought I was losing my mind because I had read that grief passes within 5 years. But there I was feeling this way 10 years later. I thought something was really wrong with me because I was still grieving. There is no time limit on grief. Everyone goes through the stages at different times and there is no 'normal' process. "My book also focuses on the message that no matter how lonely grieving can feel like, there is always someone there. No matter how dark the days are, you will get through it. You will move on and see the light at the end of the tunnel." Meghann said she also dedicates a chapter of her book to separation and divorce. "My parents separated when I was a toddler so I wanted to share my experience of that too. Nobody really talks about divorce and separation in Ireland but it is very common now." Meghann Scully's book, Broken Love: My Journey Through loss and Grief is available now. During the 2011 presidential election the then candidate Michael D Higgins gave the people of Ireland an absolute assurance that he would serve one term only. When he was asked about his intentions his answer was calculated to leave the electorate in no doubt as to what they were being asked to vote for. Now, as his term draws to a close, he seems unwilling to stand by that assurance. Many have said he is entitled to change his mind and of course he is with respect to many things. However, the President is a scholar who has a better understanding of the English language than most. He was, at the time of the election, a very experienced politician having served as a Galway city councillor, Senator, TD and Minister. He chose to make his views known to the people of Ireland in a way that was unquestionably final and complete - there was no room for ambiguity and he knew that. Changing his position now is not a simple change of mind, it is a complete reversal of the terms under which he was elected and those who elected him are, at the very least, entitled to be provided with the rationale for this. Across the wider democratic world politics have been debased and it is unmfulfilled promises made during elections that are part of that debasing.. In the [not so good] old days the election promise was accepted more in hope than in expectation. Much has changed in Irish life thanks to education. Today people expect that if a person gives their word they mean it. Michael D Higgins in 2011 knew that if he did not mean what he was saying he could have provided a vague non-committal type answer. As the 'first among equals', the President of this Republic must think long and hard about the implications of changing his mind now. The people look to those in high office to set standards for the rest of us to aspire to. President Higgins's own ethics initiative sought to explore themes which were important to our shared lives. One such theme was the restoration of trust in our institutions. The office of president sits at the pinnacle of these institutions and, as such, the holder of that office must do nothing to undermine that trust placed in him or her by the people. Currently the President's supporters are bending the ears of political correspondents suggesting they know what is in the mind of Michael D Higgins. We are told that the President has been hinting at a second term. For example, in London the President said: "My task is not yet finished, and I have a full programme for the rest of the year, indeed my commitment might go well beyond that." The simple fact is, no President's commitment may go beyond his or her term of office. This kite- flying to elicit a supportive second-term reaction from the media and the public harks back to a time in Irish politics we all hoped was well and truly behind us. President Higgins is a well-seasoned political campaigner. If he wants to run for a second term then he needs to come out now and say so. The President well knows that challengers need to appoint election agents, raise funds and build an election team. He also knows that few candidates will declare a run until the President declares his position. Making his intentions known now is the right thing to do, it is the ethical thing to do and it is nothing less than the Michael D Higgins of 2004 would have demanded himself. When speaking at the Gaisce awards in 2014, President Higgins stated that ethics must now be at the centre of public life. He said: "What a contribution it would be to our sense of identity, and our reputation internationally, if Ireland became a name associated with an ethical Republic." Clearly the motivation behind the President of Ireland's ethics initiative was to build a roadmap towards the society that would sustain this ethical Republic. The President's report speaks of the need for a more deliberative democracy and calls for a debate on political participation, active citizenship and political reform. Perhaps one way to advance the aspirations contained in the President's ethics initiative would be to open up the discussion on the 2018 election for President of Ireland - and this discussion will only take place once the President kick-starts the process by declaring his intentions with respect to a second term. The time has come to move away from the politics of old, and move forward to an Ireland where the citizens' interests purely motivate those seeking political office. Gerard P Craughwell is an Independent Senator who has stated his intention of standing for the presidency to ensure there is an election RUSSIAN billionaires placed on a watch list by the US Treasury over alleged links to the Kremlin have substantial investments in Ireland. Eugene Kaspersky was named as one of 96 oligarchs on a list published by the US Treasury in January. He opened a European hub of his cyber security firm in Dublin two years ago. The ore and metals magnate Oleg Deripaska owns the 950m Aughinish Alumina plant on the Shannon estuary - one of Ireland's biggest manufacturing sites and the largest plant producing aluminium in Europe. Kaspersky says his inclusion in the list is "incorrect" because neither he nor his company have "political ties" with the Russian or any government. Kaspersky and Deripaska are among 96 oligarchs published on a list of wealthy Russians identified as allies of president Vladimir Putin. The list was presented to Congress by the US Department of Treasury under the 'Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act', but the US Treasury stressed that the individuals named on the list are not subject to sanctions and their inclusion does not indicate involvement in "malign activities". The Kremlin dismissed the US Treasury dossier as "nonsense". Meanwhile, Ireland is on the brink of diplomatic war with Russia this weekend over the poisoning of a former Russian spy in England. The Government is expected to expel a number of Russian diplomats in response to intelligence reports from Gardai and the Defence Forces that raise concerns over suspected spying activities here. But if they oust diplomats from Dublin, Russia plans to retaliate with the expulsion of an equivalent number of Irish diplomats from Moscow, according to informed sources. Read More The Taoiseach's expected move against Russia follows the EU's decision last week to withdraw its ambassador from Moscow in solidarity with British prime minister Theresa May. Ireland is one now of 10 EU countries expected to expel intelligence agents and diplomats in response to Britain's call for action over the poisoning of former spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter with a nerve agent last produced in Russia in the 1990s. Tanaiste Simon Coveney was presented with an "options paper" of possible sanctions yesterday and was expected to brief Leo Varadkar last night. The paper was presented by a high-ranking group of senior officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs, officers from the Gardai Crime and Security branch and military intelligence officers. The briefings centred around general security concerns about spying activity, including industrial espionage on tech firms, and a security assessment of the 17 diplomats who are accredited to the Russia Embassy by the Department of Foreign Affairs. The Taoiseach said last week that "we are not going to randomly expel people who are genuine diplomats", suggesting that those facing expulsion are spies. Last night Labour leader Brendan Howlin called for a full briefing for opposition parties on any security and defence review conducted into possible Russian activities on Irish soil before any diplomatic actions are taken. The Russian Embassy on Orwell Road, Dublin, is anticipating the expulsion of some of its diplomats, according to informed sources. Officials are awaiting word from the Dept of Foreign Affairs on the Government's expected action as early as tomorrow. "We believe there will be developments in the coming days," a source said. The source said the development would be a setback to the "good relations" Russia has enjoyed with Ireland in recent years. The source said that if Irish diplomats were expelled, it was "highly likely" that an equivalent number of Irish diplomats would be asked to leave Moscow. "We are not going to act first, we are going to react," the source added. A spokesman for the Russian Embassy declined to comment yesterday. However Russia's Ambassador to Ireland Yury Filatov told a press conference last Friday that any attempt to eject officials would be viewed as an "unfriendly action". Garda sources have told the Sunday Independent that the force's special branch has had ongoing concerns about Russian intelligence-gathering activity in Ireland. Security sources meanwhile said that while gardai did not launch a formal investigation into any specific activity, embassy staff are constantly monitored. One Garda source said officers have, from time to time, been called to the embassy to respond to incidents. On one occasion, a bag was thrown over the wall on to "Russian territory". On another occasion, Russian officials reported suspicious activity at the embassy. The Irish Government last expelled a Russian diplomat in 2011 after six Irish passports were used by spies operating in the US. Kerri-Nicole Blanc in an ad for the National Lottery THE hunt is on for Ireland's newest Lotto millionaire as the owner of the Cork store which sold the winning ticket said he was "absolutely thrilled" for whoever won. The winning ticket to Saturday night's National Lottery Lotto jackpot of 5.6m was sold from Bernard Lynch's Centra shop in Crosshaven, Co Cork. It remains unclear whether the winning ticket was purchased by an individual or a syndicate. Mr Lynch - who was on holidays in Spain when he got the thrilling news of the win - said he was delighted for the lucky winner, store manager, Conor Middleton, the staff of Lynch's Centra and Crosshaven itself. "It is great for Crosshaven though of course we haven't a clue if the winner is even a local," he said. "We have no absolutely idea." It is the first jackpot winning ticket ever sold from the popular Centra outlet. "It is the first big winning ticket we have sold though we have have sold quite a few tickets which won smaller amounts. "We are a bit seasonal in that our workforce tends to increase over the summer months when it is very busy so we can have up to 35 staff - and they will all be delighted with this win - There's great excitement." Mr Lynch said he plans to have a special celebration in the store to mark selling the winning Lotto ticket next week. "It is wonderful for the store, for the staff and of course for Crosshaven itself - I am delighted." "We'd like to congratulate whoever bought the winning ticket but, as I said, we haven't a clue who it was or whether it was an individual or a syndicate." Crosshaven ranks as one of Ireland's most famous sailing centres and is home to the world's oldest yacht club, the Royal Cork Yacht Club (RCYC). Hundreds of sailing enthusiasts regularly travel to the Cork sailing centre for various yachting events. Given its picturesque location, it is also hugely popular with walkers and day-trippers. "There are a huge number of people who visit Crosshaven so it could well be a visitor," Mr Lynch said. The winning numbers for the 5.6m jacket were 2, 17, 24, 25, 35 and 40 with the bonus number being 36. One other lucky player, who matched five numbers as well as the bonus number, scooped 115,649. National Lottery chief executive Dermot Griffin urged players who purchased a ticket at Centra in Crosshaven to carefully check their tickets. Our Cork players have really had the rub of the green in Lotto over the past week," he said. "Last weekend, a syndicate of colleagues in the Supervalu store in Midelton won 219,472 after falling one number shy of the jackpot, and another Cork winner won the Lotto Plus 2 top prize of 250,000." "This week the Rebel County have hit the jackpot. Last year we had a total of 12 Lotto jackpots won in Ireland and this lucky trend looks to be spilling over into 2018 as its the third Lotto win of the year. I look forward to meeting the winner or winners of this Lotto jackpot. If you are one of those two lucky ticket holders, sign the back of the ticket and contact the National Lottery Prize Claims Team on (01) 8364444. We are open tomorrow morning and we will make arrangements for you to collect your prize. Uber has suspended all tests of self-driving cars after a fatal accident in Arizona last week. It was not the first fatality linked to a driverless car but it was the first time a pedestrian has been killed in a collision with one. Questions are still being asked about what exactly happened, but recently released video footage shows how the Volvo XC90 was travelling in autonomous mode at approximately 64kmh when it failed to slow down and hit a woman walking across the street. A video taken inside the car indicates that the "safety driver", a person whose role is to intervene and take control of the car if necessary, was not looking at the road at the time of the collision. The accident has revived the debate about the pace at which autonomous vehicles are deployed and, crucially, what level of risk is acceptable. One of the motivations behind the technology is to make driving safer as 90pc of accidents are caused by human error. But problems associated with partial automation, such as the process of handing back control to the human, are becoming such a significant challenge that many car companies favour waiting for autonomous capability that will take the driver completely out of the driving process. Is there convincing evidence that partially autonomous cars that rely on partially engaged human operators have the capacity to be safe? Is there a solution to keeping drivers alert and ready to engage if necessary? Maybe it is simply that they need to be rigorously tested before they embark on public roads. Both Tesla and Uber have taken a gung-ho attitude to testing compared with the cautious approach taken by incumbent car makers opting instead for a "roll it out and see what happens" strategy. In 2016, a Tesla Model S set to Autopilot collided with a truck in Florida, killing the Tesla driver. The response of the company was that Tesla drivers were aware that their new technology was a beta phase and they essentially were the testers of it. Controlling the conditions around the vehicle is proving more problematic than the technology itself. Autonomy requires excellent infrastructure which is rare and any level of autonomy currently requires near-perfect conditions. Even issues such as a lack of road markings, road works or adverse weather are a challenge. Each country presents new obstacles: Volvo's self-driving technology is struggling to identify kangaroos on Australian roads. The Swedish car-maker uses a Large Animal Detection system to monitor the road for deer, elk and caribou but this is confounded by the unusual way kangaroos move. The recent collision also raises questions of legal liability when it comes to collisions: does the blame lie with the self-driving car's owner, the software programmer, manufacturer or a combination of all? And what of the social and ethical aspects of driving? Driverless cars may not get distracted, text or fall asleep behind the wheel, but can they be programmed to react to ambiguous situations with the deftness of an alert human driver? With pedestrians, cyclists, other cars and large vehicles all jostling for road space how do you programme a car to choose the least worst outcome when a collision is unavoidable? Car makers from Audi to Volvo are developing autonomous cars and the industry is expected to balloon to a $42bn global market by 2025, according to the Boston Consulting Group. Is the prospect of this multi-billion-euro bounty causing many to rush prematurely towards autonomous driving? Self-driving technology is rated on a scale from Level 0 (no automation) to Level 5 (full automation). A recent report from consulting group Gartner predicts that Level 3 driverless cars are unlikely to achieve a 20pc market penetration in the next five to 10 years, while Level 4 (full autonomy in some circumstances) will take more than 10 years. Many also believe that Level 4 and Level 5 (autonomy all times, conditions and places) will be separated by decades, so human-controlled vehicles are likely to be around for many years to come. In response, we need a robust regulatory framework to manage the mix of people and driverless cars. Tonight the clocks spring forward an hour to summer time. Many of us will barely notice the changeover, until we're pleasantly surprised by the grand stretch in the evening tomorrow. Even the hallowed ritual of resetting the clocks is almost no more. We live in a world of artificial light, to the point where our latest self-inflicted ailment is sleep disruption caused by our bright 24/7 baubles. Ireland was a different place a century ago when we put the clocks forward for the very first time. Daylight savings was imposed in 1916 to conserve power during the Great War, but the switch had little impact on rural Ireland, unless you had to catch a train running by the new summer timetable. Following the war's end, the UK, us included, stuck with the exercise, while most of Europe dropped it until World War II made a necessity out of its reinvention. After the Great War came our split with Britain. After six years where summer time was a matter of great indifference, Ireland was suddenly split on the touchy Brexit issue of whether to stick with daylight savings or go back to what one Senator called "God's time". At issue was the hardness of the coming border with the North. With that first Brexit it wasn't the British that lowered the customs booms, it was the Free State. When the border was flagged, many dismissed it as a bad April Fool's joke. It was anything but. On April 1, 1923, partition would become a concrete reality, and with summer time and the physical border due to arrive in tandem, the politicians began furiously debating whether to stay in a common time zone with Britain, or realign ourselves to Europe by abandoning British Summer Time. Calling for sticking with BST, Senator James Douglas argued that if, for example, the pubs and shops in Louth were in a different time zone to the ones 500 yards up the road in Armagh, all manner of chaos would result. This would harden "a partition which most of us do not approve or recognise". 'Violation' of Irish ways The reality, however, is that having two time zones on this island would have made scant difference to most people's daily lives. Since time immemorial, communities had operated by the circadian rhythms dictated by the sun and the moon. Official time or Dublin Mean Time (DMT), which kept the clocks 25 minutes behind GMT, was only abolished in 1916 as punishment for the Easter Rising. So, as they pondered the pros and cons of summer time 95 years ago this month, the main issue wasn't down to the difficulties of making the switch - our timekeeping was already a very fluid affair - it was mostly down to how much we'd compromise to keep the border as soft as possible. Many politicians were for no compromise at all, and they advanced a variety of arguments for going it alone, some of them on the bizarre side. Senator J McLoughlin charged that BST had been a "violation" of Irish ways and Irish laws, and one that promoted sloth. He told the Seanad: "If people are early risers, it does not require a Summer Time Bill to get them up. It is only the lazy fellows who want to lie in bed until eight o'clock or nine o'clock in the morning, who want to be coaxed out of bed by legislation and want to be deluded into the belief that 6.30 is actually 8 o'clock. "I think it is a ridiculous bill and a bill that is simply dignifying humbug and make-belief by legislation, and that the proper name of the bill should not be the Summer Time Bill, but should be the Lazy Man's Delusion Bill." Dail Deputy Walter Cole agreed, saying: "I think it is generally recognised that the workers in towns are more in favour of summer time than the people in the country." But it wasn't just an anti-rural conspiracy by lazy townies that Cole feared. Employing a heady mix of gombeenism and deeply dodgy maths, he asserted: "The Deputies from the country will bear me out that no self-respecting cow can expect to be milked at 2.30 in the morning, and that according to this new Summer Time, in the West of Ireland cattle that in the ordinary course would be milked at 4.30am would now be milked at 2.30. "The milk supply of the country is a very important matter. I represent a constituency that is very much interested in the milk supply, and in the summer time, the people will have to get up practically in the middle of the night in order to milk their cows in time. All these points are deserving of serious consideration." Or maybe they weren't. It is, however, only fair to explain that Cole didn't pluck the extra hour for his argument entirely out of fresh air. Real time in Dublin (DMT) had been recently pulled back 25 minutes to chime with GMT, making the west of Ireland, which was a further 20 minutes behind Dublin, three-quarters of an hour out of kilter with GMT. In other words, noon in real time on the western seaboard was (and is) almost an hour behind Greenwich. So Deputy Cole's maths weren't as wonky as they seemed, whatever about his insights into the self-respect of cattle. Speaking in favour of sticking with Britain, Senator Ernest Blythe insisted that the mental exercise of juggling Standard Time, Summer Time and God's Time would boost the IQ of the nation. He argued that the Irish people had adjusted to the 25 minute switch from Irish Time to GMT, even if during the transition you were "continually meeting people in the country who, if it was nine o'clock were scratching their heads and wondering whether it was eight o'clock or 10 o'clock. "They had great difficulties in making that calculation because of the mental strain it imposes, and they are against the summer time for this reason. I do not think it is a sort of mental strain we should shrink from putting on the people. If they had to think along mathematical lines, it would perhaps be good for them." Largely in the interests of a softer border, summer time was adopted as a temporary measure for 1923, and again for 1924, before being made permanent in 1925. In 1968, Britain began observing Standard Time (GMT + 1) all year, with no winter change. It was thought that synchronising with the continent would ease entry into the Common Market (EU) in 1973. Ireland again followed suit, and then again when the Brits called time on the experiment after three years. Premium Dan O'Brien Opinion While we catastrophise about Covid, we ignore risk of running out of cash We Irish view the world in an increasingly strange and unhealthy way. We catastrophise about Covid in a way other European countries do not. We focus on how bad the effects of the virus could get, on how many more restrictions might be imposed by Government and how helpless we are in the face of the virus. Premium Eoghan Harris Opinion Misery media fails to give due credit to the Taoiseach Taoiseach Micheal Martin must drive his advisers mad. Unlike Leo Varadkar or Donald Trump, he never bigs up success stories such as the effect of Level 3 Plus on Covid or his visionary Shared Island project. Last Friday, Tony Holohan and RTE cheerleaders seemed to imply Level 5 was responsible for the improved Covid situation. Not so. Not for nothing was Barbara Bush known as 'The Enforcer' Barbara Bush, tougher than her husband and known to her family as 'The Enforcer', is probably the most popular of all ex-US first ladies of recent times. Jackie Kennedy is remembered across the globe for elegance and tragedy, but she was not loved. Rosalynn Carter worked hard and was a noted campaigner on issues of mental health, but she has suffered in retrospect because of her bitterness at his defeat by Ronald Reagan, who is widely perceived to have been as great a success as Carter was a failure. The brittle Nancy Reagan was an essential support to her husband, but was thought to care little for anyone else. Hillary Clinton was loathed by those who thought her a careerist. The likeable Laura Bush did a lot of useful work but lacked her mother-in-law's commanding personality. And although Michelle Obama had rock-star status, that has diminished as she and her husband embrace luxury and celebrity. Betty Ford is probably the closest rival, having been far more effective and formidable than her husband Gerald, the 38th president, and still having a posthumous reputation for her prowess as a campaigner on addiction, not least because so many of the famous troop to the Betty Ford Clinic. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle during their visit to Edinburgh Castle on February 13, 2018 in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Jane Barlow - WPA Pool/Getty Images) Prince Harry and Meghan Markle applaud as they watch Wheelchair Tennis at the 2017 Invictus Games in Toronto, Canada. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Monday September 25, 2017. Photo credit should read: Danny Lawson/PA Wire Britain's Prince Harry (R) arrives with girlfriend actress Meghan Markle at the wheelchair tennis event during the Invictus Games in Toronto, Ontario, Canada September 25, 2017. REUTERS/Mark Blinch Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are seen at the Closing Ceremony on day 8 of the Invictus Games Toronto 2017 at the Air Canada Centre on September 30, 2017 in Toronto, Canada. The Games use the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding and respect for the Armed Forces. (Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage) Prince Harry was seemingly determined to make his relationship with Meghan Markle go the distance - and if it didn't, it wouldn't be because the eyes of the world were on them. The 32-year-old royal and former tv star's love story has a happy ending, with an impending wedding in May, but when he was the world's most eligible bachelor two years ago, his every relationship was dissected within an inch of its life; which is all the more surprising when it was revealed he was dating the American actress in 2016. Even more impressive was the fact that they kept it a secret for six months. Expand Close Britain's Prince Harry, and his fiancee Meghan Markle, leave after a visit to the Titanic tourist attraction in Belfast, Northern Ireland March 23, 2018. REUTERS/Darren Staples / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Britain's Prince Harry, and his fiancee Meghan Markle, leave after a visit to the Titanic tourist attraction in Belfast, Northern Ireland March 23, 2018. REUTERS/Darren Staples In their now famous engagement interview, Harry said only a handful of people knew about their burgeoning relationship, including Markle's good friends Ben and Jessica Mulroney, who played a key role in keeping them out of the spotlight when their relationship was eventually publicised. Harry was acutely aware of the impact that life in the royal fishbowl had on his partners, both ex-girlfriends Chelsy Davy, whom he dated from 2004 to 2011 and Cressida Bonas, from 2012 to 2014, eventually ended their relationships because they couldn't handle the scrutiny and he wasn't going to let that happen again. In October 2016, the news became public with the story first broken by the British tabloids and later confirmed with an explosive press release defending his girlfriend, damning some news outlets for the "outright sexism and racism" in their coverage and negative comments on social media. Royal expert Katie Nicholl's upcoming book Harry: Life, Loss and Love, has been serialised exclusively in Vanity Fair, and she gives unprecedented insight into the early days of Meghan and Harry's relationship. "When the story broke, Harry happened to be with Meghan in Toronto. He was apparently taken by surprise when his aides called to tell him the story was going to be front-page news and knew that very soon he and Meghan would be under siege," Nicholl writes, as reported in Vanity Fair. "A story was leaked that Harry had cancelled a flight to Toronto to try and make it look like he was in the U.K., but photographers and reporters descended on Meghans home regardless." Expand Close Meghan Markle heads to afternoon yoga in Toronto, Canada, in 2017. Picture: Splash News / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Meghan Markle heads to afternoon yoga in Toronto, Canada, in 2017. Picture: Splash News The Mulroneys were among Toronto's elite - Jessica is an influential stylist, who happens to be Meghan's best friend (and reportedly the woman who introduced her to her husband-to-be) and Ben is a popular tv host. The pair holed up in their plush home and it's reported that Harry's popularity with their young children was among one of the deciding factors that made Markle see a definitive future with him. "When Harry came to visit the family he brought a bag filled with gifts. He won the kids over in an instant. He was brilliant with them and I think what swung it for Meghan was how good Harry was with them," a source said. "I actually think that might have been the moment Meghan really fell for Harry. He got to know the Mulroneys quite well, and they liked Harry from the beginning." They are said to have exchanged stories about Harry's late mother Princess Diana as Ben met her as a child when his father was serving as prime minister of Canada from 1984 to 1993. In September, they went public with their romance, choosing Harry's Invictus Games in Toronto as a fitting venue to make their debut as a couple and by the end of last year, he had popped the question and the couple are currently touring various destinations in the UK to build up rapport with the British public before their May 19 wedding. When they coined the phrase, How does she do it?, I think they may have been speaking about Natalie B. Coleman. Not content with running her own eponymous fashion line, the Monaghan native has a a young daughter at home, lectures at the National College of Art and Design (NCAD), studying for an M.Phil in gender studies at Trinity part-time oh, and shes eight months pregnant. Colemans work ethic is as intimidating as it is impressive. When she tells me that she is flying to New York in May, one month after giving birth, I ask her where she finds the energy. I look about 200 years old, she laughs. She returned to her studies part-time because she wanted to give her clothes a meaning, some purpose in the world of high street rip-offs, where individuality is becoming endangered. And meaning it has: her Autumn/Winnter collections theme is 'Guaranteed to Bleed'. Theres a feminist slant to my collection theme. We worked with six generation weavers, Molloys in Donegal, theres a nice silver metallic thread through working with very classic heritage fabrics. Its our own take on modernity. We used only 100pc Irish linen and we do everything with quilting techniques. Everything is made in Ireland up in our studio in a big old Georgina building in OConnell St in the attic, she explains of her craft. Its a modern Irishness I try to have in my work. Thats why I went back to do the it was to have a stronger context behind my own work as well. Theres so much saturation in the fashion market at the moment, its completely changedthe high street is hug, so I wanted to say something with my collections. Next up, Natalie is preparing for the arrival of her second child in early April and will then be flying to New York in May for her place in startlab New York, a technology incubator funded by Bank of Ireland and supported by Wearing Irish, which chose 10 Irish designers out of 172 applicants to meet with influential buyers, editors and designers stateside. When I comment that she doesn't have much time for maternity leave, she says, Well I have a month. Im only going for a few days. Theres such a rich history, particularly in fabrics and textiles in Ireland, not much manufacturing. Its not to compete with other countries, were doing our own thing, she explained of the upcoming showcase." Also on her plate is her ongoing brand ambassadorship with Microsoft, which was a meeting of the minds - Microsoft wanted her creative je ne sais quoi and she is now technologically fluent. I still do a lot by hand so I think my relationship with Microsoft was interesting because I wouldnt have been a natural techy person - I would have been very old school, doing everything by hand. I still do a lot of my work by hand, but for me, it was a revelation really. I had to learn to use technology, she says. Ive been working with them for a few years I use their Surface laptop a lot, I travel a good bit and Im away from the studio a lot so its like a mobile sketch pad for me. So whats next for one of the busiest women in Irish fashion? Im really enjoying where Im at the moment. Im enjoying my role in NCAD, its great working there, keeping the business going and growing, were really particular about what stores we work with, its nice to keep it small because its all I can manage. Ill keep it in Ireland, she says. We do the casual line produced in Portugal, thats more the sweatshirts and t-shirts. Everything else, the special pieces, we make here. Microsoft recently launched their 134m campus in Dublin to promote modern workplace wellbeing. A British newspaper editor has been found guilty in Dubai of killing his wife with a hammer and sentenced to 10 years in prison. Francis Matthew was not present in the Dubai Court of the First Instance for the verdict read by Judge Fahad al-Shamsi, which is common in courts in the United Arab Emirates. The former editor of the English-language Gulf News had faced the possibility of the death penalty for the July 2017 killing. A brother of Matthews wife, the late 62-year-old Jane Matthew, was in court for the verdict, but declined to immediately talk to journalists. Matthews lawyer could not be immediately reached. Matthew can appeal against his sentence. On July 4, Dubai police say they were called to Matthews three-bedroom villa in the Jumeirah neighbourhood. There, they say they found the body of his wife of more than 30 years, and the editor told them robbers had broken into the home and killed her. During a later interrogation, however, police say Matthew told them his wife had grown angry with him because they were in debt and needed to move. Matthew said he got angry when his wife called him a loser and told him you should provide financially, according to police. Matthew told police his wife pushed him during the argument. He then got a hammer, followed her into the bedroom and struck her twice in the head, killing her, according to a police report. The next morning, Matthew tried to make it look like the house had been robbed and later went to work like nothing had happened, throwing the hammer in a nearby rubbish bin, police said. Gulf News previously has said Matthew served as its editor from 1995-2005 and then became an editor-at-large at the newspaper. He was still with the newspaper at the time of the killing, though the Gulf News now refers to him as a former employee. In order to maintain this blog I have to pay for its upkeep including a hosting company, support services, virus and other malicious hackers. If you appreciate what I write please make a donation. Francis Matthew claims he did not mean to kill his wife A British newspaper editor has been found guilty in Dubai of killing his wife with a hammer and sentenced to 10 years in prison Francis Matthew was not present in the Dubai Court of the First Instance for the verdict read by Judge Fahad al-Shamsi, which is common in courts in the United Arab Emirates. The former editor of the English-language Gulf News had faced the possibility of the death penalty for the July 2017 killing. A brother of Matthew's wife, the late 62-year-old Jane Matthew, was in court for the verdict, but declined to immediately talk to journalists. Matthew's lawyer could not be immediately reached. Matthew can appeal against his sentence. On July 4, Dubai police say they were called to Matthew's three-bedroom villa in the Jumeirah neighbourhood. There, they say they found the body of his wife of more than 30 years, and the editor told them robbers had broken into the home and killed her. During a later interrogation, however, police say Matthew told them his wife had grown angry with him because they were in debt and needed to move. Matthew said he got angry when his wife called him a "loser" and told him "you should provide financially", according to police. Matthew told police his wife pushed him during the argument. He then got a hammer, followed her into the bedroom and struck her twice in the head, killing her, according to a police report. The next morning, Matthew tried to make it look like the house had been robbed and later went to work like nothing had happened, throwing the hammer in a nearby rubbish bin, police said. Gulf News previously has said Matthew served as its editor from 1995-2005 and then became an editor-at-large at the newspaper. He was still with the newspaper at the time of the killing, though the Gulf News now refers to him as a former employee. Violence flared in Barcelona as angry Catalans protested against the detention of fugitive former leader Carles Puigdemont in Germany. Police dressed in riot gear were striking demonstrators with batons as they tried to push back a large crowd advancing on the office of the Spanish governments representative in Catalonia. Catalan police blocked the street and issued a call for people not to gather. Thousands answered the call by a pro-independence grassroots group to protest in the city centre hours after Mr Puigdemont was detained by German police. Expand Close Carles Puigdemont will appear in court on Monday (Martti Kainulainen/Lehtikuva via AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Carles Puigdemont will appear in court on Monday (Martti Kainulainen/Lehtikuva via AP) He fled from Spain in October following an illegal declaration of independence by the region. Prosecutors in Germany said Mr Puigdemont will appear in court on Monday. The Schleswig prosecutors office said the question of whether Mr Puigdemont has to be taken into extradition custody, will then have to be determined by the higher regional court in Schleswig. It said the court will check, based on extradition documents by Spain, if the handover of Mr Puigdemont to Spanish authorities is legally permissible. Expand Close The van taking Carles Puigdemont to a prison in Neumuenster (Carsten Rehder/dpa via AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The van taking Carles Puigdemont to a prison in Neumuenster (Carsten Rehder/dpa via AP) Mr Puigdemont was detained on Sunday morning in Germany on an international warrant near the road leading from Denmark to Germany. A Spanish Supreme Court judge charged 13 Catalan separatist politicians with rebellion on Friday for their attempts to make the region independent of Spain, dealing a heavy blow to the secessionist movement. Expand Close A protest in support of Catalonian politicians who have been jailed on charges of sedition, in Barcelona (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A protest in support of Catalonian politicians who have been jailed on charges of sedition, in Barcelona (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez) The judge ordered international arrest warrants for the six Catalan officials who are fugitives, including Mr Puigdemont. Spain said its intelligence services and police worked with German police to orchestrate the arrest. Mr Puigdemont was detained while travelling from Finland back to Belgium, where he has been living since October. Expand Close A pro-independence demonstrator holds a poster with a photo of deposed leader of Carles Puigdemont during a protest in Barcelona (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A pro-independence demonstrator holds a poster with a photo of deposed leader of Carles Puigdemont during a protest in Barcelona (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti) Elsa Artadi, a member of the Catalan parliament considered to be in Mr Puigdemonts inner circle, wrote on Twitter: Spain does not guarantee a fair trial, only revenge and repression. Undated family handout photo of Jane Matthew, whose husband Francis Matthew was sentenced to 10 years in prison by a court in Dubai for killing her in a hammer attack. Photo: Family handout/PA Wire Undated family handout photo of Jane Matthew, whose husband Francis Matthew was sentenced to 10 years in prison by a court in Dubai for killing her in a hammer attack. Photo: Family handout/PA Wire The family of a woman who was killed by her husband in Dubai have said "justice has not yet been done" after he was jailed for 10 years. British newspaper editor Francis Matthew was found guilty in the Emirate of killing his 62-year-old wife Jane Matthew with a hammer on July 4 last year. In a statement issued after they attended the sentencing, the victim's family said: "Jane was a loving wife, mother, daughter, sister and aunt. "Losing her in such a brutal manner has left the family both bewildered and shocked. "We feel that justice has not yet been done as we realise that the actual sentence served may be less than the 10-year sentence. "We hope that this sentence is changed on appeal." Matthew was not present in the Dubai Court of the First Instance for the verdict read by Judge Fahad al-Shamsi, which is common in courts in the United Arab Emirates. The former editor of the English-language Gulf News had faced the possibility of the death penalty for the killing. Expand Close Undated family handout photo of Jane Matthew, whose husband Francis Matthew was sentenced to 10 years in prison by a court in Dubai for killing her in a hammer attack. Photo: Family handout/PA Wire / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Undated family handout photo of Jane Matthew, whose husband Francis Matthew was sentenced to 10 years in prison by a court in Dubai for killing her in a hammer attack. Photo: Family handout/PA Wire After the incident in the couple's three-bedroom villa in the Jumeirah neighbourhood, Matthew told police robbers had broken in and killed his wife of 30 years. But during a later interrogation he allegedly told officers his wife had grown angry with him because they were in debt and needed to move. Matthew said his temper rose when his wife called him a "loser" and told him "you should provide financially", according to police. He claimed his wife pushed him during the argument and he then got a hammer, followed her into the bedroom and struck her twice in the head, killing her, according to a police report. The family continued in their statement: "We attended the Dubai Courts today, and our family has been saddened by the sentence given to Francis Matthew, Jane's killer. "We believe the facts clearly demonstrate that this crime was a deliberate act. In the defendant's own version of events, he collected the murder weapon, a hammer, in the kitchen and carried it down two corridors of the house to the bedroom. "There was time for him to consider his actions - instead he delivered two hammer blows to the front of Jane's head. He made no attempt to call an ambulance afterwards. "We also know, contrary to the defence's argument, that Jane had been aware for months that the villa was due for demolition. "The defendant has admitted that rows over money had occurred frequently for some time. Ongoing arguments, about money or a house, can arise in any marriage and cannot justify this killing." People protest after former president Carles Puigdemont was detained in Germany, during a demonstration held by pro-independence associations in Barcelona, Spain March 25, 2018. REUTERS/Albert Gea People protest after former president Carles Puigdemont was detained in Germany, during a demonstration held by pro-independence associations in Barcelona, Spain March 25, 2018. REUTERS/Albert Gea Catalan Mossos d'Esquadra regional police officers stand amid smoke from a smoke bomb during clashes with pro-independence supporters trying to reach the Spanish government office in Barcelona, Spain, Sunday, March 25, 2018. (AP Photo/Emilio_Morenatti) People protest after former president Carles Puigdemont was detained in Germany, during a demonstration held by pro-independence associations in Barcelona, Spain March 25, 2018. REUTERS/Albert Gea Catalan Mossos d'Esquadra regional police officers clash with pro-independence supporters trying to reach the Spanish government office in Barcelona, Spain, Sunday, March 25, 2018. (AP Photo/Emilio_Morenatti) Violence flared in Barcelona as angry Catalans protested against the detention of fugitive former leader Carles Puigdemont in Germany. Police dressed in riot gear were striking demonstrators with batons as they tried to push back a large crowd advancing on the office of the Spanish government's representative in Catalonia. Expand Close People protest after former president Carles Puigdemont was detained in Germany, during a demonstration held by pro-independence associations in Barcelona, Spain March 25, 2018. REUTERS/Albert Gea / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp People protest after former president Carles Puigdemont was detained in Germany, during a demonstration held by pro-independence associations in Barcelona, Spain March 25, 2018. REUTERS/Albert Gea Catalan police blocked the street and issued a call for people not to gather. Thousands answered the call by a pro-independence grassroots group to protest in the city centre hours after Mr Puigdemont was detained by German police. Expand Close Catalan Mossos d'Esquadra regional police officers stand amid smoke from a smoke bomb during clashes with pro-independence supporters trying to reach the Spanish government office in Barcelona, Spain, Sunday, March 25, 2018. (AP Photo/Emilio_Morenatti) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Catalan Mossos d'Esquadra regional police officers stand amid smoke from a smoke bomb during clashes with pro-independence supporters trying to reach the Spanish government office in Barcelona, Spain, Sunday, March 25, 2018. (AP Photo/Emilio_Morenatti) He fled from Spain in October following an illegal declaration of independence by the region. Prosecutors in Germany said Mr Puigdemont will appear in court on Monday. Expand Close People protest after former president Carles Puigdemont was detained in Germany, during a demonstration held by pro-independence associations in Barcelona, Spain March 25, 2018. REUTERS/Albert Gea / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp People protest after former president Carles Puigdemont was detained in Germany, during a demonstration held by pro-independence associations in Barcelona, Spain March 25, 2018. REUTERS/Albert Gea The Schleswig prosecutor's office said "the question of whether Mr Puigdemont has to be taken into extradition custody, will then have to be determined by the higher regional court in Schleswig". It said the court will check, based on extradition documents by Spain, if the handover of Mr Puigdemont to Spanish authorities is "legally permissible". Expand Close People protest after former president Carles Puigdemont was detained in Germany, during a demonstration held by pro-independence associations in Barcelona, Spain March 25, 2018. REUTERS/Albert Gea / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp People protest after former president Carles Puigdemont was detained in Germany, during a demonstration held by pro-independence associations in Barcelona, Spain March 25, 2018. REUTERS/Albert Gea Mr Puigdemont was detained on Sunday morning in Germany on an international warrant near the road leading from Denmark to Germany. A Spanish Supreme Court judge charged 13 Catalan separatist politicians with rebellion on Friday for their attempts to make the region independent of Spain, dealing a heavy blow to the secessionist movement. The judge ordered international arrest warrants for the six Catalan officials who are fugitives, including Mr Puigdemont. Spain said its intelligence services and police worked with German police to orchestrate the arrest. Mr Puigdemont was detained while travelling from Finland back to Belgium, where he has been living since October. Elsa Artadi, a member of the Catalan parliament considered to be in Mr Puigdemont's inner circle, wrote on Twitter: "Spain does not guarantee a fair trial, only revenge and repression." Clara Ponsati had been teaching at the University of St Andrews (David Cheskin/PA) A former member of Catalonia's regional government is preparing to hand herself in to police in Scotland after a European arrest warrant was issued, the force has said. Police Scotland said it had been in contact with a solicitor for Clara Ponsati, the former Catalan education minister. A Spanish judge issued arrest warrants on Friday for Ms Ponsati and other fugitive politicians including Catalonia's ex-leader Carles Puigdemont, who has now been detained by German police. A Police Scotland spokesman said: "We can confirm we are in possession of a European arrest warrant for Clara Ponsati. "We have made a number of enquiries to try to trace her and have now been contacted by her solicitor, who is making arrangements for Ms Ponsati to hand herself into police." Earlier this month Ms Ponsati revealed on social media that she had returned to working at the University of St Andrews in Fife, Scotland. She had been in Belgium since fleeing Spain along with Mr Puigdemont and three other former cabinet members following an unsuccessful bid to declare independence from Spain in October. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: "It is well established that the Scottish Government supports the right of the people of Catalonia to determine their own future and that we strongly oppose the Spanish Government's decision to seek the arrest and imprisonment of independence supporting politicians. "The fact that our justice system is legally obliged to follow due process in the determination of extradition requests does not change those views. "Under the Extradition Act 2003, Scottish ministers have no role in the determination of European Arrest Warrants. "Our police, prosecution service and courts are independent and are legally obliged under this UK legislation to fulfil their responsibilities. Scottish ministers have no powers to intervene in this process. "However, the legal process includes the right of any individual subject to proceedings under the 2003 Act to oppose their extradition in the courts and it is vital that the integrity of this process is protected - for that reason the Scottish Government will not comment further at this stage." The maiden flight of a new non-stop regular service between Australia and the UK has arrived at London Heathrow. Qantas 9 (QF9) touched down at Terminal Three at 5.03am, just over 17 hours after setting off from Perth at 7pm local time (11am GMT) on Saturday. The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner completed the 9,226-mile journey to arrive slightly earlier than the scheduled arrival time 5.05am. The UK's longest non-stop regular passenger flight will set off back for Perth at 1.15pm on Sunday. Western Australia's premier, Mark McGowan, was among more than 200 passengers to arrive on the flight. He tweeted a picture of the Australian delegation of politicians and officials, the flight's pilots and a didgeridoo player in Aboriginal dress and body paint at the terminal. Flags were flown at half-mast at gendarme stations across France as the country honoured the officer declared a national hero by President Emmanuel Macron after he swapped himself for a hostage and was killed by an Islamist gunman. "Arnaud Beltrame died in the service of the nation to which he had already given so much," Mr Macron said. "In giving his life to end the deadly plan of a jihadi terrorist, he fell as a hero." The 45-year-old Lieutenant Colonel in the gendarmerie died in hospital overnight from gunshot wounds after he offered himself in exchange for a hostage held by an attacker holed up in a supermarket in the southwestern town of Trebes last Friday. Lt Col Beltrame was among the first officers to respond to the attack on the supermarket. Beltrame, who joined the elite police special forces in 2003 and served in Iraq in 2005, had organised a training session in the Aude region in December for just such a hostage situation. At the time, he armed his officers with paintball guns, according to the Depeche du Midi newspaper. "We want to be as close to real conditions as possible," he said then. But when he went inside the supermarket, he gave up his own weapon and volunteered himself in exchange for a female hostage. Unbeknown to the Morocco-born hostage-taker, he left his mobile phone on so police outside could hear what was happening in the store. They stormed the building when they heard gunshots, officials said. Beltrame was fatally wounded. In addition to the four people killed by the gunman in his rampage, the attacker was killed by police. Fifteen other people were injured. French police and soldiers have been a prime target of attacks by extremists, with 10 killed in recent years, including Beltrame. Other victims include three soldiers killed near Toulouse in 2012, three police officers shot in 2015, a police couple killed in their home in 2016 and a police officer killed on Paris's Champs-Elysees in 2017. Dozens of others have been wounded. According to Macron's statement, Lt Col Beltrame also served as a member of the presidential guard and in 2012 earned one of France's highest honours, the Order of Merit. He was married with no children. Cedric Beltrame told RTL radio yesterday that his brother died "a hero". "He was well aware he had almost no chance. He was very aware of what he was doing," he said. Beltrame's mother told RTL radio that, for her son, "to defend the homeland" was "his reason to live." "He would have said to me, 'I'm doing my job, Mom, nothing more'," she said. People placed flowers in front of the gendarmerie headquarters in the French medieval city of Carcassone, 90km southeast of Toulouse, to pay tribute to Lt Col Beltrame. Flags at all gendarmeries were ordered to be flown at half-mast. President Macron says investigators will focus on establishing how the gunman, who has been identified by prosecutors as Morocco-born Redouane Lakdim (25) got his weapon and how he became radicalised. Last Friday night, authorities searched a car and the apartment complex in central Carcassonne where Lakdim was believed to live. Two people were detained over alleged links with a terrorist enterprise, one woman close to Lakdim and a friend of his, a 17-year-old male, Paris prosecutor's office said. Lakdim was known to police for petty crime and drug dealing. But he was also under surveillance and since 2014 was on the so-called Fiche S list, a government register of individuals suspected of being radicalised but who have yet to perform acts of terrorism. Despite this, Paris prosecutor Francois Molins said there was "no warning sign" that Lakdim would carry out an attack. The four-hour drama began at 10.13am when Lakdim hijacked a car near Carcassonne, killing one person in the car and wounding the other, the prosecutor said. Lakdim then fired six shots at police officers on their way back from jogging near Carcassonne, hitting one in the shoulder, said Yves Lefebvre of the SGP Police-FO police union. Lakdim then went to a Super U supermarket in nearby Trebes, shooting and killing two people in the market and taking hostages. He shouted "Allahu akbar!" - the Arabic phrase for God is great - and said he was a "soldier of the Islamic State" as he entered the Super U, where about 50 people were inside, Molins said. Special police units converged on the scene while authorities blocked roads. "We heard an explosion - well, several explosions," shopper Christian Guibbert told reporters. "I saw a man lying on the floor and another person, very agitated, who had a gun in one hand and a knife in the other." Guibbert said he put his wife, sister-in-law and other shoppers in the meat locker for safety. The manager of the supermarket, who would identify herself only by her first name, Samia, was in her office when she heard the shots. "Call the gendarmes," she told her employees. "There's a terrorist in the store." She said she helped evacuate as many people as possible. "It was terrifying," Samia said. During the standoff, Lakdim requested the release of Salah Abdeslam, the sole surviving assailant of the November 13, 2015, attacks in Paris that left 130 people dead. The interior minister suggested, however, that Abdeslam's release wasn't a key motive for the attack. The Isil-linked Aamaq news agency said the attacker was responding to the group's calls to target countries in the US-led coalition carrying out airstrikes against IS militants in Syria and Iraq since 2014. France has been repeatedly targeted because of its participation. France has been on high alert since a series of extremist attacks in 2015 and 2016 that killed more than 200 people. Telegraph Telegraph Media Group Limited [2021] While the world's eyes have been turned to Salisbury, the two people at the centre of the nerve agent attack have lain unaware, surrounded only by medical staff in chemical protection suits and breathing apparatus. The story of Russian double agent Sergei Skripal's life that has emerged in the last three weeks has been a relatively lonely one, far from his native Russia, his wife dead and their son Alexander (43) dying last July, apparently from liver failure. Yulia, who was visiting her father and is also unconscious and in a critical condition in Salisbury District Hospital, lived briefly in the UK in 2014, but spent most of her time in Moscow, returning only occasionally. The UK Court of Protection heard last week that there had been no contact from Russian relatives about their welfare. But it has become known that Colonel Skripal (66), whose wife Lyudmila died of cancer in 2012, had a girlfriend in Salisbury, with whom he had developed a close relationship. It is understood the woman, also a Russian, is too terrified of possible repercussions to be identified publicly, and is even too scared to tell police what she might know about the days leading up to the attack. "She is incredibly scared," said a mutual friend. "When she saw the news about what had happened she said to me: 'That's my ex-boyfriend.' She's really worried." Col Skripal, a decorated Russian intelligence officer who was jailed for selling secrets to MI6, moved to Salisbury in 2010 following a spy swap. He had served as a paratrooper in Afghanistan and was later headhunted by the GRU foreign military intelligence service, one of the most powerful institutions in Russia. But in the post-Soviet era, money for public functionaries was in short supply, salaries were meagre and in the mid-Nineties he began passing intelligence on GRU operations and agents to MI6, being paid between 3,500 and 4,200 per meeting. According to intelligence sources, his initial motivation was financial, but he had also become disillusioned with Vladimir Putin's regime. To the state, he was a traitor, the sort Mr Putin vowed to wreak vengeance upon. To the people of Salisbury, he was just another of the small community of Eastern Europeans whose voices can occasionally be heard in the city's streets. He made a few friends, joined the Railway Social Club, became a familiar figure in Polish shops, buying lottery tickets, vodka and sausages, and regularly visited his wife and son's graves in the London Road cemetery - meticulously examined for traces of nerve agent since the attack. There is now a claim that Col Skripal even wrote to Mr Putin in 2012 asking to be allowed to visit his homeland. Vladimir Timoshkov, a childhood friend, said Col Skripal did not see himself as a traitor, as he had sworn an oath to the former USSR. "His classmates felt he had betrayed the motherland," Mr Timoshkov told the BBC. "He denied he was a traitor. He wrote to Vladimir Putin asking to be fully pardoned and to be allowed to visit Russia." Perhaps Col Skripal's life as an exile was made more tolerable by the new relationship he struck up. It is not known how he first met the Russian woman, but he is thought to have initially given her the impression he was wealthy. "He told her he was a multi-millionaire from Russia and they began communicating," said their friend, a 52-year-old property developer. "The police don't even know she exists. Only a very small number of people know what went on between them and what was said. "She does wonder if she should have gone to the police but decided not to, as so few people know she even knew him." It is not known whether the woman, understood to live in Salisbury, might have information regarding the days before the attack, whether she saw suspicious activity, or anyone following him. In a ruling allowing the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons to take blood samples from Col Skripal and his daughter, Mr Justice Williams said no contact had been made with the hospital by any family member. The NHS in England has confirmed it would be possible for friends or relatives to visit them, on a case-by-case basis. Hospital authorities will not discuss the practicalities, but it is thought visitors would have to wear full chemical protection outfits or see the pair only through a window. As they lie in a deep coma, apparently close to death, it is something the woman who befriended Col Skripal might yet contemplate, however daunting it may seem. Telegraph Telegraph Media Group Limited [2021] Adamu Mohammed had braced himself for the worst. Five weeks ago, Boko Haram gunmen staged a mass abduction in the northern Nigerian town of Dapchi. Maryam, his 15-year-old daughter, was among the 110 girls dragged off in broad daylight. He knew all too well she could be forced into sex slavery, conscripted as a suicide bomber, or simply never seen again. Last Wednesday, he did not bother attending a planned "solidarity" meeting with parents of the missing Chibok girls, convened by Dapchi elders in a vain attempt to raise morale. After all, if their children were still missing nearly four years later, despite the global #bringbackourgirls campaign, what chance did his own daughter stand? Instead he went on errands outside town, only for his phone to ring just after 8am. "Your daughter and the others have been released," a neighbour told him. "A Boko Haram convoy came back into town and dropped them off." Maryam's voice then came on the line. "We are OK, father," she said. "It was frightening, but they did not beat or touch us." "I wasn't expecting it to happen so quickly," Mr Mohammed said. "I wanted to thank our president for making this happen." Across the rest of Nigeria, however, what was billed as a triumph for President Muhammadu Buhari raised more questions than answers. Why were the hostages freed so quickly? Why were the gunmen able to roll back into town unchallenged by the security forces? And why was the press pack covering the Chibok meeting hustled out of town by state security agents, just before the convoy's arrival? "It's all very fishy," said one former intermediary to Boko Haram. "Normally, Boko Haram rapes and abuses any girls as soon as they kidnap them. Yet this group were brought back after just three weeks, mostly unharmed. It looks like a set-up." The Dapchi kidnapping is unlikely to be the last of its kind. After years of abducting girls mainly to provide its fighters with "bush wives", Boko Haram now appears to have woken up to the lucrative potential of kidnapping for ransom as well. Mr Buhari's government has made a series of ransom payments in the past year, and also authorised prisoner exchanges. The first major deal took place last May, when 82 of the 276 Chibok girls were freed for 2.97m and the release of five senior militants. Last month, a further prisoner release bought the freedom of 11 women taken hostage last June en route to a funeral, along with a separate group of kidnapped academics. Ironically, it may have been the well-intentioned tweets of celebrities that forced Mr Buhari's hand. Unable to free the Chibok girls by force, yet still facing huge international pressure, Mr Buhari told the UN 18 months ago that he was now "ready to negotiate" and was seeking international partners to act as mediators. Mr Buhari found an unexpected partner in the neutral Swiss government, which happened to have an experienced intelligence agent at its embassy in Nigeria. The agent worked with Zannah Mustapha, a Nigerian schoolteacher, whose work with orphans of Boko Haram fighters had earned him the militants' respect. He was sent to Switzerland for training in negotiation techniques, then he and the agent oversaw the handover of the 82 girls in a secret deal in the bush last May. Behind the scenes, many diplomats and advisers to Mr Buhari bitterly opposed the decision to make concessions. One Western source involved in the talks said: "Buhari was influenced by the Swiss, who were keen to get the glory. Complaints were made repeatedly to the Swiss that if you paid for hostages once, you'd have to do it again. But they got quite belligerent. And now look - they got 82 girls back from Chibok, then another 110 get taken in Dapchi." Mr Mustapha insisted the exchanges were "the only way to get the girls freed". But he admits there is a risk of creating a "vicious circle", while others now warn of a kidnapping boom. Grant T Harris, who was Barack Obama's envoy to Africa during the Chibok abduction, points out that Boko Haram may now follow the model of its Sahel affiliate, al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, which has made 60m kidnapping Europeans for ransom in the past decade. "Kidnapping groups of young women mobilises a strong international reaction that pressures the government to respond, which is helpful," he said. "But if the government goes the route of paying ransoms, it will only encourage more kidnappings." The Nigerian government claimed that talks with Boko Haram had led to the group releasing the Dapchi girls "unconditionally". That does not chime with accounts given by hostages freed in earlier deals. Janada Amos (44) was among 11 women released last month after being kidnapped en route to a funeral in June. She told reporters: "Boko Haram said to me: 'If we are to sell you back to Buhari, we want money and prisoners in exchange'." To make matters worse, some of the militants freed in last May's Chibok deal have shown little interest in reconciliation. One commander, Shuibo Moni, resurfaced in a video firing weapons in Boko Haram's strongholds in the vast Sambisa Forest. The prospect of such men being freed to kill again has made even some ex-hostages uncomfortable about the price paid for their lives. "When I was hostage, I was an innocent," said Ms Amos. "But these fighters are in prison because they have done bad things. It's hard to think of them being free again." Telegraph Carles Puigdemont is being held in Germany (Martti Kainulainen/AP) German police say they have detained fugitive Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont on a European arrest warrant. Police in the northern state of Schleswig-Holstein said highway police arrested Mr Puigdemont on Sunday morning near the A7 main road that leads from Denmark into Germany. They said Mr Puigdemont is currently in police custody and refused to give further details. A Spanish Supreme Court judge charged 13 Catalan separatist politicians with rebellion on Friday for their attempts to make the region independent of Spain, dealing a heavy blow to the secessionist movement. Expand Close A protest in support of Catalonian politicians who have been jailed on charges of sedition, in Barcelona (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A protest in support of Catalonian politicians who have been jailed on charges of sedition, in Barcelona (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez) The judge ordered international arrest warrants for the six Catalan officials who are fugitives, including Mr Puigdemont. The German news agency dpa reported that deputy state prosecutor Ralph Doepper, who is based in the northern town of Schleswig, said a German court would likely decide by Monday whether Mr Puigdemont would remain in custody pending the outcome of his extradition case. Spain said its intelligence services and police worked with German police to orchestrate the arrest. Mr Puigdemont was arrested while travelling from Finland back to Belgium, where he has been living since fleeing Spain in October following an illegal declaration of independence by Catalonias parliament. Elsa Artadi, a member of the Catalan parliament considered to be in Mr Puigdemonts inner circle, wrote on Twitter: Spain does not guarantee a fair trial, only revenge and repression. Thousands of Catalans gathered in central Barcelona to protest against the arrest. Expand Close A pro-independence demonstrator holds a poster with a photo of deposed leader of Carles Puigdemont during a protest in Barcelona (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A pro-independence demonstrator holds a poster with a photo of deposed leader of Carles Puigdemont during a protest in Barcelona (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti) They joined a rally in front of the office of the European Commission in Barcelona and organisers planned to march to the German Consulate. There was a similar protest in the northern city of Girona, where Mr Puigdemont was mayor before he became regional president in 2016. A town in the south of France is holding a special church service to honour the heroic police officer and three other people killed in a gun rampage by an Islamic extremist. The bishop of the nearby medieval city of Carcassonne, Alain Planet, is leading Sundays mass at the Saint-Etienne-de-Trebes church in the town of Trebes. Residents have been laying flowers in front of the Trebes supermarket where the attacker seized hostages on Friday. Expand Close Lt Col Arnaud Beltrame (Gendarmerie Nationale/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Lt Col Arnaud Beltrame (Gendarmerie Nationale/AP) The director of the national gendarme service is meeting the widow of Lt Col Arnaud Beltrame, who swapped himself with a hostage and was killed. French President Emmanuel Macron has also ordered a national memorial for Mr Beltrame. Attacker Radouane Lakdim was killed when police stormed the building. Two people remain in custody in the investigation. CARDINAL Keith O'Brien, the former Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh, who died on Monday aged 80, was a robust defender of the Catholic faith, particularly on sexual and bioethical matters, and a major player in the Scottish political scene who called for full Scottish independence; in 2013, however, he was forced to resign after being embroiled in a sexual scandal of his own making. As archbishop and later cardinal, O'Brien - sometimes known as "the cardinal of controversy" - made an impact in three particular areas: the fight against world poverty; the moral questions surrounding abortion, embryo research and nuclear weapons; and the question of Scottish independence. In all of these he was happy to court media controversy. He outraged World War II veterans in 1995 by using an ecumenical remembrance service at St Giles' Cathedral, Edinburgh, to castigate the Allies for using nuclear weapons against Japan, calling it a war crime. He used his Ash Wednesday homily in 2002 to praise the "courage" of protesters against the Faslane nuclear submarine base. While opening the Make Poverty History rally in Edinburgh in 2005, he denounced abject poverty as a "cloud of injustice that crucifies over one billion people", and in his 2006 Easter sermon he called for the Trident nuclear defence system to be scrapped and replaced "with projects that bring life to the poor". O'Brien was also an outspoken critic of the British government on bioethical matters. His accusation, during the passage of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill in 2008, that doctors were engaging in "Frankenstein experiments", quickly became a news sound bite. It provoked an angry response from Lord Winston, the IVF pioneer, who accused O'Brien of making misleading statements that called into question the Catholic Church's probity. Sir Leszek Borysiewicz, chief executive of the Medical Research Council and the UK's most senior Catholic scientist, criticised O'Brien for using emotive language and ignoring the advances which, he said, could be gained from embryo research in treating diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Celebrating Mass at the House of Commons in 2008, O'Brien criticised politicians, especially Catholics, who had supported the legislation, accusing them of conniving in "attacks on human life with apparent lack of reproach from conscience". He agreed to a meeting between scientists and church leaders in an attempt to calm the row, but then added fuel to the flames by creating a YouTube video to voice his opposition to the legislation and sending the DVD to every MP. O'Brien was not alone among senior British Catholic clergy in criticising the Act, but he was the most outspoken, both on this and other ethical issues. In a 2007 sermon marking 40 years since the Abortion Act, he compared the abortion rate in Scotland to "two Dunblane massacres a day" and told Catholic politicians who defended abortion that they should be barred from receiving Holy Communion. Abortion and Trident fuelled O'Brien's support for Scottish independence, and he called for the Scottish Parliament to be able to rule on both issues. He had first made the case for independence in an interview with the Catholic Herald in 2006, when he endorsed the remarks of the late Cardinal Thomas Winning that Scots were increasingly open to full independence. However his claim to have seen, from his travels overseas, the benefits independence could bring to small countries brought a furious riposte from the then prime minister, Tony Blair. It seemed to many that O'Brien's approach was a sign of a deeper political shift by Scottish Catholics, hitherto solidly Labour, towards the resurgent Nationalists. Related to O'Brien's attitude to independence was a measure of anti-English and anti-Establishment sentiment. Part of this was bound up with a sense that the Establishment was anti-Catholic. Writing in the Catholic journal The Universe in January 2007, he cited the 1701 Act of Settlement, which forbade the monarch to marry a Roman Catholic, as an "obvious display of religious prejudice". (The disqualification arising from marriage to a Catholic was removed by the Succession to the Crown Act 2013.) As the leader of Catholic Church in Scotland, O'Brien often took the media to task for referring to the Archbishop of Westminster as the "leader of Britain's Roman Catholics", pointing out that the Scottish hierarchy was separate. Despite his defence of Catholic moral teaching, O'Brien could be critical of the Vatican and was regarded as a liberal by many conservative Catholics. After the Synod of Bishops in 1999, he accused a group of bishops and papal nominees of blocking discussion of sensitive topics such as clerical celibacy. When he was created a cardinal in October 2003, O'Brien read out a specially scripted Profession of Faith, upholding the Church's teaching on matters such as contraception and priestly celibacy. The Vatican later denied suggestions that it had compelled him to make the statement or risk losing his red hat. O'Brien's responsibilities took him well beyond his own archdiocese. From 1996 to 1999, he administered Argyll and the Isles diocese after the resignation of Bishop Roderick Wright, who caused a scandal by leaving the priesthood to marry. During that period, he was pastorally responsible for Catholics from the border at Berwick-upon-Tweed to the Isle of Lewis. He was also intensely interested in missions. Visits abroad took him to Rwanda, Congo, Ethiopia, Darfur in Sudan, Bauchi in northern Nigeria, El Salvador, Guatemala and Chiapas in Mexico. To tackle the decline in vocations to the priesthood (by 2005 there were only 18 seminarians training for the Scottish church, compared with almost 400 in 1970), in 2002, O'Brien announced a radical programme to introduce parishes run by single and married deacons, backed by a more active laity, with priests serving clusters of parishes. In November 2012, because of his robust criticism of proposals to introduce gay marriage, the pressure group Stonewall awarded him the title "Bigot of the Year". Then, early the following year, just as Pope Benedict XVI was preparing to resign the papacy, allegations of sexual misconduct by O'Brien were published in The Observer. The paper alleged that three priests and one former priest had been sexually molested by him in the 1980s. O'Brien began by denying the allegations, but two days later he resigned on grounds of "ill health". He had been effectively sacked by Rome. The Vatican's reaction had been uncharacteristically swift, but the scandal refused to die down. O'Brien's accusers continued to demand justice and an acknowledgement of the truth of their claims that O'Brien had used his position as a seminary rector and a bishop to pressure young men into sex. In a short statement, O'Brien admitted that there had been times when his conduct had "fallen below the standards expected of me as a priest, archbishop and cardinal". A few days later it was announced that the Vatican had ordered O'Brien to leave Scotland. Although he later returned to Britain to live, initially incognito, in a home provided by the Church in Northumberland, O'Brien's four accusers never had their day in court. The Vatican did commission an investigation into the affair, the results of which were never published but were said to be "hot enough to burn the varnish" off the Pope's desk. As a result, O'Brien was stripped of all the rights of a cardinal, though allowed to use the title, a punishment unique in the annals of modern Catholicism. The scandal rumbled on, metastasising into wider questions, such as why O'Brien had been promoted when people must have known of his sexual exploits; and why the Vatican appeared to be brushing the scandal under the carpet. Neither O'Brien nor the Catholic Church emerged with much credit and there was some incredulity that he was allowed to keep his red hat. Keith Patrick O'Brien was born at Ballycastle in Co Antrim, on St Patrick's Day 1938. His father, Mark O'Brien, served for 22 years in the Royal Navy and was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal after serving on convoys to Murmansk during World War II. He joined the civil service in 1949, which necessitated a family move to Scotland, initially to Dalmuir, on Clydeside, then Edinburgh, where Keith attended Holy Cross Academy. He gained a BSc from Edinburgh University in 1959, but was only admitted to a seminary on his third attempt, being turned down initially because of a heart murmur. After studying at St Andrew's College, Drygrange, in Roxburghshire, he was ordained a priest on April 3, 1965 by Archbishop Gordon Gray. He spent a year as assistant priest in Holy Cross, Edinburgh, and gained a teacher-training certificate in 1966. Until 1971, he taught maths and science at St Columba's Secondary School in Cowdenbeath, also acting as school chaplain and an assistant priest in the local parish. From 1972 to 1978, he served in parishes at Kilsyth and then Bathgate. He was appointed spiritual director to St Andrew's College, Drygrange, from 1978 to 1980 and was rector of St Mary's College, the junior seminary at Blairs, Aberdeen, from 1980 to 1985. Still not 50, in 1985 O'Brien was appointed Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh, where his ebullient, outspoken personality soon made an impression and where he was widely liked by ordinary Catholics for whom he always had time and a kind word. When Cardinal Winning, the Archbishop of Glasgow, died in 2001, O'Brien succeeded him as head of the Scottish bishops. He was created a cardinal in 2003. After resigning as Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh, O'Brien did not take part in the conclave that elected Pope Francis in March 2013. He spent some time in Spain, at the villa of Sir Tom Farmer, the founder of Kwik Fit and a devout Catholic. Wishing to return to Scotland, he was told that he could not move into his retirement home in Belhaven, near Dunbar. It was announced that he would spend time in "prayer and penitence". "Am I to live in a monastery for the rest of my life?" he asked. Eventually, the Catholic Church bought him a property in Northumberland where, last month, he fell, breaking his collarbone and suffering a head injury. While many in the Church could not forgive the fallen Cardinal, he retained the sympathy of many ordinary Catholics, who remembered numerous small acts of kindness from the years of his pastoral ministry. Telegraph The scene after a car bomb explosion near the parliament building in Mogadishu (AP Photo/Farah Abdi Warsameh) A car bomb exploded near Somalias parliament in the capital, Mogadishu, killing at least four people along with the driver, and injuring several others. A huge cloud of smoke could be seen billowing over the area dotted with security checkpoints erected along a road leading to the presidential palace, whose main gate is just 200 yards from the blast site. The checkpoint is also close to the interior ministry. The car bomb was detonated at a checkpoint after soldiers intercepted and stopped a suspicious vehicle, senior police Captain Mohamed Hussein told The Associated Press. The dead included two soldiers, he said, while many of the nearly 10 people wounded are rickshaw drivers. Expand Close A soldier helps seal the area after a car bomb exploded in Mogadishu (AP Photo/Farah Abdi Warsameh) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A soldier helps seal the area after a car bomb exploded in Mogadishu (AP Photo/Farah Abdi Warsameh) Extremist group al-Shabab claimed responsibility, saying it killed 13 presidential guards. However, the group often exaggerates its claims of the number of casualties. A few hours earlier, another car bomb outside the capital killed one person plus the driver, police said. Officer Mohamed Abdi told the AP that the explosion occurred after soldiers arrived at the scene to inspect the suspicious car which had become stuck on a sandy road in the Sinka Dheer area. The car bombings come three days after at least 14 people were killed and 10 others wounded in a car bomb blast near the Weheliye hotel on the busy Makka Almukarramah road. Mogadishu is often a target of attacks by the Somalia-based al-Shabab, the deadliest Islamic extremist group in Africa. A truck bombing in October killed 512 people in the countrys deadliest-ever attack. Only a few attacks since 9/11 have killed more people. The Horn of Africa nation continues to struggle to counter the Islamic extremist group. Concerns have been high over plans to hand over the countrys security to Somalias own forces as a 21,000-strong African Union force begins a withdrawal that is expected to be complete in 2020. The US military, which has stepped up efforts against al-Shabab in the past year with dozens of drone strikes, has said Somali forces are not yet ready. In late August 1991, there were two coups in Moscow in three days. On a Monday, hardline Communists overthrew the reformist President Gorbachev. On the Wednesday, Boris Yeltsin, the elected President of the Russian Federation, overthrew them. He restored Gorbachev, but effectively transferred power to himself. I wanted to see whether the Soviet Union truly was falling apart, so that week I flew to Moscow without a visa. If the Soviet system still worked, I reckoned, my lack of visa would cause me to be briefly detained, then sent straight back home. At Moscow airport, I was duly stopped and made to retrace my steps, escorted. Realising that I was about to be shoved on to a plane to London, I sat down and refused to move. After some argument, the officials took me back to an office, muttered for a bit, then gave me a transit visa to let me into Moscow, plus the permission I sought to fly on to Russia's unwilling vassal, Lithuania, which was struggling to gets its independence fully recognised. It thus became clear to me that the Soviet Union no longer meant business. A regime based, since 1917, on fear, had lost the power to terrify. It had therefore lost power, full stop. The Soviet collapse was a joyous moment in world history, but was also part of a long process that was horrible for many Russians. The "Committee of Eight", which led that first August coup, put out an "appeal to the Soviet people". Because of anti-Soviet forces, it said, "life has lost its tranquillity and joy for tens of millions of Soviet people" - they were "a united family... who today find themselves outcasts in their own home". Those hardliners deserved to lose, but what they said resonated. Vladimir Putin, just then entering the newly democratic politics of St Petersburg after a career in the KGB, seems to have felt that way. He had watched in horror as the Soviet authorities did nothing to stop the collapse of the East German frontier controls in 1989. As the years unfolded, the development of plural democracy in Russia faltered, gangsterism and kleptocracy grew and the traditional sense of the "Russian world" fell apart. There might not have been many Communists left, but there were plenty of Russians who felt disrespected. The Russian word to describe their feelings is "obida": it encompasses both "insult" and "resentment". Mr Putin is the candidate, indeed the embodiment, of obida. And we, the West, are the chief object of Russian resentment. In 1975, the Soviets signed the Helsinki Final Act, which upholds territorial borders, the peaceful settlements of disputes, human rights and so on. They also agreed later, and not under duress, that the Helsinki principles should organise post-Cold War Europe. But really they remained attached to the Yalta agreement of 1945, in which Stalin secured for the Soviets the virtually absolute control of Eastern Europe. So when we think we are advancing free markets, upholding democracy and protecting the national aspirations of countries formerly under the Soviet heel, many Russians think of us as stinking hypocrites who are annexing their part of the world and trashing their civilisation. Ever since Viktor Yanukovych, the Russian-backed president of Ukraine, was pushed out in 2014, Mr Putin has made the exploitation of such feelings the mainstay of his politics. An example of what Russia calls hypocrisy is the British refusal to extradite all but one on a list of 51 Russians that its London embassy gave the Britain in 2015. The UK regards this as protecting the liberties of the persecuted, not to mention keeping some big fortunes in London. Russia sees it as harbouring her mortal enemies and therefore as justification for little acts of war, like that performed on a park bench in Salisbury one Sunday afternoon this month. Britain thinks Russia is attacking the country: Russia thinks it is only retaliating. Mr Putin's fight-back against the West is a curious, but effective mixture of aggression and subterfuge. When he launches an operation - the armed, uniformed, but unbadged "little green men" in the Crimea, the shooting down of flight MH 17, the Trump campaign intervention, the Salisbury poisonings - it is important for him both that people know Russia did it and that it does not admit what it did. Hence that tone of sarcasm - the boastful disclosure of knowledge about, for example, the chemicals involved, combined with the taunts to produce the evidence. I have been told that most criminals in prison simultaneously protest their innocence and proudly proclaim what great villains they are. Mr Putin is like that. "Catch me if you can," he is saying, conscious that we usually can't. When I played my little game at Moscow airport all those years ago, I was in a tiny way using what I now recognise as a key Putin tactic of "reconnaissance by combat". While Russia resents Western power and success, it also watches our weaknesses intently and then tests them. We are so vain of our freedoms, so obsessed with money, so indebted and over-welfared, so fond of web-lies, that we neglect our security. A few years back, Russia noticed how feeble British defences had become, so started to infringe its airspace and sea-lanes to see what the country would do. Currently, it wants to work out whether Brexit is making the country tougher or just rudderless. So far, Theresa May's reactions have suggested, thank goodness, the former. Across the West, Russia has long observed how easy (and often cheap) it can be to buy up individuals, think-tanks, websites, pressure groups, shell companies. It has also noticed that there are politically significant people, such as Jeremy Corbyn, who will say what it wants without it having to pay them a penny. Note how readily Mr Corbyn repeats any current Russian propaganda line as if it were his own. A classic last week was his demand that the British authorities send the Russians a sample of the alleged Novichok so that they could kindly test it to work out whether it was theirs. How they must have laughed in Moscow when he said that. There is a sense in which the Russians are right to resent the West. In our flush of success at ending the Cold War, we undoubtedly did neglect the feelings of the vanquished and underrate the eternal facts of power rivalry. We also are hypocritical: we say how dirty Russian money is, yet provide the laundry bag. There must be a lot more we can do on this latter point: exposing Mr Putin and his friends for their cocktail of money and power, and depriving them of London as its punchbowl. The more important question is whether the West should find a new strategy to calm the Russians down by defining their legitimate sphere of influence and leaving them alone. That may be the semi-thought at the back of Donald Trump's mind. It is hard to discern, though. Mr Putin was not re-elected last Sunday by being reasonable. He thinks his victories have to be our defeats. His relationship to Russia is like Islamism's to Islam - a powerful, deliberate, incendiary distortion. We cannot change his mind. All we can do is try calmly to impede his foreign adventurism until the day the Russian people realise he is impoverishing and isolating them. The West needs to admit this, and frame its strategy accordingly. Telegraph Srinagar, Mar 25 (IBNS): A militant was killed while a lady suffered bullet injury in a gunfight between government forces and militants in Central Kashmir's Budgam district. Jammu Kashmir Police issued a statement claiming that on specific input regarding presence of militants in Budgam, police, 53 RR and CRPF ,launched a cordon and search operation in Khanmohalla, Arizal area of Beerwah. "During search, militants tried to flee and came out of house and fired indiscriminately on security forces. In retaliation one unknown militant has been neutralized. Arms and ammunition have been recovered from him. Reports said a lady also suffered bullet injury in her thigh. She was shifted to hospital where her condition is now reported to be stable. The area is under cordon and search is being done. Unconfirmed reports said the slain militant is a local, however police didn't confirm it. "No collateral damage has occurred during operation. Legal proceedings have been initiated by police and invesgation taken up," police said. Meanwhile, internet has been snapped in parts of Budgam while security has been beefed up to thwart possible protest. (Reporting by Saleem Iqbal Qadri) New Delhi, Mar 25 (IBNS): Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Sunday attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and accused that his App was collecting data for illegal purposes. "Hi! My name is Narendra Modi. I am India's Prime Minister. When you sign up for my official App, I give all your data to my friends in American companies. Ps. Thanks mainstream media, you're doing a great job of burying this critical story, as always," Gandhi tweeted. Hi! My name is Narendra Modi. I am India's Prime Minister. When you sign up for my official App, I give all your data to my friends in American companies. Ps. Thanks mainstream media, you're doing a great job of burying this critical story, as always.https://t.co/IZYzkuH1ZH Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) March 25, 2018 He also highlighted in his tweet a news report which pointed to allegations of a French cyber security expert regarding data safety in the Narendra Modi App. Speaking on the App, senior party leader Randeep Surjewala on Saturday tweeted: "IT Minister will not do a press conference on the NaMo App on these allegations of Data Chori! Will the media dare to question Modi ji on the functioning of his App? Will the brain behind this "Data Usurpation" be summoned?What about the 15 Lakh NCC cadets & their privacy?." The BJP countered Gandhi and said his comments reflected the fright he had for the App. "We all know that Rahul Gandhi is no match for Narendra Modi. But seeing his fright about the Namo App, is very amusing. When his bots tried to trend #DeleteNamoApp day before yesterday, the popularity and downloads of Namo App only increased. Today, it will be no different!," the BJP tweeted. We all know that Rahul Gandhi is no match for Narendra Modi. But seeing his fright about the Namo App, is very amusing. When his bots tried to trend #DeleteNamoApp day before yesterday, the popularity and downloads of Namo App only increased. Today, it will be no different! pic.twitter.com/Wnan0IQFIV BJP (@BJP4India) March 25, 2018 Narendra Modi App provides a platform for millions of his fans and party cadre to connect directly with the Prime Minister. It is a one of its kind App which enables unprecedented engagement and interactivity with PM. BJP (@BJP4India) March 25, 2018 Narendra Modi App is a unique App, which unlike most Apps, gives access to users in guest mode without even any permission or data. The permissions required are all contextual and cause-specific. BJP (@BJP4India) March 25, 2018 Contrary to Rahuls lies, fact is that data is being used for only analytics using third party service, similar to Google Analytics. Analytics on the user data is done for offering users the most contextual content. BJP (@BJP4India) March 25, 2018 "Contrary to Rahuls lies, fact is that data is being used for only analytics using third party service, similar to Google Analytics. Analytics on the user data is done for offering users the most contextual content," it said. The BJP and the Congress have been engaged in a bitter war of words over the Facebook data breach in recent times. Union Minister Ravishankar Prasad on Tuesday alleged that the Congress has links with Cambridge Analytica, a British consulting company, alleged to have harvested private data of Facebook, while warning the popular social networking site against any attempt to influence India's electoral process. Prasad alleged that the Congress party committed data theft and manipulated data to win elections. He questioned the role of Cambridge Analytica, which was named in an investigative report by Britain's channel 4 for having harvested data of up to 50 million Facebook users without permission and using them to help politicians. However, Congress said whatever is being said about the party's links with CA is absolutely false. "News about Congress engaged/engaging with Cambridge Analytica is absolutely false," Congress party's social media head Divya Spandana tweeted. Spandana further said the BJP is trying to distract from the controversy over the killing of 39 Indian hostages by ISIS in Iraq. "Can you @rsprasad please tell us why your Govt lied to us about the 39 Indians who died in Iraq? You hid the information and now youre trying to divert attention from the issue by making outrageous allegations against the Congress party.," she further tweeted. Ravishankar's attack on the Congress came came hours after Hours after Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari said the Election Commission should investigate which party had or has links with CA. "In this report on Cambridge Analytica there is an ostensible claim by them or the jurnos that they have worked on Indian elections/campaigns. Election Commission should enquire/recommend investigation what services & to whom they were offering in India," Tiwari had tweeted. Herat City, Mar 25 (IBNS): At least three people were killed in a suicide attack inside the Nabi Akram Mosque in western Herat province of Afghanistan on Sunday, media reports said. According to reports, the incident left nine others injured. The blast reportedly occurred at around 1 pm. Public Health Director Dr. Abdul Hakim Tamana told Afghanistan's Pajhwok Afghan News three bodies and nine injured people had been evacuated to the civil hospital from the blast site. He told the news agency two suicide bombers wanted to enter the mosque but they were identified by the mosque guards who put resistance. While one detonated his explosives, the other person was shot dead by the guard. Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attack. Music producer and the founder of T-series, Gulshan Kumar, a great devotee of Lord Shiva, was shot outside Jeeteshwar Mahadev Mandir, in 1997, and it was suspected that the underworld D-company was involved in the murder. Twitter Last year, a biographical film titled Mogul based on the life of Gulshan Kumar was announced and Akshay Kumar was roped in to play the titular role. I feel he is the apt one for this film. He is very similar to my father. Both are Punjabis; my father used to believe in Vaishno Devi and Akshay also keeps a faith in her. My father was from Daryaganj and Akshay is from Chandni Chowk. There are many similarities of past life in them and you will also see many things in the film which will connect you to my father through Akshay's portrayal on him, Gulshan Kumars son Bhushan Kumar was earlier quoted as saying. My association with Him began with my very first film. He was The Emperor Of Music! Now know His story... #Mogul, The Gulshan Kumar story! pic.twitter.com/lD8V6s4HeX Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) March 15, 2017 However, later, grapevine is abuzz with rumours that Akshay has walked out of the project because of creative differences with director Subhash Kapoor. When the rumours of Akshay walking out the project went viral, he clarified to Bombay Times saying, "Subhash is scripting the film. Only after the script is finalised will the production be scheduled, no?" Twitter On the other side, Bhushan Kumar had stated that no hero has been finalised. "We had never locked the dates with Akshay. Once the script is finalised, we will proceed with planning and schedule the shoot. The priority is to get the script right. Its not easy to tell a life story in two-and-a-half hours flat. And since Mogul is based on my fathers life, we have invested emotionally in the project, especially my mother. Twitter Now, it seems the fight is getting uglier. Gulshans son Bhushan Kumar, who now takes care of T-series, has reportedly said that they will now cast a bigger actor than Akshay Kumar. My father's biopic is very close to me. That is the biggest announcement we have made in our lives and we will confirm an actor soon. He could be bigger than Akshay Kumar, said Bhushan Kumar according to a Deccan Chronicle report. Rumour has it that makers are now keen on casting Salman Khan the film. Communal debates are causing irreparable damage to the nation, but theres no stopping to them. They find their way into almost everything. Now that the talks on Aamir Khans Rs. 1000 crore Mahabharata are doing the rounds, and speculations are Mukesh Ambani is bankrolling the project, people are questioning the decisions of the makers to choose Aamir Khan, a muslim, play a role in it. Frenchman Francois Gautier, who is a journalist residing in India, tweeted about how he apparently didnt like the casting in the movie, only to get a befitting reply from Javed Akhtar. Why should @AamirKhan, a Muslim, play in most ancient & sacred of Hindu epics, the Mahabharata? Is @BJP4India Govt of @narendramodi going to be like the @INCIndia & just stand by in name of secularism??? Would Muslims allow a Hindu to play life of Mohamed?https://t.co/fC7bvbHkZE Francois Gautier (@fgautier26) March 21, 2018 Javed Akhtar, who has always taken a stand for what he feels is right, including supporting Sanjay Leela Bhansalis Padmaavat, was quick to give shut him down. Mr Francois Gautier , would you tell us what is your deal with the PR agencies Like 20 20 India and Adelman India . Are they paying you well to spread negativity against the most ambitious fin project of India Mahabharta planned by Mr Mukesh Ambani and Aamir khan Javed Akhtar (@Javedakhtarjadu) March 24, 2018 It, however, didnt end there. Butc oz of Nehruvianism,taken as an insult. And of course @Javedakhtarjadu & 2d wife @azmishabana, who when with @INCIndia gave interviews giving impression that every Indian woman raped, take refuge behind these Hindus, while secretly believing that Islam is only true religion Francois Gautier (@fgautier26) March 24, 2018 Following which, Javed Akhtar ripped him apart with his strong reply. You scoundrel, have you not seen peter brooks production of this great epic Mahabharsta in France . I would like to know which foreign agency is paying you to spread this kind of perverse and poisonous thoughts in our country Javed Akhtar (@Javedakhtarjadu) March 21, 2018 You ignorant unfortunate imbecile, obviously you know nothing about our Indian traditions and culture . Do you know who were Ras khan bullay shah Waris shah, ,Baba Farid Nazeer Akbarabadi , Nizir Banarasi , Bismillah khan . You are just a frog in the stinking well of communalism Javed Akhtar (@Javedakhtarjadu) March 22, 2018 A lot of celebrities took a stand on this, but Javed Akhtar's reply was the strongest. When we are young, we have dreams to make it big. Gradually, as we grow up and get familiar with the outside world, our dreams somehow fade away. We head towards the direction where our circumstances take us and often our reality becomes different from our dreams. But there are still a few people in this world who are doing the things they absolutely love, making their dreams come true and finding happiness in their full-time jobs. Meet Pooja Dhingra One such woman is Pooja Dhingra. Shes a pastry chef, an entrepreneur, and an author. Her venture Le15 Patisserie is a bakery in Mumbai which turned eight this year. Poojas love for baking goes way back to the time when she was a kid. I've been fascinated by baking for as long as I can remember. One of my earliest memories is of baking brownies for the first time with my aunt. I was amazed at how simple ingredients like eggs, butter, flour, and sugar could create something so delicious and magical, she told us. A post shared by Pooja Dhingra (@poojadhingra) on Nov 14, 2017 at 9:27am PST From Law School To Baking After starting her bakery, Le15 Patisserie in 2010, Pooja released her first book, The Big Book of Treats in the year 2014. She was also featured on Forbes Indias 30 under 30 achievers list in the same year. When we asked her about how has it changed her life, she said, People knew me as a chef, but receiving this acknowledgment for my work as a business owner and an entrepreneur was extremely encouraging. A post shared by Pooja Dhingra (@poojadhingra) on Mar 10, 2018 at 7:00am PST Becoming a chef wasn't a mainstream profession for women back in the days. She made a career switch and started her journey to become a pastry chef. I didnt always know I wanted to bake, in fact, Id originally enrolled in law school and changed my mind pretty quick after I started! Challenges Of Starting Your Own Business The responsibilities, the struggles and the efforts that go into building your own business brick by brick are extremely crucial. In a country like India, where women are still struggling their way to the top, Pooja said that amongst other basic difficulties, she never faced outright cases of sexism in her professional life. I have been fortunate in that sense and this also might be because I started my own business on returning from culinary school. In my own kitchens, we make a great effort to hire an equal number of men and women working.The issues I faced were more because of the young age that I started my business at. The way business is conducted in India is quite. In the past, Ive often had to deal with suppliers and vendors who wanted to speak to my father instead of me. A post shared by Pooja Dhingra (@poojadhingra) on Mar 15, 2018 at 1:21am PDT Being A Woman Entrepreneur In India In a country like ours, women face more issues than men when they have to start their own venture and Pooja agrees. She said, A lot of women do face resistance when they want to venture out on their own. For me, my family is my biggest source of strength and have always been a fantastic support system. Id say, the best way to look at this is to keep the lines of communication open with your family. Share your dreams and make them a part of it as well as your journey forward. A post shared by Pooja Dhingra (@poojadhingra) on Mar 6, 2018 at 1:28am PST Building Your Brand & Relationships Pooja is extremely popular within the circles of the baking industry. We asked her about how to build a brand for yourself and for your customers to which she told us, I believe that consistently providing good product and service builds good relationships. Le15 was the first to introduce French macarons to India. The integration of design and food is something that made us different right from the onset. Were known for our ability to innovate and collaborate with like-minded individuals and that is something that has always made us a little different from others. Pooja Dhingra Pooja is an inspiration. Her story makes us believe that if we strive for something we love, we will eventually find success. She has a huge fan-following on Instagram and young bakers of India now look up to her. Her message for all her followers is, Be patient and find your niche. They are the recipe for instant nostalgia. All of us 90s kids have some glorious memories attached to lip-smacking candies. Remember blowing those huge bubbles while chewing the classic 'Boom Boom Boomer? And scandalising our parents by smoking those sweet Phantom cigarettes and looking all 'cool'? While we munched away to glory, we never gave a thought to the origins of these sweets. So, chew on some of these interesting facts: 1. PULSE Candy Almost 50 pulse candies have been sold every second since its launch and the idea of making PULSE Candy came to owners while playing CANDY CRUSH. Also, there are 10 fake variants of this candy! instagram 2. Big Babol instagram This glorious chewing gum was banned because people started to think that if they chewed it, they could fly. If you remember, Big Babol also came in a variety of flavors, the most popular one being mango and the half pink and half white variant. They also came up with something called colour magics, where chewing gum of two different colours would bring out a different shade. 3. Kalimpong Diary Lollipop As someone who grew up in the North-east, I still cannot forget about the delicious Kalimpong Lollipops that were made from milk. According to a local report, Pappu Thapa of Bikram Dairy has been running the business with the support from his family for over a decade. The Dairy produces 300 packets of Lollipops per day from 100 litres of milk, states the report. 4. Orange Candies Best Buy Candy Did you know that the 'Orange muttai' as they would call it in Tamil is a special part of Pongal festivities. The candy shaped like orange segments are offered along with the other items such as sandalwood paste and vermillion powder and even Cows get some of these sweet treats during 'Mattu Pongal'. And after that heavy Pongal feast, this orange delicacy makes for the best after-meal cleanse. 5. Chiclets Blair Candy Did you know that the name Chiclets is derived from chicle which is a natural tree resin used to make gum. Chiclets are manufactured by Cadbury Adams, founded by Thomas Adams, and theories suggest that a candy salesman actually came up with idea of putting a hard candy coating to the gums which made it oh-so-delicious and popular. 6. Phantom Cigarettes The Perspective - WordPress.com Remember the sweet candy that looked like cigarettes, they were discontinued after a point when kids started emulating the act of smoking and there were fears that they could easily pick up the habit of smoking. The product was quite popular, before being banned in 13 countries (including Canada, Brazil, Turkey and New Zealand) and certain parts of the USA. 7. Kaccha Mango Youtube This candy was discontinued because the FDA found Parle company using buffered lactic acid (an adulterant) in the confectionery which is not permitted.FDA officials had conducted a raid and seized Mango bite worth Rs 60 lakh from a manufacturing unit at Nashik. 8. Centre Shock Chewing Gum The sales of Centre Shock chewing gum were directly related to its prank value, its only intent was for kids to play a prank on one another, given how incredibly sour the chewing gum was. It was eventually discontinued because people started detesting the taste. 9. Kit Kat Amazon.com While there are barely five flavours of KitKat chocolate in India, there are over 200 different flavors of Kit Kat in Japan. "Kit Kat" approximates to "kitto katsu" - a Japanese expression meaning good luck 10. Cadbury bmstores.co.uk Cadbury didnt always have always the signature purple and gold wrapping it does today. Until 1920, it was actually pale mauve with red script. Cadbury first adopted its signature purple packaging in 1914 as a tribute to Queen Victorias favorite color. After a four-year legal battle with Nestle, Cadbury won the right to trademark Pantone 2685C in 2012. 11. Kismi Parle.com The iconic taste of elaichi blended with caramel is undeniably tempting, even today. Kismi is also available in exciting new flavours:Kulfi, Rajbhog Rosemilk and I am to going dive right in! In 2010, nearly $75,000 was spent from the Urban Shield trust fund on travel to Israel and Jordan. Travelers included Undersheriff Rich Lucia, Assistant Sheriff Brett Keteles, and Assistant Sheriff Dennis Houghtelling. There was an additional expense of $1,076 for presentation material for the King of Jordan. Urban Shield Trust Fund paid for trips to Israel, parking tickets and paint jobsOn July 31, 2007, the Alameda County Board of Supervisors approved the establishment of a cash fund in which to deposit donations, sponsorship and exhibitor fees and make payments for associated costs; for Urban Shield.Expenses and revenues for that trust fund were received in response to a public records request to the Alameda County Sheriff.In 2008 and 2009, the Urban Shield trust fund lists $7,634 for legal expenses. However, the nature of those expenses was redacted by the Alameda County Sheriff.Two round trip tickets to Israel were expended from the Urban Shield trust fund in 2008, but there was no information on who traveled to Israel. In 2010, nearly $75,000 was spent from the Urban Shield trust fund on travel to Israel and Jordan. Travelers included Undersheriff Rich Lucia, Assistant Sheriff Brett Keteles, and Assistant Sheriff Dennis Houghtelling. There was an additional expense of $1,076 for presentation material for the King of Jordan.In March 2011, the Urban Shield trust fund paid for at least two parking citations in Oakland.In October 2012, the Urban Shield trust fund paid $9,000 to paint humvees, probably the two Alameda County Sheriff humvees with mounted machine guns (pictured above).From 2010 to 2016, Urban Shield spent $112,723 on customized Urban Shield coins.In 2016, the Urban Shield trust fund paid the $500 deductible for a car hit during Urban Shield.Revenue for Urban Shield comes from vendors at the event and sponsors looking to sell their products to law enforcement.The largest single contributor was defense contractor BAE with $120,000 in 2009.Motorola has contributed $74,000 over the years. FLIR Systems has contributed $46,000 over the years.Other large contributors include Verizon Wireless ($22k), Taser ($38k), Tactical Command Industries ($30k), Sig Sauer ($31k), San Francisco Police Credit Union ($34k), L.N. Curtis and Sons ($45k), Adamson Police Products ($30k) and Corizon ($24k), the controversial provider of health care services at Alameda Countys Santa Rita Jail.Blackwater Training Center contributed $10k in 2008.Facebook, which has been in the news recently for its leaks of data on millions of people, contributed a total of $20,000 in 2015 and 2016.Sources:Urban Shield Trust Fund Revenue, 2007-2014Urban Shield Trust Fund Expenses, 2007-2014Urban Shield Trust Fund Revenue, 2015Urban Shield Trust Fund Expenses, 2015Urban Shield Trust Fund Revenue, 2016Urban Shield Trust Fund Expenses, 2016For links to sources, please visit:Surveillance, Civil Liberties, Human Rights, Privacy An Appeal was filed to prevent statue removal even though SF Arts and Historic Preservation Commission voted unanimously to take down the racist Pioneer statue! SAN FRANCISCO, CA, March 22, 2018 On March 19th, an Appeal was filed by a private citizen from Petaluma with the SF Board of Appeals. The SF Arts Commission was close to wrapping up details to remove the Pioneer statue intact. Members of the Native American Community and SF Residents will spoke on the removal of the Pioneer Statue, located in between the SF Main Library and the Asian Art Museum and everyone was in agreement to take down this statue. Take Down the Pioneer Statue has demanded for it to be removed and that while waiting for removal it should be covered up with a tarp. There was a unanimous vote to take down the pioneer statue by the Arts Commission. It would have been removed this spring before this appeal was filed by a Petaluma resident, Frear Stephen Schimd. When the statue will be taken down now is unknown.In the 1990s, the American Indian Movement along with other local Native Organizations called for the bringing down of the Pioneer Statue to the Arts Commission. In the end, the Arts Commission decided to put up a plaque underneath the Pioneer Statue. This plaque has been covered up by plants for many years, and does not offer an explanation of the historical context of these racist images, and does not extend any apology for the theft of land, colonization, subjugation, and near-annihilation of Native American people. In 2007, an Ohlone and Native American led task force wrote a report called Discrimination by Omission calling for the Pioneer Statue to be removed. It was voted and adopted by the San Francisco Human Rights Commission.Last September 2017, the South was taking down and covering up racist confederate statues, these actions reminded Native Americans and allies here in the bay area about the racist pioneer statue we fought decades to take down. The Take Down the Pioneer Statue movement reemerged this time with the power of social media in demanding the pioneer statue be taken down and covered up while we are waiting to take down this racist statue. On October 2, 2017 the SF Arts Commission voted unanimously to start a process of looking at the certificate of appropriateness of the early days section of the Pioneer Monument. They then published a 150-page report on the statue. Since the Statue is in the historic civic center, the vote to take down the Pioneer statue was forwarded to the Historic Preservation Commission. This commission unanimously voted to take down the Pioneer State on February 21, 2018. Today was the last vote in finalizing the vote to approve the removal of the statue.L Frank Manriquez, Tongva/Ajachmem/Raramuri, California Native Elder states "Its difficult to be considered extinct in your own ancestral homeland, and its difficult to pass a (pioneer) statue that reminds you of that. That you deserve to be lying on the ground lorded over. Its difficult to explain to your children why they (the Native American) are laying on the ground, and theres no explaining to your children why they are on the ground. As a California Native, the statue doesnt even show a California Native, It shows a Native from the plains. Which shows the racist ignorance on the part of all involved in the making of the statue and reinforces racist stereotypes to the public in general. This statue reminds me of the gate at Auschwitz (Nazi concentration camp), and that we (Native Americans) are at the mercy of the men standing over us."Many public officials have come out and stated their support for the removal of the Pioneer Statue. Past Mayor Ed Lee, Supervisor Jane Kim and BOE Commissioner Matt Haney and Mayor Farrell have come out and support the removal of the racist statue. In fact, the majority of San Franciscans are allied with the Native American Community in removing this racist Pioneer Statue.Over 1,000 people have signed the petition to take down the Pioneer Statue listed on change.org, countless SF residents and historic preservationists, support the removal of the statue, and many local Native Americans support the statue being taken down. All over our country we have been reexamining our white supremacist confederate statues, and here in the bay area we have been reexamining our racist statues. The Pioneer Statue is no different; San Francisco Residents and local Native Americans have called on the removal for over decades.The demands are simple.1. Take down the Pioneer Statue2. Cover Up immediately the Pioneer Statue while we are waiting for the Statue to come down3. Have the Arts Commission have a Native American lead community process to figure out what happens to the statue and what will be in replace of the statute, if anything.The racist Pioneer Statue promotes a white supremacist ideology that is connected to the mass genocide of indigenous people. In reaction to seeing the call for removing racist statues nationwide, Individuals mass communicated the removal of the statue to their network of Natives and allies by creating a facebook invitation. Community members showed up in person for public comment to an Arts Commission Committee Meeting and spoke on why they believed the statue should be taken down. It was announced at that meeting that the issue of the pioneer statue would be held for full vote at the Full Arts Commission meeting on October 2, 2017. Shortly after, a Change.org petition was created and has collected over 1,000 signatures, demanding that the Pioneer Statue be taken down.For general information about the Pioneer Statue, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/takedownthepioneerstatue To view the Discrimination by Omission Report, visit:View the petition link at:[Photo Credit: Beyond My Ken ( https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Beyond_My_Ken ). Licence: http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html Cattle Contracts Gain on Thursday Barchart - Thu Sep 23, 5:17PM CDT Live cattle futures were firm for October and December contracts, closing within 7 cents of UNCH. The 2022 contracts extended gains, however, closing 35 to 42 cents in the black. USDA says cash trade for... LEV21 : 123.225s (-0.04%) LEG22 : 132.950s (+0.26%) GFU21 : 154.900s (+0.06%) GFV21 : 156.850s (-0.52%) Soy Futures Ended with Firmness Barchart - Thu Sep 23, 5:17PM CDT Front month soybean futures were higher on Thursday, though gains were limited to 2 1/4 cents. Red Nov prices were a penny higher to $12.53/bu. Soymeal futures gave back $1.30 to $1.70/ton on Thursday.... ZSX21 : 1283-2 (-0.08%) ZSPAUS.CM : 12.4098 (+0.25%) ZSF22 : 1292-4 (-0.12%) ZSX21 : 1283-2 (-0.08%) Probe: Michaels, Minnesota cops violated Black teen's rights AP - Thu Sep 23, 4:17PM CDT MINNEAPOLIS (AP) The manager of a suburban Minneapolis Michaels store called police on a teenager looking for a job simply because he is Black and officers then used unreasonable force against him... $SPX : 4,448.98 (+1.21%) $DOWI : 34,764.82 (+1.48%) $IUXX : 15,316.58 (+0.92%) Chart of the Day: Upstart Skyrockets Barchart - Thu Sep 23, 2:39PM CDT The Barchart Chart of the Day belongs to the financial services company Upstart Holdings (NASDAQ: UPST ). I found the company by sorting Barchart's All Time High list first by the highest number... UPST : 336.34 (+3.97%) Natural Gas Rallies on Concern About Tight Winter Supplies Barchart - Thu Sep 23, 2:03PM CDT October Nymex natural gas (NGV21 ) on Thursday closed up +0.171 (+3.56%). Oct nat-gas prices on Thursday rallied sharply on concern about winter gas supply constraints. As of Thursday afternoon, 24.3%... NGX21 : 5.122 (+1.57%) Crude Closes Moderately Higher on Tight U.S. Supplies Barchart - Thu Sep 23, 2:02PM CDT November WTI crude oil (CLX21 ) on Thursday closed up +1.07 (+1.48%), and November RBOB gasoline (RBX21 ) closed up +0.0424 (+2.03%). Nov WTI crude oil and Nov RBOB gasoline prices on Thursday posted moderate... CLX21 : 73.30 (unch) RBX21 : 2.1273 (+0.06%) Arabica Jumps to 3-Week High on Supply Concerns Barchart - Thu Sep 23, 1:28PM CDT Dec arabica coffee (KCZ21 ) on Thursday closed up +5.75 (+3.11%), and Nov ICE Robusta coffee (RMX21 ) closed up +4 (+A0.19%). Coffee prices on Thursday pushed higher, with arabica rallying sharply to a... KCZ21 : 190.60s (+3.11%) RMX21 : 2,146s (+0.19%) Sugar Prices Follow Crude Oil Higher Barchart - Thu Sep 23, 1:26PM CDT October NY world sugar #11 (SBV21 ) on Thursday closed up +0.16 (+0.83%). Dec London white sugar #5 (SWZ21 ) closed up +5.20 (+1.02%). Sugar prices on Thursday posted moderate gains on strength in crude... SBH22 : 20.29s (+1.10%) SWZ21 : 513.40s (+1.02%) California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones exceeded his statutory authority by considering the investment income of separate State Farm affiliates when he ordered State Farm General Insurance Co. to roll back its homeowners insurance rates retroactively, according to a minute order filed by Superior Court Judge Katherine Bacal. The ruling, handed down in the wake of a March 9 hearing in San Diego on the issues at stake, stems from a December 2014 rate filing by State Farm General, the companys affiliate for California homeowners business. The company sought to raise rates by 6.9 percent effective July 2015, a request that later was amended to 6.4 percent. In November 2016, Jones ordered the company to undertake a 7.0 percent retroactive rate reduction by providing $100 million in policyholder refunds. State Farm challenged Jones order on grounds that it took into account assets held by other State Farm affiliates and that the statute did not give him authority to order refunds once a rate has been approved. Bacal declined to rule on the second argument. However, she granted the other part of State Farms requested writ of mandate, finding that Section 13 of the California Insurance Code only allows the commissioner to consider the investment income of a company seeking a rate change. In particular, Bacal noted, Jones applied the investment income of the holding company State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co. and the homeowners insurance affiliate State Farm Fire and Casualty Co. While State Farm General operates only in California, State Farm Fire operates in 47 other states. Separate homeowners affiliates operate in Texas and Florida. The commissioners interpretation that the regulation allows him to use SF Mutuals group yield instead of State Farm (General)s investment income based on State Farms actual portfolio is inconsistent with the statute, Bacal wrote. For his part, Jones asserted that since State Farm Mutual files a consolidated statement that includes State Farm General, it was reasonable to use the yield of the group. Bacal rejected this interpretation, finding no California statute that defines an insurance company as the company and its affiliates. Moreover, she noted, the groups asset portfolio was not reflective of the company. While bonds comprised nearly all of State Farm Generals investment book, the combined accounts of the nine affiliates Jones considered were roughly 40 percent equities. The proceedings continue as State Farm looks to overturn the mandated rate rollbacks, which Jones estimates amount to $250 million with interest. Bacals ruling does note that, per the Insurance Code, rates must be approved by the Commissioner prior to their use. Topics California Legislation Homeowners A watchdog told Facebook that relying on developers to follow information rules in some cases was not good enough two years before a "data grab" on millions of users is said to have taken place. A 2011 audit by Ireland's Data Protection Commissioner (DPC) said Facebook's security measures were "not considered sufficient" to prevent third party apps from unauthorised use of personal data. In 2013, Cambridge University researcher Aleksandr Kogan is alleged to have collected data from 50 million users using a quiz app before passing the information to election consultancy Cambridge Analytica (CA) in 2014. Both Facebook and CA have denied any wrongdoing. The Sunday Telegraph reported the watchdog's warnings as Facebook printed full-page apologies from founder Mark Zuckerberg in the UK's national newspapers. The billionaire said the social networking site had already stopped apps like Dr Kogan's from accessing so much information and promised to "do better" for users. The December 2011 report by the DPC told executives at Facebook's international headquarters in Ireland that the watchdog "(did) not consider that reliance on developer adherence to best practice or stated policy in certain cases is sufficient to ensure security of user data". Facebook told the regulator that it had "proactive auditing and automated tools" that were designed to not only detect abuse by developers, but to "prevent it in the first place". However the watchdog said the measures "(were) not considered sufficient by this Office to assure users of the security of their data once they have third party apps enabled". The company told the Sunday Telegraph that a September 2012 audit by the DPC said the firm had made "good progress", while the company changed its platform entirely in 2014. Claims that the data acquired by CA may have been used as part of Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign sparked an international backlash against Facebook when they emerged last week. Mr Zuckerberg said he was "really sorry" for the "major breach of trust" and pledged to work to prevent data from being misused in future. - PA By Elaine Loughlin Shane Ross is confident new laws to change how judges are appointed will be passed before the summer despite being dubbed "a dog's dinner" by the Attorney General. The Transport Minister has come out to strongly defend the controversial Judicial Appointments Bill which he has pushed as a priority since coming into Government. However, the Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe today said there are "considerable difficulties" with the Bill and could not give a commitment as to when the legislation will be passed. Attorney General Seamus Woulfe said the bill is now in a poor state because of a myriad of amendments which were made to it by the opposition at committee stage. Among a whole myriad of amendments, which they made, which make the bill a complete dogs dinner, at the moment, because a number of the amendments are contradictory, inconsistent, and unconstitutional, Mr Woulfe said at an event on Friday. But Mr Ross remains adamant that the new laws which would see are a lay chair and a lay majority on the Judicial Appointments Commission, will pass "very very quickly". He said that despite being "very controversial" the measures had been passed by the Dail at second stage and had also gone through committee stage. "It's now going to come back to report stage, report stage is normally a shorter stage than any of the others, it should go through that pretty smartly after Easter. "I would be very optimistic that whatever happens here that it would be through by the summer," he told RTE's This Week programme today. The rise of pro-Putin parties in the recent Italian elections has again underlined how American leverage has waned in comparison, writes John Lloyd. Ahead of Italys 1948 election, the CIA funnelled millions of dollars this when a million dollars was a lot of money into anti-communist parties in Italy. The Soviet Union sent in even more. Former CIA officer F Mark Wyatt recalled in an interview how Moscow delivered black bags of money directly from the Soviet compound in Rome to Italys communist groups. In those hungry post-war years, the Communist Party was rising rapidly in popularity after its wartime leadership of the anti-fascist resistance, threatening to beat the centrist Christian Democrats and other non-Communist forces at the polls. In 1954, the US joint chiefs of staff even discussed an invasion of Italy if the Italians were so foolish as to elect a Communist government. The former allied commander Dwight D Eisenhower, then the president, thought that little plan was in itself foolish. In any case, the Christian Democrats won. Is there today, in the bowels of the Pentagon, a top-secret, eminently- deniable team working on a 21st-century equivalent, 70 years on? Highly unlikely. There is no stomach in the West for intervention anywhere, let alone in an exceptionally-popular tourist destination. Yet Italys voters have just given a large majority to populist-nationalist parties in the countrys recent election. A right-wing grouping of three parties together took 37% of the vote; the anti-establishment 5-Star Movement received 32% the highest vote for a single party. These groups are, in the main, explicitly pro-Russian, in degrees ranging from mildly to extremely so. And Russia is now increasingly seen by EU leaders, a senior British diplomat said this week, as a strategic enemy, not a strategic partner. Neither Italys right, nor the 5-Stars, can govern alone. So they are talking, intensively. Discussions between them presently point in the direction of an accord to coalesce. If successful, they would together have a vote approaching three-quarters of the electorate, which would give them a base apparently as strong as any Italian government has had for decades. They will be divided on much, but not, on present evidence, on the suitability of Russia as a partner. On the extremely pro-Russian point on the scale is Matteo Salvini, a possible future prime minister and leader of the Lega Nord, the dominant party in the right-wing group, who, with other right-wing leaders, sent enthusiastic congratulations to Russias president Vladimir Putin last week on his biggest-yet election win. Salvini has recognised Crimea which Russia invaded and annexed from Ukraine in 2014 as part of Russia. Near to him in enthusiasm is Silvio Berlusconi, the 81-year-old warhorse who will not retire to the stables, leader of second-placed on the right Forza Italia with a strong and seemingly enduring friendship with Putin. The 5-Star Movement is milder, with diverse views, but its creator and guiding spirit, Beppe Grillo, has warmed towards both Putin and Russia in recent years. Italy is a founding member of the EU, a member of Nato, and of the G7. But its government, once formed, is likely to be the most philo-Russian democracy in the world. It could be the most powerful element in a group of other pro-Russian European politicians such as Viktor Orban, prime minister of Hungary, Alexis Tsipras, prime minister of Greece, Marine Le Pen of the French National Front (now seeking to rename itself the Rassemblement National, or National Rally) and the leadership of the German Alternative for Germany. These politicians are largely immune to charges that Russian meddling in elections is damaging to their countries polity and to democratic governments everywhere since most of them have benefitted from Russian support, both overt and (probably) covert. The strong democratic ideology, both political and moral, which guided the Western democracies view of the Soviet Union until the late 1980s, shattered in step with the collapse of the Soviet Union and Soviet communism. But Putins construction of an illiberal state in Russia, most actively in the six years of his last presidential term, is to their liking. These governments can draw support, too, from the fact that Russia is, in some moods, also to the liking of US president Donald Trump who, defying the strongest advice from his closest aides, warmly congratulated Putin on his re-election. Those who believe that Russia is an increasingly malign power must also confront whataboutism: the argument that, when it comes to meddling in elections, the West, led by the US, has been at the fore. Aside from the 1948 intervention in Italy, Washington has also acknowledged its substantial support for the right-wing Chilean opposition to the left wing presidency of Salvador Allende in the early 1970s. Why, this view asks, should the West posture as a victim, when it too has been a perpetrator of covert persuasion. There are two responses to that objection. First, Thomas Carothers of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace points out that the hyperactivity of the US in fixing electoral outcomes has greatly diminished. The United States does have a past record of electoral meddling, particularly during the Cold War, he writes. Yet although the domain of US democracy promotion is hardly free of flaws and serious past mistakes, it is not the dark twin of the illicit, covert election meddling that Russia seems intent on making one of its defining signatures abroad. Second, to re-word a common injunction, its the democracy, stupid. The danger of the populist-nationalist-far-right/far-left affection for Russia, and especially that emanating from the White House, is that it renders increasingly faint the distinction between a charismatic authoritarian leader and the messiness of democratic rule. Russia sees Western support for pro-democracy demonstrations and revolutions as evidence of impermissible interference. The West sees it as an expression of its values. If democracy is not to be fatally compromised, then the fundamental things democratic governance, a vigorous and combative civil society, free speech and press and the rule of law apply. Theyre the guarantors of freedom; if held to and believed in, they cannot be destroyed either by black bags of money, or by populists who honour the powers who destroy these values. Michael Murphy has raised serious questions around this countrys capacity to deal with any Russian retaliation if Taoiseach Leo Varadkar orders an expulsion of diplomats. The former deputy director of military intelligence said we are naive in relation to intelligence and espionageand could face attacks including the cutting of electricity or water in the event of actions deemed unfriendly towards Russia. Speaking at an EU summit in Brussels on Friday, Mr Varadkar confirmed that Ireland is considering actions against Russian diplomats after the nerve agent attack in Britain. Tensions between the EU and Russia have increased in the wake of the Salisbury incident and Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney is conducting a review of the presence and activities of Russian diplomats or agents in Ireland. However, Mr Murphy told RTEs This Week: If the troubles in Europe continue at the level they are at, and they are ratcheting up, we will discover how immature our system and our defence of this country is. We are at the lowest level possible. You can take it that a lot of foreign intelligence agencies are already in our system and its just a matter of the right time for that to be switched on or off. If there is an attack on our critical national infrastructure then our electricity will be turned off, our water will be turned off and that is the level that we are at. He also questioned Irelands ability to collect good information and good intelligence in order to make the right decision on expelling Russian officials. We do not have a civilian intelligence agency, he said. We have military intelligence and we have Garda intelligence. Im hearing a lot that our European partners will be helping us as well in making that assessment. One has to understand that there is no such thing as a friendly foreign intelligence service all intelligence services have a purpose and some foreign intelligence services have the purpose of the economic wellbeing of their own country. Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe said it is appropriate to consider options in support of Britain, especially considering the information that was shared with EU leaders last week. A Department of Justice spokesman said Government gives the highest priority to the States security adding that the gardai and dEfence Forces work together to safeguard national security, including protecting the State and its vital interests from espionage and unlawful acts of foreign interference. It is expected the intelligence review will be completed today and will be presented to the Taoiseach, Tanaiste and justice minister before being discussed by Cabinet tomorrow. Burma NLD Denies Reports of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's Imminent Retirement State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi delivers a speech to the nation about the Rohingya crisis in Rakhine State, in Naypyitaw on Sept. 19. / Reuters NAYPYITAW A spokesman for the ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) on Sunday denied reports that State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi would be retiring any time soon. There are reports that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi would retire. I didnt say that. I said she would be able to retire soon if party members worked hard. It is what she always says. But it doesnt mean she will retire soon, U Myo Nyunt told The Irrawaddy. He made the remarks following media reports that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, who also chairs the NLD, told members of her partys Central Executive Committee (CEC) on Saturday that she would like to stand down if possible. The meeting in Naypyitaw was just a social gathering and political issues were not discussed, U Myo Nyunt said. It was just a casual conversation. It has been a long time since she last met with CEC members. And as [vice president-elect] U Win Myint is about to take the top job, we had a social gathering with old and new executives, he said. The military-drafted 2008 Constitution bars government officials from being involved in party politics, so the social gathering was therefore legal, the spokesman added. She must remain the leader of the country, considering her influence and caliber. It is not because we dont sympathize with her [considering her age and workload]. But she should hold an important role in the country as long as she is alive, and I believe she will, said NLD lawmaker U Nay Myo Tun, who represents Yangon Regions Htantabin Township. She said she was old and would like to retire as a way of giving her party members friendly encouragement to work harder, he added. The 73-year-old was too exhausted to speak during a trip to Australia last week and spent most of her time there in bed, said NLD CEC member U Win Htein, who visited her in Australia. Far from chatting with her, she was sick in bed because of jet lag. She had to cancel her speech, and the meeting with the Australian chief minister, U Win Htein told The Irrawaddy. Translated from Burmese by Thet Ko Ko. The US Federal Communications Commission may refuse to offer subsidies to small and rural carriers who buy equipment from Chinese telecommunications companies, in a bid to prevent Huawei from gaining any further foothold in the country. Sources told The Wall Street Journal that while the proposal would not impose an outright ban on the use of Huawei equipment, but rather limit subsidies for carriers that use Huawei gear by not allowing them to get money from the Universal Service Fund, an US$8-billion-a-year government programme. The programme gets its money from charging individuals a few dollars each through their telephone bills. It is meant to subsidise companies providing broadband service in rural areas and also offer affordable wireless plans to low-income mobile users. Huawei has targeted small and rural providers of wireless and broadband. The WSJ said many of them had nothing but good words for the company as its equipment and services are often cheaper and better than competitors. These carriers also say the Chinese telco giant is much better at customer service, often worrying about getting something working right instead of the cost involved. Huawei has been contacted for comment. But the US has already begun trying to block Huawei, after a 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. Trump also 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. In the most recent US move against Huawei, multinational electronics corporation Best Buy said it would no longer stock the company's smartphones. This comes after AT&T in January dropped a deal to start selling Huawei smartphones on its plans and Verizon took the company's devices off its shelves. Analyst Stefan Pongratz of DellOro Group said Huawei gear comprised less than 1% of wireless equipment in US networks. Ericsson and Nokia each accounted for 48%, while Samsung Electronics had 3% of the US$30 billion-a-year American market for cellular equipment. Efforts by US law enforcement agencies to gain access to email stored overseas by American companies have been resolved through a piece of legislation tagged onto a massive spending bill which was signed into law by US President Donald Trump. The CLOUD (Clarifying Lawful Overseas Use of Data) Act changes US law so that law-enforcement warrants apply to data stored anywhere by US-based tech firms, The Wall Street Journal reported. It is common practice for US lawmakers to tag bills onto others in order to get them passed into law. On the downside, the Act also gives companies the right to challenge warrants in court based on privacy laws in the specific country where the data is stored. The law would result in issues like the current one being fought out between Microsoft and the US Department of Justice, over a customer's email stored in Ireland, not cropping up again. The US Supreme Court is now hearing the case, with the first hearing having been on 27 February and a verdict expected by the end of June. In July 2016, the US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit based in New York reversed a decision by a Southern District of New York court which had held Microsoft in contempt of court for refusing to hand over the customer emails. And in January 2017, the US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, in a 4-4 decision, refused to rehear an appeal of its own decision. A warrant was issued in 2013 for obtaining the emails, which reportedly were to do with an investigation into drug trafficking, and when Microsoft asked for it to be quashed, a judge refused to do in April 2014. The Cloud Act also permits bilateral deals between the US and other countries over dealing with future disagreements, including requests made by other countries for data stored in the US. The WSJ quoted Marc Rotenberg, president of the Electronic Privacy Information Centre, as criticising the passing of the Act, saying "The Cloud Act is a disappointing outcome after so many human-rights groups weighed in on the Microsoft case at the US Supreme Court." Greg Nojeim, of the Centre for Democracy and Technology, said the deal gave the DoJ too much power to allow foreign governments access to US data. DoJ could use this legislation to diminish privacy rights world-wide, or to persuade other governments to raise their surveillance standards in order to qualify for an agreement, he said. We fear the US Congress hasnt done enough to require DoJ to make the right decisions. Peter Lees: "I think a lot of our customers are interested in finding out, first of all what is all this new stuff that they're hearing about and then how does that all actually work." Containers. In one word, that will be the major focus of the Germany-based SUSE Linux for a while as the company looks to consolidate its position in the Asia-Pacific region, according to its chief technologist for the region. The Adelaide-based Peter Lees told iTWire that the direction the company was taking with its next release, SUSE Linux 15, was to try and become even more modular than at present. "With SUSE Linux Enterprise 12, we introduced the concept of modules so we could add functionality, so we could improve functionality even between service packs," he said. "Some customers wanted to have the latest development tools or something like that but they didn't want to have to upgrade the whole service pack or wait for it. so we are getting back to this modular approach. "With SLES 15, we are taking that to the next step so that the very core installer of SUSE Linux is basically very small, a thin layer, and then all of the functionality is added in modules. So you can add the bits which you want when you want them and you can also update them out of band without the stepped service pack releases." SUSE now offers a whole range of open-source tools, with the most recent additions being itsand its Lees said: "With the same base, we have what we call the SLE Micro OS which provides micro services. That's our container-as-a-service platform. All the commands, all the base functionality is on SUSE Linux, but it is deployed for laying out containers and container systems. "That changes the goalpost a little bit when you are doing Kubernetes because it's not a system where you can just change one part of the cluster at a time and then make another change and another change. Everything you do has to be done at once. "So we have introduced this concept of transactional updates which we can do with the Btrfs snapshotting filesystem. We can, in one go, change the entire cluster to be the same version of itself in one hit rather than having to do it in kind of a stepped fashion. Basically we are trying to make deployment and management of Kubernetes a lot simpler. and those are the two personalities of SUSE Linux 15 in the future." Asked how customers were reacting to this change, Lees responded, "They are very interested. We are finding that a lot of people are interested in the concept of containers and micro-services but they don't necessarily know what that means in detail. "Today (Thursday, when SUSE held an expert day for stakeholders in Melbourne) when I asked the audience who knows about micro services, only about 20% of the people raised their hands. I think a lot of our customers are interested in finding out, first of all what is all this new stuff that they're hearing about and then how does that all actually work. "I think we will be answering a lot of those kind of questions. The technology is there to help us but i can imagine that we'll see a lot of people asking 'how do i take my existing application stack and make it more container-based? how do i take advantage of this micro services architecture?'" Elaborating on the way the system was organised, Lees said: "If you've got some application like a Web application, you might have a Web frontend, you might have the app server, and you might have the database. These are all essentially monolithic applications. Inside each of these, there's a lot of separate functions. Inside the Web server, you might have a login function, credit card function, and so on. "The idea of micro services is that instead of having all these functions inside a monolithic application which would mean that you would have to update everything in the event that you want to update one you break it out to individual services that then communicate with each other by a well-defined interface. "So it means that if you've got your login and your credit card functions or whatever, the guys who are working on the login functionality can do as many iterations as they want without necessarily affecting the guys who are developing the credit card function. So this micro-services architecture along with agile methodology means that you can iterate through changes inside your system a lot quicker and add that incremental functionality." He added: "And because you've got these very well-defined interfaces for functions to talk to each other, you can change as much as you want as long as those interfaces remain the same. And then you can add additional interfaces and once you establish those, the other modules can start accessing them. It's kind of like object-oriented programming in a way, but in terms of deploying your services. If you've got these things broken up into small chunks, each doing maybe one or two functions, then the question of deployment comes up: do you deploy them on separate VMs or on separate machines which is not very efficient? That's where containers come in. "Each one goes in its own container. That lets you establish rules about how those containers can interact with each other. And then when you put them into a networked container system like Kubernetes, you can do various things. Like if you are getting too much demand for one particular service, just create more services and scale up that way. and that's what we are doing, that's why we see a lot of interest in that because obviously it makes this kind of development a lot easier." Basslink has denied claims by the Tasmanian Government that it had breached warranties about the design and construction of the Basslink Interconnector and reiterated that the failure was a force majeure event. The government last week demanded that the company pay $100 million in damages for the six-month outage from December 2015 onwards. Charges have been flung back and forth over the outage. In December 2017, Basslink chief executive Malcolm Eccles denied a claim by Hydro Tasmania that blamed the outage on Basslink exceeding its design limit. Basslink, which manages the data and power cable that links Tasmania to the Australian mainland, said it understood that the government's allegations stemmed from the DNV GL reports commissioned by lawyers for Hydro Tasmania, which were provided to Basslink in December last year. "As Basslink has previously noted, DNV GL did not conduct any testing of the Basslink Interconnector's cable and their reports were solely based on theoretical modelling," a statement said. Hydro Tasmania had commissioned a power cable failure expert and a thermal modelling expert from international engineering consultancy DNV GL, which is recognised as the global leader in this field, to carry out its investigation. But Basslink said: "The modelling used for the reports has not been shared with Basslink despite repeated requests to Hydro Tasmania. Without that information, it is difficult for Basslink to respond to these reports." "Basslink stands by the independent investigation that was undertaken by CCI, who concluded the actual root cause of the cable failure in December 2015 as 'cause unknown'," the company statement said. Reddit Email 100 Shares By Carl Schreck | ( RFE/RL) | While U.S. President Donald Trump has previously denounced regime change and nation-building, John Bolton, his choice for national-security adviser, has been a vocal proponent of American intervention abroad. In selecting former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations John Bolton as his new national-security adviser, U.S. President Donald Trump has tapped a man whose foreign policy record stands at odds with central elements of Trumps stated vision of Americas role in the world. While Trump has previously denounced regime change and nation-building, the 69-year-old Bolton is a vocal proponent of U.S. intervention abroad and has advocated overthrowing governments hostile to the United States. Bolton is also a fierce critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin and his government, with whom Trump has voiced a desire to mend bilateral ties that have been battered over the conflicts in Ukraine and Syria, as well as alleged Russian meddling in U.S. elections. Boltons hard-line views on Iran and North Korea align more closely with Trumps. But shortly after Bolton argued in February that it would be perfectly legitimate for Washington to carry out a preemptive strike against Pyongyang, the White House said Trump had accepted an invitation to meet with North Koreas leader to discuss its nuclear program. Bolton said in an interview with Fox News following Trumps March 22 announcement of his appointment that his earlier statements on a range of issues are now behind me. The important thing is what the president says and the advice I give him, he said. Heres a look at what Bolton has said on these and other major foreign policy issues. Russia And Vladimir Putin Bolton is a hawk when it comes to Russia and its president, citing the need for strong deterrence to counter what he calls Putins aggressive projection of power abroad reminiscent of the Soviet Unions. Vladimir Putins Russia is on the prowl in Eastern Europe and the Middle East in ways unprecedented since the Cold War, Bolton told The Washington Post shortly after Trumps November 2016 election. Unchecked by [outgoing U.S. President Barack] Obamas weak and feckless policies, Putin has had every reason to believe that persistence will achieve any objective Russia has the capacity to seek. John Bolton was the U.S. ambassador to the UN from August 2005 to December 2006. Bolton has also advocated strong-arming Putin in bilateral and national-security matters. Discussing fugitive National Security Agency (NSA) leaker Edward Snowden, whom Moscow has granted asylum, he said in a 2013 interview with Fox News that in order to focus Putins thinking, we need to do things that cause him pain as well. Its unclear whether Bolton will temper his positions or rhetoric about Russia as Trumps new national-security adviser. Public tensions between Trump and the man Bolton is replacing H.R. McMaster emerged in February after McMaster said evidence of Russian meddling in U.S. was really incontrovertible. General McMaster forgot to say that the results of the 2016 election were not impacted or changed by the Russians, Trump tweeted. In July 2017, Bolton called Putins denial of Russian interference in U.S. elections during a meeting with Trump insulting and said that attempting to undermine Americas constitution is far more than just a quotidian covert operation. It is in fact a casus belli, a true act of war, and one Washington will never tolerate, Bolton wrote. During his presidential campaign, Trump triggered concerns among alliance members by suggesting he might jettison a protection guarantee for other NATO members if they did not boost their defense spending. That suggestion particularly alarmed Eastern European members that were under Moscows domain during the Soviet era. The ayatollahs [in Iran] are the principal threat to international peace and security and the Middle East. Now, their ouster wont bring sweetness and light to the region, thats for sure, but it will eliminate the principal threat. John Bolton in 2016 Bolton sharply criticized Trumps comments, telling the conservative news site Breitbart News in July that the remarks were encouraging Russian aggression and calling them a dagger at the heart of the most successful political/military alliance in human history. He needs to retract it, and change his position. Bolton views NATO as a bulwark against what he calls a belligerent Russia, and he said in an interview in October 2016 that protecting Europe Eastern and Central Europe, the former states of the Soviet Union is extremely significant for the United States. He added that he fears a potential provocation by Moscow against the three NATO members in the Baltics Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia that would possibly involve Russian-speaking populations there. If such a Russian effort were successful, Bolton added, it would be a shattering blow to NATO. Iran Trump pledged during his campaign that if he were elected, the era of nation-building will be brought to a very swift and decisive end. Bolton, however, has been a prominent advocate of U.S. intervention abroad to oust hostile governments, including the 2003 invasion of Iraq that Trump has called a disaster. And he told Breitbart News in November 2016 that the only long-term solution to dealing with Iran is regime change. The ayatollahs are the principal threat to international peace and security and the Middle East, he said. Now, their ouster wont bring sweetness and light to the region, thats for sure, but it will eliminate the principal threat. Bolton is an outspoken opponent of the deal between world powers and Iran to curb the latters nuclear capabilities in exchange for lifting some sanctions. In the run-up to the signing of the 2015 deal, he advocated a bombing campaign targeting some of Tehrans nuclear facilities, saying that only military actioncan accomplish what is required to prevent Iran from developing atomic weapons. Trump made his opposition to the deal a central part of his presidential campaign and pledged to end it, though McMaster had advocated for delaying such a move. Trump has since threatened to withdraw from the accord unless European allies and the U.S. Congress agree by May 12 to fix what he called its disastrous flaws and impose tough new restrictions aimed at curbing Irans ballistic-missile development and its involvement in regional conflicts. Bolton has said that since the deal was signed in Vienna between the so-called P5+1 (China, France, Russia, the United States, and the United Kingdom, plus Germany) and Tehran, Irans belligerent behavior worldwide has only increased. Tehran clearly saw the Vienna accords as a mere rest stop on the way to extracting more concessions from the United States, he wrote in August. Syria Bolton has blamed the ongoing war in Syria in part on the U.S. commitment to the Iran deal under Trumps predecessor, Barack Obama. He has said that Obama did not want to anger Tehran with a strong intervention against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, whom Iran and Russia back in the conflict. Early on in the Syria war, Bolton wrote that Washington should approach the conflict on the basis of strategy, not emotion and avoid knee-jerk reactions instead of careful analysis. In a 2012 essay, he said that regime change in Syria is prima facie in Americas interest, but warned of the dangers of not knowing what a successor government might look like. He recommended backing Syrian rebel leaders who are truly secular and who oppose radical Islam and who would reject Russian and Iranian hegemony over their country. Bolton wrote in December 2015 that Syria and Assad are a strategic sideshow and that the real issue is the regime in Tehran. Assad, he wrote, is a secondary issue compared to scrapping the Iran nuclear deal and destroying Islamic State (IS) group militants. Assad simply is secondary to these larger objectives. A realistic 2017 American foreign policy should focus more on eliminating the actual threats we face, not merely on their symptoms, Bolton wrote. Islamic State, Iraq Bolton accused Obama of employing a whac-a-mole strategy to defeat IS militants and incorrectly viewing the effort against that extremist group as a law enforcement matter rather than a war on terrorists. In order to combat IS extremists, he advocates a robust policy based on U.S. leadership and full participation, including ground forces, to destroy ISIS another acronym for IS. Bolton has also called for carving territory out of Syria and Iraq to create a new Sunni state. The government of this state could either be democratic or led, to paraphrase Franklin Roosevelt, by one of our SOBs, he wrote, borrowing a comment on working with sons of bitches that is often attributed to the late U.S. president. Expanding on this proposal in November 2015, Bolton laid out an anti-IS vision that diverged from Trumps call for joining forces with the Kremlin in this effort. The Russian and Iranian goal of restoring Iraqi and Syrian governments to their former borders is a goal fundamentally contrary to American, Israeli, and friendly Arab state interests, he wrote. Notions, therefore, of an American-Russian coalition against the Islamic State are as undesirable as they are glib, he wrote in The New York Times. In a June 2017 op-ed for The Wall Street Journal, Bolton wrote that the United States ought to abandon or substantially reduce its military support for Iraqs current government. Despite retaining a tripartite veneer of Kurds, Sunni Arabs, and Shiite Arabs, the capital is dominated by Shiites loyal to Iran, he wrote. Carl Schreck is a senior correspondent for RFE/RL. SchreckC@rferl.org Via RFE/RL Copyright (c) 2018. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave NW, Ste 400, Washington DC 20036. ==== Bonus video added by Informed Comment: Why Trumps new white house appointments are raising concerns | Al Jazeera English Reddit Email 277 Shares By Julia Conley, staff writer | (Commondreams.org ) | Who here is going to vote in the 2018 election? If you listen real close, you can hear the people in power shaking. Taking the stage on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, high school student David Hogg offered hundreds of thousands of audience members a visual representation of his reasons for helping to organize the March for Our Lives, a worldwide gun control advocacy demonstration. Im going to start off by putting this price tag right here as a reminder for you guys to know how much Marco Rubio took for every students life in Florida, Hogg said, placing a price tag reading $1.05 on the podium. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) has received $3,303,355 from the National Rifle Association (NRA). Because the #NeverAgain movement has found that there are 3,140,167 children enrolled in Floridas schools, Hogg reasoned, each childs life is worth approximately one dollar to the senator. Im going to start off by putting this price tag right here as a reminder for you guys to know how much Marco Rubio took for every students life in Florida, Parkland survivor David Hogg says at #MarchForOurLives. pic.twitter.com/i54QSygI4C BuzzFeed News (@BuzzFeedNews) March 24, 2018 When politicians say that your voice doesnt matter because the NRA owns them, we say: No more. When politicians send their thoughts and prayers with no action, we say: No more. And to those politicians supported by the NRA, that allow the continued slaughter of our children and our future, I say: Get your resumes ready, said Hogg. The student was one of several speakers at the march from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., where 14 of Hoggs classmates and three staff members were killed in a mass shooting on February 14. After reading the names of the victims, Emma Gonzalez, who has been a prominent voice in the school communitys calls for common-sense gun control reforms in recent weeks, stood silently for six minutes and 20 seconds to signify the amount of time it took for a gunman with an AR-15 to kill the 17 people. Emma Gonzalez led a powerful, minutes-long silence at #MarchForOurLives after speaking the names of her 17 classmates who died during the Parkland shooting. pic.twitter.com/wiz8qCV3CJ BuzzFeed News (@BuzzFeedNews) March 24, 2018 Theres near-complete silence on Pennsylvania Ave. as Douglas student activist Emma Gonzalez lists the things her slain friends will never again get to do, then stops speaking. Daniel Dale (@ddale8) March 24, 2018 Gonzalez maintained her emotional silence until the length of the massacre had elapsed. Lots of crying people. Daniel Dale (@ddale8) March 24, 2018 Attendees hold up peace signs as Emma Gonzalez holds a 6 minute and 20 second moment of silence. @CFFocus_ #KnightsMarchForOurLives pic.twitter.com/74Kv75zvDj Caroline Jackson (@Caroline_R_J) March 24, 2018 Prior to the students speeches, hundreds of thousands of Americans marched through the city, many carrying signs reading Never Again and chanting Enough is enough! The crowd is massive here at #MarchForOurLives. Lots of colorful signs calling for gun-control and calling out lawmakers and the NRA. Theres even a poop emoji ballon with @Emma4Changes quote We call b.s. pic.twitter.com/Zq9cVDoEAw Christal Hayes (@Journo_Christal) March 24, 2018 This crowd is overwhelming and so, so awesome to see. The #MarchForOurLives in DC extends for blocks and blocks and blocks. pic.twitter.com/V6Jk65B7cD Nick Dean (@bynickdean) March 24, 2018 By 1:00pm in Washington, more than 207,000 people had ridden the citys Metromore than three times the average number of Saturday riders. Sibling marches both large and small took place in cities across the country. #MarchForOurLives NYC protesters as far as the eye can see. pic.twitter.com/ndEaeCnAzq RosieCT (@RosieCT50) March 24, 2018 From todays march in Vermont: Try to get your hands on some nice French raw cheese, she says, suggesting it would be easier to buy a gun. pic.twitter.com/I53DlF3Gj6 Jess Bidgood (@jessbidgood) March 24, 2018 Chants of the N.R.A. has got to go as the march continues in Chicago. pic.twitter.com/gjq5pTb1P6 Mitch Smith (@MitchKSmith) March 24, 2018 On every continent except Antarctica, supportersmany from countries that have had strict regulations on gun ownership for decadesstaged protests in solidarity with American students. Berlin: participants from around the world showing solidarity w the marchers in the US #marchforourlives pic.twitter.com/h2gqKaYAlB Maya Shwayder (@MayaErgas) March 24, 2018 A huge turn-out at the #MarchForOurLives outside the US Embassy in Nine Elms in London calling for sweeping changing on gun control @LBC pic.twitter.com/Y24vP5g28A Lucy Hough (@lucyhough33) March 24, 2018 In Washington, D.C., Hogg alluded to the fact, often-repeated by the #NeverAgain movement, that many of the students who survived the Parkland shooting will be voting for the first time in the 2018 or 2020 elections. Who here is going to vote in the 2018 election? he asked the crowd. If you listen real close, you can hear the people in power shaking. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 License Via Commondreams.org Bonus video added by Informed Comment: CNN: Massive crowds rally coast to coast to demand gun control Reddit Email 337 Shares By Salam Aleik | ( GlobalVoices.org) | How might someone in Tajikistan, the only Persian-speaking republic in the former Soviet Union, describe a beautiful and lively night spent in the company of family and friends? Perhaps he or she would use the word dilafruz, which literally means firing the heart. Azerbaijani folk art based on the Layla and Majnun novel by Nizami Ganjavi. CC BY 3.0. If that person spent the night alone in a depressed state, however, the word chosen might be diltang, which would indicate a narrowing of the heart. In a country where poetry runs in the blood, falling in love can be described in a dozen different ways. One can be dil bastan (heart-tied), or have a dil gum zadan a racing heart. Correspondingly, the person that triggers this state might be called a dilrabo (heart stealer), while freezing someones heart is dil khunuk shudan, a somewhat dramatic take on getting dumped. Languages full of heart and verse! The Tajik language is closely related to the Indo-Iranian languages spoken in Iran (Farsi) and Afghanistan (Dari). In Farsi, the literary word for heart is closer to del in pronunciation. Daris dil is like the Tajik. World map adapted by Mani1 to show areas where Persian is spoken. Creative Commons. Moreover, across the Eurasian sub-region indicated above, dil (written in the Cyrillic alphabet Tajikstan still uses) is the heartbeat of a rich poetic tradition stretching back at least as far as the first milennium AD. One of the most famous proponents of this tradition was Jalaluddin Rumi, the roaming 13th century wordsmith and philosopher beloved by all Persian-speaking peoples. Translation Original Quote Whatever secret and lies you have in your heart, We see them all like a day with our eyes, The heart has no country Rumis romanticism is eclipsed however by Nizami Ganjavi, a bard writing in the century before him. Ganjavi hailed from Ganja (his name literally means Nizam of Ganja) which is part of modern-day Azerbaijan. Here are some couplets from his epic Khosrow and Shirin, in which the Sasanian ruler (Khosrow) engages in a poetry battle with his love rival Farhad over the heart of an Armenian princess, Shirin. Asked: Did you fall in love from the heart? Answered: You talk about the heart, I talk about the soul. Asked: When will you clean your heart from her love? Answered: When I will be under the ground. Said: Kick Shirins love out of your heart! Asked: But how would I live without my dear soul? Rudaki monument in Tajikistan. Creative Commons Flickr image by Julian Galbert. Going back even further (858-941 AD), there is Rudaki of Panjikent (modern-day Tajikistan), considered by some as the Godfather of Persian poetry. Your love took patience and heart from me, Your beautiful face drove my mind and heart to distraction. The sadness I have in my heart, is like a mountain, The heart you have under your chest is like a stone. In the 21st century, the internet and social networks have led to a vast increase in the number of published poets that once part of Persias empire. Firdaws Azam, a 21st century Tajik poet, often uses Facebook as a space to post stanzas such as these: One day I will lose myself among memories, Look for heart in the memories, dear. I cut my heart out of spring against my will, Because, (they) glued me to a cold autumn. Happy World Poetry Day! In 1999 that the United Nations decided World Poetry Day should be marked on March 21, a date that also marks the celebration of the Spring Equinox across much of Eurasia. It is unlikely that this decision was a coincidence. A key to the UNs thinking on the day comes in former UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokovas comment that poetry embodies the creative energy of culture, for it can be continuously renewed. For members of the Persian-speaking world, Nowruz is one of the most important dates of the year. Thus, the fact that the poetic tradition to which it has contributed so greatly is also recognised on the same day, feels deeply symbolic. As one saying goes, a heart finds its way to a heart. Written by Salam Aleik Via GlobalVoices.org A Saudi-led Arab coalition launched a military operation in Yemen three years ago coming to the aid of a government struggling against rebels who had seized the capital Sanaa. The intervention helped the government claw back some territory but the war has only become more complicated, with Amnesty International saying both sides are potentially responsible for war crimes. The conflict has killed nearly 10,000 people in impoverished Yemen, triggering what the United Nations has called the worlds worst current humanitarian crisis. Operation launched In March 2015, a coalition of nine Arab countries led by Riyadh begins an operation in support of President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi with air strikes on Shiite Huthi rebels, who control Sanaa and large swathes of northern, central and western Yemen. In July, the embattled government announces it has retaken the southern province of Aden in its first success since the coalition stepped in. The coalition supplements its air power with hundreds of ground troops and by mid-August 2015 loyalist forces have retaken five southern provinces. In October, government forces retake control of the Bab al-Mandab Strait, one of the worlds busiest shipping routes. War crimes Over the following months, the coalition is regularly criticised over its air strikes, including hits on markets and hospitals that cause heavy civilian casualties. In September 2015, it is accused of hitting a wedding hall in the southwestern coastal town of Mokha in an air strike, killing 131 people. It denies responsibility. And in October 2016, a coalition air strike at a funeral ceremony in Sanaa kills 140 people and wounds more than 500. Earlier this month, Amnesty says it has documented 36 coalition attacks in which 513 civilians were killed, many of which may amount to war crimes. It also slams the rebels for potential war crimes, including indiscriminate artillery shelling, enforced disappearances and death sentences against dissidents. Rebels kill ex-president Splits emerge in the rebel camp in 2017, resulting in the assassination of Hadis predecessor Ali Abdullah Saleh, who had stepped down in 2011 after ruling Yemen with an iron fist for nearly three decades. The Huthis in August call their former ally in Yemens revolt, Saleh, a traitor when he dismisses the group as a militia in a speech and reaches out to Saudi Arabia. Violence erupts between the former allies in November in Sanaa, killing and wounding dozens, and Saleh is killed by Huthi fighters in December. Missiles on Riyadh In November 2017, Huthi rebels fire a missile in the direction of the international airport in Riyadh. Intercepted and destroyed, it is the first to reach the Saudi capital and enrages Saudi Arabia which accuses its arch-foe Iran of blatant military aggression through its support for the rebels. Iran denies supplying then with weapons. The coalition tightens its control of Yemens borders, only partly easing the blockade after warnings of the impact on desperately needed food and humanitarian aid deliveries. Two other missiles are intercepted over Riyadh fired by the Huthis, who say the target was the official residence of Saudi King Salman. Splits in government camp On January 28, 2018, fierce clashes erupt in the port city of Aden, the de facto capital after the capture of Sanaa, between military units loyal to Hadi and southern separatists. The separatists, who are backed by the UAE, a key member of the coalition, seize most of the city. Yemen rebel chief Abdelmalik al-Huthi said Sunday his fighters are ready to make more sacrifices against a Saudi-led coalition, in an address marking the third anniversary of the alliances intervention. We are ready for more sacrifices because our people are more capable to resist against aggression, said the leader of the Iran-allied rebels who have controlled Sanaa since 2014. It is a question that concerns our freedom, our dignity and our independence that cannot be bartered, he added in a speech broadcast on the rebels Al-Masirah television. The Huthis expelled pro-government forces from the capital in September 2014 and went on to seize swathes of the impoverished Arabian Peninsula country. This prompted the Saudi-led coalition to intervene militarily in Yemen on March 26, 2015 to help the government push back the Shiite Huthi rebels. Since then, around 10,000 people have been killed and 53,000 wounded in Yemen, which is also battling cholera and diphtheria outbreaks. The United Nations says living conditions in the war-scarred country have reached catastrophic levels and that 8.4 million people face imminent famine. The Huthis plan a huge rally in Sanaa on Monday to mark the wars third anniversary. Three years of aggression have proved without any doubt that Yemen is facing aggression, invasion and an occupation, Huthi said. He accused main coalition members Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates of war crimes and said they were the tools of an aggression inspired by the United States. Numerous rounds of UN-sponsored peace talks have failed to stem the bloodshed in Yemen. And earlier this year clashes erupted between loyalist forces and southern separatists in the port city of Aden, where the government is based, leaving 38 dead and more than 200 wounded. Murphys Motors in conjunction with Embrace Farm will host a fun and interactive kids farm safety event on March 29 from 2pm at their premises on the New Ross Road Glenmore supported by Hooper Dolan Insurances and Zurich Insurance. This follows on from a recent fundraiser in aid of Embrace held at Murphys by Dick Murphy which raised 1200. Embrace Farm work in supporting Irish farming families affected by tragedy on Irish farms. On March 29 children are invited to attend a fun afternoon where they will have an opportunity to meet Alma from Agrikids who will engage the children in workshops, storytelling and computer games all focused around farm safety. Speaking about the event, Bernadette Murphy of Murphys Motors said; we are very excited to host such an event here at our premises and believe that highlighting farm safety and risks associated with farms can only be of benefit. It is a very serious issue however we will make the afternoon as fun as possible with loads of giveaways and the Easter Bunny might even pay a visit. Bernie also expressed her gratitude to Hooper Dolan Insurances and Zurich Insurance in supporting such an event. This promises to be a very worthwhile afternoon for farming families in the region. Murphys Motors is a family run business established in 1960, at a time when mechanised farming began to take hold in Ireland. The current Directors, brother and sister team, Richard and Bernadette Murphy, are the third generation of the Murphy family to be involved in the running of one of southeast Irelands leading suppliers of agricultural machinery. Murphys Motors holds 21 franchises from some of the largest manufacturers in the world, such as New Holland, Farmhand, Krone,Kane Trailers, Rossmore Engineering, Pro-Dig Attachments, Shelbourne Reynolds, Tanco and Alo-Maskiner. An anti-litter roadside campaign was launched by Kilkeny County Council Cathaoirleach, David Fitzgerald and Mayor of Kilkenny, Michael Doyle in Inistoge with Tidy Town representatives from Thomastown and Inistioge last Wednesday. This new campaign is to eliminate roadside litter at source. It is a regional based programme involving three County Councils; Kilkenny, Wexford and Waterford City and County Council. The anti litter campaign slogan is bin it, dont fling it and encourages road users to have more pride for the road which leads them home. Cllr Fitzgerald said; I am delighted to assist in officially launching the roadside litter campaign and support the objective to improve our local environment by responsible litter management. It is no secret that some of our roads are destroyed, with road verges decorated with single use items such as takeaway wrappers, plastic bottles and coffee cups. The tidy town representatives, Frank Sullivan from Inistioge and Colin Castle of the Thomastown praised the collaboration between the three Councils. Cllr Doyle commented that while both local communities look after their built up areas, the connecting road between Inistioge and Thomastown is heavily littered and is far too dangerous to litter pick with its heavy traffic volumes, dangerous bends and the absence of a hard shoulder, like many other roads around the county, roadside litter is accumulating and any campaign to eliminate litter is welcomed. Kilkenny County Council conducted a litter audit and from its findings on one kilometre of roadside it can be expected to find 127 plastic bottles, 100 drink cans and 43 disposable cups, all items which were likely discarded from passing vehicles. Ideally it would be better to litter pick every stretch of roadside, but this task requires financial resources which are not currently available so in order to eliminate the problem at source, the Environmental Awareness Officers of the three Councils have combined efforts to highlight the issue and to encourage road users to change their behaviour and to bin litter rather than flinging it out the window commented Bernadette Moloney, Environmental Awareness Officer of Kilkenny County Council who was present at the campaign launch. The roadside litter campaign will see 12,000 anti litter themed tax disk holders distributed, the campaign will be highlighted in local and social media and is supported by tidy town groups across Wexford, Waterford and Kilkenny. Luke Kinsella writes: The rapid ascendancy of Dr Jordan Peterson from psychology professor to intellectual rock star begs the question: Whats his secret? Petersons Wikipedia page is here. They note his videos have had tens of millions of views. He is a greatly effective critic of authoritarian political correctness. His secret? After watching several hours of his lectures, I think Ive figured it out. It can be summarised in a single word: responsibility. Dr Petersons message is a hard one to hear: Life is suffering. Hardship is inevitable and life will always find some way to make you resentful. But dont complain about it, because thatll make it worse. Instead, find some reason to make life worth it, despite that suffering. Something terrible happens to you. Should you be angry? Bitter? Resentful? Well, you could be. And youd probably have every right to be. But is that the answer? Maybe the answer is to find enough meaning in your life to bear your suffering, to carry it with you. Find a reason to keep going. Responsibility, he claims, is that reason. Being responsible for something or someone is what gives life meaning. So if youre going to have some responsibility, and if people are going to rely on you, you should strive to be the best person you can be. Start by improving yourself. Fix whats wrong with you because youre not perfect. So dont blame society for everything. My generation rarely hears this. Its not that we think were perfect though narcissism is on the rise. Were just rarely told to improve in such harsh terms. Instead, were told were special and that we should feel good about ourselves, no matter what. We get prizes for coming in last. Were the self-esteem generation, so its always somebody elses fault. Dr Petersons saying the exact opposite: Youre not perfect, so stop blaming other people for your problems and take responsibility for yourself. Get your act together youve got things to do. Aspire to a greater version of you. Why should you feel good about who you are? You should feel good about who you could be, he said. And we actually like that message. It allows us to take responsibility for ourselves and it gives us a goal to strive toward. It gives us direction. Dr Peterson isnt in the self-help business, hes in the self-improvement business. Rule number one in his book is: Stand up straight with your shoulders back. Rule six: Set your house in perfect order before you criticise the world. He writes: Start with yourself. What good are you? Get yourself together so that when your father dies youre not whining away in a corner and you can help plan the funeral. And you can stand up solidly so people can rely on you. Thats better. Dont be a damn victim. The antidote of the legions of professional victims. Hes preaching strength and resilience during a time when victimhood is the primary means of gaining status and respect. Sociologists call this victimhood culture, and many argue that were currently living in one. In victimhood cultures, respect is given to those who publicise their oppression, victimisation and, ultimately, their lack of responsibility over their lives. Victimhood is, after all, antithetical to responsibility. A victim is someone who isnt responsible for their state of affairs. Dr Petersons response: Life is an existential catastrophe and a tragedy. Were all victims in life. Youre not owed anything because youre a victim. Thats not the answer. The only way to overcome victimhood is to attend to your responsibilities and return to the genuine meaning in your life. Dont reward someone for being a victim, reward them for adopting responsibility amid victimhood. Reward them for not acting like a victim despite being one. Admiration always beats pity. Be great to have him come speak in New Zealand. Of course no university campus would dare allow him to speak, but I am sure there are other institutions that still like free speech. You might be asking: Why young men though? Why arent young women flocking to him to the same degree as young men? Well, he attracts a lot of young men on the peripheries of society. Young men who arent particularly successful and spend a lot of time on the internet, but have been told theyre the beneficiaries of an oppressive patriarchal system which bestows upon them male privilege their ticket to success that somehow isnt working. Were so stupid. Were alienating young men. Were telling them theyre patriarchal oppressors, denizens of rape culture and tyrants-in-waiting. Its awful It makes me sad, deeply, he said in an interview with the BBC. Dr Peterson treats young men like individuals. Rather than be one of our Ministers who tells men they need to start resigning their roles. Share this: Facebook Twitter LinkedIn More Reddit Pinterest Print Tumblr Sky reports: A large number of EU countries are set to impose tougher sanctions on Russia after the Salisbury poisoning. Member states are said to be considering a range of measures including expelling diplomats to take effect on Monday. France, Germany, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Denmark and the Czech Republic have all warned of further action. It is understood nations including France, Estonia, Poland and Lithuania are preparing to expel Russian diplomats or spies posing as diplomats from their countries. Coordinated measures will be announced very shortly, French President Emmanuel Macron announced. It came after the EU withdrew its ambassador to Russia, a move described by European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker as extraordinary. It would be appropriate for New Zealand to also withdraw its Ambassador temporarily. This is how countries signal that another country has acted in a hostile manner. It would support the UK, and signal to Putin the resolve of the West that he cant use chemical weapons in other countries to kill people. But will New Zealand join the EU in taking action? I doubt it. Our foreign minister will fight against it. It is known that Peters met the Russian Ambassador to NZ more often before the election (just as a party leader) than the actual Minister of Foreign Affairs. I wonder if Peters still insists there is no evidence of Russian interference in the US elections, with this story identifying the DNC hacker as a Moscow based GRU officer. His name is even known (just not published). US may get tougher with North Korea President Donald Trump's reshuffle of his security and diplomatic team is likely to enable him to take a more hard-line stance on North Korea. By tapping the hawkish John Bolton as his national security adviser, Trump seems to clarify his intention of not repeating mistakes as far as the North's denuclearization is concerned. Bolton's appointment came last week after Trump picked another hard-liner, CIA Director Mike Pompeo, to replace Rex Tillerson as secretary of state. If the two nominees are named after going through confirmation hearings, the lineup of Trump's top security and diplomatic posts will be filled with hawks. U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Nikki Haley is also a hard-liner. The new lineup is drawing special attention because it was disclosed just before an inter-Korean summit scheduled for April and a U.S.-North Korea summit expected in May. It will no doubt affect the summits one way or another. The problem is Trump's hawkish tilt may have more negative implications than positive ones on the detente between the two Koreas and denuclearization talks between Pyongyang and Washington. Some U.S. media described the reshuffle as a return to the hawkish era or a comeback of the neoconservatives of the George W. Bush administration. Conservative firebrand Bolton's return in particular is raising concern the Trump administration might get tougher with North Korea and Iran. If Trump fails to get whatever he wants from the summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, he could immediately shift from dialogue to military options, including a pre-emptive strike. We should notice that Bolton, who was U.S. ambassador to the U.N. in 2005 and 2006 under the Bush administration, has advocated military action against North Korea and Iran. Of course, Trump is to make final decisions regarding security and foreign policy, considering his unilateral governing style. However, it is certain Trump ditched moderates and pragmatists such as national security adviser H.R. McMaster and Secretary of State Tillerson to favor hawks and loyalists. Therefore, Bolton and Pompeo are expected to help Trump introduce more unilateral and hard-line policies to push his "America-first" slogan. On the other hand, Trump can make a quicker and stronger response to the North Korean nuclear issue with the help of the new lineup. Now, he seems to maintain a two-track strategy at least until the planned summit: leaving the doors open to dialogue with Pyongyang and keeping up maximum pressure to ensure the North's immediate and complete denuclearization. The Moon Jae-in administration needs to prepare for a worst-case scenario in case the Trump-Kim summit ends up in an anticlimax and the U.S. turns to military options. To prevent such a catastrophe, President Moon must do his utmost to take successful results from the inter-Korean summit. He must ensure the North's commitment to abandoning its nuclear program. On the part of North Korea, Kim Jong-un should not try to buy time to complete his nuclear program. Instead, he should take sincere and faithful steps toward denuclearization. South Korea could suffer from US-China showdown Fears of a trade war between the U.S. and China sent global stock markets into a tailspin Friday. The Seoul stock exchange was no exception, with the benchmark KOSPI plunging 79.26 points, or 3.18 percent. There is no doubt the looming trade war serves no good use to the U.S. or China. There will be no winners; all have to be losers inevitably. So a trade war will be detrimental to the global economy. That is why countries should not start such a trade war, which would have dire consequences. The latest conflict between the G2 economies took place Thursday when U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to impose tariffs on up to $60 billion of Chinese imports. This protectionist measure is aimed at punishing China for allegedly stealing U.S. technology. On Friday, Beijing unveiled its plans to slap additional duties on up to $3 billion of U.S. imports in retaliation against an earlier U.S. decision to levy a 25 percent tariff on steel imports and a 10 percent tariff on aluminum imports. The targeted U.S. products include fresh fruits, nuts, wine, pork and aluminum scrap. China is also considering including soybeans, cars, aircraft and chips. One of Trump's protectionist moves is to restrict Chinese investments in the U.S. that could harm national security. This restriction will only contribute to reducing American jobs. Trump should realize trade protectionism will lead to higher costs for U.S. consumers and a loss of jobs. But he may need protectionism to win voters' support in the run-up to the November mid-term elections. Trump has vowed to address the huge trade deficits with China and other trading partners, including South Korea. But he needs to solve the problem through dialogue without resorting to a trade war. If China threatens to sell its holdings of U.S. Treasury bills, which are estimated at $1.17 trillion, it could collapse global financial markets and cause an unprecedented depression. South Korea could also suffer from the fallout of a trade war. We ship 25 percent of our exports to China and 12 percent to the U.S. The export-oriented Korean economy will find it hard to avoid unpredictable consequences if a trade war becomes reality. The country should find measures to protect its interests and minimize the effects of a tit-for-tat trade showdown. The parliamentary panel is formed to recommend wage hike for the Secretariat employees of both Houses. (Image: PTI/File) New Delhi, Mar 25: Dashing the hope of all government employees, the Ministry of Finance earlier in the month clarified that no further revision of 7th Pay Commission is being mulled over. Days later Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan constituted a parliamentary committee to recommend a hike in salary but not for all employees. The parliamentary committee has been formed to recommend changes in the pay structure, salaries and allowances of only the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha Secretariat employees. "The committee will advise the chairman, Rajya Sabha, and the speaker, Lok Sabha, on the changes that are considered desirable in the structure of scales of pay, allowances, leave, pensionary benefits and other amenities to the officers and all categories of employees of the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha secretariats," Mahajan said. Earlier during the ongoing Budget Session, Union MoS Finance, Pon Radhakrishnan, while answering a query in the Rajya Sabha, said no further wage hike is being contemplated for the central government employees. "The minimum pay of Rs 18,000 per month and the fitment factor of 2.57 are based upon the specific recommendations of the 7th Central Pay Commission in light of the relevant factors taken into account by it. Therefore, no change therein is at present under consideration," Radhakrishnan said. The National Joint Council of Action - a consolidated body of central government employee unions - has been seeking a revision in the minimum wage from Rs 18,000 to Rs 26,000, through an upgradation of the fitment factor from 2.57 to 3.68. NJCA convenor Shiv Gopal Mishra, while speaking to LatestLY, said the online reports which were claiming hike for the employees from April 1 were "rumours". "But, we have not withdrawn our demand. We will continue to raise the matter in an organised manner," he said. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 25, 2018 06:34 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). The NAL has awarded the contract for Saras' military planes to the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), while a private manufacturer would be roped in to develop the civilian aircrafts. (Image: PIB) Bengaluru, Mar 25: Saras Mk2, India's first indigenous passenger aircraft, will be inducted into service after 2022. The National Aeronautics Laboratories (NAL) has undertaken the development programme with a renewed vigour under the Narendra Modi government. The development of Saras, though initiated in 2005, struck a roadblock in 2009 after two pilots were killed in an accident during its trial run. NAL Director Jitendra Jadhav claims the issues which came to the fore after the accident have been resolved. The design deficiencies have been addressed, he said, further adding that the aircraft is now safe on both quality and controllability parameters. Union Science Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan said the project, "which was dumped by the erstwhile government", was resumed in 2016. The 7,000-kg plane has conducted two-safe test-runs in the past 18 months, he added. Saras could accelerate above 700 km/ph with full payload, the Minister said, further claiming that each aircraft would cost around Rs 40-45 crore, as against Rs 60-70 crore incurred on importing its foreign counterparts. The reduction in cost of production would impact the fares, as the commutation costs are bound to drop. According to an NDTV report, the production of the aircraft will begin in 2022. The pre-production cost is expected to surge up to Rs 1,000 crore. Saras' use will not be confined for civil purposes. The military version of the plane will also be produced. The NAL has awarded the contract for Saras' military planes to the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), while a private manufacturer would be roped in to develop the civilian aircrafts. A total of 120-160 Saras planes will be inducted into the civil and military sectors each. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 25, 2018 04:48 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). A week after Rajkots gang rape victim, an 11-year-old girl gave birth to a baby, she is finally discharged from the civil hospital. But the condition of her infant is still said to be critical. Earlier it was reported that the baby many not survive for too long due certain medical complications caused by a congenital defect. The infant was said to be suffering from Spina bifida, a condition where the spine and the spinal cord didnt form correctly, which results in an incomplete closing of the backbone and the membranes around the spinal cord. Dr Rakesh Joshi, HOD of Department of Paediatric Surgery at Civil Hospital in Asarwa spoke to the Indian Express, saying that a surgery may not be a right option for the child and it can lead to further complications. Scan results show that the infant is suffering from extensive damage due to the condition, and that along with her spine, her brain is also affected due to the condition. The doctors have reiterated the fact that the child may not live for too long. The skin covering the spine is thin and inoperable. There is a good chance that it may tear, leaving the child exposed to various pathogens and infections. While the temporary care may help the child in the short run, dressing up her spine may not save her in the long run. The 11-year-old gang rape survivor was violated by six men, which also includes two minors, from her locality. The accused used to call the girl under the pretext of household work and would sexually assault her. The childs pregnancy was discovered when the mother noticed an unusual bump on her stomach. But by then, she was already eight months into the pregnancy and it was too late to terminate it. Last week, she delivered the infant through a c-section. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 24, 2018 01:14 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). Bentley designing coupe using Porsche's EV tech? Mar 25, 2018, 12:40pm ET The model will be a four- or five-seater, but it won\'t be an SUV. Porsche will let sister company Bentley borrow its electric vehicle technology for a flagship model, according to a recent report. The yet-unnamed car will ride on the same J1 platform as the Mission E sedan, which Porsche will introduce before the end of the year. Top-spec variants will come with two electric motors, a lithium-ion battery pack, and up to 600 horsepower. The model will perform the benchmark zero-to-60-mph sprint in about 3.5 seconds in its fastest configuration. It could offer wireless charging, too. "A full electric Bentley is something I am extremely convinced we have to do. The next step for sure is an electric, unique Bentley that isn't based on an existing car but a completely fresh and new development, with electric propulsion and obviously different proportions following the function," Stefan Sielaff, the company's design director, told British magazine Auto Express. Sielaff explained adding an electric car to the firm's portfolio gives his team the chance to explore an all-new design language. While he stopped short of revealing more details, his comments suggest the company's first EV won't borrow many styling cues from the EXP 12 Speed 6e concept (pictured) introduced last year in Geneva. Instead, the model will take the form of a four- or a five-seater that will offer enough trunk space to carry "a little bit of luggage." That means it could morph into an SUV, or it could arrive as a sportier coupe or sedan. Sielaff added he doesn't like the idea of an SUV, and we know the Mission E's platform can't handle that body style, so odds are the Bentayga won't get an electric sibling anytime soon. Bentley hasn't commented on the report so we're taking it with a grain of salt. What's certain is the Bentayga Hybrid introduced recently at the Geneva auto show won't be the brand's last gasoline-electric model. Bentley remains committed to offering all of its models with an electrified option by 2025. Photography by Ronan Glon. The wait is finally over! Electric Picnic has shared the first round of acts that will be joining the line up in Stradbally for festival fun in September. Kicking off proceedings and guaranteed to turn Stradbally Hall into m.A.A.d city is the Compton-rapper and proud owner of five GRAMMY Awards, Kendrick Lamar. Hell deliver an unstoppable set, packed with hits from his widely acclaimed 2017 album, DAMN. Returning to the festival for a third time, Massive Attack will treat Picnickers to their atmospheric back catalogue of hits such as, Unfinished Symphony, Teardrop, Safe From Harm, Protection and more. Wait, wait a minute. N.E.R.D will have you bouncin around, bouncin around, bouncin. After keeping us waiting a full seven years before delivering No_One Ever Really Dies last year, the three-piece are back and theyre going to sound better than ever at this years Electric Picnic. Shes ready to Blow Your Mind, the record breaking Dua Lipa joins this years line up. Just remember, dont pick up the phone. Bringing his dreamy folk songs and lyrical charms is the Cornish maestro, Ben Howard. Hes back after a five year break to deliver a stunning set at this years festival. Hell be joined by art rocker St. Vincent, who released one of the most talked about albums of 2017, Masseduction. The king of the side-projects, King Krule brings his brooding, jazzy and soulful sounds that will leave a lasting mark on Picnickers. George Ezra, The Kooks, Wolf Alice and Churches are some of the other exciting names that were announced on Thursday. Do you need extra support to get a qualification and get and keep a job? If you need support to continue with further training one of National Learning Networks (NLN) 50 training centres around the country could be the answer. NLN, the training and education division of Rehab Group, has over 50 years of experience in assisting people to learn the skills they need to build lasting careers in jobs that reflect their interests and abilities. NLN are experts at supporting students to reach their educational potential. Whatever your circumstances whether you are long-term unemployed, have an illness, have a mental health issue such as anxiety or if you have a disability National Learning Network can help you. As Ireland's largest non-governmental education and training organisation, NLN offers over 70 different training programmes from art and cookery to computer and business skills in centres across the country. So, whatever your interests, we have the training programme for you. We offer tailored, student centres, supported education services. In the centre in Portlaoise NLN offers courses in Access, Choices, Employer Based Training, Office Administration with IT Skills, Jobstart and Transition. At NLN 90pc of people who complete our programmes progress to employment or further education and training. We support students on every step of their journey, said Rehabs Head of Learning, Cormac Woods. Our courses are designed around the needs of each individual student, enabling them to achieve their vocational goals at their own pace. A comprehensive range of additional supports such as career planning, personal and social skills, literacy and numeracy classes are also available. Assistive technology is also provided to those who need it, he added. At National Learning Network we are different. Our unique system of training delivery enables students to reach their potential in a manner that takes account of personal, social and environmental requirements. It also provides mental health services within its extensive range of QQI accredited courses across a range of levels. All of our managers, instructors, rehabilitation officers, resource teachers, social skills facilitators, psychologists and advocacy officers have had extensive training in this field. In addition to a wide range of centre-based courses, students can also avail of employer-based training with host companies, or distance learning courses that have enabled people to boost their job prospects by studying at home. If you'd like to know more then go to ww.nln.ie or call 057 862 1263. Jordan Auctioneers, Newbridge are bringing to the market two strategic land holdings located between Naas and Newbridge extending to an area of almost 107 acres for sale by public auction. Both holdings are situated on the southern side of the R445 between Naas and Newbridge. This is a pivotal location offering immediate access to the M7, M50, M8 and M9 Motorways. The Sallins bypass and third lane from Naas South to the Waterford turn off/M9 which has recently commenced construction will further benefit accessibility in the area and will include the full upgrade of the Newhall Interchange. The lands are close to a number of Industrial Parks/ Business Campuses including Naas Enterprise Park, M7 Business Park and Newhall Retail Park. Some of the leading retailers have their primary Irish distribution centres in the adjacent area including Aldi, Lidl, Primark and DSV with Kerry Group & Irish Commercials also close by at Millennium Park. The first holding in sale comprises 48.75 acres at Mooretown which is directly opposite Naas Enterprise Park and comprises 19.73 hectares (48.75 acres) of top quality lands, all currently in arable use and laid out in 4 divisions. There is extensive frontage onto the R445 and the property is ideal for a number of uses (subject to obtaining the necessary Planning Permission). 48.75 acres at Mooretown The second holding comprises 23.47 hectares (58 acres) of lands at Ladytown, all currently in grass and laid out in 7 divisions. There is frontage onto the R445 and also a local road. A compact 3 bedroom bungalow is included in this section (in need of renovation). Neither of the properties are currently zoned but they are close to a number of existing industrial/ commercial developments and there is the possibility of some future potential. The Naas Town Plan which will cover the environs is currently up for review. Speaking about the properties Clive Kavanagh of the selling agents expects good interest levels considering the prime location, accessibility and the quality of the lands. He also states that there might be some long term development potential with the holdings so they could suit land bankers, or pension funds looking for suitable opportunities with growth potential. Jordans are quoting 12,000 per acre for both holdings and the auction is scheduled for Wednesday, April 18 at 3pm in the Keadeen Hotel, Newbridge (unless previously sold). Additional information is available by contacting Paddy Jordan or Clive Kavanagh on 045 433550. Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content. Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist. If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider subscribing to our ePaper and/or free daily Newsletter . Support our mission and join our community now. Secondary school students in Naas recently participated in an Irish short film competition the inaugural Comortas Gearrscannain. It took place as part of a range of activities arranged for Seachtain na Gaeilge. SEE ALSO: Naas Shopping Centre could be declared a derelict site It was organised by the Naas/Sallins Seachtain na Gaeilge committee for all secondary school students in Naas. The rules of the of the competition were that movie entries must run for five minutes or less and that the Irish language had to be used covering any topic the entrants chose. Submissions were to be uploaded to the judges dropbox account by March 10. The judging panel consisted of Zainab Boladale, presenter of News2Day on RTE2; Colm O Mongain, presenter of This Week RTE Raidio 1 and Tom Madden, drama lecturer, NUIM. A location for the screening and prize giving ceremony was needed so teacher Geraldine Ni Fhlatharta, a member of the Seachtain na Gaeilge committee and Irish teacher in Pipers Hill College, secured the school foyer to host the 150 students, teachers and parents attending the event and provided refreshments for all. Principal Colm OConnor also attended. Mr O Mongain, who hails from Naas, came to the school and was compere for the event. He introduced the gearrscannain and played eight of the submissions. He complimented the creativity and originality of the students work. First prize went to Feach ar Fiona (Pipers Hill College), second to Misean Is Feidir (Pipers Hill College) and third to Ni Buan Cogadh Na gCarad (Gaelcholaiste Chill Dara). The prizes were funded by Conradh na Gaeilge and Sult na Sollain. Its hoped the competition will run again for Seachtain na Gaeilge 2019. Irish Americans are being urged to own your own Irish cottage for less than $50k with this great little doer-upper in Co. Longford. Irish Central has been promoting the cottage as it is the dream of many of its readers to find themselves a nice little cottage in some beautiful location in Ireland and live out their years in bliss, enjoying the Irish countryside and relaxing in the perfect old home once the rain gets a little too much. "While this cottage in Co. Longford may be currently a little far away from that paradise, at only $43k, it is certainly a steal for anybody who has the time and money to make the renovations that will achieve that perfect Irish dream home" the Irish central site says. Located in Rhine, this quaint cottage is in drastic need of modernization and so doing it up is not a task for the faint-hearted. Described as an ideal buy for builders or for first-time buyers, its in a great rural location but not too completely removed from humanity. With a great flagstone floor in the entrance hall, the living room has a cast iron fireplace and there's a Stanley range and old stainless steel sink unit in the kitchen. Plenty to work with to recapture the glory of this small house! The bedroom also has a fireplace and a loft provides more storage space for those packing up all their lives into a smaller home. The Association of Teachers of Home Economics (ATHE) are delighted to announce a new partnership with award-winning celebrity Chef Neven Maguire. This partnership has been launched to mark World Home Economics Day 2018. The theme of World Home Economics Day 2018 is Home Economics Literacy: Skills for Healthy and Sustainable Cooking. As a collective group of Home Economists, the ATHE calls upon the Irish Government to make Home Economics compulsory for all post-primary students in Ireland. Teaching Home Economics is of critical importance to develop essential food and culinary skills in young people. Home Economics is the only school subject which teaches young people food literacy and cooking skills. The benefit of Home Economics in teaching young people how to cook is strongly championed by ambassador Neven Maguire. "My first cooking lessons were at home with my mother Vera in our family kitchen. I was the first boy in my school to enrol for Home Economics classes in secondary school. These classes were the basis of my love of food which led to my entering Fermanagh catering college and the beginnings of my work at MacNean House and Restaurant. I am forever grateful for the practical life skills that I learned through this subject," Neven said. "I am delighted to support this initiative with the Association of Teachers of Home Economics who do stellar work with young people in schools across Ireland. The campaign will further encourage young people to learn and develop important and practical skills to cook their own tasty and nutritious meals at home. "The skills learned throughout Home Economics are ones which students can utilise themselves day to day, and I believe there are massive benefits to having the subject become a compulsory part of the curriculum, regardless of whether they want to pursue a career in the food and hospitality sector." Speaking at the launch of the partnership, President of the ATHE, Maria Hickey, noted, As Ireland struggles through an obesity epidemic, it is vital that all citizens of Ireland have both the food and culinary skills to provide nutritionally balanced meals for themselves and their families. Having studied Home Economics in school, Neven continues to share his passionate belief in the benefits of the subject for all students." #HomeEconomics #HomeEcforAll #WHEcDay2018 A NEW 1.6m period drama is to be filmed in Limerick city, it has been revealed this week. Zeb Moore, the man behind the annual Richard Harris Film Festival, has confirmed a deal has been struck with an independent producer to develop the film in the heart of the city and in other parts of the county. The move could bring up to 70 jobs to Limerick while production is ongoing, the well-regarded local producer claimed. Zeb linked up with producer Marina Donahue while on a trip to promote the Harris film festival in Newport Beach, California. He arranged a read-through of the script for her film, For the Good of the Child at last Octobers festival. And he has convinced her to develop the film in and around Limerick, he confirmed to members of Limerick councils metropolitan district this week. They were developing a movie which was going to be filmed in Pennsylvania. Having spoken to this particular lady, who is the writer and director of the project, I then started to talk to her about Ireland. That it could make more sense to film in Ireland, he recalled.i Zeb then invited Marina to the Harris film festival, and she took part in a read through of the For the Good of the Child script, something unique to this event. And, off the back of that, the deal to produce the film locally was signed, sealed and delivered, he added. She said it was effectively a no brainer. The real advantage for production companies operating here is quick airport access and the fact there is no congestion. Logistically, its a better spot for filming than Galway or Dublin. While final filming locations are still being scouted, Nicholas Street is likely to be confirmed into a set reminiscent of the 17th century. There will be a jobs spin-off, he added, saying: Generally what will happen is key players and actors will be brought in. But regarding the crewing of the project, as a producer myself, Id be actively sourcing local people. There will be caterers required, and hotel beds will need to be available. Zeb whose festival last year brought in 3,000 people also revealed that he is in talks with a South African film company to produce another movie in the city. Meanwhile, further exciting plans to develop a big show focusing on the legend of Camelot were also disclosed at this months metropolitan meeting. With acclaimed actor Richard Harriss family owning the rights to the Camelot franchise, Zeb said a Camelot in the Castle style event is also being planned. Its something thats very much in the concept stage. Weve been looking at it for a quite some time. Quite frankly, it would require huge investment. Its one for the future: wed hope to premiere it in Limerick, but it would need to have European funding behind it, he said. The event would be backed by a large concert orchestra, of 40 pieces, he added. At the meeting, Cllr James Collins, Fianna Fail said Mr Moore could be assured of support for 50,000 funding from the councils General Municipal Allocation. He pointed out this a positive investment for councillors to make, given the potential the festival has. A final decision will be made on funding in the coming months. THERE ARE some choice Limerick parcels of land up for sale by auction and private treaty. First up is the auction of 20 acres in Knockaderry. It takes place in GVMs Glentworth Street auction rooms on Friday, March 30 at 3pm. Tom Crosse, of GVM, said: It is top class land currently under tillage. Any land under tillage is always as good as it gets. It is right in the hub of the village and adjoins two roads. There may be long term potential as there is good road frontage, said Mr Crosse. Next up for sale by private treaty is 108 acres in Killuragh, Cappamore. GVM are guiding at 700,000. It is very good summer land. It is laid out in one division, said Mr Crosse. Also for sale by private treaty is 17 acres in Kilbreedy, Kildimo. It is a choice piece of land. There is an old two storey house that needs work. The land is quite good and location is very strong close to Adare. We are guiding at 250,000, said Mr Crosse. Richard Ryan, of GVM Kilmallock, has 12.4 acres in Mortelstown, Ardpatrick, again by private treaty. It is excellent quality elevated Golden Vale grazing lands. Moving to Tipperary, the auction of 71 acres in Clareen, Cashel is on in the Horse and Jockey on Wednesday, April 11 at 3pm. While John Flynn Auctioneers has a 115 acre and 17 acre roadside holdings in Knockaderry up for auction in two lots at the Longcourt House Hotel on April 5 at 3pm. FINE Gael councillor John Sheahan has called for a Regeneration programme for West Limerick, which would insulate and retrofit council houses and instalk solid fuel stoves. Estate after estate in the city had been done, he said, and there was no reason it couldnt be done in the west. The call came at a special meeting of Newcastle West Municipal District where Cllr Francis Foley again raised the difficulties some council tenants were facing in paying for storage heating. One woman, he explained, was feeding her meter up to 10 a day. It is very very important we look to upgrade our heating systems, he said. Some people, he argued, might not be able to afford to pay 150 to 200 for oil in one go but they could buy a bag of coal and briquettes costing 15 to 20 if they had solid fuel stoves. Storage heating is inefficient, Cllr Seamus Browne SF declared, adding that lack of insulation in council houses was a problem. Storage heaters should be thrown out, Cllr Jerome Scanlan FG said. But he was also critical of another so-called energy efficient system in one 17-house estate where bills had quadrupled and where people were saddled with huge contraptions in their rooms. And he called for a grant system to be introduced to help older people to upgrade their heating systems. You can get a grant for windows, doors, bathrooms and LED lighting, Cllr Liam Galvin FG said. But there was no grant to instal central heating. Cllr Michael Collins FF told the meeting he had been informed that the SEAI, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, now had a new programme of grants for deep retrofitting of houses and these 90% grants were available for local authority houses. However, he said: Nobody from Limerick City and County Council has engaged with them on that. It is money for jam that we could use to upgrade our housing stock. I fully accept that if we were starting from scratch again, we wouldnt install storage heaters, senior executive engineer Robert Gallagher told the councillors. But in relation to a programme of replacing them, and there were 120 across the county, it came down to funding. Of course, we would love to insulate our properties, he continued. That requires funding as well. DEAN Strang, who gained worldwide fame as the defence lawyer in the Making a Murderer series, has been given a special send-off by members of Limericks metropolitan district. Mr Strang, from Wisconsin, has been a guest lecturer at University of Limerick for the past seven weeks. And ahead of his flight back to the United States of America, he addressed councillors, before being given a council tie, a piece of Limerick lace, and a painting of the Wild Geese from metropolitan district mayor Sean Lynch. This is just one more example of the hospitality I have enjoyed in Limerick and all of Ireland for the last two years or more, and specifically for the seven weeks I have been in Limerick. Its just a joy. I have been able to immerse myself into the life of the university, the city centre, and the county of Limerick, he said. Mr Strang, who provided legal representation for Steven Avery, twice convicted of murder in Wisconsin, hopes others have gained as much from his presence in Ireland as he has in being here. I hope Im not the only one who is walking out of here enriched, he added. And he praised the Castletroy based third-level institution, adding: Its a vibrant university in general. What I have found most of all is the sense of participation in the community, and a university engaged with the broader society in trying to give back. That idea of engagement with the broader community so all would benefit, and we would reap the gains is something I'd associate very much with Wisconsin, where I am from. LIMERICK City and County Council has issued an appeal for landlords of vacant properties to take advantage of a new scheme. The government has announced an enhanced repair and lease scheme, where funds will be provided to bring vacant properties up to the standard for renting. They will then be leased by the council for use as social housing. Its targetted at owners of vacant properties who cannot afford or access the funding required to bring them up to the approved standards. Subject to the suitability of the property for social housing, and the agreement of the property owner, the cost of the necessary repairs will be met upfront by the local authority or an Approved Housing Body (AHB). Financing is made available by way of an interest free loan to a maximum of 40,000. Changes made to the scheme include a reduction in the minimum lease term required from ten years down to five years, as well as increasing the proportion of rental payments available to property owners. Extra funding is on offer for provision of additional funding for property owners, over and above the current 40,000 limit, where the dwelling is a bedsit type dwelling being brought into compliance with the Standards for Rented Houses Regulations and made available for social housing. Seamus Hanrahan, senior architect with the council said: The repair and lease scheme is an ideal way to bring vacant properties back into use and help rejuvenate communities across Limerick city and county. We will work with the property owners to achieve this objective. More information on this scheme is available by contacting Limerick City and County Council at 061-556393, or 061-557140, email at vacantproperty@limerick.ie. Alternatively, you can visit www.rebuildingireland.ie FAILTE Ireland is giving Limericks marquee festival just 5,000 in funding, it emerged this week. Riverfest, which takes place on the May Bank Holiday weekend, cost 238,000 to stage last year. But, councillors were told by arts director Sheila Deegan this week that Irelands national tourism body is prepared to contribute just 5,000 to that total this week. While local authority management will meet Failte Ireland staff this week to discuss the matter, there was criticism from councillors, who have now called for senior executives to attend a council meeting. Why is our marquee event getting just 5,000 from Failte Ireland? How does this compare to marquee events in Kilkenny, Killarney and Co Clare, asked Fianna Fails metropolitan district council leader James Collins. Cllr Joe Leddin, Labour, added: This is an abject failure on the part of Failte Ireland. I would request a senior executive from Failte Ireland be brought in to ask why Limerick always seems to be off their radar. His party colleague Elena Secas suggested that Failte Ireland executives attend this years Riverfest celebrations, to illustrate why 5,000 is not enough. The figure came up in the context of the councils arts department seeking over 30,000 from the councillors General Municipal Allocation (GMA), a tranche of money the destination of which is decided by members. In a presentation to councillors, Ms Deegan, and council communications manager Laura Ryan pointed out a number of proposed uses for this. This includes 21,000 on a double zip wire over the River Shannon, which would be made free to the public. An audience survey identifying why people attend Riverfest is to cost 3,500, with street performers demanding 2,000. Outdoor movies and extreme water demonstrations could also demand 4,000 and 5,000 respectively. But Cllr Collins said: Coming to us a few weeks before the festival is not the way to do business. We should be talking about Riverfest 2019 now. It seems like we are using our GMA to fill a hole in the budget. Cultural committee chairman Cllr Seighin O Ceallaigh suggested there is an over-reliance on GMA funds. In response, Ms Deegan said 70% of the money for Riverfest is raised locally, noting that the lack of investment from Failte Ireland is disappointing. City traders contribute 27,000 to the festival, she added. Cllr Daniel Butler, Fine Gael, said he would love to see the zip line going the length of the river, perhaps connecting to one of the towers of King Johns Castle. It would be great for the adventurous types out there, adding he would like to see the popular Arthurs Quay Park Ferris wheel installed as a year-round attraction. Kieran OHanlon joked at the meeting that perhaps Taoiseach Leo Varadkar could put in a call to Failte Ireland to increase Limericks funding share. This was in reference to comments the Fine Gael leader made in the United States last week. On a more serious note, the Fianna Fail man said the regatta should be moved from Castleconnell back to the city centre. Cllr Elena Secas called for European funding to be put in place to help support Riverfest 2018 and onwards, something Ms Deegan said would be looked at. Councillors approved a GMA of 30,000 on the condition Failte Ireland bosses would be brought in. The world is anticipating China's Tiangong-1 space lab's blazing reentry to Earth's atmosphere sometime within the next week or so, with some debris possibly surviving to reach the planet's surface. However, it's not the first spacecraft to shed bits of flaming flotsam onto Earth during its final, fiery huzzah, and it won't be the last. About half a million pieces of so-called space junk human-made and naturally occurring objects that can reach speeds of 17,500 mph (28,164 km/h) are being monitored as they orbit Earth, NASA reported in 2013. And does space junk fall to Earth? "Yes it does!" representatives of the NOAA National Environmental Satellite, Data and Information Service (NESDIS) affirmed in a Jan. 18 blog post. [Gallery: Tiangong-1, China's First Space Laboratory] "On average, a total of between 200 to 400 tracked objects enter Earth's atmosphere every year," according to NESDIS. The reason why you aren't constantly ducking flaming particles is because many of them don't survive the brutal r-entry, and instead burn up long before they hit the ground. And Earth is a big place, with 70 percent of its surface covered by water. If a fiery bit of space debris falls into the open ocean, it'll sizzle and sink without anyone ever knowing it was there. Of the 500,000 estimated pieces of debris orbiting Earth, about 20,000 of them are bigger than a softball. Those larger chunks of junk along with an additional 30,000 smaller objects are tracked by the U.S. Department of Defense in collaboration with NASA. Of those 50,000 objects, about 1,000 represent fragments from spacecraft, according to NESDIS. In an animation created by NASA and shared to YouTube in 2014, a view of Earth from space shows a world surrounded by a moving cloud of human-made debris, which extends outward to form a loose disk around the planet. But while space junk poses a serious threat to active satellites, space telescopes and the International Space Station, it is rarely something that people on the ground have to worry about, NESDIS representatives said in the blog post. Chances are that most of Tiangong-1 will simply burn up on reentry. But even if it doesn't, you can at least relax about getting hit on the head by a falling fragment the odds of actually being struck by broken bits of the space lab are approximately 1 in 300 trillion, a probability about 10 million times smaller than the annual odds of being struck by lightning, according to the European Space Agency. Original article on Live Science. Tiangong-1 (Image credit: CMSA) China's first space station, Tiangong-1 (which means "heavenly place"), is currently falling back to Earth in what spaceflight insiders call an uncontrolled reentry. The fall from the heavens (or low-Earth orbit) has been a known and planned-for outcome for the bus-size space station. But before we get to the fiery descent, we must rewind six years to when the 18,740-pound (9 tons) space lab was launched into orbit. Launching Tiangong-1 (Image credit: Lintao Zhang/Getty Images) Tiangong-1 was launched from a Long March 2F/G rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center on Sept. 29/30, 2011, in Jiuquan, Gansu province of China. It measured 34 feet (10 meters) long and 11 feet (3.4 m) in diameter, with a paddle-like structure covered in solar panels on either side. Shenzhou-9 (Image credit: China Academy of Launch Technology) After launching aboard the Chinese Long March 2F rocket, Shenzhou-9 was initially boosted to a "parking orbit," before being put into a nearly circular orbit above Earth. It took two days for Shenzhou-9 to get close to Tiangong-1. Docking with Tiangong-1 (Image credit: China Central Television) On Nov. 3, 2011, China's Shenzhou-8 spacecraft docked with the Tiangong-1 lab module. China space station (Image credit: China Manned Space Engineering Office) This artist's illustration from a China space agency video shows the Tiangong-1 space laboratory, which is considered a prototype module for the country's planned space station. Daring descent (Image credit: The Aerospace Corporation) Like other objects circling our planet in low-Earth orbit, Tiangong-1 has been at the mercy of Earth's gravitational tug and atmospheric drag. As such, over time, without any boosting maneuvers, objects like China's space lab naturally get closer and closer to the planet's surface their altitude decreases. Lost link (Image credit: CMSE) Initially, China had planned a controlled descent of Tiangong-1 using what is called a thruster burn, or controlled maneuvering with its thrusters, to descend back to Earth. But Tiangong-1 had other plans, and on March 16, 2016, China alerted the United Nations that it had lost its telemetry link with the space station that meant China could no longer control the lab's inevitable descent. Lab's reentry (Image credit: ESA) This image from the European Space Agency shows the region where Tiangong-1 is expected to reenter Earth's atmosphere. Odds of getting hit (Image credit: The Aerospace Corporation) The Aerospace Corporation has estimated the most probable location of Tiangong-1's reentry. The yellow bands are the riskiest places to be, but even there the odds of getting hit by space station debris are extremely low. Space capsule (Image credit: CCTV) This photograph of a China CCTV broadcast shows the Shenzhou-9 space capsule lying on its side after landing in an autonomous region of China in Inner Mongolia on June 29, 2012, to end the 13-day mission to the Tiangong-1 space lab module. Approaching the lab (Image credit: STR/AFP/Getty) A photo of the giant screen at the Jiuquan Space Center shows the Shenzhou-9 spacecraft approaching Tiangong-1 module for the automatic docking on July 18, 2012. There may soon be a new way to honor Selena in San Antonio. Local producer and creator of the "I love tacos so much" wall Luis Munoz launched a campaign to fund the "Selena 'Amor Memorial' Project," a tribute to the beloved Tejano Queen who was killed more than 20 years ago. RELATED: Here's why you can't find Selena commemorative cups at S.A. Stripes locations "I have waited 22 years for someone else to do something for her here in town," Munoz told mySA.com. "She is special to me and after waiting for so long, I decided someone had to." Munoz set his original GoFundMe campaign goal at $100,000, but thinks the memorial may actually take up to $200,000 to complete. He hopes the community will rally together, "one dollar at a time." RELATED: Texas 6-year-old's Selena-themed birthday party is making the internet 'muy excited' March 31 marks the 22nd anniversary of Selena's death. Her legacy has since transcended state lines, generations and cultures. Her status as an icon was solidified even further in October when she was inducted into the Texas Women's Hall of Fame. This year, she will get her star on the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame. But it was the star with Selena's name outside San Antonio's Hard Rock Cafe that got Munoz's wheels turning for his latest project. "A few years ago, I saw people walking all over Selena's star on the ground in front of a restaurant in downtown San Antonio," his post on the GoFundMe page reads. "Something didn't feel right, and it still doesn't." Designs for the memorial are still in the works, but Munoz said the tribute will reflect Selena's "spirit, her energy and what she meant to her fans." RELATED: Selena's widower Chris Perez finally watched the movie 'in its entirety' - this is what he thought District 1 Councilman Robert C. Trevino is coordinating with Munoz to designate the right home for the non-profit art project, he said. "I would love the Market Square area maybe," Munoz said. "I just want it to be a place where locals and tourists congregate." Munoz said called San Antonio the Corpus Christi native's "second home." "It's a place with maybe her largest fan base," he said. "San Antonio still loves her dearly." mmendoza@mysa.com Twitter: @MaddySkye Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi is calling on members of the public to heed the warning issued by the Central Bank of Samoa (C.B.S.). This is in relation to the rising number of cryptocurrency promotions in Samoa. Ive had people come visit me here at my office explaining their promotion but I always refer them to the Central Bank, he said. That is the role of the Central Bank if there are such issues that arise. Last week, C.B.S. pointed out in a public notice that cryptocurrency is a form of digital money that is designed to be secure and in many cases anonymous. It is a currency associated with the internet that uses cryptography - the process of converting legible information into an almost uncrackable code - to track purchases and transfers. According to the Central Bank of Samoa, cryptocurrency remains unregulated, which makes things even more difficult. It has come to our attention that there are promotions such as Onecoin cryptocurrency that are currently being promoted in Samoa, the Bank warns. How it works is that people are encouraged to sign up an account and purchase a package of tokens. These tokens can then be used to invest in a cryptocurrency, as the value of the cryptocurrency goes up, so too will your proposed reward. In essence, you invest in the cryptocurrency and are guaranteed a substantial return on the rewards in a certain period of time. The C.B.S. advises that such a scheme is very risky and people who invest in it stand to lose their investment. The great risk here is that once these funds are lost then there is a huge possibility that these funds will never be recovered. C.B.S. does not endorse this cryptocurrency venture due to the high risks that it poses to unsuspecting people. The Bank has also confirmed from multiple credible media sources that the founder and main Onecoin headquarters in Bulgaria has been raided by Bulgarian Police as part of a centralised cryptocurrency pyramid scheme. Onecoin is also banned from countries such as Germany. Several crypto currency promoters have contacted C.B.S. seeking endorsement for their business and product. However they were not able to satisfy the governments requirement of providing the relevant information for due diligence purposes (where the Central bank thoroughly scrutinises a company and its products, if we do not have all the information to make an informed decision. As a result, C.B.S., on behalf of Government, has refused to endorse such ventures. C.B.S., as the Regulator for financial institutions in Samoa, does not wish to prohibit new ventures that will benefit Samoas public and economy; however, as with every new venture such as cryptocurrency, there are always risks involved. Cryptocurrency at this current stage is unregulated. The Bank says this makes it difficult to put in place procedures that will protect the public because the lack of regulation will attract criminal participation such as fraudsters and scammers (pyramid schemes). It can also be used for money laundering purposes and tax evasion. There is currently a lack of information and public awareness as to how these cryptocurrency works, as such, this will often lead to people making ill informed decisions, such as investing in get rich quick schemes. There is also a high risk to Samoas economy because certain cryptocurrencies may pose a security risk, such as vulnerability to cybercrime, and as a result, cause significant damage to our financial system and infrastructure. C.B.S. encourages the public to be alert and aware of these schemes. They may look like an attractive investment to quickly make more money, but you risk losing all your hard earned money without any possibility of recovering it. Should you require any further details on this, please contact the Financial Intelligence Unit of C.B.S. 1 Preventable death: The parents of a 2-year-old girl who died of pneumonia have been convicted of involuntary manslaughter after prosecutors said they declined to seek medical care for the child on religious grounds. Jonathan Foster, 35, and Grace Foster, 34, also were convicted Friday in Berks County court of child endangerment in the November 2016 death of daughter Ella Grace in Upper Tulpehocken Township, Pa., the Reading Eagle reported. The Fosters, who remain free pending sentencing in April, attributed their daughters death to Gods will, according to a police affidavit. The defendants belong to Faith Tabernacle Congregation, which instructs members to avoid doctors and pharmaceutical drugs. 2 Stolen ashes: An Ohio woman is urgently asking whoever broke into her Columbus home to return an urn containing the ashes of her stillborn daughter. WSYX-TV reports Iesha Harvey says she doesnt care whether any of the other items stolen from her home Monday are returned. Harvey lost the baby because of complications in 2013. Columbus police say the lack of fingerprints, witnesses or surveillance camera footage means its unlikely the theft will be solved. Friendwood authorities are asking for the public's help in finding two men involved in a Feb. 23 counterfeit incident at Kroger, 3135 FM 528. The suspects reportedly attempted to purchase gift cards with $100 bills at the same time at side-by-side cashiers. One clerk accepted $300 in counterfeit $100 bills before the suspect walked away, according to the report. The second clerk reportedly needed change, prompting the manager to realize the bills were fake. That suspect got away with his counterfeit money, but not the money on the gift cards, police said. The two men were working together and probably have used the same scam at other stores, police said. The first suspect was described as a heavyset, dark-skinned black male with facial hair and short haircut. He wore a watch on his left hand, police said. The second suspect is a medium-build black male with facial hair wearing a black Under Armour cap, according to the report. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Friendswood Police Department, 281-996-3300. BURGLARY Police filed a burglary report after a vehicle's driver's-side window was broken March 17 at H-E-B, 701 W. Parkwood Ave. According to surveillance video, a small black four-door passenger car followed the victim vehicle into the parking lot and parked nearby. As the victim walked near the store's entrance doors, someone ran from the black car to the victim's vehicle, only to return within minutes, police said. Nothing was reported missing. THEFT A customer reported her iPhone X stolen March 15 at Kroger, 3135 FM 528, police said. When she contacted Apple, she discovered her iCloud account was no longer linked to the device, making it impossible to trace using the Find my iPhone app, according to the report. A client of 24 Hour Fitness, 130 W. Parkwood Ave., discovered her ring missing after placing it in her gym bag in the locker room, according to a March 15 police report. FRAUD A credit card abuse victim reported several unauthorized ATM transactions at BBVA Compass Banks in the Dallas area March 14, police said. He noticed the transfer of money between accounts followed by withdrawals at different ATMs during a five-day period, according to the report. The victim told police he received a text message from his bank the day before the transactions started notifying him he had opted out of account notifications. A Friendswood man faces forgery charges for allegedly signing his wife's name to vehicle title transfer documents without her permission, according to a March 15 police report. At the time, the victim was in jail. When released, she discovered her husband had sold her vehicle and filed for divorce, police said. CRIMINAL MISCHIEF A vehicle's gas tank was filled with sugar while parked in the 1300 block of West Castlewood Drive, according to a March 15 police report. NARCOTICS Police charged a League City man and a La Marque man, both 20, with possession of drug paraphernalia after a traffic stop for a license plate violation March 13 in the 3000 block of West Bay Area Boulevard. During a vehicle search, the officer found a cigarillo filled with marijuana, a bag of marijuana and marijuana shake. The La Marque man, a passenger, claimed ownership of the bag, police said. Another passenger, a 20-year-old League City man, reportedly had an outstanding Webster warrant. Police charged a Lake Jackson man, 25, with possession of a controlled substance after a traffic stop for an insurance violation March 13 in the 300 block of West Parkwood Avenue. The officer reportedly found two hydrocodone pills and a large sum of cash under the driver's seat during a vehicle search. The man also had another hydrocodone pill in his pocket, police said. Bond was set at $1,500. An Alvin woman, 28, was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia after a traffic stop for speeding March 16 in the 1600 block of West Parkwood Avenue, police said. An officer found the remains of a marijuana cigarette in the vehicle and a bag of marijuana in the woman's purse during a search, according to the report. Police charged a Cypress man, 46, with possession of drug paraphernalia after a traffic stop March 16 in the 16100 block of Blackhawk Boulevard. He allegedly had a glass pipe with white residue - which later tested positive for crack cocaine - in the driver's-side door pocket, police said. The officer found three more glass pipes during a search, according to the report. A Cypress woman, 50, also was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, police said. Police arrested a Webster man, 35, for outstanding warrants in Illinois and Matagorda County after a traffic stop March 17 in the 3700 block of Friendswood Link Road. The officer noticed marijuana residue on his clothing and conducted a vehicle search, finding previously smoked joints, marijuana residue on the floorboards and seats, and dozens of emptied cigarillos, police said. The man reportedly provided a false name, and his companion, a 22-year-old Dickinson woman, helped him hide his identity, according to the report. Police charged her with possession of drug paraphernalia and interfering with a city officer. Upon arresting her, the officer found a bag of marijuana concealed in her waistband, police said. A Houston man, 36, faces charges for possession of a controlled substance after a traffic stop for expired registration March 17 in the 2600 block of West Bay Area Boulevard, police said. He reportedly had neither vehicle insurance nor a driver's license. During a vehicle search, the officer found 2.4 grams of cocaine, 0.2 grams of methamphetamine, six Ecstasy pills and two Xanax pills, according to the report. Bond was set at $10,000. Police charged an Alvin man, 35, with marijuana possession after a traffic stop for an insurance violation March 18 in the 200 block of West Parkwood Avenue. The officer reportedly found a jar of marijuana, a pipe and a grinder. Bond was set at $1,000. A 27-year-old Houston man was charged with marijuana possession after a traffic stop March 18 in the 400 block of East Edgewood Drive, police said. The officer reportedly observed several small bags containing marijuana residue in the compartment on the driver's door. During a search, the officer found two more bags containing marijuana as well as several burnt marijuana cigarettes in the cup holder, police said. Bond was set at $1,000. DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED A League City man, 61, was charged with DWI after several motorists reported a reckless driver March 16 near the intersection of South Friendswood Drive and Whispering Pines, police said. An officer found the suspect vehicle-parked, with the engine running and blocking traffic-in front of Walden Pond Townhomes in the 100 block of Dunbar Estates, according to the report. The driver had a bottle of prescription sleeping medication in his pocket and could not complete field sobriety tests, police said. At the jail, he reportedly fell and was transported to a hospital. Police charged a Friendswood woman, 28, with DWI after an officer noticed her talking on her cell phone while stopped at a green light March 17 in the 4000 block of FM 2351. She reportedly failed a field sobriety test. Bond was set at $2,000. A 22-year-old Alvin man was charged with DWI after a traffic stop March 18 in the 300 block of East Parkwood Avenue, police said. He reportedly refused to perform a field sobriety test and would not submit to a breath or blood test. Bond was set at $1,000. PUBLIC INTOXICATION Police booked a 17-year-old Houston man for minor in possession of alcohol, minor consuming alcohol and possession of drug paraphernalia after finding him walking in the roadway March 13 in the 200 block of Whispering Pines. His backpack contained empty beer cans and vodka bottles, and he had marijuana in his pocket, police said. Three 14- and 15-year-old girls also received citations for curfew violation and minor consuming alcohol before being released to their parents, according to the report. A Friendswood man, 38, was taken into custody for public intoxication after he reportedly was seen standing in an easement, holding a sign and a traffic cone, telling drivers to slow down March 16 in the 400 block of Briarmeadow Avenue. He also placed a traffic cone in the middle of the roadway, police said. An officer asked the man to return to his residence for the remainder of the evening, however he was back in the street an hour later stopping motorists again, according to the report. The officer arrived to see the man stop a vehicle to hand the driver a $10 bill, police said. ASSAULT Police charged a Friendswood man, 50, with continuous violence against the family after a disturbance March 14 in the 16400 block of Paint Rock Road. At the hospital, the victim told police about seven days of abuse in which the suspect reportedly kicked, punched and slapped her, took her phone away and dragged her by the hair, according to the report. She had visible marks and bruises in different stages of healing, a swollen foot and cuts on the back of her head, police said. Bond was set at $20,000. Police responding to a disturbance March 15 at a residence in the 200 block of East Castle Harbour arrested a Friendswood man, 40, for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He reportedly forced his way into the home, brandished a knife and made statements that put the residents in fear for their lives. He told police he had gone to the home looking for his daughter, believing she was being held there against her will. After speaking with the homeowners, police determined the man's daughter was dating their son. Bond was set at $80,000. Authorities charged an Alvin man with assault on a police officer, assault causing bodily injury-family violence, interfering with an emergency telephone call and resisting arrest after a disturbance March 16 at Whataburger, 106 N. Friendswood Drive. The man's girlfriend called police after he allegedly punched her in the face, according to the report. An officer arrived to find the man intoxicated and the woman with red marks on her face and a bite wound on her hand, police said. The man reportedly resisted placement in the police unit, causing injuries to two officers. Bond was set at $14,500. TRAFFIC Police charged a Dickinson man, 27, with driving while license invalid after a traffic stop for speeding and running a red light March 15 in the 1500 block of South Friendswood Drive. A 56-year-old Friendswood woman was taken into custody for interfering with a city officer after a minor accident March 15 in the 300 block of Whispering Pines, police said. The woman's family member reportedly had hit a curb and required a tow. According to the report, the woman sped toward the officer directing traffic around the accident and abruptly stopped. She then exited her vehicle and stood next to the disabled vehicle, police said. She reportedly became disruptive when another officer asked her to move a safe distance away; she then was detained in handcuffs. A Texas City man, 25, was charged with driving while license invalid and no insurance after a traffic stop for expired registration March 16 in the 700 block of Sunset Drive, police said. Police charged a Galveston man, 38, with evading arrest or detention after a traffic stop for an insurance violation March 17 in the 2900 block of FM 528. He reportedly had an outstanding Deer Park warrant, and just as the officer began to pat him down to check for weapons, the man fled on foot. The man surrendered as another officer arrived in the parking lot, police said. Officers also found the man's 9-year-old daughter in his vehicle, according to the report. Police charged a Webster man, 37, with driving while license invalid and expired license plates after a traffic stop for expired registration Mar. 18 in the 3600 block of FM 528. WEAPONS Police charged a League City man, 30, with unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon and unlawful carrying of weapons after a traffic stop for expired registration March 16 in the 200 block of East Parkwood Avenue. He reportedly did not have insurance, and his driver's license was suspended. Bond was set at $11,500. Police arrested a Houston man, 40, for marijuana possession and delivery of a controlled substance March 6 in the 4400 block of Main Street. A Kemah woman, 25, was taken into custody for possession of a controlled substance and warrants March 6 in the 2200 block of Main Street, police said. Police arrested a Pearland man, 37, for possession of a controlled substance March 6 in the 4000 block of Pearland Parkway. An Alvin man, 40, also was taken into custody for possession of drug paraphernalia, police said. A 19-year-old Friendswood man was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia and DWI March 6 in the 2500 block of Briarglen Drive, police said. Police arrested a Pearland man, 17, for possession of marijuana on school property March 7 in the 3700 block of Main Street. A Missouri City woman, 24, was arrested for possession of marijuana and a controlled substance March 7 in the 12200 block of Shadow Creek Parkway, police said. A Houston man, 47, was taken into custody for cocaine possession March 7 in the 14600 block of Kirby Drive, police said. A traffic stop March 8 in the 2000 block of Cullen Parkway led to the arrest of a Houston woman, 25, for marijuana possession in a drug-free zone, police said. A Pearland woman, 32, was taken into custody for possession of marijuana and a controlled substance March 8 in the 2800 block of Business Center Drive, police said. A Pearland man, 30, received a citation for possession of drug paraphernalia and was arrested for outstanding warrants March 8 in the 2200 block of Cedar Street, police said. Police took a Pearland man, 18, into custody for possession of marijuana and a controlled substance March 9 in the 3500 block of Whitestone Drive. Another Pearland man, 22, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance, police said. A Houston woman, 20, was arrested for marijuana possession March 9 in the 3700 block of Main Street, police said. A Houston man, 26, was taken into custody for marijuana possession March 10 in the 2500 block of Kingsley Drive, police said. Police arrested a Pearland man, 29, for possession of drug paraphernalia and driving while license invalid March 10 in the 3500 block of Main Street. A Houston woman, 28, was taken into custody for possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia and unlawfully carrying a weapon March 10 in the 1800 block of Main Street, police said. Police also arrested a Houston man, 25, for possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia and evidence tampering. A traffic stop March 11 in the 7400 block of Broadway Street led to the arrest of a Houston woman, 22, for possession of drug paraphernalia, police said. Police also took a 19-year-old Missouri City woman into custody for minor in possession of alcohol. ASSAULT A Pearland man, 38, was arrested for assault, family violence March 10 in the 2600 block of Cottage Creek Drive, police said. Police arrested a Pearland man, 34, for assault, family violence March 11 in the 6000 block of Vineyard Bend Drive. DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED Police arrested a Rosharon man, 25, for DWI March 6 in the 10900 block of Shadow Creek Parkway. A Houston woman, 63, was taken into custody for DWI March 9 in the 17900 block of Texas 288, police said. Police arrested a Houston man, 26, for DWI March 9 in the 1500 block of Mykawa Road. A Houston woman, 29, was arrested for DWI March 9 in the 1800 block of Country Place Parkway, police said. A Pasadena man, 32, was arrested for DWI March 10 in the 1600 block of Main Street, police said. Police arrested a Houston man, 44, for DWI after a collision March 10 in the 14800 block of Texas 288. His passenger, a 36-year-old Houston man, was arrested for marijuana possession, police said. A Kemah woman, 38, was arrested for DWI March 10 in the 6300 block of Broadway Street, police said. Police took an Humble man, 44, into custody for DWI March 11 in the 3600 block of Broadway Street. PUBLIC INTOXICATION Police arrested a Grand Prairie man, 35, for public intoxication March 11 in the 3900 block of Bailey Road. RESISTING ARREST A Friendswood woman, 24, was taken into custody for no driver's license and resisting arrest March 7 in the 1100 block of Main Street, police said. THEFT Police arrested a Beaumont woman, 17, for stealing clothing March 7 from Hollister, 11200 Broadway St. Three 17-year-old Pearland men were arrested for shoplifting March 9 in the 1900 block of Main Street, police said. Police arrested a Cypress woman, 17, and a Houston woman, 18, for shoplifting March 10 in the 1900 block of Main Street. A Pearland man, 37, was arrested for shoplifting March 10 in the 1700 block of Broadway Street, police said. Another offender received a citation. TRAFFIC Police arrested a Houston man, 47, for driving while license invalid March 8 in the 2900 block of Broadway Street. Police took a Webster woman, 30, into custody for no driver's license after a traffic stop March 9 in the 3200 block of Broadway Street. INTERFERENCE Police arrested a Pearland man, 25, for interference with an emergency call March 8 in the 4600 block of Cedar Hill Drive. FRAUD A victim's identity was used fraudulently to obtain credit cards March 2 at three Pearland businesses, according to a police report filed March 5 in the 10100 block of Broadway Street. A victim was scammed out of $13,500 online between Feb. 3 and March 1, according to a police report filed March 5 in the 2400 block of Emma Drive. A suspect fraudulently refunded at least $2,000 from a business in the 9500 block of Broadway Street to his personal debit card number between Jan. 28 and Feb. 9, according to a March 6 police report. A victim's Social Security number was used fraudulently March 1 or March 2 to file an income tax return, according to a police report filed March 8 in the 3200 block of Barry Moore Drive. BURGLARY Police filed three vehicle burglary reports March 8 in the 2200 block of Hannah Creek Court. Several vehicles were burglarized March 8 in the 1900 block of Darling Amy Lane, police said. Three vehicles were reported burglarized March 9 in the 1900 block of Country Place Parkway, police said. A fourth vehicle break-in reportedly occurred in the 1800 block. A committee formed by the Jacksonville District 117 school board is examining potential hazards along new school boundaries. The committee will be looking at roads that could be considered hazardous, including those with heavy traffic or no sidewalks. Superintendent Steve Ptacek said the committee will be looking at the routes to school that are not eligible for bus transportation in most cases. Some of those routes could pose a potential danger to walkers. I think we have to look at this as if Im a parent and I wouldnt want to see my child walk along that road, Ptacek said. At a meeting Thursday, the committee looked at each school boundary. Ptacek said he wants to establish criteria for how the school district determines hazardous routes. I think we should declare roads dangerous routes, so say they have to cross [Illinois Route] 104, and we declare that a hazardous route, Ptacek said. In the future, wed be able to say, you live on the west side of 104, you get bused. The committee was formed in response to a request by a parent on the east side of South Main Street who has children who walk to Jacksonville Middle School. The parent questioned the safety of crossing both South Main Street and West Morton Avenue, as well as the safety of walking along Jacksonvilles main streets to reach school. The committee started with that question before planning to look at areas throughout the district for similar concerns. While the committee will look at the routes, the entire board will have to approve any decisions to declare hazardous routes. School districts are reimbursed a percentage of funds for each mile of transportation. A district can declare a hazardous route that will allow busing for students, but would not receive reimbursement unless the Illinois Department of Transportation declares it a hazardous route. Ptacek said he doesnt believe every route will be considered a hazardous route by the state, but he said that in many cases, students are along the same route with empty buses. If there is space and we can do it without adding to any miles, I say pick them up, Ptacek said. Samantha McDaniel-Ogletree can be reached at 217-245-6121, ext. 1233, or on Twitter @JCNews_samantha. Over just a few days last week, the essence of Trumpism was on global display: The president ignored his advisers by congratulating Vladimir Putin, took the first steps toward imposing tariffs on billions of dollars in Chinese goods and signed a huge $1.3 trillion spending bill that will balloon the federal deficit. In each case, President Donald Trump cast aside years of Republican orthodoxy - and most of the party followed right along. The raw, undefined brand of populism that Trump rode into office is now hardening into a clearer set of policies in his second year, remaking the Republican Party and the country on issues ranging from trade and immigration to spending and entitlement programs. Even amid persistent unpopularity and the chaotic din of his White House, Trump has used a mix of legislation and unilateral actions to successfully push ahead with key parts of his vision - tariffs that have rocked global markets; harsh crackdowns on illegal immigrants; a nationalistic foreign policy that spurns allies while embracing foes and costly policies with little concern for the growing national debt. The spending legislation - which puts the deficit on track to pass $1 trillion in 2019 - faced little meaningful opposition from Republican lawmakers despite years of GOP complaints that federal expenditures were out of control. Trump called the bill "ridiculous," but focused on issues other than the amount of spending. It was another example of how Trump seems to have overtaken his party's previously understood values, from a willingness to flout free-trade principles and fiscal austerity to a seeming abdication of America's role as a global voice for democratic values. "While the president's vision of pro-American immigration, trade and national security policies may not have had widespread support in Washington, they are widely supported by the American people," said Raj Shah, a White House spokesman. "This is President Trump's Republican Party." A tweet Friday, in which Trump threatened to veto the spending bill, also underscored another tenet of Trumpism - a state of continuous uncertainty about where he will land on key policies. In the tweet, Trump said he was frustrated with the legislation both because it "totally abandoned" young undocumented immigrants known as "dreamers" (long a Democratic priority) and because it failed to "fully" fund his controversial border wall (now a Republican priority). "There has certainly been a wholesale repudiation of many core principles that have guided the Republican Party's thinking over the years," said Eswar Prasad, a professor of trade policy at Cornell University. "Their willingness to accept certain victories on their agenda in return for the acceptance of Trumpism more broadly - that seems to be the guiding principle of Republican Party leaders." Trump allies and advisers say that while he has in some ways reshaped the Republican Party, he rose to power by understanding where the party's base already was and channeling those existing worries and desires. "I would argue that Trump is more a reflection of where the voters are today," said Barry Bennett, a former Trump campaign adviser. "I don't think he persuaded them into these stances. That's where they were. He's merely being a mirror to them. . . . He heard what the voters were talking about, what they feared, the pain that they had, and he immediately championed it." White House officials also stressed that Trump's professed "America First" theme serves as a kind of connective ideology, whether in prioritizing American workers over foreign workers on immigration or calling for NATO members to spend more on a shared defense. They said that on many regulatory and economic issues, such as last year's tax cuts, the president and Republican lawmakers remain naturally aligned. For many pro-Trump voters, one senior White House official said, the actual policies are less important than the principle - and the principal, Trump himself, promising to stand up and fight for them. Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., who decided to retire this year after periodically sparring with Trump, described Trump's support in stark terms: "It's more than strong, it's tribal in nature," Corker said. "People who tell me, who are out on the trail, say, 'Look, people don't ask about issues anymore. They don't care about issues. They want to know if you're with Trump or not,' " he said. An NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll last week illustrated the point, finding that 59 percent of registered Republican voters said they consider themselves more a supporter of Trump than the Republican Party. The question is whether Republican lawmakers and party leadership are compromising long-held values - or simply racing to catch up to a president and a party that has shifted underneath them. "Obviously, the president has a bully pulpit and he's got a towering Twitter account," said Rep. Mark Meadows, R-N.C., one of Trump's closest allies on the Hill. "Both of those allow him to communicate directly with some 49 million people each and every day. And it does affect policy, without a doubt." Even while flouting GOP tenets on issues such as trade, Trump has embraced conservative positions on many social issues - keeping him in good stead with one of his strongest constituencies, evangelical voters. On Friday, for instance, the White House announced a policy to ban most transgender troops from serving in the military. Trump also retreated to default conservative positions on gun control after suggesting broader restrictions in the wake of the shooting massacre in Parkland, Florida. The shift to Trumpism is perhaps most stark on trade. Trump's protectionist moves - including a series of proposed tariffs, withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership and threats to rip up the North American Free Trade Agreement - have quickly been embraced by a party that for years extolled the virtues of open markets. In a Quinnipiac University poll earlier this month, 58 percent of Republican voters supported imposing tariffs on steel and aluminum imports. During the 2016 election year, Pew tracked a massive drop in the share of Republicans and Republican-leaning independents saying that free trade agreements had been a "good thing" for the United States, from 56 percent in early 2015 to 29 percent in October 2016. Stephen Moore, a former Trump campaign adviser and senior fellow at the Heritage Foundation, said some of the realignment is a natural outgrowth of the fact that Trump - an unconventional leader not steeped in decades of GOP orthodoxy - is now the leader of the party. "That's just political realism," Moore said. "A lot of my conservative friends say, 'Well, I don't agree with him on trade or immigration or infrastructure spending or whatever it may be,' and my response is, it's a package deal here. You can't just pick out what you like and don't like." Corker, who has seesawed in his support for the president, voted against the spending bill and excoriated it as "grotesque" Thursday in a speech on the Senate floor. "There are a lot of discussions about the fact that maybe the Republican Party has lost its soul," he said, adding that the specter of a Republican-controlled Congress and a Republican president "getting ready to pass a bill that adds $2 trillion in deficits over the next 10 years" should serve as "a wake-up call to people as to whether that's the case." Trump has upended his party on other issues as well. On immigration, although many GOP voters already shared Trump's restrictionist impulses, his policies and hard-line rhetoric are at odds with long-standing attempts by Republican leaders to attract more Hispanic voters. After the 2012 presidential election, when Mitt Romney won just 27 percent of the Hispanic vote, a report by the Republican National Committee declared that the party "must embrace and champion comprehensive immigration reform." On entitlements, too, a number of rising Republican stars - such as House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., and Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., - have vowed to overhaul the existing system to save the government money. Yet Trump has made no serious moves to change Medicare or Social Security. Rep. Mike Simpson, R-Idaho, described the return to deficit spending as "scary" and said the solution was to tackle entitlements. "Ultimately, we've got to get entitlements under control," he said. "That's what's driving the debt and deficit more than anything else." But the problem, Simpson said, is Trump. "You've got a president who said he won't touch it," he said. "Makes it kind of difficult, you know." Similarly, Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., said Trump "most definitely has, in part, given cover to congressional Republicans to drive up spending." "We had the president during the campaign saying he wasn't going to touch the main drivers of our fiscal problems: Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare," Flake said. "But this, we can't blame this on our president. A lot of this is being driven by Congress, and a lot of this went on long before the president got here." Asked if there were any other notable areas - aside from spending, immigration and trade - where Trump had significantly remade the party, Flake chuckled. "On the kind of decency stuff, certainly," Flake said, before offering the flip side: "And creating a safe space for indecent discourse." - - - The Washington Post's Scott Clement, Paul Kane, Seung Min Kim and Erica Werner contributed to this report. A Houston businessman launched a wide-ranging class action lawsuit Friday against Facebook for violating the trust of millions of users by sharing personal data with a company that used the information to post targeted political ads for President Donald Trump. The security breach has made headlines across the world, prompted a variety of lawsuits, and caused European regulators to investigate the British firm involved in the breach. In the U.S., the apparent misuse of private information has engendered deep resentment and mistrust from social media users who are now contemplating whether to cut ties with Facebook, or wait out privacy improvements. The lawsuit filed by businessman Matthew Lodowski targets Facebook and Cambridge Analytica, a British firm exposed in news reports for mining the private profiles of nearly 50 million Facebook users. Also named as defendants are Robert Leroy Mercer of New York, a wealthy conservative investor in Cambridge Analytica, and Aleksandr Kogan, a professor at Cambridge University accused of extracting personal information from Facebook for the data company. Lodowski is accusing the social media giant of acting negligently by failing to protect user data, failing to take reasonable measures to avert problems when it learned the company had obtained users personal information without permission and failing to let users know their data had been taken until journalists broke the story. According to the attorney who filed it, the suit is unique among legal actions sprouting up around the country related to the data breach in that it claims a violation of the Stored Communications Act, a law that allows online users to sue over intentional access without authorization to a facility through which an electronic communication service is provided. The suit also charges the defendants with conspiracy and negligence. The suit, filed in Houston federal court, seeks to include in the class action anyone in the United States with a Facebook account whose data was impacted by Cambridge Analyticas data breach. Lodowski is seeking compensatory damages, restitution and fees as well as an injunction against Cambridge Analytica and Kogan, the professor tied to the breach. Facebook spokeswoman Nora Chan declined comment on the lawsuit. A statement about the data breach on Facebooks corporate site says the company believes, Protecting peoples information is the most important thing we do at Facebook. What happened with Cambridge Analytica was a breach of Facebooks trust, the company website says. More importantly, it was a breach of the trust people place in Facebook to protect their data when they share it. Facebook CEO and chairman Mark Zuckerberg has said the site will be putting protections in place to prevent future abuse. Officials at Cambridge Analytica did not respond to a request for comment on the lawsuit. Nearly 50 million users had their private data stolen, according to Lodowskis lawyer, W. Craft Hughes, of the law firm Hughes Ellzey, LLP, which specializes in privacy rights and consumer protection. Hughes said the federal statute allows up to $1,000 per violation, so theoretically the suit aims to collect roughly $50 billion or more in damages. The main reason for this lawsuit is people dont want their private data being stolen without their consent or knowledge, he said. Were trying to help Texas citizens and everybody else in the U.S. try and straighten this mess out. Hughes said Facebook played a major role in the violations. They were complicit, he said. They knew about it for years and didnt do anything. They basically brag about how they protect their users privacy and keep it super secure. He said, Facebook is not being forthright with their customers and that something that needs to change. Gabrielle Banks covers federal court for the Houston Chronicle. Send her tips at gabrielle.banks@chron.com and follow her on Twitter. About 5,500 people marched through downtown San Antonio on Saturday to push for gun reform with hopes of making schools safer for students and teachers one of many such rallies occurring simultaneously around the nation. A San Antonio Police Department estimate released Monday put the number far higher than initial estimates of about 1,000. The crowds that jammed Flores and West Houston streets for the March For Our Lives San Antonio demanded elected officials enact stricter controls on guns in the wake of a series of school shootings that have rocked the country. Students ranging from elementary school age to college age gathered at City Hall with parents, retired teachers and other supporters for a rally spotlighting their mission before marching up to the Alamo little more than a half-mile away. Many carried signs. Some pushed toddlers and babies in strollers, while others walked their dogs on leashes. The crowds remained peaceful and orderly, chanting Vote them out and The people united will never be divided. They also criticized the National Rifle Association, yelling, Hey hey, ho ho, the NRA has got to go. Sean Omar Rivera, a University of Texas at San Antonio student who helped organize the march with other students from multiple schools and some community groups, had provided the estimate Saturday that more than 1,000 people participated. He had expected around 400. Once we started marching, to see how long it took to get to the end of the line was just mind-blowing, Rivera said. On Monday, the SAPDs public information office provided an emailed response to questions sent Saturday: It was a peaceful march with no arrests. Crowd Estimate: 5,500 people. Rivera, 22, was among those speaking through a megaphone to cheering crowds outside City Hall before the march. Im a student, and I do not want to die, Rivera announced. Saying Dont politicize this especially coming from elected representatives is a loosely veiled way of saying Dont ask us to do anything about this. Mackenzie Acree, 16, an OConnor High School junior, also voiced the tensions and fears that school shootings have wrought for many students nationwide. My biggest fear should be failing precal not getting killed in the hallway, Acree said. It is so, so important for adults to come out to this (march), because as minors, we cant vote yet. We need you guys to vote and help us be safe. Several retired educators at the rally voiced unhappiness with the current gun laws and talk of arming teachers in schools as an extra measure of protection. San Antonio resident Helen Chouinard, 71, a retired government teacher who spent most of her 33-year career at Lanier High School, told the crowds that teachers have the power to make changes at the ballot box. She opposes the idea of arming educators. I would never take a gun to class, Chouinard told the San Antonio Express-News during the rally. Thats crazy. Youre going to have to live with killing somebody who would put that on teachers? ... Its just an insane idea. Were supposed to corral your kids to a safe place, said retired school counselor Janet Mitchell, 66, of San Antonio, while watching the rally. In the meantime, were supposed to unlock a gun and fire at somebody? Those kids need that adult ... to get them to the safe corner and help them not to be going for a gun in a cabinet, and theyre left alone. Some onlookers who watched the marchers converge on Alamo Plaza Saturday disagreed with the marchers sentiments. Several said bringing the protest to the Alamo grounds showed disrespect. If these kids, if these people, understood what theyre doing, theyre going to completely disarm America, said Doug Rich, 51, of College Station, who was not part of the march and was preparing to visit the Alamo with his wife when the protestors arrived Saturday. That makes America more vulnerable, period. That includes the kids in the schools. This chant makes me want to go in the middle of it and say You people are dumber than a bag of hammers, he said as the crowds roared slogans. Theyre not old enough. They have not seen what weve seen and know what we know. Bob Jostad, 44, of San Antonio, who was visiting the Alamo with family from out of town when the protestors arrived, said taking guns from law-abiding citizens wont solve the problems. Criminals dont care about laws. Theyre going to do whatever they do ... Criminals getting away with crimes and not being punished is the problem. We need to have consequences for actions, Jostad said. Rivera disagreed that bringing the march to Alamo Plaza was disrespectful. There is no more appropriate place for us to do this, he said. Were doing the Alamo justice by continuing to make a stand against threats to our well-being. Police stood by throughout Saturdays march. Police Chief William McManus shook hands with many marchers who approached him. The crowd is fantastic 99 to 100 percent of them are here for one particular reason, and thats to keep our kids safe and to reduce violence, he said. Le Collectif Cheikh Yassine a organise un certain nombre dactivites et de festivites pour les enfants de Gaza sous le theme La joie des enfants de Gaza pour lAid . Ces activites ont commence le premier jour de lAid et continue jusquau 4eme jour de lAid dans la bande de Gaza. Plusieurs activites, ont ete organisees parmi lesquelles : des competitions recompensees par des prix, des jeux, des animations et des chants presentes par un groupe ainsi que des distributions de cadeaux et daides financieres. It is known that being overweight or obese leads to poor health, but it may be less known that abdominal fat is the most harmful type. Until now, researchers were unsure of the mechanisms responsible for this but now, they reveal how an enzyme produced by our liver raises the risk of diabetes. Share on Pinterest Inflammation in the fat around the belly is particularly harmful, and new research reveals why. When it comes to the harmful consequences of excess fat, the way it is distributed across the body is key. Medical News Today have recently reported on studies showing that abdominal fat is deeply tied to type 2 diabetes and heart disease. We have also covered studies suggesting that women, in particular, could be at an increased cardiometabolic risk if they have a higher waist-to-hip ratio. Additional research has found that belly fat is particularly dangerous when inflamed. Older studies have shown that local inflammation in the adipose tissue leads to cardiometabolic abnormalities such as insulin resistance. But the exact mechanism responsible for this connection between adipose tissue inflammation and cardiometabolic disorders has remained somewhat unclear for instance, researchers have wondered whether the inflammation is a cause or a consequence of insulin resistance. Now, researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center in New York City, NY, help to shed some much-needed light on the issue; they reveal that the liver contributes to this inflammation. Advertisement Information on the prevalence, perception and use of e-cigarettes, in addition to history of deployment, was obtained using data from the "Tobacco Use Among Service Members" survey sponsored by the Murtha Cancer Center and the Air Force Postgraduate Dental School within the USU PDC.In the study population of 2,500 participants, 45% had deployed, 14% had used e-cigarettes, with 5.7% experiencing both. Most users (67%) considered e-cigarettes to be less harmful than traditional cigarettes.In multivariable logistic regression analysis, being deployed to a combat unit was associated with lower odds of using e-cigarettes. Stratified analyses by perception of harm showed that soldiers deployed to combat units who perceived e-cigarettes to be less harmful than traditional cigarettes had a 61% reduction in risk of using E-cigarettes.McWilliams reported that being deployed to a combat unit was associated with lower odds of e-cigarette use, particularly among those with less perceived harm. These results demonstrate the need for better understanding the health effects associated with e-cigarettes and the development of targeted cessation/educational campaigns. Future research may include an analysis to identify factors associated with decreased e-cigarette use among those deployed to combat units.Source: Eurekalert The weekend is here and you must be wanting to watch some good movies in the comfort of your home. There's a wide selection of classic war movies on Netflix, Amazon Prime and other streaming platforms that you can check out right now. There are classics like 'Saving Private Ryan' and 'Full Metal Jacket' that warrants a re-watch, even if you've already seen it a thousand times. These movies tell a great story about a time when the world was facing the horrors of war and how it affected humanity. These are the top war movies in our opinion that you can stream online right now: 'Full Metal Jacket' (Available on Netflix) Netflix You can never pass up on this movie as it needs no introduction as Stanley Kubrick's Vietnam War opus has been well known to appear in every war movie list. The movie is about a pragmatic U.S. Marine who witnesses the dehumanizing effects that the Vietnam War has on his fellow recruits. The movie vividly explores their struggles from the brutal boot camp training to the bloody street fighting in Hue. If you're going to watch a war movie, it's hard not to pass up on 'Full Metal Jacket'. 'Saving Private Ryan' (Available on Amazon Prime and Netflix) Netflix It is probably the most accurate depiction of World War 2 that deals with soldiers who were part of the brutal D-Day landings on the coast of France in Normandy. This Steven Spielberg classic has been hailed as one of the most important World War 2 movies ever made and I've probably watched the movie at least 12 times. The movie is about a group of U.S. soldiers who go behind enemy lines to retrieve a paratrooper whose brothers have been killed in action. The first 30 minutes of the movie is intense and probably the best opening sequences we've ever seen. Zero Dark Thirty (Available on Netflix and Hotstar) Netflix This movie isn't necessarily a classic war movie like 'Saving Private Ryan' or 'Full Metal Jacket' and it deals with spies and a group of CIA operatives trying to hunt down Osama bin Laden. The movie tells the true story of a decade-long hunt for the Al-Qaeda leader and his eventual death at the hands of the Navy S.E.A.L.s Team 6. 'The Siege of Jadotville' (Netflix Original) Netflix This historical drama set in the 1960s is about an Irish commander and his battalion of 150 men on a U.N. peacekeeping mission in Congo, Africa, to withstand a siege by 3,000 Congolese troops led by French and Belgian mercenaries working for mining corporations. 'Schindler's List' (Available on Netflix) Netflix The story of Oskar Schindler and his daring attempt to rescue Jewish citizens from the evil Nazi regime is a story that can never be forgotten. This true story was produced by Spielberg in the wisest, ambitious and moving manner one could ever imagine. Schindler, a German industrialist and member of the Nazi party, becomes an unlikely humanitarian by spending all his fortune to help save 1100 of his Jewish employees from Auschwitz, Poland during World War II. 'Fury' (Available on Netflix) Netflix Wardaddy, along with a five-man crew, embarks on a mission that puts their lives in danger. They realise that the odds are against them, but still decide to attack the Nazi army. 'Fury' is set in the closing days of World War II. It follows a five-man tank crew fighting across Germany. The war is almost over, but not everyone is ready to give up on the Reich. 'Auschwitz: The Nazis and The Final Solution' (Available on Netflix) Netflix Not necessarily a movie but this documentary series tackles one of history's most horrifying subjects: the Holocaust and the infamous Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp. It was a concentration camp whose name became a byword for the mass murder of Jews. It is probably one of the most important documentaries ever made about the Nazis and their plan to rid the world of Jews. The documentary details life in these concentration camps with the help of former prisoner interviews and people who worked there. Hola my 'Chingu' (friends in Korean), 'Annyeonghaseyo' (Hello). I am back again with my super 'Daebak' (awesome) list of movies for all those who are looking for something unusual yet refreshing. After taking a break from bragging about my obsession over K-Pop and K-Drama, I finally decided to rekindle my relationship with Korean movies over the weekend. And the genre I picked this time is something most of us are intrigued by and take a keen interest in erotica. CJ Entertainment While, 'Oldboy', 'Train to Busan' and 'The Handmaiden' are some of the best movies Korea has given to the world, their cinematic preserve isn't restricted to action, gore or horror alone. Erotica is another key genre Korean directors love to experiment with and 'The Handmaiden' isn't the only erotic movie they have in store for us. Korean erotic movies pack everything one can ever wish for in a movie thrill, action, drama, period, romance, power struggle, obsessive love and gut-wrenching scenes. And this is not an exaggeration when I say that no one can do justice to 'erotic' genre better than the Korean directors. We guess, we can make an exception for Ram Gopal Varma's 'God, Sex and Truth' featuring Mia Malkova. So, on this note, I dare you all to watch these steamy Korean erotic movies and correct me if I was wrong about Korea being the best and the most daring in this genre. Top 10 Korean Erotic Movies Names Here is the list of the top 10 hot Korean movies that ranked top in the world. 1. A Good Lawyer's Wife Myung Film Company The movie stresses on a dangerous game of lust, greed, money, sex and cheating, which ends brutally when the protagonists lose their loved ones. A lawyer and his wife indulge in extra-marital affairs because they can't satisfy each other sexually. How their lust and cheating causes them to lose their only son weaves the rest of the plot of this 'dysfunctional' family drama. 2. The Isle Myung Films Director Kim Ki-Duk is known for making edgy movies that obsessively reflect on sexual themes and desires. And 'The Isle' is no different. It is an unusual love story of a man who takes refuge on a fishing boat and its mute keeper who nurses him back to health. But their romance is not at all rosy as their obsession starts kicking in, causing trouble and death for those around them. From the man swallowing a string of fish hooks to the woman stuffing fish hooks into her vagina to commit suicide, you will find plenty of gruesome scenes in the movie. 3. A Frozen Flower Universal Pictures South Korea is said to be a conservative society and sensitive about the depiction of historic events. And it's miraculous and commendable for this movie to get into the list of critically-acclaimed movies and go on to win several awards. The movie revolves around a king, who asks his lover (also his bodyguard) to impregnate his wife. Things turn nasty when his lover and the queen fall in love with each other. Director Yoo Ha manages to perfectly intrigue the audience with his different take on homosexuality and bisexuality. 4. The Housemaid Mirovision In most K-dramas, you will find the rich businessman falling for his innocent housemaid, so much so that it's now a full-fledged genre of its own. 'The Housemaid' packs the same cliched romance, only with a dark twist that will leave you shattered and upset by the end. A rich businessman hires a maid to look after his pregnant wife but soon lures her into having an affair with him. Things soon take a nasty turn, when the wife and the rest of the family get to know of this affair. 5. The Taste Of Money Lotte Entertainment 'The Taste of Money' is another controversial r rated korean movie that gained attention for its portrayal of the personal lives of the rich and privileged families in South Korea. This movie perfectly explores the vicious circle of entangled wires called sex, money, greed and ambition. 6. Obsessed Iron Package This movie revolves around a decorated war hero who falls in love with one of his subordinates' wife. Soon his obsession gets out of his hands and he goes to extreme lengths to get her and the two soon start a passionate romance, while cheating on their respective partners. 7. The Scarlet Letter LJ Film This is one of the most controversial movies in the list of hot korean movies. In fact, it is also speculated that one of the lead actresses Lee Eun-Ju went into depression and committed suicide, after she came under public scrutiny for the film's sex scenes and a certain 'trunk scene'. This scene gained notoriety as one of the most shocking and intense scenes in the history of Korean film. 'The Scarlet Letter' revolves around a detective who is struggling to manage his relationship with his wife and mistress. 8. B.E.D Twitter B.E.D is another korean bold movie in the list. This movie revolves around an erotic relationship between three people, B, E and D. B is the man whose life begins on the bed and ends on the bed. E is a married woman who is having an affair with B. D is a single mother whom B marries after breaking up with E. It might sound confusing but definitely worth watching. 9. Natalie Lotte Entertainment 'Natalie' is a romantic mystery erotic thriller that revolves around a dance student, who becomes the model, muse and lover of her sculptor professor. She eventually leaves him for her fellow stalker student. Ten years later both the men cross paths with each other and remember their conflicting memories of the woman they once loved and who seems to have disappeared since then. 10. Lies Korea Pictures This controversial movie deals with sadomasochistic relationship between a 38-year-old sculptor and an 18-year-old high school student like no one else. 'Fifty Shades of Grey' has got nothing on this film. The mysteries and verities of love are brilliantly dealt with in this movie. In fact, the author of the novel, on which this movie is based, earned several months in prison and his controversial novel was banned immediately after publication. In 'Cocktail', Saif Ali Khan's idea of impressing the fairer sex came on the back of this precious one-liner: Kya aap believe karte hai love in first sight mein ya main dobara ghoom ke aaoon?. If that sounds slightly shady, wait till you hear this. In 'Mujhse Fraandship Karoge', Saqib Saleem's go-to line for expressing his love to the object of his affection was Mere dil, jigar, liver mein ho tumwaqt bewaqt aaye woh fever ho tum ab toh meri life mein forever ho tum. Who in the world can make comparisons with an uncomfortable fever sound romantic? Yep, none other than Bollywood. Eros International Bollywood has, over the years, been criticised for peddling an unrealistic, and a less-than-perfect brand of romance in its chiffon-crusted sing-song in its Swiss Alps world, but what's even more dismal is its track record when it comes to depicting the various flirting measures adopted by its romantic heroes. In almost every romantic film, the broody masculine hero resorts to using shady and cheap tactics, sometimes bordering on harassment and stalking to declare and prove their love to the girls in their lives. It's as if every Bollywood hero has taken a secret oath to not have a flirting tactic if it's not embarrassing, downright gross or entirely usable. I mean, sure when SRK said Palat palat to Kajol in 'Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge' almost 20 years ago, we sighed and hoped she would turn back. It might have been aspirational and even cute then, but times have changed now, and no woman would take any man seriously if he decides to win her over by asking her to 'Palat in a crowded local platform. Yash Raj Films But that's the thing. Indian men also have nothing other than Bollywood to look up to for reference when it comes to learning the tricks of flirting. And, even after all these years, the power of Bollywood to exert influence on our minds, personality and behaviour remains immense. We see our favourite actress donning a new fashion tend and blindly hop on to the bandwagon by buying the exact same look. So how are we to just magically stop millions of Indian men getting inspired by the romantic antics of their macho heroes onscreen? The worst part is that once these antics translate to the real world; they're hardly romantic. Almost all Bollywood films resort to romanticising stalking and making it look like an intrinsic part of the courtship process. In films, a hero following a girl he likes is considered an act of flirting; he is after all just showing his affection by following her and ensuring she's safe. Naturally, in real life, stalking a girl who may not reciprocate your feelings always doesn't end up achieving such harmless connotations. But, most importantly, men following ridiculous flirting tactics of their male heroes also poses another obstacle: It reduces what is supposed to be a casual exchange between two sexes to a funless affair. When done right, flirting can set the mood way better than a candlelight dinner or a movie date can ever can. It's that exciting bridge that actually leads two people to the destination of their relationship. It's the to-and-fro that comes with a power to get to know each more accompanied with a faster beating heart and a blushing face. Late night texting and casual dates don't need to be wasted in small talk, when two people decide to flirt their way through it. T-Series So then, the question really is, what stops Indian men from being great at flirting? The answer as it turns out is suspiciously simple. Our hookup generation and its low-attention spans have ensured that flirting is treated as nothing but a mere stopgap before sex. As a result, both parties, and especially men not only refuse to take it seriously but also put very little effort in ensuring this step becomes more enjoyable. The very enjoyable and crucial process of flirting is then dispensed a rather too hurriedly. Couple that with the fact that growing up most Indian men have had little or no interaction with women their age, thanks to the popularity of separate schools for boys and girls. And by extension, they have especially very little idea on how to converse with a girl they might be interested in. Our social conditioning has been so unhelpful that it has been unknowingly casting a huge doom on our love lives. But, the largest part of the blame for why flirting has become nothing short of an afterthought for most men also rests squarely with Indian women. The responsibility of initiating any exchange between two people who like each other almost always unfairly rests on the men. UTV Motion Pictures And, we women have been just going with the flow since time immemorial. We expect our crushes, boyfriends, and husbands to always make the first move. To say the right thing. To flirt with us the way we want them to without ever giving them an idea of how we want them to behave with us. All of these things may seem small, but over time add up to make a glaring vacuum in our love lives. If we don't tell the men we love that expecting us to fall in love with cheesy pickup lines from pop-culture isn't the way to our heart, who will? Expecting Indian men to flirt flawlessly without ever teaching them how to is like expecting them to find their way in pitch darkness. At this point, even expecting Indian men to magically learn the flawless way to flirt overnight seems like a bit of a stretch. Naturally, it'll take years of undoing, and a few more months of spoon-feeding. But the need of the hour is definitely for Indian women to take up the challenge of making the first move or asking out that cute guy you spotted at the bar. Once that is done and numbers are exchanged, stop whatever you're doing and start flirting, and then see him rise up to the challenge. Happy flirting! The idea of secret societies has long captivated and piqued our interestspartly because the sweet smell of mystery is hard to resist, and partly because these theories of world domination, secret power and knowledge appeal most to our psyche as humans. Frankly, there is no dearth of the existence of such secret groups. There is Illuminati, of course, the most prominent of all that exists today. You might already know about itall thanks to Dan Brown's 'Angels & Demons'! But long before there was another secret society that's seldom talked about, one that almost supersedes the mystery associated with Illuminati, one that was founded by the Great Ashoka (circa 270 BC) of the Maurya dynastyThe Nine Unknown Men or the Unknown 9. Shanepedia They were to India what Illuminati is to the western worldbut only more intriguing and pervasive. Legend has it that Ashoka, a once formidable and unmerciful king, had a dramatic transformation and change of heart after witnessing the massacre that ensued in the battlefield of the Kalinga war. He realized that the only true conquest of a king was to not win cities but to win people's hearts by the observance of the laws of duty and piety. This led him to embrace the principles of Buddhism. He understood the extent of damage the world has to witness if power, which he obtained from his less peaceful days, goes into the wrong hands. And thus, the secret society of nine unknown men was born. H.G. Wells, in his book Outline of World History, wrote: Among the tens of thousands of names of monarchs accumulated of the files of history, the name Ashoka shines almost alone, like a star. Each of these 9 men was tasked with the responsibility of developing, preserving and preventing secret knowledge from getting into the hands of unknowledgeable. They were to guard one book of knowledge each. These books were known to contain supreme knowledge, even valued secrets of anti-gravity and time travel, which could have driven mankind into the path of development and evolution, but if went into wrong hands, had the power to destroy humanity in its entirety. gutenberg (dot) net The world learned about the existence of these unknown men in 1923 through Talbot Mundy's book 'The Nine Unknown Men, a Member of the British police force who served India for 25 years. In his book, Mundy explained that each of the nine members possessed a book that was updated constantly and contained detailed accounts of a certain scientific subject. He also explained that the men very rarely but did reveal themselves to wise men of the world in order to transfer knowledge to themall for the greater cause of humanity. Taking this into consideration, it was also rumored that Indian scientists Jagadish Chandra Bose and Vikram Sarabhai, who were ardent believers of the secret society, were actually members of the society. Decoding the nine books 1) The first book dealt with the tactics of propaganda and psychological warfare which basically taught how to mold mass opinion. According to Mundythe most dangerous of all sciences is that of moulding and changing mass opinion solely because it would enable anyone to govern the whole world. 2) The second book was about physiology which explains how to kill a person simply by touching. This is known as the 'touch of death'a concept that teaches how to reverse the pulse of a human by a simple touch and kill him/her in the process. It is believed that the martial art of 'Judo' is a ramification of the studies from this second book. 3) The third book dealt with biotechnology and microbiology. Some say that the cholera vaccine came from knowledge that was retained in this book. 4) The fourth book focused on alchemy and transmutation of metals. 5) The fifth book was about communication with both terrestrial and extraterrestrial proving the fact that the Nine Unknown Men believed in alien presence. 6) The sixth book contained the secrets of gravitation and explained the concept of 'Vaiminika Shashtra'the art of building vimanas (airships) which are often referred to as ancient UFOs. 7) The seventh book contained the matters of universe and cosmogony which held the secret of time travel. 8) The eighth book is believed to be on light which explains how to control the speed of light and thus use it as a weapon. 9) The ninth and the final book discussed about sociologyincluding rules for the evolution of societies and foretelling their downfall too. History has stood testimony to the fact that the idea of secret societies, much like this one, has always been about the preservation of knowledge. Of course, with the idea of 'seeing is believing' that seemingly resonates with our generation the most, these legends are as good as a myth. So while you choose to believe them for who they are and what they hold or not believe in themis totally up to you, reality, for most parts, is always boring! Source- Blue Book, Wikipedia and History of India A person only feels trapped when he knows what exists beyond the walls. Knowledge about the outside world is what makes us restless to venture and discover. Legend has it that a Greek Orthodox monk called Michael Tolotos died in 1938 at the age of 82, without EVER seeing a woman. Be very surprised, the man never knew, in his 82 years of existence, what a woman looked like. wsj His story is so rarely talked and written about, that it's even hard to find it on the internet, let alone books or newspapers. Putting whatever pieces we found to the puzzle, we tried to trace what Michael's life was like. In 1856, just after 4 hours of his birth, his mother passed away. Since nobody came ahead, the boy was abandoned at the steps of a monastery atop Mount Athos. The boy was adopted by the monastery and the monks named him Michael Tolotos. wsj Bred and educated in the walled monastery, Michael never even once ventured past the gates of the monastery. All along this time, a law passed in 1060 banning woman and animals from Mount Athos was in force. The law stands rigid till date. Since Michael never had any contact with the outer world and no woman was allowed to visit the monastery, he died in 1983, at the age of 82, without ever knowing what a woman looked like. Even today, only male tourists are allowed inside the monastery and the monks are not allowed to shave, bathe, fight, argue and ask what lies beyond the walls of the monastery. wsj Meeting in Dublin, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Terens Quick, and the Irish Minister of State for the Diaspora, Ciaran Cannon, agreed on the immediate launching of Greek-Irish cooperation on diaspora affairs. According to Mr. Quick, The meeting was very productive. We agreed to immediately start cooperation between the two countries on Diaspora issues. In fact, I was very honoured by my colleagues proposal that we start with cultural actions, given the Irish peoples appreciation for Greeces global contribution through language and culture. Lets not forget, he stressed, that the Irish Diaspora is a huge force, numbering over 60 million, of whom 30 million are in the U.S., with very strong political influence. We should also bear in mind something very important that we have in common. As we do with Cyprus. Our thirst and struggles for Freedom. An inextinguishable flame that burns in all three of our hearts. I believe that the Cypriot Commissioner for Overseas Cypriots, Fotis Fotiou, will soon visit Dublin so that we can further systematize our cooperation all together. Whats more, Ireland makes a major contribution to the UN blue berets in Cyprus. And their vessels in the Mediterranean do exceptional work, rescuing shipwrecked migrants who have embarked from North Africa, mainly on their way to Italy. We find this especially moving, as we are experiencing the migration and refugee drama first hand. The Irish Minister of State for the Diaspora briefed Mr. Quick on the return of young Irish immigrants to their homeland following their countrys recovery from its recent economic crisis. Irelands brain drain resulted in 250,000 departures, while its reverse brain drain programme is so far prompting a steady 500 returns per week, Mr. Cannon said. MIDDLETOWN The citys tranquil park that honors the 65 Connecticut heroes who lost their lives in service to the country while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan will soon include a tribute to a very special service dog. Some 25 people gathered recently at Veterans Memorial Park to reveal plans for a bronze statue to be erected this spring in the entrance way area of the Connecticut Trees of Honor to memorialize Sgt. Stubby. It took more than 30 years for the Deane family find the perfect resting place for Americas best-known military working dog, said Curt Deane, grandson of Cpl. J. Robert Conroy of New Britain. His grandfather found the stray mixed breed he named Stubby while training near the Yale University campus in New Haven during the spring and summer of 1917. They think hes more Staffordshire Bull Terrier than anything else, said Deane, a Lyme and New York City resident. Conroy was there with the 102nd Regiment of the 26th Yankee Division before the unit was shipped off to France at the start of Americas entry into WWI. The men very quickly became endeared to the canine, designating him Sgt. Stubby. Very soon, the canine will have another grand tribute on a national stage when the animated movie Sgt. Stubby: An American Hero will premier nationwide April 13. It really is a fulfillment of promise I made to my grandfather back in the 80s. When I realized it was the centennial (of the U.S. involvement in World War I), it was the right time to do it, said Deane, who met Trees of Honor founder Sue Martucci through a friend of a friend. His family had been trying to find locations in Connecticut to bring Stubby home to, including New Haven and Hartford, but encountered political resistance. No matter, since once he met Martucci, things moved very quickly, Deane said. She soon convinced him Middletown should be Stubbys forever home. I felt like it was absolutely right. Sue is smart. She gets stuff done shes really committed to this park. Thats what really drove me, and then when she started talking about wanting to have a plaque for service members with PTSD, to me, that was ideal, Deane said. California sculptress Susan Bahary, who has work on view around the world, is creating the piece. Shes best known for the World War II War Dog Memorial Always Faithful in Guam, which was dedicated July 21, 1994. She just unveiled in New Zealand a tribute to horses sent to WWI, Deane said. She has an extraordinary way of capturing animals. Stubby was not really a war dog per se, he was Americas first service dog and the United States War Dog Association recognizes that, as does dog historian Mary Elizabeth Thurston, Deane said. Ironically, the canine brought a sense of humanity to the battlefield. Stubby was a way to take the hard edges off the war for the soldiers, Deane said. If a soldier got hit or wounded, Stubby was out of the trench into the field, and would sit by the soldier so the medics knew where to go to get him. Stubbys olfactory senses were so acute that he could smell gas on the wind moving toward his infantrymen. He could hear the whistle of the shells as they were heading their way, so he would run up and down the trenches warning the soldiers to get their gas masks on and take cover, Deane said. Stubby was Americas first unofficial service dog, something Vietnam veteran Larry Riley, who joined the U.S. Air Force in 1966, and eventually became an expert combat dog handler, would like to see formalized. Officially making him a sergeant would be great, Riley said. Canines have been used for hundreds of years in wartime. They used to tie dogs to outside of castles as an alert system, Riley told those gathered at Fridays event. He trained two dogs in Vietnam. They both saved my life several times, along with alerting the base, so we could get people to the proper areas and repel the attack, he said. In order to perform as one on missions, handlers form a tight bond with their canines something that must be broken when a tour of duty ends, Riley said. Its not easy. Its amazing how loyal they are. In Vietnam, we had to leave those dogs there, Riley said. After they did so much for us, the last thing we had to do was say goodbye to them which was heartbreaking. Still, to this day, while Im talking about it now, my eyes are starting to well up. As Deputy Mayor Robert Santangelo, a Vietnam veteran, rose to speak at the ceremony, he took one look at the artistic rendering of the statue next to a photograph of the clay cast of Stubby. Bob Conroy was one heck of a dog trainer, he quipped. How many of you can get your dog to stand up like that? The sculpture will be dedicated May 26, said Martucci, who couldnt be more pleased with the match. Its beyond words, its just amazing, Martucci said. Were saying Stubby is finding his forever home here in the Trees of Honor memorial amongst all the other heroes. Its exciting. On the horizon are two more projects, Martucci said. Plans are in the works for two large, black laser-etched granite plaques at the entryway to the park. This will be a tribute to military working dogs, trying to make it somewhat more customized to Connecticut veterans, said Martucci, who has already been receiving photos from veterans of their service dogs. Her hope is to have one of the dogs likeness laser etched in the background of the plaque. A second tribute will show awareness and empathy for veterans suffering with post-traumatic stress disorder, Martucci said. Well reach out to those that suffer wounds of war from combat, she said. The U.S. War Dog Association has offered a $30,000 matching fund grant to the Trees of Honor project. Donations are still needed. Those interested in contributing can make checks out to the Stubby statue project and mail them to: CTHM, Inc., P.O. Box 86, Cromwell, CT 06416, or send payment via PayPal at cttreesofhonor.com. For more information, visit Sgtstubbysalutes.org. GUILFORD Thousands who filled the town green on Saturday in one of 800 nationwide March for Our Lives gun-control rallies, had one overriding message for the nations leaders: If you dont ban assault weapons, bump stocks, ghost guns and take other measures on gun control, you will not get our votes. U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy, who received resounding cheers and chants of Murphy for President, said this was the day the world would see the people power behind the gun-control movement. We are standing up in record numbers across this county, he said. Were bigger and more powerful than the gun lobby. The world is seeing it today. Murphy said two weeks ago his son, a kindergartner experienced his first active-shooter drill. In his case, students are to cram into a bathroom in the classroom. I didnt like it, Murphys son told him, bringing tears to the senators eyes. Murphy said no 6-year-old, 16-year-old or any other student, should have to wonder if theyre going to survive a day at school. He said children living in urban areas shouldnt feel unsafe walking to the corner store. He said if gun laws dont change, voters should make their objections known at the ballot box. Murphy said after the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School that killed 20 first-graders and six adults, fighting for gun control has become a labor of love for him. He said young protesters made the difference in Vietnam, in the civil rights movement, in marriage equality and they will do it on the gun-control issue. While marchers of all ages took to the streets grandmothers with walkers were holding gun-control signs teen-agers moved by the school shootings in Parkland, Fla., who gave the most compelling speeches and readings on stage. Daniel Hand High School students Kate Klein and Grace McFadden, both 16 and juniors, organized their high school walkout on March 14 as part of a nationwide movement. Klein, who spoke at the rally, said the Parkland shootings hit home because that community is supposed to be safe like Madison or Guilford, and the victims look like people she knows. We are standing up and saying, This is not okay. Were not looking for prayers, she said. McFadden read a moving poem by a Parkland survivor. Ella Franzoni, a high school senior from Clinton, spoke eloquently on stage, saying she heard her age group referred to as the mass shooting generation, on television but that isnt how they want to be known. She said since she was born in 2000, the U.S. has racked up 194 school shootings, and no one has gotten used to the shaky cellphone videos taken from under desks and inside closets. My generation is waking up, she said. We see the lies of a corrupt system. Recently retired Stockton Stocky Clark, of Hamden, arrived at the green two hours early, as did many others, and enthusiastically purchased an orange T-shirt reading: How many kids does it take to change our gun laws? He bought the shirt from the group CT Against Gun Violence. Clark said he wants to see a ban on assault weapons. Im outraged by the lack of leadership and common sense in our Congress and president We are very near a tipping point in terms of the demise of democracy, Clark said. Most of all, we have to protect our children and not turn our schools into war zones. New Haven residents Mike Gill and Joanne Paone-Gill, said they believe it will be this generation, some of their nine grandchildren among them, who will make the real difference in tightening gun-control laws. She said she was proud their young grandchildren joined the March 14 nationwide school walkout against the will of their school officials/ These are the kids who are our future politicians, and Joanne Paone-Gill said. Its on not enough to see something and say something. We need to do something. She said its enough to take guns away, noting the problem stems from several areas, including the heavy influence of the National Rifle Association from the halls of Congress and the White House a sentiment also expressed on many protest signs. While there was no organized counter rally, Steve Bristol, of Clinton, sat in his car with a huge handmade sign on the dashboard and visible through the windshield that read: You want the govt the founders feared. Although no one appeared to react to the sign, Bristol decided to put it in the trunk, fearing someone might damage his car, and I like my car, he said. Bristol said he is not a member of the NRA and does not own weapons, but is a strong supporter of Second Amendment rights. I believe their goal is to take down the Second Amendment, he said of those a few feet on the green. He said Democrats are incrementally chipping away at the Second Amendment. After the thousands walked a symbolic 0.8-mile march, local lawmakers spoke, notably state Sen. Ted Kennedy Jr., D-Branford. Looking at the vast crowd and strongly worded signs, Kennedy said as someone who lost two uncles to gunfire and whose sprawling family has had to relive the tragedies through news clips and the Zapruder film he was never prouder than Saturday to be a member of the shoreline community. Kennedy said his family has never been a fan of the NRA, the organization last year gave $38 million to politicians. But Saturdays show of solidarity on the gun-control issue sent a far more powerful message. Mike Song, whose son Ethan Song, 15, of Guilford, was killed by a gunshot in a local home months ago, performed John Lennons, Imagine. Mike Song said there is no way to change the past, but he can help prevent tragedies in the future. I believe reasonable people can come to agreement, on issues such as background checks, wait times and more, he said. He said losing Ethan is like having part of your soul ripped out, but,We are going to make a meaningful change. Navy veteran Richard Roberson stood beside the Lone Sailor statute at the United States Navy Memorial on Saturday morning -- directly in the center of the massive anti-gun violence rally, March for Our Lives. He watched as thousands of people streamed by, many of them kids -- all of them urging Congress for stricter gun-control measures. The 71-year-old broke down as he explained why he felt compelled to make the trip into Washington from his home four hours away in rural Virginia. "If you're 20 years old, and you're on a Navy hospital ship in Vietnam, it stays with you forever when you see what assault rifles do," Roberson said. "Quite frankly, my generation has made a mess of the country. These kids are the future." A few dozen veterans gathered at the memorial to stand together in support of March for Our Lives and the students who helped to lead it. Many more veterans were likely dispersed through the large crowd, said Air Force veteran Pam Campos, who organized the veteran contingent at the Washington march. By noon, a mass of people stretched from the U.S. Capitol down Pennsylvania Avenue toward the White House. Organizers were hoping to match attendance at last year's women's march, which was one of the biggest protests in the capitol and far surpassed predictions of 300,000 demonstrators. The official mission statement for March For Our Lives claims the purpose of the rally --and hundreds of sister marches worldwide -- is to demand that Congress act on a "comprehensive and effective bill" to address gun reform in the wake of the 17 people killed at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., on Feb. 14. It was the first protest Marine Corps veteran Steven Kiernan, 30, had ever attended. "I was always cynical about these kinds of things. You come home from Iraq and everyone seems so disengaged and not interested," Kiernan said. "Seeing this, it's given me hope for the future for the first time in a while. These kids aren't willing to accept the world as it is -- they want to change it." In addition to fighting for gun reform, Air Force veteran Ksenia Voropaeva, 32, wanted to be in Washington on Saturday to represent immigrants and show the diversity in backgrounds -- and in opinions -- among the country's veterans. She emigrated from Eastern Europe to Oklahoma at age 11. Marine Corps veteran and Georgetown University student Cristine Pedersen, 26, also said she was hoping to push back against what she said were widely held assumptions that all veterans are against gun-control measures. On Saturday, Pedersen carried a sign with three photos of fellow Marines. One of them, she said, had died by suicide using a gun. "This issue of access to guns is really personal to veterans," Pedersen said. "The veteran suicide rate is really high ... a lot of it is about access to weapons." According to the latest Department of Veterans Affairs statistics, an average of 20 veterans died by suicide each day in 2014. Approximately two-thirds of those deaths were the result of injuries from firearms. Pedersen was deployed overseas in 2012 during the deadly shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. She said that at the time, she feared for the safety of her family back home. "You go to war so it doesn't have to be unsafe in the United States," Pedersen said. Other demonstrators took photos of the veterans Saturday as they stood behind a large banner with the message, "Vets v. Hate." Some of the protesters engaged them in conversation about their viewpoints, and ended by thanking them for their service. In addition to the main rally in Washington, veterans participated in some of the sister marches nationwide. Groups of them gathered at rallies from Montana to Florida, New York and Texas.The Associated Press estimated that hundreds of thousands of people participated in the demonstrations across the U.S. Roberson, who watched the masses on Pennsylvania Avenue from his perch at the Navy Memorial, described the event as a "fantastic start" in the push for changes to gun laws. "I agree with these kids. We've got to do something," he said. "The question is, will Capitol Hill listen to them?" Yankees first baseman Greg Bird missed most of last season with a right ankle injury. The 25-year-old is now battling soreness in the same foot and will go for an MRI and a CT scan, per Randy Miller of NJ.com. Birds status concerns general manager Brian Cashman, who said Saturday: Im worried about it to be honest. Im not sure what were dealing with, but when Greg cant tee it up, its a problem for us because obviously hes a vital member of our organization. Cashman went on to indicate that the Yankees wont attempt to replace Bird via trade if he lands on the shelf. The recently signed Neil Walker and Tyler Austin are among the Yankees in-house first base options, but its worth noting that they recently had Adam Lind in camp. The club signed Lind to a minor league pact in early March before releasing him midway through the month. Lind remains on the market and would make for a logical pickup on paper, but theres no word on whether New York is interested in re-signing him in the event of another serious injury to Bird. [Update: The Yankees announced that Bird is dealing with inflammation and will see a specialist Monday.] More from the East Coast Birthday wishes Call 281-422-8302 or email david.bloom@baytownsun.com to wish someone a happy birthday. We will print your birthday wish on Page 2 of The Sun. Happy Birthday Wishes Fiesta Hermosa will be back for Labor Day weekend, but with a new local look, slightly different name live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More Former NITI Aayog vice chairman Arvind Panagariya has made a strong case for privatisation of public sector banks with the exception of SBI, saying that political parties serious of forming government in 2019 should include the proposal in their manifesto. Panagariya, who is currently a professor of economics at Columbia University, further said that predominance of scandals and NPAs in PSBs is only one albeit important reason for privatisation of PSBs. "I firmly believe that privatisation of all PSBs except perhaps the State Bank of India should be on the election manifestos of all parties who wish to present themselves as serious candidates to form the government in 2019," he said in an interview to PTI. Panagariya was replying to a query related to the recent banking frauds, including nearly Rs 13,000 crore at Punjab National Bank (PNB). The eminent economist further argued that efficiency and productivity too demand that the government relinquish its control of the large number of banks whose market valuation has dwindled despite the fact that they hold the bulk of the deposits. Panagariya noted that it is disingenuous to argue, as many advocates of PSBs do, that achieving social goals of lending requires two-dozen banks in the public sector. "The fact of the matter is that private sector banks have often performed better than public sector banks in delivering on their priority-sector-lending obligations," he pointed out. Asked to comment on recent trade tensions, with US President Donald Trump targeting India, Panagariya said that he would not hesitate to liberalise India's trade further rather than risk the United States closing its markets to Indian goods. On Nobel laureate Paul Krugman's recent comment that India story could end with mass unemployment, the former NITI Aayog vice chairman admitted that Professor Krugman is surely right to point to the importance of manufacturing in the economic transformation of a developing country. "I think manufacturing growth is essential for creating productive and well-paid jobs rather than escape mass unemployment," he said, adding that the economy is surely creating jobs. "The problem we face is that it is creating very few jobs that fully exploit the potential of our workers," Panagariya insisted. Talking about overall economy, he said that India remains stable in macroeconomic terms. "The GDP growth rate has been on the rising trend during the latest two quarters for which we have datait rose from 5.7 per cent during the first quarter of 2017-18 to 6.5 per cent in the second quarter and 7.2 per cent in the third quarter. I expect the upward trend to continue," Panagariya asserted. On protest by farmers across the India, the economist said he always favoured cash transfers to rural BPL households in times of crop failures via Aadhaar-linked bank accounts. "In the medium run, the government strategy of raising farmer incomes through marketing reforms and increased farm productivity are right on target," Panagariya said. Indian firms mobilised more than Rs 58,000 crore by issuing shares to institutional investors during April-January of the current fiscal, over 12-fold rise from the year-ago period. In comparison, they had mopped-up Rs 4,664 crore in the corresponding period of 2016-17 fiscal. As per the latest data available with the Securities and Exchange Board of India, the capital garnered by the listed companies through the Qualified Institutional Placement (QIP) route stood at Rs 58,520 crore in the first 10 months of 2017-18. It was also nearly seven times the total amount raised in the entire 2016-17 which stood at Rs 8,464 crore. The funds have been mobilised for business expansion, refinancing of debt, working capital requirements and other general corporate purposes. QIP is an alternative mode of resource raising available for listed companies to raise funds from domestic market. National Fertilizers | The sale of sulphur based fertilizers of company - Bentonite Sulphur has registered a growth of 237 percent and SSP has registered growth of 133 percent over the CPLY in April-October 2020 YoY. (Image: Reuters) Renowned spiritual leader Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev has made a strong call to aggregate investment in irrigation and make farming "lucrative" for farmers in India. Sadhguru, founder of the Isha Foundation which offers Yoga programmes around the world, was here to attend the commemoration of the World Water Day and the launch of the International Decade for Action Water for Sustainable Development 20182028 at the United Nations headquarters. "If you ask across the section of farmers in the country, how many of them want their children to go into farming, believe me it is less than 10 per cent. Nobody wants their children to go into farming. So what will happen in the next 15-20 years, they will sell their land to real estate and then how do you produce food in a country with such a massive population," Sadhguru told PTI in an interview here. If farmers are to stay back in the villages, "we have to make farming lucrative" and the infrastructure in the villages should become "reasonably urbanised". It will be then that farmers will have an incentive to live in the villages and not move to the nearest towns or cities, he said. "My vision for the country is to urbanise rural areas. What is available in the cities must be available in the villages," the spiritual leader said, adding that it will be very important to urbanise rural India rather than concentrating over a billion people in cities. The plight of farmers is that they are debt-ridden, Sadhguru said. "The biggest expense on the farm is the irrigation system - we are looking at how to aggregate irrigation through farmer producer organisations," he said. Sadhguru expressed optimism that this is "very much doable", adding that if irrigation is aggregated, there will be no debt burden on the farmers and they will need to pay only rent for the water used in their fields. "Investment in irrigation and marketing should be aggregated. Large corporations should be brought into this. The fear is that the corporations will come and dominate you. This is why the farmers' bodies must become large," he said. Currently farmers come together only to protest on the streets but "the farmers should come together for irrigation and marketing. The farmer producer organisations (FPOs) can help in that," he said. Sadhguru said that he is looking at demonstrating successful large-scale FPOs with 25,000-50,000 farmers where they could "come together and become large corporation themselves. Then they will have marketing and purchasing power". On addressing challenges and seizing opportunities on water security, he said that there is no solution "without marrying ecology and economy". "A dynamic policy is needed but what is very important is a mass involvement of people," he said, underlining that without people's participation, progress is not possible and "people participation will not come unless there is economic benefit attached to it". "People understand economy as today's issue, and ecology as the next generation's issue. But ecology is this generation's issue," the spiritual leader said. "Unless we make ecology into a lucrative process, large masses of people will never involve themselves in these issues. We must look for economic solutions because economic solutions mean both the parties benefit. Only when both parties benefit, there is a sustainable deal," he said. On the UN's launch of the decade of action on water, Sadhguru said what is required is determination by nations and people to achieve progress. The new schemes proposed by the Himachal Pradesh government for the agriculture sector in its 2018-19 Budget will help farmers double their income, Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur said today. He reiterated the commitment of the government to double income of farmers and said that to achieve the target new schemes have been proposed in the Budget. The chief minister was addressing a public meeting at Pakhubela in Una Assembly Constituency. The previous Congress government in the state had neglect the Una constituency, but today schemes and projects worth Rs 20 crore have been inaugurated for its development, besides laying of foundation stone for new projects, he said. The main focus of the state government would be on development and welfare of the poor, downtrodden and under privileged sections, the chief minister said. The previous government had pushed the state into a debt trap, but the BJP dispensation is dedicated to development, the chief minister said, alleging that opposition Congress was forcing non-issues to divert the attention of people from core development issues. The BJP government has sanctioned an IIT, Indian Oil depot, Satellite Centre of the PGI, mother child health care centre and other mega projects for Una district, he said. State BJP president Satpal Singh Satti hailed the chief minister for laying foundation stone of a bridge to be constructed on Jalgran-Pekhubela-Khui-Bhadloiya road at a cost of Rs 131.69 lakh. Indiabulls Real Q4 | Loss at Rs 110 cr versus profit at Rs 109 cr, revenue fell to Rs 116.3 cr versus Rs 1,821.54 cr YoY. (Image: indiabullsrealestate.com) live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More In a major real estate deal, Indiabulls Real Estate (IBREL) has executed a definitive agreement with global private equity investor Blackstone Group to divest 50 per cent stake in its prime commercial properties in the megapolis for Rs 4,750 crore. IBREL has executed transaction documents with the entities controlled by Blackstone to divest their entire holding in certain subsidiaries and thereby indirectly divesting 50 per cent stake in Indiabulls Properties Private Ltd (IPPL) and Indiabulls Real Estate Company (IRECPL) at an aggregate enterprise value of around USD 1,461.5 million or Rs 9,500 crore, the company had said in a BSE filing last evening. "Substantial part of sale proceeds would be utilised towards repayment of existing debts of the company and its subsidiaries, and for achieving sustainable long term growth and for further strengthening of their on-going businesses," it said. The transaction is expected to be completed by March 31. Once this transaction is concluded, Indiabulls will cease its sole control over the two subsidiaries IPPL and IRECPL, Indiabulls added. The company, did not give any details about the assets held by these two subsidiaries. However, according to sources, the two subsidiaries hold premium commercial office assets, Indiabulls Finance Centre and One Indiabulls Centre, in central Mumbai. Indiabulls in April last year had announced plans to restructure its business by creating a separate venture for commercial and leasing operations as part of efforts to focus on each segment. It planned to hive off commercial and leasing business into a separate entity Indiabulls Commercial Assets Ltd. In a recent announcement, the company said it plans to sell its housing and commercial assets in Chennai as part of strategy to exit non-core market and restructure its business. The US-based Blackstone directly and along with its joint venture partner Embassy group is currently holding huge commercial assets with over 56 million sqft across major cities. Embassy group is planning to launch the country's first real estate investment trust to monetise commercial assets. Unlike housing sector, the commercial real estate is doing fairly well and attracting huge investment from global investors like Blackstone and Singapore's sovereign wealth fund GIC. In late December 2017, DLF promoters concluded sale of 40 per cent stake in rental arm for nearly Rs 12000 crore. This deal included sale of 33.34 per cent stake to GIC for Rs 9000 crore. Few years back, Godrej Properties had sold over 4 lakh sq ft of office space in Bandra-Kurla complex for nearly Rs 1500 crore. Leading stock exchange NSE today said it has set up expert groups in business and technology verticals within the bourse to help bridge the widening technology gap among market participants. The main focus would be to reduce the gap between large, financially stronger tech-savvy and the smaller, tech-dependent, financially weaker market participants. 'Sophistication levels between these two sets of market participants in India, vary significantly, and NSE would play a strategic role in bridging this widening gap, in an effort to deepen and widen the market infrastructure across the country," NSE Managing Director and CEO Vikram Limaye told PTI. This initiative assumes significance against the backdrop of large volume of small market participants looking up to NSE to provide the requisite leadership, as they are unable to invest in newer technologies and catch up with sophisticated larger players to provide efficient services to their large retail customer base. The National Stock Exchange (NSE) is harnessing, in a big way, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence and BlockChain Technologies, internally as well, to bring in operational efficiencies, improve delivery services and reduce costs, Limaye said. "We keep benchmarking with the best in class practices followed in other global exchanges and keep applying these technologies internally," he added. The new technology modelling will help in maintaining trading accuracy and strengthen surveillance and risk management processes within the capital market eco-system, Limaye said adding" machine learning will also enable more efficient reporting to our regulators''. Limaye, however, declined to divulge the technology spend NSE was planning in the new financial year. Machine Learning will help to deepen and broaden capital market development and generate value to clients. Most firms have focused on using ML in the past to cut costs and have underestimated its potential to create value across organisation in entirely new ways. Our immediate intention is to use this technology and improve the lives of such investors, enable more efficient reporting to regulators and better secure our nation's financial infrastructure," the NSE chief said. Recently, the exchange organised a Machine Learning Conference in Mumbai to benefit large number of small brokers and capital market participants. Microsoft Valuation: $92.7 billion Change in valuation: 16 percent Change in rank: -1 Tech giant Microsoft will host 'AI for All' summit in Bengaluru on March 28 to showcase use cases of artificial intelligence across sectors. The event will feature discussions around the benefits of artificial intelligence (AI), and how this can be used to amplify human ingenuity, a Microsoft India spokesperson told PTI. "This is our first summit of its kind in the country. While we had an AI event last year for developers, this one is for a broader audience," the spokesperson added. Participation is expected from industry representatives spanning across verticals like healthcare, auto and IT and IT-enabled services, among others. The event will be addressed by global and Indian Microsoft executives, including Peggy Johnson (Executive Vice President, Business Development), Anant Maheshwari (President, Microsoft India) and Anil Bhansali, Managing Director at Microsoft India (R&D). Besides, representatives from Microsoft's partners and customers will also speak at the event, showcasing use cases of AI across various areas. The event will also showcase how AI can augment people's capability to be more productive and the potential of AI in India for both businesses and society at large. There will also be a Design Thinking workshop around AI, the spokesperson said. Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu today met his counterparts from Zimbabwe, Malawi and Uganda, and reiterated India's support to African countries in their developmental efforts. Naidu held separate meetings with Zimbabwe Vice President General (retd) Constantino Chiwenga, Vice President of Uganda Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi and Vice President of Malawi Saulos Klaus Chilima. While interacting with his counterparts from Zimbabwe, Uganda and Malawi, Naidu said that India will strive to deepen levels of political, economic and technical engagement with African countries and was committed to assisting them for economic growth and national development. "India stands committed to support African countries in their development efforts," an official statement quoting the vice president as saying during his meetings with the leaders from Zimbabwe, Malawi and Uganda. Naidu, during his meetings with the three leaders, also recalled that during the India-Africa Summit in 2015, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had offered soft loans to African countries in the form of Lines of Credits, and these loans could be availed in the sectors of infrastructure, power, roads, industrial parks, agriculture etc. Solar energy is one area where India is extending loans to several African countries and is ready to consider any request from them, he said. Leaders of several African countries had attended the Founding Conference of the International Solar Alliance, which was held here this month. The vice president said that India's relations with African countries in the field of defence and security have gained momentum and several nations have come forward to gain training and other defence related support. He said that training and capacity building has been the focus of defence cooperation between these countries and Indian military training teams have been actively engaged in the field of training. Aadhaar Card The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) refuted reports about a fresh data leak of Aadhaar holders, and asserted that there has been "absolutely no breach" of its database. The statement comes after ZDNet, a technology news portal cited a security researcher's claim to state that a system of state-owned utility firm was allegedly leaking information on Aadhaar holders. In a statement issued here, UIDAI, the Aadhaar-issuing body, said: "there is no truth in this story as there has been absolutely no breach of UIDAIs Aadhaar database. Aadhaar remains safe and secure". UIDAI said it is also "contemplating a legal action" against ZDNet, on the issue. It termed the data breach claims as "totally baseless, false and irresponsible". "UIDAI today has refuted reports in a certain section of media sourced from the news website ZDNet which has quoted a person purportedly claiming to be a security researcher that a state-owned utility company has vulnerability which can be used to access a huge amount of Aadhaar data including banking details," UIDAI said in its statement. The UIDAI has argued that even if the report claims were taken to be true, the security related concerns should be around the database of utility company in question. It has "nothing to do with security of UIDAIs Aadhaar database", it said. Going by the logic of the report, since the utility company's database also had bank account numbers of its customers, would bank databases also be considered to have been breached, UIDAI questioned. "The answer would obviously be in negative," it added. UIDAI argued that mere availability of Aadhaar number with a third person "will not be a security threat to the Aadhaar holder" nor will it lead to financial or other fraud. This is because a transaction is contingent upon a successful authentication through fingerprint, Iris or OTP of the Aadhaar holder, UIDAI said. The ZDNet report had claimed that "a data leak on a system run by a state-owned utility company can allow anyone to download private information on all Aadhaar holders, exposing their names, their unique 12-digit identity numbers, and information about services they are connected to, such as their bank details and other private information." The report of the alleged security lapse comes at a time when a Constitutional bench of the Supreme Court is hearing a clutch of petitions challenging the Aadhaar Act and the use of biometric identifier in various government and non-government services. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said the Narendra Modi government at the Centre was working for the development of all without any bias. Inaugurating the district office of the BJP here, he said, "Both the Central and state governments are working on the slogan of 'sabka saath sabka vikas'." About the various welfare initiatives of his government, Adityanath said 37 lakh new ration cards have been issued to the needy while 30 lakh fake cards have been cancelled. BJP Gearing up for the next general election, BJP President Amit Shah set a target of 21 seats out of 25 parliamentary constituencies from northeast in Lok Sabha polls in 2019. Addressing a rally of BJP booth unit chiefs here, he asked the party members to work towards achieving this target. "I want to give a target for 2019 polls. We want to win more than 21 seats out of 25 seats from North East," Shah said in the rally. "Except Mizoram, all other states in NE are ruled by NEDA (North-East Democratic Alliance) constituents. So all of you need to take it forward," Shah said, adding the party won eight seats from the region during last Lok Sabha polls in 2014. The BJP needs to win maximum number of seats from northeast to strengthen Prime Minister Narendra Modi so that development of the region continues. The party chief also asked the Assam BJP unit to expand the network and appoint 'Page Pramukh' or in-charge of each page of the electoral list. Shah attacked the Congress and said the northeastern part of the country lagged behind other regions post Independence due to faulty policies of the oldest political party of India. Assam was the fourth developed state in India after Independence but it was fourth from the bottom when Sarbananda Sonowal became the chief minister in 2016, he claimed. "Congress' policy is divide and rule, while it is sabka saath sabka vikaas for BJP. During 2014 campaign, Modiji had promised to develop northeast like the western part of India. Four years have gone and see the progress of the region done by him," he said. Assam, he said, had got Rs 79,741 crore from the 13th Finance Commission during the UPA tenure which soared to Rs 1,55,292 crore in 14th Finance Commission during the Modi government. Without naming former prime minister Manmohan Singh, Shah criticised him for allegedly not doing anything significant for the region despite being elected to the Rajya Sabha from Assam twice. The BJP chief also listed a series of schemes and financial benefits provided to Assam and the other northeastern states during the NDA regime in the last four years. "(With) the stand India has taken on Doklam issue under Prime Minister Modi, a message has been sent to the entire world. He has also solved the border dispute with Bangladesh, helping the (northeast) region to prosper," the BJP chief claimed. He also highlighted the Assam government's thrust to make the state free from corruption, terrorism, foreigners and pollution. "The insurgent groups of the region are surrendering one after another and development is on. The way NRC update is going on, the foreigner issue will also be resolved soon," Shah added. Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Sunday accused the Prime Minister of data breach via his official Narendra Modi app, taking forward the war of words between the Congress and BJP over the Facebook data mining scandal. Hi! My name is Narendra Modi. I am India's Prime Minister. When you sign up for my official App, I give all your data to my friends in American companies. https://t.co/IZYzkuH1ZH Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) March 25, 2018 Hi! My name is Narendra Modi. I am India's Prime Minister. When you sign up for my official App, I give all your data to my friends in American companies, Gandhi tweeted. Gandhi was referring to a claim by French researcher Elliot Alderson, who alleged that information of those who have downloaded the app was being provided to third party US company Clever Tap without the users consent. The claim has escalated the slugfest between the BJP and the Congress that have accused each other of using the services of Cambridge Analytica, the UK-based company at the heart of the Facebook data mining scandal. Congress President Rahul Gandhi hit out at Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad over huge pendency of cases in courts and shortage of judges, and charged him with "peddling fake news" instead. His attack came after Prasad accused the Congress of hiring the services of controversial data firm Cambridge Analytica, accused of harvesting data stolen from Facebook, in previous elections. The charge has been denied by the Congress, which instead accused the BJP of using the services of the firm. Legal system collapsing under Pending Cases: Supreme Court 55,000+, High Court 37 Lakh+, Lower Courts 2.6 Crore+. Yet, a staggering 400 High Court and 6,000 Lower Court judges not appointed, while Law Minister preoccupied peddling fake news, Gandhi said on Twitter, using the hashtag JudiciaryDemonetised. He also took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over delay in appointment of judges to the Supreme Court. "Justice K M Joseph, overturned President's rule in Uttarakhand in 2016. When his name was proposed for the Supreme Court, Modi jis ego was hurt. Approval of over 100 judges, cleared for the Supreme Court and various High Courts are now on hold. #JudiciaryDemonetised(sic)," he said in another tweet. The Congress and the BJP have been engaged in a slinging match between each other accusing the other of using the services of the controversial data firm. The Facebook data scandal erupted after a whistleblower revealed that Cambridge Analytica, a data firm with ties to Trump's 2016 campaign, accessed personal data from 50 million users of the website without their knowledge, and might have kept that data even after the social media giant told the company to delete it. Rank 5 | Mark Zuckerberg | Net worth: $78.7 billion | He is the founder of the social media platform, Facebook . (Image: Reuters) Data is the new oil, and it caused greasy ripples all over the country - and the world - the past week. Cambridge Analytica, the controversial data analytics company that has been in the eye of a storm since its role in Brexit and victory of Donald Trump came to light, became the cause of political mudslinging in the country. Law and Information Technology Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad alleged that the opposition Congress has employed Cambridge Analytica and colluded with Facebook to steal data of citizens. The Congress denied the charges vehemently and the drama continues, bringing the focus back on the lack of clear and strong data protection and handling provisions in India. It also brought to light that there is, under current laws, not much that you can do to challenge a company that misuses personal data of an individual. It was reported in the US that a woman was killed when a self driving Uber rammed into her. As unfortunate incident came to light, it should serve some lessons for India as well, since our leaders are looking to focus on similar technologies in future. Just like the Cambridge Analytica case, there are no clear laws or regulation in India (and most other countries) to deal with eventualities like the Uber car crash. While the US is likely to deal with it in accordance to its own laws, From an Indian perspective, there are no clear provisions/laws or standards created in India for such driverless technology. Particularly, for allowing such driverless cars in India, amendments would have to be carried out in the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and Rules thereto for making provisions for registering of driverless cars and allowing driving of cars without driver and license thereto which is currently a statutory requirement, said Anil Dutt, Partner, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan. In any case, it is a known fact that regulations and laws have taken time to catch up with technology. There have been calls in Silicon Valley for technology entrepreneurs to be more responsible about their innovations. Facebook and Ubers cases are classic examples of how people got carried away with their ambition and forgot that some of the solutions they build can have an adverse impact on lives and identities. As users, this highlights the need for us to be more demanding, scrutinise data usage policies better, and question the services we often get online for free. US President Barack Obama wipes away tears as he delivers his farewell address in Chicago on January 10, 2017. (Reuters) Former President Barack Obama said today that negotiations with North Korea on its nuclear weapons programme are difficult, partly because the country's isolation minimises possible leverage, such as trade and travel sanctions against Pyongyang. "North Korea is an example of a country that is so far out of the international norms and so disconnected with the rest of the world," Obama told a packed hall in Tokyo. He stressed the effort to get North Korea to give up nuclear weapons remains difficult, but countries working together, including China as well as South Korea and Japan, to combine pressure on North Korea will be better than nations working alone. He noted that past US efforts on Iran's nuclear weapons were more successful because there was more leverage, but there's little commerce and travel with North Korea to being with. "That makes them less subject to these kinds of negotiations," he said of North Korea. Obama was speaking at an event sponsored by a Japanese nonprofit group during his trip to Asia, which included earlier stops in Singapore, New Zealand and Australia. Obama's work after leaving office has been focused on nurturing young leaders. Obama, welcomed by a standing ovation, said the US-Japan alliance remained strong, and the US committed to defending Japan. "North Korea is a real threat," he said. "Our view has always been that we would prefer to resolve these issues peacefully," he said, adding that otherwise "the cost in terms of human life would be significant." He acknowledged progress on a nuclear-free world will likely take a long time as long as Russia and the US could not agree to start reducing their stockpiles. Obama also reflected on his 2016 visit to Hiroshima, one of two Japanese cities where the US dropped atomic bombs in the closing days of World War II. His visit was the first by an American president. Almost all American presidents tend to be relatively popular in Japan, which views the US as its most important ally. But many Japanese particularly appreciate Obama's efforts on denuclearization and remember with fondness his trip to Hiroshima and his message of working toward a world without nuclear weapons. The city of Midland is getting ready to install bicycle lanes downtown, as well as other pedestrian infrastructure improvements, after receiving a half million dollars from the federal government. The city applied for and received $501,630 from the Federal Highway Administrations Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside program (TASA). To qualify, the city had to match 20 percent of the funding, totaling $125,408. The total project cost is $627,038. The city plans to add bike lanes to Loraine and Main streets between Louisiana Avenue and Wall Street. According to a project drawing received from the city, other facets of the project include: Intersection improvements at North Main Street and Illinois Avenue. All four corners will receive curb extensions to give pedestrians more visibility to motorists. Plus, there will be new sidewalks and new pavement. Intersection improvements at North Main and Texas Avenue. All four corners will receive curb extension, new sidewalks and new pavement. Curb extensions are slated for Texas Avenue between Loraine and Baird streets, and eight 45-degree parking spaces will be installed on Texas across from the new Midland Convention Center. The southbound bike lane on Main will shift away from the sidewalk at the intersection with Illinois. The rightmost lane will be for traffic turning right. The citys project crossed a major threshold at Mondays Permian Basin Metropolitan Planning Organization public policy board meeting. The MPO is a federally mandated organization that oversees state and federal transportation spending within its boundary, which encompasses much of Midland and Ector counties and part of Martin County. Because the federal money is being spent within its boundary, the MPO board had to approve the project and the funding. The board voted 4-0 to give the OK by amending its Transportation Improvement Program, a four-year outlook on funded transportation projects. The amendment added the downtown project. No MPO money is being used. MPO Executive Director Cameron Walker told the Reporter-Telegram that the amendment is also important for the sake of transparency. TASA money has to go into the TIP, which opens up its use for public comment. Plus, the public can readily find the project in the TIP. Existing language in the MPOs Metropolitan Transportation Plan, a long-term outline of both funded and unfunded projects, prevents this larger, more comprehensive document from requiring an amendment, Walker said. ** ** ** TIP BREAKDOWN The Permian Basin Metropolitan Planning Organization amended its Transportation Improvement Program at its meeting Monday. Heres whats in the TIP now: 2017: Overpass at Loop 250 and Fairgrounds Road in Midland County: Total project cost: $12,997,699. 2018: Intersection at John Ben Sheppard Parkway and Farm-to-Market Road 3503 in Ector County. Total project cost: $2,486,357. 2018: Work on Interstate 20 from Lamesa Road to FM 715 in Midland County. Total project cost: $4,500,000. 2019: Downtown Midland bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure. Total project cost: $627,038. 2019: Overpass at Interstate 20 and County Road 1250 in Midland County. Total project cost: $19,840,000. 2019: Overpass at Loop 250 and county roads 1150 and 60 in Midland County. Total project cost: $21,500,000. 2020: Overpass at Loop 338 and Yukon Road in Ector County. Total project cost: $19,200,000. Google maps The Permian Basin Metropolitan Planning Organization has been working to address the intersection of Loop 338 and 52nd/56th streets in Odessa, which has been the site of several vehicle accidents and a pair of fatalities. At its meeting Monday, the public policy board was informed that an amendment to the MPOs Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) isnt necessary for the addition of traffic signals and other improvements to the intersection. The latest Permian Basin Board of Realtors report is showing inventory is an issue. The number of homes available in February 194 moved closer to one months supply as the market not only has a small inventory but also set a record for February in terms of the number of homes sold (164). The market remains strong in spite of continued low inventories, said Carroll Nall, MLS executive director and vice president of operations for the Permian Basin Board of Realtors. March indicators show numbers remaining consistent with the current record trends over the past 14 to 16 months. Those trends appear to heavily favor the seller and are leaving those looking for housing paying more than $55,000 for an average price home compared to the price in February 2017 and about $47,000 more for the median priced home. The board reported that the average home sold for $312,598, and the median priced home sold for $282,875, which appears to be a new record for any month, according to statistics provided by the PBBOR. February statistics show the most homes were sold for between $300,000 and $399,999 (37). Second was the 31 homes sold for between $250,000 and $299,999. Third was the 27 homes sold for between $200,000 and $249,999. Workforce housing appeared to be the order of the day as more homes were sold and sold in less time compared to more expensive houses. The average days on the market for a home sold in February for between $250,000 and $299,999 was 20 days. Veteran Realtor Victoria Printz told the Reporter-Telegram on Friday that if she hasnt sold a property, priced $200,000 to $500,000, within a week, she probably missed the price. Inventory might become the biggest issue moving forward for Realtors. First, the number of homes on the market at the end of February (194) is the lowest of any month going back to February 2013 (when there were 180). Second, the decline has been dramatic; there were 630 homes on the market as recently as July 2016 (20 months ago). Printz said not including the properties with more than three-quarters of an acre, the actual number of homes available this past week was closer to 138. For homes between $200,000 and $350,000, that number is around 45, she said. If we had another 200 homes appear on the market today, it would still be a drastic sellers market, Printz said. The PBBOR also reported that for the seventh straight month the market showed less than two months of supply available. Printz has said a balanced market in a community the size of Midland has between 900 to 1,100 homes. And while the PBBOR reports the average home sold stays on the market 46 days, Printz said that number, according to absorption rates, is closer to 14 for homes priced appropriately and that the only thing preventing the number of homes selling from being higher is the lack of inventory. It is a pretty big concern Printz said of the low inventory. In 23 years, I have never seen anything like this. Midland housing vs. the state Metropolitan area Average price Median price Lubbock $177,809 $161,500 Odessa $194,970 $178,000 San Antonio-New Braunfels $244,567 $210,683 Houston-Woodlands-Sugar Land $271,270 $217,875 Midland $309,094 $280,000 Dallas-Plano-Irving $339,003 $280,000 Austin $370,735 $294,162 Note: The prices are based on the metropolitan statistical area, not necessarily the county. Source: Texas A&M Real Estate Center Housing statistics for February Total homes on the market: 194 Homes sold: 164 Days on Market: 46 Average sold price: $312,598 Average listed price: $319,531 Median sold price: $282,875 Median listed price: $286,000 February history Total homes on the market 2018: 194 2017: 348 2016: 583 2015: 531 2014: 297 2013: 180 2012: 178 Homes sold 2018: 164 2017: 159 2016: 97 2015: 86 2014: 132 2013: 130 2012: 154 Days on the market 2018: 46 2017: 75 2016: 57 2015: 37 2014: 45 2013: 42 2012: 54 Average sold price 2018: $312,598 2017: $257,541 2016: $271,859 2015: $262,965 2014: $253,550 2013: $251,758 2012: $229,544 Median sold price 2018: $282,875 2017: $235,000 2016: $229,717 2015: $231,500 2014: $230,750 2013: $218,000 2012: $180,000 A man who police say bragged about killing another man nearly 30 years ago has been arrested by the Houston County Sheriff's Office, north of Huntsville. William Earl Weedman Jr. is charged with manslaughter in the shooting death of Rusty Redman on Sept. 13, 1990. Weedman was arrested Wednesday and is being held in Houston County Jail on a $200,000 bond. Investigator Jerry Kaelin of the Houston County Sheriff's Office wrote in an arrest affidavit that Weedman had been paroled and committed another crime in Fort Bend County. It was around this unidentified time that Kaelin said witnesses claimed "Weedman has bragged about the murder of Redman, as well as overhearing jail conversations about the real truth involving the death of Rusty." HOUSTON CRIME: Nearly 50 faced homicide charges in Houston in 2017 According to the detective, Redman was at the Weedman family's property in Houston County the day he died. Weedman's arrest affidavit states Redman was standing on a porch when Weedman shot him in the head with Mossberg 12 gauge. Redman died instantly. The affidavit states Weedman told investigators that Redman had accidentally shot himself. It alleges that Weedman "tampered with the scene, throwing the weapon a distance from the shooting, extracting ammunition and shell casings from the firearm and also believed to have washed his hands to prevent gunshot residue from showing up on forensic examinations." Police claim Weedman changed his story three months later, saying he tripped and shot Redman in the head. Police say Weedman said he lied because he was scared. METH BUST: Tips from neighbors prompt meth arrests in Galveston Around this same time, Weedman was a prime suspect in a Harris County homicide involving an elderly man whose home was burglarized. He also was shot in the head. The man's house was burned down to cover up the crime, police said. Weedman was convicted in that case in 2oo1 and was sentenced to 99 years. According to Weedman's arrest affidavit, witnesses told police that he was going to take Redman to his property to kill him. Witnesses said Redman had information implicating Weedman in crimes in Harris County. The affidavit alleges Weedman said, "I tested that safety out on his face (Redman's)." HOUSTON COURTS NEWS: Final argument to begin in murder-for-hire trial of Leon Jacob William Weedman Sr. told police that his son owns the shotgun used to kill Redman and that he brought it to the property, along with the ammunition. The Harris County District Clerk's Office shows Weedman has been charged with numerous crimes dating back to 1989, including theft, assault, arson, forging checks and murder. Will Axford is a digital reporter for Chron.com. Read more of his stories here and follow him on Twitter. A Western Illinois University alumnus and one of his farmer clients have been honored by the Fertilizer Institute as one of Five National 4R Advocate Teams during the 2018 Commodity Classic in Anaheim, California. Kyle Lake, a 2006 WIU agriculture alumnus, is a sales agronomist for CHS Carrollton, a Greene County location for the nations largest farmer cooperative. Lake is helping client farmers Maria Cox, and her father, Ethan, to implement 4R Nutrient Stewardship practices. This involves right source, right rate, right time and right placement of nutrients as well as conservation practices such as cover crops. It has been a great learning experience trying new practices that help maintain the soil health and benefit the environment, said Lake. Lake began working with the Cox family in 2012, but the family has been a client of CHS Carrollton for more than 30 years. Lake is combining his knowledge of agronomy and precision agriculture technology to make the farms field operations as efficient and profitable as possible. Maria realizes that in order to sustain a profitable farm, you must sustain the land you use, said Lake. As young farmers, the 4R Nutrient Stewardship Principles will have a huge impact on how we feed the world. Lake and his younger brother, Scott, a 2010 WIU agriculture alumnus also employed by CHS Carrollton, were back on the WIU campus recently speaking to students in a nutrient management class taught by WIU School of Agriculture associate professor Joel Gruver. We talked about different 4R practices that we are utilizing in agriculture in order to keep nutrients from leaving fields and ending up in our streams and rivers, said Lake. The 4R Principles are about putting the right rate of fertilizer on for the crop that we are planning on growing. We are using yield data that we gather to make prescriptions to feed the crop. Using GPS we can put that fertilizer in right place in the field in order to keep from over applying in certain areas and under applying in others. We are also putting nutrients on at different times throughout the year in order to spoon feed the crop, thus making sure the nutrients are there when the crop needs it. We also talked about cover crops, the USDAs CRP program and buffer strips that farmers are utilizing on their farms as well. The Easter bunny arrived a week early at a Jacksonville church. Saturdays rain drove him into the sanctuary of Central Christian Church, where he left hundreds of multicolored eggs for children to collect. We were thrilled with the turnout because of the weather and the change of location from Community Park, said Amy Gillespie, co-chair of Central Christian Churchs Evangelism Committee, which sponsored the Easter egg hunt. Our main goal is to let people know that Central Christian Church is here and that we care about them; so we have been trying to hold different events that will draw people to our programs, she said. Obviously, Easter is a huge event on a Christian churchs calendar, and because we know people often celebrate with an egg hunt, we wanted to bring the egg hunting and the church together. Gillespie said Central Christian Church has held an Easter-related event for four or five years. On Saturday, members of the churchs Women in Loving Discipleship packed about 300 Easter goody bags for distribution to children at the Easter egg hunt. The eggs that kids collected were empty because we didnt want anyone to get more or less than others; so everyone got a goody bag, Gillespie said. Rex Kibler, senior pastor of Central Christian Church, said the event brought attention to church activities but more importantly served as a reminder of the true meaning of Easter. We want people to know that Central Christian Church is a user-friendly congregation, he said. I heard from several parents that the Easter egg hunt was a welcome activity on a cold and rainy Saturday morning. This and other events that we host are an effort to reach out to our local community. Easter, or more appropriately Resurrection Sunday, is a unique opportunity for people to reconnect with their faith, Kibler said. Its a nice way for kids and adults to celebrate the resurrection of Christ and the hope that the resurrection brings to the whole human family. Central Christian Church will celebrate Easter with a youth-led sunrise service at 7:30 a.m., followed by a breakfast at the church. Greg Olson can be reached at 217-245-6121, ext. 1224, or on Twitter @JCNews_Greg. In an effort to combat hunger within the state and local communities, Illinois 4-Hers across the state will be packaging meals to help support charities and food banks. The Morgan County 4-H will be participating in the 4-H Feeding and Growing Our Communities program again this year. Member Anne Becker, 16, of Jacksonville was instrumental in getting Morgan County into 4-H after she had experienced the program in 2016 at the 4-H Team Leadership Conference. They always have the meal-packaging event as their closing ceremony and I thought it was a really cool event that was actually making a difference, Becker said. It wasnt just for fun, it was actually helping communities. The group started packing the meals in collaboration with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign student organization Illini Fighting Hunger. That organization provides the supplies, equipment and food necessary to pack all of the meals and 4-H provides the volunteer workforce, venue, and distribution to local charities. Illini Fighting Hungers goal is to make meal packaging events more frequent and accessible in Illinois and accomplishes that end goal by producing a meal that can easily be streamlined. Volunteers form an assembly line in which they are given an ingredient to load into a container, such as rice, dehydrated vegetables or soy protein, that all come together in a final package that makes a rice casserole with six servings. Bill Million, 4-H youth development specialist, said that from there a recipe book is included with options to add more vegetables or meat to make the meal more nutritious or to feed more people. A lot of the food pantries and soup kitchens we serve appreciate having this as another alternative, Million said. A lot of times they can work with the pantry patrons to find other products to add to the casserole mix to expand the flavor or the amount of a food that a family can realize. One package of our mix, when prepared to package directions, will provide six one to one and a half cup servings of a nutritionally balanced product. When first bringing to program to Morgan County, Becker raised about $750 to get all of the supplies needed for the meals. More than 100 volunteers were recruited to package the meals and in the span of a couple hours they managed to put together 10,056 meals. Becker said that at first she didnt know if people were going to like participating in the event. After a while, though, she said groups kind of became teams and it got competitive, which turned out to be a lot of fun. Her mother, Jane Becker, said that everyone started getting into it and time flew by. The more you got going, the more competitive it got, Jane Becker said. You could just see, how many cases do they have now? It was a lot of fun. Even the parents got into it and really enjoyed putting them together. Statewide, the program is closing in on its millionth meal packaged, Million said. Anne Becker said that they hope to hit about 12,000 with around the same amount of volunteers. Million said that the rate at which the program has spread since it first came to 4-H in 2014 hasnt been much of a surprise because of the accessibility of it. At 12 to 14 cents a meal, a few hundred dollars and a couple of hours can go a long way for a small community. Its the quickest and one of the easiest ways for 4-Hers and community volunteers to get together and in a matter of two hours to be able to package 2,000 plus meals, Million said. How to detect cables that can ... A man whose out-of-the-blue confession in 2001 solved the long-dormant case of a San Antonio airman killed 11 years earlier was sentenced Monday to 45 years in prison. Timothy C. Thomason, 38, avoided prosecution on a capital murder charge by pleading guilty to murder before State District Judge Mickey Pennington on Monday. Authorities said they are seeking indictments of two others whom Thomason implicated in the slaying of Scott M. Prince. "I anticipate his continued cooperation in the investigation," Medina County District Attorney Tony Hackebeil said in a story in Tuesday's San Antonio Express-News. The defendant was jailed in California on a theft charge in 2001 when he told of strangling a young airman in San Antonio years before. Thomason's account contained details that linked him to the disappearance of Prince, 26, on Nov. 9, 1990. Until then, authorities said, they had no leads in the slaying of Prince, whose skeletal remains were found on a ranch in Medina County 16 months after he vanished. Prince's parents complained about not being consulted on the plea bargain and called the sentence too lenient. "I know that he's been helping, but I still think he should get the death penalty. I don't know how you get away with murder," Joan Prince told the newspaper in an interview from Florida. "Under the circumstances, I thought this is an appropriate plea sentence," Hackebeil said, noting that Thomason voluntarily came to Texas, led officers to the murder scene and provided other useful information. Thomason's account of Prince's death has changed. He said initially that Prince gave a ride to him and a girlfriend as they hitchhiked on Loop 410 and that they robbed and strangled him as a friend by the name of Mike watched. In a jailhouse interview last fall, Thomason claimed he had wanted to free Prince but that "Mike" stomped him to death. Thomason's wife, Judith Thomason _ his girlfriend at the time of the killing _ was located in Michigan last fall and charged with capital murder in Prince's death. Officials said she implicated herself during a telephone call to her husband at the Medina County Jail, where she is now being held. According to court records, she implicated herself in a conversation that was recorded by saying she would not have told what she knows about the murder. Officials said Thomason recently initiated divorce proceedings against his wife. Information from: San Antonio Express-News GENEVA The Trump administrations move to impose tariffs on countries like China undermines the rules-based system of global commerce that the United States itself helped create after World War II, experts and trading partners say. Those rules are embodied and overseen by the World Trade Organization, which now sees its authority challenged and possibly diluted by the U.S. governments move to create tariffs without prior consultations posing a threat to a trade architecture meticulously built up over decades. There is genuine systemic risk, said Joseph Francois, the managing director of the World Trade Institute at the University of Bern, Switzerland. One could argue (I certainly do) that overall, the multilateral system has been a good thing for the U.S., and trashing it will not lead to a better outcome. It will lead to quite the opposite, added Francois, a former acting director of economics for the U.S. International Trade Commission who has worked with the WTO. President Donald Trump is imposing new tariffs of 25 percent on imported steel and 10 percent on aluminum. He exempted some countries pending negotiations and gave the immediate green light for others, like China. In a separate case, he also ordered tariffs on about $60 billion of Chinese goods, again bypassing WTO arbitration. But in a sign that he will still turn to the WTO when it suits his interests, Trump had his government file a complaint through the organization to try to stop China from allegedly stealing technology from U.S. companies that operate there. In applying the steel and aluminum tariffs, Trumps main concern is that China has for years overproduced steel and aluminum, depressing prices globally and causing job losses in other countries, like the U.S. but also in Europe. Usually, a country would file a complaint through the WTO to have another country rein in their industry. The risk now is that other countries might likewise sidestep the WTO and slap their own tariffs in retaliation, further undermining the WTO. In the longer-term, that could create uncertainties for countries and businesses, which need to plan years into the future to invest in infrastructure or new operations. Among the main concerns at the WTO over the Trump administrations move on steel and aluminum is that it is citing national security as a reason. The WTO allows a country to set up tariffs for that reason, but it is something of a taboo among countries to do so because if one country invokes national security, it increases the chance that others might as well. WTO chief Roberto Azevedo on Friday encouraged countries to use the WTO to settle disputes. Actions taken outside these collective processes greatly increase the risk of escalation in a confrontation that will have no winners, he said. Many countries went to the WTO on Friday to express concern about the U.S. move, with China and Russia specifically calling on the U.S. to follow WTO rules and uphold its commitment to the trade body. The U.S. argues it needs a strong steel and aluminum industry to reinforce domestic production of warships, fighter planes and other national defense requirements. The European Union and other trade partners dismiss that as an excuse and say the U.S. merely wants to give its companies a boost. Countries affected by the measures, like China, can under WTO rules retaliate with tariffs on U.S. goods worth a sum equivalent to the trading loss they would suffer from the U.S. tariffs. China has announced measures on $3 billion worth of U.S. goods. The move on tariffs is only the latest case of Trump undermining the WTO. Ever since his presidential campaign he has threatened to pull the U.S. out of the body. On Thursday, he said the WTO was a disaster for us and insisted its arbitrations were unfair to the U.S. Trumps government has also hindered the WTO in practice by delaying the appointment of new members to the seven-strong appellate body that rules on disputes. That makes it slower for the WTO to rule on cases. But while the U.S. governments move on steel and aluminum weakens the WTO, its complaint against Chinas technology-poaching suggests it may yet rely on the body when convenient. Ultimately, for the WTO, the key question is how other countries respond to the U.S., according to Francois. The system certainly needs updating, but just ignoring treaty commitments is akin to tearing up contracts you have signed, he said. Suisun City police Saturday arrested a 28-year-old man in connection with the stabbing death of his father. Victor Estrada was detained at 6 p.m. Saturday evening in his Fairfield home. Earlier in the day, police had found his estranged father, 41-year-old Suisun City resident Alfonso Rodarte, lying wounded on the floor of his home on the 500 block of Line Street. Rodarte was not breathing when officers arrived at about 8:20 a.m., according to a Facebook post by Suisun City Police Chief Tim Mattos. He was transported to the North Bay Medical Center in Fairfield where he died of his injuries a short time later. Estrada was booked into the Solano County Jail on probable cause for charges of homicide. As teacher of Israeli folk dancing classes at a local synagogue, Pearland-area resident Amira Hemme presides over a group that goes about learning dance steps and socializing with equal vigor. "It is very much a secular thing," Hemme, who was born in Israel, says of the Monday night classes, which have gone on for eight years at Congregation Shaar Hashalom in the Bay Area. "My group is recreational." "The class was meant to last only four or five months, but the participants do not want to stop dancing," said Wendy S. Kane, the conservative synagogue's publicity co-chairman. "Not everybody (in the class) is Jewish," added Alesia Stewart of Clear Lake. "We come from all different religions and beliefs. When I dance, I am not thinking about problems; I just enjoy myself. It is a wonderful way to exercise, have a few laughs and find rhythm in the present moment." Like Stewart, another longtime participant, Anna Lopez of Friendswood, read about the class in a newspaper and decided to give it a try. "I had been to Israel in 2011, but there was so much going on that I didn't pay attention to the music," said Lopez, who is a travel agent. "When I got home, I was living in Webster, my aunt saw an announcement about the class in the newspaper; so we went. I fell in love with Israeli folk dancing." Hemme said that six to 10 women take the class, but that everyone is welcome to join, including men. "I teach the steps and we dance," Hemme said. The classes are held 7:30-9:30 p.m. each Monday at the synagogue, 16020 El Camino Real, in Houston. The cost is $4 per session or $35 for 10 sessions for congregation members and $5 per session or $45 for 10 sessions for others. Hemme, who is married and in her 60s, said the music ranges from songs from the 1920s to the present. "Israeli folk dancing is relatively young," she said. "It is highly choreographed; so each dance has its own steps. As opposed to Greek dancing, for instance, which has a set of dance steps which are used to dance any number of songs. If I had to pick just one choreographer as my favorite, it would be Israel Shiker. He created some of our favorite dances." Lopez said she enjoys learning about the meaning and history of each dance. "It is a cultural experience," added Stewart, 54, whose parents immigrated to the United States from Jamaica. "I have never taken a trip to Israel, but I feel that the music transports me there." Perhaps best of all, said the participants, is the exercise they get from dancing. "It gets my heart up. It gets my energy going. You will get a good workout," Lopez said. In addition, said Stewart, "Lovely friendships happen." For more information, call the synagogue office at 281-488-5861 or send an email csh@shaarhashalom.org. Information also is posted on the congregation calendar for Mondays at www.shaarhashalom.org. Don Maines is a freelance writer who can be reached at donmaines@att.net A Wisconsin man who authorities said posted an advertisement on Craigslist to sell his then-4-year-old daughter for sex has been sentenced to 60 years in prison. Andrew James Turley was sentenced Friday after a jury in Harris County, Texas, convicted him of trafficking a child and compelling prostitution of someone under the age of 18, prosecutors said. The sentence comes more than two years after Turley, 30, caught the attention of Houston police officers who saw a Craigslist ad called Play with Daddie's Little Girl." Turley described his daughter as "younger than 10" as he arranged for a meeting with a potential client in more than 70 email exchanges, according to the Harris County district attorney's office. He told the client in several emails that he would give the child some sleep medication ahead of the encounter and that he charges $1,000 for two hours. The district attorney's office said Turley implied that his daughter "might be too young for intercourse but everything else was OK." Unbeknown to Turley, the client was an undercover police officer. Turley was arrested in November 2015, after the undercover officer showed up at a Houston apartment where the child was living with her mother. Turley was in Houston to visit with his daughter, prosecutors said. The girl was in a bedroom, unresponsive and lying naked under a blanket, ABC affiliate KTRK reported. The child's mother, who was not charged, did not know what Turley was doing, KTRK reported. "This case broke my heart," said Stewanna Miskell, one of the assistant district attorneys who prosecuted the case. "A father is supposed to be a protector not a predator. Jurors saw the need to keep him out of our community." Turley was sentenced to 30 years on each of the two charges. He will not be eligible for parole until he's 75. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children said it responded to more than 10,000 reports of possible child sex trafficking in 2017. It's unclear how many of the reports resulted in criminal charges and convictions. Staca Shehan, the organization's executive director, said there are no reliable statistics for how many children are trafficked for sex every year in the United States. In October, an infant and her 5-year-old sister were among the dozens of "sexually exploited juveniles" rescued after a nationwide sting that resulted in the arrests of 120 accused sex traffickers, the FBI announced. The agency said the infant and her sister were for sale for $600. - - - The Washington Post's Eli Rosenberg contributed to this story. Few farmers are sick of their work, but for many, their work can make them sick. Ask Andy Mason, a grain farmer from Lynnville in rural Morgan County. I get fever, chills, no appetite and a chronic, deep cough until my head is pounding, like this influenza B that is going around, a deep, respiratory sickness, the 57-year-old Mason said. I dont have a problem getting my breath, Im not sick to my stomach, but I just cant get relief. I have a perpetual, chronic cough even though Ive never smoked a day in my life. Mason is one of a growing number of farmers who are realizing that there is a connection between the work they do and the recurring illnesses they suffer. It all has to do with dust, something that is in plentiful supply on all farms. In Masons case, the culprit is grain dust. Years ago I was cleaning out a grain bin here on the farm and there must have been mold in the corn, because from that point it seemed like I turned the corner, Mason said. I got sicker than hell, I was in the hospital. I was poisoned from those mold spores. That clings to the inside of your lungs and you just dont get rid of it. Substances carried by dust can cause allergic reactions in many people when they hit the nasal passages and lungs. The symptoms can range from mild to severe, and the reactions can cause temporary or permanent damage to the body. Mason now wears a special respirator whenever hes going to be around grain dust. He takes a prescription allergy medicine to help reduce his constant cold-like symptoms. Mason also sees a pulmonologist, a doctor who specializes in the respiratory system, who confirmed that exposure to mold-carrying dust had caused permanent scarring to Masons lungs. The doctor also helped Mason to realize that his father and grandfather, who suffered from severe respiratory issues, might have had the same type of dust reaction. Mason and his wife of 35 years, Delores Mason, want to make sure their son and co-owner of the farm, Cody, doesnt suffer from the same malady as his father. Its scary. You have a husband who has issues, and you dont want your son to follow, Delores Mason said. Now that he has seen what his father has gone through, Cody is more adamant about wearing safety masks. Andy and I both come from many generations of farmers. Unfortunately for prior generations, the risk of long term grain dust exposure was not evident, and associated health complications were often overlooked or misdiagnosed, Delores Mason said. Im hopeful that farmers today, including Andy and our son Cody, continue to take preventive measures to control or minimize their risk. Medical experts confirm that severe respiratory ailments are common among farmers and other agricultural workers. Dr. Joseph Henkle is a pulmonary disease specialist at the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Springfield, and he said between 10 and 15 percent of those who work around grain have chronic respiratory symptoms. He said the number can climb to 25 percent among those who work in animal confinement systems. Theres quite a laundry list of potential illnesses depending on the persons circumstances, Henkle said. Farmers have a large number of exposures that can be chronic or acute depending on what kind of things they are doing. Agricultural dust, particularly grain dust, is the most common pathogen. Henkle said it is an organic type dust that gets mixed with things such as mold, plant material, animal hair and dander, feces, insect parts or bacteria, and the combination becomes airborne. Another danger, although it is a little less harmful, is the inorganic dust such as dirt or silica that is stirred up by activities such as plowing, he said. Certain individuals may be more susceptible to problems than others, Henkle said. Farmers are in different buildings, they are in grain bins, chicken coops, livestock barns, dairy barns, so various levels of exposure can occur to irritants, allergens or toxins. It really depends on the situation, how good the ventilation is, and how long the person is exposed. Severe allergic reactions to dust can be very debilitating with flu-like symptoms, Henkle said. Things are worse with what is known as farmers lung, an allergic reaction to grain dust mold that gets worse with each exposure and can lead to inflammation of the lungs and scarring. Working with dusty feed can also produce Toxic Organic Dust Syndrome, a non-allergic reaction with symptoms similar to those from an acute farmers lung attack. Henkle said there is also whats called silo fillers disease, where farmers inhale nitric dioxide gas that forms when silos are uncapped. In addition, toxic hydrogen sulfide gas forms in manure pits and can harm people if they breathe it. And then theres anhydrous ammonia, a very toxic gas, and exposures can occur when there are leaks in the equipment being used to store or apply it, Henkle said, Most people use common sense and they know when they get in an environment that causes symptoms, they take measures to either improve the environment or minimize their exposure, Henkle said. Improve ventilation, use a mask, things like that. If people are cautious they can control their exposure and that kind of person isnt going to get a chronic, debilitating condition. Henkle said the treatment for farm-related respiratory issues consists largely of alleviating the symptoms. This could involve allergy medications, or medicines and treatments for asthma if the condition causes chest tightness and coughing similar to the symptoms for asthma. The best defense against agricultural respiratory ailments is a good offense, according to the National Ag Safety Database. Their recommendations include: Make sure that crops are adequately dried prior to storage. This is the key to stopping mold growth. Artificial drying systems and preservatives can play a role in preventing mold development. If possible, wet hay should be ensiled. Always use a plastic sheet to cap open silos. Dont use plant material. Hold the edges of the sheet down with heavy weights, such as tires. Wet down the top of a silo before uncapping the ensiled material. This prevents moldy dust from becoming airborne. This should be done even if the silage was covered with a plastic sheet, because the top layers still tend to mold. Use the same wetting techniques when cleaning out grain bins or other areas that are likely to be dusty. Provide as much ventilation as possible when working in dusty areas. For example, make sure doors and windows are open. If practical, construct new openings to provide more ventilation. Move the work outdoors whenever possible. While this is usually not practical in the case of feeding operations, be sure to open bales that you know are moldy outdoors. Avoid dusty work in confined areas. When constructing new farm buildings or modifying older structures, keep facilities as open as possible. When you have to work with moldy material, try to keep your distance. If you have to break open a moldy bale, do so with a fork, instead of bending over and using your hands. Mechanize feeding operations if economically feasible. For example, handling large round bales with a tractor keeps an operator away from the moldy dust. Tasha Bunting, the assistant director of Commodities and Livestock for the Illinois Farm Bureau, said following these respiratory safety measures just makes good sense. Especially if someone is known to have an issue with allergies or asthma, we certainly recommend that they take all of the precautions necessary to keep themselves healthy, Bunting said. For instance cleaning out a grain bin or in another area where there is going to be a high concentration of dust, we want to insure that they are using the proper apparatus, using a dust mask, using the safety equipment pieces that can help prevent irritation or developing some type of a reaction. And its not just farmers who need to be careful. Companies that de-tassel corn have things that they provide to their employees and urge them to use, Bunting said. If its somebody who has an allergy to corn pollen, making sure that they are wearing a dust mask, using gloves, and using whatever is in place to prevent them from having a reaction. Respirators might be the answer if there is no way to avoid working in a dusty environment. Bob Aherin is the Ag Safety Program Leader at the University of Illinois Extension Service, and he said the top of the line respirator is a $300 or higher air helmet or air hood, with a battery-powered motor that blows air from the back of the head down across the face and doesnt allow dust particles to get up into the breathing zone. But there are other less expensive alternatives. Mechanical filter respirators can filter out substances that farmers might be exposed to, Aheroin said. These have charcoal filters that filter out not just the dust but any fumes from the chemicals you are using. You can use different filter cartridges depending on the environment youre working in. Aherin said that rubber face piece masks have replaceable filters and give good protection because the rubber provides a good seal against the skin. There are also reusable masks that come with small exhalation valves in them, which prevent moisture from getting trapped inside the mask and help keep eyeglasses from fogging up. Aherin said the commonly-seen two-strap thin, white fiber masks only block out the larger dust particles but still let the problem particles get through. A lot of our ag environments cause one micron dust, so you need to wear a respirator that is rated for toxic dust, Aherin said. These will be rated on the mask itself or the filter as dust/mist. It will also have a number preceded by the letters TC. Aherin said those working around toxic gases, like in a manure pit or inside of a concrete silo that contains silage, will need an air supply respirator or self contained breathing apparatus with a full face mask, regulator, and a hose connected to pump or compressed air tank. Prices for these systems are $1,000 and up, he said. Back in Lynnville, Andy Mason keeps his trusty mechanical respirator with rubber face piece handy for any occasion where he gets close to grain dust. Dust is an occupational hazard for farmers. We cant avoid it, Mason said. So youve gotta start using your head when you are around it. We have a tendency to feel we are invincible. But you need to take it seriously, because you only have one pair of lungs. We have to keep doing what we need to do, Mason said. An airplane pilot cant be afraid of heights, and we cant be afraid to go out and farm. NEW HAVEN As Connecticuts Hispanic population grows, so does its number of Spanish speakers visiting doctors offices or requiring medical care. William Flores, an associate professor of Spanish at Southern Connecticut State University, said doctors knowing to translate the name of their auscultation device from stethoscope to estetoscopio is helpful, but its not enough when providing comprehensive care to Hispanics. There has been a lot of research on the necessity of training health professionals to be proficient in the culture and language of the community, said Flores. Words might mean one thing in one language and something else in another. He said it is usually standard in English language health care for a number of professionals to enter a room with a patient, run one test or collect some information and exit. In Hispanic cultures, building rapport is more expected in health care scenarios. You should get to know the patient as a person instead of just collecting their vitals, he said. Flores, who coordinates a minor program at SCSU for medical Spanish, has translated the minor into a 12-credit certificate program for working health professionals that is set to begin this summer. The vocabulary taught in the certificate program is meant to be applicable to health and human services professionals, such as nurses, doctors, EMTs, social workers and psychologists. We are helping (providers) to equip their personnel with linguistic and cultural proficiency to serve the local Spanish-speaking community, he said. Flores said the most common interpretation services and methods that exist when there is a language barrier between patient and provider such as having the patients bilingual child in the room or using a telephonic translation service leaves gaps in information or understanding and can make treatment less personable. Amanda Skinner, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Southern New England, said emphasizing cultural competency has been a core value for that network of providers. One of our values at Planned Parenthood is to respect and honor all people, and to do so its really important and critically necessary that we think about how were providing culturally competent care, she said. When you look at the literature, our national history shows disparities in equity. PPSNE holds staff trainings meant to enhance cultural competency, with focuses on things like implicit bias and providing trans-affirmative care. Skinner, who became a nurse-midwife in 1998 but no longer practices, said recent research validates many of the hypotheses people in her field had for a long time. For instance, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2015 the infant mortality rate was 11.3 per 1,000 live births for non-Hispanic black babies, but was only five per 1,000 live births or less for Hispanic, non-Hispanic white and Asian or Pacific Islander babies. PPSNE allows patients to identify their primary or preferred language on their demographic forms and offers all of its educational materials like pamphlets and brochures in Spanish as well as English. Additionally, PPSNE is expanding its own Spanish language medical interpretation program to reach other community groups, Skinner said. We must think about what we must proactively be doing differently, Skinner said. Any health care professional with a working knowledge of conversational Spanish about the level of a high school graduate should feel comfortable with the language component of the SCSU certificate program, Flores said, although additional remedial Spanish courses are available at the university. According to the Pew Research Center, the Hispanic population in New Haven County was estimated to be 144,730 in 2014, nearly three times the estimated 51,003 Hispanics living in New Haven County in 1990. WASHINGTON - Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin has urged lawmakers to give President Donald Trump a line-item veto, saying on "Fox News Sunday" that it might prevent Democrats from stacking more nondefense discretionary spending into the next must-past budget bill. But Mnuchin's short exchange with Fox News anchor Chris Wallace also underlined the problem with the idea - a 20-year-old Supreme Court ruling that struck down the line-item veto, finding "no provision in the Constitution that authorizes the president to enact, to amend or to repeal statutes," after President Bill Clinton used it 82 times. "I think they should give the president a line-item veto," said Mnuchin, echoing Trump's comments after he signed last week's omnibus budget bill. "That's been ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court," Wallace said. "Well, again, Congress could pass a rule, OK, that allows them to do it," Mnuchin said. "It would be a constitutional amendment," Wallace said. "Chris, we don't need to get into a debate," the treasury secretary said. "There's different ways of doing this." Since 1998, Congress and presidents of both parties have made halting attempts at restoring the line-item veto. In 2006, George W. Bush's administration got behind the Legislative Line-Item Veto Act, which passed the Republican-controlled House but died in the Republican-controlled Senate. In 2011, a new Republican-led House advanced the Expedited Legislative Line-Item Veto and Rescissions Act, which also died in the Senate. Both bills were backed by future House speaker Paul D. Ryan, R-Wis.; both had bipartisan support. There has been no similar groundswell for a line-item veto in this Congress, in part because the issue has become more partisan. Trump's new interest in veto power comes as he accuses Democrats of using the omnibus negotiations to fund some of their priorities. ("The Democrats demanded a massive increase in nonmilitary spending," Mnuchin said.) The rapidly passed bill outraged some of the president's supporters, who had perked up at rumors that he might veto it all and make Congress start over. "This could have been written by President Obama and liberal Democrats," Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., said of the budget last week. Mnuchin did not discuss an idea that has circulated on the right - simply not spending money appropriated by Congress. The "impoundment" process also has been struck down by the Supreme Court; the 1974 Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act, passed by a Democratic Congress, was for a long time the last word on whether the executive branch could simply decline to spend money. But the Trump administration has already played around the edges of impoundment. Before being let go this month, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson drew fire from Democrats for not spending $80 million appropriated to fight terrorist propaganda and Russian election interference. After being named acting director of the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau, OMB chief Mick Mulvaney requested no money for the watchdog agency. The omnibus signed by the president contained funding for the CFPB. U.S. and European officials said Saturday that President Donald Trump is close to expelling 20 or more Russian diplomats in response to the poisoning of a former Russian spy in Britain. The move, which could prompt a new wave of retaliatory expulsions of U.S. diplomats in Russia, may come as early as Monday. But U.S. officials are still seeking clarity on how major European powers are responding to the nerve-agent attack, which critically injured a former spy, Sergei Skripal, and his daughter Yulia. State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said in a statement that the United States is considering a "range of options to respond to Russia's outrageous actions in the UK, both to demonstrate our solidarity with our ally and to hold Russia accountable for its clear breach of international norms and agreements." She declined to say what those options could be or when they might come into force. The leaked proposal to expel Russian diplomats, first reported by CNN, raised questions about whether people inside the U.S. government disclosed the pending action to force the president's hand in taking tough action against Moscow. The proposal was advanced by the president's advisers during meetings on Wednesday and Friday, the officials said. A senior European diplomat said the United States has been considering the expulsion of 20 or more Russian diplomats in solidarity with Britain. The decision rests with the White House, the official said, but close allies have urged the Trump administration to take the symbolic but dramatic step as a signal that the assassination attempt was a test of Western resolve that must be answered, the diplomat said. Officials, including two senior White House officials, spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe a sensitive decision that hadn't been finalized. Republicans and Democrats in Congress have pressed the White House to move more aggressively against Russia in the wake of its alleged interference in the 2016 election. In August, lawmakers passed legislation limiting the president's ability to lift sanctions imposed on Russia in response to its military intervention in Ukraine. Since coming to power, the Trump administration has taken action against Moscow, closing its consulate in San Francisco and approving lethal aid to Ukraine in its battle with pro-Russian separatists, a move the Obama administration opposed. Earlier this month, the administration imposed fresh sanctions on Russian government hackers and spy agencies for interfering in the 2016 election and for a global cyberattack that officials have described as the most destructive and costly in history. Trump, however, has refrained from criticizing Russian President Vladimir Putin, including in a phone call last week after Russia's disputed presidential elections. In advance of the call, the president's staff included a section in his briefing materials in all-capital letters stating "DO NOT CONGRATULATE" and recommending that he raise the poisoning of the former Russian spy. The president chose to congratulate Putin and did not raise the poisoning incident, U.S. officials confirmed. A number of European countries - close to 20 - are expected to expel Russian officials and take other measures as early as Monday. The countries include the Baltic nations of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia, as well as Sweden, Poland, Denmark, the Czech Republic, France and the Netherlands. "It's a big test for the U.K., especially in the post-Brexit context, to see how many real allies they have," said a European official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to talk on the record. On Saturday, White House spokesman Raj Shah said the United States "stands firmly with the United Kingdom in condemning Russia's outrageous action. The president is always considering options to hold Russia accountable in response to its malign activities." - - - The Washington Post's Carol Morello and Anne Gearan contributed to this report. BLUFFS Railroad officials believe they have a solution to a problem caused by trains blocking all three of Bluffs railroad crossings for up to 45 minutes at a time. Herbert Smith, Norfolk Southern Railroads community and legislative relations manager, recently emailed Bluffs Mayor Linda Sapp, train personnel and state representatives a proposal for a new local operating plan that would bring a local train out of Decatur instead of Bluffs. That would eliminate a third local crew in Bluffs and the need to park a road train there, Smith said. During a meeting on the topic this past week, Smith offered no time frame for how quickly the solution could be put into play but said the important thing is that it is a solution. The problem with Bluffs blocked crossings began around 2 years ago, after road trains were relocated to Bluffs from Springfield because of problems with blocked crossings in the states capital and the train yards location near a county building that prevented county workers from parking near their office. John Richardson, Norfolk Southerns rail operations supervisor, said it took three months to move the trains from Springfield to Bluffs. The main concern with the trains blocking the Bluffs crossings is safety. The villages school is on one side of the crossings and emergency services headquarters is on the other side. Children also have been going under the trains and through the train cars to get to the school. Richardson, who said he caught a child cutting through a train car, recommended that Bluffs school Superintendent Kevin Blankenship incorporate Operation Life Saver at the school, bringing in someone to speak to the students about train safety. For now, Richardson said, he will send out more notices to his railroad crews not to block Route 100 crossings and those employees who do block the tracks will be disciplined. Rep. C.D. Davidsmeyer said keeping the crossing at Illinois Route 100 open was the best solution, with the trains being stopped before they reach Bluffs. Smith also agreed to keep everyone up to date on the progress of moving the trains to Decatur. Sapp remains concerned about the problem, she said. While she appreciates Smiths work on finding a solution, she worries that the trains move to Decatur could be a temporary fix with no guarantees that Bluffs wont have the same problem arise in the future, she said. A long-term solution to the problem would be to build a larger train yard southwest of downtown Springfield, Smith said. Funding is the hold-up there. Bill Houlihan of Sen. Dick Durbins office said the railroad would need a grant or capital bill to fund the construction of a larger train yard, and receiving that funding could take a year or more before construction could begin. When a law enforcement official described a cellphone recording left by the Austin serial bomber as "the outcry of a very challenged young man," the remark caused an outcry of its own. Because the bomber was white, some people almost immediately questioned whether the same level of compassion would have been afforded a person of color. "Here you have a case of a young white male who killed and injured people of color, and we're culturally more concerned about his story, about his life, about what led him to take these lives," said David Leonard, professor in the department of critical culture, gender and race studies at Washington State University. "It's a striking reminder of a racial empathy gap that persists." For many observers and activists, the comments about Mark Anthony Conditt were just the latest example in which a white suspect seemed to receive an injection of humanity that is less often extended to blacks, Muslims and others. Conditt kept the Texas capital in a state of fear for weeks, planting five bombs that killed two people and badly wounded four others. The 23-year-old community college dropout died Wednesday after setting off a bomb inside his SUV as police were about to arrest him. Investigators said his motive was still unclear, despite the discovery of the 25-minute cellphone recording in which he talked about the bombs. U.S. law has defined acts of violence or intimidation linked to foreign groups such as the Islamic State as terrorism. Homegrown extremist groups such as neo-Nazis and the Ku Klux Klan have not been labeled that way, even if they've employed similar tactics. Similarly, when Stephen Craig Paddock was identified as the gunman who rained bullets down on a Las Vegas concert last fall, the white retired accountant was characterized as a "lone wolf." That label has also been attached to other mass killers who acted alone, including Aurora, Colorado, movie theater shooter James Holmes, a white man who killed a dozen people in 2012. On the recording, Conditt "does not at all mention anything about terrorism, nor does he mention anything about hate," Austin Police Chief Brian Manley said. "But instead, it is the outcry of a very challenged young man talking about challenges in his personal life that led him to this point." The reaction on social media was swift. "Remember how they talked about innocent black children" like Trayvon Martin, Tamir Rice or Freddie Gray, tweeted Sherrilyn Ifill, president of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund. "I believe passionately in acknowledging the humanity of those who commit even terrible crimes. Reading this police chief's empathy for this young white man highlights the awfulness the plain awfulness of the persistent refusal to extend this empathy to young black people," Ifill added. Those young black males were described as "thugs" by some authorities and in popular discourse. Another case often cited is that of Michael Brown, an unarmed black 18-year-old fatally shot by a white officer in August 2014 in Ferguson, Missouri. The New York Times described Brown as "no angel" in a profile, a phrase that drew an angry response from readers and was criticized by its own public editor. Brown got into a scuffle with then-officer Darren Wilson after Wilson yelled at Brown and a friend to get out of the street where they were walking. Wilson said that when he shot Brown, the teen was moving menacingly toward him. Some witnesses said Brown was surrendering. The initial unrest erupted after Brown's body lay in the street for hours in the summer heat. More protests gripped the Missouri town after a grand jury in declined to charge Wilson, who later resigned. The Justice Department also cleared him, but an investigation by that agency uncovered patterns of racial bias and profiling in Ferguson's police and courts. Some critics have also taken exception to media coverage that included Conditt's friends and family describing him as nerdy and kind. "Language is always shot through with power dynamics. What this shows us is the way that we can talk about people determines how we can treat them," said Koritha Mitchell, an associate professor in the English department at Ohio State University. "Because we are determined to treat white men as citizens no matter what, to treat them as people who belong in the fold no matter what, that is the reason we will not use words like 'terrorist.'" The Rev. Yvette Griffin, a black Detroit pastor, said blacks and Muslims don't seem to get the same presumption of innocence as other suspects. "The words are kinder and gentler" for whites, she said. ___ Associated Press Writer Jeff Karoub in Detroit contributed to this report. ___ Deepti Hajela covers issues of race, ethnicity and immigration for The Associated Press. Follow her on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/dhajela . For more of her work, search for her name at https://apnews.com . San Antonio Police are searching for a man they say fled after he drove his truck into another vehicle, killing the driver, Sunday morning on the West Side. According to police, the incident occurred as a man in a pickup truck was traveling on Culebra Road around 2:30 a.m. with no headlights on. Bexar County Sheriff's deputies arrested 38-year-old Daniel Owens following a standoff with Bexar County Sheriff's deputies after they say he fired several shots towards teens he claimed were causing trouble in an alley behind his Northeast Side home Saturday night, according to BCSO. Deputies say the standoff began around 7:30 p.m., on the 7200 block of Glen Meadows, after Owens had become irritated with neighborhood teens. A West Side nightclub owner and two of his sons were arrested Thursday for impersonating security guards at their own club, which allowed them to use stun guns on unruly patrons and patrol the dance floor with firearms, according to court records. Mariano D. Rendon Jr., the 47-year-old owner of the Soundcheck club, in the 6800 block of Ingram Road, and his sons, 24-year-old Mariano Rendon III and 18-year-old Matthew Ryan Rendon, all face charges of impersonating a security officer. RELATED: 16 alleged drug dealers arrested in Seguin bust by police, DEA Rendon Jr. faces an additional charges of unlawfully carrying a weapon and unauthorized employment of private security. Rendon Jr. was booked into the Bexar County Jail on a $25,000 bond and his sons were booked on $5,000 bond. According to arrest affidavits for the trio, the three men were not licensed security guards but on various occasions they wore tactical vests with "Security" printed on the front and back to make patrons at Soundcheck obey their "pretended acts of authority." Authorities discovered their alleged ruse after a fight at the club on January 28. Mariano Rendon III, dressed in a green camouflage jacket, allegedly handcuffed one of the patrons and escorted him to the front of the club. He was later seen walking around the club armed with an "AR-style" rifle as fights broke out in the club, according to the affidavit. As the fights broke out, the owner, Rendon Jr., started using a stun gun on patrons and pointing a handgun at them, according to the affidavits. One of the patrons stepped in front of some family members who were being assaulted, and Rendon III allegedly pushed him by the throat and made him fall back. RELATED: Foul play suspected after man found dead in Castle Hills ditch with face beat in That same night, Matthew Rendon was captured on security cameras armed with a yellow "pepper gun," and dragging a patron out of the club through the front door, according to the affidavit. The fight was reported to the Texas Alcohol Beverage Commission, which began an investigation. None of the Rendons were found to be licensed security guards, and Rendon Jr. had also employed a licensed security guard, but one who wasn't affiliated with a security guard company. 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 Dear members of the San Antonio Professional Fire Fighters Association: Well go straight to the point. We believe your city charter petition drive is bad for the city, bad for taxpayers and bad for your own cause. We say this with the support, respect and admiration you deserve. You risk your lives every day to rescue children from burning houses, save critically injured accident victims, respond to seniors who fall alone at home, and even rescue students trapped in a cave, as you did recently. We wholeheartedly support your right to negotiate for a fair contract. RELATED: Fire union fails to show at the city's negotiations meeting We remain eager for an agreement that restores your pay raises. But three-and-a-half-years is too long to go without a pay increase and its time for you to come to the negotiating table. We believe, however, that your petition drive is misguided. It can lead to harmful consequences for all of San Antonio. Wed rather you focus your energy on finding common ground, instead of gathering signatures on a disruptive petition for haphazard changes to the city charter. The charter gives citizens the right to vote us out of office if they disagree with our decisions. Your petition, on the other hand, calls for disruptive and expensive special elections on single issues by handing power to a small minority of voters. As council members we are accountable to the people for our decisions. We are constantly in touch with residents: we attend neighborhood meetings, visit senior centers, schools, parks, libraries and businesses and respond to thousands of requests for information and help. We study the issues and probe the manager and her staff on the purpose and consequences of their recommendations. When we vote we are conscious of the impact on our districts and the entire city. The petition drive takes this fundamental representative process away from voters in each district across the city. The petition also calls for limits to the City Managers pay and tenure. We believe those decisions should be made by the council. To deny this function would be counterproductive because it limits our authority over whoever holds the manager position. It would also lead to a loss of our triple A bond rating and cause ballooning interest payments, which would limit funds for citizen priorities, including your own salaries and benefits. The petition would also hinder the citys future. Capping the city managers pay and tenure would restrict our ability to attract the top-tier managers our citizens and city workforce deserve. RELATED: San Antonio firefighters union targets city manager salary, tenure Youre due a well-deserved raise. We urge you to come to the table to negotiate a fair and equitable agreement thats to your benefit, that protects the interests of all our residents, and that assures a responsible, stable government for the foreseeable future. Three-and-a-half-years is too long without a contract. We need to end our impasse, now. This morning more than half a million kids in the San Antonio area will wake up and get ready for school. We expect that when these children graduate theyll have the knowledge and skills needed to get a job and lead productive lives. What they learn and how they learn it is more important than its ever been because the world is changing faster than it ever has in history. State demographers tell us that in 12 years, when todays first graders graduate from college, there could be another million people in San Antonio and our city will change in ways beyond that which we have dreamed. Lets look at what has happened in the last 12 years. In 2006, the iPhone hadnt yet been released and were now into its eighth iteration. And as smartphone technology has evolved, so have robotics in manufacturing, sensors in cars will soon lead to driverless automobiles, and astounding advances in medicine and communications. This has created a pressing problem we must develop a workforce that will be able to meet that change. We must find a way to help local students be ready for our citys future. One answer has been STEM education short for science, technology, engineering and math. Its the educational approach that emphasizes the subjects that will help us solve the challenges ahead. We know that only 5.6 percent of U.S. college graduates have STEM degrees, which compared to 28.1 percent in Germany and 46.7 percent in China, clearly shows that were losing the race to our global counterparts. The answer to that problem, however, doesnt call for more STEM. It calls for making STEM more accessible and complete, because tomorrows workforce needs to be nimble, entrepreneurial, critical thinking, and creative in its problem solving. Thats where the arts come in. Its been proven that the arts lead to higher graduation rates, which lead to STEM careers. Many communities have added art to the STEM approach, converting it to STEAM. Consider the numbers: according to the University of Florida, when those 500,000 kids enter their classrooms, adding arts to their curriculum will make them four times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement. Theres more. According to the University of Maryland, arts students are 29 percent more likely to apply to a postsecondary institution and 21 percent more likely to have continued their education two years past high school. Also, arts students apply to slightly more colleges, on average, than non-arts students, and they pursue STEM majors at rates similar to their non-arts peers. Its no wonder that 93 percent of Americans believe that arts are vital to providing a well-rounded education. What does makes me wonder, though, is why our state legislature has been so slow to the obvious? This past year, the folks in Austin cut state funding for the arts by 28 percent. Thats not the direction we want to follow, especially for the underserved students in our city, many of whom are Latino and black. They are the ones who need arts funding the most. Arts funding is our clarion call. In the next 12 years, do we want to be a city stumbling to catch up with a trend that has long begun, or a city on the cusp of meeting its full potential? Its an idea I laid out in-depth at the recent San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce 89th annual gala in front of more than 1,600 guests. As the immediate past chairman of the Hispanic Chambers board of directors, I feel this to be the culmination of my board leadership tenure and the beginning of the work I feel is vital for our city. The call to action is a call to your state and federal legislators to insist that arts be funded and incorporated in our childrens education. Our citys future depends on it. With nearly 1 in 10 American employees working in the restaurant industry, the fabric of our food scene would quickly unravel without the vital contributions from immigrants. They make our industry one of the most vibrant and diverse sectors of the economy. Restaurants employ people from every background who share a desire to work hard, develop valuable skills and pursue the American dream. This includes approximately 100,000 individuals able to work in restaurants due to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. As with their fellow restaurant team members, they simply want the opportunity to excel within our industry and pursue their goals. The feeling is mutual. They are an essential part of our success. As Congress begins to undertake the difficult and important task of reforming our immigration system, the National Restaurant Association urges lawmakers to include permanent relief for DACA recipients living and working in the U.S. They deserve certainty and a path toward lawful permanent residency. Restaurants dont merely embrace the American dream: We embody it. Individuals in our industry gain valuable work experience, performing an important role that opens doors to a brighter future. As the countrys second-largest private-sector employer, restaurants offer hope to those in search of the American dream, regardless of where they are born. Legal immigrants are an essential part of our strength, often climbing the ranks to open their own restaurants and continue the pattern of job creation. Forty-five percent of restaurant chefs are foreign-born, as are 24 percent of restaurant managers. As the immigration debate continues, Congress and the administration should consider creating a program to legally match willing, essential workers with willing employers. Workforce retention and shortage challenges are hitting many industries, including restaurants. According to a recent nationwide survey of restaurant operators, recruiting and retaining employees is the most significant challenge their business will face in 2018. A year-round essential worker program is badly needed for the service sector to address the workforce needs of restaurants and other hospitality employers. The National Restaurant Association also supports an efficient and reliable universal federal employment verification system. Without federal action, many states and localities have been forced to pass their own employment verification laws, a patchwork of laws that creates an untenable system by forcing restaurants and others to comply with a confusing web of laws across multiple jurisdictions. A consistent national standard, such as the one outlined in Rep. Lamar Smiths Legal Workforce Act, would help employers hire in a timely, efficient and respectful manner. The legislation is a thoughtful, balanced approach addressing industry concerns. We hope it will be used to guide any future federal effort. Finally, the association supports enhanced border security and enforcement measures that keep Americans safe while protecting the economic contributions driven by legitimate travel and tourism. Business and leisure travel contribute $1 in $4 spent in the restaurant industry. Reforming our broken immigration system wont be easy, but it must be done. Americas restaurants, the service sector and our economy depend on it. We believe that by coming together in a bipartisan way, policymakers can ensure that hardworking legal immigrants can pursue their American aream in the restaurant industry, which benefits us all. The low fine imposed by the Texas Ethics Commission against State Sen. Carlos Uresti sends the wrong message to officeholders and political candidates. When the penalties are negligible, they are not a deterrent and make skirting the law worth the gamble. The $500 fine leveled against Uresti for violating state disclosure laws will probably not even cover the staff time it took to investigate the case. RELATED: Texas Ethics Commission fines Uresti $500 for failing to disclose $40,000 loan The commission was created through constitutional amendment in 1991 but has developed a reputation as toothless. It lacks power by design. The Texas Legislature determines the powers and duties of the commission. Having the very elected officials whose actions the commission is supposed to monitor determine the scope of the agencys power only ensures not much gets done. Urestis failure to disclose a $40,000 loan from FourWinds Logistic on his 2014 personal financial statement is no minor issue and merits more than a slap on the wrist. Uresti was found guilty by a federal grand jury last month on 11 felony charges in connection with his business dealings with FourWinds Logistic. He told the Express-News via email that he agreed to the minor fine to resolve the issue quickly. The commission could have imposed a fine of up to $5,000 or triple the amount at issue. Uresti told the newspaper, The ethics compliant was filed after I had corrected the oversight in my personal finance statement. However that correction only came after incomplete financial reporting was mentioned in a 2016 Express-News article detailing FourWinds collapse and allegation of misuse of investor funds. Texas needs an ethics commission that holds those seeking and holding public office accountable. Penalties imposed by ethics watchdogs should not be viewed as the cost of doing business by political candidates and officeholders. RELATED: Uresti, Cain seeks new trial to overturn criminal fraud convictions An investigation by KXAN-TV earlier this month revealed current and former political candidates owe the commission nearly $2 million in unpaid fines. The television station reports 263 candidates have failed to file campaign finance reports since 2005 and another 74 candidates have not filed a personal financial statement. Until that news story aired, the ethics commission was not in compliance with state law requiring the agency to seek prosecutions of candidates who were not filing. The Texas Ethics Commission needs a fix. Conservative commentator Tomi Lahren caught some backlash Saturday after tweeting that the national March for Our Lives isn't "for" anything specific. "Simply being anti-NRA is not a solution," Lahren tweeted. "March FOR something, not just against everything." - More Nigerians held against their will by powerful human trafficking syndicates around the world are being rescued - This is due to the commitment of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) - 39 women who are victims of se*ual exploitation were rescued in Spain in NAPTIP's latest operation Operatives of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) have bust an EIYE confraternity gang involved in human trafficking in Spain. According to a statement sent to journalists by the agency, 39 women who are victims of se*ual exploitation were rescued in the operation, which was conducted jointly with the operatives of the National Crime Agency (NCA) of the British Government and Guardian Civil, the Spanish Law Enforcement Agency. The raids were carried out by Spanish police and British authorities. Photo source: Twitter READ ALSO: 540 Nigerians face deportation from Libya - Official The statement noted: The victims, all Nigerian nationals and many under the age of 18, are believed to have undergone Voodoo-Juju rituals in Nigeria to coerce them if they did not comply with orders given by the gang leaders. They were then moved by boat to Libya and Italy, before arriving in Spain. The statement revealed that the women were forced to live in cave-like houses, in unsafe and unsanitary conditions, unable to leave and se*ually exploited for the sole purpose of financial gain for the gang leaders, with all money eventually ending up in their hands in Nigeria. Legit.ng gathered that the international investigation into the organised criminal network began when a victim made a report to the Spanish authorities, detailing how she arrived in Spain along with a number of other girls. Money from the trafficking, the agency revealed is laundered, through the honour-based Hawala system, popular with organised crime gangs. Investigators found the gang had numerous women under their control working as prostitutes to pay off their debts with Eiye Confraternity - upwards of 30,000 euros each - for the cost of moving the victims into Europe, the agency added. It stated that NCA officers worked with partners to develop intelligence on the network, including carrying out surveillance on those suspected to be involved and working with NAPTIP colleagues to build up information about the scale of the abuse and exploitation. The investigation was aided in Nigeria by NAPTIP investigators who are members of the British assisted Joint Border Task Force (JBTF) who travelled to Spain to participate and support the Guardia Civil and NCA during the arrest phases. A total of 89 people - including the leader of the gang had been arrested on suspicion of association to criminal organisations, modern slavery and money laundering. Forty three remain on remand in prison in Spain, following raids at 41 addresses across the country in November last year, the statement said. Reacting to the development, the Director-General of NAPTIP, Dame Julie Okah-Donli expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the joint operations. She said that the outcome was in line with her vision of pursuing human traffickers who are Nigerian nationals to any part of the world where they may be operating. She also expressed appreciation to the British and Spanish Law Enforcement Agencies for the confidence reposed on NAPTIP Agents in working together in such joint operations. European Police (Europol) said raids were carried out across 11 Spanish cities last November but the operation could not be announced until Thursday, March 22 to avoid jeopardizing investigations. Europol disclosed Eiye operated in clandestine groups all over the world, funding the brotherhood in Nigeria through both legal and illicit activities, particularly through human trafficking. READ ALSO: Libya returnee reportedly dies 2 days after arriving Nigeria Meanwhile, the federal government has reiterated its commitment to protect Nigerians in distress globally and to tackle the menace of child trafficking. Senior Special Assistant on Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, said this when she received a 14-year-old victim of child labour from South Korea in Abuja. The 14-year-old girl from Imo state was taken to South Korea in September 2015 by her mothers sister who promised to further her education, but subjected her to manual labour. Mass deportation: Tales of woes from Libya on Legit.ng TV Source: Legit.ng - Former minister of Defence, General Theophilus Danjuma (rtd) has spoken against the killings across the country - Danjuma asks Nigerians to defend themselves against the killers - He made the statement at the the maiden convocation of the Taraba State University, Jalingo Former minister of Defence, General Theophilus Danjuma (rtd), on Saturday, March 24, advised Nigerians to defend themselves against killers in the country. Danjuma made the call while speaking at the maiden convocation of the Taraba State University, Jalingo, the Taraba state capital. Danjuma says there is an attempt at ethnic cleansing in rural states in the country. Photo source: Twitter Taraba is a mini Nigeria with diverse ethnic groups living together peacefully, but the peace in this state is under assault. There is an attempt at ethnic cleansing in the state and of course, some rural states in Nigeria. We must resist it. We must stop it. Everyone of us must rise up, he said. Taraba state has been under attack from unknown gunmen in the last two years, resulting in mass killings. PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news Victims of herdsmen killing buried in Benue state - on Legit.ng TV Source: Legit Newspaper Ibrahim Idris, Nigeria's inspector general of police says the last known Dapchi schoolgirl, Leah Sharibu, who was held back by Boko Haram, is expected to be released today. Premium Times reports that the IG made the confirmation at the headquarters of the Theatre command of Operation Lafiya Dole in Maiduguri as he concluded his two-day tour of the three states in the northeast. I am supposed to go to Dapchi today, but because I learnt that that schoolgirl, Leah, may be released today, that was why to shelve my trip to the town, he said. READ ALSO: 30 Chibok girls parents visit Obasanjo It is very understandable that is such circumstance one does not create too much security presence in the area in a manner that it could sabotage the efforts being made there. You know, I move with helicopter, and by the time I fly into the area they (Boko Haram) may think I break what the understanding may have been there. So I have to postpone the visit to Dapchi, said the IGP. Boko Haram kidnapped 110 Dapchi girls on February 19 while the terrorist group released 104 girls on Wednesday, March 21, and reportedly held Leah back for refusing to convert to Islam. Five girls died during their abduction, her freed mates said. The news-outlet also reported that Leahs father, Sharibu Nathan, had earlier confirmed to that he had received the good news that the girl and her abductors were on their way to Dapchi on Saturday. It also quoted the chairman of the abducted Dapchi Schoolgirls, Bashir Manzo, who confirmed that Leah was being brought back. We got the news that she was on her way. We are all waiting to receive them even as we pray God should bring them home safely, he said. PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app Meanwhile, Legit.ng had earlier reported that one of the returned Dapchi girls told a British newspaper, The Guardian, that they were flown in planes, and taken over rivers in boat by the terrorists. she revealed that the journey that took them back to Dapchi lasted three days as they were flown in planes and taken over rivers in boats. Dapchi protests abduction of their daughters by Boko Haram - on Legit.ng TV: Source: Legit President Muhammadu Buhari has extended his condolences to the government and people of Nasarawa state on the death of Dr Hassan Lawal, a former minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and member of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the All Progressives Congress (APC). In a statement by Garba Shehu, his spokesperson, President Buhari, who was represented at the burial of Lawal by a delegation led by the minister of state for environment, Mallam Ibrahim Jibril, described the demise of the strong political ally as painful. The president noted that Lawal, a statesman, who at various times served the nation as minister of works and housing, minister of labour and productivity and health minister, was a strong pillar of support in Nasarawa state and the North Central geopolitical zone as a whole. READ ALSO: Nigerian army nabs youth leader, other suspected criminals in Taraba I was shocked to hear of the passing of Dr Lawal. He will be missed by thousands of people whom he had assisted in one way or the other. His role in politics and the development of his community, state and nation will remain an inspiration for other political actors. My condolences to his family, close associates and the people of Nasarawa state, the president said. The presidential delegation to the burial included Sarki Abba and Garba Shehu, senior special assistants and Ambassador Lawal Kazaure, the state chief of protocol. Governor Umaru Tanko Almakura of Nassarawa State, who received the government delegation at the palace of the Emir of Keffi, Dr Shehu Chindo Yamusa thanked President Buhari for sharing this moment of grief with the people of the State. The former minister who served during the administration of the late president, Umaru Musa YarAdua, died on Saturday night, March 24. According to Premium Times, this was confirmed by a family member. READ ALSO: Police to declare Dino Melaye wanted It was reported that Lawal was receiving treatment at the Turkish Nizamye Hospital in Abuja before he passed away. He wis expected to be buried on Sunday, March 25 according to Islamic rites at his home town, Keffi local government area, in Nasarawa State. Before his demise, he had served as minister of labour and productivity, health minister, and works minister. Meanwhile, The lawmaker representing Bauchi south senatorial district, Senator Ali Wakili was declared dead. A journalist with the Voice of America, (VOA), Saleh Shehu Ashaka, announced the death of the All Progressives Congress (APC) senator in a tweet on Saturday, March 17. The Daily Nigerian, citing the account of a family member reported that the lawmaker slumped at his Gwarimpa residence, Abuja on Saturday morning, March 17, and was rushed to Viewpoint Hospital, where he was certified dead. He died at the age of 58. TOP-4 Over-the-top Reactions of Nigerian Lawmakers to Certain Circumstances | Legit.ng TV Source: Legit - The Nigerian army responded to TY Danjumas statement on the herdsmen-farmers clash - The army denied colluding with armed militias as claimed by Danjuma - It urged Nigerians to be law-abiding The Nigerian army has tackled former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma foe asking Taraba people to take up arms in the light of the farmers-herdsmen clash. In a statement issued on Saturday, March 25, The Nigerian army said the accusation by Danjuma that the military was colluding with armed militia was unfortunate. It said its operations in Benue and Taraba have yielded success while some soldiers have also paid the ultimate price in those operations. READ ALSO: Police to declare Dino Melaye wanted The army urged Nigerians to continue to be law-abiding and promised to continue to defend the countrys territorial integrity. Read statement below: The attention of the Nigerian Army has been drawn to the unfortunate statement made by a former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma, during the convocation ceremony of the Taraba State University on Saturday 24 March 2018 in which he categorically asserted that the Armed Forces of Nigeria was colluding with militias and other criminal elements and was unable to provide security for the citizens of Taraba State. He further called the people of Taraba State to take up arms and defend themselves. The Nigerian Army views this statement made by the former Chief of Army Staff as most unfortunate at this critical time that the military has embarked upon demilitarisation of the North Central Region of the Country. While Nigerian Army would not want to join issues with the Elder Statesman, however, certain facts need to be clearly stated in the interest of the Taraba People and the Nigerian public: The Nigerian Army is constitutionally charged with the responsibility of defending the territorial integrity of Nigeria and to aid the civil authority whenever called upon to do so. In this light, the authorisation for the conduct of Ex AYEM AKPATUMA was authorised and troops deployed to curb menace of the herdsmen-farmers conflict and other criminal activities in the North Central Region amongst others. It is on record that the successes so far achieved in Ex AYEM AKPATUMA have been recognised and accepted by Nigerians. The public is notified that Nigerian Army personnel have had to pay the supreme price for ensuring the sustenance of security in Taraba State. For instance, a gallant non-commission officer of the Nigerian Army was beheaded on 16 March 2018 in Takum Taraba State by criminal elements. It is noteworthy to state that at the inception of Ex AYEM AKPATUMA, the Taraba State Government, did not cooperate with the Nigerian Army due to the Armys stance to remain absolutely neutral in the herdsmen-farmers crisis. The Nigerian Army will continue to remain as such. For avoidance of doubt, the Nigerian Army advises the people of Taraba State and indeed all other Nigerians to continue in their day-to-day activities and be law abiding as anyone caught with arms and ammunition will be dealt with accordance with the laws of the land. Every law-abiding citizen is assured of equal protection and security of their lives and property irrespective of his/her person. Meanwhile, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo reportedly supported the calls for decentralisation of the Nigeria police. PAY ATTENTION: Read best news on Nigerias #1 news app At the opening ceremony for the two-day summit on national security on Thursday, February 8, organised by the Senate on the spate of killings by herdsmen and other crimes across the country, the vice president said:State police is the way to go. The Punch reports that the event, which entered closed doors after the ceremony, is ongoing at the NAF Centre in Abuja. Are Nigerian Policemen the worst in the world? on Legit.ng TV Source: Legit - Senator Dino Melaye responded to news that he has left Nigeria - He said it is impossible for him to leave his family behind - The Kogi senator also said he has not received any police summon Senator Dino Melaye has denied report that he has fled from Nigeria. The senator was responding to news by an online medium that he fled the country to avoid police arrest on Saturday, March 24. READ ALSO: Army replies TY Danjuma for asking Taraba people to pick up arms Melaye in a statement said there was no way he would leave the country and leave his family behind. He said: For the records, I did not flee Nigeria and have no reason to flee my country, leaving behind my family as the online paper wants Nigerians to believe. My attention was drawn to their lies this night, hence this public statement. Melaye also responded to the statement issued by the police that he will be declared wanted if he does not appear in court on March 28. He said: It has become expedient for me to issue this statement to the public and to let you know that I have taken the matter up with the international community in order to report this undue intimidation and harassment. Let me reiterate here for the umpteenth time that no amount of intimidation, blackmail, arrests or threats will stop me from championing the cause of the masses. PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app Legit.ng had reported that the Nigerian police has issued a message to Senator Melaye asking him to appear before it and comply with the court case against him or risk being declared wanted. The police issued this statement on Saturday, March 25 and accused the senator of deliberately ignoring the request to appear before it in spite of the message sent to him. The police said that two suspects who were arrested in Kogi claimed the senator gave them firearms to create social unrest. Age requirement reduction by the Senate; Good or Bad for Nigeria? on Legit.ng TV Source: Legit Nothing beats being prayerful and careful in life especially when you are planning an event. Many people believe this is important as there are evil forces who might try to act as obstacles to your success. A handsome young man has been reported dead. Late Mopmi Samson reportedly died six days to his wedding in Bauchi state. His wedding was to take place at Winners Chapel on Saturday, March 31. He was involved in a ghastly car accident while traveling from Abuja to Bauchi state, in preparation for his wedding to Pheobe Masoyi. Late Mopmi Samson with his wife-to-be READ ALSO: Mothers only child drinks rat poison to death 4th time after failing JAMB His friends have taken to their Facebook handles to pen down heartbreaking tribute about the deceased. One Fedora Makp Philip shared his picture with the caption: Mopmi Kai Kai the news of your death has not been easy on any of us here.... One week to your wedding my yali words ain't enough... Mopmi you were stock with potentials that our generation is yet to explore and reap from. It's unbelievable gaskiya. See post below: Emmanuel Onche also posted late Samsons picture on Facebook with the caption: I woke up this morning and we joked about you with sis and smiled acknowledging the fact that come Saturday you will be a married man...the updates on your marriage was all we looked forward to and in few hours time i heard the biggest joke of the century that You MOPMI SAMSON MARKUS IS GONE.. still a bad dream i want to wake up from , speechless, pained but yet ain't receiving any positive report.... my brother and friend... good night, Mopmi sleep tight ...you are forever in our hearts. PAY ATTENTION: Get the Latest Nigerian News Anywhere 24/7. Spend less on the Internet! See more posts below: RIP! Should a 'homeless' man move into a house built by his wife? (Nigerian Street Interview)|Naij.com TV - on Legit.ng TV. Source: Legit.ng 43-year-old man identified as Theophilus has been reported dead in Delta state. He was suspected to be a staff of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC). According to Daily post, the unfortunate incident took place at Olori street, Ughelli North local government area of the state. Late Theophilus was reportedly called by his boss to disconnect illegal electricity distribution in the area. An eye witness disclosed that there was no electricity when the deceased mounted the pole for the disconnection but suddenly, light was restored in the area. READ ALSO: Mothers only child drinks rat poison to death 4th time after failing JAMB He said: It is true that there are a lot of illegal connections in this area. So when the official came around to disconnect the light, no one objected and he was carrying on his duty without resistance. And just as it is the norm, light supply in the area had already been ceased while the guy was working. Only for the light to be restored all of a sudden and the man was shocked to death. We couldnt rescue him on time. He died almost immediately after he was electrocuted. The Delta state acting police public relations officer, DSP Andrew Aniamaka, disclosed that he is not aware of the situation yet but will make his findings. PAY ATTENTION: Get the Latest Nigerian News Anywhere 24/7. Spend less on the Internet! RIP! Should a 'homeless' man move into a house built by his wife? (Nigerian Street Interview)|Naij.com TV - on Legit.ng TV. Source: Legit.ng - Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar promises to reserve 40 percent of appointments for youths in Nigeria if voted in as president - A group, Intellectual Think-Tank for Atiku (ITTA), has been established in favour of the former vice president - Titi Abubakar says Atiku deserves to fly the flag of the Peoples Democratic Party Nigerias former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, has promised to ensure 40 percent of appointments in his cabinet are reserved for youths in the country if he eventually wins the 2019 presidential election which he plans to contest. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Atiku made the pledge at the inauguration of the national and state executives of a group loyal to him, Intellectual Think-Tank for Atiku (ITTA), in Abuja. The report said the former vice president was represented at the inauguration by the chairman of All Atiku Support Group (AASUG), Oladimeji Fabiyi. READ ALSO: Theophilus Danjuma asks Nigerians to defend themselves against killers Having identified the critical role of youths in the emergence of any leader, I pledge to give youths 40 per cent of appointments in my cabinet if elected as the president of Nigeria in 2019. As a youth friendly leader who thinks and understands the feelings of youth, I urge them to give me the chance to make their dreams possible, Atiku said. Also speaking in his own capacity, Fabiyi said that Atiku had consistently showed care and concern about the plight and issues that had to do with youths adding that the former vice president was one of the major jobs creators in the country and that the youths were the major beneficiaries. Speaking at the event, Titi Abubakar, who was represented by Senator Grace Bent, said that Atiku deserved to fly the People Democratic Party (PDP)s ticket in the 2019 presidential election. Titi said Atiku was the right man with the political stamina to wrestle and return power back to PDP and Nigerians. PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigerias #1 new app The national coordinator of ITTA, Theophilus Ohuoba, said that group would get down to work without delay. Ohuoba noted that the zonal and state coordinators of the group would go back to their various bases and inaugurate their executives as he added that they would move to the grassroots to mobilise delegates and subsequently voters to support Atikus candidacy. Legit.ng earlier reported that former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, has said the unity of the Nigeria is in a dilemma following calls for the restructuring of the of the country. Atiku made the statement when he paid a condolence visit to Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje over the death of the Danmasanin Kano, Yusuf Maitama Sule. Jonathan replies to Buhari's allegations | Legit.ng TV Obasanjo and Jonathan are good | Legit.ng TV Source: Legit - Over 70,000 fake police officers have been discovered within the Nigeria Police Force - The fake officers were discovered by the federal government, a source within the presidency said - The ghost workers were fished out through federal government's Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System The federal government has said that it has discovered 78,315 ghost officers in the Nigeria Police Force. The Nigerian Tribune reports that the Ministry of Finance recently discovered that the payroll of the Nigeria police had been stuffed with over 70,000 fake personnel. It was also gathered that the federal government has been able to save N68 billion on personnel cost in 2017. Sources within the presidency said despite opposition from the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), reports has shown that there were thousands of ghost officers within the force. READ ALSO: Just in: 2 people killed in Kano village protest One of the sources said that before the enrollment of the police force in the IPPIS, the federal government was paying salaries and emolument of 370,000 personnel. He, however, said that only 291,685 names of police personnel appeared on the salary schedule for February. He added that the president has also ordered the accountant general of the federation to ensure that all forces of the Nigerian military are enrolled into the IPPIS before the end of 2018. The source said: "As at 20th March 2018, the number of ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) on IPPIS payroll is 511 with 316,158 staff count with a gross salary of N43,979,383,997.79 and 42 police commands and formations paid on IPPIS platform in February 2018 with a staff count of 291,685 and gross salary of N22,276,669,257.21. Staff of para-military agencies (Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Prison Service and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps) enrolled to date is 100,882 for which a trial payroll of N11,456,278,859.00 have been sent for review and update for April 2018 payroll." READ ALSO: Breaking: Former minister of works, Hassan Lawal is dead Meanwhile, the minister of finance, Kemi Adeosun, had informed the cabinet at the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting that savings made through IPPIS were achieved despite increased in police personnel. She said the introduction of the IPPIS had resulted in the reduction of ghost workers syndrome as the system has become an assured source of internally generated revenue through payee to states and federal government. She said: "There is need to kit IPPIS stakeholders to overcome challenges for effective and efficient service delivery at all times. Legit.ng earlier reported that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had arrested a couple for siphoning about N300 million as salaries from the federal government. PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app The couple and seven others through a crafted ghost workers scheme submitted their account details to the civil servants who then added it to the governments payroll. Also joined in the matter were six civil servants identified as Osuntope Opeyemi, Aderibigbe Taiwo, Usman Dayo, Johnson Adedokun, Oyebade Ayodeji and Ojeifo Sylvanus. Top 4 modern corruption cases: Maina back in the limelight - on Legit.ng TV Source: Legit - The Nigerian Army says it has no knowledge of any personnel called Sergeant David Bako - Brigadier General Texas Chukwu also says the report is fake and should be avoided - It laments that despite its efforts, some people still fabricate stories to discredit the organisation The Nigerian Army has denied knowledge of Sergeant David Bako, the alleged personnel of the organisation who reportedly leaked information relating to how the Dapchi girls were released and how N80 million exchanged hands between the government and Boko Haram. In a statement by Brigadier General Texas Chukwu, the director army public relations, the Nigerian Army called on citizens of the country to disregard the alleged confession of the fake soldier. The attention of the Nigerian Army has been drawn to a news report making round on Facebook and other social media to smear and drag the Nigerian Army into politics of calumny by mischief makers, that one deserted Sergeant David Bako leaks how Dapchi Girls abduction was planned in the villa and executed with N80 million. READ ALSO: Former minister of works dead The information was said to be provided by Sergeant David Bako who claimed to be deserted soldier and one of the abductee of the Dapchi School Girls. The Nigerian Army therefore put the record straight that it has crosscheck it records and cannot find any one call Sergeant David Bako who neither serves in the Army, deserted or dismissed. The Nigerian Army therefore disassociate itself with such fictitious report and request the public to disregard the confession made by the so call Sergeant David Bako who has not been in the Army at all. It is imperative to know that these baseless and inane allegations are not new in the cyber space, knowing the fact that we are in the age of information warfare. Open Source Intelligence reveals that the website Dailyglobewatch.eu with country code top-level domain (ccTLD) .eu used in publishing stories is obviously fake and therefore not correct. Based on our findings the website was registered on the 14 of April 2017 and the last updated was on the same date and will expire on the 14th April 2018, we are very familiar with reports of this nature and will advise the general public to disregard such claim and desist from sharing such information on the new media as this is against the Nigerian Cybercrime Act 2015. However, it is really worrisome to the level at which some people could condescend so low to fabricate facetious allegation against the Nigerian Army and the military at large for cheap political gains or simply an act of pure wickedness, thus the public should disregard such facetious allegation. PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigerias #1 new app The Nigerian Army wishes to reiterate its commitment to remain apolitical and non-partisan in the discharge of its constitutional roles. We would also like to reaffirm our unconditional support and obedience to civil authority as well as reassuring Nigerians that these Fifth columnists will not succeed in their mischief as they will be fished out and dealt with accordingly, the statement said. Legit.ng earlier reported that troops of the Nigerian Army deployed under the exercise Ayem Akpatuma, have announced the arrest of some suspected criminals at Takum, Taraba state, alleging that they may have been sponsored to cause mayhem in the area. They were arrested on March 24, according to a statement by Brigadier General Texas Chukwu, the director of Army public relations. Exclusive: Freed Dapchi Girl Recounts Her Ordeal with Boko Haram (Nigeria Breaking News) Legit.ng TV Source: Legit Jerri-Lynn here: This Real News network interview with Professor Stephen F. Cohen, professor emeritus at Princeton and NYU, about the insane arms race between the United States and Russia is terrifying. Cohen concludes by discussing how the state of debate over detente has deteriorated since the 70s and 80s, when the pro-detente people, the anti-Cold War people had lots of very senior allies many in Congress. Even in the State Department. Even among presidential aides. It was always a fair fight. Yet now: There is no one today. Only the Schumers and the Pelosis. And they have become with this Russia gate stuff, claiming that Putin attacked America and it was like Pearl Harbor or 9/11. I mean I never call people names, but this is warmongering. Thats exactly what it is. If you claim Russia attacked America, the assumption is we have to attack Russia. And were talking about nuclear war potentially. So what kind of political leadership is, we have descended into a morass of degraded commentary on Russia that has never even when the Soviet Union existed, even during the worst days of the Cold War, we didnt have this kind of discourse. AARON MATE: Its the Real News. Im Aaron Mate. President Trump is drawing heat for congratulating Russian President Vladimir Putin on his re-election victory. During a phone call with Putin this week Trump reportedly ignored a written directive from his aides that instructed him, quote, do not congratulate. Speaking to MSNBC, Democratic Sen. Mark Warner echoed the outraged response from Republican Sen. John McCain. MARK WARNER: I think John McCain put out a statement today, and his words were better than mine. He says, the leader of the free world doesnt call up and congratulate a dictator over a sham election. And clearly thats what happened today. AARON MATE: News of the friendly phone call prompted former CIA Director John Brennan to suggest that the Russians could have compromising information on Donald Trump. REPORTER: Why wont the president confront Vladimir Putin, why wont he read the cards and say the things that you say need to be said to Vladimir Putin? Do you believe he is somehow in debt to the president of Russia? JOHN BRENNAN: I think hes afraid of the president of Russia. REPORTER: Why? JOHN BRENNAN: Well, I think one can speculate as to why. That the Russians may have something on him personally that they could always roll out and make his life more difficult. REPORTER: Do you believe Russia has something on him? JOHN BRENNAN: I believe that the Russians would would not, they would opt for things to do if they believed that it was in their interests. And the Russians, I think, have had long experience with Mr. Trump and they have things that they could expose. REPORTER: Something personal, perhaps? JOHN BRENNAN: Perhaps. Perhaps. AARON MATE: In his defense, Trump said on Twitter that President Obama had also congratulated Putin during his last win in 2012. And like Obama, Trump claimed he wants to cooperate with Russia on several issues, including the arms race. This comes weeks after Putin gave a speech unveiling a new nuclear arsenal and blaming the U.S. for the arms race. He later spoke to NBC News. VLADIMIR PUTIN: If you were to speak about arms race, then an arms race began at exactly the time and moment when the U.S. opted out of the Antiballistic Missile Treaty. AARON MATE: Well, why does Russia blame the U.S. for the arms race? And in this current political moment, can their differences possibly be resolved. Well, to discuss this, I spoke recently to Professor Stephen F. Cohen, professor emeritus of Russian studies at New York University and Princeton. And I began by asking him what Putin is seeking in his relationship with the U.S. STEPHEN COHEN: Well, lets begin by saying that theres hardly been a time when Putin did not call for good relations with the United States, even in the worst of times. And he continues to refer to American political leaders as my partners, even in the worst of times. This, by the way, drives harder line, or harder line people in the Soviet security establishment up the wall. They say to him, why do you keep calling them your partner? Putin is a guy who came to power with the hope and intention of a real, functional, constructive economic political relationship with the United States. And though he may have given up that hope, he still calls for it. The speech he gave that youre referring to, the equivalent, I guess, of the state of the Union speech on March 1, was exceedingly important. The first two thirds of it was essentially his electoral program. It dealt with domestic issues, what he hopes to do for the Russian people. It was very similar to speeches made here during our elections. He talked about education, he talked about infrastructure, he talked about pensions. He talked about health care. No American would be surprised. [But the latter third. Putin called it historic, and I think it is. And we can explain this simply. Ever since the America and the Soviet Union acquired the capacity to put nuclear warheads on ballistic missiles, cross the seas and strike the other country, we have been in a strategic agreement called mutual assured destruction. And all that meant that if Washington launched at Moscow, within minutes Moscow would launch at Washington, and both countries would be grievously affected, if not completely destroyed. And this doctrine, called MAD, may seem frightful, but it kept the nuclear peace until the idea came up that you could build an antiballistic missile weapon, missile defense. It started with Reagan. To prevent that, I think signed in 1972, was a treaty, the antiballistic missile treaty, which meant that the sides were prohibited from deploying antiballistic missile systems in order to preserve this mutual assured destruction so that neither side would be tempted to launch a first strike. Each side, America and the Soviet Union, was given one exemption. Moscow put a missile defense system over, Russia did over Moscow. And I think we have our someplace in South Dakota for some reason, Im not sure why. In 2002 President Bush left this treaty, nullified it unilaterally. Ever since then weve been pushing missile defense installations toward Russia. I think there are 30 or 40. They range from, as I understand it, California to Alaska. But theres one operating in Romania, one to open in Poland. But heres the thing. weve figured out how to deploy them on ships. And so these anti-missile defense systems are sailing on ships in the Black Sea and the Baltic Sea, right on Russias borders. So what did Putin say? And its really, if if half of what he claimed for these weapons is true, and Im sure more than half is true, he said, we have developed several weapons that do not lie at the ballistic level. That is, high in the sky and descend. They fly much lower, much faster, and they can elude any any missile system that you Americans have spent trillions of dollars on. So therefore, we have restored mutual assured destruction. Hes saying that you Americans, and its true some Americans did this, tried to develop missile defense so that you could threaten us wit,h or perhaps launch, a first nuclear strike knowing that your missile defense would protect you from retaliation. He said that was a fiction from the beginning. But we now have these new weapons which make it absolutely impossible. And so he ends by saying, therefore, having restored the balance of sanity, let us sit down and have major nuclear weapons talks again. But again, Aaron, I mean, if its true, and I have no reason to think its not true, though the stages of development of these weapons is a little unclear, its true what Putin said about these four or five new weapons systems. We are now in a completely new era, because since the end of the Soviet Union the United States has tried to develop at least the capacity of a first strike capability at Russia using these missile defenses. That is over. Its not possible any longer. Trillions of dollars have been wasted. By the way, I forget which administration, Bush or Obama, made missile defense a NATO project. It started out as an American project. But it officially gave it to NATO. Why? Because where NATO goes, the missile defense installations go, and NATO has expanded right to Russias borders. So this is an historic turning point, assuming what Putin said is largely true. Though you wouldnt know it. I guess you had on professor Theodore Postol of MIT. And I mean, Ted is excellent on this stuff but you dont get any of this in the mainstream media. Putins speech was read as an act of threatened aggression against the United States. It was just the opposite. AARON MATE: Right. And you know, I think what we often forget, too, is that as this missile system , defensive missile system, whatever its called, was developed, especially under Bush number two, George W. Bush, it was billed to Russia for so long as being targeted towards Iran. Which seems like a pretty tough sell to accept when, when its actually being positioned so close to Russia. STEPHEN COHEN: Look, its bogus. Its fiction. Its B.S. Its disinformation. Its American propaganda. The reality is this: Russia has been protesting about the, once we left, Washington left the Antiballistic Missile Treaty, Russia has been protesting what weve been building. We told Russia, why are you worried? It has nothing to do with Russia. This is all about Iran and, quote, rogue states, unidentified. Russia said, OK, in that case lets build it together. We actually have better radar facilities than you have. Well build it, well manage it together. We refused that systematically. Every attempt Russian made to join in the creation of a missile defense system was rejected by Washington. Everybody, unless, you know, you believe in the Easter Bunny, I guess, that this system as it was expanded, increasingly, and it branched out, was directed at Russia. I mean, maybe it would have worked against Iran, too, but that was going to be a bonus. This was about Russia. The Russians knew it. You and I knew it. Everybody knew it. Do you know what is an indestructible weapon system? AARON MATE: No I dont. STEPHEN COHEN: One funded in all 50 states. All right. Thats what this missile defense has been. They farmed out manufacturing of it everywhere from Paducah Kentucky to Israel. Everybody gets a piece of the action. Therefore you get no protest in Congress because its constituency politics. And thats true of a lot of the weapons systems we make. Theyre indestructible when all 50 states get a piece of the action, and thats what you have with this missile defense stuff. AARON MATE: OK, so, speaking of Congress. If there is to be any push for Trump to engage with what Putin said seriously and try to restart some sort of arms control talks, including the New START treaty, which Trump has indicated little interest in advancing, youd think that it would be Trumps opposition party who would be pushing him towards that. Now, recently there were some Democratic senators to call for a new round of strategic arms talks with Russia. But I want to read to you a quote from the Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer, where he is greeting the news of Mike Pompeo now being the secretary of state. And instead of pointing to Pompeos open disdain for the Iran nuclear deal and his hawkishness on things including Russia, this is what Chuck Schumer said. He said: The instability of this administration and just about every area weakens America. If hes confirmed we hope that Mr. Pompeo will turn up well turn over a new leaf and will start toughening up our policies towards Russia and Putin, unquote. So Professor Cohen, as we wrap, that is the top priority from the leader of the opposition party Chuck Schumer, for the new nominee to be secretary of state to be tougher towards Russia. STEPHEN COHEN: Well, but its not just Schumer. And Schumer is not to make this distinction as statesmen. He is a kind of local politician risen way above his pay grade when it comes to foreign affairs. It was outrageous what he said. But a lot of the Democratic leaders are saying this sort of thing. I mean, let me make the point you made before. One reason this situation is so dangerous, Aaron, so dangerous, is that in the 70s and 80s, and I participated at a junior or younger level, the debate over Cold War or detente in the United States, that the pro-detente people, the anti-Cold War people had lots of very senior allies many in Congress. Even in the State Department. Even among presidential aides. It was always a fair fight. There is no one today. Only the Schumers and the Pelosis. And they have become with this Russia gate stuff, claiming that Putin attacked America and it was like Pearl Harbor or 9/11. I mean I never call people names, but this is warmongering. Thats exactly what it is. If you claim Russia attacked America, the assumption is we have to attack Russia. And were talking about nuclear war potentially. So what kind of political leadership is, we have descended into a morass of degraded commentary on Russia that has never even when the Soviet Union existed, even during the worst days of the Cold War, we didnt have this kind of discourse. AARON MATE: We have to leave it there. Professor Stephen F. Cohen, professor emeritus of Russian studies at New York University and Princeton University. Thank you. STEPHEN COHEN: Pray a lot, Aaron. AARON MATE: Will do. And thank you for joining us on the Real News. Minister Creed recently chaired the 14th meeting of the Food Wise High Level Implementation Committee (HLIC). Minister Creed outlined the supports in place to support Irish SMEs in general, and food companies in particular, in preparing for the challenges posed by Brexit. These measures include the Brexit Loan Scheme, which will provide up to 300 million of affordable, flexible working capital finance to Irish businesses impacted by Brexit, including food companies, due to be in place by the end of March. Brexit response measures by my Department also include investing in marketing and promotion by Bord Bia, to ensure the sector has the widest possible global food print, and additional supports for capital investment in the food industry. Minister Creed commented. As part of this investment, Minster Creed highlighted that his Department, though Teagasc, will be funding a 5m investment in capital equipment for the Prepared Consumer Food Production (PCF) Centre, in the Teagasc Food Research Centre, Ashtown, to purchase specialist processing and packaging equipment which companies can pilot, with a view to scaling up their production and/ or operations. Teagasc expects to launch the PCF initiative in June 2018. Minister Creed highlighted the importance for SME companies to remain competitive by undertaking lean manufacturing processes and by innovating to address challenges into the future. He emphasised the work of Enterprise Ireland (EI). I want to encourage SMEs to avail of the many supports provided by the agencies. One such support is Enterprise Irelands Capital Investment Initiative which is open to all SME companies. In particular, I would urge SME food companies who need to improve productivity and competitiveness through the acquisition of new capital equipment to talk to Enterprise Ireland about availing of this specific support. Julie Sinnamon, CEO of Enterprise Ireland, added: Now, more than ever, companies need to work closely with Enterprise Ireland to support their growth ambitions. For food and beverage companies, Enterprise Ireland offers supports across the areas of Competitiveness and Innovation including the Capital Investment Initiative and the new Agile Innovation offer. We work with clients through our Client Engagement Model which takes a holistic approach to client needs and ensures the right supports are provided at the right time for each company. (Natural News) In recent days readers of this site have seen countless examples of how the big social media and tech companies are going out of their way to silence conservative, independent media supportive of President Donald J. Trump and his agenda. Google-owned YouTube, as noted by a legal effort sponsored by PragerU, is in the process of blocking, censoring, or defunding such content on its video-sharing platform. Facebook changed its algorithm in February which resulted in substantial reductions in reach for conservative, pro-Trump media so much so that a number of sites are scaling back personnel or closing down altogether. A new analysis by The Western Journal confirms this: Facebooks much-publicized demotion of publishers content in users news feeds has negatively impacted conservative-leaning publishers significantly more than liberal-leaning outlets, an analysis by The Western Journal has revealed. Liberal publishers have gained about 2 percent more web traffic from Facebook than they were getting prior to the algorithm changes implemented in early February. On the other hand, conservative publishers have lost an average of nearly 14 percent of their traffic from Facebook. Now, Google is taking its suppression of dissident voices several steps further by essentially buying and promoting nothing but Left-wing content on its major news aggregation platform (Google News), while shutting out any and all media that does not toe the line of Marxist Democrats. And its implementing the plan in time to help steal the 2018 midterm elections for Democrats (while at the same time still complaining that Trump and the Russians used fake news to steal the 2016 election). As reported by Breitbart News, Google has just announced a $300 million News Initiative that aims to support and promote what the tech giant claims is high-quality journalism, while at the same time working to suppress what the company says is misinformation. (Related: BRAINWASHED: The goal of the media is to poison the minds of the masses with toxic hatred and engineered thought loops.) Google says the News Initiative is focused on three broad goals strengthening quality journalism, supporting sustainable business models and empowering newsrooms through technological innovation, reported Tech Crunch. Its also committing to spend $300 million over the next three years on its various journalism-related projects. Google Chief Business Officer Phillipp Schindler said during a recent press conference, Our business is inherently tied to your business The economics are very clear: If you do not grow, we do not grow. Tech Crunch added: Schindler also announced a partnership with the Harvard Kennedy Schools First Draft to launch something called the Disinfo Lab, which will use computational tools and journalistic oversight to monitor misinformation during elections. And theres a separate project called MediaWise, a partnership with the Poynter Institute, Stanford University and the Local Media Association. Google.orgs Jacqueline Fuller described this as a $3 million, two-year media campaign to improve media literacy among teens. This is a lot of words to describe what Google is really going to do: Spending hundreds of millions of dollars to censor all voices that conflict with the companys hard-Left political viewpoint. Now granted, Google is a private company and as long as its shareholders are in agreement, the companys executives can do what they want. But disguising their censorship of competing political speech as some noble attempt to protect the public from misinformation is as insulting as it is disingenuous. Not that anyone at Google cares, mind you. So what to do? Well, just knowing what Google is up to is a major first step; knowledge is power. Make sure you tell everyone one you know that theyre only getting select, hand-picked, and universal speech in their news feeds going forward. Secondly, you can support and use alternative social media and search engines like Brighteon.com, Duck Duck Go, Good Gopher, and other sites that dont filter content based on points of view or track your every move. The only ways to beat the big Leftie social media corporations are to ignore them, starve them of funding, and find alternatives all of which are very doable. Spend your money at sites you support (like this one) by buying their products. Click on their ads. Donate. Share their content. Talk about them. J.D. Heyes is editor of The National Sentinel and a senior writer for Natural News and News Target. Sources include: Breitbart.com TheNationalSentinel.com NewsTarget.com (Natural News) Research has found out that yoga improves the way our organs function. In particular, yoga stimulates bone marrow stem cells trafficking to the blood surrounding it. This, in turn, helps reduce inflammation, reduce apoptosis, revive lost cells and delay the aging process. The results of this study were published in the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine. In the study, the authors looked at yoga and pranayama, which both originated in India and have now found an international following. In a survey by Yoga Alliance, it showed that this ancient art found some 37 million practitioners in the U.S. in 2016. This is nearly twice than that of 2012, which was only 20 million, indicating a significant increase in people who are into yoga. Matching these findings is the fact that nearly three-quarters of people have been into yoga for less than five years. This means people have embrace yoga fairly recently. In the study, the researchers suggested that the movements practiced in yoga stretching, bending, and twisting can likely release stem cells into the bone marrow and increase circulation. These stem cells, once released, travel to bone, tissue, or muscle, where it is used for repair. Pranayama, in particular, can create a brief episode of hypoxia, that is, the absence of oxygen, similar to that of intense exercise. This allows stem cells to be efficiently transported throughout the body, and it also activates beta cells needed for insulin production. In diabetic patients, pranayama is likely to play a major role in activating beta cells for insulin production, the authors added. Because they have solid evidence to back them up, the researchers recommend yoga as a key to improved quality of life and longevity. More reasons to get into yoga If you need more reasons to get into yoga youve got it. Here are even more benefits that your body gets when it practices yoga. Greater flexibility. Tight hips can burden the knee joint because the thigh and shinbones arent aligned. Inflexible muscles and connective tissue can result in poor posture. Yoga loosens those tense parts of your body. Tight hips can burden the knee joint because the thigh and shinbones arent aligned. Inflexible muscles and connective tissue can result in poor posture. Yoga loosens those tense parts of your body. Improved muscle strength. Strong muscles mean more than a to-die-for body. It shields us from arthritis and back pain. It builds balance and keeps the elderly from falling into accidents. Yoga gives that strength and flexibility you wont get by lifting weights in the gym. Strong muscles mean more than a to-die-for body. It shields us from arthritis and back pain. It builds balance and keeps the elderly from falling into accidents. Yoga gives that strength and flexibility you wont get by lifting weights in the gym. Enhanced posture. When your head isnt directly balanced over your erect spine, your neck and back muscles work more to support it, making you feel tired. You may soon experience problems with your back, neck and other muscles and joints and even develop arthritis of the spine. All that stretching and bending in yoga helps you perfect your posture. When your head isnt directly balanced over your erect spine, your neck and back muscles work more to support it, making you feel tired. You may soon experience problems with your back, neck and other muscles and joints and even develop arthritis of the spine. All that stretching and bending in yoga helps you perfect your posture. Keeps cartilage and joint breakdown at bay. Yoga takes your joins through a full range of motion. This keeps arthritis away and prevents disability by squeezing and soaking parts of the cartilage that arent used often. Yoga takes your joins through a full range of motion. This keeps arthritis away and prevents disability by squeezing and soaking parts of the cartilage that arent used often. Shields your spine. Spinal discs which absorb shock between the vertebrae need movement to get the nutrients they need. Bending and twisting many times make for healthier discs. Spinal discs which absorb shock between the vertebrae need movement to get the nutrients they need. Bending and twisting many times make for healthier discs. Better bone health. Many yoga postures require you to lift your own weight thus, improving bone health and even preventing fractures. A California State University study showed that yoga raises the vertebraes bone density. Yoga reduces stress hormones that retain bone calcium. Many yoga postures require you to lift your own weight thus, improving bone health and even preventing fractures. A California State University study showed that yoga raises the vertebraes bone density. Yoga reduces stress hormones that retain bone calcium. Better blood circulation. Yogas relaxation exercises improve circulation, especially in the hands and feet. Twisting wrings out venous blood from internal organs and lets oxygenated blood flow. (Related: Yoga Reduces Inflammation and Improves Heart Health.) Yogas relaxation exercises improve circulation, especially in the hands and feet. Twisting wrings out venous blood from internal organs and lets oxygenated blood flow. (Related: Yoga Reduces Inflammation and Improves Heart Health.) Stronger immunity. Stretching your muscles move the organs around and raise the drainage of lymph (a fluid rich in immune cells). This helps beat infection and cancer cells. It also gets rid of toxic wastes in your body. So get on that yoga mat now and stretch, twist and turn your body. It will reward you with a better quality of life for years to come. Sources include: Science.news ScienceDirect.com YogaAlliance.org YogaJournal.com A blaze that broke out in the Sunday school rooms of a church in San Francisco Sunday morning caused extensive damage to that area, according to the church's pastor and fire officials. The fire, which ignited before services at Christ Church Lutheran ELCA located at 1090 Quintara St., has been deemed suspicious and may have been intentionally set, according to fire officials and Pastor Steven Sabin. Sabin said his associate pastor arrived at the church around 8:30 a.m. and noticed a smoky smell inside. Arriving firefighters found that a fire ignited in the church's basement where the Sunday school rooms are located. Sabin added that the fire department is conducting an arson investigation. "They said that there were accelerant marks on the floor and it looked like the fire had been intentionally set," Sabin said. Sabin was not sure who may have possibly started the fire, but he did note that the church has had "a little bit of trouble with people being in the church without permission." No one was injured in the fire, according to Sabin. There was some smoke damage but no structural damage to the level above the Sunday school rooms, Sabin said. Church services were not affected as a result of the fire, fire officials said. An investigation into the fire is ongoing. A man was shot to death in Newark late Friday night, police said Saturday. Officers responded at 10:58 p.m. to a report of gunshots heard in the area of the 7700 block of Wells Avenue and found a man suffering from an apparent gunshot wound, according to police. The man was subsequently declared dead, police said. Newark police detectives are investigating the incident as a homicide, according to police. "We don't normally have problems," Newark resident Robin Smith said. "I leave stuff outside all the time too, we don't even have problems with people taking stuff. Our neighborhood is kind of good where we're at ... I hope this doesn't change anything." Officers don't think the incident was a random act. The victim hasn't been identified yet, police said. The investigation is continuing. Anyone with information is asked to contact Newark police Sgt. David Higbee at (510) 578-4962 or via email at david.higbee@newark.org or Detective Jennifer Bloom at (510) 578-4931 or via email at Jennifer.bloom@newark.org. Carles Puigdemont, the fugitive ex-leader of Catalonia and ardent separatist, was arrested Sunday by German police on an international warrant as he tried to enter the country from Denmark. Puigdemont was on his way back to Belgium where he has been staying since fleeing Spain following a failed bid by his regional government in October to declare independence from Spain, said his lawyer, Jaume Alonso-Cuevillas. The Spanish government told The Associated Press it had received "official confirmation from German authorities of the arrest" of Puigdemont in response to the warrant issued by Spain's Supreme Court. Spanish state prosecutor said it was in contact with its German counterparts to carry out its request to extradite Puigdemont to Spain, where he faces charges including rebellion that could put him in prison for up to 30 years. German highway police arrested Puigdemont on Sunday morning near the A7 highway that leads into Germany, police in the northern state of Schleswig-Holstein said. State prosecutors in the northern town of Schleswig are now in charge, but they couldn't be reached immediately for further details. A Spanish Supreme Court judge reactivated an international arrest warrant for Puigdemont on Friday when he was visiting Finland. Spain has also issued five warrants for other separatist who fled the country. Puigdemont, 55, is a former journalist and mayor of Girona who was thrust to the forefront of Catalonia's independence push when he was handpicked by predecessor Artur Mas to become regional president in 2016. He withstood intense political pressure from Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy and Spain's courts as he piloted the secession bid. Spain was plunged into its worst political crisis in three decades when Puigdemont's government flouted a court ban and held an ad-hoc referendum on independence for the northeastern region in October. The Catalan parliament's subsequent declaration of independence received no international recognition and provoked a takeover of the regional government by Spanish authorities that they say won't be lifted until a new government that respects the Constitution is in place. Spain had originally asked for Puigdemont's extradition from Belgium after he moved there, but later withdrew the request until judge Pablo Llarena concluded his investigation this week. Llarena ruled that a total of 25 Catalan separatists would be tried for rebellion, embezzlement or disobedience. In the meantime, Puigdemont was free to make trips to Denmark, Switzerland and Finland, as part of his effort to gain international support for the secessionist movement. Puigdemont was also able to successfully run a campaign as the head of his "Together for Catalonia" bloc in a regional election in December in which separatist parties maintained their slim majority in Catalonia's regional parliament. He had wanted to be re-elected as Catalonia's regional president albeit while remaining abroad to avoid arrest but eventually was stopped by a Spanish court. Separatists in Catalonia are currently trying to elect a leader for the regional government before a two-month time limit is up and new elections are called. Spain's Constitution says the nation is "indivisible" and any changes to its top law must be made by its national parliament in Madrid. Nine people who promote Catalan secession have been placed in pre-trial jail to prevent what Llarena considered a flight risk or intention to continue with their independence plan. Polls show Catalonia's 7.5 million residents are equally divided over secession, although a majority support holding a legal referendum on the issue. The Ramblers, who hadn't reached the Final Four since 1963, became the fourth 11-seed to reach the semifinals since 1979 after beating Kansas State Saturday night. Former President Barack Obama expressed his excitement on Twitter Sunday morning, congratulating the team for their continued victory. "Incredible to have a Chicago team in the Final Four," Obama, a Chicago native, tweeted. "I'll take that over an intact bracket any day! Congratulations to everybody @LoyolaChicago - let's keep it going!" Incredible to have a Chicago team in the Final Four. Ill take that over an intact bracket any day! Congratulations to everybody @LoyolaChicago - lets keep it going! Barack Obama (@BarackObama) March 25, 2018 After winning their first three games by a combined four points, the Ramblers beat the Wildcats with ease, winning by 16 points and making history in the process. The Ramblers will either take on Michigan or Florida State in the semifinals, which will take place next Saturday. [[477762093, C]] Over the past several years, California has ricocheted from extreme drought to flooding. From record warmth to the highest Sierra snowpack on record, most years it's feast or famine. With the exception of the month of March, most of Sothern California's mountains have been seen with lots of brown and not much snow, and when there is snow, the region's warm winter temperatures quickly melt it. As global temperatures continue to climb, Snow Valley Mountain resort, like other places, is being forced to adapt. "Like being a farmer, you get a good crop some years, some years you don't, and that's the way we look at it in the ski business," Snow Valley Vice President Kevin Somes said. "We're always eternal optimist in this business." But is this kind of thinking realistic? With temperatures continuing to warm, we expect less snow falling in the future. "Snow is melting earlier in the year. When precipitation falls we're getting relatively more rain relative to snow, and that that snow line is going up," said Stanford climate scientist Noah Diffenbaugh, Ph.D. "All of these are consistent with what was predicted for California, back in the 1980s." The data supports this. NBC4 has tracked historical temperatures, snow and timing for Big Bear and Snow Valley. Since 1960, average temperatures have warmed by .7 degrees per decade. Snow is also falling later in the year and the last day of snowfall is coming sooner; the first and last date of measurable snow has been decreasing by four days a decade. Snow Valley has taken measures in preparation for a future with less snow. The resort's new six-person chairlift wasn't put in primarily for skiers; it was built with summer in mind. "It's obviously concerning because snow is our main business here in Snow Valley, but we have to find ways to adapt to it," Somes said. "[We are investing in] new technologies in snowmaking, looking toward activities in the summertime like beginning mountain biking and scenic rides and hiking and activities like that." Snow Valley and others will likely have to continue with those new strategies. According to scientific news and research organization Climate Central, California's spring months are warming more than any other season at 1 degree per decade. That means that in the future, should the climate change trends continue, no matter how much snow we get, it will melt faster than in years past, leading to more drought and water resource issues. Political leaders reacted mostly with expressions of respect as hundreds of thousands of Americans marched in favor of gun control on Saturday. But there was little sign that the politicians who currently oppose new limits on guns had changed their minds, NBC News reported. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., a staunch supporter of the National Rifle Association, said he supported the marchers' rights to protest but added that "making a change will require both sides finding common ground." President Donald Trump, a strong Second Amendment supporter, did not issue a tweet about the demonstrations, though he did use Twitter to send his "thoughts and prayers" to victims of a terror attack in France yesterday. The White House, however, released an official statement applauding "the many courageous young Americans exercising their First Amendment rights today." Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, who has also opposed gun restrictions, did not respond formally to the march. And former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger tweeted that he "might not agree" with all the positions held by marchers, but he urged Americans to "learn from them." Students should take CPR classes instead of demonstrating, former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum said one day after throngs of young people swarmed Washington and other cities across the country in the name of gun law reform. Speaking on CNN's "State of the Union" Sunday morning, the former Pennsylvania lawmaker pushed back against organizers of Saturday's March for Our Lives. How about kids, instead of looking to someone else to solve their problem, do something about maybe taking CPR classes or maybe try to deal with situations where there is a violent shooter that you can actually respond to that, he said. Santorum added that students should look at how they can individually respond to the issue of gun violence and stop, for example, bullying in their schools or communities. They didn't take action to say, 'How do I, as an individual, deal with this problem? How am I going to do something about stopping bullying within my own community? What am I going to do to actually help respond to a shooter?,' he said. Pennsylvania State Sen. Vincent Hughes, a Democrat who represents portions of Philadelphia and Montgomery counties, tweeted that Santorum's comments were Maddening! Absurd! Ridiculous! Philadelphias March for Our Lives drew thousands of people to Old City Saturday. Across the nation, hundreds of thousands more demonstrated. March for Our Lives organizers said more than 850,000 people participated in the national rally in D.C.. What to Know A 28-year-old man was shot by an officer at a Whole Foods in Harlem Saturday night, police say An officer shot the man after he refused to put down a knife and charged at the officer, according to police The suspect was hospitalized but is expected to be OK; several officers were taken to a hospital for observation An officer shot and injured an alleged shoplifter who was wielding a knife inside a Whole Foods in Manhattan on Saturday night, police say. Officers responded to the store at West 125th Street and Lenox Avenue in Harlem around 8 p.m. after they got a call about a man being held by a security guard for trying to steal from the store, according to police. When NYPD officers arrived, the 28-year-old man became combative, pulled out a knife and charged at one of the officers, police said, adding that at least some of the confrontation was captured on video. The man allegedly didn't heed warnings to drop the knife and one officer shot twice at him, according to police, who cautioned that the information they were providing was preliminary. NYPD Handout Video and photos from the scene appear to show the man being wheeled away on a stretcher as crowds gather outside the Whole Foods. Witnesses described hiding in the aisles of the store as the incident unfolded. Police said the suspect was taken to Harlem Hospital in stable condition with a possible gunshot wound to his shoulder. Several officers were also taken to a nearby hospital for observation. Witnesses tell me they heard a person had a gun and hid in the isles of the Whole Foods in Harlem. Near 125th. @NBCNewYork pic.twitter.com/SprtdBmPlt Ken Buffa (@KenBuffa) March 25, 2018 Theres been a police involved shooting at 100 W.125 St., confines of @NYPD28Pct. An armed suspect has been shot and is in custody. No other injuries or outstanding suspects. More information to follow. pic.twitter.com/0JXRf9znXl NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) March 25, 2018 Crime scene tape was up at a Whole Foods in Harlem after a police-involved shooting. "I can say that there were no shoppers in danger," Assistant Chief Kathleen O'Reilly, of the NYPD, said at a press conference a couple hours after the shooting. Police tape was up at the store as detectives investigated. A makeshift sign at the entrance read: "Closed for the evening." The suspect -- identified Sunday as Michael Vasquez -- has an extensive criminal record and is on parole, according to police, who said he has tried to shoplift from the same Whole Foods in the past. Vasquez was charged Sunday with attempted assault on a police officer, criminal possession of a weapon, and petit larceny. In Photos: 'March For Our Lives' Rally Takes Over Manhattan In a historic groundswell of youth activism, hundreds of thousands of teenagers and their supporters rallied across the U.S. Saturday against gun violence, vowing to transform fear and grief into a "vote-them-out" movement for tougher laws on weapons. They took to the streets of the nation's capital and cities such as Boston, New York, Chicago, Houston, Minneapolis, Phoenix and Los Angeles, in the kind of numbers seen during the Vietnam era, sweeping up activists long frustrated by stalemate in the gun debate and bringing in lots of new, young voices. Here are some of the top moments from the March for Our Lives demonstrations: EMMA GONZALEZ'S MOMENT OF SILENCE Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting survivor Emma Gonzalez, who has become a leading voice in the student-led movement, held a moment of silence to honor the 17 people killed at her high school during her speech in Washington, D.C. Those at the March for Our Lives in Washington, D.C., paid their respects to the victims of the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in a long moment of silence, led by shooting survivor Emma Gonzalez. PAUL McCARTNEY JOINS THE MARCH IN NYC When asked why he was participating in the New York City rally, former Beatle Paul McCartney said one of his best friends was killed by gun violence nearby. Fellow Beatle John Lennon was killed outside his Manhattan apartment in 1980. Legendary musician Paul McCarney joined protesters in New York City marching for gun control. MLK'S GRANDDAUGHTER SHARES HER DREAM IN DC Nine-year-old Yolanda Renee King told the crowd that she had a dream "that enough is enough," echoing the words of her grandfather, Martin Luther King Jr. She said, "this should be a gun-free world, period." Yolanda Renee King, the granddaughter of Martin Luther King Jr., spoke to the crowd at the March for Our Lives rally in Washington, D.C. 11-YEAR-OLD WALKOUT ORGANIZER: DON'T UNDERESTIMATE KIDS Naomi Wadler helped lead her elementary school walkout on March 14 in Alexandria, Virginia. She spoke in Washington, D.C., about how kids "know what is right and wrong." Eleven-year-old Naomi Wadler spoke at the rally in Washington, D.C., sharing stories of black girls whose lives are not talked about on the news. THE WORLD MARCHES WITH THE U.S. France, Italy, Sweden, England and Canada all held marches in solidarity with the March for Our Lives demonstrations in the U.S. Students in Paris and Rome marched in solidarity with U.S. students taking part in the March for Our Lives. SAMANTHA FUENTES LEADS CROWD IN SINGING 'HAPPY BIRTHDAY' TO FALLEN CLASSMATE Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting survivor Samantha Fuentes led a large crowd in singing "Happy Birthday" to her fallen classmate and friend. Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting survivor Samantha Fuentes led a large crowd in singing "Happy Birthday" to her fallen classmate and friend. EDNA CHAVEZ DELIVERS EMOTIONAL SPEECH The South LA student, speaking to the national crowd in D.C., made an impassioned plea to end the gun violence in her community and highlighted how the violence affects people of color. Edna Chavez delivered an emotional speech about gun violence in her community to the crowd of protesters in Washington, D.C. AMY SCHUMER CALLS OUT THE NRA IN LA The actress spoke out against the National Rifle Association at the rally in Los Angeles. Schumer has been vocal against gun violence, as two young women were shot to death in 2015 at a showing of her movie "Trainwreck." Celebrities joined forces with demonstrators at the "March for Our Lives" rally in Los Angeles. One man was killed and a woman was critically injured in a shooting in Southeast hours after Mayor Muriel Bowser led a group of D.C. residents to an anti-gun rally. Police responded to reports of gunshots on the 2300 block of Raynolds Place about 9:45 p.m. Saturday and found D.C. resident Anthony Smith suffering from multiple gun shot wounds. EMS treated him on the scene and he was sent to a hospital, but Smith was later pronounced dead. He was 33 years old. The woman was found about a block away on Bruce Place, also suffering a gunshot wound. She was hospitalized with injuries considered not life-threatening, police said. Authorities said they were looking for a 6-feet 2-inches tall black male with curly hair. He was wearing a gray shirt and blue jeans, police said. Smith was killed hours after Mayor Bowser and D.C. Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton spoke at the Rally for DC Lives about the need to reform gun laws. This year, 21 people have been killed with a gun in D.C., according to police data. A 22-year-old Maryland woman is accused of killing her great-grandmother, who was found dead Friday in the Wheaton home where they both lived. The victim, 80-year-old Doris Elizabeth Shelton, was found shortly after 3:15 p.m. Friday, Montgomery County Police said. Her husband called 911 and said he had gotten home and found his wife unresponsive and not breathing. Crews responded to the home in the 10500 block of Cascade Place and confirmed Shelton's death. Doris was found under a chair with multiple cuts and blunt trauma, detectives said. Authorities developed Shelton's great-granddaughter, 22-year-old Shannon Marci Jefferson Lozano, as a suspect. Lozano was arrested near the home, and police say she made a statement implicating herself in the assault of her great-grandmother. Lozano is charged with first-degree murder and is being held without bond. At a court appearance Monday, she was ordered to undergo a psychological evaluation. She also told the judge, "They're doing horrible things to me." "Dr. Smith over at the jail will help determine whether or not those statements are, you know, part of a flight of fantasy," Montgomery County State's Attorney's Office spokesman Ramon Korionoff said. Shelton's body has been taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to confirm the cause and manner of death, police said. Police aren't sure what motivated the killing and the case remains under investigation. What to Know Zaire Kelly was shot and killed while on his way home from a college mentorship program in September. His brother, Zion Kelly, spoke at the March for Our Lives on Saturday. Kelly called on D.C. to expand safe zones near schools. In an emotional speech delivered before thousands of March for Our Lives protesters, student Zion Kelly remembered his brother, Zaire Kelly, who was shot and killed in Northeast D.C. last fall, and demanded D.C. expand public safety zones near schools. He was a person. A leader. An inspirer. Not just another statistic, Zion said about his brother, who was attacked and killed in September while walking home in Northeast D.C. from an after-school college mentorship program, News4 reported. Zaire was 16 years old. Zion Kelly asked the D.C. Council to expand public safety zones to include any person in a public or private day care, elementary school, vocational school, secondary school, college, junior college or university. This means that every student in Washington D.C. would carry the protection of my brothers name, ensuring safety as they travel to and from school in our city, he said. The city should also put up more signs declaring gun-free zones, Zion said on a News4 Today appearance Sunday. DCs own Zion Kelly, brother to the tragically slain Zaire Kelly, addresses the crowd, and speaks of possible legislative remedies to the gun violence that plagues the District pic.twitter.com/9Vew3ReHC8 Council of DC (@councilofdc) March 24, 2018 "Can you imagine how it would be to lose someone that close to you?" asked Zion. "Sadly, too many of my friends and peers can." Police data shows that 48 people have been killed with guns in D.C. since Zaire's death. At least five students and teens have died in 2018 from shootings, News4 reported. The current law allows D.C. police to declare emergency zones near public and charter schools and in limited areas where students walk to access public transportation. In those public safety zones, police can tell groups of three or more people to disperse if they have a reasonable belief that the group intends to commit a dangerous or violent crime or an assault. The Zaire Kelly Public Safety Zones Amendment Act of 2018 is not listed in the D.C. councils legislative database, but the D.C. Council Twitter page noted his request. DCs own Zion Kelly, brother to the tragically slain Zaire Kelly, addresses the crowd, and speaks of possible legislative remedies to the gun violence that plagues the District pic.twitter.com/9Vew3ReHC8 Council of DC (@councilofdc) March 24, 2018 Zion Kelly joined two other D.C.-area students and more students from around the country who called on government leaders to take specific actions on gun violence, including banning bump stocks and AR-15s at Saturdays rally, which drew an estimated 500,000 people to Washington, D.C. Just like all of you, Ive had enough, he said. He told News4 that he went on stage for his brother. It was very powerful for me to get on that stage and share my voice and let my voice be heard," he said. "I didnt want my brothers name to go in vain. I wanted to keep his legacy alive and keep his name alive. Kelly said the March for Our Lives was the second time he'd spoken publicly, but the public can expect to hear from him again. "It's just the beginning," he said. President Donald Trump will not be adding two new lawyers to the legal team defending him in the special counsel's Russia investigation, one of the president's attorneys said Sunday. Trump attorney Jay Sekulow said in a statement that Washington lawyers Joseph diGenova and Victoria Toensing have conflicts that won't allow them to represent the president regarding special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation. The announcement came just hours after Trump used Twitter to push back against reports that he's having difficulty adding to his legal team, saying he was "very happy" with his current attorneys. "Many lawyers and top law firms want to represent me in the Russia case," he wrote, adding: "Fame & fortune will NEVER be turned down by a lawyer, though some are conflicted." Neither the president nor Sekulow specified the conflict regarding diGenova and Toensing, who are married to each other and law partners, but their firm has represented other clients in the special counsel's investigation, including former Trump campaign adviser Sam Clovis. Sekulow said Trump was "disappointed" that diGenova and Toensing won't be defending him in the special counsel investigation, but "those conflicts do not prevent them from assisting the President in other legal matters." "The President looks forward to working with them," he added. On Sunday, diGenova and Toensing released a joint statement, saying, "We thank the president for his confidence in us, and we look forward to working with him on other matters." DiGenova, who provided the statement to The Associated Press, declined to answer additional questions about the nature of his and Toensing's representation of the president. DiGenova, whose addition to the team was announced last week, had been expected to usher in a new strategy for the president after Trump's lead attorney, John Dowd, resigned last week. Dowd had touted the cooperation of the White House and Trump campaign with Mueller. DiGenova, a former U.S. attorney, has been a fierce defender of Trump on television and accused the FBI of trying to "frame" the president for nonexistent crimes. Dowd was the primary negotiator and legal strategist who had been putting together the president's legal defense in the Russia probe led by Mueller. The legal team shake-up also comes as Trump's attorneys have been negotiating with Mueller over the scope and terms of an interview with the president. Mueller is investigating Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election and whether there was any collusion with the Trump campaign. The president tweeted Sunday, "there was NO COLLUSION with Russia," pointing instead to his 2016 Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton. Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., said on NBC's "Meet the Press" that the Russians hacked into the election and every one of the president's top security advisers has said they'll be back. But he said the White House is providing no direction on making election security a top priority. Warner was asked if the president is acting like he has been "compromised" when it comes to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump congratulated Putin on his re-election last week and failed to bring up the U.S. election meddling or the poisoning of a former Russian spy on British soil during the conversation. "It's more than bizarre that 14 months into this president's administration, he has failed to ever call out Russia. He has failed to ever condemn Putin," said Warner, the leading Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee. "There is something just strange about this, and I think it's one of the reasons why Mueller's investigation has to continue and why our investigation has to continue." A capsule carrying three astronauts from Russia, Japan and the United States has blasted off for a two-day trip to the International Space Station. The Soyuz capsule with Anton Shkaplerov, Norishige Kanai and Scott Tingle launched at 1:23 p.m. (0723 GMT; 2:23 a.m. EST) Sunday from Russias manned space-launch complex in Baikonur, Kazakhstan. It entered orbit nine minutes later. It is the first space flight for Tingle and Kanai; Shkaplerov is on his third mission to the ISS. The capsule is to dock on Tuesday with the orbiting space laboratory. The three will join Russias Alexander Misurkin and Joe Acaba and Mark Vandde Hei of NASA, who have been aboard since September. Tens of thousands of students, parents, and anti-gun violence advocates were in Boston Saturday for an emotionally charged day rallying to tighten gun laws across the country. Nationwide, hundreds of thousands joined the "March for Our Lives" rally, with the largest gathering being in Washington, D.C. Police estimated more than 50,000 people participated in a peaceful march through the city streets as Boston joined worldwide rallies. Other estimates were closer to 100,000. Locally, the event ended with a rally on Boston Common, where students and teachers spoke of the gun violence that has torn apart lives from the halls of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School to the streets of Dorchester, Roxbury, and Mattapan. "Enough is Enough" said a sign held by Sydney Craig, a student at Shawsheen High School in Billerica. She was one of about 5,000 people who participated in a march from the city's Roxbury neighborhood to downtown. Rallies also took place in other Massachusetts communities, including Ipswich, Pittsfield, Plymouth, Springfield and Worcester. Some, such as Boston's rally, included voter registration. "We're not just gonna stand back and be quiet," said Eden Alemayehu, 17, a student at Lexington High School. She said better background checks are one way that politicians can limit gun ownership. "You shouldn't be able to walk into a store and legally purchase a gun at age 18." Shellby Falco, 17, said there was a threat of violence last year at her school, Medford High School, although nothing resulted. "It was very anxiety-raising," she said, recalling how students and staff had to shelter in place. "I want politicians to step up," and work to reduce gun violence, she said. Eighteen-year-old Destiny Smith-Matta said she's increasingly worried about President Donald Trump's suggestion that teachers be armed. ``Teachers of color who are armed will mistakenly be identified as a suspect,'' she said. The freshman at Lesley University in Cambridge called such a move "damaging." Craig, from Billerica, said she has been in school when there have been threats involving guns. "It's very frightening'' she said. "It's very serious that (someone) can come into the school one day and shoot and possibly kill a bunch of students and teachers." Families of some of the 17 Florida school shooting victims flew to Washington with the help of the New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, who allowed them to fly on the team's charter plane. Both locally and nationally, speakers reminded supporters of tighter gun regulations that that there was an important way they could push for gun reform: register to vote and go to the polls. According to many of the student speakers at the Washington rally, voting is the only way to pressure politicians to propose legislation that would meet the movement's demands, which include universal background checks and bans on assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines. "Lets take this to our local legislators and lets take this to midterm elections," said David Hogg, one of the survivors of the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, who helped organize the march. "Because without the persistent heat, without the persistence of voters and Americans everywhere getting out to every election, democracy will not flourish." In Boston, there were also a large number of students that registered up to vote in the next election, or took papers home to fill out to register to vote. On a crowded Pennsylvania Avenue, there were faces from all over the country and world demanding to make difference. Among the hundreds of thousands at "March for Our Lives" in Washington D.C. Saturday afternoon, there was a student from Chicago, a family from Italy, and friends from southern Maryland who live 10 minutes from where the last school shooting happened. It was only days ago at Great Mills High School when two teenagers were shot by a former students. The alleged gunman and one teenager died. "Kids should feel safe when they go to school," said Olivia Smith who lives miles from where the shooting happened. "This isn't necessairly something that means we need to beef up security, per se, but make sure kids don't have access to this kind of stuff." Rally-goers discussed the need for gun reform, mental health solutions, and safer schools. "I personally don't feel like there is any reason that people need assault rifles," said Linda Pixley of Iowa. The march was a creation out of tradegy. Students from Stoneman Douglas in Parkland, Fl organized the event after 17 people were shot and killed in their school a month ago. More than 800 rallies were scheduled in countries across the world including Lithuania and Ghana. "I think the legislators will pay attention to what happens here in Washington," said Dick Driscoll of Westford. "The others are going to be supportive, but the one that's going to send the message is the one from Washington." The group "Educators Against Gun Violence" was created on Facebook after the massacre. It consists of more than 3,000 teachers from across the country. Some of those teachers met in-person for the first time Saturday in Washington. "As a teacher it just means the world to me that I'm here to stand by (the student's) side and to let them know that the adults are going to listen," said Elsa Wheat from Rochester, NY. "We are going to fix it and this time it's different." One of the youngest demonstrators in the crowd was 9-year-old Max Ruppenkamp. "My mom came up with this sign," said Max. "I will remember. I will vote in 2026." On the pereferial of the march, volunteers held clipboards as they helped people volunteer to vote. Organizers are warning politicans if they don't prioritize their issues, they will vote them out in the upcoming elections. "Yes, it's gun reform and, yes, it's school safety and, yes, it's mental health," said Kendra Walsh of Parkland, Fl. "It's not one issue, but this is a big one." Twenty-five years ago, long before the students from Parkland were born, it was Greg Gibson who was living the unimaginable. His son Galen was shot and killed at Simon's Rock in Great Barrington. "This is a cultural change," said Gibson. "Not just a legal change, not just a philosophical, or moral change it's a generational change." Contributed / Milford Hospital MILFORD Runners, walkers, volunteers and interested sponsors are invited to participate in Milford Hospitals 22nd Annual Mothers Day Live Well Race on Sunday, May 13. The 5K Run / Walk is presented by Oncology Hematology Care of Connecticut in conjunction with Live Well community partners. After record registration of nearly 700 participants in 2015, and soggy, but well-attended, events in 2016 and 2017, hospital officials expect more than 500 individuals to take part in the 2018 run / walk. The race begins at 9 a.m. and starts and finishes at Milford Hospital, 300 Seaside Ave., Milford. It follows a scenic, seaside course through the Fort Trumbull area. Chip timing technology will track the runners. Timing is optional for those who choose to walk. New Delhi: Commerce and Industry Minister Suresh Prabhu on Sunday pitched for a free trade agreement with Africa with a view to boosting economic ties between the two regions. He said that both the sides can work on negotiating a "completely unique" free trade agreement which will be beneficial to African countries. The minister was speaking at the CII Exim Bank Conclave in New Delhi. Earlier this week, 44 nations of the 54-member African union bloc signed a African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in Kigali, Rwanda. Quoting Prabhu, the CII in a statement said that while bilateral trade between India and Africa stood at about USD 53 billion, it is "far below the potential" and efforts are needed to step up the volume of trade. He also highlighted the need for Indian companies to invest in Africa. The minister also pitched for strengthening air connectivity with the African region. New Delhi: India would negotiate a FTA (Free Trade Agreement) with the AfCFTA (African Continental Free Trade Agreement) which "will be unique in nature and will be beneficial to Africa's needs", Commerce and Industry Minister Suresh Prabhu said on Sunday. In his address at the inaugural session of the 13th CII-Exim Bank Conclave on "India-Africa Project Partnership", he said the current bilateral trade between India and Africa of $53 billion was "far below potential and efforts needed to be made to step up the volume of trade" as well as to diversify the trade basket. In this connection, Prabhu highlighted that the Indian government was "revamping export insurance and the Project Export Promotion Council" to provide a boost to exports to Africa. In addition, the government was seeking to set up a new India-Africa Development Fund which would seek to synergise the 'Lines of Credit' as well as other export promotion and development programmes to bring about a more holistic development of the continent, he said. Prabhu added that India intends to strengthen air connectivity links with Africa. New Delhi: India's telecom subscriber base dipped to 117.5 crore at the end of January with smaller operators losing bulk of their customers, as per monthly Trai report released on Saturday. "The number of telephone subscribers in India declined from 1,190.67 million at the end of December 2017 to 1,175.01 million at the end of January 2018, thereby showing a monthly decline rate of 1.32 per cent," the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India said. The mobile subscriber base declined to to 115.19 crore at the end of January 2018 from 1,16.74 crore at the end of December 2017, down 1.33 per cent. Large telecom operators jointly added over 1.26 crore new customers in January, of which 83 lakhs were added by Reliance Jio alone. The net addition of Bharti Airtel was over 15 lakh. It was followed by Vodafone which added 12.82 lakh new customers, Idea Cellular 11.44 lakh and BSNL 3.96 lakh new customers. RCom, which closed its mobile phone calling services in December, lost 2.1 crore customers in January. Aircel, which has filed plea for bankruptcy, lost over 34 lakh customers. It was followed by Tata Teleservices which lost 19 lakh customers, Telenor -- 16 lakh customers and state-run firm MTNL -- 10,634 customers. The wireline telephone customer base declined to 2.3 crore at the end of January 2018 from 2.32 crore at the end of December 2017. State-run BSNL lost 1.15 lakh landline customers. It was followed by RCom which lost 41,720 wirelines customers, MTNL lost 10,907 customers, Quadrant - 2,765, Aircel - 2,219 and Tata Teleservices - 797. Bharti Airtel gained 5,925 new landline customers. Broadband segment, however, witnessed growth in January. The number of broadband subscribers increased to 37.81 crore at the end of January this year, from 36.28 crore at the end of December 2017 a monthly growth rate of 4.2 per cent. Mobile broadband segment dominated the growth with 35.98 crore customers in January compared to 34.45 customers in December 2017. "Top five service providers constituted 94.52 per cent market share of the total broadband subscribers at the end of Jan-18. These service providers were Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd (16.83 crore), Bharti Airtel (7.5 crore), Vodafone (5.48 crore), Idea Cellular (3.73 crore) and BSNL (2.18 crore)," the report said. Geneva: The World Trade Organization chief warned states on Saturday that creating barriers to international trade would "jeopardise the global economy," after Washington slapped steep tariffs on Chinese imports, heightening fears of a trade war. "Disrupting trade flows will jeopardise the global economy at a time when economic recovery, though fragile, has been increasingly evident around the world," WTO Director-General Roberto Azevedo said in a statement, calling for "restraint and urgent dialogue". US President Donald Trump on Thursday hit China with tariffs on up to USD 60 billion (48.5 billion euros) of imports to retaliate against the "theft" of American intellectual property, fuelling fears of a trade war between the world's two largest economies. Washington also launched on Saturday a challenge before the WTO's Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) against China over intellectual property breaches. China meanwhile warned the United States that it was "not afraid of a trade war" as it threatened tariffs on USD 3 billion worth of US goods in retaliation over the US measures. In his statement, Azevedo said that during a meeting of WTO's Council of Trade in Goods, member states had discussed "a number of the specific tensions that have arisen between different members in recent weeks." "I encourage members to continue working through the WTO's many forums and mechanisms to deal with their concerns and explore potential solutions," he said, without naming any specific countries. "Actions taken outside these collective processes greatly increase the risk of escalation in a confrontation that will have no winners, and which could quickly lead to a less stable trading system," he warned. "I again call for restraint and urgent dialogue as the best path forward to resolve these problems." The WTO, which strives to foster a level-playing field in global trade, can through its DSB act as a court to resolve trade disputes. However, Trump's protectionist administration has levelled hostile rhetoric towards the WTO, and has nearly crippled its dispute resolution mechanism by blocking appointment of new judges. New Delhi: A woman constable and a head constable of the Delhi Police have been suspended for allegedly snatching the camera of a photo-journalist during a protest march organised by JNU students, the department said on Sunday. On Friday, Jawaharlal Nehru University students had taken out the march from the varsity campus towards the Parliament Complex over various demands, including academic freedom. They were, however, stopped near Sanjay Jheel area in south Delhi by the police, who also resorted to baton-charge and used water cannons to disperse the students participating in the march. In the clashes that followed, journalists were targeted. Two journalists had filed separate complaints accusing police personnel of assaulting and molesting media persons. "On a complaint received from the photo-journalist who had alleged snatching of her camera, a case was registered and taken up for investigation. The camera has since been traced and the police is contacting the photo-journalist to facilitate its restoration," the police said. Madhur Verma, Delhi Police PRO, said two police personnel have been placed under suspension. "On the basis of the preliminary findings of vigilance enquiry for the unprofessional conduct of mishandling the journalist's camera during crowd control, one woman constable of the Delhi Armed Police and one head constable (male) have been placed under suspension," he added. Lucknow: In the last 24 hours, two dreaded criminals have been shot dead in an encounter in Noida and Saharanpur. Five others, allegedly wanted in various cases, were injured in separate gunfights. The slain criminals have been identified as Shrawan Chaudhary and Ahsan. According to police, Chaudhary was killed during a gunfight with police in Noida, and an AK-47 rifle was recovered from him. The criminal was carrying a reward of Rs 50,000 for his arrest. The whereabouts of Ahsan, the criminal shot dead in western UPs Saharanpur, was known after the police got an information at 12:10 am that a bike-borne miscreant had shot a man and escaped with cash. After the emergency call, the police alerted all its checkpoints in Saharanpur. One of the checkpoints on Chilkana Road saw the two men speeding on a motorcycle and asked them to stop. But instead of stopping the two-wheeler, the men fired at the police personnel. In retaliation, the police shot at Ahsan, a police officer said. It was later known that the man was wanted in robbery cases. The police offer said that Ahsan died on his way to a hospital. A stolen motorcycle and a 9 millimetre handgun has been recovered from him. Meanwhile, the five injured have been identified as Jitender, Rahul, Sonu, Raees and Javed. A police constable, identified as Sachin, and a sub-inspector have also been wounded. Jitender, who was carrying a reward of Rs 25,000 for his arrest, was injured during an encounter in Dadri town, and Rahul and Sonu were wounded in Ghaziabad encounter. While a motorcycle, gun and cartridges have been recovered from Rahul, constable Sachin was injured during a gunfight with him. In UPs Muzaffarnagar district, Raees and Javed were wounded after the police personnel shot at them. Police said that their officers shot in retaliation when the duo opened fire on them. Shoveer Nagar sub-inspector was injured in the incident. According to police, Raees has 10 criminal cases against him and Javed was wanted in six cases, including murder. Last month, as many as 24 wanted criminals were arrested and one gangster killed in 15 police encounters reported from 10 districts of the state in 48 hours. The encounters were reported from Muzaffarnagar, Gorakhpur, Bulandshahr, Shamli, Hapur, Meerut, Saharanpur, Baghpat, Kanpur and Lucknow. According to figures released by the director general of police headquarters in January, Uttar Pradesh police had gunned down 31 notorious criminals in less than a year. Kolkata: As several children in Bengals Purulia district were seen brandishing arms during Ram Navami celebrations on Sunday, the West Bengal Commission for Protection of Child Rights (WBCPCR) said that it will move against the organisations that were behind these rallies. On Sunday morning, several students were seen carrying arms during the rally in Purulia, defying a directive issued by the state child rights body on not encouraging minors to carry arms in the Ram Navami event. Speaking to News18, Ananya Chatterjee Chakraborty, Chairperson of WBCPCR said, There was a Ram Navami procession in Purulia where children were seen carrying arms. Minor boys and girls were seen brandishing swords and knives. I immediately had a word with the Purulia District Magistrate and asked him to get more details about the event. She added, The DM told me that the said procession was stopped and arms were seized from the children. Tomorrow we will summon those who handed these arms to the children. This is a heinous crime and we will take action as per law. If required, we will issue arrest warrants against those who did this. A preliminary inquiry has revealed that the rally was reportedly organised by right-wing outfit Bajrang Dal. Recently, the WBCPCR had sent a directive to all district magistrates asking them to prevent children from participating in armed rallies during Ram Navami. However, not just Purulia, similar rallies were seen in Birbhums Rampurhat too. State BJP leader, Locket Chatterjee was seen leading a procession with a trident in her hand. Also, at West Midnapores Kharagpur, state BJP President Dilip Ghosh was seen inspecting the distribution of arms for the procession. Ghosh was himself carrying a sword. BJP National Secretary Rahul Sinha was also seen brandishing a weapon at one of the rallies. Armed rallies were also taken out in Howrah, West Midnapore and some parts of Kolkata. Kolkata: Five police personnel were injured in West Bengal's Purulia district on Sunday after clashes broke out between two groups over a Ram Navami rally. A deputy superintendent of police-rank officer was among the policemen injured after violence erupted between the two groups over the Ram Navami procession taken out in the Arsha police station area of the district, Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Anuj Sharma said. Some people were arrested for their alleged involvement in the incident, he added. The ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the opposition BJP had organised processions to celebrate Ram Navami in various parts of the state on Sunday, with the saffron party dubbing these rallies as the first step towards "uniting the Hindus" of Bengal. At several places, armed processions were taken out to mark the occasion. State BJP president Dilip Ghosh was seen participating in one such rally with a sword and a mace in Kharagpur of West Midnapore district. Ghosh said it was an age-old Hindu tradition to conduct "astra puja" (worship of weapons) on the day of Ram Navami. Sharma, however, said, "Despite the police not giving permission, armed rallies were taken out at various places. The police will take legal action against it." TMC leaders of Purulia district alleged that the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) took out an armed Ram Navami procession, where children were seen wielding weapons. When contacted, state VHP president Sachindranath Singha denied the allegation. "We had not taken out any armed Ram Navami procession. I have no information about any such armed procession with children but still, as allegations have been raised, I will look into it," he said. The TMC, in a bid to counter the rallies organised by the BJP and Sangh Parivar affiliates, took out colourful processions and held Ram Puja in various parts of the state. "The BJP will not be able to use Ram Navami as an excuse to divide the people of the state," a party leader said. Ghosh claimed that these rallies were a first step towards uniting the Hindus of the state against the "anti-Hindu TMC government". He also mocked the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC over celebrating Ram Navami. "Better late than never. At last, they have accepted the importance of Lord Ram. We are happy that they have realised their mistake," Ghosh said. Senior TMC leader and state minister Partha Chatterjee alleged that the BJP was trying to divide the people by using religion as a tool, asserting that the saffron party's strategy would never succeed in Bengal. "Religion does not teach us to divide the people. If the BJP tries to divide the people on the basis of religion, we will give them a befitting reply," he said. In Kolkata, several Ram Navami rallies were organised by the members of the Sangh Parivar, with an estimated 6,000-8,000 people taking part in each one of them. Colourful processions with saffron flags and photos of Lord Ram were taken out with the Sangh Parivar activists shouting slogans, hailing Lord Ram. The processions were organised under the banner of "Rama Navami Utjapan Samity". BJP leader Mukul Roy and the party's state general secretary Sayantan Basu took part in Ram Navami rallies at Baghbazar and the Ram Leela maidan respectively. In Nadia, Birbhum, Bankura, East Midnapore, Purulia, Burdwan, Siliguri, North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, Coochbehar, North and South Dinajpur districts, huge processions were taken out to celebrate Ram Navami. The TMC too took out rallies in various parts of the state with senior party leaders Firhad Hakim, Anubrata Mandal, Ashis Banerjee, Sujit Bose, Sadhan Pande taking part in the processions. Earlier this month, the TMC had said it would take out rallies in several districts on Ram Navami. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had last week directed the police not to allow any organisation to take out armed processions during Ram Navami, barring those who have been organising such rallies for a long time. Bhopal: The Madhya Pradesh Assembly has been witnessing a steady decline in the number of sittings every year, a trend for which the Opposition Congress has blamed the BJP government in the state. The Assembly is barely having an average of 30 days of sittings every year in the past one-and-a-half decades. Assembly Speaker Sitasaran Sharma is concerned about this trend, for which he has mainly blamed disruptions in the House, and called for course correction. "The declining number of sittings is truly a matter of concern," he told PTI. The Congress, however, has blamed the government for the drop in sittings, saying the ruling dispensation appears unwilling to face Opposition questions in the House and this often leads to curtailment in days for legislative work. Official data suggests sittings of the Assembly have been gradually dropping in the past three decades. On an average, 30-31 sittings were held every year in the past 15 years. According to the data available on the Vidhan Sabha website, in the last 15 years of the BJP rule, the first term of the government - between 2003 and 2008 - witnessed just 158 days of Assembly sittings. The second term - between 2008 and 2013 - saw 167 meetings. In the third term (2013-1018), 134 Assembly meetings had been organised and one more session (monsoon) is left before the state faces polls in November-December. "The number of sittings has come down due to different reasons. It is often seen the Assembly is forced to adjourn sine die well ahead of the schedule due to ruckus. The recent budget session also ended (on March 21) seven days ahead of the schedule due to this reason," Sharma said. He said MLAs and the common people at large have started believing that uproar in the Assembly would bring publicity to lawmakers. "There is a need to change this perception. MLAs and people at large think commotion in the House would get their work done and also bring publicity to elected representatives. But, the truth is different, public welfare is associated with constructive discussion on issues of importance." Sharma said, "We need to create public pressure on elected representatives to change this. An elected person should work only under pressure from public. We will hold seminars to discuss this important issue." The Speaker said the Assembly sittings would have increased to 42-45 per year had MLAs avoided ruckus and instead opted to discuss issues of public importance. According to another set of data, under the Congress government from 1993 to 1998, the Assembly had 282 sittings which marginally increased to 288 in its second term (1998 to 2003). Leader of Opposition Ajay Singh of the Congress has squarely blamed the BJP government for the prevailing situation. "During the Congress government, the number of Assembly meetings was almost twice to what we have under the BJP regime. The BJP has never been interested in allowing discussion on issues that may cause difficulty for the government," said the veteran legislator. In January 2016, a resolution was passed at the 78th Conference of Presiding Officers of Legislative Bodies at Ahmadabad on minimum number of House sittings. According to the resolution, big states should have at least 60 sittings and small states 30 meetings of the legislature in a year. Participating in the conference, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan had said a similar resolution was passed in 2001 stipulating that Parliament should have a minimum of 110 sittings in a year and legislatures of big states 90 days. New Delhi: A man was was on Sunday arrested for allegedly abducting and murdering an 11-year-old boy, whose body was recovered in bushes near Bhalswa Dairy, with police suspecting that the minor was sexually assaulted before being killed. The Class IV student on Sunday had gone out with another boy from the neighbourhood. He used to stay with his family near Haiderpur Canal in northwest Delhi's Shalimar Bagh, police said. A man met them on the way and asked him to get some things to him. The boy got him those things and then the man asked the victim to accompany him, the police said. The boy went along with the man and his friend who was playing at a distance saw him going. He alerted the boy's family and other neighbours who started looking for the boy. The police were also informed but the boy could not be found, they said. On the basis of the man's description provided by the boy's friend, he was caught, the police said. The man confessed to the crime and said he had killed the boy and dumped his body near the bushes in Bhalswa Dairy, the police claimed. After which, the boy's body was recovered near the bushes today. It is suspected that the accused, who was inebriated, sodomised the boy before killing him, the police said. Police have arrested the man and registered a case under relevant sections of IPC and Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act against him for abducting and killing the boy before sexually assaulting him. New Delhi: Scores of devotees at a Bihar temple were taken aback when a 16-year-old girl took out her eye to offer it to Goddess Durga on the seventh day of Chaitra Navratra. The temple was suddenly filled with screams when the girl, Komal Kumari, started bleeding profusely from her left eye and was trying to get closer to the idol in Baheri block's Sirua village in Darbhanga district on Saturday morning. She was immediately rushed to Baheri primary health centre (PHC) from where doctors referred her to Darbhanga Medical College and Hospital (DMCH) looking at her serious condition. According to a report in The New Indian Express, it was not immediately known if the girl had hurt her eyes with her own fingers or with the help of a spoon or a sharp-edged object. Police spoke to some of the devotees present at the spot, but no intelligible explanation was offered by any. Some devotees even claimed she had entirely taken out her eyeball and holding it in her hand. However, DMCH superintendent Dr Santosh Kumar Mishra, who attended the girl after she was brought at DMCH said that the girl had took out both her eye simply with her own fingers, according to The Times of India. Some of the women, with whom she was observing the Navratra rituals, witnessed the incident but till the time anyone could interrupt, the girl had taken out her eyes, one of the officers at Baheri police station said. Komal had been an ardent devotee of Goddess Durga for the past ten years and had been reading out aloud the scriptural praises to the Goddess every day, villagers told police. She also often told her friends that Goddess Durga had appeared in her dreams a number of times and asked her to offer her an organ. The girl had failed in her matriculation examination twice. Meanwhile, temple priest Bhavnath Jha said that according to rituals, on seventh day of worship of goddess Durga, eyes made from seeds of golden apple (bel) are offered to her. What the girl did is a psychological ailment and it cant be justified, he added. "Such thinking and action are clearly an act of delusion, which could originate from a distorted perception of reality. What this girl did is an extreme case of superstition," said Dr Binda Singh, a Patna-based clinical psychologist. Srinagar: An unidentified militant was killed on Sunday in an encounter with security forces in central Kashmir's Budgam district, police said. A woman was also injured in the incident, they said. Acting on specific information about the presence of militants in Khan Mohalla of Arizal in Beerwah area of the district, security forces launched a cordon and search operation during the night, a police official said. The militants, trying to flee, came out of the house and began firing indiscriminately, he said. The forces retaliated, killing one militant, he added. Arms and ammunition have been recovered from the site, the official said, adding that the identity of the slain militant and his group affiliation was being ascertained. The police promptly took the injured woman to a hospital and her condition is now reported to be stable, the official said. "The area is under cordon and searches are being conducted," he said. New Delhi: An inter-ministerial panel formed by the Centre on doubling farmers' income by 2022 will submit its final report next month, its Chairman Ashok Dalwai said. The Dalwai Committee, set up in April 2016, has already written 14 volumes identifying ways to double farmers' 2015-16 income level, in real terms, in seven years. The committee points out that real income of farmers needs to register a compound annual growth rate of 10.4 per cent in order to double by 2022. "The final report is more or less ready. We will submit it by next month," Dalwai told PTI. Already, some of the panel's recommendations are being implemented by the government. For example, this year's budget announced upgrading of 22,000 gramin haats to facilitate small and marginal farmers to integrate with organised marketing structure, he said. This initiative can be expected to answer the current challenges of transacting small lots of marketable surpluses, at low cost and from a position of bargaining strength that comes from farmers collectives being transformed into Farmers Produce Organisations (FPOs), he added. "While we have to submit a final report, some of the committee's recommendations are parallelly being implemented by the government," said Dalwai, who is also the CEO of National Rainfed Area Authority (NRAA). The government has also come out with a draft agri export policy following the panel's recommendation to revisit and reorient the trade regime from the national perspective of doubling farmers' income, he added. The panel has said agri-trade policy should aim to facilitate and promote ease in doing business, rather than be restrictive and disruptive to business planning. According to the panel, "A uniform doubling in every region may not be possible, albeit desirable, and due consideration to degradation and depletion of arable land and other resources, the human backdrop and other associated factors is necessary." The relatively poorer regions need to catch up' and hence their pace of change has to be higher, it added. The committee has observed that an increase in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) could be one of the instruments for enhancing farmers' income. However, increasing the MSP may not always have a positive outcome from the macroeconomic point of view. "A more straightforward, and potentially more beneficial, means of raising farm incomes could be reforming the marketing system of agricultural produce, while also developing new institutions and reviving existing ones to facilitate linking of the farmer to the markets," it added. The panel said the average income of an agricultural household during July 2012 to June 2013 was as low as Rs 6,426, as against its average monthly consumption expenditure of Rs 6,223. As many as 22.50 per cent of the farmers live below the official poverty line. Kolkata: As festive fervour gripped the denizens of Kolkata, the BJP and TMC did not leave any stone unturned to celebrate Ram Navami on Sunday. For the first time, the Trinamool Congress party in the state has organised rallies on Ram Navami in an effort to prove that Hindu festivals are not monopoly of the BJP. The move seems to have come after a saffron party procession on the occasion last year turned out to be a success in West Bengal. Claiming that Ram Navami has become a social festival in Bengal, BJP National Secretary Rahul Sinha said the magnitude of the celebration marks the victory of their Hindutva agenda. Mamata Banerjees party celebrating Ram Navami shows the change is inevitable in Bengal. It seems that Banerjee has bowed down before Hindutva, Vishva Hindu Parishad joint general secretary Surendra Jain told News18 over phone. As many as six major Ram Navami rallies are being taken out in the city by the Sangh affiliate, with the rally from north Kolkata's Sovabazar expected to draw the biggest crowds. BJP leader Mukul Roy, who defected from the TMC last year, was also seen leading a rally in north 24 Parganas district's New Town area. "There would be armed rally in Kharagpur. I will carry weapons myself. This has been an old tradition here to conduct armed rallies. It would continue. It seems we are approaching towards Ram Rajya. Those who did not want it, are also wanting it now. I am sure Ram Mandir would also be built in Ayodhya," state BJP president Dilip Ghosh was quoted as saying by news agency IANS. A state BJP leader has justified carrying of arms as devotees wish and bhakti towards Lord Ram, even as the West Bengal police is keeping a vigil to avoid any clash on Sunday. We are not asking anyone to carry arms during the Ram Navami procession. If someone is carrying arms, then it is their wish and bhakti towards Lord Ram. We cant help it, state BJP secretary Sayantan Basu said. Ram Mandir Mahotsav Samiti took out a procession on the occasion of #RamNavami where people were seen brandishing swords, in West Bengal's Siliguri pic.twitter.com/UZudBIo0Hn ANI (@ANI) March 25, 2018 Further, the saffron party leader alleged that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had allowed members of Muslim community to carry arms during Muharram but was harassing BJP workers during Ram Navami procession. It is unfortunate to see governments kindness during Muharram where they allow Muslims to carry arms. But every year they try to create issues during Ram Navami. Why such biases? The rallies in some parts of Bengal have already started and I would like to request the state administration not to harass our workers, Basu said. Agreeing with fellow leaders, BJP leader Mukul Roy said, "Arms are nothing but symbols. No one carries arms in the rally to indulge in fights. I think the Trinamool government is trying to create an unnecessary controversy over the armed rallies on Ram Navami." Echoing Basus sentiments, VHP joint general secretary said, Bengal government is harassing our supporters and preventing them from organising Ram Navami procession. In Burdwan, TMC goons set our pandals on fire and threatened our supporters. But I would like to tell them that no one can force us from organising the rally. I would like to question the Bengal government that do Muslims take permission before Muharram procession? However, the national secretary of the saffron party clarified that though the BJP was not organising any rallies, all its senior state leaders are participating in the processions organised by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and the Hindu Jagran Manch. The VHP leader, Surendra Jain, also compared Banerjee to mythical demon Maricha, who was an ally of Ravana. Mamata is acting like Maricha of Ramayana and befooling the Hindu samaj. But she is exposed now. People in Bengal understood that her politics of appeasement will not help her in the long run and therefore she has decided to celebrate Ram Navami, he said. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee extended greetings on social media. State Minister of Biotechnology and Statistics Ashish Banerjee took out a colourful procession with dancers dressed as Ram and Sita in Birbhum district's Rampurhat. Hyderabad: Noting a tendency in the country of hesitating to feel about the nation's greatness and ancient wisdom, Union Science and Technology Minister Harsh Vardhan on Sunday said India's traditional knowledge and its scientists have made valuable contributions to society. "...In our country, we sometimes hesitate to feel about our greatness and ancient wisdom," he said and recalled a book written long ago about what foreigners had said about the greatness of India. He was speaking at the 'National Conference on Bhumi Suposhan' approach and practises to enrich soil for sustainable agriculture organised by Eklavya Foundation and others here. The minister recalled that a top official of the WHO, who was a doctor of modern system of medicine, had hailed the strength of India's traditional medicine, Ayurveda, the countrys medicinal plants and their usefulness. Patanjali Yoga was described as very effective way to achieve good health at the international level many years ago even before it attained its current popularity, he said. Marconi's grandson had hailed renowned Indian scientist J C Bose for his pioneering work in wireless communication, he said. Quoting from a handwritten letter written by Marconis grandson at the Bose centre in Kolkata, he said, "I dont remember his (Marconis grandson) exact sentence, it is in English." "But his opinion is that "I feel so happy to witness and come to this place, because it is a place dedicated to the memory of Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose, who discovered wireless much before my grandfather Marconi did". Marconi was an Italian physicist and inventor, who in 1901 broadcast the first transatlantic radio signal. The minister spoke about Ayurveda for its effectiveness in medical treatment and referred to research on 'Panchgavya'. He also said coordination has been brought in the functioning of science laboratories in the country, which was lacking in the country earlier. The minister further said that information about weather and fishing provided to farmers and fishermen has helped them in a big way, making a substantial contribution to growth. Lucknow: The Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) of the Uttar Pradesh police has arrested ten persons, who it claimed were linked with Lashker-e-Taiba and allegedly involved in terror-funding activities. "Ten persons were arrested from Gorakhpur, Lucknow, Pratapgarh and Rivan (MP) on Saturday by the ATS. These persons were involved in terror-funding on the directives from Pakistan," ATS IG Asim Arun told reporters in Lucknow. The arrested men were identified as Naseem Ahamad, Naeem Arshad, Sanjay Saroj, Niraj Mishra, Sahil Masih, Uma Pratap Singh, Mukesh Prasad, Nikhil Rai alias Musharraf Ansari, Ankur Rai and Dayanand Yadav, he said. "A member of Lashker-e-Taiba used to remain in contact with them and ask them to open bank accounts in fake names and direct them as to how much money is to be transferred to which account. Indian agents used to get 10 to 20 per cent commission for this. Till now transactions of over Rs one crore have come to the fore," he said. He claimed the arrested persons had links with the LeT and some of them even knew what was happening. "Some them clearly knew what they were doing, while some considered it as a lottery fraud," the officer said, adding a detailed probe was on and more arrests likely. The role of the bank staff too would be probed, he said. ATM cards, Rs 42 lakh cash, swap machines, magnetic card readers, three lap-tops, passbooks of different banks, a country made pistol and cartridges were recovered from the possession of the accused, he said. Bhagalpur: A court here has issued warrants against Union minister Ashwini Kumar Choubey's son Arijit Shashwat and eight others for allegedly inciting communal violence in Bhagalpur district last week. Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM) Anjani Kumar Srivastava issued the warrants on Saturday on an application filed by the Nathnagar police, seeking the arrest of the nine persons, who were named in one of the two FIRs lodged in this connection. "Warrants were also issued against Abhay Kumar Ghosh, Sonu, Pramod Verma Pammy, Dev Kumar Pandey, Sanjay Bhatt, Surendra Pathak, Amit Lal Sah and Pranav Sah alias Pranav Das," Additional Public Prosecutor (APP) Viresh Mishra said. Bhagalpur Senior Superintendent of Police Manoj Kumar said the police had received the copy of the court's order and all the accused would be arrested soon. Arijit has been named in the FIR for taking out a procession without prior permission from the administration in Bhagalpur on March 17. Arijit's father, Ashwini Kumar Choubey, is the Union minister of state for health and family welfare. The procession was taken out by the Bharatiya Nav Varsh Jagran Samiti on the eve of the Hindu new year. It had triggered communal tension in the Champa Nagar area under the Nathnagar police station in the district, in which some persons, including two policemen, were injured. The RJD and the Congress had disrupted the functioning of the Bihar Assembly last week, seeking the arrest of the culprits. New Delhi: Union Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology KJ Alphons, defending the Aadhaar on Sunday, questioned how the data protection champions submit before the white man, but a massive revolution begins when their own government asks for data. I filled up to 10 pages for US Visa form. We have absolutely no problem giving our fingerprints and getting body naked before the white man at all. When your own government asks for your name and address there is a massive revolution saying it's intrusion in privacy, said Alphons. Alphons further assured people that their data was safe with the government. What is given in Aadhaar are just name and address. Your bio-metric data is with UIDAI and let me assure you that it has not been breached, its absolutely secure. We have given authorisation to government agencies to access, said the minister. The comment comes in the wake of reports about a fresh data leak of Aadhaar holders. The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) on Saturday refuted such reports and asserted that there has been "absolutely no breach" of its database. The denial from UIDAI came after ZDNet, a technology news portal, reported that a data leak on a system run by a state-owned utility company can allow access to private information of Aadhaar holders, exposing their names, their unique 12-digit identity numbers and their bank details. Earlier in the day, Congress president Rahul Gandhi accused the Prime Minister of data breach via his official Narendra Modi app. Hi! My name is Narendra Modi. I am India's Prime Minister. When you sign up for my official App, I give all your data to my friends in American companies, Gandhi tweeted. The minister rubbished the charge and asked people to not believe such false stories. You think Prime Minister is going to give your data to a private company! Don't believe such fake stories, said Alphons. Earlier this week, UIDAI CEO Ajay Bhushan Pandey had made a powerpoint presentation in the Supreme Court to defend the government's ambitious Aadhaar scheme. He had said that breaking Aadhaar encryption may take "more than the age of the universe for the fastest computer on earth." Aadhaar, with over 1.1 billion users, is the world's biggest database. It has been facing increased scrutiny over privacy concerns following several reported instances of breaches and misuse. The Supreme Court is hearing a clutch of petitions against its constitutional validity. You might have read about resistance through protest marches, dharnas, speeches, demonstrations, poetry, theatre etc. But what about resistance through whiskey? Can a country win a battle through a drink it distills? In the year 1707, that was exactly what time demanded when England flexed its muscles and incorporated its neighbour Scotland to become the United Kingdom. Like any other country reeling under imperialist power, Scotland too not only had to fend for itself, but had also got to find money to fund the English army maintaining law and order at their home. They could have suffered anything in silence but when the big brother set his eyes on the drink the Scots had been distilling for centuries they had no other way but to fight. The British levied tax on the locally distilled drink uisge beatha. And rubbed salt on the Scottish wound by mispronouncing the drink as whiskey. Soon, whiskey became not just a drink it became a mascot for Scottish pride and resistance. The poor drink cant be distilled economically with all that tax levied on it, the Scots knew. The tradition must not die. What began was the great Scottish tradition of illicit distillation of whiskey. England was serious with the ban on the stuff. But the few tax inspectors the English had deployed in Scotland could hardly do anything effective to check the flow of liquid contraband that flowed on myriad ways. The undulating landscape of Scotland covered with snow was the ideal paradise for all the moonshine distilled in small batches especially in Highlands. Add to that, the Scottish grit of resistance. Imagine the scene. The moment tax inspectors arrived in a village they would be welcomed by hoisting flags or by the sight of chimneys spewing dark smoke into the air. Soon, the officials would see more smoke rising from villages on distant hills as well. That was the way the villagers told distillers and moonshiners in far way places in the mountains that trouble had arrived in uniform and a raid is imminent. Beware! Smuggling whiskey became a cohesive force bringing the whole Scottish community together. People invented ingenious methods to evade inspection. Young women wore voluminous skirts with containers of whiskey underneath. Who could muster the courage to stop them! And you know, pregnant ladies everywhere and in all times are treated with respect. But what if they come pregnant with two-gallon belly canteens strapped on to their waist! Even priests refused to become spoilsport in the national game Scotland played during the time. Barrels of illicit stuff were stashed under their church pulpits and often you could see them blessing empty coffins carrying spirits that needed salvation not from the devil but from the English. Animals too were recruited. Those days one could see dogs making solo treks across mountain paths carrying pig bladders sloshing with you-know-what. And you could make a hell of money if you were a farmer. All you had to do was to drive your herd to the market every week with hundreds of casks tied to their bellies. True, a few people were nabbed. But conviction was a joke with the local judge finding every excuse to acquit them. Even if convicted the prisoners were allowed to go home at nights to tend their stills on the condition that they should turn in the following morning with enough stuff for the guards. Here is the irony. The biggest consumers of Scotch whiskey were the English people. Licensed commercial distilleries were aplenty in the country but who would want the mass produced drag when you can get superior carefully tended, small-batch whiskies from the Highlands! The hardships the drink went through to evade the tax officials and cross the border added to its mythical appeal. Imagine, in the 18th century there were 14,000 illegal still in Highlands. The farce came to its climax when King George IV of England visited Scotland in 1822. Pretty soon the king fell in love with the place, and in one fine evening he confided to his Scottish hosts whether they could get him whiskey from a place named Glenlivet. The Scots froze hearing the request. They all had the stuff, but they all were illegal. Who cares! It is the king himself (the one who banned it) who is asking. When they found that the king was earnest in his request, jubilation broke out. The scots had only one confusion. There were two hundred illegal distilleries in Glenlivet and which one should be served at the dinner! The king was royally grateful. The first thing King George IV did as he got back to England was to lift the ban on whiskey from Scotland. Glenlivet won the battle both for whiskey and Scottish pride. (Manu Remakant is a freelance writer who also runs a video blog - A Cup of Kavitha - introducing world poetry to Malayalees. Views expressed here are personal) New Delhi: Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Sunday accused the Prime Minister of data breach via his official Narendra Modi app, taking forward the war of words between the Congress and BJP over the Facebook data mining scandal. Hi! My name is Narendra Modi. I am India's Prime Minister. When you sign up for my official App, I give all your data to my friends in American companies, Gandhi tweeted. Hi! My name is Narendra Modi. I am India's Prime Minister. When you sign up for my official App, I give all your data to my friends in American companies. Ps. Thanks mainstream media, you're doing a great job of burying this critical story, as always.https://t.co/IZYzkuH1ZH Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) March 25, 2018 Hitting back at Gandhi, Union Minister KJ Alphons said, I filled up to 10 pages for a US visa form. We have absolutely no problem giving our fingerprints and being naked before the white man at all. When your own government asks for your name and address, there is a massive revolution saying it's intrusion of privacy. I filled up to 10 pages for US Visa form. We have absolutely no problem giving our fingerprints&getting body naked before the white man at all. When your own govt asks for your name&address there is a massive revolution saying it's intrusion in privacy: Union Minister KJ Alphons pic.twitter.com/PymtYRlvI1 ANI (@ANI) March 25, 2018 The BJP accused Rahul Gandhi and his party to have "zero knowledge of technology". Countering Rahul's charge of data theft by the Narendra Modi app, BJP said the App, unlike most Apps, gives access to users in guest mode. Here is BJP's defence by way of tweets: Rahul Gandhi truly shows why he and his party have zero knowledge of technology. All they can do is scare the masses about technology while they continue to steal data using his Brahmastra of Cambridge Analytica. BJP (@BJP4India) March 25, 2018 We all know that Rahul Gandhi is no match for Narendra Modi. But seeing his fright about the Namo App, is very amusing. When his bots tried to trend #DeleteNamoApp day before yesterday, the popularity and downloads of Namo App only increased. Today, it will be no different! pic.twitter.com/Wnan0IQFIV BJP (@BJP4India) March 25, 2018 Narendra Modi App is a unique App, which unlike most Apps, gives access to users in guest mode without even any permission or data. The permissions required are all contextual and cause-specific. BJP (@BJP4India) March 25, 2018 Contrary to Rahuls lies, fact is that data is being used for only analytics using third party service, similar to Google Analytics. Analytics on the user data is done for offering users the most contextual content. BJP (@BJP4India) March 25, 2018 Gandhi's tweet was referring to a claim by French researcher Elliot Alderson, who alleged that information of those who have downloaded the app was being provided to third party US company Clever Tap without the users consent. The claim has escalated the slugfest between the BJP and the Congress that have accused each other of using the services of Cambridge Analytica, the UK-based company at the heart of the Facebook data mining scandal. The BJP has alleged that Gandhi used the firm to influence Gujarat elections, while the Congress has rubbished the charge and asked if the government would lodge an FIR against Cambridge Analytica and its India partner Oveleno Business Intelligence (OBI). Gandhi had accused the Modi government of seeking to divert attention from its past "lies" about 39 Indians killed in Iraq by inventing the data mining charges against the Congress. "Problem: 39 Indians dead; Government on the mat, caught lying. Solution: Invent story on Congress and data theft. Result: Media networks bite bait; 39 Indians vanish from radar. Problem solved," Gandhi had said. India has issued a notice to Cambridge Analytica, giving it time till March 31 to name its clients and data source. The firm is also the subject of a similar investigation in the United Kingdom and United States. McLaren Lapeer Region names new CEO LAPEER Tim Vargas has been named the new president and CEO at McLaren Lapeer Region, effective Sept. 25. He replaces Chris Candela, who was... If you need help, reach out LAPEER Lapeers Rowden Park was the site of remembrance and awareness on Saturday as the Lapeer County Suicide Prevention Network hosted its annual Into... LakeVille hosts Veterans Appreciation Night OTISVILLE High school football is back for another season, and with it, a LakeVille event that has become a yearly tradition. Fridays home matchup... Tokyo: An 88-year-old woman has conferred a doctorate on Saturday at a university in Kyoto city, making her the oldest person in Japan to get such a degree. Kiyoko Ozeki, a visiting researcher at Ritsumeikan University, was conferred the doctorate for her thesis on origins and characteristics of cloth culture in ancient Japan, Xinhua news agency reported. According to reports, Ozeki, born in Nagoya prefecture in 1929, was already 16-year-old when the World War II ended and did not have the chance to go to a college. After her divorce, she sold dolls to make a living and her craftsmanship got her a job at the women's junior college of Tokai Gakuen University, where she taught home economics as assist professor till 1995, according to the report. During her teaching, she developed an interest in cloth of ancient Japan's Jomon Period and spent over 30 years visiting some 165 historical sites of the Jomon Period across Japan and researching the characteristics and history of cloth of that period. Ozeki became a visiting researcher at the Research Centre for Pan-Pacific Civilizations of Ritsumeikan University from April 2015 and submitted her thesis last September. Ozeki's research "laid the foundation for research of the cloth in Jomon Period," according to the university. Moscow: Britain's accusations that Moscow was behind the poisoning of former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal in England "border on banditry", Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was quoted as saying by RIA news agency on Sunday. "We are stating that this is quite unprecedented - international affairs bordering, maybe, on banditry. What stands behind this? Is it Britain's internal problems or the problems of Britain's cooperation with its allies or something else? Looks like this is not our business," RIA quoted Peskov as saying by RIA on an NTV programme. Moscow has denied responsibility for the March 4 attack on Skripal and his daughter, the first known offensive use of a nerve toxin in Europe since World War Two. Britain expelled 23 Russians as a result and Moscow retaliated by ordering out the same number of Britons. Dubai: A British newspaper editor in Dubai was found guilty on Sunday of bludgeoning his wife to death with a hammer and was sentenced to 10 years in prison. Francis Matthew was not present in the Dubai Court of the First Instance for the verdict read by Judge Fahad al-Shamsi, which is common in courts in the United Arab Emirates. The former editor of the English-language Gulf News had faced the possibility of the death penalty in the July 2017 killing. A brother of Matthew's wife, the late 62-year-old Jane Matthew, was in court for the verdict, but declined to immediately talk to journalists. Matthew's lawyer could not be immediately reached. Matthew can appeal his sentence. On July 4, Dubai police say they were called to Matthew's three-bedroom villa in Dubai's Jumeirah neighborhood. There, they say they found his wife of over 30 years dead, and the editor told them robbers had broken into the home and killed her. During a later interrogation, however, police say Matthew told them his wife had grown angry with him because they were in debt and needed to move. Matthew said he got angry when his wife called him a "loser" and told him "you should provide financially," according to police. Matthew told police his wife pushed him during the argument. He then got a hammer, followed her into the bedroom and struck her twice in the head, killing her, according to a police report. The next morning, Matthew tried to make it look like the house had been robbed and later went to work like nothing had happened, throwing the hammer in a nearby trash can, police said. Gulf News previously has said Matthew served as its editor from 1995-2005 and then became an editor-at-large at the newspaper. He was still with the newspaper at the time of the killing, though the Gulf News now refers to him as a former employee. Washington: US President Donald Trump will not hire two lawyers to his legal team handling the special counsel's probe despite announcing their addition last week, Trump's personal lawyer said on Sunday, adding to uncertainty about the president's legal representation in the Russia investigation. "The president is disappointed that conflicts prevent Joe diGenova and Victoria Toensing from joining the president's special counsel legal team," Jay Sekulow said in a statement. "However, those conflicts do not prevent them from assisting the president in other legal matters. The president looks forward to working with them.' The announcement came nearly a week after Sekulow said diGenova would join the legal team handling Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia in the 2016 presidential election. The quick reversal is likely to add to the perception that Trump's legal representation is in disarray as his lawyers have been negotiating the terms of a possible interview with the president. Trump's lead lawyer in the special counsel investigation, John Dowd, resigned Thursday. "Many lawyers and top law firms want to represent me in the Russia case...dont believe the Fake News narrative that it is hard to find a lawyer who wants to take this on," Trump tweeted on Sunday. Trump has denounced the investigation as a "witch hunt." Russia denies meddling in the election. "We thank the president for his confidence in us and we look forward to working with him, on other matters, Toensing said in a statement on behalf of both her and diGenova. The married pair work together at their namesake law firm. Toensing declined to comment on what specific conflicts may have led to the work on the Russia legal team falling through. DiGenova & Toensing has represented Mark Corallo, a former spokesman for Trump's legal team, and Sam Clovis, a former campaign aide. Corallo was the spokesman for Trump's outside lawyers until last summer, when he resigned during another legal team shake-up. Since then, Corallo has spoken with Mueller about what he viewed as a false statement dictated by Trump from Air Force One about a June 2016 meeting at Trump Tower in New York City that included several Russians, according to a person familiar with the matter. That meeting was attended by Trump's son, Donald Jr. Clovis, a former Pentagon official, was a campaign supervisor who wrote "great work" in an email after Trump's foreign policy adviser George Papadopoulos discussed efforts to broker a meeting between the campaign and Russian leaders. Corallo told Reuters on Friday that he had signed a waiver of potential conflicts last week. Clovis could not be reached for comment, but a person familiar with the matter said appropriate waivers had been signed. DiGenova was at the White House on Thursday, according to a person familiar with the meeting. Trump has had trouble finding outside lawyers to assist him in the Russia probe. Major firms such as Williams & Connolly and Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher turned him down in the last year, citing conflicts, people familiar with the matter have told Reuters. Trump representatives have reached out to some of those firms again more recently, sources said. Paris: France was in mourning on Saturday for a French security officer who died from gunshot wounds after voluntarily taking the place of a female hostage during a supermarket siege by an Islamist militant. Arnaud Beltrame, 44, a gendarme who once served in Iraq, had been raced to hospital fighting for his life after being shot by the gunman during the siege at the Super U store in the southwestern town of Trebes near the Pyrenees mountains. His actions were described as heroic by politicians across the political spectrum and calls for a national tribute increased on social media networks. "He fell as a hero, giving up his life to halt the murderous outfit of a jihadist terrorist," President Emmanuel Macron said in a statement shortly before dawn on Saturday. Friday's attacker was identified by authorities as Redouane Lakdim, a 25-year-old Moroccan-born French national from the city of Carcassonne, not far from Trebes, the tranquil town of about 5,000 people where he struck on Friday afternoon. Lakdim was known to authorities for drug-dealing and other petty crimes, but had also been under surveillance by security services in 2016-2017 for links to the radical Salafist movement, Paris prosecutor Francois Molins said on Friday. The attacker, whose rampage began when he fired on a group of police joggers and also shot the occupants of a car he stole, killed three people and injured 16 others on Friday, according to a government readout. Beltrame's death took the number killed to four. He was part of a team of gendarmes who were among the first to arrive at the supermarket scene. Most of the people in the supermarket escaped after hiding in a cold storage room and then fleeing through an emergency exit. He offered to trade places with a hostage the attacker was still holding, whereafter he took her place and left his mobile phone on a table, line open. When shots rang out, elite police stormed the building to kill the assailant. Police sources said Beltrame was shot three times. Politicians from the left and right called Beltrame a "hero" on Twitter, including opposition leader Laurent Wauquiez, far-right National Rally party leader Marine Le Pen and Olivier Faure, set to become the next Socialist party head. #ArnaudBeltrame was a trending topic on the social network where people expressed their respect and gratitude for the officer, and thoughts for his wife. Several cities, the National Assembly and police stations lowered their flags in his honour. The Grand Mosque of Paris, the largest in the country, said the Muslim community joined in mourning for a man who had "fallen heroically under the bullets of the terrorist Redouane Lakdim in the exercise of his mission." British Prime Minister Theresa May hailed Beltrame's courage and sacrifice on Twitter, saying they would never be forgotten. ARRESTS Police arrested two people as part of the investigation into the attack, one of them a woman connected to Lakdim, on Friday and a 17-year-old man said to be one of his friends overnight, judicial sources said. Searches at the attacker's home showed notes referring to Islamic State that appeared to be a will, as well as a phone and a computer, judicial sources said. Investigators also found three improvised explosive devices, a 7.65-millimetre handgun, and a hunting knife in the supermarket, the source said. The Islamic State (IS) militant group claimed responsibility for the attack. Macron said security services were checking the claim. U.S. President Donald Trump condemned "the violent actions of the attacker and anyone who would provide him support." "We are with you @EmmanuelMacron!" he added on Twitter. More than 240 people have been killed in France in attacks since 2015 by assailants who either pledged allegiance to Islamic State or were inspired by the ultra-hardline group. France is part of a group of countries whose warplanes have been bombing Islamic State strongholds in Iraq and Syria, where in recent months IS has lost much of a self-proclaimed "caliphate" of a territory it seized in 2014. One multiple attacks by Islamist gunmen and suicide bombers killed 130 people in Paris in November 2015 while another killed close to 90 when a man ran a truck into partying crowds in the Riviera seaside city of Nice in July 2016. Beltrame was a qualified parachutist who served in Iraq in 2005. He also worked as part of the elite Republican Guard that protects the presidential Elysee Place offices and residence in Paris, Macron said. Friday's assault was the first deadly Islamist attack in France since October 2017, when a man stabbed two young women to death in the port city of Marseille before soldiers killed him. Several attacks over the past year or more have targeted police and soldiers deployed in big numbers to protect civilians and patrol sensitive spots such as airports and train stations. The news of Beltrame's death was first announced by France's interior minister, who said in a Twitter post: "Dead for his country. France will never forget his heroism, bravery, and sacrifice." Tokyo: Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, his ratings in a slump amid a suspected cronyism scandal and cover-up, apologised again on Sunday for causing anxiety and loss of confidence in his government. Protesters urged Abe to resign, as riot police kept tight security outside the venue of his ruling party's annual convention, at which the premier stressed his intention to revise Japan's pacifist post-war, US-drafted constitution. Abe faces his biggest political crisis since taking office in December 2012 as suspicions swirl about a sale of state-owned land at a huge discount to a nationalist school operator with ties to his wife. "This problem has shaken the people's confidence in the administration," Abe told the convention. "As head of the government, I keenly feel my responsibility and would like to deeply apologise to the people." He pledged a thorough clarification of the facts and the prevention of a recurrence by pulling the government together, but offered no sign of stepping down. Abe has denied that he or his wife intervened in the sale or that he sought to alter documents related to the deal. His close ally, Finance Minister Taro Aso, has also denied involvement in the alterations made by ministry officials. Public opinion polls last weekend showed support for Abe's cabinet sinking as low as 31 percent, with majorities saying he bears some responsibility for the affair. The sliding support rates could dash Abe's hopes of winning a third three-year term as ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) leader in a party vote in September, victory in which would set him on track to become Japan's longest ruling premier. Also at the party convention, the LDP adopted a proposal to revise the pacifist constitution in line with a plan floated by Abe last year to explicitly refer to the Self-Defense Forces, as Japan's military is known. "The time has finally come to tackle constitutional revision, which has been a task since the founding of the party," Abe said. "Let's stipulate the Self-Defense Forces and put an end to a controversy about violation of the constitution." Abe proposed last May that the first two clauses of Article 9, which renounces the right to wage war and bans maintenance of a standing military, be unchanged but that a reference to the SDF be added to clarify its ambiguous status. Despite its literal ban on a standing army, successive governments have interpreted the charter to allow a military exclusively to defence. Abe wants to make that stance clear in the constitution itself, but says the change will not alter Japan's security policies. Critics worry the revision would open the way to a bigger role for the military overseas. Abe's weakened support and a wary junior coalition partner could make it hard for the LDP to push for the change, which would spark a divisive debate. Japan's constitution has never been amended and any changes require approval by two-thirds of each house of parliament and a majority in a public referendum. Washington: More than a million Americans flooded the streets of cities nationwide for emotional protests demanding tighter gun control, in a march spearheaded by teenagers from a Florida high school where 17 people were shot dead last month. "Politicians, either represent the people or get out," Cameron Kasky, a 17-year-old from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, told the crowd at a huge rally in Washington. "Stand for us or beware -- the voters are coming," said Kasky, one of the leaders of a dynamic and passionate student movement which has emerged following the February 14 shooting at his school. Large crowds also turned out for demonstrations in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, Seattle and other cities -- more than 800 in all according to the organisers of the "March For Our Lives." Mayor Bill de Blasio said 175,000 people took part at the New York rally, tweeting: "These students WILL change America." But the largest protest was in Washington, where organizers told NBC News the crowd was estimated at more than 800,000 people, the largest gun control rally in the United States since the Million Mom March in 2000. The main stage for the event in Washington was set up near the US Capitol and lawmakers were the target audience as speakers delivered blistering warnings that the time has come for stricter gun laws. "The people demand a law banning the sale of assault weapons," Kasky said. "The people demand we prohibit the sale of high-capacity magazines. The people demand universal background checks." March organizers included a link for people to register to vote on their MarchForOurLives.com website as they seek to transform their nascent movement into a potent political force. Signs carried by protestors lambasted lawmakers who oppose tougher laws and the National Rifle Association (NRA), the powerful US gun lobby. "These kids are right," said Jeff Turchin, a 68-year-old retired garment manufacturer who came to Washington from New York to attend the rally. "They're basically saying the NRA is paying off these Republicans," Turchin said of the party of President Donald Trump, which also controls Congress. The Washington rally kicked off with Andra Day singing "Rise Up" and also featured a performances by Jennifer Hudson, whose mother, brother and seven-year-old nephew were shot dead in 2008. But the most riveting appearances were by the Stoneman Douglas students. Emma Gonzalez, 17, took the stage wearing a green military-style jacket and ripped jeans and delivered a eulogy for the 14 students and three adults slain by 19-year-old gunman Nikolas Cruz. Tears rolling down her face, she then stood in silence at the podium for a full four and half minutes as the crowd fidgeted and some cried out "We're with you Emma." "Since the time that I came out here, it has been six minutes and 20 seconds," Gonzalez finally said -- the exact amount of time Cruz spent spraying bullets inside her school before fleeing. "Fight for your lives before it's someone else's job," Gonzalez said. "Get out there and vote." Yolanda Renee King, the nine-year-old granddaughter of civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr. brought many to tears with a surprise appearance. "My grandfather had a dream that his four little children will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character," she told a rapt crowd. "I have a dream that enough is enough," she said, referencing her grandfather's famous 1963 "I Have a Dream" speech on ending racism. "And that this should be a gun-free world -- period." In New York, former Beatle Paul McCartney showed up at a march and spoke of the December 1980 murder of his bandmate John Lennon. "Every week you hear about a new shooting and nothing is done about it," McCartney told AFP. "But I think maybe after this something will be done about it." On the other side of the country in Los Angeles, comedian Amy Schumer delivered a passionate plea in front of hundreds of thousands. "You are killing children," she said, of the gun lobby. "And they call people like me 'Hollywood liberals' like there's something in it for us. "Well, what's in it for us is knowing we're doing our part to keep our children alive." Demonstrations of solidarity also took place around the world, including across cities in Canada, which unveiled stricter gun laws earlier this week including enhanced background checks. In Scotland, some relatives of those killed in a school shooting in the town of Dunblane in 1996 attended a protest in Edinburgh. Thousands meanwhile gathered in Parkland to pay tribute to those slain in the city on Valentine's Day. "I March Because I Was Almost Silenced," read a sign carried by Samantha Mayor, 17, who was shot in the knee and wears a heavy brace. Samantha's mother, Ellyn, held a sign reading "I'm Marching So No Other Parent Has to Hear 'Mom, I've Been Shot.'" Trump was in Florida as marchers gathered in Washington but the White House issued a statement. "We applaud the many courageous young Americans exercising their First Amendment rights today," it said. "Keeping our children safe is a top priority of the President's." Lahore: A Pakistani anti-terrorism court has acquitted 20 people accused of burning alive a Christian man and his pregnant wife for committing blasphemy in the outskirts of Lahore in 2014. The couple, Shahzad Masih and his wife Shama, who were working as labourers at a brick kiln in Kot Radha Kishan area, were lynched and burned alive by a mob of around 1,000 people over accusations that the couple desecrated the Quran in November 2014. A local prayer leader had allegedly provoked the villagers through announcement from area mosques against the couple. The couple was brutally tortured, dragged and thrown into the furnace of the kiln by the mob. The autopsy report submitted to the Supreme Court in December 2014 had stated that the couple was alive when they were thrown into the kiln. Police had arrested scores of villagers and a court in 2016 sentenced five men, including the cleric, to death while 10 others were given varying jail terms. The anti-terrorism court in Lahore yesterday acquitted 20 suspects giving them benefit of doubt. A court official said the role of the acquitted suspects could not be established in lynching and killing the couple in the light of witnesses. Lahore: The Pakistan government will for the first time put on display the case file of the trial of legendary Indian freedom fighter Bhagat Singh among other historical documents here on Monday. This was decided at a meeting of the Punjab government top bureaucrats, headed by chief secretary Zahid Saeed, which proclaimed the revolutionary Singh as "hero of both India and Pakistan". "The meeting decided that Bhagat Singh was the Independence movement hero of both India and Pakistan. The people of the country have the right to know about his (Singh) and his comrades' great struggle to get freedom from the British Raj," an official of the Punjab government told PTI today. The exhibition will take place at the Anarkali tomb in Lahore which houses the Punjab Archive Department. The official said letters written by Singh from jail to his father and for getting 'A Class' after declaring himself and others as political prisoners and books, newspapers, record of the hotels where he and others stayed when underground would also be exhibited. The application Singh had written for facilities carried his signatures. "The revolutionary significantly did not end each application with the customary 'yours truly' or 'obediently'. Instead he chose the words 'Yours etc. etc.' showing his resilience in the face of tyranny," the official said. The case file contents to be displayed tomorrow also include the court's order convicting him and his associates Rajguru and Sukhdev, black warrants and the jailer's report confirming their hanging. The locations where Singh and his associates used to stay, including a factory on Ravi Road, a rented house in Gowalmandi, another in Mozang and in Kashmir Building on McLeod Road, admission register of a comrade from the DAV college, books, novels and revolutionary literature which Bhagat Singh would read are also being displayed. The books include 'Punjab Tragedy', 'Zakhmi Punjab', 'Ganga Das Dakoo', 'Sultana Dakoo', 'The Evolution of Sinn Fein' and 'History of the Sinn Fein Movement'. The case files contain documents showing how the British India police and agencies had busted the team of Singh comprising around 25 members from different parts of India and established their links with the Hindustan Socialist Republican Army and the Naujawan Bharat Sabha. Singh was hanged by British rulers on March 23, 1931 at the age of 23 in Lahore, after being tried under charges for hatching a conspiracy against the colonial government. The case was filed against Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru for allegedly killing British police officer John P Saunders. The documents to be displayed also include postmortem reports of Saunders and constable Charan Singh, the official said. Kandy: Police and politicians backed by the country's former strongman president Mahinda Rajapaksa joined anti-Muslim riots that rocked Sri Lanka's Kandy district this month, according to witnesses, officials and CCTV footage reviewed by Reuters. Scores of Muslim mosques, homes and businesses were destroyed as mobs ran amok for three days in Kandy, the central highlands district previously known for its diversity and tolerance. The government declared a state of emergency and blocked social media platforms for a week to control the unrest. The role of police and some local Buddhist politicians suggests the Sri Lankan government lost control of elements of its security forces, and that the violence was more than a spontaneous outbreak fuelled by fringe Buddhist extremists and hate-speech spread on social media. Rajapaksa has denied that he or other leaders of his party were involved. Police said the allegations against officers and politicians were being investigated. Victims and witnesses, whose accounts were partly backed by CCTV footage seen by Reuters, described members of an elite paramilitary police unit, the Special Task Force (STF), assaulting Muslim cleric and leaders. Local STF commanders declined to comment. "They came to attack," said AH Ramees, a cleric at a mosque where worshippers say they were beaten by police who were supposed to be protecting them. "They were shouting. There was filthy language. They said all the problems were because of us, that we were like terrorists." Ruwan Gunasekera, a spokesman for the national police force, including the STF, said a special investigation unit was "probing the deficiencies of the police in the incident". A second unit was examining the role of political actors, he said. The riots were the latest example of rising Buddhist nationalism and anti-Muslim sentiment in the region and have unnerved Sri Lanka's multi-ethnic coalition government, which ousted Rajapaksa in an election in 2015, according to analysts and two sources familiar with the government's deliberations. Buddhists make up about 70 percent of Sri Lanka's 21 million people. Tamils, most of whom are Hindu, account for 13 percent while Muslims make up about 9 per cent of the population. Sri Lanka's Law and Order Minister Ranjith Madduma Bandara has said the violence in Kandy was "well organised" and pointed the finger at members of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), a political party backed by Rajapaksa that scored a huge victory in local elections last month. At a press conference flanked by senior leaders earlier this month, Rajapaksa said the accusations were politically motivated. In fact, the government fomented the violence to "get the Muslim vote" and to distract from its inadequacies, he said. TRIGGER FOR VIOLENCE The violence in Kandy was triggered by an attack on a Buddhist truck driver, HG Kumarasinghe, by four Muslim men after a traffic dispute on February 22. The family of H.G Kumarsinghe hold a portrait of the man, whose death at the hands of three Muslim men, sparked the rioting in Kandy, Sri Lanka March (Reuters) As Kumarasinghe lay in a coma, calls for retribution and anti-Islam polemics flooded social media and the government ordered the deployment of 1,000 members of the STF. Rioting erupted after his funeral 11 days later. An excerpt of CCTV footage from the first day of attacks reviewed by Reuters showed police letting a large group of men through the cordon protecting the Noor Jummah mosque in Digana, a Kandy township. The men rush into a multi-story building opposite the mosque. A local SLPP politician, Samantha Perera, can be seen pointing at the higher floors of the building. Perera confirmed he was the person shown in the footage. He said he was trying to calm the rioters and only found out later the mosque had been attacked. "I am a good Buddhist. I am not instigating violence against anybody," he told Reuters. Cabinet spokesman Rajitha Senaratne said Perera was under investigation for "attacking Muslim-owned shops and mosques with stones". At least three other SLPP politicians, including a national politician, were being investigated and another SLPP councillor has been arrested for setting fire to a mosque, he said. All deny any involvement in the violence. "There's a political motive to discredit me, Mahinda Rajapaksa and the party," Perera said. "MONSTER BEYOND CONTROL" Anti-Muslim sentiment has surged in Sri Lanka since 2009, when a long civil war against Tamil insurgents was brutally ended by Rajapaksa amid charges by a United Nations panel of experts of human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings by the military and STF. As in Myanmar, from where 700,000 Rohingya Muslims have fled an army crackdown in recent months, Buddhist hardliners in Sri Lanka have argued that Islam is a threat to the Buddhist way of life. Though the level of violence is not comparable, the Sri Lankan Secretariat for Muslims, a civil society group, logged more than 600 attacks and threats to Muslims in the past five years, according to director Hilmy Ahamed, who added the rate of anti-Muslim violence had accelerated in the recent years. "The fear that Muslims are going to take over, are going to deprive you of your welfare, is so widespread," he said. Veteran political analyst Jayadeva Uyangoda said Buddhist chauvinism in Sri Lanka was a "monster beyond control", as local activists draw inspiration from the Buddhist extremists in Myanmar and Hindu radicals in India hostile to Muslims. "CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?" About 10 minutes after the incident near the Noor Jummah mosque shown in the CCTV footage, the mob returned via a back road, out of the line of sight of the mosque's exterior cameras, and threw a petrol bomb into the mosque's first floor office, according to witnesses Mohamed Niyaskhan, who said he was beaten and left bloodied, and the mosque secretary MIM Shukry. The men burned Qurans during 45 minutes of looting and destruction, they said. Niyaskhan said earlier that day he had prepared food and drinks for STF members protecting the mosque, but they had left shortly before the attack. "No STF, no police were there," he said. "They had gone around the corner. Can you believe it?" Later that day, eight to 10 members of the STF rushed the Hijrapura mosque, also in Digana, according to clerics and worshippers. The police assaulted worshippers with batons, according to Ramees, the cleric. CCTV footage shows police in riot gear striking Ramees and another cleric, MSM Nizam, four times with batons. A local Buddhist monk, Gerendigala Chanda Wimala, told Reuters he saw the men being manhandled by police and successfully demanded their release. A.H. Ramees (L) and M.S.M Farwin, two Islamic clerics who allege they were beaten by Sri Lankan police inside the Hijrapura Mosque during anti-Muslim riots speak during an interview with Reuters in Digana, Sri Lanka (Reuters) At about the same time, a local Muslim politician, Abdul Saleem Mohamad Fazil, and a friend Mohamad Faizal, were also attacked by members of the elite police unit, according to the victims and a witness, Father Christy Paul, the prelate at Digana's Catholic church. "Three STFs came through the back entrance of the house and started beating us," said Fazil, who suffered a deep head wound and said he spent in a night in prison after being refused medical treatment. "They grabbed some bottles from the landing and put them in a bag and said we were making petrol bombs." Father Christy said he heard the men's screams and saw the police hitting them with batons. The men were cowering on the ground and not offering any resistance to the police, he said. A local STF commander, asked about the incidents described to Reuters, declined to comment, citing restrictions on talking to the media. The law and order ministry referred to the police special investigation into alleged abuses. Police say they have arrested more than 300 people involved in the riots. Kabul: Russia has rejected comments by NATO's top commander in Afghanistan that it has been supporting and even supplying weapons to the Taliban, in a clash of words that underlines growing tension over Moscow's involvement in the conflict. In an interview with the BBC last week, General John Nicholson said that Russia had been acting to undermine U.S. efforts in Afghanistan despite shared interests in fighting terrorism and narcotics, with indications that Moscow was providing financial support and even arms. "We've had weapons brought to this headquarters and given to us by Afghan leaders and said this was given by the Russians to the Taliban," he said. A statement from the Russian embassy in Kabul dismissed the comments as "idle gossip", repeating previous denials by Russian officials. "Once again, we insist that such statements are absolutely baseless and appeal to officials not to talk nonsense," the embassy said. U.S. commanders, including Nicholson, have said on several occasions over the past year that Russia may be supplying arms to the Taliban although no confirmed evidence has so far been made public. However, Nicholson's comments were unusually blunt and came in a context of growing tensions between NATO members and Moscow over the case of Sergei Skripal, a former intelligence agent found poisoned with a rare nerve agent in Britain. Russian officials have said that their limited contacts with the Taliban were aimed at encouraging peace talks and ensuring the safety of Russian citizens. Moscow has offered to help coordinate peace talks in Afghanistan. Taliban officials have told Reuters that the group has had significant contacts with Moscow since at least 2007, adding that Russian involvement did not extend beyond "moral and political support". Moscow has been critical of the United States and NATO over their handling of the war in Afghanistan, but Russia initially helped provide helicopters for the Afghan military and agreed to a supply route for coalition materials through Russia. Most of that cooperation has fallen apart as relations between Russia and the West deteriorated in recent years over the conflicts in Ukraine and Syria. 404 We're sorry! The page you were looking for couldn't be found. Mysterious 6-Inch mummy was girl with bone disease skeleton found in Chile not of alien: Study New York : Ruling out the possibility of the extra-terrestrial origin of a mysterious six-inch skeleton discovered in Chile, scientists have found that it was of a female, likely a foetus, who had a rare, bone-ageing disorder. Discovered more than a decade ago in an abandoned town in the Atacama Desert, the mummified specimen, nicknamed Ata, started to garner public attention after it found a permanent home in Spain. Standing just six inches tall with an angular, elongated skull and sunken, slanted eye sockets, the Internet began to bubble with other-worldly hullabaloo and talk of ET. But the analysis by Stanford University School of Medicine scientists suggests that Ata was without doubt a human. This was the skeleton of a human female that had suffered severe genetic mutations, according to the study published in the journal published in the Genome Research. Ata, though most likely a foetus, had the bone composition of a six-year-old, an indication that she had a rare, bone-ageing disorder, the study found. To understand the genetic drivers at play, the researchers extracted a small DNA sample from Ata's ribs and sequenced the entire genome. The skeleton is approximately 40 years old, so its DNA is modern and still relatively intact. Moreover, data collected from whole-genome sequencing showed that Ata's molecular composition aligned with that of a human genome. Wile a small percentage of the DNA was unmatchable with human DNA, that was due to a degraded sample, not extraterrestrial biology, said one of the researcehrs Garry Nolan, Professor at Stanford. The genomic results confirmed Ata's Chilean descent and turned up a slew of mutations in seven genes that separately or in combinations contribute to various bone deformities, facial malformations or skeletal dysplasia, more commonly known as dwarfism. Some of these mutations, though found in genes already known to cause disease, had never before been associated with bone growth or developmental disorders. Knowing these new mutational variants could be useful, Nolan said, because they add to the repository of known mutations to look for in humans with these kinds of bone or physical disorders. "For me, what really came of this study was the idea that we shouldn't stop investigating when we find one gene that might explain a symptom. It could be multiple things going wrong, and it's worth getting a full explanation, especially as we head closer and closer to gene therapy," said study co-author Atul Butte of the University of California-San Francisco. DANBURY When she was growing up, Brittany Schappach got little encouragement about becoming a scientist. Even after she started work on a biology degree, people would ask her why she wanted to do something so hard. But now, as a senior at Western Connecticut State University, shes found support from her female advisers, and has just presented at a conference with a fellow senior, Sandra Zapata-Ramirez, on their work related to ticks. It was a great opportunity to find that scientific support, said Schappach, who plans to get a masters degree in medical entomology and pursue research opportunities. Schappach and Zapata-Ramirez are two of 120 women enrolled in WCSUs biology program, where female students account for about 58 percent of the total. But while women represent the majority of students in life sciences, they are still underrepresented in most of the other STEM fields: science, technology, engineering and mathematics. This year at WCSU, women account for just 36.5 percent of those enrolled in STEM programs. The situation at WCSU reflects whats seen across the country, which explains why efforts are being made in both the private and public sectors to encourage girls to pursue STEM subjects and to seek careers in the STEM fields. Nationally, 59 percent of bachelors degrees in biological and biomedical sciences were earned by women, according to data released in 2016 by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). But women accounted for just 35.1 percent of bachelors degrees awarded in all STEM majors taken together. At the University of Connecticut, however, women make up about 49 percent of STEM majors, which include nearly 50 different disciplines ranging from horticulture to statistics to computer engineering. The disparity is likely the result of cultural influences rather than aptitude. According to a global study published last month by the Association for Psychological Science, girls perform as well as or better than boys in science in two-thirds of the 67 countries reviewed. The study also concluded that many more girls are capable of college-level success in STEM fields than actually enter them. Interestingly, women were more likely to pursue STEM degrees and careers in countries with greater gender inequity, because higher-paying STEM jobs promise greater financial freedom. But in countries such as the U.S., where inequities are less evident, women can pursue their interests, which generally arent STEM-oriented, the APS study said. For Zapata-Ramirez, who moved to Bethel from Peru when she was 10, becoming a scientist was always a goal. But as a student learning English, she got little encouragement from her high school teachers She was motivated instead by her mother, who had earned a psychiatry degree in Peru. She said I need to do something and rise above and be better, Zapata-Ramirez said. She also got encouragement from her professors at WCSU, including Neeta Connally and Rayda Krell, who oversee the universitys Tickborne Disease Prevention Lab. Connally and Krell both said the dearth of women in STEM fields results partly from the lack of female mentors roles they are now determined to play. Our goal is to really encourage their interests so they can pursue what they like, Connally said. More Information National breakdown of women earning STEM degrees Biological and biomedical sciences: 59 percent of bachelor's, 57.3 percent of master's, 53.3 percent of doctorates Mathematics and statistics: 43 percent of bachelor's, 40.6 percent of master's, 27.9 percent of doctorates Physical sciences and science technologies: 38.5 percent of bachelor's degrees, 37.5 percent of master's and 34.3 percent of doctorates Engineering and engineering technologies: 18.7 percent of bachelor's degrees, 25.2 percent of master's degrees and 23.3 percent of doctorates Computer and information sciences and support services: 18 percent of bachelor's degrees, 30.4 percent of master's degrees and 22.5 percent of doctorates See More Collapse Today at WCSU, six of 11 biology professors are women; five of the last six hires were women. Stereotypes also play a role in steering women away from STEM subjects, especially in a field like entomology, with its focus on insects. People think girls dont like bugs, but theyre really interesting creatures, Connally said. Were trying to break the mold. Connally said women often start college with plans to go into nursing or other health-related professions, but find themselves intrigued by other scientific fields in their classes. On the engineering side, however, high school girls are seldom told about the opportunities available to them, which helps account for the disparity between men and women in the field, said Mary Bidwell, associate dean of the Advanced Manufacturing Technology Center at Asnuntuck Community College in Enfield. But that might be changing, partly owing the colleges outreach to women, she said. The school has always attracted women to the welding and fabrication programs, but shes now seeing more female applicants to programs like electromechanical engineering and computerized numerical control machining, which can be used as a stepping stone to an engineering degree. About 10 percent of enrollees in these programs are women. She said female graduates usually are hired quickly, showing the growing demand for women in the field. Theyre all out there doing well and growing with the companies, Bidwell said. Its a very male-dominated environment, but the diversity is increasing in the manufacturing field. After college While the number of undergraduates in STEM subjects is increasing, there is still a large disparity for women entering these fields professionally. Women accounted for about 47 percent of the national workforce in 2015, but just 24 percent of the 8.6 million STEM jobs, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce. Women accounted for more than half of the college-educated workforce, but just 25 percent of college-educated STEM workers. Only 23 percent of women with STEM degrees, or 800,000 women, actually work in STEM fields. According to the Commerce Department report, women with STEM degrees are more likely to work in education or health care than in STEM occupations. Engineering is the most popular STEM field of study for working men, who outnumber women in the field by a 2-1 ratio. Computer science, which had roughly equal shares of men and women in 2009, has become far more male-dominated over the past six years, with men more than twice as likely as women to earn computer degrees, according to the report. Women who enter science, technology or engineering careers are 45 percent more likely than men to leave them within a year, according to a study done in 2014 for the Center for Talent Innovation. Krell and Connally said there are several reasons for this, including that women are paid less than their male counterparts and that there is less flexibility for family leave and child-bearing in a predominantly male field. Science research jobs are very interesting and fulfilling, but you will never be a millionaire, Krell added. When female scientists take time to have children, projects often move on without them, and often others are hired to take their places. Other studies also say women leave STEM careers because of hostile work environments, where they feel excluded based on their gender, as well as by biases in hiring and promotion. Numerous studies have shown that language used to describe female scientists, students and professors differs from that used with their male counterparts. Men are more likely to be described as brilliant or expert, while the women are either described as nice or rude. Studies also show that candidates with male names were also selected over those with female names, despite both having the same qualifications, Connally and Krell said. Were making progress, but theres still a long way to go, Connally said. BROOKFIELD When town officials posted thousands of municipal records online years ago, they thought they were making it easier for the public to access useful and important information. But the belated realization that thousands of older mortgages, tax liens and other documents contain residents Social Security numbers making them potential targets of identity thieves forced officials to take the records down while they figure out how to redact such sensitive data. We need to protect our residents, and we are going to work hard to redact this information,said First Selectman Steve Dunn.. But I dont know how much it's going to cost. Its not going to be cheap. Bethel Town Clerk Lisa Bergh said her office had redacted Social Security numbers from older documents, including IRS liens, as far back as 2011. But after learning Wednesday that other online records might still contain them, she decided to shut down online access for the time being. Bergh said she does not think any of the remaining documents still had SSNs, but she wanted to be cautious. The privacy of my residents is my No. 1 priority, Bergh said. For that reason, I will be pulling the records offline and our staff will be going through all the records to double-check. Town clerks in Danbury, New Fairfield and Ridgefield said they never did put property records online, in part to avoid this very problem. Most important is that we protect individuals from any kind of identity theft, and anything we could do toward that end is important, said.Janice Giegler, Danburys town clerk. But for other town clerks the proper course is not quite so clear. Noreen Prichard, town clerk in New Milford, said she does not plan to take town records offline unless the state Town Clerks Association recommends it. And even if the online versions of important records could be successfully redacted, its unlikely that the same sensitive information could be removed from the paper originals. Antoinette Spinelli, the president of the Connecticut Town Clerks Association, said state law sets limits on what clerks can do. The statutes are clear that we cannot alter a document which has been recorded and is kept in our permanent record books, Spinelli said in a statement. The printed land records maintained in our vaults serve as the official record copies and must be made available to the public in their entirety. Ridgefield Town Clerk Barbara Serfilippi said Social Security numbers probably should not have been put on public documents in the first place, but concurred that existing records should not be changed. Thats the original, it should stay on there, she said. Its a shame that it ever happened, but it did, and it would be quite a project, quite a project [to redact]. Pamela Dohan, town clerk in New Fairfield, added that public records also contain information such as addresses or birth dates that criminals could use to residents disadvantage. We want to try to protect as much as we can, but there is a limit to what we can do, Dohan said. Dunn said it would have been difficult for identity thieves to find SSNs online because of the way the documents are structured, and because there is no easy way to search them. Users also must pay a fee to access the online system, he said, and the vast majority of users are lawyers and title companies with legitimate reason to access the documents. I dont think it's a very economical way to garner people's Social Security numbers, Dunn said. But I understand peoples concerns about online access. He plans to hold a Board of Selectmen meeting to discuss how to deal with the problem. Until we have a resolution that works for all our residents, we are not going to turn [the online system] back on, he said. Dunn said he might press for a change in state law to permit redactions of SSNs or other sensitive information from paper documents. But LeAnn Power, a public records administrator for the Connecticut State Library, said even that isnt a surefire solution, because many jurisditions have also copied key documents on microfilm for easier access. Are you going to go back to the microfilm? Power asked. You cant alter the microfilm. Its going to be out there somewhere. For now, the best defense against identity thieves appears to be the sheer inconvenience of using paper documents. They have to make the effort to come in, said New Fairfields Dohan. It wouldnt be like someone sitting in their home at night, or in another country for that matter. BROOKFIELD Residents can hear an update on the highly-anticipated proposal to upgrade the school buildings at a meeting Tuesday. Tecton Architectural Services will present its findings from a study of the conditions of all four school buildings. This study is meant to guide the Board of Education as it determines what upgrades are needed at the schools. The board expects the elementary schools are in most dire need of improvements. Shoppers in Seattle recently got a taste of the future with the debut of Amazon Go. This new store offers a retail experience like no other: Customers walk in, grab items and walk out -- no cashier required. Thanks to hundreds of cameras and sophisticated software, the store tracks which items customers take and bills their Amazon accounts for the total. Related: 6 Things We've Learned About the New Cashierless Amazon Go Store Remember those once-ubiquitous gas station attendants? In some ways, Amazon's shopping revolution resembles those attendants' demise. Both scenarios represent the same process, where economic growth through increased productivity leads to a new understanding of the value of labor. Today, we pump our own gas, and nobody thinks twice about it. Now, shoppers in Seattle don't need cashiers. Certainly, for entrepreneurs, Amazon Go and its new vision of shopping offers exciting opportunities for the future. But, when cashiers become as unnecessary as gas station attendants, where will that labor go? And what will this shift say about the evolution of tech? A matter of priorities Austrian economist Friedrich August von Hayek (1899-1992) defined capital as "those non-permanent resources which [cannot be consumed directly] to contribute to the permanent maintenance of the income at a particular level." His definition is a mouthful, but von Hayek was on to something. True, cars don't automatically fill up their tanks when they pull into gas stations; people still have to interact with fuel pumps. But pump technology has become so intuitive that the value of a gas station attendant is lower than the value of that same labor in another industry. What's more, those attendants want to work elsewhere where they can make more money. The same situation will soon be true for retail cashiers. While these employees once memorized prices and did math in their heads, today's cashiers drag barcodes over a scanner and place products in bags. Anyone and anything can do that -- many stores already offer self-checkout lanes. So, what Amazon Go's automated process does is call into question the value of cashiers altogether. When a customer encounters an issue at the pump today, that person goes inside the gas station to talk with a worker behind the counter. Stores might soon follow a similar model, employing one or two cashiers to troubleshoot problems but eliminating the need for eight open lanes. This qualifies as a cost-cutting measure that ultimately lowers prices for consumers, but that's not the end of it. The real value of these advancements is not the money saved -- it's the increases in other types of production. The salary of a gas station attendant creates more value when that money is used in different ways. Advances like Amazon Go and attendant-free gas stations help both sides of the buying equation. Society as a whole enjoys increased output from workers who are in more productive positions, and those workers earn better wages in more relevant roles. Everyone wins. Lessons entrepreneurs can learn from Amazon Go To stay ahead of the curve, entrepreneurs should take lessons from the implementation of Amazon Go and prepare for a world of new opportunities. 1. Embrace technology as a value. Entrepreneurs often use technology to cut costs, but that reasoning in and of itself is flawed. Technology should not serve as a way to spend less; it should offer an avenue to provide more value for customers. According to Chief Executive, the mid-market companies with the highest growth spend more than double the industry average on research and development. That growth doesn't come solely from cost savings -- it stems from increased productivity and new offerings. Any advancement that increases internal efficiency should also provide an external benefit to consumers, such as faster service, better products or lower prices. Related: Top 2017 Technology Trends That Will Continue in 2018 2. Stay at the forefront, but don't overextend. Push the boundaries of your comfort zone, but maintain a balance between old and new tech. You don't want to fall behind competitors in terms of technology adoption, but you also don't want to jump on new tech simply for the sake of an upgrade. Before implementing any new tech, consider the needs of your customers: How will this affect the customer experience, the quality of product or speed of service? The worst technological investments confuse and repel customers, while the best ones fit seamlessly into their existing expectations. For a prime example of what not to do, remember the doomed juicer startup Juicero. This company raised $120 million to create a product no one wanted: a $700 juicer that was slightly less effective than squeezing produce by hand. The tech failed to make customers' lives better, and the company shut down soon after launch. 3. Be prepared, even when you're not investing. Technology will never stop improving. Regardless of whether your company adopts the newest tools, you still need to be aware of how the presence of those tools could affect your marketplace. Stay on top of any technological developments relevant to your industry. Even if you naturally avoid early adoption, you'll at least want to know what's going on and position your company to respond if consumer expectations quickly shift. Had it not been for Waymo, Google's self-driving car subsidiary, automotive companies might have delayed their own autonomous car initiatives. Once Waymo initiated its driverless car pickup program, though, General Motors and Ford both hustled to announce their own plans for ride-sharing services with their vehicles. Once consumers learn to love a new feature, companies that can meet that need will thrive. Those that wait too long to get started will scramble to catch up. 4. Keep tabs on advances in other industries. Some technology has obvious uses, like a customer-relationship management system for a marketing firm. Other technology does not have such clear applications. By thinking outside the box and considering the possibilities of cutting-edge technology from other industries, entrepreneurs can gain unique advantages. Look for imaginative uses for tech that would increase the value of what your company offers. Could something that works in a different industry help you streamline your own business, expand your offering or reach a new category of customers? Find uses that aren't obvious or being considered by your competitors. Another strategy: Create an internal team to evaluate potential uses for new software. Microsoft Garage allows employees to explore new technology and play with unconventional ideas. The fear of failure doesn't exist here; what does is the potential for employees to provide the company with unique technology applications. Related: How Technology Is Rapidly Changing the Way Things Get Done Across Industries In the end, cashiers won't disappear overnight. New technology requires up-front investments, which most companies are not ready to make. Nor are some consumers comfortable shopping at a store like Amazon Go -- in the same way some drivers didn't want to pump their own gas after attendants began to disappear. The future is coming, though. Cashiers will not stick around forever, and new technology will continue to change consumer expectations. By staying on top of trends and investing in the right technology, entrepreneurs can keep pace in evolving industries and create more value for their customers -- as well as jobs for those reduncant cashiers. Related: Is There Life After Amazon Go for Your Local Retail Cashier? 4 Lessons This Technology Offers Tienda sin cajas y filas? Ahora ya es posible con Amazon Go Copyright 2018 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved This article originally appeared on entrepreneur.com BSMMU to be turned into centre of excellence Newly-appointed Vice-chancellor of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) and renowned neurosurgeon Prof Kanak Kanti Barua officially took over the charge as the vice-chancellor of the University on Saturday. President Abdul Hamid appointed Prof Barua as the 10th vice-chancellor of the country's premier institution as per the BSMMU Act-1998. Ministry of Health issued a public notification on March 15 regarding the appointment for the post for three years from Thursday as his predecessor Prof Kamrul Hasan Khan completed his term on March 23. Prof Barua started his term on Saturday by placing wreaths at Bangabandhu Memorial in Dhanmondi and expressed gratitude to President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina while briefing the media. In an instant reaction, Prof Barua vowed to turn the BSMMU as the centre of excellence in medical education, research and medical service. "Hundreds of physicians are enrolled with the university. They will be facilitated with international-standard curriculums. Assistant Professor and Associate Professors will be trained abroad so that they can contribute more in developing skilled physicians in the country," Prof Barua said. Prof Barua expressed his desire for overall development of this university established after the name of the Father of the Nation. On the occasion of taking charge, the daily sun greeted Prof Barua with a bouquet of flowers and wished him the best for his future endeavour for the betterment of the health sector as the in the country as the vice-chancellor of BSMMU. Dr Barua, also a leader of the pro-Awami League professional body, finished his MBBS from Dhaka Medical College in 1977. WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - When porn star Stormy Daniels appears Sunday night on "60 Minutes," this much is clear: The segment won't be family viewing in the White House. President Donald Trump, who has been spending the weekend at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, is scheduled to return to the White House ahead of the highly anticipated interview. But first lady Melania Trump, who traveled to Florida with the president on Friday, is staying behind. "The First Lady will be staying in Florida as is their tradition for spring break," White House spokeswoman Lindsay Walters said in a late Sunday morning statement. There also is no word on whether Trump will tune in to the broadcast on CBS to hear Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, talk about her alleged decade-old affair with him and the hush money she says she received to keep it quiet. Trump, meanwhile, has been complaining to associates here this weekend about all the media attention Daniels has been receiving, according to people familiar with the conversations, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to be candid. Among other inquiries, Trump asked one friend how Daniels might affect his poll numbers. A Trump friend and an attorney for Daniels also sparred over the alleged affair on Sunday. Appearing on ABC News's "This Week," Christopher Ruddy, chief executive of Newsmax, said he had talked to Trump on Saturday and that the president "said he thought that, that much of the Stormy Daniels stuff was a political hoax." Michael Avenatti, Daniels's attorney, responded sarcastically on Twitter, comparing her claims to other "hoaxes" like the moon landing. "Is this, along with claims that I worked on some campaigns 25 years ago, the best you guys can come upon with to discredit us?" Avenatti asked. On the day before the airing of her interview, Daniels told The Washington Post that her work in the porn industry has helped her prepare for the international attention her claims have received. "Being in the adult industry, I've developed a thick skin and maybe a little bit of a dark sense of humor," she said Saturday. "But nothing could truly prepare someone for this." Should you attend Yale Reps production of Suzan-Lori Parks Father Comes Home From the Wars, Parts 1, 2 & 3 and you should dont be surprised when the tone of Parks epic trilogy shifts from classical to contemporary; coarse to poetic; or clownish to heart-wrenching. The contrapuntal tossing and turning of such contrasts refreshingly tweaks and invigorates the soul rather than trifles with the heart and intellect. Father Comes Home From the Wars, Parts 1, 2 & 3, which continues at University Theatre through April 7 before transfering to co-producer American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco at the end of the month, focuses on the paradox of freedom, conflicting loyalties and the irrational nature of love. Riffing freely off of Homers epic poem The Odyssey, the play concerns a slave named Hero (James Udom), who dutifully joins his master, the Colonel (Dan Hiatt), in the Confederate Army on the promise of his freedom. Hero leaves behind his faithful wife, Penny (Eboni Flowers), a handful of fellow slaves and his devoted dog named Odd-See (as in Odyssey get it?), whose wandering eyes reportedly rival the unsettling stare of silent film comic Ben Turpin. The Musician (Martin Luther McCoy) starts Father Comes Home From the Wars, Parts 1, 2 & 3 off singing alone on scenic designers Riccardo Hernandezs stylized stage dominated by a small corrugated tin shack and two collapsed steel beams. A quartet of actors Chivas Michael, Rotimi Agbabiaka, Safiya Fredericks and Erron Crawford serve as an updated chorus of slaves that directly addresses the audience and make book on whether or not Hero will accompany their master, the Colonel, into battle against the Union Army. Traditionalists are likely to appreciate this device more than casual theatergoers unaccustomed to ingesting such large helpings of exposition in one serving. The language, like designer Sarah Nietfelds costumes, combines modern argot with classic idiom to acclimate the senses to contradiction. Just as the chorus sets the table for the abundant feast to come, the dichotomy of language and production elements drawn from different eras warms up the bed for a wild night replete with unexpected tumbles and turns. After much buildup, our Hero finally enters, joining the chorus in its debate of his fate, where he both teases his fellow slaves about their wagers and debates with himself whether or not he should join his master in a wicked cause to gain his status as a legal, free man. Soon after Hero enters, Penny joins the mix, personifying Heros high stakes at risk, should he not win his freedom or live to enjoy it. So goes Part 1, titled A Measure of a Man. Part 2, A Battle in the Wilderness, follows immediately to find Hero camped out in the middle of nowhere in particular with the Colonel and Smith, a captive Union solder (Tom Pecinka), as the program identifies him, who is restrained in a makeshift cage. After needling his Union prisoner about the aspects of slavery and hypocrisy, the Colonel leaves him in care of Hero, but not before revealing his humanity, lest the audience assume the worst of him as a stereotypical arch villain. This disclosure is one of several well-timed twists or epiphanies that splashes a welcome bracer of cold water in the audiences face. Part 3, The Union of My Confederate Parts, in homage to the ancient Greek story of Odysseus, has our Hero return home as Ulysses, just as in the Roman version of that Greek myth and with a nod to the commander of the Union Army, General Grant. But not before his devoted dog Odd-See (Gregory Wallace) returns ahead of him, bounding wildly back on home turf, ecstatically proclaiming his masters return, quick upon his four heels. And though none of the characters think twice about the canines gift of gab, all of them grow frustrated at his evasiveness in confirming Heros death. No one burns to know his status more than Penny and Homer (Julian Elijah Martinez), a fellow slave left behind because of his maimed foot, for reasons better disclosed on stage than in print. This third scene is the evenings most satisfying because of its twists and, without question, the presence of the most lovable dog to hit the stage since Youre A Good Man, Charlie Brown. Wallace nearly steals the evening with his earnest and irresistible turn in brown fur. The rest of the cast, under Liz Diamonds faithful, animated direction, shines as well. They all seamlessly shift gears in tone in perfect synchronization with Parks multifaceted script. They each do so without grinding cogs or skipping beats. Its clear that everybody solos and duets beautifully, and its just as apparent that they listen and react intently and naturally. Diamonds cast serves Parks play as one tight ensemble. Any time Yale Rep produces one of Parks works, its an event. Diamond and the theater have a rich history with this playwright, rightly regarded as among todays preeminent dramatists. This production of Parks sprawling, ambitious and challenging work fits that bill. NEW HAVEN New year, same old issues. As it reviews department requests for 2018-19,the Board of Alders finance committee is frustrated by the lack of progress on the Escape Teen Center as negotiations stall on a revised lease and $250,000 in repairs are still outstanding. For the second year in a row, Youth Services Director Jason Bartlett had to answer questions on the center, which would be located on property at 654 Orchard St. owned by the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church. The plan is to renovate the 3,000-square-foot grand ballroom to be used for community events and after-school programs. A second 2,000-square-foot space would be a drop-in center where youths could come on a daily basis. The third component is a 15-bed homeless shelter for young people. The lease, signed in October 2015, calls for a monthly rent of $4,000, which increases annually in three five-year leases. At the end of 15 years, the improved property reverts to use by the church. Separately, the city pays the church $47,352 a year to run a senior center on the churchs property at 255 Goffe St Bartlett is caught in the middle of a fight between alders and Mayor Toni Harps administration, which gave the director a $20,000 raise to reach a salary of $105,000 in 2015, something that was not approved by the alders, but has been carried through since. Other department heads also received raises without an OK from the alders. Bartlett told the committee members at their latest meeting if an effort is made to take the money away, it becomes a legal issue. From my standpoint, I have legal rights ... to what I am earning, Bartlett said. It will continue because that is my salary. If it is not addressed, it becomes a legal matter, Bartlett said of the two funding sources for his salary. Id had to assert my rights to what I consider I have been paid by the city, Bartlett said. Festa said the board had voted not to allow the increase for fiscal 2016 and she is concerned the administration ignored the boards vote. The concern is special funds run out, and we cant keep paying this year after year through special funds, she said. Bartlett said he feels he deserves the raise after bringing in more than $1 million in funding to the department and is successfully running programs involving hundreds of young people. The director said his salary was never supplemented by the school system, although he has done considerable work as the mayors liaison by facilitating a commission on reading, and strategizing on issues with school personnel to avoid duplication of efforts. The salary listed for Bartlett for the past several years in the general fund budget is $85,000. The extra $20,000 has been taken from special funds. For fiscal 2018-19, in an effort to be transparent, the $105,000 is listed in the general fund. Harp last year said she brought a description of Bartletts duties to human resources and that office approved the salary. The mayor said once that was done, she had no choice but to continue to pay Bartlett at the higher rate, given his duties and performance. The alders cited several charter references as to their power over salaries as part of their argument, but the issue stalled after that. Bartlett said he would have to defer to corporation counsel to explain the administrations position. Im only the recipient, he said. On the proposed Escape Youth Center, Bartlett said they are in talks with the church on revamping the current lease. Alder Jeanette Morrison said it has been frustrating to be asked her constituents when the center will open and so far there is no product. She said she needs to pin down the costs and when do we get our return? She said her biggest priority is the homeless shelter. Morrison said that is a need the city has to attack. Bartlett said he agreed the homeless shelter probably represents the most serious need, but it also the most complicated piece. He said they will need approval from the state Department of Children and Families and others and it will take longer to do. Once the building is finished however, he can apply for state funds to make it a reality. The $200,000 approved by the city to upgrade the facility for a youth center was sequestered last year by the alders when it became apparent the facility was in worse shape than had been anticipated and certain repairs should not have been picked up by the city. Another $50,000 is in the proposed fiscal 2019 capital projects budget for the center. Bartlett told the Finance Committee the city is in negotiations on givebacks and have them (the church) contribute to some of the capital improvements. A published report in 2017 said $300,000 had already been spent on the project. Bartlett said that was covered by excess federal funds and did not come from the citys capital account. Bartlett said once negotiations end, it will take three months to finish the work. As part of those negotiations, he said he is seeking a warranty on the scope of the roof work, in particular. He said once they have a correct figure on those costs, they will sit down with the church to pin down the givebacks. The original contract, signed 21/2 years ago, gave the city six months to carry out certain capital improvements with the first installment of the rent to be paid on January 2016 for a total of $36,000 that year. The second year of the rent was $4,916 a month, increasing to $5,161 monthly in the third year, according to the lease. The estimated cost of the capital improvements at that time was $285,000. If it exceeded that figure, up to $385,000, a total of $100,000 would be credited toward the rent in the seventh year of the contract or 2022, but nothing beyond that. Since it was signed, the city has undertaken various renovations in the Escape space and the senior center, according to a report by City Engineer Giovanni Zinn. They include roof repairs, replacement of a HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) unit, painting, wallboard installation, demolition of drop ceilings, new carpeting, construction of partitions. The work was stopped in February 2017 due to a lack of funding and questions about New Havens contribution. Zinn said the $250,000 would cover the work to open the two large community spaces for use by the center, but not the third floor and basement because of the need for a working elevator. In his report, Zinn said primarily electrical work and fire safety installations, along with carpentry and general building work were needed. What if they tell us, Sorry, we dont have any money? East Rock Alder Anna Festa, D-10, asked Bartlett at the committee meeting. Well, they probably dont have any money to write a check, but we will knock it off the lease is pretty much the understanding, Bartlett said. On another issue, Bartlett said the city for the past few years has been able to put 640 young people to work in its summer job program. He said they did this even though the state pulled the funding in 2017 at the last minute, although it continued to fund Hartford. Bartlett said he has asked for a separate line item next year to come directly to New Haven, as it has for Hartford, rather than going to the Workforce Alliance. Right now, he expects to be cut again by the state and the number of jobs for young people will drop unless they can raise more funds. The New Haven Police Department beat the New Haven Fire Department, 8-7, in overtime, at the 22nd annual City of New Haven Chief's Cup, on Saturday, at Ingalls Rink in New Haven. 50 beggars rehabilitated Chittagong Bureau : As part of its programme to rehabilitate beggars, Chittagong district administration yesterday distributed 50 rickshaw vans among 50 beggars in a simple ceremony at Chittagong Circuit House here. The beggars of Banskhali Upazila in the district were given the rickshaw vans to involve themselves in self income-generating ventures. Treasurer of Chittagong South District Awami League and Editor of the Daily Purbodesh, Mujibur Rahman, CIP, donated the rickshaw vans to help implement the programme of rehabilitating beggars of different upazilas in the district. Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Commissioner of Chittagong Mohammad Ilias Hossain urged the affluent section of the society to come forward to help in such self-employment venture. Mujibur Rahman termed begging as one of the social problems in the country and said he would give more assistance in this regard in future to eliminate the begging from the district.District administration sources said about 3550 beggars of 14 upazilas in the district have already been rehabilitated in the society in last six months. Huawei deployed tall trucks conveniently parked in front of Apple and Samsung stores to inform users about the P20 reveal on 3/27. While the campaign is a borderline marketing stunt designed to draw attention and awareness, the spectacle is amusing nonetheless. The P20 will supposedly have some of the best cameras in the market. Working For Notebookcheck Are you a techie who knows how to write? Then join our Team! English native speakers welcome! News Writer - Details here The Huawei P20 is just around the corner with an official reveal date of March 27 and an expected launch date soon after. Though it's not uncommon for manufacturers to initiate a marketing blitz to drive public awareness of a major launch event, the Chinese maker decided to take things a step further to get its message across. Late last week, Huawei was found parading the streets of London with large trucks to promote the impending P20 smartphone launch. Two of these trucks can be seen below with tall posters telling bystanders to "be patient" and "wait" for a "renaissance in photography". Huawei even made sure to leave its mark on Apple and Samsung Experience stores by applying graffiti art on the streets nearby with the hashtag #HuaweiP20. It's unsurprising to find Huawei boasting about the camera capabilities of its upcoming smartphone as it is rumored to have a mighty 40 MP rear sensor with similar AI capabilities as the current Mate 10 Pro and Honor View10. We'll find out in just a couple of days whether or not the P20 can live up to the aggressive marketing campaign and hype. Viewed of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. Emma Gonzalez spoke for just under two minutes on Saturday before tens of thousands of demonstrators at the March for Our Lives rally in Washington, describing the effects of gun violence in emotional detail and reciting the names of classmates who had been killed. Then she said nothing for four minutes and 26 seconds. Ms. Gonzalez, a senior at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., has emerged as one of the most prominent faces among the student activists who have mobilized against gun violence after a shooting at their school last month that left 17 dead. Their facility with social media has added urgency to demands for more gun control. Ms. Gonzalez, who has more than 1.3 million followers on Twitter, has spent much of the last month urging her audience to turn out for Saturdays marches. Bangabandhu's leadership towards Independence Dr. Forqan Uddin Ahmed : In 1960s when Bengalis of erstwhile East Pakistan were subjected to the most humiliating treatment, it would be no exaggeration to state that they were experiencing the tribulations of a colonised people. In an atmosphere of all-pervasive fear and subjugation, it was Bangabandhu who confronted the mighty Field Marshal Ayub Khan and showed the guts to forcefully advocate the rights of fellow Bengalis. During the trial of the so-called Agartala Conspiracy Case in Dhaka Cantonment, Bangabandhu took to task the rogue Pakistani army personnel and cautioned them to behave. He did not agree to participate in the Round Table Conference as a prisoner. The 1960s were, in fact, a time when all Bengalis could justifiably take pride in their courageous manner that drew sustenance from Bangabandhu's defiant disposition. Bangabandhu was a real epitome of courage, both in the physical and moral sense. The historic Six Point Programme, an explicit embodiment of Bengali nationalism was unfurled at Lahore, the heart of Punjab by Bangabandhu. In Lahore, the bastion of arrogant Punjabi power, Bangabandhu displayed admirable physical and moral courage during the course of a public meeting in 1970 that he was addressing. It so happened that his speech was being purposely interrupted by some Muslim League-Jamaat hirelings. When these elements did not stop even after being cautioned, Bangabandhu shouted at them, asserting that he had not come to Lahore to seek votes as he had plenty of them in his place, and that they either listen to him or disappear from the meeting area. No Bengali had ever publicly ventured to rebuke the power-obsessed high nosed Punjabis in such a manner. When Bangabandhu, the poet of politics spoke, it had an electrifying effect on the Bengalis whose spirit soared immeasurably in heightened expectations. Their support for their leader was total as evidenced in the historic landslide electoral victory of the nationalist causes in 1970. When the time came for tough talks across the table, Bangabandhu did not wilt. In fact, the Pakistani army generals that accompanied General Yahya Khan for the meeting in March 1971 were awed and surprised by the gutsy presentation and forceful manner of Bangabandhu. The post-partition scenario in Pakistan did not witness much of a change. The military-civil bureaucracy conspired with the business oligarchy and the landed gentry to protect their vested interests. People's emancipation did not figure seriously in the politician's scheme of things. It was in these circumstances that Bangabandhu could galvanise a somnolent people to unprecedented political activism for achieving real freedom. Bangabandhu was gifted with extraordinary organisational acumen and had the inkling of the brutality of the Pakistani military junta. Accordingly, he exhorted the people for an imminent armed struggle. His historic 7th March speech bears an eloquent testimony to that. Precariously positioned as he was in the extremely demanding tumultuous days of March 1971, Bangabandhu as a constitutional politician acted with supreme forbearance. He could never be cowered into submission. The trappings of power did not allure him and he remained a solid rock in the shifting sands. It is time once again to gratefully remember and pay homage to the great patriarch. During the nine-months of genocide, armed struggles and untold sufferings, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's name resonated ceaselessly in the hearts of millions of Bengalis, not only within the geographical boundaries of Bangladesh, but all over the world. In the words of General Rao Forman Ali, "Ninety percent of the people of Bangladesh were taken in by the magical power of Sheikh Mujib, and they were ready to sacrifice their lives for the creation of Bangladesh". Sheikh Mujib was not a revolutionary guerrilla leader like Che Guevara or Mao Zedong; the source of his strength did not come from the barrel of the gun, rather, from the mandate and trust of his people. He rose to such a stature in the eyes of his people that he realised that it would have been cowardly if he sought shelter in a safe heaven, leaving his people in the midst of death, destruction and genocide. Sheik Mujibur Rahman, the father of the nation, is the torch-bearer of peace, prosperity and piousness. We must follow his teachings, ideals and philosophy of life. He was awarded with 'Julio Curie world peace Medal. It was the recognition of this great man towards humanity, struggle against imperialism and expansionists. To establish peace and tranquility, we must follow the long cherished desire, leadership and world wide relationship of the father of the nation. He was a great visionary and mission oriented leader. His greatness and personality as a man must be honoured out and out by all Bengalese irrespective of caste, creed and religion. If we carry forward the ideals and dreams of Bangabandhu, we could be able to achieve a real nation with its dignity to other world. So it is our responsibility to implement every dream of the father of the nation. And only then our country will achieve its millennium development goal within the targeted time. (The writer is columnist & researcher) RIO DE JANEIRO Michel Temer, the deeply unpopular president of Brazil, signaled that he intends to seek a full term in Octobers election, telling a newsmagazine in an interview published this weekend that it would be cowardly not to be a candidate. Mr. Temer took office in mid-2016 after helping lead the impeachment of President Dilma Rousseff, for whom he served as vice president. But Mr. Temer, 77, a veteran politician of the center-right, has had a tumultuous presidency, spending much of the past year fending off criminal charges of corruption and obstruction of justice. Winning a new term would allow Mr. Temer to maintain the special legal standing afforded to senior government officials, which has so far shielded him from trial. On two occasions last year, Congress voted to protect him from facing charges before the Supreme Court. Mr. Temer had said as recently as last month that he did not intend to run. But in this weekends interview with the newsmagazine Istoe, Mr. Temer said that he came to believe that he needed to defend his legacy. Russell Simmons has once again been accused of rape. A woman identified as Jane Doe filed a $10 million lawsuit against him in Los Angeles County Superior Court on Friday. Mr. Simmons, the music mogul who co-founded Def Jam Recordings, denied the claim. In the suit, the woman alleges that she and her son met Mr. Simmons at a concert. Following the performances, Mr. Simmons invited them backstage and, after dropping her son off at home, took the woman out for drinks. At the end of the night, Mr. Simmons asked her to accompany him to his hotel room: She was reluctant, but Simmons insisted it was not an invitation to have sexual relations since he was dating a well-known model, the complaint reads. The suit then alleges that he raped her in the room. The complaint seeks $10 million in damages for forcible rape, intentional infliction of emotional distress and negligent infliction of emotional distress. The lawsuit does not specify when the woman says she met Mr. Simmons. In a statement to Billboard, Mr. Simmons said he vehemently denied all of the allegations. They have shocked me to my core as I have never been abusive or violent in any way in my relations with women, the statement said. I have submitted myself to multiple lie detector tests. The biggest name attached to The Terror, a new series on AMC, is that of the executive producer Ridley Scott. And the show has some Scott trademarks. Its about a dangerous expedition to what might as well be a distant planet (unless youre an Inuit) the Canadian Arctic in the 1840s. And along the way theres a monster that hides in the shadows and picks off the crew in a notably violent and bloody manner. Created by David Kajganich, a screenwriter (A Bigger Splash) and former wilderness guide, the show does not, unfortunately, display Mr. Scotts ruthless talent for putting the viewers guts in a knot. The Terror, which begins its 10-episode run on Monday, is like many polar expeditions: long, educational, full of interesting things to look at and not completely successful. The Terror is based on a best-selling 2007 novel by Dan Simmons, which was in turn based on the fate of the Franklin expedition of 1845. In one of the great mysteries of the Victorian age, John Franklins two ships, the Erebus and the Terror, were sent to find the Northwest Passage and vanished along with their 129 men. Over the next half-century, search parties found skeletal remains, interviewed Inuit witnesses and pieced together the story: Caught by pack ice and stranded for two straight winters, the survivors set out to walk hundreds of miles to the nearest outpost, but all died far short of the goal. The wilderness of sea, ice and barren land where they spent their last few years was so remote that the wreckage of the ships was not found until 2014 and 2016. Bill Hader stars as a hit man yearning for a new life in Barry. And Stormy Daniels breaks her silence on 60 Minutes. Whats on TV BARRY 10:30 p.m. on HBO. One week removed from a triumphant return to Saturday Night Live, Bill Hader kick-starts a new era of his career with Barry. He plays a weary and tightly wound hit man who learned the skills of the trade in Afghanistan. But when he digs into the life of his next mark, an aspiring actor, he finds a passion for acting bubbling to the surface, and begins to take classes, much to the chagrin of his handler. You dont expect this comedy to find its target in the way it does, James Poniewozik wrote about this series in his New York Times review; he named it a Critics Pick. GREAT PERFORMANCES AT THE MET 12 p.m. on PBS (check local listings). Last fall, the Met Opera was besieged by live sheep, ghostly violins, slamming doors and shattering dishes in Thomas Adess The Exterminating Angel. This riveting, breathless, score full of quick-cutting shifts, pointillist bursts, and episodes of ballistic intensity may be his best work, Anthony Tommasini wrote in his Times review. The opera, inspired by the classic Luis Bunuel film of the same name, follows a hellish dinner party, where the guests find themselves unable to leave; the opera includes the highest note ever sung at the Met. Mr. Yi gave a speech and took questions from the audience at the conference in the early afternoon but did not mention Mr. Guo. In his speech, Mr. Yi said that China would act resolutely against anyone who engaged in illegal financial activities without a license a reference to a continuing campaign against so-called shadow banking. China said last November that it would open its financial sector to greater international competition, in an unsuccessful move to tamp down President Trumps demands for a narrowing of the United States trade deficit with China. Mr. Yi, explaining himself clearly in terms that frequently hinted at his background as an economics professor, said that the opening would continue. The more a sector opens, the more competitive it will become, he said. After a quarter-century of rapid growth, the Chinese economy stalled momentarily at the start of 2009 during the global financial crisis. Chinas leaders responded by flooding the economy with credit, in a massive monetary stimulus program that exceeded those of the Federal Reserve and the European Central Bank in terms of the increase in broadly measured money supply. That stimulus program allowed the Chinese economy to resume rapid growth almost immediately. But China has been adding debt ever since, building a national grid of high-speed train lines and forests of city skyscrapers as leaders have been reluctant to let growth slow. Two credit rating agencies, Standard & Poors and Moodys, downgraded Chinas sovereign debt last year on concerns about the buildup of domestic debt. Chinese officials have publicly acknowledged that they need to address rising leverage but contend that the countrys minimal foreign debt, strong economic growth and increasingly stringent financial regulation mean that they have ample time to defuse the problem without a sharp slowdown in economic growth. Mr. Guo has previously served as the chairman of the China Securities Regulatory Commission and as the governor of Shandong Province two posts that gave him considerable clout and status in the Communist Party, which oversees all agencies of the government. By contrast, Mr. Yi is a former economics professor in Indiana who then taught in Beijing and spent the past two decades working his way up the ranks of the civil service at the central bank. Amazon is facing increasing scrutiny over its tax policies. Despite being one of the largest retailers in the country by revenue, Amazon pays relatively little in federal income tax, largely because of its low profit margins. Until several years ago, Amazon also collected little in state sales taxes, and in most states still does not collect taxes on goods sold on its platform by third parties. (Amazon collects taxes on such third-party sales in Washington State, and agreed this month to begin doing so in Pennsylvania.) The company has also faced criticism for requesting tax incentives from state and local governments to lure Amazon facilities, including its planned second headquarters. Mr. Davis, however, said his findings were less the fault of Amazon than of state tax systems that dont require, and in some cases dont allow, online retailers to collect local taxes. He said states rushed to strike deals with Amazon without always ensuring that local governments would benefit as well. Its just been overshadowed by the state issue, Mr. Davis said. Its smaller dollars at play, but for these communities, its dollars that matter. Amazon sometimes collects taxes where other online retailers do not. In Chicago, for example, Amazon collects local taxes because it has warehouses and other facilities in Illinois; online retailers that dont have a physical presence in the state generally dont have to collect taxes there. Usually it is states not cities or counties that decide who has to collect local sales taxes. In most states, taxes are based on the location of the buyer, and retailers are required to collect local sales taxes alongside state taxes. But in some states, including New Mexico, taxes are based on the location of the seller, meaning there is no mechanism for collecting taxes from sellers that dont have a physical presence in the area. Other states have other legal quirks that affect local tax collections. Those loopholes have existed for years, but their significance has grown greatly with the rise of online retail, said Scott Peterson, vice president of government relations as Avalara, a company that helps retailers calculate and collect sales taxes. Randi Weingarten and Rabbi Sharon Anne Kleinbaum are to be married March 25 at La Marina, a restaurant in New York. Judge Michelle Schreiber of the New York City Housing Court, is to officiate, with Rabbi Sharon Cohen Anisfeld, the president of Hebrew College, leading the religious ceremony, which will include the signing of the ketubah. Ms. Weingarten (left), 60, is the president of the American Federation of Teachers, which has headquarters in Washington. She graduated from Cornell and received a law degree from Cardozo School of Law, Yeshiva University. She is the daughter of Gabriel Weingarten of Suffern, N.Y., and the late Edith Appelbaum Weingarten. Rabbi Kleinbaum, 58, is the senior rabbi of Congregation Beth Simhat Torah in New York, a synagogue with a significant number of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender congregants. She graduated from Barnard College and from Reconstructionist Rabbinical College in Wyncote, Pa. Eunbi Kim and Austin Chu were married March 24 at the Sunset Terrace at Chelsea Piers in New York. Andrew Lukmann, a friend of the couple and a Universal Life minister, officiated. The bride, 32, is a concert pianist and educator in New York who serves on the piano faculty at Concordia Conservatory at Concordia College in Bronxville, N.Y. She graduated from Catholic University of America in Washington and received a master's degree in piano performance from Manhattan School of Music. She is a daughter of Sung Kim and Bruce Kim of Rockville, Md. The brides parents own Talbot Beer and Wine in Rockville. The groom, 31, is a software engineer in New York for Yext, a business computer consulting firm. He graduated from M.I.T. Roxana Rae Kayvani and John Thomas Oxtoby were married March 24 at the University of Chicago Rockefeller Chapel. Dr. Paul J. Jones, a Universal Life minister and a friend of the brides family, officiated. Mrs. Oxtoby, 31, is the director of sales at Food Evolution, a gourmet commissary in Schiller Park, Ill., that makes prepared foods for retailers and food service operations. She also runs Roxanas Kitchen, a social media site focusing on food. She is on the boards of Next Bites, a food sustainability nonprofit organization, and the A.C.L.U. Next Generation Society of Illinois. She graduated with honors from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She is a daughter of Pamela Drew Kayvani and Bahram Kayvani of Naperville, Ill. The brides father is based there as an independent accountant focusing on nonprofit groups; he also works as a film and television extra in the Chicago area. Her mother is the education program developer at the Illinois Credit Union League in Naperville, a nonprofit trade group for credit unions in the state. Mr. Oxtoby, 33, works at Ariel Investments in Chicago, where he is a vice president and the director of impact investing, working with portfolio companies to strengthen their social and governance practices. He graduated from Harvard, from which he also received an M.B.A. Until 2012, he worked at the Obama White House implementing partnerships with the private sector. He is on the board of the Hyde Park Art Center, a community contemporary visual arts center in Chicago. The massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida led to a national student movement demanding gun control, but among Albanys leaders, the response has been a flurry of symbolic action, party division and not a single new law. Republicans who rule the Senate want more security, supporting armed guards in school, but no further gun control; Democrats who rule the Assembly want bans on possessing bump stocks which accelerate the firing speed of semiautomatic weapons and think that fewer guns, not more, is the answer. Mr. Cuomo leans heavily toward his fellow Democrats on this issue he is credited with a 2013 law that banned the sale of so-called assault weapons in the state but may have a tough time convincing Republicans. Still, last week, Mr. Cuomo endorsed an idea floated by state Senator Michael Gianaris to put in place a 10-day waiting period for any gun purchase. The governor has repeatedly called for a bump stock ban, and may have some hope for a bill to bar domestic abusers from having firearms. Tax Overhaul The governors promises in January to overhaul the states tax code and shield New Yorkers from the new federal tax plan raised eyebrows. Academics and tax experts said such complicated proposals swapping the income tax for a payroll tax, or funneling tax payments through deductible charitable contributions had never been tried and shouldnt be rushed. Nearly three months later, those fears may not even play out. The Senate has rejected both the payroll-tax plan, which the Assembly accepted, and the charitable-contributions tactic, which the Assembly partially rejected. Mr. Cuomo, perhaps cognizant of the political points he may score for fiery remarks against the Trump administration, has doubled down on his plans. He has joined with other governors to sue the federal government over the tax plan, and in an appearance on WNYC on Friday, insisted that changing the states tax laws was one of our top priorities. Education Education is the biggest part of the state budget, and its traditionally the last to be negotiated. This year, Mr. Cuomo has proposed increasing school aid by $769 million, or 3 percent. The Assembly countered with an increase almost twice as large, at $1.5 billion. Even the spending-shy Senate proposed a larger increase, of $957 million. Activists predicted that the state would spend heavily on education in anticipation of the elections this fall. No one wants to go into an election year having their school district make cuts, said Jasmine Gripper, the legislative director for the advocacy group Alliance for Quality Education. Oregon Coast Spring Break Weather: Snow Going, Drying Trend Published 03/24/2018 at 5:35 PM PDT By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff (Oregon Coast) What's in store for Oregon coast weather over spring break? The hard part is over, when it comes to snow in the coast range, and the rain will be tapering off to feature more sun this week. How will all this affect whale watching and all the other forms of recreation along the beaches? It's looking pretty good. Currently, the Oregon coast range passes still have a fair amount of white on the sides of the roads, but the pavement itself is quite clear. Another chance of snow showers is coming up overnight, according to the National Weather Service (NWS), but it should be done with by 11 a.m. Up to half an inch of accumulation is possible. Snow levels will lower to 500 to 1000 feet into early Sunday, rising again after that. On the beaches, occasional showers and cloudy conditions continue on and off through the next few days, with highs in the upper 40s to around 50 most of the time. Most of northwest Oregon and southwest Washington will be going through a similar trend for the week: one of drying out and increasingly better weather as a low front moves away. Showers will continue Sunday into Sunday night in the wake of the departing low, the NWS said. Another modest front will move through the forecast area Sunday night into early Monday. An upper ridge will strengthen in the Gulf of Alaska, but some moisture and energy will ride over the upper ridge and spread some light precipitation at times into the Pacific Northwest during the first part of next week before finally drying out for the second part of the week. The next system may reach the forecast area next weekend. Sunday will be partly sunny, according to NWS forecasts, with mostly cloudy days predicted the rest of the week until Friday, which then becomes partly sunny again. Low wave height will typify the Oregon coast over the whole of the week, which will bode well for spotting whales during Whale Watch Week. Waves will stay around 7 feet for awhile, which will also mean good beachcombing and agate-hunting conditions. See Oregon Coast Weather. See Oregon Coast Road Conditions. Oregon Coast Lodgings for this - Where to eat - Maps - Virtual Tours More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging..... More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining..... Coastal Spotlight LATEST Related Oregon Coast Articles Back to Oregon Coast Contact Advertise on BeachConnection.net All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright BeachConnection.net Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted Mujibnagar Government : A focus on official contingent Dr. Md. Shairul Mashreque and Dr. M. Abul Kashem Mozumder : We have so far written much about the formation of government in exile at Mujibnagar. We seldom think of who among officials were participating in liberation war as incumbents in the government in exile. At present, over four decades of independence, it seemed difficult to identify the persons that served in the war time cabinet as officials. The war cabinet was formed on 10 April 1971. Oath taking ceremony took place on 17 April 1971 with the portfolios assigned among the Ministers on 18 April. "The incumbents of the government were : "Mujibnagar government was divided into fifteen ministries and divisions. Besides, some divisions were placed under the Cabinet. The functions of the ministries and divisions were: "Ministry of Defence Staff MAG Osmany, Commander-in-Chief; SA Samad, Defence Secretary; Colonel Abdur Rab, Chief of Staff. The Ministry of Defence divided the war zone into eleven sectors and appointed a sector commander for each of the sectors. But there was no sector commander for sector No 10 or naval sector. Commandos used to fight under the command of the concerned sector commander whenever and wherever they carried out the operation in a particular sector. Besides, there were three brigades called Z force, K force and S force. Major Ziaur Rahman, Major Khaled Mosharraf and Major KM Shafiullah were the commanders of the brigades respectively." "Ministry of Foreign Affairs sought to obtain support of the foreign governments and people at large for the cause of liberation of Bangladesh by establishing Bangladesh mission abroad and by sending diplomatic emissaries to various countries. With this end in view, diplomatic missions were established in Calcutta Delhi, London, Washington DC New York, and Stockholm. Diplomatic delegations were sent to the UNO, Afghanistan, Syria, Lebanon, Nepal, Srilanka, Burma, Thailand and Japan for gaining their support to the liberation war. Ministry of Finance, Industry and Commerce was headed by M Mansur Ali and Khondaker Asaduzzaman was its secretary". Cabinet Secretariat placed various proposals about the operation of the liberation war to the cabinet meeting, implementation of' the decisions of the meeting, and monitoring and recording these decisions. HT Imam was the secretary of the ministry." A confusion has arisen in recent years about the list of officials in the Mujibnagar government. As Shawkat Liton disclosed: "Yet another historic document, which contained names of employees of the Mujibnagar government in exile during the Liberation War, is missing from the government custody. An enquiry by the law ministry revealed this while probing authenticity of the so-called 190 strong staff of the Mujibnagar government. These officials managed to obtain the apex court's order in their favour to get last year's appointments as sub-registrars by submitting forged papers. The number of missing historic documents increased further with the latest disclosure by the law ministry's probe body. According to a report published by The Daily Star on June 18, 2008, the original copies of the country's proclamation of independence, formation of the Mujibnagar government, and the laws' continuance enforcement order of 1971 are missing from the government custody. The Cabinet Division, which was responsible for preserving the historic documents, had photocopies of those and handed over that to the National Archives in 2008. Recently, the law ministry's probe body came up with adequate findings proving that the document containing names of employees of historic Mujibnagar government is missing from the establishment ministry's custody. The establishment ministry in August last year could not provide the law ministry with a copy of the historic document, as the ministry did not have it in its custody. In response to an April 13, 2008 letter of the law ministry that sought the copy of the document to check authenticity of the 190 so-called staffs, the establishment ministry on August 11, 2008 expressed its inability. "In the letter sent to the law ministry, the establishment ministry also cited its former secretary's confession to the High Court about missing of the historic document during hearing of contempt petitions. The probe body tagged a copy of the letter with its enquiry report. According to the letter, some so-called staff of the Mujibnagar government filed a number of contempt petitions against the government for the delay in absorbing them in the services in line with the apex court's order delivered earlier. The HC on July 24, 2008 during hearing of the contempt petitions ordered the then establishment secretary to appoint by August 19, 2008 the Mujibnagar staffs who were enlisted among 1,632 employees but were not absorbed. In response to the HC order, the then establishment secretary told the court that the ministry did not have the document containing names of the staffs. The court asked him to collect a copy of the list from counsels of the contempt of court petitioners. A counsel of the petitioners at that time told the HC that the list he had was not authenticated. However, the establishment ministry later collected a copy of the list from the petitioners who tagged it with their petitions and sent it to the law ministry that moved to scrutinise the claims of 190 Mujibnagar staffs. During investigation, a three-member probe body sent one of its members, Abu Ahmed Majumder, who is also a deputy secretary of the law ministry, to the establishment ministry to check the documents containing names of Mujibnagar staffs. The probe report said during investigation it was learned that there was an original list of 1,632 employees in the custody of the establishment ministry. The list and other papers concerned were authenticated in 1985 and the ministry's then deputy secretary Abdul Kayum Bhuiyan signed those. But the probe body did not find the copy of the list and other papers concerned. The probe body interviewed the so-called 189 staffs and concluded that a syndicate across the country is active and providing in exchange of money fake appointment and release letters of the historic government. One of the 190 staffs died before the committee interviewed them." We think liberating documents are sacred and national assets. Claiming freedom fighters by managing certificates is highly immoral. Any man of conscience even with little contribution to liberation war would not likely to make such claim. If any officials/staff partook in the governing process of the war cabinet may well make such claims. There is no wrong in it. If any one among public bureaucracy makes such claim knowing that he/she did not serve in the wartime cabinet he is corrupt always trying to sit on the fence. Only fake freedom fighters-officials or ordinary citizens-are prone to moral degradation. They can not be expected to do any thing well. Immoral practice on the part of the incumbents/staff cannot be encouraged. Presence of fake freedom fighters in bureaucracy is sure to spell disaster all to the disenchantment to the people. Please clean administration flushing out corrupt incumbents/staff and give due respect to the bonafide freedom fighters working in various organizations public or private. It is next to impossible to recover the list of officials/staff were in the reckoning. Even it is not difficult to identify the prominent figures in bureaucracy who defected from Pakistan Government in 1971 and joined the war time cabinet contributing their part. Some among them went abroad with advocacy mission in favour of liberation war. (Dr. Md. Shairul Mashreque, Ex-Professor, department of Public Administration, Chittagong University and Dr. M. Abul Kashem Mozumder, Member, PSC, Bangladesh) To the Editor: Re Tell the Truth About Afghanistan (Op-Ed, March 15): Susan E. Rice writes that the war in Afghanistan can be resolved only at the negotiating table, but then states that peace talks remain unlikely to succeed. The only options, she writes, are to provide training and equipment but not military forces, withdraw American forces, which would likely lead to the collapse of the Afghan government, or maintain a permanent military presence in Afghanistan. President Barack Obama said that the only way to end this conflict and to achieve a full drawdown of foreign forces from Afghanistan is through a lasting political settlement between the Afghan government and the Taliban. In 2013, the Taliban opened an office in Qatar to facilitate negotiations to end the war. However, the midlevel diplomats from the State Department, who led the negotiation effort, were undercut by Pakistans Inter-Services Intelligence agency, while the C.I.A. and the Pentagon were more interested in continuing the war in the belief that the Taliban could be defeated on the battlefield. The deal maker Donald Trump should instruct his new secretary of state, as well as the leaders of the C.I.A. and the Pentagon, to make a serious push to negotiate a peace agreement with the Taliban and finally end this 17-year war. The president is always looking to one-up the Obama administration. Heres his chance. The antigovernment protests that erupted in Iran in the last days of 2017 showed that millions of Iranians are now disillusioned with the Islamic Republic. Moreover, there are signs that quite a few Iranians are now also disenchanted with Islam itself. Often silently and secretly, they are abandoning their faith. Some opt for other faiths, often Christianity. This trend is being observed and reported, with understandable excitement, by Christian news sites. Despite Regular Targeting and Imprisonment, Christianity in Iran Is Spreading, the Iranian Christian news agency Mohabat News reported recently. The Christian Broadcasting Network, which transmits globally from Virginia, even declared, Christianity is growing faster in the Islamic Republic of Iran than in any other country in the world. While a 2015 study by two researchers, Duane Alexander Miller of St. Marys University in San Antonio and Patrick Johnstone of WEC International in Singapore, estimated Iranian converts to Christianity from Islam from 1960 to 2010 at 100,000, it is hard to know the exact number. But the trend seems strong enough to worry Irans religious establishment and make it turn to a solution it knows well: oppression. The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom has reported that since 2010 more than 600 Christians in Iran have been arbitrarily detained. Iranian authorities have also raided services, threatened church members and imprisoned Christians, particularly evangelical Christian converts. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia declared that women absolutely are equal to men during his visit this month to the United States. But women there must still abide by so-called guardianship laws, which give male relatives the power to make many decisions integral to their daily lives. Come June, women have been promised the freedom to apply for a drivers license. Theres a short scene in the film Roxanne in which Steve Martin drops a quarter into a box to buy a local newspaper. He stares at the front page for about two and a half seconds before screaming hysterically at the atrocities he finds reported there. Then he reaches into his pocket for another quarter. Mr. Martin puts the paper back in the box, closes it, and then proceeds on his way, his sense of tranquillity restored. Following the news out of the White House these days is something like that each week seems filled with so many things to make your hair stand on end that there are times that, like Mr. Martin, I find myself wanting to fish around in my pocket for an extra quarter just to make it all go away. The last few days have been typical. On Thursday, H. R. McMaster, the national security adviser, resigned and was replaced by John Bolton (a man Donald Trump was originally reluctant to hire because he didnt like his mustache). On Friday morning, the president threatened to veto the $1.3 trillion spending package that Congress sent him in order to avoid a government shutdown, only to sign it later, after describing it as ridiculous. Was it really just three days ago that he called President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia to congratulate him on his victory in a rigged election, in spite of being specifically begged not to do so by his own staff? Right about now is when you might want to start fishing around for that additional quarter. So you can be forgiven if, while all that was going on, you missed when Mr. Trump issued a new ban on transgender troops on Friday night, reversing an Obama-era policy and providing only minor tweaks to the ban hed already tried to put in place last year, before that policy was shut down by legal challenges. BURBANK, Calif. Irma Mangayan was lathering and rinsing a 92-year-old woman in Room 413 one recent afternoon when she received a page from another room. An incontinent resident had an accident, and Ms. Mangayan would have to clean it up. Before her shift was over at Belmont Village Senior Living, Ms. Mangayan would hoist women and men into their wheelchairs, escort residents using walkers downstairs to the dining room and then back and perform myriad other tasks that they once could do for themselves. Ms. Mangayan is a personal care aide, a grueling and low-paid profession that happens to be one of the countrys fastest growing. It is also increasingly filled with foreign-born, low-skilled workers like Ms. Mangayan, the kind now at the center of a national debate on immigration. A proposal favored by a number of Congressional Republicans and the Trump administration would replace the current family-preference immigration system, which critics call chain migration, with one that favors skilled immigrants, while reducing admissions over all. Democrats have balked at the plan, while some Republicans have insisted it be a condition of any bill that legalizes the undocumented young adults, known as Dreamers, who could soon lose their protection against deportation. Several attempts to reach a deal have failed this year, and a spending bill passed on Friday did not resolve the issue, leaving the fight over immigration reform for another day. The passionate gun control rallies Saturday that brought out large crowds around the country sent a vivid signal that the issue is likely to play a major role in the 2018 midterm elections, and that Republicans could find themselves largely on the defensive on gun issues for the first time in decades. The gun debate could play out very differently in House and Senate races, as Republicans strain to save suburban congressional districts where gun control is popular, and Democrats defend Senate seats in red states where the Second Amendment is sacrosanct. But, in a year of extraordinary political intensity, and in the first national election of the Trump presidency, Republican and Democratic leaders say the gun issue appears to have become a potent rallying point for voters opposed to Mr. Trump and fed up with what they see as Washingtons indifference to mass shootings. The scale of demonstrations over the weekend was reminiscent of the Womens March, earlier in Mr. Trumps presidency, and underscored the intense energy of activists on the left ahead of the fall campaign. The commitment of the young march organizers to keep the issue front and center makes it unlikely to fade before November. But they are certain to face considerable resistance from pro-gun forces, particularly the National Rifle Association, which has formidable financial resources at its disposal and a long record of successfully mobilizing conservatives and helping win elections. Ric Grenell not getting confirmed is an embarrassment, Mr. Hewitt told Senator Lindsey Graham, Republican of South Carolina, on a broadcast this month. Would you go to the leader and get that scheduled? Mr. Hewitt said. I just cant get over this. Mr. Grenell, who quietly helped with Mr. Trumps transition process, was the longest-serving American spokesman at the United Nations, working with four United States ambassadors there and especially closely with Mr. Bolton, a staunch foreign policy conservative. Mr. Grenell declined to comment for this article, but he has told allies that he would not take a job at the National Security Council under Mr. Bolton and that he is committed to the ambassadorship. Senate officials from both parties said a senator appeared to have placed a hold on his nomination, which means moving forward with a vote would require 30 hours of debate, burning up most of a business week. Senate rules do not require the name of the legislator requesting the hold to be made public. Last week, when the Senate majority leader, Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, called for Mr. Grenell to move ahead by unanimous consent, which requires a voice vote, Senator Jeff Merkley, Democrat of Oregon, declined to advance the nomination. Democrats cite concerns about Mr. Grenells vocal criticism of the news media on Twitter as a concern. In particular, he excoriated as biased journalists who did not report on the revelations in the hacked emails from the Hillary Clinton campaign chairman, John D. Podesta, when they were made public by the website WikiLeaks. Senator John Barrasso, Republican of Wyoming, said the Senate needed to change the rules to speed up the process. President Trump has decided not to hire two lawyers who were announced last week as new additions to his legal team, leaving him with a shrinking stable of lawyers as the investigation by the special counsel, Robert S. Mueller III, enters an intense phase. The president is disappointed that conflicts prevent Joe diGenova and Victoria Toensing from joining the presidents special counsel legal team, Mr. Trumps personal lawyer, Jay Sekulow, said in a statement on Sunday morning. However, those conflicts do not prevent them from assisting the president in other legal matters. The president looks forward to working with them. The upheaval on the legal team comes at a critical time for Mr. Trump. The presidents former lead lawyer, John Dowd, quit the team on Thursday, just as Mr. Trump is deciding whether to sit with Mr. Mueller for an interview. At the moment, Mr. Sekulow is the presidents chief outside lawyer, as Mr. Trumps longtime New York lawyer, Marc E. Kasowitz, remains on the periphery. While Mr. Trumps lawyers, including Mr. Dowd, had told the president that the investigation would be over by this point, it seems to be accelerating, as Mr. Mueller appears to be looking into a wide range of matters related to Mr. Trumps corporate activities, his 2016 campaign, his associates and his time in office. MOGADISHU, Somalia Three explosions over four days in or near the Somalian capital have left a trail of carnage, killing nearly 20 people and injuring dozens of others, as Islamist militants unleashed a wave of attacks on the country. On Sunday, a car bomb exploded at a security checkpoint near the Interior Ministry on a road leading to the presidential palace in the capital, Mogadishu. At least three people, in addition to the bomber, were killed, a police chief said. The blast sent a plume of black smoke billowing above the skyline. The police chief, Gen. Bashir Mohamed Jama, said that five other people had been injured in the blast and that the authorities had thwarted two other suicide bombing attacks on Sunday morning. The Shabab, an Islamist extremist group affiliated with Al Qaeda, claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it had killed 13 members of the security forces, although that could not be independently verified. The group, which has been behind bombings and other attacks in Mogadishu, aims to topple Somalias Western-backed federal government. Earlier on Sunday, another car bomb exploded in Siinka Dheer, outside Mogadishu, but the toll was not immediately clear. Some reports said that one person had been killed, along with the driver. Mogadishus mayor, Abdirahman Omar Osman, also known as Yariisow, condemned the attacks, saying, These terror acts will not stop us. Dr. Abdulkadir Adan, from Mogadishus only emergency services unit, said, Our vehicles and rescue teams immediately reached the Sayid checkpoint to rescue civilian injured at the scene. BEIJING Ms. Choi was worried about her sister in North Korea. The last time they spoke, two months earlier, her sister had sounded desperate. She said she had been imprisoned and beaten, and could no longer bear the torment. She said she wanted to escape and join Ms. Choi in South Korea. She said she would carry poison, to kill herself if she were captured. For Ms. Choi, 63, a grandmother with large brown eyes and a steely fortitude, getting the rest of her family to South Korea was the most important thing left in life. She had fled North Korea herself 10 years ago. Her son had made it out too, as had her sisters daughter, now a hairdresser living near her in Seoul, the Souths flashy capital. Ms. Choi longed to be reunited with the sister, a 50-year-old dressmaker with her own home business, and also the nephew she had left behind. She wanted to get them to safety, out of the reach of the government that had arrested her husband, her brother-in-law and her son-in-law on suspicions of helping people leave. They had been targeted as enemies of the state and were never seen again. She said she would carry poison, to kill herself if captured. One evening this past summer, Ms. Choi got the news she had been waiting for. As she opened her apartment door, her niece, 25, shouted: My brother called. He said: We crossed the border. Were in China. Get the car. World number one Halep crashes out of Miami Open AFP, Miami : World number one Simona Halep tumbled out of the Miami Open on Saturday, falling 3-6, 6-2, 6-3 to Poland's Agnieszka Radwanska. The third-round defeat comes a week after Romania's Halep was toppled in the semi-finals at Indian Wells by Japan's Naomi Osaka, who went on to win the title in the California desert. With the first set in hand, the mercurial Halep was clearly frustrated when Radwanska dropped just four points in the opening four games of the second to seize a 4-0 lead. Halep reclaimed one break, but was broken again as Radwanska forced a third set, in which an early break put Halep up 2-0. The Romanian couldn't maintain the advantage, however, and her 44 unforced errors were too much to overcome as Radwanska won six of the last seven games to seal the victory. Radwanska, the 2012 Miami champion, hadn't posted back-to-back match victories since January. She next faces former world number one Victoria Azarenka, who rallied for a 3-6, 6-4, 6-1 victory over 20th-seeded Latvian Anastasija Sevastova. Azarenka, of Belarus, is unseeded this year as she tries to get her career back on track after taking time off to have a baby. Despite the defeat, Halep is assured of retaining the number one spot when the rankings are updated at the end of the tournament. But her exit leaves the women's field in the elite hardcourt tournament without its top two seeds after second-seeded Australian Open champion Caroline Wozniacki lost to Monica Puig on Friday night. Wozniacki was smarting Saturday, not from anything Puig offered on court but from what she said was threatening and vulgar behavior by fans at the match. In a Twitter post, the Danish star called on Miami Open organizers to act after fans threatened her parents and swore at the niece and nephew of her fiance, David Lee. "During the match last night people in the crowd threatened my family, wished death upon my mom and dad, called me names that I can't repeat here and told my fiance's niece and nephew (who are 10 years old) to sit down and shut the f--- up," she said in a Twitter post. "Meanwhile security and staff did nothing to prevent this and even accepted this to take place," Wozniacki added. Tournament director James Blake said player security was the event's "No. 1 priority". "During the match, we had tournament and WTA staff, as well as tournament security courtside," Blake said in a statement. "They never witnessed, nor were they notified of any specific threats made to the players or their families. If they had been notified, the situation would have been handled immediately." In other third-round action, fifth-seeded Czech Karolina Pliskova defeated Taiwan's Hsieh Su-Wei 6-4, 1-6, 7-6 (7/4). Pliskova will battle for a quarter-final berth against Zarina Diyas of Kazakhstan, who defeated German Carina Witthoeft 4-6, 7-5, 6-0. MADRID Carles Puigdemont, the former leader of Catalonia wanted in Spain on rebellion charges, was detained on Sunday in Germany on an international arrest warrant, in a move that drags Berlin into Spains festering territorial dispute. Mr. Puigdemont was arrested by a German highway police patrol soon after crossing the border with Denmark. He was traveling by car to Belgium from Finland, and had planned to present himself to the Belgian authorities, according to Mr. Puigdemonts lawyer, Jaume Alonso-Cuevillas. The arrest came two days after Spain, trying to strike a decisive blow against the secession movement, reactivated a European arrest warrant against Mr. Puigdemont and five other separatist leaders. Catalonia has been in political turmoil since its leaders formally declared independence in October and the central government ousted them, assuming direct control of the wealthy autonomous region. Madrid also moved to prosecute Mr. Puigdemont and his allies for rebellion and sedition, prompting some to flee to several other European countries. Yet in some key battleground seats in urban areas, polling suggests that a united liberal-left opposition may still defeat Fidesz without Jobbiks support. And one of those is Budapest 1 an oddly drawn parliamentary district that straddles the Danube and contains many of the citys most famous landmarks, including the national Parliament. Mr. Gyurcsanys party has pulled out of the race, as has Peter Juhasz, the leader of Together, a small liberal party. That leaves Andras Fekete-Gyor, the leader of Momentum, a new centrist party; and Antal Csardi, a senior figure within Politics Can Be Different, another young centrist party. Both men are polling between 7 percent and 10 percent far behind Marta V. Naszalyi, who represents a pair of socialist parties, and is on 19 percent. Ms. Naszalyi says that she should be the unity candidate, since she clearly has the most support. But Mr. Fekete-Gyor and Mr. Csardi have refused to budge. Thats partly out of pride. Mr. Fekete-Gyor and Mr. Csardi are leaders within their respective parties, and believe they are too senior to leave the race. Its also because of money. The more seats in which a party runs, the more state funding it receives. But its mainly a symptom of the same political dynamic that brought Fidesz to power eight years ago. Fidesz won a landslide victory in 2010 because of the perceived incompetence and arrogance of the old left-wing politicians people like Mr. Gyurcsany and parties like the Socialists. In an attempt to re-energize the left, new parties emerged like those of Mr. Fekete-Gyor and Mr. Csardi. And both say they should not concede to the groups that let Fidesz into power in the first place. The way I see it, said Mr. Csardi, these old left-wing parties neither morally or ethically have a place in Parliament. BREDA, Netherlands Acting on an anonymous tip about marijuana growers, Dutch police officers last month raided a basement laboratory in Best, a small village about 15 miles from the Belgian border. The officers found 539 plants in four growing rooms equipped with sophisticated equipment like a programmable irrigation system. The operation would bring in about $66,000 every 10 weeks, according to the police report. While the news of a marijuana raid in the Netherlands may have been surprising to the throngs of tourists who visit the famous coffee shops in Amsterdam or Rotterdam, it is illegal to grow more than five cannabis plants for recreational use in what has long been seen as Europes marijuana capital. And the Dutch national police actively seek out and shut down hundreds of operations a year. But the command did not answer several other questions: Who were the two dead militants, and why were they important enough to kill with an airstrike? What role, if any, did France play in a region of Libya in which it has also conducted counterterrorism operations? And, most significantly, to what extent is the attack the start of an escalating campaign against a broad spectrum of extremists in northwestern Africa, or a one-off strike against high-profile Qaeda operatives? Beginning a concerted strike campaign against AQIM or other AQ elements in the Sahel, akin to what we are doing in Yemen and Somalia, would mark a significant expansion of our counterterrorism efforts, said Luke Hartig, a former senior director for counterterrorism at the National Security Council during the Obama administration. If this is going to be the start of a broader campaign, it would be helpful to hear more from the administration about the threat posed by AQIM and why it merits putting our people in harms way and conducting strikes, Mr. Hartig said. A senior French security official said France had played no role in the strike, but added that Paris was very happy of this continued commitment of the U.S. to counterterrorism in Libya. Questions about whether the American military, under the Trump administration, is seeking to blur the expanding scope of operations in Africa were raised this month when it was revealed that the United States had carried out four airstrikes in Libya between September and January that Africa Command did not disclose at the time. The military has said it will acknowledge such missions if asked about them, even if it does not affirmatively disclose them in a news release. Ms. Mack said that Saturdays attack was the first airstrike the United States had conducted against Al Qaeda in Libya. In fact, the United States conducted an airstrike in eastern Libya in June 2015 against Mokhtar Belmokhtar, the mastermind of the 2013 terrorist seizure of an Algerian gas plant that left 38 foreign hostages dead. Mr. Belmokhtar was a longtime Qaeda operative with ties to senior Qaeda leadership in Pakistan. Western intelligence officials today remain divided over whether he is dead. American efforts to hunt down Islamists in Libyas vast deserts rely heavily on surveillance and airpower but also on alliances with the armed groups vying for control of Libya. Mohamed El Sallak, a spokesman for the United Nations-backed unity government, said on Twitter that the attack in Ubari on Saturday was part of the strategic cooperation between Libya and the United States in the fight against terrorism. BJP is a far greater evil in the country and Karnataka too, says Prashant Bhushan India oi-Maitreyee Swaraj India party leader and senior advocate Prashant Bhushan during a talk in Bengaluru on Sunday said that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at the Centre is a far greater evil than other political parties. Bhushan stated that the same applies to Karnataka also. His comments against the saffron party came just a few weeks before Karnataka goes to polls. The BJP is trying its best to defeat the incumbent Congress in the upcoming state elections. The elections to the 224-member Karnataka Assembly are likely to take place between the last week of April and the first week of May. Bhushan made scathing attacks against the BJP at a talk on the subject--"Political Corruption and Dangers to Democracy"--organised by Swaraj Abhiyan and Jana Sangrama Parishat at a city auditorium. Targetting the Narendra Modi government at the Centre, Bhushan, who was earlier with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), said that the ruling BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government at the Centre was not only corrupt but was working to destroy all democratic institutions including the judiciary. "The government is blackmailing the judiciary and has appointed people close to PM Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah in all institutions, including the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Central Vigilance Commission (CVC)," said the senior advocate of the Supreme Court. Bhushan criticised both the Congress and the BJP for sheltering corrupt leaders who have been convicted by courts earlier. "In Karnataka, BS Yeddyurappa, who has served a jail term for corruption, is the BJP's chief ministerial candidate. The Congress in Karnataka has ministers like DK Shivakumar accused in tax evasion cases," Bhushan said. Bhushan attacked the BJP government at the Centre for not appointing the Lokpal despite its big promises. He added that the Whistle Blowers Protection (WBP) Act passed in 2014 is yet to be operationalised by the BJP government. The anti-corruption activist said that India has turned into a "moneyocracy" because elections are all about money and show of strength. Bhushan's party is likely to field at least 10 candidates for the upcoming Karnataka Assembly elections. The announcement of the candidates will be done next week, said a senior leader of the Karnataka chapter of Swaraj India party. 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 OneIndia News Bengaluru metro to not open gates at stations in containment zones; Check guidelines here D Roopa, who exposed 'VVIP treatment' for Sasikala, refuses to accept 'Namma Bengaluru Awards' India oi-Madhuri Inspector General of Police (Home Guard and Civil Defence, Bengaluru) D Roopa Moudgil IPS who exposed preferential treatment to jailed AIADMK leader Sasikala inside the prison, has refused to accept 'Namma Bengaluru Award' as it also carries a high cash reward. 'Namma Bengaluru Award', is given by non-profit organisation Namma Bengaluru Foundation. Roopa wrote a letter to the organisation mentioning her reason behind not accepting the award. She reportedly refused the award because of a high cash reward associated with the same. "Every government servant is expected to maintain neutrality and equidistance from all quasi-political bodies and associations that have even the bare minimum political overtone. Only then a public servant can maintain a clean and fair image in the eyes of the public," read Roopa's letter, according to ANI. "It becomes all the more relevant now in the view of the ensuing elections," the senior police official added. Roopa first came into the limelight when as Dharwad SP she arrested the then Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Uma Bharti after rushing to Bhopal with her team. In 2017, Roopa's report as DIG(Prisons) laying bare alleged irregularities in the Parapana Agrahara Central Jail here, including preferential treatment to Sasikala, had stirred a hornet's nest. Sasikala is in jail serving her four-year-term in a disproportionate assets case. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Sunday, March 25, 2018, 12:35 [IST] Looking for COVID hospital bed in Noida? This official website provides real-time update Encounter spree in Uttar Pradesh by Police: Two criminals killed India oi-Madhuri Uttar Pradesh Police carried out a series of encounters on Sunday. In a crackdown of criminals, 6 encounters were reported so far. Two criminals have been killed and fiver were injured and arrested. In the first encounter, the police gunned down a criminal in Noida with a bounty of Rs 1 lakh on his head. One AK 47 and a smooth-bore breech loading (SBBL) gun were also confiscated from the spot. The criminal has been identified as Shravan Chaudhry, was injured in an encounter with the police and later succumbed to his injuries in hospital. In Saharanpur, wanted criminal Ahasan aka Salim sustained bullet injuries during an encounter with police at around 2 am. However, another criminal managed to escape. Police said that Salim died while receiving medical treatment. Meanwhile, a search has been launched for the absconding criminal. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Sunday, March 25, 2018, 10:06 [IST] WHO Experts' Group to take a call on EUL for Covaxin on October 6 AUKUS neither relevant to Quad nor will impact on its functioning: India's first reaction India to solve water crisis by utilising rivers flowing to Pakistan India oi-PTI The central government has decided to solve the water problems in Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan by utilising water from rivers flowing into Pakistan, Union Water Resources Minister Nitin Gadkari said here on Saturday. He said the government has also introduced a new scheme where water will reach farmers through innovative technology using pipe system rather than canals, avoiding land acquisition costs to the tune of Rs 6,000 crore. Gadkari made these remarks in his inaugural address at an event organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry here, according to a release issued by the organisers. Citing the case of the Godavari, where 3000 tmc of water is flowing to the sea, Gadkari said the government is constructing adam at Polavaram in Andhra Pradesh at a cost of Rs 60,000 crore to check Indravati river flow, which is a tributary of the Godavari and flows in full spate through a thick forest. "This water can then be carried till the tail end of Tamil Nadu, almost 1,300 km by pipeline. Once this project is completed, Tamil Nadu will get almost 450 TMC of water," he said. Gadkari, who also holds the portfolios of road, transport and highways and shipping, said the government is very keen on developing Karwar port in Karnataka and is willing to spend Rs 3,000 crore for the projects if the state government is in agreement. Touching upon waterways as a cheaper logistical option, he said the government is encouraging seaplanes and called on HAL to form a Joint Venture with the government to manufacture them. According to him, around 10,000 seaplanes would be required in the next two years. Gadkari also emphasised the urgent need to reduce pollution and urged the automobile industry to produce vehicles that would run on electricity and alternative fuels like ethanol and methanol, which could be produced from agricultural waste. "Conversion of waste into wealth is the future," he said. Gadkari also said the current road construction is at 28 kms a day and the target for next year is 40 kms per day. He stated that the government has already signed work contracts for projects worth Rs 8,50,000 crore for roads, ports, shipping and water resources. Stating that the government's plan was to develop two lakh kilometers of highways, with 12 express highways, he said work on a new highway between Bengaluru and Mysuru at a cost of Rs 7,000 crore, will commence from Saturday. He also said that government would start work on a ring-road for Bengaluru, which will cost around Rs 10,000 crore. Gadkari said work on the Rs 16,000 crore express highway project between Bengaluru and Chennai is expected to start by end of March or beginning of April this yea PTI For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Sunday, March 25, 2018, 6:35 [IST] Punjab drug menace: 40 kg Heroin recovered in Ludhiana India oi-Vikas By Vikas As much as 40 kilograms of contraband substance Heroin was seized from Ludhiana, Punjab, on Sunday and one person was arrested by the Special Task Force (STF). Narcotics being seized from the law enforcement agencies in Punjab make headlines almost on a regular basis. Much of the drugs in Punjab comes from across the border, with Afghanistan having become one of the largest opium producers in the world. Several studies indicate that large number of youths are addicted to drugs in Punjab, politicians though vehemently deny it. In February this year, the Border Security Force (BSF) gunned down a Pakistani smuggler and recovered 10 Kg heroin in Punjab's Ferozepur sector. On February 10, a Pakistani smuggler was killed while another was caught as BSF jawans thwarted an attempt to smuggle in heroin into the country through the Abohar sector in Punjab. Last year in December, the BSF confiscated about 55 kg heroin worth Rs 5 crore in Punjab's Gurdaspur district. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Sunday, March 25, 2018, 19:24 [IST] Bangladesh war: The article that changed history Mark Dummett : On 13 June 1971, an article in the UK's Sunday Times exposed the brutality of Pakistan's suppression of the Bangladeshi uprising. It forced the reporter's family into hiding and changed history. Abdul Bari had run out of luck. Like thousands of other people in East Bengal, he had made the mistake - the fatal mistake - of running within sight of a Pakistani patrol. He was 24 years old, a slight man surrounded by soldiers. He was trembling because he was about to be shot. So starts one of the most influential pieces of South Asian journalism of the past half century. Written by Anthony Mascarenhas, a Pakistani reporter, and printed in the UK's Sunday Times, it exposed for the first time the scale of the Pakistan army's brutal campaign to suppress its breakaway eastern province in 1971. Nobody knows exactly how many people were killed, but certainly a huge number of people lost their lives. Independent researchers think that between 300,000 and 500,000 died. The Bangladesh government puts the figure at three million. The strategy failed, and Bangladeshis are now celebrating the 40th anniversary of the birth of their country. Meanwhile, the first trial of those accused of committing war crimes has recently begun in Dhaka. There is little doubt that Mascarenhas' reportage played its part in ending the war. It helped turn world opinion against Pakistan and encouraged India to play a decisive role. Prime Minister Indira Gandhi told the then editor of the Sunday Times, Harold Evans, that the article had shocked her so deeply it had set her "on a campaign of personal diplomacy in the European capitals and Moscow to prepare the ground for India's armed intervention," he recalled. Not that this was ever Mascarenhas' intention. He was, Evans wrote in his memoirs, "just a very good reporter doing an honest job". He was also very brave. Pakistan, at the time, was run by the military, and he knew that he would have to get himself and his family out of the country before the story could be published - not an easy task in those days. "His mother always told him to stand up and speak the truth and be counted," Mascarenhas's widow, Yvonne, recalled (he died in 1986). "He used to tell me, put a mountain before me and I'll climb it. He was never daunted." Image caption A map of Pakistan before the 1971 war When the war in what was then East Pakistan broke out in March 1971, Mascarenhas was a respected journalist in Karachi, the main city in the country's dominant western wing, on good terms with the country's ruling elite. He was a member of the city's small community of Goan Christians, and he and Yvonne had five children. The conflict was sparked by elections, which were won by an East Pakistani party, the Awami League, which wanted greater autonomy for the region. While the political parties and the military argued over the formation of a new government, many Bengalis became convinced that West Pakistan was deliberately blocking their ambitions. The situation started to become violent. The Awami League launched a campaign of civil disobedience, its supporters attacked many non-Bengali civilians, and the army flew in thousands of reinforcements. On the evening of 25 March it launched a pre-emptive strike against the Awami League, and other perceived opponents, including members of the intelligentsia and the Hindu community, who at that time made up about 20% of the province's 75 million people. In the first of many notorious war crimes, soldiers attacked Dhaka University, lining up and executing students and professors. Their campaign of terror then moved into the countryside, where they battled local troops who had mutinied. Initially, the plan seemed to work, and the army decided it would be a good idea to invite some Pakistani reporters to the region to show them how they had successfully dealt with the "freedom fighters". Foreign journalists had already been expelled, and Pakistan was also keen to publicise atrocities committed by the other side. Awami League supporters had massacred tens of thousands of civilians whose loyalty they suspected, a war crime that is still denied by many today in Bangladesh. Eight journalists, including Mascarenhas, were given a 10-day tour of the province. When they returned home, seven of them duly wrote what they were told to. But one of them refused. Yvonne Mascarenhas remembers him coming back distraught: "I'd never seen my husband looking in such a state. He was absolutely shocked, stressed, upset and terribly emotional," she says, speaking from her home in west London. "He told me that if he couldn't write the story of what he'd seen he'd never be able to write another word again." Clearly it would not be possible to do so in Pakistan. All newspaper articles were checked by the military censor, and Mascarenhas told his wife he was certain he would be shot if he tried. Pretending he was visiting his sick sister, Mascarenhas then travelled to London, where he headed straight to the Sunday Times and the editor's office. Image caption Indians and Bengali guerrillas fought in support of East Pakistan Evans remembers him in that meeting as having "the bearing of a military man, square-set and moustached, but appealing, almost soulful eyes and an air of profound melancholy". "He'd been shocked by the Bengali outrages in March, but he maintained that what the army was doing was altogether worse and on a grander scale," Evans wrote. Mascarenhas told him he had been an eyewitness to a huge, systematic killing spree, and had heard army officers describe the killings as a "final solution". Evans promised to run the story, but first Yvonne and the children had to escape Karachi. They had agreed that the signal for them to start preparing for this was a telegram from Mascarenhas saying that "Ann's operation was successful". Yvonne remembers receiving the message at three the next morning. "I heard the telegram man bang at my window and I woke up my sons and I was: 'Oh my gosh, we have to go to London.' It was terrifying. I had to leave everything behind. "We could only take one suitcase each. We were crying so much it was like a funeral," she says. To avoid suspicion, Mascarenhas had to return to Pakistan before his family could leave. But as Pakistanis were only allowed one foreign flight a year, he then had to sneak out of the country by himself, crossing by land into Afghanistan. The day after the family was reunited in their new home in London, the Sunday Times published his article, under the headline "Genocide". It is such a powerful piece of reporting because Mascarenhas was clearly so well trusted by the Pakistani officers he spent time with. I have witnessed the brutality of 'kill and burn missions' as the army units, after clearing out the rebels, pursued the pogrom in the towns and villages. I have seen whole villages devastated by 'punitive action'. And in the officer's mess at night I have listened incredulously as otherwise brave and honourable men proudly chewed over the day's kill. 'How many did you get?' The answers are seared in my memory. His article was - from Pakistan's point of view - a huge betrayal and he was accused of being an enemy agent. It still denies its forces were behind such atrocities as those described by Mascarenhas, and blames Indian propaganda. However, he still maintained excellent contacts there, and in 1979 became the first journalist to reveal that Pakistan had developed nuclear weapons. In Bangladesh, of course, he is remembered more fondly, and his article is still displayed in the country's Liberation War Museum. "This was one of the most significant articles written on the war. It came out when our country was cut off, and helped inform the world of what was going on here," says Mofidul Huq, a trustee of the museum. His family, meanwhile, settled into life in a new and colder country. "People were so serious in London and nobody ever talked to us," Yvonne Mascarenhas remembers. "We were used to happy, smiley faces, it was all a bit of a change for us after Karachi. But we never regretted it." (BBC News, 16 December 2011) JD (S) MLAs join Congress Rahul had earlier today launched a scathing attack on JD (S) and asked the former prime minister HD Deve Gowda's party to come clean on its support to the BJP. Rahul Gandhi is currently in Karnataka Claiming that the Janata Dal (Secular) (JDS) party has become a wing of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), he had said, "Earlier, the 'S' in JDS used to stand for 'Secular', but since they have become a B-team for BJP, JDS means Janata Dal Sangh Parivaar." Function in Mysuru With elections for the 224-member Karnataka assembly on the horizon, the state has witnessed frequent visits by national leaders, from both the Congress and the BJP. While the ruling Congress is trying to retain power in Karnataka, the BJP is eyeing to regain the southern state. Rahul takes fresh jibe at PM on Twitter, accuses data theft via Narendra Modi app India oi-Madhuri In the wake of the Cambridge Analytica row, Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Sunday accused the Prime Minister Narendra Modi of data breach via his official Narendra Modi app, taking forward the war of words between the Congress and BJP over the Facebook data mining scandal. "Hi! My name is Narendra Modi. I am India's Prime Minister. When you sign up for my official App, I give all your data to my friends in American companies," Gandhi tweeted. Hi! My name is Narendra Modi. I am India's Prime Minister. When you sign up for my official App, I give all your data to my friends in American companies. Ps. Thanks mainstream media, you're doing a great job of burying this critical story, as always.https://t.co/IZYzkuH1ZH Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) March 25, 2018 Gandhi's tweet comes a day after french security, who calls himself Elliot Alderson (@fs0c131y), claimed that Narendra Modi android app, the personal mobile application of Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, is allegedly sharing private information of users to a third-party US company Clever Tap without their consent. When you create a profile in the official @narendramodi #Android app, all your device info (OS, network type, Carrier ) and personal data (email, photo, gender, name, ) are send without your consent to a third-party domain called https://t.co/N3zA3QeNZO. pic.twitter.com/Vey3OP6hcf Elliot Alderson (@fs0c131y) March 23, 2018 Meanwhile, hitting back at Gandhi, Union Minister KJ Alphons said, "I filled up to 10 pages for a US visa form. We have absolutely no problem giving our fingerprints and being naked before the white man at all. When your own government asks for your name and address, there is a massive revolution saying it's intrusion of privacy." OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Sunday, March 25, 2018, 13:57 [IST] Today is international anti-slavery day: What was notorious Transatlantic slave trade? International oi-Shubham By Shubham Today is March 25, the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade. It is the occasion to remember those who fell victim to the brutal slavery system defined by the ruthless Transatlantic slave trade for over four centuries. The slave trade had abused 17 million Africans and deprived them of human rights and dignity. This day is observed to spread awareness about the menace of racism and prejudice, forced labour and human trafficking in the current times. A memorial has been put up at the headquarters of the United Nations in New York to pay tribute to the victims of slavery. The memorial called the Ark of Return made by Haitian-American architect Rodney Leon was selected in September 2013 through an open competition. It was unveiled on March 25, 2015. The General Assembly of the United Nations in its resolution 62/122 of December 17, 2007, announced March 25 as the international day to remember the victims of slavery and the Transatlantic slave trade and that it would be observed every year. It also asked to make the future generations aware about the Transatlantic slave trade - its causes, consequences and lessons. What was the notorious Transatlantic slave trade? The Transatlantic slave trade is often seen as the earliest system of globalisation which existed from the 16th to the 19th century. It constituted one of the greatest tragedies in the history of mankind whereby millions of Africans were uprooted from their homes and deported to the American continent and sold and bought as slaves. The human trade was a major determining factor in the world economy of those days. The Transatlantic slave trade had three major characteristics that made it unique. First, it lasted approximately four centuries which is a big time frame; it victimised black African men, women and children and a legitimisation of the practice and the development of an anti-black ideology and a legal organisation - the Code noir which defined the conditions of slavery in the French colonial empire since the late 17th century. Transatlantic slave trade also a triangular trade The Transatlantic slave trade was also known as the triangular trade for it linked the economies of three continents, namely, the Americas, Europe and Africa. The Transatlantic slave trade alone had seen deportation of 17 million people and this figure excluded those who either died in transition or in wars. The trade pattern was also unique. The ships first left western Europe for Africa with goods that were to be exchanged for captive slaves. These commodities included, besides weapons, textiles, pearls, drinks, etc. Therafter, these slaves were taken to the Americas across the Atlantic for sale. In the concluding step, the slave traders brought back from the Americas agricultural goods produced by the slaves. Sixteenth century English trader Sir John Hawkins is considered the pioneer of the triangular trade and he had made immense profits through this notorious transaction of human beings. Besides England, countries like Spain, Portugal, France and the Netherlands had indulged in the triangular trade which lasted about 18 months. They only cared to transport the maximum number of slaves to reap the maximum benefit and this had made the lives of the slaves no better than abused animals, especially in transit. Remembering Uncle Tom's Cabin It was during this dark phase of slavery that Harriet Beecher Stowe had penned her acclaimed novel Uncle Tom's Cabin. The anti-slavery novel which had moved each of its reader, was published in 1852 and according to many, it had laid the foundation of the American civil war in the mid-19th century in which the anti-slavery northern states led by Abraham Lincoln had eventually prevailed over the pro-slavery south to hasten the downfall of the inhuman practice. Though not confirmed, it is said that Lincoln himself had credited Stowe, a teacher by profession, for starting the great war. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Sunday, March 25, 2018, 8:56 [IST] US mulls 'options' against Russia but will Putin 'admirer' Trump eventually act? International oi-Shubham By Shubham Two days after UK Prime Minister Theresa May called for a united European Union (EU) against Russia to thwart its 'designs' in Europe, the Donald Trump administration said on Saturday, March 24, it was mulling a wide range of "options" in response to the poisoning of Sergei Skripal, a former Russian spy, and his daughter Yulia in Salisbury in Britain earlier in March. It, however, did not clarify whether the options included the step of expelling Russian diplomats, something the UK has already done and many other EU countries are considering to. The EU also recalled its ambassador from Russia after May won a support on the Salisbury incident. Britain expelled 23 Russian diplomats earlier this week after accusing the latter of poisoning the Sergei and Yulia with a military grade nerve agent Novichok. May said Russia did not care for borders and the incident was a part of its aggression against Europe. Soon after, the Kremlin retaliated by expelling as many British diplomats, raising tension further. Russia's stand is Britain was trying to draw some strength after being weakened by the episode of Brexit. 'US stands by UK' Sources in the White House said the US "stood firmly" by the UK to condemn "Russia's outrageous action", Fox News reported. It said President Trump was considering options to hold Moscow responsible while responding to its "malign activities", the report added. It was reported that the White House's National Security Council has advised Trump to show Russian diplomats the door although observers and the American president's critics were eager to see how he eventually acts for Trump is known to be a person who admires his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin's leadership style and feels about Washington having a good relation with Moscow. Trump ignored advice to greet Putin on his poll win Trump called Putin to congratulate him after he won his fourth presidential term last Sunday despite warnings from his national security advisers and also defended it saying it was a "good thing". However, as CNN reported, the Salisbury incident found no mention in that call. Trump is yet to take a strong stand on Putin on allegations like Russia meddled in the 2016 presidential election. Hence, until Trump takes a strong stand on Russia over the Salisbury issue, one would not bet over it. The Salisbury incident nevertheless showed a rare unity among the frontline western countries like the US, UK, France and Germany who declared jointly that the Salisbury incident was an attack on the UK's sovereignty and also a violation of international law. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Sunday, March 25, 2018, 9:04 [IST] Let the spirit of independence imbibe our nation THE nation celebrates the 48th Independence and National Day today. March 26 is observed as the Day of Declaration of Independence in 1971 although we achieved our real independence on the Victory Day on December 16 through a long liberation war defeating Pakistani occupation forces. The military led Pakistani government was so ruthless to order the army to indiscriminately kill the unarmed people on that fateful night in the name of saving the unity of Pakistan. But it actually finished and divided the country right from that moment because never in history brutal repression had won the unity of any nation. The event unfolded so unpredicted that there was no preparation of people for armed resistance. We remember President Gen. Yahya Khan failed on that occasion to convene the newly elected National Assembly into session exacerbating the political crisis. He stepped into the conspiracy of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto who opposed to hand over power to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as the leader of the majority in National Assembly. It led to the separation inevitable and our people had no choice but to protect our national existence. The liberation war started immediately and we won it with the help of India. East Pakistan became independent Bangladesh through a nine-month bloody war. The international community lent all support to the democratic aspiration of our people. During this time people staying within the country lived in the horror of massacre of Pakistani army while many fled to India for brief shelter until the war is over. We are grateful India provided all humanitarian help to our people and military assistance to win the war defeating the Pakistani occupation forces. Bangabandhu had prepared the Bengalee people for winning the Liberation War as Pakistani government was persistently defying call to resolve political differences peacefully. After March 26, Bangabandhu was held in captivity in West Pakistan but his call for freedom and resistance had inspired the nation to fight and win the war. On this occasion, we not only mourn the deaths of our defenseless people in the night of March 26 and during the liberation war, we also express our resolve not to allow their supreme sacrifice to go in vain. We make fresh vow today to build a prosperous democratic nation which would be a land of peace, justice and freedom. This is also an occasion to question our conscience how faithful we are to the dream of our Martyrs when the poor in the country are becoming poorer and powerful people are looting banks and national resources to become a ultra rich ruling class. We must protect the nation from all such evil hands. Question sets to be selected 25 minutes before HSC exams Staff Reporter : Question sets for the upcoming Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and its equivalent examinations will be selected by lottery 25 minutes before the exams in a bid to prevent question paper leakage. Secondary and Higher Education Division Secretary of the Education Ministry Md Sohrab Hossain announced the decision at a meeting in the Secretariat on Sunday. "Education board will decide the question sets 25 minutes before HSC exams," he said. At the meeting Education Minister Nurul Islam Nahid said that nobody would know how many sets of questions would be prepared for HSC and equivalent examinations. The meeting also instructed the students to take their seats at their respective exam halls half an hour before the HSC examinations. This year, the HSC and its equivalent examinations will begin on April 2 and continue till May 13. The written part of this year's SSC examination witnessed the largest ever spate of question leaks in the history of country's public examinations. Question papers of almost all the subjects were leaked before the examinations. Baby's head cut off during caesarean! The High Court on Sunday summoned the Civil Surgeon of Comilla and six other physicians to appear before it on April 4 to place their explanation over a faulty caesarean operation when doctors cut the baby's head off. An HC bench of Justice Salma Masud Chowdhury and Justice AKM Zahirul Hoque passed the order in a suo moto move as reports over the incident were published in two vernacular dailies. Those who were summoned are-Civil Surgeon of Comilla Mujibur Rahman, Director of Comilla Medical College and Hospital Dr. Swapan Kumar Adhikari, Dr Nasrin Akhter Popy, Dr. Ayesha Afroz, Janiul Haq, Dilruba Sharmin and Karuna Rani Karmaker. The HC also issued a rule asking the government to explain as to why the authorities concerned should not be given directives to take stern action against those involved in the incident. M'singh blast leaves KUET student dead, 3 hurt Staff Reporter : A student of Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET) was killed and three others sustained burn injuries in a blast at Masterbari in Bhaluka upazila of Mymensingh district early Sunday. The deceased was identified as Touhid, a final year student of KUET and an intern of Mymensingh Textile Mills, hailing from Bogra. The injured men are Shahin from Sirajganj, Hafiz from Naogaon and Dipto Sarker from Magura. They were sent to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) for better treatment said our Bhaluka Correspondent quoting police. Mamun, Officer in-Charge of Bhaluka Model Police Station, said that an explosion inside the six-storey building rocked the Masterbari around 12:30am. Police found a room of the second floor of a building badly damaged. A body was recovered from the room. The injured were sent to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH). Of them, Hafiz and Dipto were first sent to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital from where they were referred to DMCH, the duty-doctor Sunando Sen said. Police cordoned off the six-storey AS Tower building after the explosion, said Mymensingh Superintendent of Police Syed Nurul Islam. "The blast destroyed everything. "It might have occurred from a gas cylinder explosion," the SP said. A bomb disposal unit from Dhaka arrived and visited the explostion scene, he said. Abdur Razzak, who owns the newly constructed building, runs a clothing business and lives in Dhaka. He is being questioned, said RAB-14 Captain Lt Col Shariful Islam. Additional Superintendent of Police Joyeeta Shilpi said, "The incident occurred due to the explosion of a gas cylinder in the kitchen room. It was not a bomb blast or militant activity. " 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 The Unz Review American flag made out of painted toy soldiers (Image by Jed.Record) Details DMCA March 2018 will go down in history as a truly historical month March 1st, Vladimir Putin makes his historical address to the Russian Federal Assembly. March 4th, Sergei Skripal, a former UK spy, is allegedly poisoned in the UK. March 8th, British officialsaccuse Russia of using nerve gas to attempt to murder Sergei Skripal. March 12th, Theresa May officially blames Russia for the poisoning and gives Russia a 24-hour ultimatum to justify herself; the Russians ignore that ultimatum. The same day, the US representative at the UNSC threatens to attack Syria even without a UNSC authorization. March 13th, Chief of Russia's General Staff Valery Gerasimov warned that "in case there is a threat to the lives of our military, the Russian Armed Force will take retaliatory measures both over the missiles and carriers that will use them." The same day Chief of the Russian Armed Forces' General Staff, Deputy Defense Minister, General of the Army Valery Gerasimov had a phone conversation with Marine Corps General Joseph Dunford, chairman of the United States' Joint Chiefs of Staff. March 15th, the UK blocked Russia's draft UN Security Council statement on Skripal poisoning case asking for an "urgent and civilized investigation" into the Skripal case. The US, UK, France, and Germany issue a statement backing the UK and blaming Russia. The UK Defence Minister tells Russia to "shut up and go away." March 16th, Major General Igor Konashenkov callsthe British Defense Minister an "uncouth shrew" and "intellectual impotent." March 17th, Russian Generals warned that the US is preparing a chemical false flag attack in Syria March 18th, Putin overwhelmingly wins the Presidential election. The same day, General Votel, Commander of CENTCOM declares in a testimony to the Armed Services Committee that differences with Russia should be settled "through political and diplomatic channels." When asked whether it would be correct to say that "with Russia and Iran's help, Assad has won the Civil War in Syria?" General Votel replied "I do not think that is too -- that is too strong of a statement. I think they have provided him the wherewithal to -- to be ascendant at this point." March 19th, the EU's Foreign Affairs Council issues a statement fully backing the UK. March 21st The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs summons all ambassadors to a briefing on the Skripal case. The language used by the Russian representative at this briefing possibly is the bluntest used by any Russian (or even Soviet) official towards the West since WWII. The French, Swedish and US representative at the meeting all stood up to declare their "solidarity" with the UK. March 22nd, The Chief of the Russian Armed Forces' General Staff, Deputy Defense Minister, General of the Army Valery Gerasimov had anotherphone conversation with Marine Corps General Joseph Dunford, chairman of the United States' Joint Chiefs of Staff. So what is really going on here? Surely nobody seriously believes that the Brits really think that the Russians had any motive to try to kill Skripal or, for that matter, if they had a motive, that they would do it in such a stupid manner? And what's the deal with Syria anyway? Is the US going to execute their false flag and bomb? Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). 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. See original here By News Corpse On Friday Donald Trump invited the press to an announcement that he was signing the spending bill just passed by the Republican controlled Congress. The President spent more time castigating the bill and his GOP comrades in Congress than he did explaining why he was bothering to sign it at all. It was clearly a distasteful burden that he was undertaking with great reluctance. And he isn't the only one who felt that way. Trump whined about having to sign a bill that was so chock-full of crap he didn't like. Or more accurately, that it didn't contain things that are even crappier. He said that he would never sign another bill like this one, and most Americans probably hope that's true. Then he complained that Congress won't give up more of their power by granting him a line-item veto. Of course, our idiot president doesn't know that the Supreme Court ruled that unconstitutional 20 years ago. The spectacle of Trump lambasting a bill as he was signing it is actually a rather good depiction of his pitiful proclivity for failure. Not only was he incapable of making the sort of deals that he constantly boasts would be so easy, he was admitting that Democrats beat him at every stage of this bill's passage. If this is "winning" in his mind, let's see more of it. In addition to being bitterly unsatisfied with the bill, Trump also has to endure the scorn of his biggest fans - Fox News. There was a starkly atypical response by many of those who he usually relies on for blind, slobbering support. The entire primetime roster (and more) is angry that Trump signed this bill, and they said so on the air: Sean Hannity: I personally wish the president vetoed this bill, made them stay in Washington. Make them keep their promises. What happened to the Republican party. Whatever happened to the party that believed in fiscal responsibility? Tucker Carlson: We're told we need this bill because of national security. But how secure is a nation that has no borders? Well about as secure as a political party that has no rationale for existing. Laura Ingraham: It pains me to say this, but the president did have a choice. He could have called Congress back to town and make them pass a continuing resolution until his priorities were funded and we explain this mess to the American people. Jesse Watters: This was a huge defeat for the President on a signature issue. It's really, really bad. There's no way to spin it. Pete Hegseth: This is a swamp budget. A Mitch McConnell special. Democrats control the process. If Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer are happy, the American people shouldn't be. [Late Addition] Jeanine Pirro:The omnibus bill that Republicans gave President Trump yesterday is a total betrayal of him and those who elected him. The opposition to Trump's approval of the spending bill was nearly unanimous among the Fox News regulars. But what makes this even more ridiculous is that they didn't oppose the bill for what many would think were the obvious right-wing reasons. They didn't complain about the 1.3 trillion dollar price tag. Or the expansion of the federal debt. Or the funding for Planned Parenthood. Or the additional sanctions on Russia. Or the many other budgetary increases for government agencies that Trump and Republicans have long promised to shut down. Nope. What the Fox News critics are upset with is that Trump didn't veto the bill due to its lack of funding for the border wall. They are actually livid that Trump didn't keep his campaign promise to construct a ridiculous wall that would accomplish nothing. They would prefer that he had shut the government down until congress allocated funds for his precious wall. A wall that is opposed by the majority of Americans. It's actually pretty funny that the most fervent Trump-fluffers are hammering him over this stupidity. And you can bet that he is worried about it. He wouldn't care if some experts in finance or economics were critical of his signing this bill. But if Fox and Friends and his pal Sean Hannity are slamming him for it, he's gonna lose some sleep at Mar-A-Lago this weekend. 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. Parliament's Library Ottawa Ontario Canada This article was co-authored by Dr. Betty Martini and by Stephen Fox A letter from Karen McIntyre, Director General, Food Directorate, from Health Canada, tried to allay any and all of our fears on the aspartame issue. In my recent article (which was recently sent to every member of the Canadian Parliament), entitled Impending Epidemiological Disaster, If Health Canada Removes Labeling from Artificial Sweeteners [click here] Here is McIntyre's letter: http://www.wpwhi.com/health_canada_responds_no_to_clearly_label_sweeteners.htm Our article quoted directly from the article on regulations announcing the changes that Health Canada was intending to implement: "The FDR amendments would repeal labeling requirements related to high-intensity sweeteners such as aspartame, sucralose, acesulfame-potassium and Neotame. Food products containing these sweeteners will no longer require a statement that the food contains the substance, whether alone or in conjunction with other sweeteners, and will no longer require a declaration of the amount of high-intensity sweetener in the list of ingredients. However, where a food product contains aspartame, it will remain mandatory for there to be a declaration that phenylalanine is present." However, McIntyre wrote entirely contradictory positions about this in her recent response (the point being that deemphasizing or putting in small print any mention of artificial sweeteners is not the same as their original statement that there will be no further requirement to list them in the list of ingredients) ""Health Canada is proposing to repeal a duplicative labeling requirement for foods containing aspartame, sucralose, acesulfame-potassium, and neotame. The proposed regulatory amendments would simply remove the requirement for any of the four sweeteners mentioned above to be shown on the principal display panel of prepackaged foods. All sweeteners, including these four sweeteners, will still be required to appear in the list of ingredients on the product label as is the case for all other food additives. There is a small subset of the population that has a metabolic disorder requiring that they avoid or limit their intake of phenylalanine. Since this amino acid is present in aspartame, the label of foods sweetened with aspartame will still be required to carry a statement to the effect that aspartame contains phenylalanine (it is proposed to also allow use of the alternative statement "Phenylketonurics: contains phenylalanine"). First of all, as a lukewarm and lackadaisical step towards the ultimate real solution which would be banning aspartame, these products are not at all safe and need to be labeled up front, visibly and prominently, not just in some tiny ingredient list that a lot of people may not be able to or are not inclined to read. FDA scientists involved in the investigation of aspartame, and who asked for the original aspartame patent holder G. D. Searle to be indicted for fraud, told the Senate on 8/1/85 that aspartame was illegally on the market because it caused cancer and violated the Delaney Amendment and FDA should not have even been able to set an allowable daily intake. The FDA banned it twice, in 1974, telling them not to use it and then trying to have G. D. Searle indicted for fraud. Both US Prosecutors took positions with the defense team and the statute of limitations expired. They still sold it in 1974; a neighbor of mine was involved in building the Augusta, Georgia factory and told me about it and said it almost killed him, he was so sick. In 1980 the FDA Board of Inquiry revoked the petition for approval. Then Searle brought in Don Rumsfeld; President Reagan owed him a big favor, so Reagan wrote an executive order making the FDA powerless to sign the revoked petition into law. It was marketed through the political chicanery of Don Rumsfeld and never proven safe. Secondly, Sucralose was invented by an insecticide researcher. In this Aspartame Resource Guide, it gives you several of the serious problems that have been found with Splenda/sucralose. [.mpwhi.com/aspartame_resource_guide.pdf] Dr. Morando Soffritti of the renowned Ramazzini Institute did a study on it and found it too, to be a carcinogen. Founded in 1982, Collegium Ramazzini is an independent, international academy with 180 invited members from more than 30 countries. Its members are internationally renowned experts in the fields of occupational and environmental health. They are world renowned in cancer researcher and are "independent." For this research, Dr. Soffritti received the prestigious Irving J. Selikoff Award. Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). 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. See original here The Trump administration's new policy "effectively coerces transgender people who wish to serve into choosing between their humanity and their country, and makes it clear that transgender service members are not welcome." By Julia Conley, staff writer President Donald Trump announced late Friday that his administration planned implement a ban on transgender servicemembers in the military, months after he first threatened a new policy that was rejected by federal courts and the majority of Americans. (Image by (Photo: Ted Eytan/Flickr/cc)) Details DMCA The Trump administration's late Friday announcement that it would move ahead with a ban on transgender service members in the military -- which has previously been rejected as unconstitutional in court rulings -- was met with anger and condemnation by LGBTQ rights groups on Saturday. Chad Griffin@realChad Griffin @realDonaldTrump's barbaric ban on trans service accomplishes two things: it appeases Pence's radical zealot friends & it weakens our military. That's all. This president will forever be remembered for his bigoted and spineless attacks on trans troops bravely serving our nation. https:// twitter.com/hrc/status/977 356564477734914 8:29 PM - Mar 23, 2018 The new policy "effectively coerces transgender people who wish to serve into choosing between their humanity and their country, and makes it clear that transgender service members are not welcome," said Joshua Block, a staff attorney at the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), in a memo. The announcement comes months after Trump first threatened to ban transgender Americans from serving in the military, in a series of tweets last July. In October, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia ruled that such a policy would be unconstitutional because it was based on "disapproval of transgender people generally." Trump's new policy recommendation is based on a memo written by Defense Secretary James Mattis, who said last month that the presence of transgender troops "could undermine readiness, disrupt unit cohesion, and impose an unreasonable burden on the military that is not conducive to military effectiveness and lethality." Mattis's claims are contradicted by numerous studies, including a 2016 report by the RAND Corporation which found that transgender service members -- estimated to be 2,000 to 11,000 of the Americans who serve in the military--have had "little or no impact on unit cohesion, operational effectiveness or readiness." "This is the same reckless ban that has been rejected by the federal courts, the American Medical Association, many bipartisan members of Congress, and most of the American people," said Mara Keisling, executive director of the National Center for Transgender Equality. "Implementing this plan would cause needless chaos and expense for the military and discard valuable personnel with critical skills, not because they can't do their job but because of who they are. As we have heard military leaders and lawmakers of both parties say so many times, any American who can meet the military's tough standards and is willing to risk their life to keep our country safe should be able to serve." "From the first impulsive tweet, this policy has clearly been driven by an extreme anti-LGBTQ agenda rather than what is in the best interests of our troops and national security," said Sarah McBride, national press secretary for Human Rights Campaign. "Transgender people are enlisting and serving with distinction right now, and there is no legitimate reason to change that." In a tweeted response to the president's announcement, Vote Vets reminded the Trump administration of the sacrifices that have been made by transgender Americans who have served in the military. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 License 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. I invite you to add your photos and observations of/on the Marches you attended in the comments. Thank you! Rob Kall is an award winning journalist, inventor, software architect, connector and visionary. His work and his writing have been featured in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, CNN, ABC, the HuffingtonPost, Success, Discover and other media. Check out his platform at RobKall.com He is the author of The Bottom-up Revolution; Mastering the Emerging World of Connectivity He's given talks and workshops to Fortune 500 execs and national medical and psychological organizations, and pioneered first-of-their-kind conferences in Positive Psychology, Brain Science and Story. He hosts some of the world's smartest, most interesting and powerful people on his Bottom Up Radio Show, and founded and publishes one of the top Google- ranked progressive news and opinion sites, OpEdNews.com more detailed bio: Rob Kall has spent his adult life as an awakener and empowerer-- first in the field of biofeedback, inventing products, developing software and a music recording label, MuPsych, within the company he founded in 1978-- Futurehealth, and founding, organizing and running 3 conferences: Winter Brain, on Neurofeedback and consciousness, Optimal Functioning and Positive Psychology (a pioneer in the field of Positive Psychology, first presenting workshops on it in 1985) and Storycon Summit Meeting on the Art Science and Application of Story-- each the first of their kind. Then, when he found the process of raising people's consciousness and empowering them to take more control of their lives one person at a time was too slow, he founded Opednews.com-- which has been the top search result on Google for the terms liberal news and progressive opinion for several years. Rob began his Bottom-up Radio show, broadcast on WNJC 1360 AM to Metro Philly, also available on iTunes, covering the transition of our culture, business and world from predominantly Top-down (hierarchical, centralized, authoritarian, patriarchal, big) to bottom-up (egalitarian, local, interdependent, grassroots, archetypal feminine and small.) Recent long-term projects include a book, Bottom-up-- The Connection Revolution, debillionairizing the planet and the Psychopathy Defense and Optimization (more...) 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. Tee shirt for sale commemorating today's protest (Image by Marta Steele) Details DMCA The figures aren't official, but DC police set aside room for 500,000 participants in today's March for Our Lives, which was actually a protest that filled the lanes of Pennsylvania Avenue as far as the eye could see in both directions. Others crowded onto side streets where we viewed colossal screens of the speakers. Crowds on one side street feeding into Pennsylvania Avenue (Image by Marta Steele) Details DMCA Eight hundred similar events occurred on every continent except for Antarctica, which did participate in the Women's March 2017. In DC, pink hats dotted overhead views of the participants. There were no incidents of violence or other police intervention except for illness. The event lasted for more than three hours. The theme, of course, was advocacy for outlawing assault rifles among civilians and strict background checks for would-be gun owners. Under my breath I muttered Why have guns at all? Let us beat our swords into plowshares. . . . Where gun ownership by civilians is illegal, as in South Korea, the yearly figure for murders is laughable compared to ours. Statistics cited throughout by speakers were striking if not devastating, especially compared with those of other countries. (I didn't't have room to take notes because we were so closely clumped together.) "Enough is enough!" was the predominant chant, along with "Never Again!" A moment of silence turned into the six minutes the most recent massacre occurred, when a deranged gunman killed 17 high school students in Parkland, Florida, ironically chosen as the safest place to live in the Sunshine State not long ago. A long line of photos of victims of gun violence (Image by Marta Steele) Details DMCA The speakers were high school students, largely from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, who have escalated the battle over gun control and against NRA financial manipulation of the government to a new level--the next revolution, to be led this time by high school students instead of the university-level students who initiated the late sixties societal revolution. The timing of the event, spring, was tied in with the youthfulness of the leadership and the dawn of a new age. Significantly, among the many beautiful songs performed in between speeches, the last was Bob Dylan's "The Times They Are A'changing," emblematic of the sixties movements that so rocked society and triggered the ferocious backlash that has, I hope, culminated with Trumpism and is on its way out. The speeches were brief and hugely poignant: friends and family, all youth, of Parkland and Newtown, Connecticut, Sandy Hook Elementary School victims spoke out as well as others victimized by gun violence. One speaker vomited and then proclaimed how proud she was to have done so before an international TV audience, which drew laughter and cheers. There was remembrance of the Columbine High School massacre in Colorado in 1999. The upcoming midterm election speakers exhorted the audience to participate to get rid of NRA flunkies indifferent to gun violence (Image by Marta Steele) Details DMCA "Vote them out" was the other most frequent chant after "Enough is enough!" My heart soared. Surrounding the area of the event were volunteers to register voters and speakers again and again urged all participants to be sure to vote this November--out with the NRA stooges and in with those who will serve, rather than choose their constituents. Many volunteers exhorted attendees to register to vote in the upcoming midterm election (Image by Marta Steele) Details DMCA Several celebrities attended, but two featured as speakers, one remotely, were the Nobel laureate and martyr Malala and Martin Luther King's eloquent granddaughter, who already showed leadership and charisma at a tender age of around 8, I'd say, if not younger. 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 Gush Shalom THE CLOSER Mahmoud Abbas gets to the end of his reign, the more extreme his language becomes. Recently he spoke about Donald Trump and uttered the words "May your house be destroyed." In Arabic this is a common curse, and sounds less extreme than in English. But even in Arabic this is not a usual phrase when speaking about a head of state. This week Abbas spoke about the US, and called him a "Son of a Dog." This, too, sounds in Arabic slightly less offensive than in English, but is hardly diplomatic. It is hard to say that Friedman does not deserve it, though I would have wished, as a dog-lover, that Abbas had chosen another animal. Friedman is a kippah-wearing Jew, who identifies completely with the most extreme settlers in the occupied territories. He certainly would be more fitting as Israeli ambassador to the US than as US ambassador to Israel. That would be problematic, too, because he has called liberal American Jews "worse than Capos" -- "Capos" (short for "camp police") were the prisoners who assisted the Nazis in the concentration camps. To appoint such a Jewish fascist ambassador to Israel is -- well -- chutzpah. This could not happen in a normal country, which does not send an ambassador to a country in which he or she has a personal involvement. But Trump does not care. Not for Israel and not for Palestine. SO WHAT does Trump really care about? He cares about votes in US elections. Sending a religious Jew to serve as his ambassador in Jerusalem may gain him some votes in the US Jewish community. American Jews generally vote for the Democrats. Why? Out of habit. Generations of new immigrants to the US have voted for the Democratic party -- the Irish before the Jews, the Asians after the Jews. But most American Jews will continue to vote for the Democrats, in spite of the kippah on the head of Friedman. There are voices in the Jewish community which accuse their leaders of neglecting their own concerns, such as rising anti-Semitism, and spending all their energies supporting Israel's extreme right-wing government. But Trump has far more important supporters: the millions of evangelists. These peculiar Christian fanatics have a special vision: they believe that Jesus Christ will return once all the Jews congregate in the Holy Land. They do not like to mention what they expect to happen next: the Jews will convert to Christianity, and those who do not will perish. Sounds strange? It sure is strange. But Trump needs these millions of votes, without which he would not have been elected in the first place. He acts according to the beliefs of this sect. As a result, the President of the US totally ignores the rights of the Palestinian people and their aspirations. According to him, the Palestinians must accept what is offered to them, as a dog must accept what his master throws to him and wag his tail. What exactly? Trump's masterful Peace Plan is still wrapped in secrecy. But it is enough to know who is in charge of it: his Jewish son-in-law, Jared Kushner. Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). 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. By Dave Lindorff John Bolton, back from the dead with his neocon ideology (Image by Gage Skidmore) Details DMCA John Bolton, the man named this past week by President Trump to be his new national security advisor, is like that rotting corpse of the torturing rapist local yokel that erupts from the water at the very end of the movie "Deliverance," returning to remind its former victims of the horrors they had endured earlier and thought they'd finally rid themselves of. One of the most bloodthirsty members of a gang of war-mongering neo-conservatives (almost all, like him, having no military experience themselves), who ran foreign policy during the Bush/Cheney administration, Bolton is a man who for years has been pushing for an imperial US policy to combat domestic economic decline. According this numbskull notion, Washington should attempt to maintain US primacy in the world affairs through force of arms, picking fights, starting wars, overthrowing governments and playing existentially risky games of chicken with nuclear powers like Russia and China. He and the wacko ideology known as neoconservatism, have returned with Bolton as a National Security Advisor, in this case to advise a president who thinks nuclear weapons are meant to be used. Now I'm not one who thinks that military experience should be seen as some kind of prerequisite, much less a positive attribute, for appointment to a top federal post, even when that post has to do with military affairs or foreign affairs. Certainly a well-educated and thoughtful person, male or female, with no military experience, could do a better job running the Pentagon, the State Department -- or the National Security Council -- than a host of veterans of those posts who boasted rows of medals and colorful honors on the uniforms they either wore or kept as souvenirs in their closets. That said, when someone like Bolton, who is a fanatic warmonger, has repeatedly advocated "pre-emptive" war as the go-to option for dealing with an international dispute, and is ready at the slightest assertion of independence on the part of any foreign power to call for bombing and for sending tens or hundreds of thousands of US troops into harm's and harming's way, I would insist that such a person, before being placed in a position of significant power and influence in the US government have had, as a bare minimum, at least some actual experience with combat. Instead we have an apparently perfectly healthy 69-year-old nut-job who turned 18 in 1967, right at the height of the US war against Vietnam, but who, despite being an ardent supporter of that war, used student deferments and who knows what other slippery excuses to avoid fighting in it, now being made Trump's latest top advisor on issues of war and peace" Quicklink Not Found Sometimes, authors delete their quicklinks after publishing them. To see if the quicklink was renamed or re-published, please click here. Holey Artisan victims` families to get Tk 15 lakh each Staff Reporter : The government on Sunday has decided to hand over Tk 15 lakh each to the Holy Artisan victims' families, who were killed by extremists in this cafe in the city two years ago. "As the part of the decision the government yesterday handed over Tk 15 lakh to each of three Bangladeshi families and an Indian at programme at Police auditorium in the city," said Shamsur Rahman, Additional Secretary of the Home Ministry. He added, "It is not compensation or any grant or any assistance. It is rather a mark of our sympathy towards the victims." "Families of Italian victims wanted to know from our ambassador in Rome if we could compensate. We took this proposal to our Prime Minister and she said we can do something for all, though it is not possible to compensate their loss," he said. On July 1, 2016, five armed men entered the Holey Artisan Bakery, took dozens of hostages and killing 22 of them, including nine Italians and seven Japanese. Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal handed over the money to families of three Bangladeshi victims and an Indian at a programme at Police Auditorium in Dhaka. Japanese ambassadors to Dhaka Hiroyasu Izumi and representative of Rome-based Food and Agriculture Organisation David Doolan were also present. The Home minister said Bangladesh is now ready to face any extremist activities. "We are now ready to face any terrorist attack, the extremism, our police forces, security forces, they in their skills, professionalism can face any challenge," he said. Police could trace involvement of 21 people in the terror attack. Among them, 13 people were killed during their different operations and six people have been arrested while two suspects are absconding. 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. (Image by Egberto Willies) Details DMCA This time just may be different. The message articulated by this conservative woman should scare not only politicians owned by the NRA but the National Rifle Association themselves. I attended the March For Our Lives rally as KPFT 90.1 FM's Politics Done Right reporter. I interviewed many people about their reasons for attending the rally. The person that gave me the most hope other than this groundbreaking work by high schoolers was Gill Hoffman, a staunch Conservative. This Conservative woman had a lot to say as she called out the National Rifle Association as a failed organization that does not care about the interest of the people. I asked her given the stance of Conservatives on the gun control issue why she was there. Her answer was thoughtful and profound. "The narrative has resulted in most people thinking that generally speaking Conservative are aligned with the NRA," Jill Hoffman said. "In my experience, most Conservatives are not aligned with the NRA. But the NRA speaks for all Conservatives, and that is just not what we need to represent. The NRA is not a good actor. They are deceptive. They are a 501.C4 organization, and they should have limitations on how much they could lobby for their tax status. They clearly have much more influence than a 501.C4 organization should have. And I think that Conservatives like myself believe that this is an issue where there is a lot more common ground than not. And we need to be the ones speaking up and neutralize the NRA's influence." The polls agree with Ms. Huffman. Most Americans do not support the policies of the NRA. Jill Hoffman was not alone. Many people at the rally wanted others at the rally to know they were no bleeding heart Liberals trying to take America's guns away. They said they wanted sensible gun control like everyone else. 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. See original here A major new investigation has just been published into Trump's business partnerships in India and the conflicts of interest these deals pose for the White House. The new cover story for The New Republic is titled "Political Corruption and the Art of the Deal." In it, journalist Anjali Kamat notes the Trump Organization has entered into more deals in India than in any other foreign country. These deals, she writes, are worth an estimated $1.5 billion and produced royalties of up to $11 million between 2014 and 2017. During her year-long investigation, Kamat traced Trump's India partners' long history of facing lawsuits, police inquiries and government investigations that contain evidence of potential bribery, fraud, intimidation, illegal land acquisition, tax evasion and money laundering. This is a rush transcript. Copy may not be in its final form. AMY GOODMAN: We turn now to a major new investigation into Trump's business partnerships in India and the conflicts of interest these deals pose for the White House. The new cover story article for The New Republic is headlined "Political Corruption and the Art of the Deal." In it, journalist Anjali Kamat notes the Trump Organization has entered into more deals in India than in any other foreign country. These deals, she writes, are worth an estimated $1.5 billion and produced royalties of up to $11 million between 2014 and 2017. During her year-long investigation, Anjali Kamat traced Trump's India partners' long history of facing lawsuits, police inquiries and government investigations that contain evidence of potential bribery, fraud, intimidation, illegal land acquisition, tax evasion and money laundering. Donald Trump Jr. has made repeated trips to India, as recently as last month. Last year, Ivanka Trump headed the U.S. delegation to a Global Entrepreneurship Summit. And President Trump himself has welcomed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a far-right Hindu nationalist, to the White House, as well as entertained politically connected Indian real estate developers at Trump Tower in Manhattan shortly after his November 2016 election. The New Republic investigation comes as The Washington Post reveals one of the Trump Organization's real estate partners in India has been accused of large-scale fraud and swindling investors out of $147 million. Well, for more, we're joined now by Anjali Kamat, an award-winning investigative journalist, reporter with the Investigative Fund, and Belle Zeller visiting professor at Brooklyn College. Her cover story for The New Republic, again, "Political Corruption and the Art of the Deal," which is accompanied by a podcast, Trump, Inc., from WNYC and ProPublica. The project was reported in partnership with the Wayne Barrett Project at the Investigative Fund. Previously, Anjali Kamat was a producer and correspondent for Al Jazeera's Fault Lines and Democracy Now! Welcome back to Democracy Now! ANJALI KAMAT: Thanks, Amy. AMY GOODMAN: It's great to have you with us, Anjali. So, talk about this amazing, this epic, 1-year investigation. And it comes out right on the heels of Donald J. Trump under enormous fire here in the United States for going to push Trump business interests in India. ANJALI KAMAT: You know, Donald Jr. made this visit to India last month. He visited four cities in four days. He got massive press coverage, most of it very, very positive, in India. And he was there to sell apartments in -- Trump-branded apartments in his projects across the country. And the thing to remember here is that the Trump Organization's largest overseas portfolio is in India. They've got five active projects there right now. And only one of those projects is actually completed, so four of them are still in various stages of construction, and they're selling pre-construction apartments. And the way they were advertising sales for these apartments is by offering access to Don Jr. So, right before Don Jr.'s visit, about a month before, there was an advertisement that was taken out that said the first hundred buyers of this one project, that's right near the capital, New Delhi, would get flown to New York to visit Don Jr. When Don Jr. was actually coming to India, the weekend before, newspapers in New Delhi, all the major English newspapers, had full front-page cover ads that said, you know, "Trump has arrived. Are you invited?" "Trump is here. Are you coming?" You know, and anyone who could put down a deposit, of about $39,000 to $40,000, on an apartment would get a chance to have dinner with Don Jr. So, it raises a lot of questions about potential conflicts of interest. And the other thing about Don Jr.'s visit to India is, initially, when he first planned his trip, he was supposed to speak at a conference, at a Global Business Summit that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was also speaking at. And he was supposed to give a foreign policy speech on Indo-Pacific relations. This raised a lot of questions among ethics experts in the U.S. And then, so, at the last minute, that speech was changed to a fireside chat and was just a conversation with a journalist. AMY GOODMAN: So, let's go to an interview Donald Trump Jr. did last month in India with CNBC's Indian affiliate. DONALD TRUMP JR.: I think there is something about the spirit of the Indian people that's unique here to other parts of the emerging world. I can -- you know, you go through a town, and you -- you know, and I don't mean to be glib about it, but you can see the poorest of the poor, and there's a -- there's still a smile on a face. You say hello. You -- it's a different spirit, that you don't see in other parts of the world, where people walk around so solemn. And I think there's something unique about that, that doesn't exist elsewhere. And it always struck me, as, you know, I know some of the most successful people in the world, and some of them are the most miserable people in the world. AMY GOODMAN: In a separate interview during his visit to India, Trump Jr. said Indian buyers were "starved for luxury" in their own country and that Trump properties would delivery that luxury to Indian consumers. Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). 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 Paul Craig Roberts Website I agree with Stephen Lendman (below) that the Russian government's efforts to deal with the West on the basis of evidence and law are futile. There is only one Western foreign policy and it is Washington's. Washington's "diplomacy" consists only of lies and force. It was a reasonable decision for Russia to attempt diplomatic engagement with the West on the basis of facts, evidence, and law, but it has been to no avail. For Russia to continue on this failed course is risky, not only to Russia but to the entire world. Indeed, nothing is more dangerous to the world than Russia's self-delusion about "Western partners." Russia only has Western enemies. These enemies intend to remove the constraint that Russia (and China) place on Washington's unilateralism. The various incidents staged by the West, such as the Skirpal poisoning, Syrian use of chemical weapons, Malaysian airliner, and false charges, such as Russian invasion of Ukraine, are part of the West's determined intent to isolate Russia, deny her any influence, and prepare the insouciant Western populations for conflict with Russia. To avoid war Russia should turn her back, but not her eyes, on the West, stop responding to false charges, evict all Western embassies and every other kind of presence including Western investment, and focus on relations with China and the East. Russia's attempt to pursue mutual interests with the West only results in more orchestrated incidents. The Russian government's failure to complete the liberation of Syria has given Washington Syrian territory from which to renew the conflict. The failure to accept Luhansk and Donetsk into Russia has provided Washington with the opportunity to arm and train the Ukrainian army and renew the assault on the Russian populations of Ukraine. Washington has gained many proxies for its wars against Russia and intends to use them to wear down Russia. Israel has demanded that Washington renew the attacks on Iran, and Trump is complying. Russia faces simultaneous attacks on Syria, Iran, and the Donetsk and Luhansk Republics, along with troubles in former Central Asian republics of the Soviet Union and intensified accusations from Washington and NATO. The crazed neoconservatives, such as Trump's National Security Adviser John Bolton, think that Russia will buckle under the strains, sue for peace, and accept US hegemony. If this assumption is incorrect, the outcome of Washington's hostile actions against Russia is likely to be nuclear war. The side that Stephen Lendman and I are talking is neither the side of Washington nor Russia, but the side of humanity and all life against nuclear war. How the Russian government could ignore the clearly stated US hegemony in the 1992 Wolfowitz Doctrine is a mystery. The Wolfowitz doctrine states that the US's primary goal is "to prevent the re-emergence of a new rival, either on the territory of the former Soviet Union or elsewhere, that poses a threat on the order of that posed formerly by the Soviet Union." The doctrine stresses that "this is a dominant consideration underlying the new regional defense strategy and requires that we endeavor to prevent any hostile power from dominating a region whose resources would, under consolidated control, be sufficient to general global power." In the Middle East and Southwest Asia, Washington's "overall objective is to remain the predominant outside power in the region and preserve US and Western access to the region's oil." The doctrine also states that the US will act to restrain India's alleged "hegemonic aspirations" in South Asia, and warns of potential conflicts requiring military intervention with Cuba and China. By "threat" Wolfowitz does not mean a military threat. By "threat" he means a multi-polar world that constrains Washington's unilateralism. The doctrine states that the US will permit no alternative to US unilateralism. The doctrine is a statement that Washington intends hegemony over the entire world. There has been no repudiation of this doctrine. Indeed, we see its implementation in the long list of false accusations and demonizations of Russia and her leader and in the false charges against Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, Somalia, Yemen, Venezuela, China, Iran, and North Korea. If Russia wants to be part of the West, Russia should realize that the price is the same loss of sovereignty that characterizes Washington's European vassal states. Neocon Takeover of Washington Completed by Stephen Lendman Pompeo at State and Bolton as Trump's national security advisor completed the neocon takeover of Trump's geopolitical agenda. Wall Street is running domestic affairs. The combination represents a major setback for world peace and stability. Greater aggression is likely, along with the triumph of neoliberal harshness over social justice, presenting a dismal and frightening state of affairs. What to expect ahead? War in Syria is more likely to escalate than wind down, an unthinkable US/Russia confrontation ominously possible. The Iran nuclear deal is either doomed, or likely to be gutted by Washington, accomplishing the same thing -- with only tepid, ineffective opposition from P5+1 countries Britain, France and Germany. The EU most often bends to Washington's will when enough pressure is applied. Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). Quotation Not Found Sometimes, authors delete their quotations after publishing them. To see if the quotation was renamed or re-published, please click here. Pest Control Services Market is set to increase at over 5% CAGR in during the forecast period 2016 - 2026 https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-260 https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-gb-260 The US$ 16 Bn global pest control services market is set to increase at over 5% CAGR in the next decade, according to a new market forecast report by Future Market Insights (FMI). The report, titled, Pest Control Services Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment, 2016 - 2026, offers 10-year forecast and analysis on the basis of application, service, end-users, and region.Rising awareness among consumers on the importance of pest control is anticipated to ramp up demand for pest control and management during the forecast period. Increase in construction activity on account of rapid urbanisation and economic development is also expected to fuel the growth of the market.Request For Report Sample@Global regulations and legislations on consumer safety are anticipated to boost adoption of pest control management as a standard operational procedure in end-use industries, especially in food and beverage manufacturing. End-use industries are focus on compliance with certification standards set by the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and AIB International, and this is expected to contribute to the growth of the market in the future.Other key factors anticipated to shape up demand for pest control services include climate change (various pests thrive in warmer climates), rise in international tourism, and easy availability pest control and management solutions.Technology Making Inroads in Pest Control LandscapeUse of technology is growing in the pest control landscape, with many companies using smartphone apps and mobile communication technology to offer highly effective services to their clients. Concerns about the potential health- and environmental-impact of pest control chemicals is influencing manufacturers to include organic chemicals in their offerings.North America and Western Europe Dominant Markets, APEJ to Witness Robust GrowthNorth America and Western Europe are currently the largest markets for pest control services, collectively accounting for 60% revenue share of the market in 2015. Demand for pest control services in Asia Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ) is expected to witness strong growth during the forecast period. FMI estimates the APEJ pest control services market to increase at a CAGR of 6.5% during the forecast period.The key application segments on which FMIs reports offers market forecast and analysis include,Ants ControlBedbug ControlBeetle ControlBird ControlCockroaches ControlMosquito & Flies ControlRat & Rodent ControlTermites ControlOthers (Home Lizards, Moths Mites and Reptiles)Among these, demand for termite control is currently the highest, followed by mosquito and flies control. FMI estimates the termite control segment to increase at 6.3% CAGR through 2026, whereas the mosquito and flies control segment is anticipated to expand at 5.8% CAGR.Browse the full "Pest Control Services Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment, 2016 - 2026"On the basis of service, the market has been segmented into,Chemical control servicesMechanical control servicesOther pest control services (moisture control, sanitation, etc.)Among these, the chemical control services segment is anticipated to witness high growth, increasing at 5.4% CAGR during the forecast period.The key end-use segments of the global pest control services market are,ResidentialAgricultureCommercialIndustrialThe commercial end-use segment currently accounts for the highest revenue share currently, whereas the agriculture segment is expected to increase at the highest CAGR during the forecast period.Visit For TOC@Leading Players Looking to Boost Presence in Emerging MarketsLeading companies profiled in FMIs report include Ecolab, Inc., Rollins, Inc., Rentokil Initial Plc., Service Master Global Holdings, Inc. (Terminix), Massey Services Inc., Arrow Exterminators Inc., Sanix Incorporated, Asante Inc. and Dodson Brothers Exterminating Company Incorporated. The pest control service market is highly fragmented and larger players are focused towards enhancing their geographical presence and expanding their customer base by entering into strategic mergers and acquisitions with regional players.ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACTFuture Market Insights616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: http.futuremarketinsights.com Interactive Whiteboard Market is expected to register a value CAGR of -17.0% from 2016 to 2026 https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-649 https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-gb-649 According to a new market report published by Future Market Insights, titled Interactive Whiteboard Market - Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment 2016 - 2026, the global interactive whiteboard market was valued at US$ 1,257.3 Mn in 2015 and is expected to register a value CAGR of -17.0% from 2016 to 2026.The global interactive whiteboard market is segmented on the basis of digitising technology, endusers and region.On the basis of digitising technology, the market is segmented into digital vision touch (DViT) technology, infrared digitising technology, electromagnetic digitizing technology and others (LASER, resistive, capacitive, ultrasonic etc.).Request For Report Sample@Among digitising technology segments, DViT technology is the most dominant digitizing technology segment in the market currently. The growth of DViT digitising technology segment is mainly driven by its attractive and sleek design with advanced features capable to enhanced user experience within limited budget.On the basis of endusers, the market is segmented into education sector and others. Among endusers, education sector is the most dominant segment mainly driven by low price of interactive whiteboard and its benefits to students in teaching applications.This report also covers trends driving each market segment and offers analysis and insights on the potential of the interactive whiteboard market across key regions, namely North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific (APAC) and the Middle East & Africa. Furthermore, the market is sub-segmented on the basis of the major countries in each region in order to provide a better regional analysis of the global interactive whiteboard market.Browse the full "Interactive Whiteboard Market - Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment 2016 - 2026"Interactive Whiteboard Market: Region-wise SegmentationAPAC was the largest market for interactive whiteboard in 2015, wherein it has been estimated to be valued at US$ 761.3 Mn. The North America interactive whiteboard market has been estimated to be valued at US$ 162.1 Mn in 2015 and is expected to decline at a value CAGR of -18.9% during the forecast period. Availability of advanced alternative technologies (portable projectors, interactive flat panel displays and other interactive screens) with more features at no/very less maintenance cost are key reasons for declining growth in the region.Visit For TOC@Key players identified in the global interactive whiteboard market include SMART Technologies Inc., Promethean World plc., Hitachi, Ltd., Panasonic Corporation, Steelcase Inc., Julong Educational Technology Co., Ltd., Touch IT Technologies Inc., Xiamen Interactive Technology Co., Ltd, TURNING TECHNOLOGIES, LLC. and Egan Teamboard. A competitive dashboard is included in the report to provide detailed information about the key market players.ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACTFuture Market Insights616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: http.futuremarketinsights.com Frozen Ready Meal Market will expand at a moderate CAGR of 4.3% and bring through 2026 https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-6113 https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-gb-6113 The key role of refrigeration in the global supply chain of food products has driven the use of freezing and frozen storage units. Along with packaging, freezing of foods has played an instrumental role in the value chain of food products, particularly for meals. Consumers are opting for frozen ready meals to meet their basic nutrition requirements in proactive lifestyles. According to Future Market Insights recent report, the demand for frozen ready meals is expected to witness steady demands in the foreseeable future. However, the report also addresses that shortcomings in the global cold chain and growing complexities in production of frozen ready meals will continue to remain key market growth impediments.Key findings from the report reveal that the global frozen ready meals market will expand at a moderate CAGR of 4.3% and bring in an estimated revenues worth over US$ 47 Bn. The report has analyzed several factors influencing the growth dynamics of the global frozen ready meals market. Among which, quality and safety are observed to be the key factors influencing the production and the sales of frozen ready meals.Request For Report Sample@Absolute Compliance to Quality and Safety StandardsCompanies partaking in the global frozen ready meals market are expected to be compliant to the safety and food quality standards set by regional and global regulatory bodies. Players namely, General Mills, McCain Foods Ltd., Nestle S.A., Daiya Foods Inc., Dr. Oetker GmbH, Conagra Brands, Inc., Connies Pizza, California Pizza Kitchen, Atkins Nutritionals, Inc., FRoSTA AG, and H.J. Heinz are expected to follow production techniques that retain the quality of the frozen ready meals. Moreover, these companies are expected to invest millions in developing methods for making frozen ready meals safer to the common consumer. Collaborating with the right packaging partner will also instrument a greater safety of the frozen ready meals being produced. New machineries are being developed to facilitate the cook-assemble-freeze manufacturing of these meals at a large scale. Cold storage companies are witnessing a consolidation to ensure that the fluctuating storage conditions do not degrade the quality of frozen ready meals to higher extent.APEJ to Register High Demand for Frozen Ready Meals through 2026The report has provided an intensity map which reveals that a majority of market players will concentrate their production in the Asia-Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ) region. The APEJ frozen ready meals market is expected to witness highest and fastest expansion during the forecast period, in terms of production as well as sales. Consumers in the APEJ region are estimated to be more inclined towards frozen ready meals against fresh meals due to the ease of reheating and thawing over preparing the meals from scratch. Europe and North America are also expected to witness considerable growth in terms of sales of frozen ready meals. Large food chain services in these developed regions will showcase a considerable end-use of frozen ready meals through 2026.Visit For TOC@The report further reveals that the global frozen ready meals market will witness highest end-use among food chain services, followed by modern trade outlets. By the end of 2026, more than US$ 16.6 Bn worth of frozen ready meals will be used by food chain services across the globe. The report also reveals that chicken meals will be a top-selling product in the overall frozen ready meals landscape. In 2017 and beyond, more than one-third of revenues procured in the global frozen ready meals market will be accounted by the sales of frozen ready chicken meals.ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACTFuture Market Insights616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: http.futuremarketinsights.com Pulse Flour Market is projected to register CAGR of 10.7%. the forecast period 2017 - 2026 https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-6123 https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-gb-6123 According to the latest report by Future Market Insights (FMI), the global pulse flour market is expected to witness significant growth. The market is projected to register CAGR of 10.7%. The global pulse flour market is projected to bring in US$ 28,824.1 million revenue by the end of 2026. Containing high fiber, a small amount of glycemic index, pulses are the rich source of protein, iron, magnesium and potassium, and also contains amino acid in large amount. Hence, increasing number of people have started consuming pulse flour instead of rice or wheat flour. Also, with the increasing number of consumers becoming health conscious and various initiatives taken by government in various countries to encourage pulse flour industry are driving the growth of the global pulse flour market.Increasing demand for clean-taste flour is also the latest trend gaining traction in the pulse flour market. Hence, manufacturers are also focusing on producing clean-taste flour to meet the nutritional requirement of customers. The producers of pulse flour are also conducting research on the pulse refining techniques. Pulse flours are also being used in baked goods. Pulse flour is also finding its way into beverages as the source of protein. The pulse flour is also witnessing increasing demand form snacks and bakery producers. Hence, other food product manufacturers are also opting for ingredients that include pulse flour.Request For Report Sample@Forecast Highlights on the Global Pulse Flour MarketThe global pulse flour market is segmented on the basis of product type, distribution channel, application, and region. The product type is further segmented into chickpea, lentils, pea, beans, and other product types. Chickpea is expected to be sold on a large scale during 2017-2026. Chickpea flour is projected to generate more than US$ 10,200 million revenue by the end of the forecast period.By distribution channel, the market is segmented into modern trade, food chain services, convenience store, online store, departmental store, and other distribution channels. Food chain services are expected to sell pulse flour on a large scale. By the end of 2026, food chain services are projected to exceed US$ 8,100 million in terms of value.Based on the application, the market is further segmented into Bakery and Confectionery, Extruded products, Beverages, Animal Feed, Dairy Products, and other applications. Bakery and confectionery are expected to be the largest users of pulse flour through 2026. Towards the end of 2026, bakery and confectionery segment is projected to bring in more than US$ 11,300 million revenue.Region-wise the market segmentation includes Europe, Asia Pacific Excluding Japan (APEJ), Latin America, Japan, North America, and the Middle East and Africa (MEA). Among the given regions, Asia Pacific Excluding Japan (APEJ) is expected to be the leading region in the global pulse flour market during 2017-2026. Due to the increased cultivation of pulses APEJ is anticipated to witness the highest growth in terms of revenue. Changing consumer preferences and rise in the health-conscious population in countries such as India and China are also driving the pulse flour market growth in the region.Visit For TOC@Leading Companies Competing in the Global Pulse Flour MarketADM, Ingredion, The Scoular Company, Anchor Ingredients, SunOpta, EHL Limited, Diefenbaker Spice & Pulse, Batory Foods, Blue Ribbon, Best Cooking Pulses, Great Western Grain, Bean Growers Australia, CanMar Grain Products, and Parakh Agro Industries Ltd, are some of the leading companies in the global pulse flour market.ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACTFuture Market Insights616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: http.futuremarketinsights.com Fortified Dairy Products Market in revenues more than US$ 150,000 Mn by 2026 https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-6371 https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-gb-6371 A new Future Market Insights report envisages the global fortified dairy products market to record an impressive CAGR during the forecast period, 2017 to 2026. According to the report, worldwide sales of fortified dairy products are poised to bring in revenues more than US$ 150,000 Mn by 2026-end. According to WHO, many school children are being afflicted with the deficiency of vitamin A. Therefore, vitamin A-fortified dairy products hold immense potential in curtailing this deficiency.With soaring utilization of fortified dairy products, the fortifying agent manufacturers have been concentrating on identification of novel micronutrients in accordance with the development of new, innovative solutions for manufacturers of end-products. A major challenge that prevails for manufacturers of fortified dairy products is the provision of required calcium content comprising products while retaining the products taste and appealing properties. Companies actively contributing to growth of global fortified dairy products market, as profiled by FMIs report, include Fonterra Group Cooperative Limited, BASF SE, Nestle S.A., General Mills, Inc., Bright Dairy & Food Co., Ltd., Danone, China Modern Dairy Holdings Ltd., GCMMF Ltd., Arla Foods UK Plc, and Dean Foods Company.Request For Report Sample@Need to Replenish Lost Nutrients drives Penetration of Fortification into Dairy ProductsThe dairy industry is one of the most promising among various applications in the food and beverage sector. Although dairy products are deemed as excellent source of essential nutrients, many processing methods that include ultra-heat treatment, pasteurization, spray drying, and heating result into loss of certain imperative nutrients. Replenishing lost nutrients has therefore become imperative, and fortification has emerged as a highly effective method for retaining lost nutrients in dairy products. Moreover, dairy products that are fortified with vitamin D enable improvement in the absorption rate of calcium along with maintaining blood calcium level.Health-conscious consumers have commenced consumption of yogurts, eyeing them as healthier alternatives to the dairy products including ice creams and milkshakes, which are rich in calories. Accelerated penetration of fortification technology into yogurts has further propelled sale of functional food products. Several countries around the world are better understanding importance of fortification and accepting practice of fortifying dairy products, thereby boosting sales of these products. On the other hand, relatively higher price of fortified dairy products compared to their non-fortified counterparts will curb their adoption among developing and low-income countries to a certain extent.APEJ to Dominate Global Fortified Dairy Products MarketThe global market for fortified dairy products will continue to be dominated by Asia-Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ), with sales poised to reach nearly US$ 50,000 Mn in revenues by 2026-end. Revenues from the market in APEJ are slated to exhibit the highest CAGR through 2026, followed by North America. Europe will prevail as the second most lucrative market for fortified dairy products. The market in North America will rise at a relatively higher CAGR than that in Europe through 2026.Milk powder and formula is expected to remain the leading revenue contributing product in the market, trailed by milk and flavored milk. Flavored milk is expected to persist as the fast-selling product in the market through 2026. Sales of dairy-based yogurt and milk in the global fortified dairy products market are expected to record a parallel rise through 2026.Visit For TOC@Modern Trade to Remain Leading Sales Channel for Fortified Dairy ProductsIn terms of revenues, modern trade is expected to remain the leading sales channel for fortified dairy products, with an estimated market share of over 30% during the forecast period. Revenues from fortified dairy products sales in convenience stores and departmental stores will also remain significant, collectively poised to close in approximately similar to those obtained from sales in modern trade.Although vitamins will remain dominant among micronutrients used for fortifying dairy products in terms of revenues, sales of minerals are expected to register the fastest growth in the market through 2026.ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACTFuture Market Insights616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: http.futuremarketinsights.com Energy Harvesting Market Poised to Garner Maximum Revenues During 2017 - 2025 https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/10813 https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/10813 https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/ Energy harvesting is a process which capture small amount of energy from various occurring natural resources such as heat, sound and vibration. It also use to accumulate and store this captured energy from natural resources for later use. Moreover, this captured energy helps to improve the overall efficiency of energy harvesting system.Request to View TOC @In energy harvesting system, energy can be stored in independent small and autonomous sensors by using trending micro-electro-mechanical-system technology. The energy harvested for wireless sensors and consumer electronics devices will significantly improve reliability and environmental sustainability of low power devices. Energy harvesting systems are being used for various applications such as indoor environment control system, lighting system and safety system.Most of the critical infrastructure components are totally dependent on the energy source or energy generating systems to perform their tasks. Although, emergence of innovative energy harvesting technologies such as ocean energy harvesting will grow the market of energy harvesting system in positive manner.Energy Harvesting: Drivers and ChallengesThe major factors driving the market of energy harvesting system includes growing usage of internet of things (IOT) for automation such as building and home automation application. These applications has acquire energy harvesting system for powering their wireless sensor network. Moreover, the demand for energy harvesting system is rapidly increasing owing to growing awareness of energy conservation for safe and durable power resources. Light energy harvesting system holds the largest market share and it is growing in positive manner. Light energy harvesting system uses solar energy, UV light and IR light which provide power to low power electronics devices such as complementary metal oxide semiconductor.Major challenge faced by energy harvesting system market is high initial cost and lack of expertise which is hindering the growth of energy harvesting system market.Segmentation on the basis of technology:,, Electromagnetic Energy Harvesting., Thermal Energy Harvesting., Light Energy Harvesting., Vibration Energy Harvesting., Thermoelectric Energy Harvesting., Segmentation on the basis of application, Building and Home Automation., Industrial., Transport., Security., Consumer Electronics.Request Sample Report@Some of the key players of energy harvesting system market are: ABB LTD, Fujitsu, Honeywell international, Siemens AG, Microchip technology Inc., Convergence wireless, Cymbet Corporation, STMicroelectronics, Texas instruments.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb: ACC seeks tougher punishment for Khaleda Staff Reporter : The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) on Sunday filed an appeal petition with the High Court (HC) to increase the punishment awarded to BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia in Zia Orphanage Trust case. The trial court jailed Khaleda Zia for five years in the case on February 8. ACC on Sunday submitted the petition to the High Court saying that the five other accused in the same case were given 10 years imprisonment. But the lower court sentenced Khaleda Zia, the prime accused, five years imprisonment only. It is inadequate, ACC's lawyer advocate Khurshed Alam Khan told the journalists. The ACC in the appeal prayed to the High Court to enhance the sentence given to Khaleda in Zia OrphanageTrust case, he added.He said, he will take steps for holding hearing on the petition in the HC on Wednesday. On February 8, Khaleda Zia was jailed for five years in Zia Orphanage case filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission in 2008. Judge of the Special Court-5 of Dhaka also sentenced Khaleda Zia's eldest son and BNP Senior Vice-Chairman Tarique Rahman, and four others to 10 years' rigorous imprisonment and slapped a fine of Tk 2.10 crore each. On March 12, the High Court bench comprising Justice M Enayetur Rahim and Justice Shahidul Karim granted bail to BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia for four months in the case. The Anti-Corruption Commission and the government filed two separate appeal petitions against the HC order to stay the bail on the following day. On March 14, the Supreme Court stayed the High Court order that granted bail to BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia till March 18. The SC also directed both the parties to file leave to appeal petitions by this time. The both parties filed leave to appeal petitions on March 15 and the SC heard those petitions on March 18. After concluding hearing the SC stayed the bail till May 8. Talent Management Software Market: Global Industry Analysis and Forecast 2017 - 2025 https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/14257 https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/14257 https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/ Talent management software is the set of application tools which aids human resource professionals to manage employees details under which it offers four varied services including recruitment, performance management, learning & development and talent development. Talent management software aids in compiling data points of the employee lifecycle which can be used for recruitment in a more efficient way and for training and development purposes. Employee related information is designed and used as predictive data which aids in having a better understanding about the employees. The data is then used by decision makers while making strategic decisions.Request to View TOC @Talent management software ensures that they comply with the labor policies across various industries as well as it provides customized solutions according to cultures, languages, localized needs and workforce dynamics which aids in the growth of talent management software market. Companies are working towards getting the right mix of people and the talent sets meeting the requirement and talent management is an important aspect from the companys perspective and the factor is driving the demand for talent management software market.,,Segmentation of Talent Management Software Market on the basis of deployment:,, On-premise, Cloud ,,Segmentation of Talent Management Software Market on the basis of verticals:,, BFSI, Manufacturing, IT & telecom, E-commerce, Recruitment Consultancies, Others ,,Segmentation of Talent Management Software Market on the basis of organization size:,, Small organizations, Mid-size organizations, Large organizations ,,Segmentation of Talent Management Software Market on the basis of geography:,, North America (U.S., Canada), Latin America (Mexico, Brazil), Western Europe (Germany, Italy, France, U.K, Spain, Nordic countries, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg),, Eastern Europe (Poland, Russia), Asia-Pacific (China, India, ASEAN, Australia & New Zealand), Japan, The Middle East and Africa (GCC, South Africa, North Africa)On the basis of geography, talent management software market can be segmented into seven key markets namely North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, APAC, Japan, Middle East and Africa. Among all the regions, North America is expected to dominate the market of talent management software because of the presence of major companies in the BFSI sector in the region. North America is expected to be followed by Asia-Pacific and Europe region.Recruitment being one of the key function offered by talent management software, an increase in demand for automated recruitment process will drive the talent software market. Others factors such as increasing penetration of mobile and app technology among the professionals will encourage more companies to adopt talent management software, supported by increasing usage of mobile and apps by candidates for the job application, because of which more and more recruiters will get attracted towards talent management software. However, challenges such as intense competition, integration issues, and rapid technology advancements are some of the challenges for talent management software market.Request Sample Report@Competitive LandscapeMajor players in the field of talent management software include IBM Corporation, Oracle Corp, SAP, Workday, Inc., Cornerstone OnDemand, Halogen Software Inc. etc.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb: Spray Drying Equipment Market to Register Steady Growth During 2017 - 2025 https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/15742 https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/15742 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com Spray drying is a technique to produce a dry powder from slurry or liquid with a hot air. Spray drying equipment is used for drying thermally sensitive materials including pharmaceuticals and food products. The global spray drying equipment market is expected have substantial growth with significant revenue share over the forecast period, attributed to high demand for the thermally sensitive technique for drying food and pharmaceutical materials.Global Spray Drying Equipment Market: DynamicsThe growth of the global spray drying equipment market is driven by the growing pharmaceutical, food, and chemical industry. Some macroeconomic factors making a positive impact on global spray drying equipment market includes rapid rate of urbanization, increasing population, changing lifestyle, and increasing domestic income. The trend identified in the global spray drying equipment market is the high investment in technological advancements in order to develop the equipment.Request Report for TOC @The spray drying equipment market players have a significant opportunity in Asia Pacific attributed to rapidly growing pharmaceutical industry. The global spray drying equipment market players also have potential to penetrate the market through food industry application such as food encapsulation.Global Spray Drying Equipment Market: SegmentationGlobal spray drying equipment market is segmented by product type, end-use industry, and region. On the basis of product type, the global spray drying equipment market is fragmented as nozzle atomizer spray dryer, rotary atomizer spray dryer, centrifugal spray dryer, closed loop spray dryer, and fluidized spray dryer. Among these, nozzle atomizer spray dryer segment is expected to contribute for the significant revenue share with a relatively high growth rate over the forecast period in global spray drying equipment market, owing to high demand for food processing technique for heat sensitive food products. Rotary atomizer spray dryer segment is followed by nozzle atomizer spray dryer segment.On the basis of the end-use industry, the global spray drying equipment market is segmented as the pharmaceutical industry, food industry, and chemical industry, wherein food industry segment contributes comparatively high revenue share in global spray drying equipment market is expected to the most attractive segment followed by pharmaceutical industry segment over the forecast period.On the basis of geography, the global spray drying equipment market is segmented into seven regions -- North America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Japan, Asia-Pacific except Japan, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. Among the regions, North America is expected to retain its dominance in the global spray drying equipment market in terms of value, attributed to a high preference for powder milk as an alternative liquid milk. Western Europe is followed by North America in global spray drying equipment market, owing to high demand for food processing equipment without losing its properties.Eastern Europe and Japan also accounts for significant value share in the global spray drying equipment market, owing to high demand for processed food. The Asia-Pacific is expected to register relatively high growth rate in the global spray drying equipment market over the forecast period, owing to rapidly growing pharmaceutical industry across the region. Latin America and Middle East Africa is expected to have relatively high opportunity for spray drying equipment market players, attributed to increasing per capita income of consumers. Overall, the outlook for the global spray drying equipment market will have a positive growth over the forecast period.Request to Sample Report @Global Spray Drying Equipment Market: Key PlayersFew players of global spray drying equipment market include European Spray Dry Technologies LLP, Dedert Corporation, Buchi Labortechnik AG, SPX Flow Technology, GEA Group AG., C.E Rogers Company, New AVM Systech Pvt. Ltd., Shandong Shungeng Drying Equipment Co. Ltd., and Changzhou Lemar Drying Engineering Co. Ltd.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb: Saginaw Valley State University will host one of the leading scholars of contemporary Islamic thought and Islamic spirituality for a public lecture. Omid Safi, director of the Duke Islamic Studies Center, will speak at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 28 in Curtiss Hall Banquet Room A. Safi has been among the most frequently sought speakers on Islam in popular media, appearing frequently in the New York Times, Newsweek, Washington Post, and on PBS, NPR, NBC, BBC, CNN and international media. A professor of Islamic Studies at Duke University, where he completed his Ph.D., Safi has served on the board of the Pluralism project at Harvard University and is the co-chair of the steering committee for the Study of Islam and the Islamic Mysticism Group at the American Academy of Religion, the largest international organization devoted to the academic study of religion. Committed to the intersection of love and justice, he was recently invited by the family of Martin Luther King to speak from Ebenezer Church in Atlanta during the 49th annual commemoration for Dr. King. Safis SVSU lecture is titled, Teachings of Rumi for Today's World. The great 13th century Sufi mystic Rumi has become a best-selling poet in the English language, and people in his native Persia, as well as in Turkey, South Asia, and now Europe and America turn to him for inspiration and spiritual guidance. Safi's talk will offer an in-depth look into the love that animates Rumi, his poetry and teachings. The presentation will explore his love poetry, his unforgettable life stories and the legacies that are connected to him with an eye toward what these teachings have to say to us today. The lecture is open to the public. Admission is free of charge. A reception and book signing will follow the lecture. Safis visit to SVSU is supported through the Dr. Raana Akbar Memorial Lecture Series in partnership with SVSUs Edwards Lecture Series and the Dow Visiting Scholars Lecture Series The Raana Akbar Memorial Lecture on Islam and Culture was established in 2011 by Dr. Waheed Akbar in memory of his wife Raana, a former member of the SVSU Board of Control, physician and community leader. The Dow Visiting Scholars and Artists program was established through an endowment from The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation to enrich our regional cultural and intellectual opportunities For more information, visit www.svsu.edu/publiclectures. Petoskey has chance to respond against BNC's best, Rayders get Lakers sports 523 SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard On Saturday as marches took place all over the country protesting gun violence, several groups were doing something they hoped would be more effective in changing the gun laws than just marching: they were registering voters. One group, called HeadCount, partnered with the Parkland students who organized March for Our Lives. They had 1,000 volunteers registering participants just in Washington, DC on Saturday. HeadCount is a nonpartisan organization that usually focuses their efforts on registering young voters at concerts. The group also deployed workers to register people at 2 dozen satellite marches nationwide and hoped to add tens of thousand of new voters to the voter registration rolls. Hearing prominent student leader Cameron Kasky and the powerful speech from classmate and fellow activist Emma Gonzalez on CNN, where she ended with a call for people to register to vote, made it obvious that it was time for HeadCount to engage, HeadCounts executive director, Andy Bernstein told Billboard Magazine. He said his group has registered nearly half a million voters since 2004 and he thinks Saturdays marches were a great opportunity to inspire civic engagement on the part of young people. Speakers at Saturdays events told the people in attendance that the best way to really help gun reform to pass was to register to vote and go to the polls. Many of the students who spoke in Washington reminded the crowds that voting is the only way to really exert pressure on politicians. They are seeking legislation such as universal background checks and bans on assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines. Lets take this to our local legislators and lets take this to midterm elections, said David Hogg, one of the survivors of the mass murder at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. Because without the persistent heat, without the persistence of voters and Americans everywhere getting out to every election, democracy will not flourish. If there is no assault weapons ban passed, then we will vote them out, said Delaney Tarr, another survivor of the school shooting. In Parkland, Florida, Sari Kaufman, from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, urged her fellow students to get involved in politics and register to vote. With this movement, we will ensure record-breaking turnout not just in the next presidential election, not in the next midterm election, but in all elections, Kaufman told a crowd of thousands at a rally in Parkland. Were here today to give you the tools to make a change. While Melania Trump is staying literally a thousand miles away from him, Donald Trump is grumbling about the media attention that Stormy Daniels is getting and worried about his poll numbers. The Washington Post reported, Trump, meanwhile, has been complaining to associates here this weekend about all the media attention Daniels has been receiving, according to people familiar with the conversations, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to be candid. Among other inquiries, Trump asked one friend how Daniels might affect his poll numbers. When a presidents poll numbers are as bad as Trumps are, even a few point drop can look catastrophic. It is telling that Trump is worried about the millions of people marched for gun control on Saturday or the wave of elections that Democrats have won ahead of the midterms. What Trump is most worried about is the porn star that he had an affair with ruining his poll numbers. The Republican Party is facing a potential slaughter in November, and their leader is all bent out of shape over the attention that Stormy Daniels is getting. There has never been a president in the modern who has been more out of touch with the job and the needs of the people that he is supposed to be governing than Trump. Americans are taking to the streets in protest, and all Trump is worried about is the media attention that Stormy Daniels is getting. South Carolinas Legislature has been ordered by the state Supreme Court to remedy educational inequities between rich and poor school districts, but lawmakers say the prospects for a solution emerging from the upcoming session are dim. Weeping Syrians in rebel enclave face new evacuation Syrian civilians and rebel fighters arrive in the town of Qalaat al-Madiq, north of Hama, on Sunday after leaving the Eastern Ghouta enclave under an evacuation deal. AFP : Weeping Syrians boarded buses to leave a ravaged pocket of Eastern Ghouta on Sunday, in a new wave of evacuations to clear another part of the former rebel bastion. Five weeks since the Syrian regime launched an all-out assault on Ghouta, it holds more than 90 percent of the onetime opposition stronghold on the edge of Damascus. To help it capture the rest, key government backer Russia has mediated talks with various rebel groups to negotiate withdrawals from the three remaining pockets. One area was emptied under such a deal in recent days and evacuations began late Saturday for a second part, held by the Islamist Faylaq al-Rahman rebel faction. That agreement is set to see some 7,000 rebels and civilians bussed from the towns of Arbin and Zamalka and the district of Jobar to the rebel-dominated province of Idlib in northwestern Syria. After hours of delay, around 980 of them quit Ghouta on Saturday night aboard 17 buses and several ambulances. They arrived in part of Hama province near the border with Idlib on Sunday morning. Fresh evacuations were expected on Sunday. Devastated Syrian civilians and rebel fighters dressed in black gathered in the early morning in the main streets of Arbin, AFP's correspondent there said. They carried duffel bags and dragged suitcases stuffed to the brim as they shuffled past ruined buildings. By mid-morning, around 20 empty buses and ambulances had entered the town, parking at a large roundabout. Fighters and civilians began to board, bidding tearful goodbyes to their home towns before they headed to opposition territory further north. Hamza Abbas, an opposition activist in the nearby town of Zamalka, told AFP he was planning to board the buses too. "People are very sad about leaving their homes, their land, their childhood memories and the place where they spent the best days of their childhood," he said. "They have no money, no houses, no furniture or even clothes to take with them because of this bombardment." As part of Faylaq al-Rahman's deal with Moscow, residents had been offered the option to stay in Zamalka and Arbin as the area fell under regime control. But Abbas said he would not. "I decided to leave Ghouta because how am I supposed to live alongside someone who killed my family, my siblings, my friends? With someone who destroyed me, my life, and my future?" Since it began on February 18, the Ghouta assault has left more than 1,600 civilians dead and thousands more wounded, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Even before the onslaught, the enclave's 400,000 residents had suffered for half a decade under a crippling regime siege that severely limited their access to food, medicine and other basic goods. The Syrian government has used siege tactics followed by heavy bombardment and negotiated settlements to recapture swathes territory it had lost to rebels. Damascus and Moscow have applied this "leave or die" strategy to Ghouta as well, smashing the enclave into three isolated pockets before seeking separate evacuation deals for each one. Under the first Russian-brokered deal in the region, hardline Islamist group Ahrar al-Sham agreed to quit the town of Harasta. More than 4,500 people, including over 1,400 fighters, left Harasta for Idlib over the course of Thursday and Friday. Talks are also underway for a deal over the third and final pocket of Ghouta, held by Jaish al-Islam, which includes the region's largest town, Douma. Lauren Sausser is the Health & Science Editor at The Post and Courier. She also writes about health care issues in South Carolina. Adam Parker has covered many beats and topics for The Post and Courier, including race and history, religion, and the arts. He is the author of "Outside Agitator: The Civil Rights Struggle of Cleveland Sellers Jr.," published by Hub City Press. Mary Katherine, who also goes by MK, covers health care for The Post and Courier. She is also pursuing a master's degree in data science. She grew up in upstate New York and enjoys playing cards, kayaking and the Blue Ridge Mountains. BENNETTSVILLE As she passed the sign welcoming her to the prison, the inmate's wife gripped the steering wheel and said a silent prayer. Jenice Green, 35, eyed the walls of the penitentiary where her husband, Barry, was incarcerated. She asked God to help her find patience. I try not to bring my day to him. ... I have to say, 'Jenice, this isnt about you; its about Barry' ... and what he needs that day," she said. "It could be a laughing buddy; it could be a listener. He may want me to be his wife. During these twice-weekly visits, the two discuss all things big and small. Like how their 6-year-old, Jezziah, is doing in kindergarten or about the most recent movie that Green saw alone. This is how it has been since the two married almost three years ago, right before he was locked up. Green pulled into the parking lot of Bennettsville Federal Correctional Institution, their daughter sitting quietly in the back. With her husband behind bars, Green has had to strike a delicate balance, as both a spouse to someone she can't be with outside prison walls and, at least for now, as a single mother. Green is one of thousands of people whose spouses are incarcerated in South Carolina. Of the 19,198 prisoners in state facilities, the S.C. Department of Corrections said, about 6,335 are married. The same figure for federal facilities is not tracked by the Bureau of Prisons, officials there said. While about 30 percent of inmates in the state's custody are married, few resources are available for spouses on the outside trying to navigate their new normal. Some national support groups bill themselves as a communal space for inmates' spouses and families, but Green needed something closer. She needed someone nearby who could empathize with her situation someone who could offer emotional and social support amid difficult circumstances. While parenting programs are available in certain facilities, none help married couples and families learn to cope with the jarring adjustment of living apart, state and federal prisons officials said. My husband was like, 'Well, if we can't find ... resources to help us,"' she recalled, "'maybe we're meant to be the blueprint ... to help families who are going through the same thing.'" So that's what they did. Green formed a support group of her own to help other South Carolinians in the same predicament. Early struggles When Jenice and Barry Green said "I do" he was staring down a possible federal prison sentence that could span decades for possession with intent to distribute cocaine. It was July 2015, and the newlyweds knew they didn't have much time. In the three months between the wedding and the start of his sentence, the couple planned out how they could remain together while they were apart. He was taken into custody in October 2015. With a plea deal, he avoided an anticipated lengthy sentence and is expected to be released by 2021. The days and nights they once spent together were replaced with emails, 15-minute phone conversations and visits spent talking to each other in a sterile visiting room. Soon after her husband was sent to prison, Jenice Green found herself with no job, no income and no partner. And in January 2016, she and her daughter no longer had a home. The mother couldn't continue to afford the Florence apartment where she lived with her daughter. They stayed with friends for more than a year before finding a new place in Bennettsville where her husband is serving time about a year ago. Green was still regaining her footing when she formed the nonprofit Love Beyond Bars with the help of her church and a local state representative, Bennettsville Democrat Pat Henegan. The group was formed under the Marlboro County Coordinating Council, which Henegan oversees, in August 2016 and has since expanded with support groups in Columbia, Dillon and Florence. Green said she aims to host three fundraising and networking events annually events for felons, holiday gatherings for families with an incarcerated loved one and group outings, to name a few. "Just because a person does something wrong doesn't mean the whole family should be punished for it," Henegan said. "I just felt strongly that her baby should be able to ... know she was loved by a group of people." As far as Green knows, hers is the only official support group for spouses of prison inmates, save for a sparse number of online forums and communities. 500 miles Tyrus Pope met Green through church and later became involved with Love Beyond Bars. Unlike Green, Pope's husband was already in prison when they tied the knot. Both wives, who have known each other about four years through church, have struggled with similar experiences. Pope, a Florence resident, had known Antoine Jeffrey Pope on and off for about a decade. They met when they both lived in Maryland, she said, and were casual friends. But they had lost touch over time. Tyrus Pope took a job as an assistant in the medical ward at a Maryland federal prison in mid-2015, she said. She didn't know it then, but Antoine Pope was serving time there for felony weapon possession. "We hadn't talked for years," she said. She noticed him within weeks of going to work at the prison. Other inmates kept telling him about the new medical assistant in the ward, but it took him weeks to work up the courage to introduce himself, she said. When the two former friends saw each other for the first time in years, her eyes locked on his. "I think we knew without ever saying we knew," she said. Pope was his supervisor, but the two never had any interaction beyond what was required of their duties, Tyrus Pope stressed. "I could be in my office and hear his voice, and an ease would come over me," she said. "I started to feel something that I knew would compromise my job. I dare not allow my heart or my feelings get in the way of employment or stability to take care of myself or my family." By the end of that year, she left and ultimately relocated to Florence. Almost immediately after moving, she and Antoine Pope began exchanging letters. Their mutual feelings became clear as they wrote and talked on the phone. "There was anxiousness and fear and so many unanswered questions," she said. "Who could I talk to about this? People are going to think I'm crazy. Nobody to get advice from, nobody to listen." They had been corresponding for less than a year when she went to see him last summer at the Maryland prison. He proposed to her during visiting hours. "Boy, you have lost your damn mind," she said as she burst out laughing. In federal prisons, inmates must ask the facility's warden for permission to wed. The spouse who isn't incarcerated must also verify in writing their intent to marry the inmate, according to the guidelines. As she ruminated over her own doubts and the negative reactions she foresaw from others, it would be three months before the two would marry. Tyrus Pope considers her wedding day among the happiest of her life. Yet, keeping a marriage afloat with a man she's never dated, kissed or spent quality time with outside prison walls is often "gut-wrenching," she said. Being more than 500 miles apart, she said they're able to visit maybe once a month. The relationships she has formed within Green's support group, she added, have been a crucial part of her life. "A lot of (us) lack that support. I try to ... be that support," she said. "A lot of the families don't understand or their friends don't understand and think they're crazy for sticking by someone who's serving time." Her husband is expected to be freed in January. A reminder On a recent Friday evening in her cramped two-bedroom Bennettsville apartment, Green and her daughter sorted through a pile of letters whose envelopes bear the return address for a federal prison. Its the first time she has looked through the letters in more than two years. Sticking out is an ad for a suit, cut out from an issue of GQ magazine. This is how I want to be dressed when Im released! her husband wrote on the clipping. In the first two years of her husband's prison sentence, Green would clutch each letter to her chest after reading them over and over, desperate to feel closer to him. Now, older letters sit in a drawer in her bedroom. For the most part, she avoids rereading them. They remind her of all the time left before they're reunited outside prison walls. Susan Bro, the mother of Heather Heyer, holds a photo of Bro's mother and her daughter, Monday, Aug. 14, 2017, in Charlottesville, Va. Heyer was killed Saturday, Aug. 12, 2017, when police say a man plowed his car into a group of demonstrators protesting the white nationalist rally. Bro said that she is going to bare her soul to fight for the cause that her daughter died for. (AP Photo/Joshua Replogle) Gregory Yee covers the city of Charleston. He's a native Angeleno and previously covered crime and courts for the Press-Telegram in Long Beach, CA. He studied journalism and Spanish literature at the University of California, Irvine. Joseph Cranney is an investigative reporter in Columbia, with a focus on government corruption and injustices in the criminal legal system. He can be reached securely by Proton mail at jcranney@prontonmail.com or on Signal at 215-285-9083. Editorials represent the institutional view of the newspaper. They are written and edited by the editorial staff, which operates separately from the news department. Editorial writers are not involved in newsroom operations. Political Reporter Caitlin Byrd is a political reporter at The Post and Courier and author of the Palmetto Politics newsletter. Before moving to Charleston in 2016, her byline appeared in the Asheville Citizen-Times. To date, Byrd has won 17 awards for her work. The Undead Archives I have finally salvaged my pre-Blogger TDR archives and added them into Blogger. They are almost totally in the form of one giant post for each month. And the formatting strayed from the originals. Sorry. But historians everywhere can rejoice that this treasure trove of my thoughts is restored to the world. The A.B. Won Pat International Airport Guam on Sunday welcomed about 230 Japanese tourists who flew from Narita, Japan, via Japan Airlines' inaugural second daily flight to the island. Some of Guam's tourism officials also see the additional flight capacity as a step toward helping stem Guams sliding visitor arrivals from Japan. Japan arrivals now make up just 40 percent of the island's visitor market, from more than 80 percent in prior years. Guam saw 929,229 Japan tourists in 2012, but last year, 308,682 fewer Japanese tourists chose to vacation on Guam, compared with the total five years earlier. Japan Airlines saw an opportunity to increase its Guam service during a rattling time in the airline industry, according to Hirofumi Nagata, Guam regional manager of Japan Airlines. United Airlines reduced its flight frequency between Guam and Japan a few months ago, while Delta Airlines has also pulled out of the Guam-Japan market completely. Nagata said Japan Airlines last December saw this as an opportunity to add a flight to its Narita to Guam route, benefiting both the island and the airline. We would like to contribute to the revitalization of Guams community and economy, Nagata said, adding later, "we wish this increase will help deepen the relationship between Guam and Japan. The latest additional daily flight signals other potential opportunities for growing Guams Japan market, stated William Nault, chairman of the Guam Visitors Bureaus Japan Marketing Committee. Nault said the visitors bureau is also working to bring in new carriers. Were working to increase air seat capacity, and with that comes the increase in travelers, and an increase in airlines, Nault said. With full Japan Airline flights Sunday and throughout the week, Nault hopes other airlines will see the potential Guam has as a worldwide destination. He added GVB is also discussing possible airline incentives that would make Guam a desired destination, including lowering baggage costs. Guam is a great destination. We just need to line up competitive prices," he said. Travel retailer DFS recently wrote to the Guam Legislature that low-cost carriers offering budget airfares to Hawaii have eaten up Guam's market share of Japanese tourists. Guam's tourism industry also faces an additional challenge with the 2 percent sales tax, DFS has stated. Japan Airlines launched its first Tokyo to Guam flight in October 1970, and conducts pilot training on Guam every two months, according to Nagata. The airline will be celebrating its 50th year on Guam in 2020. PR-Inside.com: 2018-03-25 04:56:51 JAKARTA, Mar 23, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - MEIKARTA, the mega residential township project being developed by Lippo Group, has received US$850 million from 19 global partners focused on health & medicine, financial technology, education, logistics and technology research. The partnerships were inaugurated in Jakarta this week with ceremonies signing the memorandums of understanding (MOU).MEIKARTA is the embodiment of Lippo Group's commitment to sustainability and the "five pillars of development"; developing an innovative infrastructure & transportation, a high tech central business district (CBD) & research hub, a business & commercial hub, a center for the arts, culture & education, and green sustainable living.Ketut Budi Wijaya, President of MEIKARTA, said, "This partnership is a confirmation that the world community recognizes and sees MEIKARTA as a modern city of the future. The presence of global institutions, whether in education, health, or technology, will make MEIKARTA more than a dwelling. The MEIKARTA of the future will be the economic center that will grow and develop." Bambang Soesatyo, Chairman of House of Representatives, Republic of Indonesia, said: "I am confident that the presence of these leading institutions in MEIKARTA, with their capital, networking, technology, systems and experience, will support the government's vision of national development".Global institutions signing the MoU with MEIKARTA:1. Columbia University Medical Center (CUMC)2. University of North Carolina3. University College London (UCL)4. World Trade Center5. Genesis Rehab Services (GRS)6. HTC Corporation7. China Telecom Global Limited8. ACSC & CFLP International Logistic9. Seafirst Technologies10. Union Space11. Rework12. USA Dunham Bush Refrigeration Equipment Inc13. e-Shang Redwood (ESR)14. Shanghai Infin Technology15. Nagase Indonesia16. Micro Focus17. JM Eagle18. Zhong Ying Finance19. Lausanne Hotel Management InstituteMEIKARTA is in the East Jakarta Corridor, which will be integrated with new transportation networks, including Jakarta-Bekasi High-Speed Rail, Patimban Deep Seaport, Kertajati International Airport, Jakarta-Cikampek Elevated Highway and APM (automated people mover) uniting seven new cities around MEIKARTA.The MEIKARTA development covers 22 million m2 in its first phase, designed since 2014. Work started in January 2016 with the initial construction of one hundred skyscrapers, each with 35 to 46 floors, and the creation a workforce expected to reach 65,000 individual jobs.MEIKARTA surpasses anything the country has ever seen, epic in its scale and vision as a truly integrated city of the future. Not only does MEIKARTA redefine what a modern city should look like and feel like, it sets the new standard for a world city in Southeast Asia and beyond. Visit meikarta.com For further information, please contact:Danang Kemayan JatiDirector of Information and Public Communication LippoEmail: danang.j@lippokarawaci.co.id Topic: InvestmentSectors: Daily Finance, Real Estate, ASEANFrom the Asia Corporate News NetworkCopyright 2018 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. A division of Asia Corporate News Network. PR-Inside.com: 2018-03-25 12:24:47 Featuring 40+ Brand Owners, Industry Leaders and Creative GurusHONG KONG, Mar 21, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - MarketingPulse, a regional premium conference for marketers and brands organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), opened today at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. More than 40 experts in brand management, marketing and advertising from nine countries and regions are taking part in the inaugural event, offering insights, success stories and best practices with corporate executives, marketing and advertising agency representatives and brand representatives.Raymond Yip, Acting Executive Director of the HKTDC said marketers contribute to Hong Kong's reputation as Asia's trendsetter and hub for international brands. "The city's stylish reputation is in part the result of creative marketers accentuating Hong Kong's distinctive charisma," he said. "Hong Kong's marketers are adept at tapping the city's East-meets-West characteristics, leveraging the latest marketing technologies, and creating compelling marketing campaigns." Philip Yung, Permanent Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development (Commerce, Industry and Tourism) of the HKSAR Government, delivered the opening remarks followed by the plenary session "Recipe for a Winning Brand," featuring Sara Riis-Carstensen, Head of Global Branding, De Beers; Kei Suzuki, Director, Ryohin Keikaku Co, Ltd (MUJI); and Uri Minkoff, CEO and co-founder, of Rebecca Minkoff.Prior to joining De Beers, Ms Riis-Carstensen was LEGO's Director of Global Brand Development, where she led LEGO collaborations with such brands as Star Wars and Batman, helping to turn the educational brand into a much-loved companion for children.Mr Suzuki has decades of experience in Japanese retail, including more than 20 years with Ryohin Keikaku. Adhering to the minimalist Japanese culture, Mr Suzuki has transformed Muji from a household products company into a brand that epitomises the minimalist lifestyle. He has also expanded MUJI's business portfolio into catering and hotels.Launching the fashion accessories brand, Rebecca Minkoff in 2005, Mr Minkoff and his sister have transformed the label into one of the fastest-rising global fashion brands in recent years. Mr Minkoff specialises in using new technology to provide an omni-channel customer experience, and is seen as the most forward-looking CEO in the fashion industry.Smart use of new media and new technologyIn another plenary session spotlighting social media marketing, the panel featured Maya Hari, Vice President, Asia Pacific, Twitter; and Assaf Tarnopolsky, Director of Marketing Solutions, South East Asia, North Asia & Japan, LinkedIn, to explain the ins and outs of social media marketing and to offer practical strategies. The session also featured Evan Greene, Chief Marketing Officer, The Recording Academy (The GRAMMYs); Beverly W Jackson, VP of Social Portfolio Strategy, MGM Resorts International; and JiPeng Men, Vice President and Head of Marketing Division, JD.com . The speakers discussed how brands can leverage social media to complement their overall brand marketing strategies and to stand out in information-saturated social media platforms.The third plenary session gathered several legendary advertising figures, including Joshua Grossberg, Group Creative Director, McCann New York; Peter Lefebvre, Creative Director, Leo Burnett; Kazuhiro Shimura, Creative Director, Dentsu Inc; and Spencer Wong, Chairman and Chief Creative Officer, McCann & Spencer, to share their creative journeys and the ways to address the taste and changing habits of the media and different audiences. They also explored using technology to target customers and bolster brand image.Uncovering market growth drivers and opportunitiesThe afternoon breakout sessions covered a host of marketing subjects that targetted the different backgrounds, interests and business needs of the participants. At the "The Fine Art of Customer Engagement in Asia" session, moderator Dr Royce Yuen, co-founder and CEO of MaLogic Holdings Ltd, spoke with Gunyarak Piyakhun, First Executive Vice President (Marketing Strategy & Business Intelligence) of renowned Thai retailer, Siam Piwat Company Ltd; Erwan Heussaff, founder of The Fat Kid Inside Inc, an F&B key opinion leader (KOL) with more than 2.7 million online followers; Jennie So, General Manager, International of SINA Corp & Weibo Corp; and Kosuke Sogo, CEO and co-founder of AnyMind Group. The panellists examined brand promotion strategies from the perspectives of brands, KOLs and media and marketing consultants.At another session, entitled "On the Pulse of the Cool New China," three Chinese mainland marketing veterans - Viveca Chan, Chairman and CEO of WE Marketing Group; Mia Chen, Head of Marketing of Airbnb China, Chihkai Huang, Brand Director of Pechoin and 3water Li, founder of W - examined mainland consumer behaviour, offering practical strategies to win over mainland online shoppers.As consumers become immune to hard-sell advertising, content marketing has become an indispensable marketing tool for brand building. The breakout session, "Tell Me a Story... About Content Marketing," featured Sehgeun Choi, Senior Creative Director, INNORED; Tony Chow, Regional Director, Creative & Content Marketing, Asia Pacific, Marriott International; and Vincent Tsui, founder and CEO, Toast Communications Ltd. The speakers offered practical tips on using content marketing to attract customers without overshadowing the brand.Other types of new technology, including big data and artificial intelligence (AI), are also disrupting the marketing ecosystem. At the breakout session co-organised with the IAB Hong Kong powered by HKDMA, the panellists takes "A Look at the Present and Future of Data-driven Marketing & Advertising," with several data analytics and digital experts from Asia Miles, Lotame, IPG Mediabrands APAC, Integral Ad Science and Rosewood Hotel Group showing how these tech tools can be used to augment marketing efforts.To continue, please go to http://www.acnnewswire.com/press-release/english/42192/inaugural-marketingpulse-opens-at-hkcec ADVERTISEMENT The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has inaugurated an Advisory Council for the inaugural Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2018), with former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo as Chairman. Jean-Louis Ekra, a former President of Afreximbank, is the Deputy Chairman of the Advisory Council, which is charged with providing guidance for the preparations for the trade fair scheduled to hold in Cairo from 11 to 17 December 2018. Also represented on the Council are the African Union Commission; the African Development Bank; the Pan-African Chamber of Commerce and Industry; the World Trade Centre, Miami; the International Trade Centre; Egypt, as the host country, the AfroChampions Initiative; and PixyKorner, the professional trade fair organiser retained for the event. Afreximbank is serving as the Secretariat. At the inaugural meeting of the Council in Kigali on March 22, Afreximbank President, Benedict Oramah, said that the role of the body was to be the main driver for the planning of the trade fair in order to ensure that it achieved the objective of driving intra-African trade. Mr. Oramah announced that Egypt had been selected as the preferred host for the inaugural fair following a competitive bidding process, and stated that the fair would take place every two years Mr. Ekra announced that although President Obasanjo had travelled to Kigali to attend the meeting, he had had to leave to attend to some urgent matters and had sent his apologies for not being able to attend. The meeting of the advisory council marked the culmination of a series of activities relating to the trade fair which Afreximbank had organized on the sidelines of the Extraordinary Summit of the African Union. The Extraordinary Summit was convened for the signing of the Agreement for the African Continental Free Trade Area. On March 20, Afreximbank, the African Union and the Government of Egypt signed the hosting agreement for the trade fair. This was followed on March 21 by the formal launch of the trade fair, including the unveiling of the IATF2018 plaque and a press conference to announce the event. ADVERTISEMENT Two Canadians were among 18 killed in an attack on a Burkina Faso restaurant, Canadian Foreign Minister, Chrystia Freeland, said on Monday. She gave no information regarding the victims identities. Suspected Islamist militants opened fire on patrons at a restaurant in the capital of Ouagadougou, killing at least 18 people and wounding several others. The incident happened late Sunday when suspected Islamic extremists opened fire at a popular Turkish restaurant in the countrys capital. Ms. Freeland said the heartfelt condolences of our government go out to the loved ones of those targeted and the victims of this tragic attack. She said Canadian consular officials are working hard to provide assistance to the families of the victims. Local authorities say other foreigners killed include two Kuwaitis and one person each from France, Senegal, Nigeria, Lebanon and Turkey. Seven Burkina Faso citizens were also killed and authorities said three other victims had not yet been identified. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the violence, which continued into the early hours of Monday. The attack brought back painful memories of the January 2016 attack at another cafe that left 30 people dead. Six Canadians were also among those killed in that attack. Burkina Faso, a landlocked nation in West Africa, is one of the poorest countries in the world. It shares a northern border with Mali, which has long battled Islamic extremists. Canada strongly condemns the attack, said spokeswoman, Brittany Venhola-Fletcher. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with those affected by the terror attacks in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. (Reuters/NAN) ADVERTISEMENT A former minister of works and housing, Hassan Lawal, is dead. Mr. Lawal served as minister under late President Umaru YarAdua He died in the late hours of Saturday after a protracted illness at the Turkish Nizamye Hospital in Abuja, a family member told PREMIUM TIMES. He is to be buried on Sunday according to Islamic rules. His burial will take place on Sunday morning at his home town, Keffi Local Government Area, in Nasarawa State. Until his death, at various times, he served as minister of labour and productivity, health minister, and works minister. He is survived by his two wives, children and relatives. The Nigerian government and the Nigerian Army have dismissed allegations by a retired military general that security forces are conniving with deadly attackers across Nigeria, saying such calls are inflammatory and should be disregarded. Theophilus Danjuma, a former chief of army staff, said on Saturday that Nigerians are being killed at an alarming rate but the armed forces could not curb the bloodshed because they are also involved in it. The armed forces are not neutral, Mr. Danjuma said at the maiden convocation of the Taraba State University in Jalingo, the state capital, on Saturday afternoon. They collude with the armed bandits to kill people, kill Nigerians. The former defence minister said the time is now for Nigerians to rise up and defend themselves from the killings. Deadly killings have been recorded in several states across Nigeria since January 2018 alone, but the government has appeared helpless at identifying and bringing culprits to book. Hundreds have been killed in attacks on villages in Benue, Kogi, Adamawa, Zamfara, Kaduna and Mr. Danjumas home state of Taraba since January. The 2018 attacks began in Benue, where about 100 people were murdered across two local government areas on January 1. Mr. Danjuma said unchecked violence is shifting Nigeria towards Somalia, a country that has been in a state of war since 19991. The East African country is widely seen as a failed state due to the failure of the central government to have any serious control beyond the capital, Mogadishu. A call to anarchy Defence Minister This is highly uncalled for and is invitation to anarchy and should be disregarded by well-meaning Nigerians, Tukur Gusau, a spokesperson for the Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan-Ali, said in a statement Saturday night. The efforts of the Nigerian military towards restoration of peace, security and order in Nigeria are evidently clear and Nigerians continue to show appreciation for changing the security environment from what it was before, Mr. Gusau said, describing the statement he was condemning as having been made by an elder statesman, without mentioning Mr. Danjuma by name. The armed forces is well organised and highly professional in discharging its constitutional mandate. Therefore, if anyone has evidence of wrongdoing or dereliction of duty against our troops (the person) should please bring forward such evidence through the channel for necessary action, Mr. Gusau, a colonel, added. He said the military will not be distracted by comments like the one that came from Mr. Danjuma. Comments uncharitable, unfortunate Nigerian Army The Nigerian Army also issued a separate statement on Sunday morning, describing Mr. Danjumas claims as unfair and sad coming at a time of intense military efforts to address the crisis. The public is notified that Nigerian Army personnel have had to pay the supreme price for ensuring the sustenance of security in Taraba State. For instance, a gallant non-commission officer of the Nigerian Army was beheaded on 16 March 2018 in Takum Taraba State by criminal elements, Army spokesperson, Texas Chukwu, said in a statement. Mr. Chukwu, a brigadier general, said security agencies are facing political attacks because they refused to be partisan in their operation, especially in Taraba State. It is noteworthy to state that at the inception of Exercise Ayem Akpatuma or Cat Race in Tiv, the Taraba State Government did not cooperate with the Nigerian Army due to the Armys stance to remain absolutely neutral in the herdsmen-farmers crisis, Mr. Chukwu said. ADVERTISEMENT The Nigerian Army will continue to remain as such. Emmanuel Bello, a spokesperson to Governor Darius Ishaku, rejected the Armys claims, saying allegations are strange. We dont understand the charge that we do not want to cooperate with the military, Mr. Bello said in a text message to PREMIUM TIMES Sunday morning. How have we not cooperated? This grave charge has to be explained first before we even begin to know how best to respond. The spokesperson said the governor works with all security agencies in the state to curb deadly attacks that had left hundred dead within its borders so far this year. Meanwhile, we are ready to work with all the security agencies for the safety of our people, he said. The governor is always ready to work with all stakeholders in the promotion of peace as the chief security officer of the state he works with all agencies. The statements by the Defence Ministry and the Army echoed what Defence Headquarters told PREMIUM TIMES on Saturday night in response to Mr. Danjumas statement. An Emerging Pattern Mr. Danjuma is not the first former military chief with powerful political root to condemn the Buhari administration. Since January, two former Nigerian leaders of military background have condemned Mr. Buhari for not doing enough to curb the killings. In January, former President Olusegun Obasanjo openly called on Mr. Buhari to dismount from power by 2019. . Ibrahim Babangida, military ruler from 1985 to 1993, said Mr. Buhari has failed to protect Nigerians and should shelve the idea of returning to office after his first term. He advocated for the emergence of a younger leader to lead Nigeria and make it competitive in a modern world. When Mr. Babangidas statement was released, security agencies went after his spokesperson, Kassim Afegbua, but later released him when they couldnt establish a case of mischief against him. It is not immediately clear if the Buhari administration had plans to take stiff actions over Mr. Danjumas comments, which analysts say pack a heavy punch because the retired lieutenant general hardly makes pronouncements. And whenever he speaks, he does so from a position of knowledge, says political analyst Liborous Oshoma. Mr Oshoma said as a former military chief, powerful businessman and the head of presidential committee on rehabilitation of Boko Haram victims, Mr Danjuma must have explored the back channels to get the president to take actions on the killings. He probably got frustrated after all his efforts to get the president to act failed, Mr Oshoma said. He said the president demonstrated little sign of being in charge of the crisis or having the capacity to curb it. Before now, the villagers have accused security agents of connivance with the attackers against their communities, he said. Mr Oshoma, a Lagos-based lawyer, said Mr Buharis failure to deal with the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, would only convince other powerful voices like Mr Danjuma to call him out. Following the January 1 killings in Benue, the I-G said it was a communal clash, but the president didnt sanction him, the analyst said. Again, the president ordered the I-G to go to the state, but the man brazenly ignored the order. Two months later, he came out to admit that he didnt know that his appointee had disobeyed him. Then the presidency announced to the world that the I-G had been summoned and queried, but the man came out to say no one queried him and if anyone has evidence to the contrary, they should produce such, Mr. Oshoma said. The president had initially committed a major security blunder by failing to ask the I-G for updates on such a serious national security matter until he was told about it two months later in Makurdi. Yet he couldnt fire a policeman that exposed him to such national embarrassment, he said. So you could see the frustration of Mr. Danjuma and others who are concerned about the bloodshed. Mr. Danjuma is not the first leader to pointedly accuse the military of knowing about the attacks. Governor Samuel Ortom has repeatedly said the federal government, especially the security forces, knew where the attackers were hiding and their movements, but deliberately looked the other way. Security agencies denied this allegation, but the killings have continued in the affected states despite the deployment of soldiers there. ADVERTISEMENT The recently released schoolgirls are back in Dapchi to reunite with their family. The 105 schoolgirls arrived Dapchi at about 2:30 p.m. after leaving Abuja on Sunday morning. They met with President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday after their release from captivity by Boko Haram last week. The girls are among the 111 girls kidnapped from their secondary school in Dapchi in February. The number of victims was first thought to be 110, but the information minister, Lai Mohammed, announced the revised figure in Lagos on Sunday. Six of the girls were not freed of which five are believed to have died, while a last one, Leah Sharibu, is still with the insurgents. The federal government has also initially said 104 schoolgirls were freed, but reversed it to 105 on Sunday. Upon arrival in Dapchi, Yobse State, on Sunday afternoon, they were taken to the assembly hall of their school, Government Girls Science and Technical college, Dapchi, where officials had to profile them before they are allowed to go home with their patents. One of the officials, Bashir Manzo, said the registration process was still going on at the time PREMIUM TIMES called. Details later ADVERTISEMENT A Nigerian minister has claimed that the media misinterpreted what American billionaire and philanthropist, Bill Gates, said about Nigerias economic plans during his visit to Nigeria. Mr Gates had at the special and expanded National Economic Council, held in Abuja on Thursday, said the present economic template being used by the Muhammadu Buhari government does not have the ability to address the unique needs of Nigerians at present. The philanthropist and founder of Microsoft corporation said the Nigerian governments Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) identifies investing in our people as one of three strategic objectives but the execution priorities do not fully reflect peoples needs, prioritising physical capital over human capital. Mr Gates said the most important choice Nigerian leaders can make is to maximise the countrys greatest resource, which is the people. The investor also advised the Nigerian government to shifts its attention from oil to the agricultural sector so as to make it a steady and alternative means of revenue generation for the country. In response, the minister of Budget and National Planning, Udoma Udoma, in a statement on Friday said the media misunderstood the context in which Mr. Gates made his remarks and that he could not have faulted the Federal Governments ERGP. It seems the context in which Mr. Gates made his remarks was not well understood. A close reading of his statement shows that the point Mr. Gates was making was that the human capital development should have been explicitly indicated as part of the execution priorities of the ERGP. This is not the same as saying that the ERGP does not address human capital development or that Mr. Gates faulted Nigerias economic plans as some newspapers put it. Mr Udoma said the ERGP prioritises human capital development, insisting that the priority areas of the ERGP have cross-cutting potentials which are all focused towards empowering the people and improving their general conditions. The ERGP rests on the three pillars of restoring growth, investing in the Nigerian people and building a competitive economy. President Muhammadu Buhari in April 2017 unveiled a four-year ERGP (2017-2020) to help propel the country towards the path of development and growth. ERGP is an economic plan that builds on the 2016 Strategic Implementation Plan (SIP), a short term plan aimed at tackling corruption, improving security and rebuilding the nations economy. ERGP seeks to build on the SIP by restoring growth, investing in people and build a global competitive economy. While some Nigerians remained optimistic that the plan will succeed, others said it is not comprehensive enough. ADVERTISEMENT The Director General of the Consumer Protection Council (CPC), Babatunde Irukera, on Sunday said that the council received the third highest number of complaints in 2017 from the Aviation Sector. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mr Irukera made the disclosure while speaking with journalists in Lagos. He said the sector came after Telecommunications and Banking sectors which had the first and second highest number of consumer complaints respectively. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, about 15 million passengers passed through Nigerian airports in 2016 and 2.5 million passengers were recorded in the first quarter of 2017 alone. In 2017, the aviation sector had the third highest number of complaints received by the council. Given the consumer base of the sector and the propensity for consumer satisfaction concerns, the council cannot relent in its efforts to ensure that consumer interests are well protected, Irukera said. The director general noted that complaints such as flight delays and cancellations as well as safety concerns must therefore be addressed in order to minimise their occurrences. He explained that the intervention of CPC in the aviation sector was not aimed at usurping the job of the Consumer Protection Directorate (CPD) of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). He said the CPC Act empowers the council to protect the rights of consumers, stressing that this statutory responsibility cuts across all sectors of the economy. Section 14 of the Act provides for the councils collaboration with industry and sector regulators. This is a key tool for regulating rights across board. This jurisdictional overlap is by design and calls for regulatory collaboration. This is an indication of the importance the government has attached to the issue of consumer protection, he said. Mr Irukera said the CPC had regularly engaged airline operators and would continue to collaborate with the NCAA to ensure the protection of the rights of consumers. (NAN) The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Center), has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to demand a second look at the NFIU bill and request the appropriate amendment to the bill hitherto; domicile the NFIU in its current position, remove clause imposing Senate confirmation of appointed Director of NFIU; and other reactionary clauses. In a letter forwarded to the president and signed by HEDAs National Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the Resource Centre said relocating the NFIU to the Central Bank is to say the least, crippling the financial intelligence foundation of the country, adding that the complicity of the Central Bank in past money laundering cases involving former Heads of State and the unprofessional role of the bank in approving, transferring and warehousing illegal fund for political officers under the immediate past regime lend credence to its stance. The letter reads: It is longer news that the NFIU has been suspended from the activities of the EGMONT Group of FIUs, and has been disconnected from the Egmont Secure Website, a platform used by Egmont Members for Exchange of information. The suspension of the NFIU though generally misconstrued, is not for the lack of effectiveness of the NFIU, or its failure to meet the EGMONT Group standard operation as an FIU, rather it was due to the failure of Nigeria to address the legal framework of the NFIU. May I stress for the records that over time the NFIU has performed creditably, a fact which is evidenced from the quest of FIUs within the West/Central African region to be mentored/sponsored by the NFIU. The EGMONT Group in recognition of the effectiveness and robustness in the activities of the NFIU, approved the NFIU to mentor the FIUs of The Gambia, Liberia and Sierra Leone to EGMONT Group membership and equally appointed the Director of the NFIU, its regional representative for the West/Central African sub region. The FATF is a flexible entity and will never impose a structure on a sovereign State like Nigeria; the FATF clearly understands that an FIU can be located in a larger entity, but with functions different from the larger entity. The FATF interpretative note to Recommendation 29 is very instructive on this. HEDA noted further that from the recent feat of the EFCC in the fight against corruption and money laundering, and its partnership with international prosecuting agencies in efforts at tracing and recovering stolen asset, we have understood the importance of the continuous domiciliation of the NFIU under the EFCC. The effect and impact of relocating the NFIU from the EFCC in terms of dwindling and incapacitating the EFCC in the normal cause of its operations will be enormous. The philosophy of this domiciliation was informed from the fact that the EFCC is the sole agency in Nigeria with the mandate to investigate and prosecute Economic and Financial Crimes. Looking at the concerns of the Egmont Group that led to the suspension of the NFIU from its activities, there is nothing inferring that the Egmont Group does not recognise the robustness of the NFIU in terms of its operations, the concerns are hinged basically on the legal framework defining the operational autonomy of the NFIU vis-a-vis the EFCC and the legal framework to protect the confidentiality of information received by the NFIU, these concerns can easily be addressed by amending Section 1(2) and Section 6 (l) of the EFCC Act 2004, simplicita. Going by the Egmont Group principles and protocols, the passage of the EFCC Amendment Bill without more would have automatically resulted in the lifting of the suspension of the NFIU since January 2018. This option, as easy and straight forward as it is, has been jettisoned by principal protagonists of severing the NFIU from the EFCC, for reasons best known to them. It is common knowledge that under the principles and procedures for membership of the Egmont Group, by its Addendum for membership, published in 2005, where an FIU undergoes a fundamental change in its structure and composition, that change triggers a review and compliance process that will result to a fresh application for membership of the new FIU, this will be carried out by an appointed team of mentors from the Egmont Group Secretariat who will visit the new FIU to determine if the new FIU meets the criteria for Egmont Group membership. Germany just went through this process when it relocated its FIU from the Police to Customs, Germany was expelled, and it had to go through the process of reapplication for membership, the German FIU was eventually readmitted to the Egmont Group on the 5th of July 2017, the German experience should be instructive to whatever position Nigeria will want to take in this matter. The Centre averred that: Relocating the NFIU to the Central Bank is to say the least, crippling the financial intelligence foundation of this country, considering the complicity of the Central Bank in past money laundering cases involving former Heads of State and the unprofessional role of the bank in approving, transferring and warehousing illegal fund for political officers under the immediate past regime. Meanwhile, the banks have a statutory responsibility of reporting financial transactions to the CBN. The proposed domiciliary on will attract automatic expulsion for Nigeria. The new Law as passed if accented to will be reviewed and where there are deficiencies, the Act will be sent back to Nigeria to address the observed deficiencies by amending the new Law. Through this entire process, the NFIU will remain suspended or expelled as the case may be. Considering the fact that 2018 is pre-election year, what will be the guarantee that parliamentarians will have the time to commit themselves to deal effectively with these issues. Relocating the FIU to the Central Bank or any other entity, the EGMONT Group will consider this as a fundamental change in the structure of the FIU, and the resultant effect will be an automatic expulsion, which will further subject Nigeria to the process of reapplication for membership, under the revised EGMONT Group membership procedure adopted in 2014. Recalling that it took the NFIU a period of two years to conclude its original membership application, with the current requirements for membership, as cumbersome as there are now, for Nigeria to regain membership, it will take an estimated period of 3 years. The process entails, a review of the new law (NFIA) by the MSCWG and where there are observed deficiencies, the law will be referred back to the National Assembly to address the concerns. Nigeria will need to identify two countries to mentor and sponsor it as a new FIU through its process of membership, the mentors and the EGMONT Group secretariat will conduct on-site visit to the new FIU to determine if the FIU, meets the criteria of the EGMONT Group in terms of technical capacity i.e. if the new FIU has both human and technical experts to aid or conduct analysis and if our ICT systems are up to date and meets international standards. HEDA said its decision to make this position known to the president is basically because, At the end of the day Nigeria is exposed to more daring consequences as the current NFIU Bill, as it has been passed by the National Assembly is unwieldy and detracts completely from the core functions of an FIU which is to receive information, analyse the information and disseminate to Law Enforcement Agencies without interference. Our position in this matter going from the above should not be misconstrued to mean otherwise. We are totally in support of the provision of a legal frame work that defines the operational autonomy of the NFIU vis-a-vis: The EFCC and the provision of measures that will guarantee this autonomy i.e. amending Section 1(2) of the EFCC Act; Establishing the NFIU as an operationally independent Unit under the EFCC; Providing the NFIU with its budget Code that gives the NFIU financial autonomy and making provisions that will guarantee the tenor of office of the Director of the NFIU; Amending Section 6(l) of the EFCC Act which is interpreted by the Egmont Group, to mean that the EFCC equally has access to information given to the NFIU by reporting entities in the cause of its operations; and the confidentiality concerns that have over time been raised. ADVERTISEMENT It is our humble submission that as variously expressed by some stakeholders including other previous Head and Directors of the NFIU, except those with other motives than altruistic, the option of amending the EFCC Act is more feasible, simple and straight forward. I strongly believe that it will do the country so much good to restrict yourself to addressing only the concerns raise by the Egmont Group, to do otherwise, we will be exposing the NFIU and Nigeria to more dire situations that may take the country another two to three years to address. You are therefore implored to without accent and demand the appropriate amendment to the bill hitherto; domicile the NFIU in its current position, remove clause imposing Senate confirmation of appointed Director of NFIU; and other reactionary clauses imposed by selfish parliamentarians driven by unseen hands and motives, the letter reads. ADVERTISEMENT The chairman of the Kaduna All Progressive Congress faction opposed to Governor Nasir El Rufai, Danladi Wada, is missing, his family has said. Mr. Wada went to a nearby mosque close to his Kaduna Angwan Rimi GRA residence, around 5:30 a.m. Saturday for morning prayers, and has since not been seen or heard from. A spokesman for the APC faction, Multala Abubakar, told PREMIUM TIMES Mr. Wada had been missing. He was missing since morning and we went to Police and DSS offices but they told us he was not with them. So we are suspecting he must have been abducted because his phones were not with him, he said. All effort to trace him were unsuccessfull, he said. Mr. Wadas son, Abdulmumuni, said the family was very worried. He said his father left his phones at home and could not be reached. The family suspects he was abducted. PREMIUM TIMES learnt other worshippers confirmed they saw him at the mosque during the morning prayers. The governing APC has two factions in Kaduna. One is led by Shuaibu Idris, and is recognised by the Kaduna state government, while another is led by Mr. Wada. The second faction, called Akida faction, is backed by two senators from the state: Shehu Sani and Suleiman Hunkuyi. The state government recently demolished the groups secretariat after it suspended the governor. The state police commissioner, Austin Iwar, told PREMIUM TIMES Mr. Wada was not with the police. ADVERTISEMENT The Northern States Governors Forum has held a meeting with the national leadership and state chapters of the Miyetti Allah cattle Breeders Association as part of efforts to find lasting solutions to the continued clashes between herders and farmers across the federation. The meeting, which held in Sokoto, had in attendance NSGF chairman and Borno Governor, Kashim Shettima, host Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, and their counterparts from Kano (Abdullahi Ganduje), and Kaduna, Nasir El-Rufai. Mr. El-Rufai joined the meeting after it started. Though no formal communique was issued at the end of the meeting, reports indicate that the gathering discussed genesis of the crisis, efforts to contain it and how to entrench permanent solution. In his opening remarks, Mr. Shettima said the 19 northern states are worried by the rising cases of insecurity involving herders and farmers, and expressed optimism that their intervention will help in finding lasting solution to the conflicts. He said they are intervening in order to complement efforts of the federal government, and said they hope to adopt local-conflict resolution mechanism to bring back trust and understanding among all the people of the region. We have seen enough crisis in the North East with Boko Haram. We cannot afford to let any other conflict linger without a solution. We hope to hear from all sides and finally come up with a workable plan that will restore confidence and entrench lasting peace in our region, he added. Revealing the position of MACBAN, a source at the meeting said: The leadership of Miyetti Allah, led by the National President, Muhammed Kirowa, told the meeting that the approach to conflict resolution adopted by political leaders in some states is not helpful in finding lasting peace. In his views, political leaders, especially goernors, should approach issues of peace in neutral perspective, not as biased party. He said their members have lived in many of these conflict-prone communities for centuries without conflict, but wondered why is the situation getting out of hand now, the source added. Reports indicate that even though no resolution was reached at the Sokoto meeting, a new round of discussion will be scheduled to take place in Abuja, Jos, Makurdi and Kaduna in the coming weeks and months. ADVERTISEMENT SCL Elections, a public relations firm that later became Cambridge Analytica, manipulated Nigerias 2007 by organising campaigns to weaken the chances of opposition parties, the BBC reported on Sunday. The broadcaster said the company organised anti-election rallies to demoralise opposition supporters from voting in the elections, which saw the emergence of Umar YarAdua as Nigerias president. The election was widely disputed and condemned by observers as a charade. Mr. YarAdua, who died in office in 2010, personally admitted that the process was flawed and convened a government of national unity. Muhammadu Buhari, Atiku Abubakar and Orji Kalu came second, third and fourth, respectively, in that election. The revelations come in the wake of ongoing controversies surrounding the activities of Cambridge Analytica, a UK-based company. The firm was accused of obtaining data of Facebook users for election strategic that have been called into question across the world. Earlier this week, the UK Guardian reported that Cambridge Analytica interfered in Nigerias 2015 elections by hiring hackers believed to be Israeli to dig up dirt on President Muhammadu Buhari, candidate of the then-opposition All Progressives Congress. The identity of the person who paid Cambridge Analytica for its services was not immediately disclosed, but the Guardian described him as a Nigerian businessman with who wanted to ensure former President Goodluck Jonathans re-election. He reportedly paid $2 million. A spokesperson for the British High Commission in Abuja, Joe Abuku, told PREMIUM TIMES he couldnt immediately comment on the matter because he didnt have details. A Foreign Office spokesperson denied the allegations that SCL Elections had links to the UK High Commission offices in countries where it was doing business. It is not now nor ever has been the case that enquiries for SCL can be directed through any British High Commission or Embassy, the spokesperson said. Our understanding is that, at the time of the signing of the contract for project work in 2008/9, the FCO was not aware of SCLs reported activity during the 2006 Latvian election or 2007 Nigerian election. Other countries where SCL Elections tried to manipulate elections in the last decade included Latvia in Eastern Europe. The BBC also reported that the acting CEO of Cambridge Analytica, Alexander Tayler, said Cambridge Analytica was formed in 2013, out of a much older company called SCL Elections. We take the disturbing recent allegations of unethical practices in our non-US political business very seriously. The board has launched a full and independent investigation into SCL Elections past practices, and its findings will be made available in due course. ADVERTISEMENT The three senators representing Lagos East, West and Central Senatorial Districts on Sunday passed a vote of confidence and endorsed Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for a second term in office, saying that the giant strides of his administration were being felt across the state. The senators- Gbenga Ashafa (Lagos East); Oluremi Tinubu (Lagos Central) and Solomon Olamilekan (Lagos West), who paid a visit to the Governor at Lagos House, Ikeja, said they were proud of his achievements and the renewed vigour he had brought to bear since he assumed office. Reading a letter of endorsement on behalf of his colleagues, Mr Ashafa said Mr Ambode had beyond reasonable doubt proved his mettle to lead the state to greater heights, citing massive infrastructural development, strategic solutions to traffic gridlock as well as key interventions in various sectors in the State in the last 33 months. Since May 29, 2015, when you took the mantle of leadership and administration, you have made it clear that you are out to deliver on all your campaign promises. Looking back today, we are Senators representing the three senatorial districts of Lagos State are very proud of your achievements and the renewed vigour which you have brought to the public service of Lagos State. We particularly are proud of the infrastructural development that you have brought to the entire State in general and to our districts in particular. Your smart solutions in tackling the traffic and security challenges that initially faced your administration have become template for other States to copy. Also, your strategy partnerships with Kebbi and Kano States have thrown more light to the capacity of Lagos State and the creative manager of man and resources which you are. We must also mention that through the course of the period which our country battled with an economic recession, your Excellency made sure that Lagos State remained well-above the curve and also ensured that workers in Lagos State did not miss their salary for one day throughout that period and indeed throughout this administration. For this, we thank your Excellency for always placing the interest of Lagosians first. In conclusion, the foregoing and many more reasons formed the bedrock of the decision of the Senators representing the Central, East and Western districts of Lagos State together with the political leadership of our various districts resulted in our visit today to convey our vote of confidence and endorsement for another well-deserved term for your administration, Mr Ashafa said. On her part, Mrs Tinubu commended Mr Ambode for turning every part of the state into a huge construction site and as well working to improve the lives of the common man. Addressing the governor, Mrs Tinubu said: You (Governor Ambode) have done very credibly and even on our way here just seeing the masses have somewhere to go to is a testimony of how you really want to improve the lives of the common man. And not only that, we see that there is no where you go to that you will not find development. Anyone that will say oh they havent come to me, all I would say is that they should be patient; its going to go round. I want to congratulate you and pray that your next term in office will be better than this because they say that the glory of the latter house will be greater than the former and so we pray that you will continue to take this State from glory to glory. Also, Mr Olamilekan said the vote of confidence on the governor was as a result of the good works he had done so far, adding that it was also to urge him to continue to do more for the State. What we are doing here today, we believe we are speaking the minds of Lagosians that you are overwhelmingly endorse for second term in office. What we can always say as Oliver Twist is to demand for more. I believe that by the time the second term commence, a lot that is yet to be done will be attended to. Once more, we want to thank you for the good job you have done so far, he said. Responding, Mr Ambode said he was humbled by the collective endorsement of the senators, assuring that he would continue to give his best for the development of the state. I am seriously humbled by the collective presence of the three distinguished Senators from Lagos State in the State House this evening. I must also say that this is a sign that there is huge political stability in this State and to also let the people know, I am humbled by the desire of the Senators to say that I should continue with all the things I have already done for Lagosians. I want to say I am very proud of the three of them; they have done Lagos State very proud; they have been very active and I must also say that there is harmony and brotherhood in the political class in Lagos and we are proud of our Senators, Mr Ambode said. ADVERTISEMENT A mild drama occurred weekend at Sangotedo Community in Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State, as suspected land grabbers fled on sighting the convoy of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who stormed the area to stop alleged encroachment on his land. The suspects were reportedly part of a syndicate who had the backing of an influential person in the state, and also had the support of police officers, a development brought to the notice of Mr. Obasanjo some months ago. The visit of the former president, it was gathered, was a relief to the residents, having been under incessant attacks by a suspected land grabbing syndicate. A large part of the land reportedly belonged to the former president. PREMIUM TIMES could not immediately verify this information. A chief in the community, Adebayo Eniola, told Mr Obasanjo that the alleged influential personality behind the attacks claimed ownership of the land for the last 10 years. Mr Eniola who received Obasanjos entourage in company of other residents said the coming of Mr Obasanjo would douse tension, as well as keep the land grabbers and their sponsor in check. The coming has doused tension, as you can see with the large turnout of residents here waiting to see the real owner of this land. Let me quickly tell you that the land was purchased about 40-50 years ago from the original land owners, who incidentally are also relations of Baba (Obasanjo), he said. Mr Eniola, who was instructed by Mr Obasanjo to speak with journalists said the acquired areas started from Egan Mopo kekere, Egan Mopo Nla (Akinlade), Ogonbo (Asorobi family) to Toromade (Akinlolu family) sharing boundary with Okun Ajah all between Ibeju Lekki and Eti-osa local governments. The records are there. But, when development started spreading towards here (Ibeju-Lekki) and this was just about 10-15 years ago, we started seeing some people bringing buyers, with claim that they are from the powers that be in Lagos Island, Mr Eniola said. To make matters worse, any time they wanted to come and encroach on the land, they will come with large presence of armed policemen, shooting sporadically to scare people. This has been creating fears and tension in the residents. I reported the matter to Baba and he assured that he will personally come. So, I informed everybody, that is why you see this crowd, Mr Eniola said He added that with Mr Obasanjos visit, my people here will have rest of mind from incessant harassment of these powerful land grabbers. Meanwhile, one of the mobile police officers identified as Wale Animasaun while speaking said they (policemen) were drafted by the Area Commander to the area to forestall break down of law and order. By: USOH End -- Hindu prayers will open the meetings of ten city and county councils in Utah (USA) between June four to seven, containing verses from world's oldest existing scripture.These include Weber County Board of Commissioners (Ogden), Wasatch County Council (Heber City), Juab County Commission (Nephi), Payson City Council, Centerville City Council, Heber City Council, Woods Cross City Council, Salem City Council, West Bountiful City Council and Charleston Town Board.Hindu statesman Rajan Zed will deliver the invocations from ancient Sanskrit scriptures before these city and county councils. After Sanskrit delivery, he then will read the English interpretation of the prayers. Sanskrit is considered a sacred language in Hinduism and root language of Indo-European languages.Zed, who is the President of Universal Society of Hinduism, will recite from, the oldest scripture of the world still in common use; besides lines fromand(Song of the Lord), both ancient Hindu scriptures. He plans to start and end each prayer with "Om", the mystical syllable containing the universe, which in Hinduism is used to introduce and conclude religious work.Reciting from, Rajan Zed plans to say "Asato ma sad gamaya, Tamaso ma jyotir gamaya, Mrtyor mamrtam gamaya"; which he will then interpret as "Lead us from the unreal to the real, Lead us from darkness to light, and Lead us from death to immortality."Reciting from, he proposes to urge councilmembers and others present to keep the welfare of others always in mind.Zed will also meet Chair James H. "Jim" Harvey of Weber County Board of Commissioners, Chairman Clinton L. Painter of Juab County Commission, Mayor Rick Earnshaw of Woods Cross, Mayor Kurt L. Christensen of Salem and Mayor Brenda Kozlowski of Charleston before the respective invocations. During this Utah trip, Zed also plans to address students at Brigham Young University (Provo) and meet its Dean of Religious Education Dr. Brent L. Top; and address a gathering at Sri Ganesha Hindu Temple of Utah (South Jordan) and meet Utah Indian community leader Dinesh C. Patel and Temple President Satish K. Nachaegari.Rajan Zed had opened Utah State Senate, Salt Lake County Council, Utah County Commission (Provo); and city councils of West Valley, Provo, Sandy, Layton, Taylorsville, South Jordan and Draperall in Utah; with Hindu invocations in the past.Zed, a global Hindu and interfaith leader, has been bestowed with World Interfaith Leader Award. Zed is Senior Fellow and Religious Advisor to Foundation for Religious Diplomacy, Spiritual Advisor to National Association of Interchurch & Interfaith Families, on the Advisory Board of The Interfaith Peace Project, etc. He has been panelist for "On Faith", a prestigious interactive conversation on religion produced by The Washington Post; and leads a weekly interfaith panel "Faith Forum" in a Gannett publication for over seven years.Hinduism, oldest and third largest religion of the world, has about 1.1 billion adherents and moksh (liberation)is its ultimate goal. There are about three million Hindus in USA.Utah is the world headquarters of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which has nearly 16 million members and 30,304 congregations worldwide. Yes, the decision belongs on the local level No, no one should be able to dictate whether people wear masks Vote View Results WASHINGTON, March 24, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- During the Boston leg of his United States visit, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman visited the IBM Health Center. The visit highlighted the capabilities of Artificial Intelligence (AI), which can be utilized to solve complex problems, and how such applications can play a role in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's future. The Kingdom has set a purposeful course for reforming and revamping the country under Vision 2030, which includes using the latest technology and developing it further to catalyze growth. The visit emphasized ways in which Watson could enable greater partnerships between people and computers, as well as, how AI can help read, discern data, and generate better insights. The applicability of IBM's developments in science and technology have wide ranging affects; such as, helping save lives when used in medicine. The Crown Prince's visit reflects the Kingdom's commitment to strengthening the ties between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States of America, which are multidimensional and constantly growing. SOURCE Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, Information Office WASHINGTON, March 24, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In line with the Crown Prince's dimensional approach to the United States tour, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman visited Harvard University. As a premier educational institution, His Royal Highness' visit to the university reflects the importance the Kingdom places on education and further developing it to ensuring that Saudi citizens are able to achieve their true potential. The visit included a moderated roundtable discussion on issues of labor policy, entrepreneurship, and preparing students in a 21st century world through enhancing training of educators, as well as, their pedagogical approach. The Crown Prince met with the University President , whereby they discussed the importance of education and research to the success of Vision 2030. The Kingdom has strong ties with various American educational institutions, including Harvard University, and it aims to further develop these ties. The Saudi-U.S. partnership is strong across various cooperative levels, including education and research. SOURCE Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, Information Office SEATTLE, March 25, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Panopto, the leading video platform provider for businesses and universities, today announced an offer to live stream Apple's upcoming event, set to take place Tuesday, March 27 at Lane Tech High School in Chicago. Panopto's offer follows Apple's recent confirmation that the company would not live stream Tuesday's event, a break from tradition. "Live blogs are nice, but nothing comes close to video for reproducing the live event experience," said Sean Gorman, Chief Operating Officer of Panopto. "Apple's change of venue from its state-of-the-art Cupertino facilities to a Chicago high school shouldn't prevent the company from live streaming. With Panopto, Apple could produce a professional, reliable broadcast that reaches a virtually unlimited audience online, all using commodity AV hardware." Panopto's video platform provides businesses and universities with an easier, more cost-effective way to broadcast and record corporate events. Panopto enables users to live stream to any desktop or mobile web browser without the need for specialized software. And Panopto's cloud infrastructure and content delivery networks (CDNs) ensure that online attendees have a great viewing experience, regardless of where they're located and whether they number in the tens or tens of thousands. Leading businesses like Mizuno, academic institutions like the University of Arizona, and hundreds of other organizations around the world rely on Panopto for live streaming internal and public events, including corporate town halls, campus community events, organizational announcements, and more. "Tuesday's event will be Apple's first education-focused event since 2012," noted Gorman. "As a leader in enterprise video and a company with deep roots in education, we'd love to assist in streaming to the broadest audience possible." About Panopto Panopto helps businesses and universities create searchable video libraries of their institutional knowledge. Since 2007, the company has been a pioneer in video capture software, video content management systems, and inside-video search technology. Today, Panopto's video platform is the largest repository of expert learning videos in the world. Headquartered in Seattle, with offices in Pittsburgh, London, Hong Kong, and Sydney, Panopto has received industry recognition for its innovation, rapid growth, and company culture. For more information, visit www.panopto.com. SOURCE Panopto Related Links http://www.panopto.com BEIJING, March 25, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation ("Sinopec Corp." or the "Company") (HKEX: 386; SSE: 600028;NYSE: SNP) today announced its annual results for the twelve months ended 31 December 2017. Financial Highlights In accordance with IFRS, the Company's turnover and other operating revenues reached RMB 2.36 trillion in 2017, up 22.2% from the previous year. Profit attributable to equity shareholders of the Company was RMB 51.24 billion , up 9.8% year-on-year. Basic earnings per share were RMB 0.423 . in 2017, up 22.2% from the previous year. Profit attributable to equity shareholders of the Company was , up 9.8% year-on-year. Basic earnings per share were . In accordance with ASBE, the Company's operating profit was RMB 87.0 billion , representing a 12.4% increase as compared with 2016. Profit attributable to shareholders of the Company was RMB 51.1 billion , up 10.1% year-on-year. Basic earnings per share were RMB 0.422 . , representing a 12.4% increase as compared with 2016. Profit attributable to shareholders of the Company was , up 10.1% year-on-year. Basic earnings per share were . In accordance with IFRS, the Company's liability-to-asset ratio as at the end of 2017 was 46.54%, which represented an increase of 2.01 percentage points compared with the end of the previous year. Meanwhile, the Company maintained a sound financial position. Cash and cash equivalents amounted to RMB113.2 billion as at 31 December 2017 , maintaining at a healthy level. as at , maintaining at a healthy level. The Company focused on quality and efficiency of its development, optimised product and feedstock mix, increased high-value-added products production based on the customer demand. Refining and chemicals segments results both achieved record high. Operating profit of the refining segment totaled RMB 65.0 billion , an increase of 15.5% year-on-year. Operating profit of the chemicals segment was RMB 27.0 billion , up 30.8% year-on-year. , an increase of 15.5% year-on-year. Operating profit of the chemicals segment was , up 30.8% year-on-year. Taking into account the Company's profitability, cash position, shareholder return and future business development, the Board proposed a final dividend of RMB 0.40 per share, which combined with the interim dividend of RMB 0.10 per share, brought the full-year dividend to RMB 0.50 per share, up 100.8% from the previous year. Dividend payout ratio reached 118%. Total cash dividend to be paid for the full year was RMB 60.5 billion , highest since its listing. per share, which combined with the interim dividend of per share, brought the full-year dividend to per share, up 100.8% from the previous year. Dividend payout ratio reached 118%. Total cash dividend to be paid for the full year was , highest since its listing. In accordance with IFRS, the Company's total assets increased by 9.9% and shareholders' equity increased by 22.4% compared with the levels in 2014. During the three years of the sixth session of the Board, the Company's turnover and total assets have grown steadily. The Company's businesses have expanded rapidly, and overall performance has continued to improve. In addition, the Company delivered good returns to shareholders, with total dividends declared for the three-year period amounting to RMB 108.8 billion . Business Highlights In 2017, global economy recovered gradually, while China maintained stable and favourable economic growth with gross domestic product (GDP) up by 6.9%. As the Company made major decisions, the Board of Directors focused on steady and firm improvement, continued to focus on supply-side structural reform and stepped up efforts to enhance the Company's efficiency, profitability and corporate governance with an emphasis on delivering returns to shareholders. Exploration and Production segment: implemented a low-cost strategy to address the challenge of low oil prices, focused on high-efficiency exploration and development, and enlarged proved reserves to lay a stronger foundation for sustainable development. The Company also developed its natural gas business as a new driver for profit growth. The Company built up the production capacity of the Fuling shale gas field to 10 billion cubic meters per year. Refining segment: optimised product mix and the production volume of high-value-added products have been further improved. The Company actively promoted refined oil products quality upgrading and optimised its production plans along with market changes. The advantages of centralised marketing took full play and the Company developed this business into its profit growth drivers Marketing and Distribution segment: innovated operational models, optimized layout of service stations and brought he Company's advantages in integrated business and distribution network into full play, achieving sustained growth in both total sales volume and retail scale. In addition, the Company proactively promoted and cultivated vehicle natural gas business. Non-fuel business maintained its rapid growth. Chemicals segment: adopted a customer-focused approach and enhanced the adjustments in our product and feedstock mix. The Company intensified its efforts to enhance research and development, production, marketing and sales of new high-value-added products and implemented precision marketing. Both the sales volume and profitability of the chemicals segment reached record highs. Mr. Dai Houliang, Vice Chairman & President of Sinopec Corp. said, "In 2017, The Company actively addressed market changes through a focus on the improvement of assets quality and profitability, as well as operation upgrades. We pressed ahead with measures for specialised business development, market-oriented operation and overall coordination. With a focused supply-side structural reform, we coordinated all aspects of our work and delivered solid operating results. In 2018, the global economy will continue to recover. While China's economic development model will shift from high-speed growth to high- quality development, domestic demand for oil and chemical products will remain robust. In view of the new requirements in the new era, the Company will adhere to an underlying principle of progressing at a steady pace and under a new development model that makes quality and efficiency our top priorities. We will continue to implement our set strategies and enhance our corporate governance with China's characteristics. We will also strive diligently to improve our production and operational standards, reinforce our reform, innovation and management to enable sustainable development." Business Review Exploration and Production In 2017, faced with low oil prices, we constantly strengthened measures to increase proved reserves and rein in development costs, which helped achieving better results. We gave priority to high-efficiency exploration activities and made new discoveries in the Xinjiang Tahe Basin and the Sichuan Basin. The Company's newly added proved reserve reached 462.73 million barrels of oil equivalent, with crude oil reserve replacement ratio reaching 116.0%. In crude oil development, we constantly adopted a profit-oriented approach, deepened structural adjustment, focused on cost control, reduced natural decline rate and ensured steady production. In natural gas development, we actively pushed forward capacity building in Hangjinqi of Nei Mongol and Dongpo of west Sichuan, and completed 10 bcm(billion cubic meter) per year shale gas capacity building in Fuling. The Company's production of oil and gas was 448.79 million barrels of oil equivalent, with domestic crude production down by 3.2% from the previous year and natural gas production up by 19.1%. In 2017, the operating revenues of this segment were RMB 157.5 billion, representing an increase of 35.9% over 2016. This was mainly attributed to the rise of realised price of crude oil and natural gas as well as expansion of LNG business. The operating loss of the exploration and production segment were RMB 45.9 billion, representing an expanded loss by RMB 9.3 billion as compared with 2016. By deducting the non-operating income from capital injection of Sichuan-to-East China Pipeline Co. in 2016, the Company realized a significant reduction in loss by RMB 11.3 billion in 2017. In 2017, the oil and gas lifting cost was RMB 788.3 per tonne, representing a year on year increase of 0.3%. Exploration and Production: Summary of Operations Twelve-month periods ended 31 December Changes 2017 2016 % Oil and gas production (mmboe) 448.79 431.29 4.1 Crude oil production (mmbbls) 293.66 303.51 (3.2) China 248.88 253.15 (1.7) Overseas 44.78 50.36 (11.1) Natural gas production (bcf) 912.50 766.12 19.1 Refining In 2017, with the market-oriented approach, we optimised product mix to produce more gasoline and jet fuel, and the production volume of high-value-added products have been further improved, with the diesel-to-gasoline ratio further declined to 1.17. The Company actively promoted refined oil products quality upgrading, the GB V standard diesel quality upgrading completed, and advanced the refined oil products quality upgrading of GB VI standard. We adapted to market changes by took full advantages of our integrated business, and moderately increased export volume of refined oil products. We comprehensively optimised our production plans to ensure safe and reliable operations. The advantages of centralised marketing took full play, and profitability of LPG, asphalt and other products were further improved. In 2017, the Company processed 239 million tonnes of crude, up by 1.3% from the previous year, and produced 151 million tonnes of refined oil products, with gasoline up by 1.2% and kerosene up by 5.5% from the previous year. In 2017, the operating revenues of this segment were RMB 1011.9 billion, representing an increase of 18.2% over 2016. This was mainly attributed to the increase in products prices. In 2017, the operating profit of the segment totaled RMB 65.0 billion, representing an increase of RMB 8.7 billion or 15.5% as compared with 2016. In 2017, refining gross margin was RMB 510.7 per tonne, representing an increase of RMB 38.8 per tonne compared with 2016. This is mainly due to the increased proportion of high value added products, the promotion of quality upgrading of refined oil products, enlarged total refinery throughput by increasing the export volume, and further improved margins for LPG, asphalt and other refined oil products by our centralized marketing advantages brought fully into play. In 2017, the unit refining cash operating cost was RMB 175.2 per tonne, an increase of RMB 9.5 per tonne over 2016, mainly because of increased operating expenses resulting from newly operated facilities related to quality upgrading of refined oil products as well as safety enhancement and environment protection. Refining: Summary of Operations For the twelve months ended 31 December Changes 2017 2016 (%) Refinery throughput (million tonnes) 238.50 235.53 1.3 Gasoline, diesel and kerosene production (million tonnes) 150.67 149.17 1.0 Gasoline (million tonnes) 57.03 56.36 1.2 Diesel (million tonnes) 66.76 67.34 (0.9) Kerosene (million tonnes) 26.88 25.47 5.5 Light chemical feedstock production (million tonnes) 38.60 38.54 0.2 Light yield (%) 75.85 76.33 (0.48) percentage points Refining yield (%) 94.88 94.70 0.18 percentage points Note: Includes 100% of the production of domestic joint ventures. Marketing and Distribution In 2017, confronted with stronger competition, the Company brought our advantages in integrated business and distribution network into full play, optimised internal and external resources, intensified market efforts and achieved sustained growth in both total sales volume and retail scale. We innovated operational models and optimised layout of service stations, and expedited revamping of storage and transportation facilities of refined oil products to further improve our distribution network. In addition, we proactively promote and cultivate vehicle natural gas business. In 2017, the total sales volume of oil products was 199 million tonnes, of which domestic sales accounted for 178 million tonnes, up by 2.9% year on year. We strengthened self-owned brand development and marketing, and non-fuel business maintained its rapid growth with increased scale and profits. In 2017, the operating revenues of this segment were RMB 1,224.2 billion, representing an increase of 16.3% over 2016. In 2017, the operating profit of this segment was RMB 31.6 billion, representing a decrease of 1.8% compared with 2016. Among which, the operating revenues of non- fuel business was RMB 27.6 billion, representing an increase of RMB 6.2 billion compared with 2016; the profit of non-fuel business was RMB 2.2 billion, representing an increase of RMB 0.7 billion compared with 2016. Marketing and Distribution: Summary of Operations For twelve months ended 31 December Changes 2017 2016 % Total sales volume of refined oil products (million tonnes) 198.75 194.84 2.0 Total domestic sales volume of refined oil products (million tonnes) 177.76 172.70 2.9 Retail (million tonnes) 121.56 120.14 1.2 Direct sales and Wholesale (million tonnes) 56.20 52.56 6.9 Annualised average throughput per station (tonne/station) 3,969 3,926 1.1 As of 31 December 2017 As of 31 December 2016 Changes from the end of previous year% Total number of Sinopec-branded service stations 30,633 30,603 0.1 Company-operated 30,627 30,597 0.1 Chemicals In 2017, the Company continued the "basic and high-end" chemical business development concept to promote effective supply. We fine-tuned chemical feedstock mix to lower costs, optimised product mix and increased high-value-added products production based on the customer demand. We optimised production and operation based on market conditions and intensified dynamic modelling and monitoring of profit to increase profitability. Ethylene output was 11.61 million tonnes, up by 5.0% from the previous year. The Company intensified its efforts to enhance research and development, production, marketing and sales of new high-value-added products. Our differential ratio of synthetic fibre reached 89.0% and the specialty and new products as a percentage of synthetic resin reached 63%. By fully exerting our network advantage, implementing precision marketing and further expanding the market, our full- year chemical sales volume increased by 12.2% from the previous year to 78.5 million tonnes, marking a historic record. In 2017, the operating revenues of the chemicals segment were RMB 437.7 billion, representing an increase of 30.6% as compared with that of 2016, This was mainly due to increase in sales volume and price of chemical products as compared with 2016. In 2017, the segment seized the opportunities of the improving market conditions, coordinated production with sales, intensified structural adjustment, increased the production of synthetic resin, rubber and some organic products which were more profitable, positively expanded the market, strictly controlled costs and expenses, thus, resulting in remarkable profits. In 2017, the operating profit of this segment was RMB 27.0 billion, representing an increase of RMB 6.4 billion or 30.8% as compared with 2016. Major Chemical Products: Summary of Operations Unit of production: 1,000 tonne For twelve months ended 31 December Changes 2017 2016 (%) Ethylene 11,610 11,059 5.0 Synthetic resin 15,938 15,201 4.8 Synthetic fiber monomer and polymer 848 857 (1.1) Synthetic fiber 9,439 9,275 1.8 Synthetic rubber 1,220 1,242 (1.8) Note: Includes 100% of the production of domestic joint ventures. Research and Development In 2017, the Company pushed ahead with its innovation-driven strategy, deepened reform of R&D mechanism, and accomplished notable results driven by R&D progresses. In upstream business, further breakthroughs in geological evaluation and exploration technologies of deep carbonate and deep shale gas reservoirs underpinned the growing resources base of Shunbei oilfield and south Sichuan as well as discoveries of new formations in Sichuan Basin. We improved development technologies for Tahe fractured-vuggy carbonate reservoir, bringing down the natural decline rate. In refining, our demonstration unit of fluidised bed residue hydro-treating achieved long-cycle operation at its full capacity, and we completed the industrial test of super solid-acid C5 and C6 isomerisation technology. In chemicals, the syngas to ethylene glycol demonstration unit ran smoothly, and we accomplished commercial production of low-volatility polypropylene for automobile use and high-transparency & low-extraction polypropylene. Our on-line trading platform developed rapidly, as a result of the integration of IT application and industrialisation. In 2017, the Company filed 5,876 patent applications at home and abroad, 3,640 patents granted. The Company also won two first prises and one second prise in the National Scientific and Technological Progress Awards, two second prises in the National Technology and Innovation Awards, and eight excellent patent awards in China's Patent Award competition. Health, Safety and the Environment In 2017, the Company pressed ahead the formation of a long-term safe production scheme, strengthened safety measures at basic levels to control risks and remove potential hazards in all aspects. We promoted on-site safety supervision and management to continuously improve our safety management level. The Company actively implemented its green and low- carbon strategy to integrate energy conservation, emissions cutting and carbon reduction. We comprehensively strengthened environmental risk and air pollution control, steadily pushed forward our "Efficiency Doubling Plan", continuously consolidated our carbon asset management, and accomplished all emissions reduction targets. For more detailed information, please refer to our Communication on Progress for Sustainable Development. Capital Expenditures In 2017, focusing on quality and profitability of investment, the Company continuously optimised its investment projects. Total capital expenditures were RMB 99.384 billion. Capital expenditures for the exploration and production segment were RMB 31.344 billion, mainly for Fuling shale gas and Hangjinqi natural gas field development projects, Shengli and Northwest crude development projects, LNG terminals in Tianjin, Wen-23 gas storage and phase I of Xinjiang gas pipeline, as well as overseas projects. Capital expenditures for the refining segment were RMB 21.075 billion, mainly for Zhongke Refining and Petrochemical project, adjustments in the product mix of Zhenhai and Maoming refineries, and gasoline and diesel GB VI quality upgrading projects. Capital expenditures for the marketing and distribution segment were RMB 21.539 billion, mainly for construction of service stations and refined oil product pipelines, depots and storage facilities. Capital expenditures for the chemicals segment were RMB 23.028 billion, mainly for Zhongke Refining and Petrochemical project, phase II of Hainan high-efficiency and environment- friendly aromatics project, Gulei and Zhong'an projects, acquisition of interest in Shanghai SECCO, as well as projects regarding resource comprehensive utilisation and product structure adjustments. Capital expenditures for the corporate and others segment were RMB 2.398 billion, mainly for R&D facilities and information technology application projects. B usiness Prospects Looking ahead to 2018, we expect world economy continuing to recover, and China's economy would maintain steady growth. Meanwhile, the constant stream of reform measures by Chinese government to revitalise its substantial economy, the further development of the Belt and Road Initiative, the synergic development of Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei and the growth along Yangtze River Economic Zone will bring up demand for refined oil products and petrochemicals. Natural gas as clean energy will see rapid growth with structural adjustment of domestic energy mix. International oil price in 2018 is expected to maintain its stabilising momentum. In 2018, the Company will persist with our objective of progressing at a steady pace to continually focus on growth stabilisation, adhere to the principle of quality first and profitability prioritised. The Company will deepen the supply- side structural reform as main direction to further implement the operation objectives of reform, management, innovation and development, to fully improve operational performance. We will undertake the following work during the year: Exploration and Production: We will maintain high-efficiency exploration and profitable production activities to continually increase proved reserve and expand resource base. In oil development, we will enhance refined reservoir characterisation, deepen the structural adjustments of mature fields, control natural decline rate, lower operational cost and improve economic recovery rate. In natural gas development, we will keep advancing key projects for capacity construction, optimise production and marketing operations, and promote the coordinated development along the value chain. In 2018, we plan to produce 290 million barrels of crude oil, of which overseas production will account for 41 million barrels. We plan to produce 974.1 billion cubic feet of natural gas. Refining: We will comprehensively optimise our production plans along with market changes to consolidating the competitive advantage of refining business. We will continue to adjust our product structure by further lowering the diesel-to-gasoline ratio and increasing the production of naphtha and jet fuel. The quality upgrading of GB VI standard refined oil products will complete on time with strengthened coordination. We will fine-tune crude oil procurement and resource allocation to reduce procurement cost. We will optimise our marketing mechanism to enlarge the trading volume of other refined oil products. In 2018, we plan to process 239 million tonnes of crude and produce 152 million tonnes of refined oil products. Marketing and Distribution: We will intensify our marketing strategy of balancing profits and volume by optimising resources allocation and operational efficiency. We will put effort to expand markets and our business scale. We will further improve our marketing network to reinforce existing advantages. We will accelerate the construction of oil products export infrastructure and amplify the profitability of overseas oil products marketing. We will deepen the integration of fuel and non-fuel business, so to create a new mode of coordinating oil products retailing, non-fuel products marketing and third-party vendors cooperation, and thus step up the growth of non-fuel business. In 2018, we plan to sell 179 million tonnes of oil products in the domestic market. Chemicals: We will further optimise feedstock mix and product slate. The constant feedstock optimisation would further lower feedstock costs. We will put more efforts on optimising product mix, enhancing the dynamic evaluation and monitoring of profitability of facilities and product chains, increasing more popular and profitable products production and advancing the R&D, production and sales of high-end chemicals. We will step up research on the industrial chain and optimise the rapid response mechanism combining production, marketing and research. Internal and external resources will be fully tapped to actively expand sales volume and market share. Meanwhile, refined marketing and tailor- made services will be adopted to provide our customers with full process solutions and value-added services. In 2018, we plan to produce 11.6 million tonnes of ethylene. Research and Development: We will continue to deeply implement our strategy of development driven by innovation and reform of mechanisms for technological innovation. We will accelerating key technical breakthroughs, reinforcing research on leading technologies, and stepping up the commercial application of technological achievements to highlight the prominent role of technologies in supporting and leading. In key technical breakthroughs, focus will be given to new discoveries of oil and gas resources, low-cost development of oil and gas resources, high-efficiency conversion of heavy crude, refined oil products quality upgrading, cost reduction and efficiency enhancement of chemical business, new products development of high-value- added materials, energy conservation and environmental protection. In leading technologies, priorities lie in the basic and prospective research of ultra-deep and deepwater oil and gas exploration and production, molecular-level intelligent refining and new energies. In innovative development, the Company plans to establish a joint R&D centre for cutting-edge technologies to facilitate the innovation from basic research to commercialisation. Meanwhile, the integration of information technologies and industrialisation will carry on by further enhancing integration of information systems and the application of intelligent pipeline management systems. Capital Expenditures: In 2018, we will devote attention to the quality and profitability of investments, and constantly optimise our investment projects. Capital expenditures for the year are budgeted at RMB 117 billion. The exploration and production segment will account for expenditures of RMB 48.5 billion, mainly for the shale gas development in southwest China, the natural gas project in north China and crude capacity building in northwest China, as well as natural gas pipelines and storage projects, and overseas oil and gas projects. The refining segment will account for RMB 28.8 billion, mainly for Zhongke Refining and Petrochemical Project, the structural adjustments of refining business in Zhenhai, Maoming and Tianjin subsidiaries, and the quality upgrading of GB VI standard gasoline and diesel. The marketing and distribution segment will account for RMB 18.5 billion, mainly for construction of depots and storage facilities, pipelines and service stations. The chemicals segment will account for RMB 17.7 billion, mainly for Zhongke Refining and Petrochemical Project, the high-efficiency and phase II of Hainan high-efficiency and environmental- friendly aromatics project, the integrated refining and petrochemical project in Gulei and the resource utilisation and structural adjustment projects in Zhenhai, Yangzi, Jinling, Maoming and Wuhan subsidiaries. The corporate and others segment will account for RMB 3.5 billion, mainly for R&D facilities and information technology projects. Appendix: K ey financial data and indicators FINANCIAL DATA AND INDICATORS PREPARED IN ACCORDANCE WITH ASBE Principal accounting data Items For twelve months ended 31 December Changes over the same period of the preceding year (%) 2017 (RMB million) 2016 (RMB million) Operating income 2,360,193 1,930,911 22.2 Net profit attributable to equity shareholders of the Company 51,119 46,416 10.1 Net profit attributable to equity shareholders of the Company after deducting extraordinary gain/loss items 45,582 29,713 53.4 Net cash flows from operating activities 190,935 214,543 (11.0) At 31 December 2017 (RMB million) At 31 December 2016 (RMB million) Change from the end of last year (%) Total equity attributable to equity shareholders of the Company 727,244 712,232 2.1 Total assets 1,595,504 1,498,609 6.5 Principal financial indicators Items For twelve months ended 31 December Changes over the same period of the preceding year (%) 2017 (RMB) 2016 (RMB) Basic earnings per share 0.422 0.383 10.2 Diluted earnings per share 0.422 0.383 10.2 Basic earnings per share after deducting extraordinary gain/loss items 0.376 0.245 53.5 Weighted average return on net assets (%) 7.14 6.68 0.46 percentage points Weighted average return on net assets after deducting extraordinary gain/loss items (%) 6.37 4.33 2.04 percentage points Net cash flow from operating activities per share 1.577 1.772 (11.0) FINANCIAL DATA AND INDICATORS PREPARED IN ACCORDANCE WITH IFRS Principal accounting data Items For twelve months ended 31 December Changes over the same period of the preceding year (%) 2017 (RMB million) 2016 (RMB million) Operating Profit 71,470 77,193 (7.4) Net profit attributable to owners of the Company 51,244 46,672 9.8 Net cash generated from operating activities 1.577 1.772 (11.0) At 31 December 2017 (RMB million) At 31 December 2016 (RMB million) Change from the end of last year (%) Equity attributable to owners of the Company 726,120 710,994 2.1 Total assets 1,595,504 1,498,609 6.5 Principal financial indicators Items For twelve months ended 31 December Changes over the same period of the preceding year (%) 2017 (RMB) 2016 (RMB) Basic earnings per share 0.423 0.385 9.8 Diluted earnings per share 0.423 0.385 9.8 Return on capital employed (%) 8.26 7.30 0.96 percentage points The following table sets forth the operating revenues, operating expenses and operating profit / (loss) by each segment before elimination of the inter-segment transactions for the periods indicated, and the percentage changes between 2017 and 2016. For twelve months ended 31 December Changes 2017 2016 (RMB million) (%) Exploration and Production Segment Operating revenues 157,505 115,939 35.9 Operating expenses 203,449 152,580 33.3 Operating (loss)/profit (45,944) (36,641) - Refining Segment Operating revenues 1,011,853 855,786 18.2 Operating expenses 946,846 799,521 18.4 Operating (loss)/profit 65,007 56,265 15.5 Marketing and Distribution Segment Operating revenues 1,224,197 1,052,857 16.3 Operating expenses 1,192,628 1,020,704 16.8 Operating (loss)/profit 31,569 32,153 (1.8) Chemicals Segment Operating revenues 437,743 335,114 30.6 Operating expenses 410,766 314,491 30.6 Operating (loss)/profit 26,977 20,623 30.8 Corporate and others Operating revenues 974,850 739,947 31.7 Operating expenses 979,334 736,735 32.9 Operating (loss)/profit (4,484) 3,212 - Elimination of inter-segment profit/(loss) (1,655) 1,581 - About Sinopec Corp. Sinopec Corp. is one of the largest integrated energy and chemical companies in China. Its principal operations include the exploration and production, pipeline transportation and sale of petroleum and natural gas; the sale, storage and transportation of petroleum products, petrochemical products, coal chemical products, synthetic fibre, fertiliser and other chemical products; the import and export, including an import and export agency business, of petroleum, natural gas, petroleum products, petrochemical and chemical products, and other commodities and technologies; and research, development and application of technologies and information. Sinopec sets 'fueling beautiful life' as its corporate mission, puts 'people, responsibility, integrity, precision, innovation and win-win' as its corporate core values, pursues strategies of value-orientation, innovation-driven development, integrated resource allocation, open cooperation, and green and low-carbon growth, and strives to achieve its corporate vision of building a world leading energy and chemical company. Disclaimer This press release includes "forward-looking statements". All statements, other than statements of historical facts that address activities, events or developments that Sinopec Corp. expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future (including but not limited to projections, targets, reserve volume, other estimates and business plans) are forward-looking statements. Sinopec Corp.'s actual results or developments may differ materially from those indicated by these forward-looking statements as a result of various factors and uncertainties, including but not limited to the price fluctuation, possible changes in actual demand, foreign exchange rate, results of oil exploration, estimates of oil and gas reserves, market shares, competition, environmental risks, possible changes to laws, finance and regulations, conditions of the global economy and financial markets, political risks, possible delay of projects, government approval of projects, cost estimates and other factors beyond Sinopec Corp.'s control. In addition, Sinopec Corp. makes the forward-looking statements referred to herein as of today and undertakes no obligation to update these statements. Investor Inquiries: Media Inquiries: Beijing Tel(86 10) 5996 0028 Tel(86 10) 5996 0028 Fax(86 10) 5996 0386 Fax(8610) 5996 0386 Email[email protected] Email[email protected] Hong Kong Tel(852) 2824 2638 Tel(852) 2522 1838 Fax(852) 2824 3669 Fax(852) 2521 9955 Email[email protected] Email[email protected] SOURCE China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation SAN DIEGO, March 25, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- This week, March 26-28, 2018, thousands of charter public school teachers, leaders, and supporters are meeting at the San Diego Convention Center to attend the 25th Annual California Charter Schools Conference. The California Charter Schools Association (CCSA) is proud to host this event in celebration of 25 years of charter public schools "Making a Difference" in the lives of students and families within California's public education system. "Charter public schools play a critical role in strengthening California's public education system, as shown by our ever growing and thriving sector over the last 25 years," said Jed Wallace, president and CEO, CCSA. "This year's conference theme, Making a Difference, speaks to the enduring impact of charter public schools now serving more than 630,000 students attending 1,275 charter public schools in communities across the state. We've got a great line up at this year's conference, including a panel discussion led by some of our strongest women charter public school leaders, and we will hear from renowned speakers and student advocates Geoffrey Canada and Paul Tough." This year, attendees will have an opportunity to hear from the following notable speakers: MONDAY, MARCH 26, 2018 Opening Plenary Session: 1:30-2:45 p.m . San Diego Convention Center, Ballroom 20 Geoffrey Canada, nationally known bestselling author, children's advocate, and founder of Harlem Children's Zone (HCZ), will present the opening keynote address during the opening plenary session. Canada has become nationally recognized for his pioneering work helping children and families in Harlem and as a passionate advocate for education reform. The work of Canada and the HCZ has been featured on 60 Minutes, The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Today Show, Good Morning America, Nightline and NPR's "On Point," as well as in articles in The New York Times, USA Today, and Newsday. "Society has held onto a set of beliefs about how to run our public education system that hasn't helped our young people reach their fullest potential. We must act quickly to revamp our public education system to improve all public schools; our children's futures depend on it," said Canada. "I am proud of California's charter public school movement for its ability to adapt and change to the needs of our nation's children. They have helped spearhead comprehensive, creative, community-approaches to improving public education for all students, particularly those plagued by generational poverty, helping them to break the cycle. California's charter public school system is pushing the innovation envelope and leveraging accountability and data to drive instructional solutions that get students on the path to success in school and in life." TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 2018 Tuesday Morning Plenary Session: 8:00-9:30 a.m. San Diego Convention Center, Ballroom 20 Jed Wallace, president and CEO, CCSA will present the keynote address during the morning plenary session. Under his leadership, CCSA now advocates on behalf of more charter schools and charter school students than any other state in the nation. Tuesday Night, 25th Anniversary Celebration Reception & Plenary: 4:45-7:00 p.m. San Diego Convention Center, Ballroom 20 A panel comprised of several dynamic women charter leaders from Northern and Southern California who represent various school types with students from diverse racial, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds will highlight the difference-making power of charter schools. The panelists will discuss the diversity of our movement through school types, models and theoretical approaches to education as well as where the sector's been, where it is now and where it is headed in the next 25 years. Dr. Margaret Fortune, CEO, Fortune School of Education Fortune will moderate this panel discussion. She is the incoming board chair for CCSA, and former education advisor to two California Governors. She is known for her leadership in California's charter public school movement, including her efforts to close the African American achievement gap, to increase educational opportunities for those interested in earning their teaching credential and school administrator license, and to increase access to college for high school students. Dr. Jody Graf, Executive Director, Visions in Education Graf has made a deep impact in the charter public school movement over the last 20 years of her service at elementary and middle schools within San Juan Unified School District. Most notably, she has made a difference for independent study charter public schools, serving currently as the Executive Director for Visions in Education, and President of the California Consortium of Independent Study Schools. Yvette King-Berg, Executive Director, Youth Policy Institute King-Berg has worked in education for over thirty years in various capacities, including as former Vice President of School Development and Outreach, Southern California for CCSA. She is known for her research about parental involvement in the classroom and her impact on public schools in Pasadena, Los Angeles Unified School District and across the state. Sue Park, Head of School, Yu Ming Charter School Park has played a major role in the education of charter public school students throughout the state, working currently as head of Yu Ming Charter School in Oakland, and prior to that at Camino Nuevo Charter Academy in Los Angeles and Camino Nuevo in Burlingame. Her work to develop innovative curriculum and comprehensive continuums of support for her students has helped thousands of charter public school students achieve success. Frances Teso, Founder and CEO, Voices College-Bound Language Academies Throughout Teso's career in education, she has focused on the development of incredible educators for our state's public school system. She is known for the development of a transformational model for staff development, and her acceptance into the prestigious New Leaders for New School principal training program. Her work to support educators has rippled into the lives of charter public school students who are fortunate to be taught by the leaders she's helped blossom. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28, 2018 Closing Plenary Session: 2:45-4:00 p.m. San Diego Convention Center, Ballroom 20 Paul Tough, bestselling author of "How Children Succeed: Grit, Curiosity and the Hidden Power of Character" and "Helping Children Succeed: What Works and Why" will present the keynote during the closing plenary session. Tough is known for his work challenging the belief that intelligence, measured by test scores, is the sole predictor of how well a child will do in school and in life. He is a contributing writer and editor at The New York Times Magazine, where he has written extensively about education, parenting, poverty, and politics. His writing has also appeared in The New Yorker, The Atlantic, GQ, and Esquire, and on the op-ed page of The New York Times. Tough has also worked as an editor at Harper's Magazine and as a reporter and producer for the public-radio program "This American Life." He was the founding editor of Open Letters, an online magazine. Additional Information: Over 630,000 students attend an estimated 1,275 charter schools in California . . 3,000+ conference attendees. More than 160 conference breakout sessions, 57 expo presentations/posters, and more than 300 exhibiting companies. Charter schools are public schools. They are tuition-free and serve all students. Across the state, charter schools are excelling academically. Join Us: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram @CCSACon About the 25th Annual California Charter Schools Conference The California Charter Schools Conference inspires academic excellence, operational integrity and unity among charter schools throughout California. The conference is presented by the California Charter Schools Association (CCSA). For more information, please visit www.charterconference.org . About the California Charter Schools Association The California Charter Schools Association's vision is to increase student learning by growing the number of families choosing high quality charter public schools so that no child is denied the right to a great public education. Our mission is to ensure a million students attend charter public schools by 2022, with charter public schools outperforming non-charter public schools on every measure. We do this by serving as the advocacy organization that builds the policy environment needed to grow as quickly as possible the number of students attending high quality charter public schools. For more information, please visit our website at www.ccsa.org. Contact: Caity Heim, CCSA 530-304-1242 [email protected] SOURCE California Charter Schools Association Related Links http://www.ccsa.org A converted Fitzroy church hall at 182 Fitzroy St which featured as the home in Guy Pearce's TV drama Jack Irish sold for $2,446,000 on the weekend. Bettering its reserve by $446,000, there had been $1.9 million to $2 million price guidance for the gold-rush-era Independent Hall which has served as a church, Aboriginal mission, kindergarten and film set. Since 1973, its been a home, Nelson Alexander agent Rick Daniel said. It has also been the setting for several television productions such as Ricky & Pete and The Tenderhook. It has been renovated for family and work-from-home living since it last traded for $563,000 in 2001. Its previous owners include the late Australian composer Peter Tahourdin. Comprising two bedrooms and a home office, the eclectic property features an expansive living and dining room with beamed ceilings and French doors that open to a deep brick-paved courtyard. ,446,000" /> The house sold to a young professional woman living elsewhere in Fitzroy. The 16th century saw the first developments in publishing in Latvia, but the industry was dominated by German publishers until the mid-19th century. Publishing books in the Latvian language in Latvia became widespread only in the last decades of the 19th century, and many publishing houses were established at the beginning of the 20th century. A variety of books was published during the first period of Latvian independence, between the two world wars. The peak came in 1936, when a total of four million copies of 1,601 titles were published (with an average print run of 2,500 copies per title). In 1940, just before the Soviet occupation of Latvia, there were nearly 500 publishing houses in the country. During the Soviet years, publishing was controlled, financed, politically censored, and carefully planned by the Soviet government. The industry was concentrated in five state-run publishing houses, and everything had to be approved by myriad Soviet institutions. A Financially Sound Industry Despite this, publishing was considered the largest creative industry in Latvia, based on income and number of employees. After Latvia regained independence in the early 1990s, the publishing sector was the first to be privatized. New publishing houses were founded, and the number of new titles published each year now exceeds that of the first period of independence. Today, there are some 70 trade publishers, which combined release an estimated 2,150 titles per year; the total number of titles in print in the Latvian language is around 11,500. Of these, nearly 2,000 are available as e-books. Some 150 bookstores dot the Latvian landscape. With no law about fixed book prices, the bookselling market remains competitive, and the average price for a book is pegged at around 12. Overall revenue for the industry is between 25 million and 30 million, and a single publisher, Apgads Zvaigzne ABC, accounts for nearly half of that. The Love of Poetry Annual competitions for the best fiction, poetry, children's books, and book design show a great variety and high quality of artistic work, design, and creative thinking. Tradition and innovation go hand in hand here; readers eagerly anticipate new books by well-established authors as well as literary debuts. Two well-established literary festivals add flair to the offerings: September's annual Poetry Days tradition dates back to 1960, and annual prose readings have grown from a small literary event, in the mid-1990s, to a full week of various activities and visiting foreign authors. The Children's Jury, a program that promotes reading, and the International Baltic Sea Region Janis Baltvilks Prize help boost interest in books among children and increase YA readership. This year, Liels un Mazs, arguably Latvia's top children's publisher and winner of the two previous prizes, was shortlisted for the prize of Best Children's Publisher of the Year in Europe by the Bologna Children's Book Fair. In Soviet times, the lack of popular culture led people to poetry, and poetry remains at the center of Latvian literary culture. In 2016, there were almost as many poetry books (186) as fiction titles (208) written and published in Latvian. Then, in 2017, the top-selling book was 365 / Part 1, a book of poetry published by Guntars Racs, a Latvian pop star. It sold 9,000 copies, an impressive number. Latvian readers follow global trends as well: the second-bestselling title was Torn Lace by Karina Racko, an erotic novel in the vein of Fifty Shades of Grey, and the fourth-bestselling title was Origin, by global bestseller Dan Brown. The basis of this article was provided and written by Latvian Literature, with additional reporting by Ed Nawotka. Read the complete supplement. Latvian literature is very rich at the moment," says Dace Sparane-Freimane, director and editor-in-chief of Dienas Gramata, one of Latvia's leading literary publishing houses. "The industry can be conservative, with translations of commercial American titles, but that is not us." Instead, she says, Dienas is a bit "quixotic" and is intent on the "promotion of national literature." To wit, the company, which was founded in 2005, has become known internationally for publishing novels in a series called We. Latvia. The 20th Century, in which each book chronicles a decade or period of Latvian history. The titles are diverse in both subject matter and tone. For example, Kristine Ulberga's novel Tur (There) is about Latvia's 1980s hippie movement, and Maris Berzins's Svina garsa (the Taste of Lead) addresses Latvia's role in the Holocaust. Regardless of subject or period, these novels are written such that they offer a contemporary commentary on history. "This is a huge series, with 13 titles, the last of which is being published in April," says Sparane-Freimane. Several titles have already become bestsellers, including Pauls Bankovskis's 18, which is about the moment of Latvia's independence. Andra Manfelde's Virsnieku sievas (the Officers' Wives), about the intersection of Latvian and Russian lives during the 1970s, sold 10,000 copies, says Sparane-Freimane. But the book that has resonated most with readers is Mates piens (Soviet Milk) by Nora Ikstena. The book focuses on the lives of three generations of women, shifting between the 1940s, around the time of Latvia's liberation from Nazi occupation by the Soviets, and the 1970s and 1980s. In the novel, after a controversy exiles her from St. Petersburg, a Latvian gynecologist is dispatched to run a clinic in a rural area; her daughter, named Ikstena, who was heretofore being raised by her grandmother, is sent to live with her mother. The relationship between the three women is fraught as they struggle within the Soviet system, which looms ominously in the background, shaping events. "It is autobiographical. It is very much my mother's story and my own," says Ikstena, who also says she used many real-life people as characters, some without even changing their names. The book has sold 20,000 copies in Latvia, a significant number. "The unique thing is that this novel, as well several others in the We. Latvia. The 20th Century series, has reached younger readers," says Sparane-Freimane, who credits the contemporary language in the books with making their sometimes difficult and distant subjects more accessible. Ikstena will be Latvia's featured Author of the Day at the London Book Fair. She is one of a quartet of writers representing the country; joining her are Inga Abele, author of Duna (Dune), also in the We. Latvia. The 20th Century series, and the bestseller High Tide (published in English by Open Letter); children's and middle-grade author Luize Pastore; and the poet Karlis Verdins. The fair will provide the unique opportunity for English-language readers to experience Latvian literature firsthand, which Sparane-Freimane hopes will result in more translations. "Right now, the countries that have the best relationship with Latvian literature are Albania, Croatia, Macedonia, Serbia, and Slovenia," she says. "They are small, poor countries that pay for an entire translation with a grant they might get. The challenge for others, and for publishing in general, is money." Asked whether there are any misperceptions about Latvian literary life that she would like to clear up in London, Sparane-Freimane asks, in response, "How can there be any misperceptions if there are no perceptions?" She says, "I think that is what we would like to clear up. We'd like there to be a perception. Authors always complain, asking why we [publishers] are not extolling [Latvian literature] now. But for us publishers, talking is difficult, just like it is for writers." Sparane-Freimane then pauses a moment and says, "Okay, let me try to create a perception. Latvia is a small, wonderful world, one that is still mysterious, waiting to be discovered by the reader.' That should be enough." Read the complete supplement. If there is a single genre, for both children and adults, that is most readily identified with Latvian publishing, it is poetry. During the Soviet period, poetry was used by the state as a kind of mass media for propaganda, and to rebel, poets pushed well beyond convention, into increasingly experimental and innovative forms. Among those best known for daring work was the folklorist and poet Ojars Vacietis (19331983), who is remembered for inventing, among many other creations, a mysterious horse that sings in the night as a symbol of his independence. The horse is also central to the work of Rainis, the pseudonym of Janis Plieksans (18651929), whose play The Golden Horse, based on a fairy tale, is also a fable about independence. The Horse also happens to be the title of the first guide to Latvian authors and illustrators. The guide was developed by Latvian Literature as a promotion for this year's book fairs in Bologna and London and comprises work by 20 Latvian writers and 20 Latvian illustrators across generations. "Horses can symbolize many things and are usually connected with teamwork and mutual trust," says Santa Remere, the guide's editor, in the introduction. "In this case, the horse represents the collaboration between the writers and artists." Represented in the book is is most of Latvia's top children's publishing talent, including Luize Pastore, one of four authors who will be officially representing Latvia at the London Book Fair. Pastore is the author of eight children's books for readers between the ages of seven and 16, including a popular series of middle grade nonfiction books called the Art Detectives, in which two young sleuths and their trusty dog investigate the hidden secrets of some of Latvia's best-known artworks. "Our ambition is to take this beyond Latvia and to expand the series to other countries and other famous pieces of art," Pastore says. Readers can sample her work in the young adult novel Dog Town, which has been translated by Zanete Vevere Pasqualini and published in English by Firefly Books. It is based on a local legend and concerns a boy who, together with a group of talking dogs, seeks to fight the gentrification of a run-down but beloved neighborhood. In all, 15 Latvian publishers publish some 300 new children's books each year, of which approximately 100 are originally written in Latvian; the others are translations, half of which are from English, with the rest translated from Russian, German, French, and other languages. Half of these are illustrated books for younger readers, and the other half are fairy tales, fantasy, and science fiction for young, middle grade, and young adult readers, an area that continues to grow. One young adult title in particular has become something of a cult book: Jelgava '94 by Janis Jonevs, which has been described as a Latvian Catcher in the Rye. The novel, set in the 1990s in the city of Jelgava, takes place in the heavy metal scene and is narrated, in part, in the form of a teenager's diary. It has been translated into English as Doom '94 and is being published by the U.K.'s Wrecking Ball Press. "It is hard-edged, not flowered up, and is dirty realism, which is what we like to publish," says Shane Rhodes, publisher at Wrecking Ball. But, "Latvian literature is new to a lot of readers in the U.K., so it is a challenge to publish." Pam Dix, U.K. president of the International Board on Books for Young People, is a fan of the Bicki-Buck Books series published by Liels un Mazs. "I hope we can do something to promote this series in London," Dix says. The series of 100 small picture books, each depicting an illustrated poem, has introduced young readers (and adults) to a wide variety of art and writing styles; the books themselves have become collectibles. The series is among the reasons that the Riga-based publishing house was nominated as the European Best Children's Book Publisher of the Year by the Bologna Children's Book Fair and the Italian Publishers Association. And when it comes to Latvia's beloved poetry, "we've been able to do what we were told was impossible," says Zanete Vevere Pasqualini, who handles rights representation on behalf of Latvian Literature. "We have been able to sell the rights for poetry in translation." Some of the Latvian children's poetry titles that have been or are about to be published in English include The Noisy Classroom by Ieva Flamingo, and The Book of Clouds (a working title) by Juris Kronbergs, both from Emma Press, and Jill Is Ill by Inese Zandere, forthcoming from Little Island Press. Read the complete supplement. The four volumes of Kristina Sabaliauskaite's historical saga Silva Rerum (20082016) have sold more than a quarter million copies in her native Lithuania. They have also become popular internationally, with translations in Polish and Latvian. Why has the series resonated with readers? Because it is deeply connected with the Lithuanian identity and character and reflects back to Lithuanians from whence they came. But the saga is also timely, and it is no coincidence that people have felt the need to look to the past to understand the present. Ed Nawotka It took me nearly 10 years to muster the courage to write Silva Rerum, published between 2008 and 2016. I had trained as an art historian and worked as a foreign correspondent, so the writing wasn't what was intimidating. Instead, it was the thought of how to do such a big, beautiful story justice. The inspiration was the history of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, the great empire that lasted from the 16th to the 18th century. It was one of the biggest in Europe, yet it was wiped from the map in 1795, partitioned by Prussia, Austria, and Russia. As I was doing research for my PhD dissertation, I found documents, letters, and memoirs from that period, work that embodied a wide variety of cultures, ideas, passions, and extraordinary lives, and it became clear that this material would be great for a contemporary historical novel. Suddenly several things in our history that I was used to taking for grantedsuch as our location at the cultural border where the West meets the East, the coexistence of different religions and communities, and the relatively strong legal position of Lithuanian women in comparison to that in Western Europe (and hence the extraordinary, strong female historical characters)appeared in context. All this felt worth writing about and showing to a wider audience. I also wanted to share the exotic, meVsmerizing beauty of this part of the past. I spent a decade researching, letting the idea mature, and fermenting my idea about how to develop what I call the contemporary historical novel, one that would be different from the traditional historical novel, which usually depicts the great characters and great events of textbook history. Instead, I would focus on the microhistories of those who usually fall outside of the historian's view: women and children, national minorities, tradespeople and city folk, all ranks, high and low. I wanted to depict history as seen from different perspectives, an epoch's life experienced on different levels, all without compromising literary quality. There was probably some zeitgeist at play, for it was just a year after the first volume of Silva Rerum was published, in 2008, that Hilary Mantel's historical novel Wolf Hall was published, which went on to win the Man Booker Prize and brought the historical genre back into the realm of high literature. Other great, contemporary historical novels originated in the past decade in France, Italy, and Poland. And so was born the Silva Rerum quartet of novels, set between 1659 and 1795 in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and depicting the lives of four generations of one minor noble family, the Milkont-Narwoyszes. It is named for a type of handwritten family chronicle popular in Lithuania and Poland, a silva reruma forest of thingsthat might contain miscellaneous texts, from poetry and pamphlets to philosophical musings and advice on housekeeping. My quartet is organized in four parts around the Baroque concept of the four elements: part I is earth and focuses on rural Arcadia; part II is air and is set during the Great Plague; part III is fire and takes the great fires of Vilnius as its subject; and part IV is water, which relates to the main character's sea travels. While the tetralogy aims to depict and capture daily life in and the essence of the multicultural Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, it also offers a glimpse of the wider world at that time. The characters, typical for the epoch, traveled a lot. One of them, among my favorites, is an erring Jesuit, a professor of philosophy and mathematics, who studied in Nancy, France, visited Amsterdam, Paris, and Vienna, and spent five years in London. Another character, an 18th-century adventuress (with an extraordinary voice) also, incidentally, ends up in theater- and pleasure-loving London. In this way, the books can describe Europe as seen through the eyes of several different 18th-century travelers. And though the novels may be set primarily during the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, they are not "local"the wider narrative of European history and culture is recognizable. The setting is historically accurate and authentic but by no means irrelevant to our time. We can recognize in it the ideas and dilemmas that worry us still: the seeds of feminism, the escapist impulse of consumerism and sensuality, the unpredictability of a blind accident, the confrontation with one's mortality. Each part of Silva Rerum describes one generation of the family, one period, leading the reader on a journey through the splendor of the Baroque, through the decadence of Rococo, through the optimism (and disillusion) of the Enlightenment, and through cities, universities, monastic cells, battlefields, plague pandemics, fires and famines, churches and markets, country manors amid dark Nordic woods, palaces, roadside inns, ballrooms, and bedrooms. There are characters who are Dutch, French, English, German, Jewish, Karaim, Muslim, and Scottish, and one who doesn't quite know who or what he isa liberal? a failure? an idealist? a nonexistent subject of a state that has vanished from the map? He feels that he is simply a citizen of the world with no need of a passport. The Silva Rerum novels are researched with scientific precision and based on historical facts and characters, so they attempt to join the science of history with the art of literature. But first and foremost they attempt to tell the dramatic and amazing story of the country I am from. Kristina Sabaliauskaite is an art historian and author of the Silva Rerum novels. Read the complete supplement. Athens was just one of the many locations across the nation that hosted protests to advocate for more gun control after the shooting at Marjor If there is one thing worse than realizing that your spring break is coming to a close, its the gradual realization that you will never have Marci White walks with her sign after a rally advocating for gun reform hosted by Moms Demand Action outside of the Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta, Georgia on Wednesday, February 21, 2018. White continued to stand outside of the Capitol after people went inside, because she said, People need to see why were here. (Photo/Emily Haney, emilyhaney.com) This weekend the annual Plantapalooza plant sale will be getting Athenians outside the house and in touch with their green thumbs. TORRINGTON In June, Torrington Savings Bank will celebrate a century-and-a-half in business. The bank, originally chartered as Wolcottville Savings Bank, was founded by several local business leaders in 1868, with the goal of making investment opportunities accessible to an economically-varied population. Since then, the bank has grown and expanded with the city, moving from a shared space in the Granite Building to its current Main Office location on Main Street in 1938. Today, Torrington Savings Bank has seven branches in northwest Connecticut, including three locations in Torrington. President and CEO, John Janco, said, As CEO during this historic moment, I take great pride in the bank today and its long, successful history. Torrington Savings Bank has been committed to evolving and changing to meet the financial needs of our customers and our communities. Our 150-year history reflects our commitment to excellence. We look forward to continued success as Torrington Savings Bank for many years to come. Celebratory events will be held throughout the year in observance of the sesquicentennial anniversary. Hospitals security director elected vice-chair of safety board TORRINGTON Chad Rioux, Director of Security at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital (CHH), has been elected to the Board of Governors of Connecticuts chapter of the International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety (IAHSS). Rioux will hold the position of Vice-Chairperson for one year as a Board Member, after serving the previous two years on the Board as the Chapter Secretary. The International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety (IAHSS) is the only organization solely dedicated to professionals involved in managing and directing security and safety programs in healthcare facilities. Training and credentialing are the hallmarks of the organization that offers certification programs for all levels of security personnel. With over 2,000 members worldwide, IAHSS provides members with a useful network of professional peers who share their commitment to security and safety. OrthoConnecticut doctors honored by peers, patients DANBURY The physicians at OrthoConnecticut have once again been honored with awards. Castle Connolly Medical, Ltd., has recognized Dr. Andrew Bazos, Dr. Michael Brand, Dr. Joseph DiGiovanni, Dr. Ross Henshaw, Dr. John G. Lunt, and Dr. Robert Yaghoubian as Top Doctors for 2017. Castle Connollys Top Doctors awards are given to leaders who are nominated by their peers in an extensive survey process of thousands of American physicians each year. These Top Doctors medical educations, training, hospital appointments, disciplinary historiesand much moreare screened by the Castle Connolly physician-led research team. Only those doctors who are among the very best in their specialties and in their communities are selected for inclusion. Doctors do not and cannot pay to be included in any Castle Connolly Guide or online directory. Ten OrthoConnecticut physicians were also among the winners of the 2018 Vitals Patients Choice awards. Vitals Patients Choice winners are chosen according to the overall rating a doctor receives from his or her patients for the calendar year. Awards are given for Compassionate Doctor, On-Time Physician, and Patients Choice. Dr. Angelo Ciminiello, Dr. Joseph DiGiovanni, Dr. James Dupuy, Dr. Ross Henshaw, Dr. Frank Hermantin, Dr. Phillip J. Mulieri, Dr. John E. Mullen, Dr. Randolph J. Sealey, Dr. Daniel Southern, and Dr. Robert Yaghoubian have all won Vitals Patients Choice awards for 2018. Dr. Ciminiello is now a 7-time Patients Choice honoree, and Dr. Mulieri is now an 8-time winner the Patients Choice award and a 7-time recipient of the Compassionate Doctor award. Salisbury Bank announces 2017 employee awards LAKEVILLE Salisbury Bank recently presented its annual awards to deserving employees for the year 2017. The Employee of the Year award recognizes one Outstanding Employee and celebrates their customer service, leadership, professionalism, enthusiasm, knowledge, and strong work ethic. The Employee of the Year must live Salisbury Banks vision and core values. The 2017 award recipient is Steven Kulikowski. He began at Salisbury Bank in 2015 as an IT Specialist and in the same year, he achieved the A+ Certification. Steven always available to diagnose and solve any computer problem, bank officials said. He does not rest until the issue is resolved, even if that means taking a road trip to deal with it in person. The Rookie of the Year Award recognizes an employee who has really stepped up during their first year working at the Bank. The recipient of the 2017 Rookie of the Year Award, Michael Hogan, started with the bank in June 2017 as a finance specialist and is primarily responsible for the accounts payable function of the bank. He has shown amazing patience, honesty and integrity, is very respectful, and always has a positive outlook. In a short time, Michael has become well respected and trusted by his co-workers, who often describe him as professional, organized, and eager to learn, offficials said. The Volunteer of the Year Award recognizes an employee who consistently volunteers on behalf of the Bank throughout the year. The Bank is fortunate to have many volunteers for various events. The 2017 Volunteer of the Year (for the 3rd year in a row) is Michele LaPlante. She began working for Salisbury Bank in 2009, first as an e-Banking Specialist until 2012 when she transferred to Trust Operations and has been working in that role ever since. Michele always steps up and volunteers on the banks behalf. During the year, Michele volunteered for 8 bank-sponsored events, the bank said. The 2017 Presidents Award (for which there is no specific criteria) was presented to the Finance Department of the bank. This department has critical interaction with many people both inside and outside of the bank. Under the leadership of Peter Albero and Ronald Myers, in just a few short months, the finance team has accomplished a great deal and has created a highly functioning and cohesive team. Congratulations to Peter Albero, Ronald Myers, Robert Lotz, Laura Bosio, Michael Hogan, Rory Goodman, and Lynne Storti, bank officials said. Vietnam ceremony set in Torrington The Torrington Veterans Support Committee and its member groups invite the public, current military personnel, and all Veterans, especially the men andwomen who served during the Vietnam War, to join them in their observance of Vietnam Veterans Day on Thursday, March 29, rain or shine, at Torringtons Coe Memorial Park at 12:30 p.m. In the case of inclement, or cold, weather the ceremony will be held inside the Coe Memorial Park Civic Center. If anyone has an American flag that is torn, faded, or otherwise damaged they may bring it to the ceremony, a member of a veterans organization will take the flag and see that it is properly retired. For information contact the Veterans Service Office at 860-489-2531 by March 26. Quilts that Care to hold class, welcomes members WATERBURY Quilts that Care, a 501c3 non profit, will hold a quilt strip class on Saturday, March 31, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at its home at 130 Scott Road, Waterbury. Volunteers will be working together to make quilts to donate to cancer patients. Material and instructors will be provided. Sewing machines are available for use, or you can bring your own. Reserve a machine ahead of time by emailing qtccontact@gmail.com. New volunteers are welcomed. No sewing experience needed. Those who cant attend on March 31 can stop by any Saturday from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. The group also meets at the Harold Leever Cancer Center, Waterbury on the first and third Monday, 6:30-8 p.m.; at the Bristol Public Library, Bristol, first and third Tuesday 6:30-8 p.m.; and the Litchfield Community Center, Litchfield, on the first and third Wednesday from 12:30-2 p.m. For more information, see facebook.com/QuiltsThatCare or www.QuiltsThatCare.org or email QTCContact@gmail.com Make and Bake a Matzah events planned In anticipation of the upcoming Passover holiday, Chabad Lubavitch of Northwest Connecticut is hosting its 23rd annual traveling Model Matzah Bakery, which aims to teach children and adults the meaning of the Jewish holiday. The Matzah Bakery is modeled after an authentic brick oven bakery. Participants can winnow and grind wheat stalks into flour, knead and roll the dough, then bake and finally enjoy their very own fresh Matzah - all in a hands on entertaining way. Matzah (also called the food of faith) is a traditional Jewish food eaten on Passover. The Torah tells us that when our ancestors departed Egypt over 3,000 years ago, they left in such haste that the dough they had prepared for bread had no time to rise. In an act of absolute faith our ancestors marched off into the desert with no other provisions, relying upon the Almighty to provide sustenance for the entire nation. Each year on Passover, when we fulfill the Biblical injunction of "Matzah shall you eat...", we bring to life the miraculous events of that time, commemorating that act of faith. Shmurah (literally meaning "guarded") Matzah is made from wheat that has been stringently guarded against any contact with water from the moment of harvest until the baking. Contact with water could cause leavening, thus disqualifying its use on Passover. The cost for the event is $5. To register, please visit chabadnw.org/matzahb or call (860) 567-3609. March 25: Indian Mountain Model Matzah Bakery, 9:30 a.m., Indian Mountain School , 211 Indian Mountain Rd., Lakeville. March 26: Forman School Model Matzah Bakery, 12:30 p.m., Forman School, 12 Norfolk Rd., Litchfield. March 26: Southbury Model Matzah Bakery, 4:15 p.m., Southbury Public Library , 100 Poverty Rd., Southbury. Safe boating course starts April 10 TORRINGTON The Torrington Parks and Recreation Department is sponsoring a Safe Boating/Personal Watercraft Certification Course, presented by the Connecticut DEEP. The fee for the course is $25 per person. The course is open to individuals 12 years and older and will take place on April 10, 12, and 17 from 6-9 p.m. at Coe Memorial Park. Attendance on all three days of the course is required. Participants who successfully complete this course and pass the test qualify for a Safe Boating Certificate and a Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation which allow an individual to operate any recreational vessel including a personal watercraft ("jet ski" type vessel) on Connecticut's waters. The registration fee submitted to the Parks and Recreation Department covers only the cost of attending the 3-day course. Upon successful completion, participants will need to purchase the Safe Boating/Personal Watercraft Certificates through the State of Connecticut DEEP for an additional fee of $50. All participants are required to have a State of CT Conservation ID number; all can register for the course without an ID number, but must have one established prior to the first night of class. For more information, call 860-489-2274. ASAP! seeks submission for annual writing celebration WASHINGTON ASAP! is now accepting submissions for the 13th Annual Celebration of Young Writers, a special event that showcases students writing from across the state of Connecticut. All public, private, and home-schooled children in grades K-12 are encouraged to participate. A panel of judges will select exceptional pieces of writing through a blind process where all names and schools are removed. This years celebration will be held on Saturday, June 2 at The Gunnery in Washington. The evening will conclude with one outstanding teacher being awarded The Frank McCourt Prize for Excellence in Teaching. Students, teachers, and parents can submit pieces for consideration. The deadline for submissions for the Celebration of Young Writers is Friday, March 30. For information on how all writings must be submitted, go to http://asapct.org/project/celebration-of-young-writers/ Deadline for teacher nominations for the Frank McCourt Prize in Excellence in Teaching is Friday, March 30. For more information on nominations and applications for the Frank McCourt Prize, go to http://asapct.org/the-frank-mccourt-prize-for-excellence-in-teaching-2/ For further questions about submissions or nominations, call Jenn Pote at 860-868-0740 x304. Church to hold scrapbooking day TORRINGTON A Scrapbooking Day will be held on Saturday, April 14, 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 21 Fern Drive, Torrington. A $40 fee will include lunch, dinner, snacks, dessert and prizes and a make and take. Sign up now to reserve a spot. Bring a project and a friend or two. Call Nancy at 860-482-4924 to register. This trip is rated as Moderate [3]. It is not necessary to be an expert hiker to participate but you should feel comfortable spending 46 hours on-trail during most days and arrive at the beginning of the trip in as good a shape as possible. Our daily hikes average 510 miles in length. Two of our hiking days involve substantial elevation gain/loss (2,200'3,500') and some steep terrain. To maximize your enjoyment of the trip and to avoid sore muscles, we suggest beginning a regular exercise regimen at least 3 months prior to departure. Recommended exercises include hiking, jogging, paddling, cycling and/or swimming. The better shape you are in, the more fun you will have. Get out on those hills if possible! Police have arrested more than 30 participants in a rally called on March 25 in downtown Minsk by opposition leader and former presidential candidate Mikalay Statkevich. The rally was not approved by the authorities. Belarusians in the country and abroad are rallying on March 25 to mark the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Belarusian People's Republic, which was effectively taken over by Soviet Russia in 1919. Afghan police say two suicide bombers struck a Shi'ite mosque in the western city of Herat, killing at least one person and wounding seven others. Police spokesman Abdul Ahad Walizada said the suicide bombers tried to enter the Nabi Akram Mosque on March 25, but one was shot dead by security guards and the other blew himself up before reaching the hall where worshippers were praying. The Islamic State extremist group claimed responsibility for the attack. The area around the mosque was cordoned off by police and ambulances were seen rushing victims to hospitals in the city. The Sunni extremists have frequently targeted Afghanistans Shi'ite minority, which they view as apostates. The group claimed responsibility for a suicide attack outside a Shi'ite mosque in Kabul on March 21 that killed 33 people and wounded dozens as people in the capital celebrated Norouz, the Persian new year holiday. According to the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, 161 people were killed and 257 others were wounded in 2017 in targeted sectarian attacks against Shi'ite places of worship or worshippers. Based on reporting by Reuters and Tolo News Thousands of people have gathered in the center of Moldovas capital ahead of the 100th anniversary of the unification of Bessarabia and Romania. The March 25 event at Chisinaus Great National Assembly Square was organized by several groups from Moldova, Romania, and the diaspora that are calling for Moldova's reunification with Romania. Organizers estimated that about 100,000 people attended the so-called Great Centennial Assembly, while police put the figure at 7,000. The gathering is meant to mark 100 years since the Russian Empires former province of Bessarabia -- which covers parts of todays Moldova and Ukraine -- was unified with the Kingdom of Romania on March 27, 1918. Later on, during World War II, Bessarabia was incorporated into the U.S.S.R., with most of its territory becoming the Soviet republic of Moldova. And when the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, it became independent under the name Moldova. The country is now split between a Romanian-speaking majority and the Russian-speaking separatist region of Transdniester, which declared independence from Moldova in the early 1990s. During the rally in Chisinau, organizers read a "declaration of union" that was adopted by the participants who chanted reunion. Former Romanian President Traian Basescu and the ex-mayor of Chisinau, Dorin Chirtoaca, were among the speakers. Basescu said the integration of Moldova with Romania was the only way" for the two countries to regain their dignity. Backers of reunification say it would be the way forward for corruption-ridden Moldova to move forward and join the European Union. Romania is already a member of the bloc. The Romanian parliament is set to hold an event on March 27 to mark 100 years since the unification of Bessarabia with Romania, while no official celebrations were planned in Moldova. The countrys pro-Moscow president, Igor Dodon, has rejected calls for reunification as a threat to national security. In a recent interview with RFE/RL, he said Romania might become Moldovas enemy No.1 if it continues what he called its aggressive unionist path. Moldovan forces and Moscow-backed Transdniester fought a short war in 1992 over fears that newly independent Moldova would seek reunification with neighboring Romania. The conflict ended with a cease-fire agreement after Russian troops in the region intervened on the side of the separatists. Russia has some 1,500 troops stationed in the breakaway region. Transdniester's independence is recognized by no country, but Moscow has been unofficially backing the separatist regime. Thousands of Croats have rallied in the capital, Zagreb, against an international agreement designed to protect women, saying it threatened traditional values. The Croatian government last week approved the Istanbul Convention that was adopted by the Council of Europe in 2011, but still has not been ratified by the Croatian parliament. Demonstrators said the convention would legitimize same-sex marriage and improve rights for transgender people. Women's rights groups staged a counterprotest the same day. They pointed out that polls suggest two-thirds of Croats support the convention. The protest against the convention was organized by Croatia's conservative opposition and the Catholic Church. Both oppose the ratification, insisting that it introduces a third gender. Nearly 90 percent of Croatia's 4.2 million people are Roman Catholics and the church plays an important role in society. The convention has so far been ratified by 28 countries, including 17 European Union member states. Croatia became the bloc's newest member in 2013. Based on reporting by AP and AFP Dozens of people have been arrested in Belarus as opposition activists attempted to hold an unsanctioned rally in the capital, Minsk. The March 25 rally was to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Belarus's 1918 proclamation of independence from Russia. The Belarusian People's Republic lasted until 1919, when it was effectively taken over by Soviet Russia. Known as Freedom Day, the anniversary is traditionally a day for opponents of the authoritarian government of Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka to stage protests. The Belarusian opposition accuses Lukashenka, who has been in office since 1994, of attempting to erase Belarusian identity and "Russifying" the former Soviet republic. During his two decades in power, Lukashenka has systemically quashed opposition parties, independent media, and civil society groups. Outbursts of political protests have been met with violence. The Minsk-based human rights group Vyasna reported that around 30 protesters were arrested ahead of the rally, including 15 in the eastern region of Mahileu. Earlier, authorities detained former presidential candidates Mikalay Statkevich and Uladzimir Nyaklyaeu and 12 organizers of the march. Statkevichs wife, Maryna Adamovich, told the AP that her husband was arrested outside his home as he headed to the gathering, and later sentenced to 10 days in jail. Lukashenka had allowed March 25 to be publicly celebrated this year for the first time in his 24-year rule. But while the authorities sanctioned a concert in a park in central Minsk, the opposition march was banned.Thousands of people attended the concert, many carrying the red and white flag of the 1918 republic that was also used by Belarus from 1991-95. It has become a symbol of the opposition. On March 25 last year, riot police arrested dozens of people who were taking part in Freedom Day rallies in Minsk. With reporting by AP and AFP A veterinary student from Pakistan's militancy-hit tribal areas, Manzoor Pashteen did not appear to be destined for the national stage. But the 26-year-old has become a rising celebrity as the leader of a new protest movement advocating for the rights of Pakistan's Pashtun minority. Pashteen's rise has seen him compared by his followers to the "Frontier Gandhi," the moniker given to Abdul Ghaffar Khan, better known as Bacha Khan, who led a nonviolence campaign for greater rights for his fellow Pashtuns in the British Raj in the early 20th century. Speaking to RFE/RL's Radio Mashaal in a Skype interview, Pashteen echoed Bacha Khan's message. "We believe in nonviolence," Pashteen said. "We are not using aggressive language and have no intention of resorting to violence." "Now it is up to the government whether they let us use our right to peaceful protest or use violent means against us," added Pashteen, who hails from South Waziristan, part of the Pashtun-dominated Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) straddling the border with Afghanistan. "The choice is the government's." The impoverished, long-neglected, and largely lawless tribal areas became a frontline in the battle against extremist groups after the U.S.-led invasion of Afghanistan in 2001 when Al-Qaeda took refuge in the region. The area has been the scene of Pakistani army operations, U.S. drone attacks, and militant attacks that have uprooted millions of people and left thousands dead. Pashtuns make up the majority of recruits and members of Pakistani-based militant groups such as the Afghan Taliban, the Haqqani network, and the Pakistani Taliban. The former extremist outfits have carried out deadly attacks against Afghan and international forces in neighboring Afghanistan, while the latter has carried out sectarian attacks against religious minorities and waged an insurgency against Pakistani government troops. Civilians in Pashtun-dominated areas of Pakistan have borne the brunt of the violence and protesters have alleged extrajudicial killings, forced disappearances, racial profiling, and harassment by law enforcement. They have demanded the lifting of curfews and other coercive measures, and the clearing of mines planted by the army in FATA. Pashteen's Pashtun Protection Movement made national headlines when he led thousands of people from the tribal areas and northwest Pakistan to the capital, Islamabad, in February. The rally, ignited by the killing of a young Pashtun shopkeeper in an allegedly staged gunbattle with police in the port city of Karachi, stirred up long-held grievances among Pashtuns. Since then, rallies have been held across the tribal areas, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, and neighboring Balochistan Province, attracting tens of thousands of people. Pakistan has an estimated 40 million Pashtuns who form roughly 20 percent of the country's 200 million population. Pashtuns are concentrated in an arc along Pakistan's western border with Afghanistan in FATA and the provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. "The government is not serious at all," says Pashteen. "We informed the authorities that some people in the army and [intelligence] agencies are terrorizing our people. Instead of initiating action against those elements, the government and agencies filed police cases against us." 'Spontaneous Movement' Pashteen's personal experiences fueled his activism. He was arrested one year ago after staging a protest against the planting of mines in FATA. Around two years ago, he established the Waziristan Protection Movement with 25 other young activists to fight for the rights of his community. The name was changed to Pashtun Protection Movement this year. Afrasiab Khattak, a former senator and analyst, says Pashteen's efforts have spurred a "spontaneous movement that has overtaken political parties." "Traditional tribal structures have broken down by violence imposed on the area," says Khattak. "A number of local leaders have been killed and others are displaced. Young activists like Manzoor Pashteen are filling this vacuum." But Pashteen's critics suggest there are ulterior motives behind the movement. "Pashtuns constitute the second-largest group in federal government ministries and the armed forces," says Imtiaz Gul, who heads the Islamabad-based Center for Research and Security Studies. "So, I don't understand what rights he is talking about." "Of course the Pashtuns of FATA need to be treated as equal citizens and must be mainstreamed, but to project this demand as a Pashtun rights movement is unfair and appears politically motivated," adds Gul. Pakistani security analyst Ayesha Siddiqa says Pashteen's movement is a genuine and organic effort to draw the attention of the Pakistani state toward the plight of people in the tribal areas. "It's not about all Pashtuns but those from the tribal areas that got the rough end of the stick for the last 30 years that are genuinely hurt," she says. "In other parts of the country, their projection as terrorists or violent is totally uncalled for and unfair. However, this does not mean that Pashtuns that are in positions of authority are targeted." 'Magic' With The People Pashteen appears unfazed by his detractors, and is planning rallies in the northwestern city of Peshawar and another sit-in in Islamabad. "We have given the courage to the people to speak out about what they see and feel," he says. "They were scared and unable to speak. We have given them a voice and they have stood with us." Mujahid Wazir is among the young Pashtuns who have joined the cause. A 23-year-old living in the city of Lahore, his family lives in North Waziristan. "We are fed up with military checkpoints and curfews," he says by telephone from Lahore. "I have been racially profiled under the pretext of security." "Whenever there is a blast or attack, we are profiled," he adds. "We have to go to the police station." Allah Noor is another Pashtun who is part of the movement. "As we raised our voices, every tribesman who has suffered has come out to protest," he says from the northwestern city of Peshawar. "Before this movement started, there was widespread fear of speaking out." Many Pashtuns allege they have been the targets of the Pakistani Army and intelligence services, which have an oversized role in the South Asian country. Pashtuns in FATA live under colonial-era laws that punish an entire tribe for the crime of an individual, jail residents for up to three years without cause, and forcibly relocate people and have their property searched and seized. Pashteen is mobbed by supporters during rallies. Many embrace him and his younger fans emulate his attire -- shalwar kameez with a colorful scarf and red-and-black hat. He says his ability to unite tens of thousands of people is not due to his charisma. "The magic is in the cause and the people who have stood with me," he says. A plan to place a 13-foot bronze monument to honor Soviet World War II aviators in a local park has been rejected by officials in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. The Russian Ministry of Defense is looking to install the 25-ton monument in Elizabeth City, which is the near the headquarters of a secret WWII mission called "Project Zebra," in which hundreds of Soviet aviators were trained at a time when U.S. and Soviet forces were allied in the fight against the Nazis. But the Elizabeth City council voted 5-3 on March 23 against a previously signed memorandum of understanding, saying it was an indication of the current difficulties between the two countries. "I realize it's about honoring fallen heroes from World War II, and we have Americans who fought in World War II who are buried in Russia. But times were different then," council member Anita Hummer said. Council member Johnnie Walton said he worried the Russians could put something in the monument that could be used to remotely interfere with the Internet or the areas electrical grid. "Russia is known for hacking now. They're experts at hacking, and then [you could have] the largest Coast Guard base [that] can't help anybody because our computers have gone down, because Russia controls our mouse," he said. A previous city council had in May 2017 unanimously approved the monument, which had been proposed by the U.S.-Russia Joint Commission on POW/MIAs. But the newly elected council changed course and rejected the plan. We're at war with Russia still. We're in a cyberwar here. They interfered in our election," said Hezekiah Brown, a resident who spoke against the plan in public hearings. Mayor Bettie Parker said it was possible the vote might have turned out differently had it been held earlier. "I keep hearing now is not the time to deal with anything that's coming from Russia," she said. Council member Billy Caudle said he supports the monument, adding that people who oppose anything to do with Russia are "confusing current events with history." If the plan had come to fruition, the Russian Defense Ministry would have paid for the monument, with the city then covering some $228,000 for improvements to the park where it would be installed. Project Zebra, which remained classified until 2013, helped train about 300 Soviet aviators as part of missions to find and bomb German submarines. With reporting by AP and The Daily Advance of Elizabeth City A senior U.S. diplomat is due to arrive in Uzbekistan on March 25 for a three-day visit for talks with Uzbek leaders and to attend an international peace conference on Afghanistan. Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs Thomas Shannon will attend the Tashkent conference on Afghanistan on March 26 and is also scheduled to meet with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoev and Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulaziz Kamilov during his trip. The Tashkent conference is set to start on March 26, although the foreign ministers from the five Central Asian nations are expected to meet with Afghan officials on March 25. The conference comes on the heels of the so-called Kabul Process event held in the Afghan capital on February 28 in which Afghan President Ashraf Ghani proposed peace talks with the Taliban without preconditions. Representatives from more than 20 countries are expected to convene in Uzbekistan, including from the United States, the European Union, Pakistan, Iran, China, and Russia. The State Department said in a March 22 statement that the Tashkent conference "will build on progress made at the February 28 Kabul Process Conference in a continued demonstration of international support for a peaceful political settlement in Afghanistan." The State Department has said Shannon will discuss with Uzbek leaders "the progress made under President Mirziyoevs reform agenda, reaffirm support for Uzbekistans initiative and valuable contributions to leadership in the region, and underscore the United States commitment to stability in Uzbekistan and throughout the region," the State Department said. Mirziyoev has taken steps to improve Uzbekistan's ties with its neighbors since he became president after authoritarian President Islam Karimov's death was announced in September 2016. During Karimov's 27-year rule in Central Asia's most-populous nation, its relations with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan were strained by disputes over transit routes, border security, water resources, and other issues. Voters in Turkmenistan have cast their ballots in parliamentary elections in the gas-rich Central Asian country that has long been ruled by authoritarian President Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov. Turkmen could choose from three political parties and some independents, although all the candidates are ultimately loyal to Berdymukhammedov. One of the candidates was the president's only son, Serdar Berdymukhammedov, 36, who is considered a likely presidential successor by many observers. Official data showed that some 91.7 percent of registered voters had cast their ballots by the time polls closed. Polling stations greeted voters with national music, dance shows, and snacks. The results of the vote are set to be announced on March 25, the country's election commission said. In January, the Washington-based Freedom House nongovernmental group listed Turkmenistan among the 12 worst of the worst countries for political freedom and civil liberties. None of the previous elections has been deemed free or fair by Western monitors. Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov won his third presidential term in February with 97 percent of the vote. Some 284 candidates were competing for 125 seats in parliament, which is largely a rubber-stamp body for Berdymukhamedov. But the vote could be seen as further bolstering the profile of Serdar Berdymukhammedov, who defended a seat in the Akhal region near the capital, Ashgabat, and was likely to capture an easy victory. Little is known about him, although some information was released in an official biography this month. The statement said he worked in the state oil and gas industry and the Foreign Ministry before taking his parliamentary seat. Earlier this month, Serdar Berdymukhammedov was part of a Turkmen delegation to neighboring Kazakhstan, where he was photographed meeting President Nursultan Nazarbaev. The current speaker of the parliament, Akja Nurberdieva, is 61 years old, and many experts say that if she should decide to give up her post, Serdar Berdymukhammedov would be in a position to assume the post, which would technically put him first in line to the presidency. Most of the candidates were from the three registered political parties -- the Democratic Party of Turkmenistan (DPT, formerly the Communist Party); the Party of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs, founded in 2012; and, making its first appearance in parliamentary elections, the Agrarian Party, founded in 2014 -- although public initiative groups are fielding a small number of candidates. Turkmenistan, with a population of about 6 million, heavily relies on natural-gas exports to keep its economy afloat. Its longtime customer, Russia, stopped purchases of Turkmen gas in 2016, but China built a new pipeline and has become the new top buyer. With on reporting by AFP and Reuters In this case, buckets full of river stones have been placed in all classrooms at the Blue Mountain School District in Schuylkill County. If an armed intruder attempts to gain entrance into any of our classrooms, they will face a classroom full of students armed with rocks, and they will be stoned, the strategy is. We decided to empower our students with tools of self-defense if needed, Superintendent David Helsel said. Students in the district routinely drilled on shooter simulations and were given active-shooting training through a program known as ALICE, short for Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate. If students cant leave the building, theyll have their stones to use. This is an alternative to students hiding passively under desks. Obviously a rock against a gun isnt a fair fight, but its better than nothing,, David Helsel said. Students were supportive of the idea and parents appear to like the districts plan. At this point, we have to get creative. We have to protect our kids first and foremost, parent Dori Bornstein told to media. Hundreds of thousands of protesters are expected to converge in Washington on Saturday to call for stricter gun regulations. President: US is key sponsor of aggression on Yemen [24/March/2018] br> SANAA, March 24 (Saba) President of the Supreme Political Council Saleh Al-Sammad on Saturday said the fact that the US is the main sponsor of the aggression on Yemen has been revealed. This came in the presidents speech during the conclusion of a mobilization workshop for military and security officers in provinces, which was organized by Defense Ministry and Presidency of General Staff. Al-Sammad referred to the US Senates voting with a majority of more than 55 votes against 44 in favor of the continuation of US support to the aggression alliance, which he said means that the aggression is an American since the first day. The UAE and Saudi Arabia are too weak to continue in this aggression without American political cover and logistical support, the president said. It is strange that America goes too far to declare its direct participant in this aggression, he added. He continued to say: The American boast and its official announcement in the Senate, which approves the US policies, as a key partner in the aggression on Yemen is a dangerous matter. After this blatant American challenge, there must be an unprecedented rising for everyone who has an ounce of dignity or freedom to support the army and the popular committees, the president said. He pointed out that the current stage is a stage of mobilization and not a normal response. There must be a state of alert in all military units and in villages and cities. We have several options to lift the suffering of the Yemeni people, he said, noting that the honorable peace is to sit at the dialogue table to stop the aggression. He added that the option of peace may not be acceptable to the aggression coalition and We can not give up after all the sacrifices. In his speech, the president stressed that there is no solution but to strengthen steadfastness to accelerate the hour of victory and lift the suffering of the Yemeni people. BA Saba Researchers at New York University have discovered a novel mechanism through which information can be effectively transmitted across many areas in the brain -- a finding that offers a potentially new way of understanding how consciousness arises. The study appears in the journal Neuron. "For us to navigate through everyday situations, it is critical that electrical signals from our senses stimulated by the external world are able to reach relevant brain areas," explains Xiao-Jing Wang, Global Professor of Neural Science at NYU and the paper's senior author. "Our brain, however, is a very complicated system, with billions of neurons organized in an interconnected network with more than a hundred areas. It is therefore not easy to understand how signals may travel from area to area in an efficient manner." Brain areas tend to be organized in a hierarchy, ranging from "lower" sensory areas to "higher" cognitive areas. These areas have excitatory and inhibitory neurons, which either stimulate or suppress activity in other neurons. Understanding how neural signals are transmitted across this hierarchy, the researchers note, is still a fundamental challenge in neuroscience and served as the focal point for the Neuron study. Previous computer modeling of signal transmission across areas in the brain did not take into account the complexity of brain's area-to-area connections. By contrast, thanks to the recent advances in the field of "Connectomics" dedicated to quantitatively analyzing the brain's connectivity, the NYU scientists were able to build models incorporating anatomical connectivity data of macaque monkeys. Here they found that signal transmission in a large-scale model of the primate brain is robust under the condition in which area-to-area connections exhibit a "balance" between excitation and inhibition. Specifically, stimulation provided by the excitatory neurons allows for signals to be transmitted, whereas suppression from inhibitory neurons makes sure the signal activity does not grow out of control. "Unexpectedly, our model reveals that only when the signal is strong enough, above a threshold level, the signal reaches a large set of areas of the brain region called the prefrontal cortex, which plays a critical role in high-level cognition," said Madhura Joglekar, the paper's first author who conducted the research as a postdoctoral fellow in Wang's lab and is now an instructor at NYU's Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences. Notably, the global activation pattern resembles the ones previously found in the human brain while consciously perceiving sensory information -- a parallel suggesting a potential connection between the proposed "balanced" large-scale neural circuit mechanism for signal transmission and understanding how conscious information processing is achieved. The paper's other co-authors are former members of Wang's lab: Jorge Mejias, now an assistant professor at the University of Amsterdam, and Guangyu Robert Yang, now a research fellow at Columbia University. This work was supported by the Swartz Foundation, the Office of Naval Research (N00014-17-1-2041), and Simons Collaborative Global Brian Program grant. Organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) are used in smartphones and televisions to facilitate the high-contrast display of colours. Conjugated polymers are also often employed as organic semiconductors in such diodes. Researchers at the University of Bayreuth have found out how the spatial structure of these polymers can be used to control the colours of the OLEDs and help to increase the brightness of monitors. They have now presented this previously unknown mechanism in the scientific journal PNAS. Polymers with a backbone: spatial structures determine the colour of light Polymers that are well-suited for use in organic light-emitting diodes play a central role in the new research findings. Thanks to the chain formed by connecting molecular building blocks, they possess a backbone. If the polymers are then exposed to a laser beam, they absorb the light and store it as excitation energy. This energy spreads along the backbone. Shortly after that, it is released by emission of light. Up to now it had been assumed that the colour of the emitted light depends on how far the excitation energy spreads along the polymers: supposedly, the more bent the polymers were, the smaller the distance over which the energy spread. However, the scientists in Bayreuth have now refuted this assumption. The polymers they studied have backbones that are chemically identical and bent to different degrees, but the excitation energy always spreads over the same distance. Bent polymers emit green or blue light, while elongated polymers radiate yellow or red light. "When these polymers come to be used in organic light-emitting diodes, their various spatial structures can be utilized to precisely control the colour of the light emit from the OLEDs," explained physicist Dominic Raithel (M.Sc.), lead author of the article that has now been published in PNAS. The researchers in Bayreuth also found out that the elongated polymers possess a scaffold formed by its side chains, which stabilizes the elongated structure. "This results in a special advantage for light-emitting diodes: when elongated polymers are layered on top of one another, the scaffolds provide stability. Optical emission is not thereby weakened," said Raithel, who recently completed his dissertation in the University of Bayreuth's DFG-funded research training group "Photophysics of Synthetic and Biological Multichromophoric Systems." In this context, natural and synthetic organic materials are studied in close interdisciplinary cooperation. For example, experimental physicists Prof. Dr. Anna Kohler and Prof. Dr. Jurgen Kohler along with Prof. Dr. Mukundan Thelakkat, expert in functional polymers, were involved in the new experiments. A transatlantic interplay of theory and experiment The comparative experimental investigations of polymers made use of different types of spectroscopy methods. "A decisive factor was single-molecule spectroscopy at very low temperatures, for which Bayreuth provided us with its high-performance infrastructure. Using this method, we were able to determine the colour of the emitted light and finally the extension of excitation energy over the chain-like polymers," explained Dr. Richard Hildner, who coordinated the research at the University of Bayreuth. The scientists in Bayreuth worked together closely with a research group at Rice University in Houston, Texas. Dr. Lena Simine and Prof. Dr. Peter J. Rossky carried out extensive calculations on the impact of polymer structures on the colour of the emitted light. Linking experimental and theoretical methods led to insights into the spatial structures of individual polymer chains which would have been impossible using traditional imaging techniques. San Francisco Mayor Mark Farrell is dropping his support for the police unions Taser ballot measure, saying its no longer needed. I have always said that I would support a (Taser) policy that works best for the community and for our officers, and the plan approved by the Police Commission does exactly that, Farrell said. With the commissions vote this month approving rules for police use of the stun guns, the Police Officers Associations Proposition H is unnecessary, Farrell said. The association collected 19,253 voters signatures to qualify its measure for the June ballot. Union leaders had said theyd pull back if the Police Commission approved a policy to their liking, but thats not what happened. Weve gone over the language of the new order, and we still have significant concerns, said Martin Halloran, president of the association. For example, he said, the unions measure would allow an officer to use a stun gun on someone who is actively resisting. The Police Commission policy makes it violently resisting. We think the voters should have a say on this, Halloran said. Farrells decision to back the commission and Police Chief Bill Scott amounts to a major departure for one of the police unions biggest supporters in City Hall. The chief has blasted the union measure as the antithesis of the spirit of reforms recommended by the U.S Justice Department in 2016 after several police killings. One of Scotts main concerns is that if Prop. H is adopted, it can be amended only at the ballot box or by a four-fifths vote of the Board of Supervisors. Good for Gav: The rise of Republican John Cox to the No. 2 slot in recent polling for the gubernatorial race is sweet news for Democratic front-runner Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom. Newsom would much rather have an old-fashioned Republican vs. Democrat general election matchup than go against a fellow Democrat in November, be it former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, state Treasurer John Chiang or former state schools chief Delaine Eastin. Cox, a wealthy businessman, has pumped $3 million of his own money into the race for a radio and social media blitz aimed directly at Republicans. It was something Coxs lone Republican rival, Assemblyman Travis Allen, could only dream of doing. The result was a 14 percent showing for Cox in the latest Public Policy Institute of California poll, double his previous total. That was good enough to push him into second place past Villaraigosa, who fell 10 points to 12 percent. Newsom is still way out in front, at 28 percent. If we pick up another five points, its going to be hard to keep us out of the runoff, said Cox campaign manager Wayne Johnson. Thats because all the Democratic candidates who also include Amanda Renteria, a Hillary Clinton aide in her ill-fated 2016 campaign are likely to chop up the liberal vote so finely that none will hit 20 percent in the June primary. Dirty business: When it comes to suing big oil for damages caused by global warming, San Francisco City Attorney Dennis Herreras position is clear: Its time for the defendants to pay for the profits that they have made on the backs of the public. But when asked about the citys pension fund having $560 million invested in 200 oil and coal companies, Herrera took a step back. 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. That is something for the pension fund to decide, Herrera said when asked about the irony of suing the very companies that are helping to pay benefits for 70,000 current and retired city workers. The pension fund has already dumped its interest in nine coal companies. But despite pressure from environmentalists, the Board of Supervisors, the late Mayor Ed Lee and even some of its own members, the pension board has been slow to sell the bulk of its fossil fuel holdings. Before you just dump an investment, you need to show that you found another investment that has the same risk and same or better rate of return, said Jay Huish, executive director of the San Francisco Employees Retirement System. But with the pressure on, the retirement system board has decided to draw up a plan to sell the dirtiest and riskiest of its investments. First order of business: Its brought in an outside consultant to define dirtiest and riskiest. The board hopes to have a hit list by October. But that wont be the end of it. We have lawyers advising us that our main responsibility is to get the best return, said retirement system board President Wendy Paskin-Jordan. Because if you start losing money, the city has to make up the difference. And that could cost taxpayers millions. President Trump was never serious about vetoing the federal spending package. That threat was just another one of his grabs for attention which, of course, worked. He usually pulls this sort of thing when hes trying to redirect the focus from his problems, if only for a day. And boy, is he in need of some redirected focus. Former Playboy model Karen McDougal had just spilled the beans about a 10-month affair she says she had with Trump starting shortly after the birth of his youngest son. And lets not forget the other cloud on the presidents horizon, the appearance by another ex-fling, porn star Stormy Daniels, on 60 Minutes Sunday evening. Once Stormys done, its going to go from chilly domestic times in the White House to total freezeout. Pesk control: San Francisco Supervisor Aaron Peskins shoot-from-the-hip criticism of the Fire Departments performance putting out the St. Patricks Day fire in North Beach has definitely boomeranged. Calling for Fire Chief Joanne Hayes-Whites head while the fire still smoldered was bad enough. But slamming firefighters for failing to respond with full force to the flames shooting out of the building on Union and Columbus was a direct assault on one of the most popular groups in the city. And they let him know it. At lunch at Original Joes the other day, several people came up and asked, What was Peskin thinking? Beats me. After lunch, I went over to see things for myself. The building is still standing and the adjacent structures are unscathed. Add in that everyone got out safely, and its tough to make a case that the Fire Department dropped the hose on this one. Peskin has since issued an apology of sorts, but Im betting his remarks are going to cost him down the line probably when he tries to regain the job he once held as president of the Board of Supervisors. Congrats, comrade: Just when you think Donald Trump will demonstrate presidential talent well, OK, maybe not, but you get the idea he reverts to character and congratulates Vladimir Putin on his re-election as Russian president. Whats most disturbing is that Trump is such a Putin-phile, he was probably being sincere. Theres a way in politics of issuing congratulations when you dont really mean it and, in fact, want to signal something entirely different. Back when Assemblyman Leo McCarthy beat me for the speakership, he had the usual celebratory news conference. Not only did I attend, but to the surprise of everyone, I went up on the podium and joined him. Thats not something a losing candidate typically does. So of course, once Leo finished his remarks, the reporters focused on what was different. And that was me. You have any comment? one reporter asked. He beat me! I said, all smiles. Then I added, But man, does he have a problem. My guys are still mad, and are going to let him know it every day. Thats what we should be doing with Putin. Fire one: Do not be fooled by the Republicans in Washington saying it would be suicidal for President Trump to fire Special Counsel Robert Mueller. Not one of them has the courage to risk his or her re-electability in a Republican primary by challenging Trump on any issue, even when it comes to Russian interference in the 2016 election. They will talk, but thats all they ever do. 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. If Trump believes, truly believes Mueller is out to get him, Mueller will find himself in the role of unemployed special counsel and author of another best-seller about the Trump administration. View from the top: San Francisco Mayor Mark Farrell invited all the former mayors to a visit to City Hall and dinner at Marlowe. Art Agnos and I made it, but Frank Jordan was ill and couldnt be there, and Dianne Feinstein and Gavin Newsom were busy running for election. Walking into Room 200, I was struck by how Farrell has rearranged things. When I was in office, the desk was on the east side of the room, in front of two huge windows looking out onto Civic Center. When Newsom was mayor, he had the desk moved to the other side. He got the view, and all you got was him and a wall. Farrell has moved the desk to the south side of the room, so when you walk in, youre looking directly at him. Movie time: Tomb Raider. This is nothing like the original, which starred Angelina Jolie. For starters, it has a plot. The technical feats are right out of MIT. Combined with new star Alicia Vikander as adventurer Lara Croft, and you have some real matinee fun. The Clinton touch: Former President Bill Clinton has never been short on charm, as evidenced by the card he sent to me for my 84th birthday. Best wishes, from brother Bill, he wrote. P.S., he added: I bet it was better yesterday. Proponents of new gun-reform measures largely had the Sunday talk shows to themselves this week, with student activists and Democratic senators dominating the conversation and one Republican senator distancing herself somewhat from the National Rifle Association. The NRA, frequently attacked from the stages of March for Our Lives rallies, came up repeatedly. On "Fox News Sunday," two students were pushed into a kind of debate, with Parkland, Florida, shooting survivor Cameron Kasky asked to respond to Kyle Kashuv, a fellow student who argued that march organizers had not been honest about their desire to ban "assault rifles." "We are not trying to take away everybody's guns away, and the NRA wants people to think that," Kasky said. "They are fearmongers. They want to sell weapons by exploiting people's fears. So, the second we want to put common-sense resolutions on these assault weapons, the NRA will say they are trying to steal every single one of your guns, and people believe them. Fortunately, the majority of the American people see past this." Delaney Tarr, another Parkland student and speaker at the march, argued that some of the momentum for new gun laws had been slowed when President Donald Trump "had a meeting with the NRA" and "backed down" on some of what he had proposed at a meeting with members of Congress. "To call it a coincidence seems like a bit of a stretch because to say all of these incredibly firm stances and then to immediately backpedal on them after having a meeting with the NRA?" Tarr said. "Not a long time period of difference there. It reads sketchy to me." On CBS' "Face the Nation," Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, responded to criticism of the NRA's support for her 2014 election, saying she had "no control" over what the group did politically. "Many outside organizations will run advertisements without the consent of candidates," she said. "I am not separating myself from the NRA. I would state that there are a lot of outside organizations that cannot coordinate with candidates or their campaigns. That's against election law. So they will do what they want to do. But I will say that I am a supporter of the Constitution, I'm a supporter of our Bill of Rights ... simply stating 'we need to get rid of other people's rights' is not the right way forward." On CNN's "State of the Union," Gov. John Kasich, R-Ohio, did not offer specific gun-safety proposals, but he suggested that the student protesters were right to urge change. Kasich and Ernst were the only elected Republicans to stop by the shows this weekend. "They got to keep it up," the governor said. "If they don't keep it up, those that want no change will just sit on their hands. They will never come out and say anything. They will just try to stall, stall, stall until the steam comes out of the kettle. And the fact is, if we can keep the pressure on, we're not going to change everything overnight, but you can get significant changes. And I hope so. And if they do not bring about change, I think people should be held absolutely accountable at the ballot box." In another segment, Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., said student energy around gun reform could "turn the tide" on the issue and had loosened the NRA's grip on Republican legislators. "The NRA leadership, funded by gun manufacturers, has basically been able to gridlock everything in Congress now for nearly decades," Kaine said. "That's why Congress has not been willing to act, even to do things that an overwhelming majority of the American public want us to do, but the activism in these young people is actually changing the equation." The NRA was not represented on any Sunday shows, but on Saturday, it had described the March for Our Lives rallies as exploitative distractions from the need for "school safety" - something usually defined by the NRA as arming guards and teachers at schools by offering them training and funding. "Today's protests aren't spontaneous," the NRA wrote on Facebook. "The gun-hating billionaires and Hollywood elites are manipulating and exploiting children as part of their plan to DESTROY the Second Amendment and strip us of our right to defend ourselves and our loved ones." 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 reference to "Hollywood elites" highlighted some of the funding sources for the demonstrations. In the wake of the shooting at Parkland on Feb. 14, several celebrities, including George Clooney and Steven Spielberg, had donated to help put on Saturday's events. On "Fox News Sunday," former House speaker Newt Gingrich speculated there was something mysterious about how well-planned the rallies had been. "I think it would be fascinating to know who paid for it all," Gingrich, R-Ga., said. "I mean, the left has this wonderful ability to mobilize, so the day after inaugural, you have the Women's March. People come in buses. Who paid for the buses? People who organize the whole process, who brought the entertainers?" Leaders of gun-reform groups were not shy about taking credit. On ABC News' "This Week," Mark Kelly, the husband of former Democratic congresswoman Gabby Giffords and co-founder of the Giffords PAC, echoed students in saying that public pressure was needed to overwhelm the NRA. "President Trump on Tuesday was pretty good on this issue," Kelly said. "He saw the National Rifle Association in the Oval Office on Wednesday. They made it clear that this was not acceptable to them. The next day, he dialed it all back. So I'm hopeful that if we could get Congress, get the House and Senate to pass some sensible legislation, we get it to his desk, I think there's a pretty good chance he might sign it. And if it's not him, you know, we'll work on whoever the next president is." --- The Washington Post's Drew Harwell contributed to this report. An Iowa couple and their two children who were found dead inside their rented Mexico condo had inhaled toxic gas, Mexican authorities said Saturday. The Quintana Roo state prosecutor's office said autopsies showed that all four family members, who were staying in Tulum on Mexico's Caribbean coast, had asphyxiated. Authorities reiterated that there were no signs of foul play. "Any violent act or suicide has been discounted," authorities said. Kevin Wayne Sharp, 41, wife Amy Marie Sharp, 38, and Sterling Wayne Sharp, 12, and Adrianna Marie Sharp, 7, were found dead inside the condo Friday after their immediate family members had reported them missing to local police when the Sharps did not return to the United States on Wednesday as originally planned. Now Playing: A travel warning has been issued for Playa del Carmen, Mexico, following an unnamed threat that has closed the US Embassy there. Video: Buzz 60 Authorities have not yet said where exactly the gas emitted. Photos published by the prosecutor's office show firemen in respirators and other workers in anti-contamination suits examining gas connections and the unit's oven. The Sharp family appeared to have been dead for 36 to 48 hours when they were discovered, Mexican authorities said. "Life is not going to be the same without her," Beth Fry, Amy Sharp's mother, said Friday, according to the Associated Press. "Half my family is gone." The findings offer some answers to the sudden disappearance and deaths of the family of four from Creston, Iowa, about 70 miles southwest of Des Moines. Friends and family said the Sharps were beloved members of the community that supported the local college basketball team, whose players they would invite home for Christmas dinner and other holidays, according to the Associated Press. The Sharps left the United States for Cancun on March 14, then rented a car and drove to Tulum, where they were renting a condo, according to Amy Sharp's sister, Renee Hoyt, who spoke with the Creston News Advertiser. The family, who were on their second trip to Mexico, had planned to meet up with some friends at a water park, Amy Sharp's cousin, Jana Weland, told ABC News. But "they never showed up at that water park to meet them," Weland said. In fact, the Sharps' relatives hadn't heard anything from Kevin or Amy since the day they arrived in Mexico. It was also unusual for the family not to post photos of their vacation to social media, because "last year they shared pictures about every day," Weland said. About a week later, on Thursday night, relatives had a sinking feeling that something wasn't right. The Sharps were supposed to return to the United States about 2:45 p.m. Wednesday from Cancun and arrive in St. Louis at about 6 p.m., family members said. The relatives decided to wait for the last flight from Cancun to St. Louis to arrive on Thursday in case the Sharps had just planned to stay an extra day, Weland told ABC News. "I guess we were all kind of hoping for the best," she said. Then, the family tracked Kevin Sharp's phone using Apple's Find my iPhone app. It pinged in Mexico, Hoyt told the Creston News Advertiser. The phone had not moved from its location since Thursday morning. Paulina Chavez Alonzo, a spokeswoman for the Mexican Embassy in Washington, D.C., told NBC News that the government offered its "deepest condolences to the family and friends of the Sharps." 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. Kevin was a salesman for the beer distributor Southwest Distributing Co., and Amy was a dental-claims specialist for Principal Financial in Des Moines. They had been married for more than 16 years, according to the AP. Family members described Adrianna as the "fashion stylist" who "ruled that family." Her brother was an athlete who played baseball, swam and hunted. "They lived life on the fly, let me tell you," Fry said, according to the AP. Kevin Sharp also was an avid stock car racer, known as "the Sharpshooter" in the local racing scene, and he often competed in events in his neighboring county, friend and fellow racer Cliff Baldwin told the Des Moines Register. "Creston is close-knit like all small towns in Iowa," Baldwin added. "He's a big part of that community there." On Saturday, the community held a candlelight vigil at Adams County Speedway, where the Sharps were regular spectators, local NBC affiliate WHO reported. "I can tell you one thing about Kevin Sharp: He was a family man. Most people don't appreciate the fact that when you come to this racetrack, this is a family," a friend of the Sharp family said. On Friday, Fry said the family was determined to get through the tragedy. "One way or another, we will." Gun control debates always follow mass shootings and then tend to fade. The debate escalated again after the Valentines Day shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., and this time seems unlikely to end anytime soon. But theres something missing. Im here to tell you that now, as in the past, the debate is overlooking the people most threatened by guns: black people. Black people are more likely than any other ethnicity in the United States to be killed by a gun. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, black men are 13 times more likely to be shot and killed than white men. The numbers are startling: There were 2.4 gun homicides per 100,000 white men from 2012 to 2016. For black men, it was 30.7 per 100,000 in the same period. In July, the U.S. Census Bureau estimated that 13.3 percent of the population was black. Thats why Rep. Barbara Lee of Oakland, an outspoken gun control advocate, wanted local students present in Washington on Saturday for March for Our Lives. She asked Regina Jackson, the president of the East Oakland Youth Development Center, to coordinate a delegation of black students from a city where 354 people were killed or injured in shootings in 2017. I talked to some of the 10 students in the delegation before they traveled to Washington. There isnt a day these kids dont think about the gun violence in their neighborhoods, and I was moved by how serene they were in discussing it. James Tensuan/Special to The Chronicle That was the motive behind Lees decision to invite them. Were at a moment where young people are leading, and policymakers need to hear the voices of young people from my district, Lee told me. We have a duty and responsibility to channel their brilliance and energy. And maybe give them some hope. The trip was the first time Devlynn Nolan, a 17-year-old senior at Castlemont High School, flew on a plane. Her brother was shot and killed while sitting in a parked car near 73rd Avenue and Hamilton Street in East Oakland in 2013. He was 17. Destiny Shabazz, a senior at McClymonds High School, said shes lost more family and friends because of guns than the years shes been alive. Shes 17. Its time that urban gun violence is included in the gun control debate. Ill say the same for gun violence committed by law enforcement against black and brown citizens. A 2017 report released by Mapping Police Violence showed that 27 percent of the 1,147 people killed by police officers last year were black. And get this: The data revealed that black people were more likely than any other demographic to be unarmed and less likely to be threatening someone when killed by police. On March 18 in Sacramento, Stephon Clark, a 22-year-old black man and a father, was shot in the backyard of his grandparents home because police mistook a cell phone he held in his hand for a weapon. James Tensuan/Special to The Chronicle In February, Ronnell Foster, 33, was fatally shot after he allegedly attacked a Vallejo police officer with a flashlight. Ive written about the fatal shootings of black and brown men by Vallejo police officers, and Ive grown frustrated because there hasnt been an uproar over police conduct in the city. So many of the people that are policing dont know the neighborhoods theyre policing, said Jackson, who also serves on Oaklands Police Commission. 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. Whats more, most politicians dont grow up in impoverished neighborhoods, and few walk the destitute streets in their districts. This means they dont have a sense of the resolve required to live on the streets they govern. Raheem Haskins, a 15-year-old sophomore at Skyline High School, always looks out for people and situations to avoid. Raheem, who started his own clothing line to show friends they didnt have to be thieves to get money, doesnt act like most teenagers. He stays inside on nights and weekends because he wants to keep living. While shootings and murders are on a five-year decline in Oakland, some young people still consider packing a gun a safety requirement. Its people who carry guns that go to my school, not necessarily looking to kill nobody, but just worried about their life, Raheem said. Hes seen people robbed of their shoes and money at gunpoint on school grounds. Jada White, 13, an eighth-grader at Edna Brewer Middle School, thinks its crazy that Raheem is used to it. We grow up around violence, she said. Thats not something we can deny. Jada doesnt know her father. He was gunned down soon after she was born. She now lives in San Leandro but told me there were bullet holes in the walls when she lived on Majestic Avenue in East Oakland. She wants lawmakers to limit the access to guns. People are dying, and were not doing anything to stop this, she said. Its kind of crazy, because children are dying. President Trumps announcement of tariffs on up to $60 billion worth of Chinese products has rattled investors, alarmed the World Trade Organization, and prodded Beijing into retaliatory tariffs on about $3 billion worth of U.S.-produced products. If theyre imposed, analysts expect the latest round of tariffs to have a minimal effect on both economies. (One place where they may have an outsized impact, unfortunately, is California American-produced wine and fruit, two of our states important exports, are on Beijings list for retaliation.) The problem is that the final costs of Trumps self-defeating tariff policy are still unknown, and they could be devastating. If Trump signs the tariff order, China will understand it as the beginning of a trade war. Trade wars are terrible things they depress economic growth for everyone involved and China has no interest in having one. But China is not afraid of Trumps tariffs, and it has no reason to be. As Americas third-largest export market, it could easily intensify its retaliatory response. Its also Americas biggest foreign creditor a position that binds the two countries economies. A trade war between the worlds two largest economies would also affect global trade, potentially undermining the broadest economic recovery the world has seen in years. One of the major reasons the White House offered for the new tariffs was Chinese intellectual-property violations. The White House has a point. China has consistently failed to offer appropriate protections for U.S. intellectual property rights. Technology is the key to future economic growth in both of our countries, and right now Chinas actions are costing American businesses billions of dollars every year. But theres an avenue for the Trump administration to address these concerns: the World Trade Organization, which is designed to maintain global economic stability in moments like this. President Trump is contemptuous of the WTO, claiming that its been a disaster for us. He announced the new China tariffs unilaterally, to the consternation of diplomats and trade officials. Meanwhile, Beijing has announced it will challenge the Trump tariffs and pursue its own restrictions in accordance with the World Trade Organziations rules. The White House risks losing the high ground as well as some of the trust and good faith on which global trade relies. This, too, is dangerous. Its one thing for the Trump administration to punish a single trading partner for unfair practices. Its another thing for it to spark a global trade war with no allies. 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. The Chronicle has launched a new weekly Travel newsletter! Sign up here. Enter your email at the top and check the box marked Travel. In the heart of Californias Mojave Desert, where nighttime drivers mistake Joshua trees for people and military aircraft for UFOs, youll hear Ken Laynes wonderful tales of the weird on Desert Oracle Radio. His show is broadcast Friday nights at 10 p.m. on KCDZ 107.7 FM, a station beamed across Joshua Tree National Park and the neighboring communities of Joshua Tree, Pioneertown, TwentyNine Palms and Yucca Valley. (Its also available as a podcast.) The American desert is my favorite place on the planet, says Layne, who lives in Joshua Tree. I've lived in the desert for about a dozen years and have been exploring it fairly regularly for many decades. The radio show was born out of a print magazine devoted to the Mojave Deserts histories and mysteries that Layne launched in 2015. Before that, hed written articles for Gawker, The Awl, Wonkette and other publications. The show features Laynes verbal essays, which cover a range of topics fragile ecosystems, homesteaders, hippies, the legend of the desert beast called Yucca Man, and strange lights in the sky. But the baritone Layne is more than a radio host. To borrow the tagline from his show, he is the voice of the desert. And if you want an adventure in North Americas driest landscape home to bighorn sheep, boulders, ghost towns, hermits, U.S. marines, artists and howling coyotes theres no better guide. Keli Dailey, travel@sfchronicle.com Rosa Menkman/Flickr Integratron Just south of boulder called Giant Rock, Layne suggests a stop at a 38-foot-high white wooden dome called the Integratron. Inside you relax in what the keepers call a sonic bath, in which an attendant plays quartz crystal bowls live. Layne says he likes the otherworldly origins of this place. [Its a] mystery building constructed by UFO celebrity George Van Tassel, he says. He brought thousands of the believers and the curious to his Giant Rock UFO gatherings, and then the aliens told him to build this mystical dome. 2477 Belfield Blvd. Landers; (760) 364-3126; www.integratron.com Landers Brew Co. Near the Integratron is a friendly old biker bar that now has all kinds of interesting beers on tap, plus live music on weekends and pool tables, Layne says. This historic roadhouse, built in 1948, promises you a cast of off-roaders, musicians, artists, misfits and characters, according to its website. 1388 Golden Slipper Lane, Landers; (760) 623-6300; www.lbrewco.com Mojave National Preserve Layne exhorts his listeners to get out of the poison of the city and visit the 1.6-million-acre Mojave National Preserve. The Kelso Dunes there are incredible sand dunes like something out of the Sahara, and they sing which is the sound of the sand collapsing, Layne says. Hike to the birds eye perch of Teutonia Peak, a 5,755-foot mountain on curvy Cima Dome. It will deliver you to world's densest forest of Joshua trees for a total four-mile round trip. 90942 Kelso Cima Road, Kelso; www.nps.gov/moja/index.htm The Palms Restaurant Out where the roadrunners and scorpions play, youll find a treat called The Palms. Its a funky roadhouse with cheap drinks and good homemade food, Layne says. Sunday brunch is popular. With steak and eggs going for $5.50 and PBR on tap, you can understand why. You never know who might crawl through the doors, Layne says. 83131 Amboy Road, Twentynine Palms; (760) 361-2810 29 Palms Inn This historic tavern sits on the 9,000-year-old Oasis of Mara - a verdant National Park Service trail with a visitor center and plenty of native desert species. Best bar in town, Layne says. Good cocktails, and you can dine around the pool outside. 73950 Inn Ave. Twentynine Palms; (760) 367-3505; www.29palmsinn.com Pappy & Harriet's Pioneertown is a desert destination built in the 1940s by Western movie stars Gene Autry and Roy Rogers. Its hipster jewel is Pappy & Harriets, a saloon on an Old West movie set that doubled as a real town for its cowboy star residents. Pappy's is best when it's about 80 percent full, Layne says. Thursdays and Sunday nights are your best chances for that. 53688 Pioneertown Road, Pioneertown; (760) 365-5956; www.pappyandharriets.com Pioneertown General Store Inside the "Likker Barn" on "Mane Street" in Pioneertown, you'll find this charming general store, stocked with road-trip supplies and vintage desert clothes. There's even a seamstress on site for the busy weekends, Layne says. 53635 Mane St., Pioneertown; www.pioneertowngeneralstore.com Among the many marchers at San Francisco's "March for Our Lives" on Saturday were two young children who decided not to walk, but to glide. They rode Razor scooters a blue one for the little boy, a silver one for the girl. Between their handlebars they shouldered the burden of a handmade sign. "I can't even bring peanut butter to school," it read. Sacramento police chief Daniel Hahn admitted the police officers' muted body cameras in the aftermath of the shooting of Stephon Clark, who was unarmed, "builds suspicion" in the community. In body cam video released by the Sacramento police department, an officer can be heard saying, "Hey, mute" after the shooting occurs. The audio then cuts out of the footage. "Any time there is muting on this camera, it builds suspicion, as it has in this case," Hahn told KCRA. "And that is not healthy for us and our relationship with the community." "It might be perfectly fine, but because it was muted, there will always be that suspicion," he added. "So that's something we have to look at." Hahn also said there are misconceptions about Sunday's shooting death of an unarmed man by officers in the backyard of a south Sacramento home. MORE: Rev. Al Sharpton to attend funeral of Stephon Clark Hahn was at KCRA 3's studio Thursday, a day after the police department released videos and audio from the shooting. He said releasing the videos has changed the conversation to the facts of the case. "That's a common misperception is that he was shot because he was breaking into cars. If an officer shot somebody for breaking into cars, that would definitely not be a justified shooting," Hahn said. "They have to have reason, at the moment, that they felt that their life, or somebody else's life, was in danger to do that. It's just what got them on the street, was the original call. It would not be justification to shoot him in the backyard." Stephon Clark, 22, was shot and killed around 9:30 p.m. in the 7500 block of 29th Street, near 69th Avenue. Officers confronted Clark in the backyard of his grandparents' home, the family said. Police said officers responded to the area after getting reports of someone breaking into vehicles in the area. ALSO: 'We Are One': Sacramento Kings wear T-shirts remembering Stephon Clark During the confrontation, officers called for Clark to stop and show his hands before one of them shouted, "gun, gun, gun." The officers then opened fire on Clark, firing a total of 20 rounds, Sacramento police said. Clark was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators did not find a firearm. The only item found near Clark was a cellphone. "This is a tragic event for the entire community," Hahn said. Hahn refused to make conclusions about the case and said the investigation into the shooting is ongoing. He said investigators are still waiting for the coroner's report and other details. The department will release the details of the investigation as they become available, Hahn said. Watch the full interview in the video above. Newark police Saturday were investigating what they believe to be a targeted shooting that left a man dead. A man was killed in Newark Friday night in what officials believe to be a targeted shooting, according to the Newark Police Department. I've long held that the most memorable trips are the ones where disaster looms, and the traveler finds a way out of it...or learns a lesson. This week SF Travel Association executive Laurie Armstrong Gossy tells the tale of a near disaster on a business trip to Australia and New Zealand. Read on to see how it turned into a memorable story... As I head home from a business trip to Australia tomorrow, I still can't believe what happened on my United Los Angeles-Melbourne flight. Spoiler alert: United is far from the villain. Everything started out normally at LAX. I showed my passport and boarding pass to the gate agent and walked down the jet bridge, excited to experience the new Boeing 787 Dreamliner. When I got to my seat, my seat mate a little old lady I'll call "Shirley" asked if I would mind changing seats with her traveling companion so they could sit together. Since both were window seats, I gathered up my stuff and moved over to where dear old "Danny" had been sitting. A flight attendant came around with the customs cards and I decided to go ahead and fill it out to save time later. But I could not find my passport. I checked every part of my carry-on bags, the pockets of my jacket (my pants had no pockets), and all of the compartments of my seat. I even got on the floor to feel around for it. I went to Shirley and Danny's seats and asked them to move into the aisle so I could search their areas too. This was no small feat as Danny was not very mobile and needed a cane. Still nothing. Soon there were about four flight attendants and one of the pilots (Mr. Beau Brant) searching for my passport and asking me questions. They made it clear, as nicely as they could, that they could not take me out of the U.S. if I did not have my passport. The crazy thing was, I know I brought it onto the plane. I had shown it to the gate agent. It was on that plane somewhere. The flight crew eventually found my boarding pass in Shirley and Danny's area. I stayed away and let them handle that situation. Still, the clock was ticking and I had no passport. Eventually, the lead flight attendant came and told me very apologetically - that I would have to leave the plane. I was so flustered by the whole ordeal that I could think of nothing to do but gather my stuff and follow the gate agent down the aisle and off the plane. The door to the plane closed behind me and the jet bridge pulled away. My mind was a flurry of questions. Where was my passport hiding? Would the cleaning crew find it days later in some other country? What happens now? How soon could I get a new passport? It was Saturday night and Monday was a holiday. Do I just go home to San Francisco? What about the whole trip planned to Melbourne and Sydney with media calls and the International Media Marketplace? Could I even get a refund or credit for the missed flights? A feeling of doom began to replace the sensation of panic. How could I have let this happen? Then a voice came over the gate agent's radio: "We found the passport. Bring her back." It's a miracle! I walked down the ramp, the jet bridge stretched out and the door to the plane opened (which I've heard never happens once it's closed, it's closed). The other passengers in my cabin applauded as I got to my seat. The United crew all came by to say how happy they were that I was able to make the flight. I sat for about an hour in a complete state of shock. I found out later that my passport had been found in Shirley's purse. I guess it fell when I was moving to exchange seats with Danny and she picked it up and thought it was hers. One of the crew said she was very reluctant to have her purse searched but...there it was. Many lessons learned: Don't let your passport leave your body. No good deed goes unpunished. Above all, I am sincerely grateful to the United crew members who were so helpful and thorough and never gave up the hunt. I literally would not be where I am today without them! Phew! Disaster averted and a business trip saved. Thanks for sharing your travel story, Laurie! Do you have a great story about a lesson learned or a happy ending to a travel disaster? Send it to me and we might publish it. Read all recent TravelSkills posts here Get twice-per-week updates from TravelSkills via email! Sign up here 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. After ruling out terrorism, authorities are still in search of a motive after a man caught fire last week and crashed his minivan, stocked with propane tanks and gas canisters, at the front gate of the Travis Air Force Base, authorities said. Hafiz Kazi, 51, of Sausalito was pronounced dead Wednesday after driving through the main gate of the base in Fairfield and crashing his minivan, said FBI Sacramento Special Agent in Charge Sean Ragan, at a news conference Friday. 3 1 of 3 Jonathan J. Cooper/Associated Press Show More Show Less 2 of 3 BOB GALBRAITH/Associated Press Show More Show Less 3 of 3 Now the question is, why? Ragan said. Why was he there? What led him there? And we dont know the answers to that. So the investigation that we are doing right now is trying to piece together his life and trying to piece together what led up to this event and attempt to determine why he was there and why he had those items in his vehicle. Kazi emigrated from India in 1993 and lived as a legal permanent resident in the Bay Area, where he previously worked as a cabdriver, Ragan said. So far, authorities have ruled that the incident was not religiously motivated or was an act of terror. The thought originally was that it was some sort of accident as it was coming to the front gate, Ragan said. No shots were fired in the incident. Investigators are working night and day to determine a motive in the incident, Ragan said, adding that there was nothing left in writing at the scene that signaled Kazis intentions. Several associates of Kazis have been identified and taken in for interviews, Ragan added. One relative was tracked down in India for the next-of-kin notification. Kazi appeared to be on fire as first responders from the base pried the locked doors of his Kia minivan open, Ragan added. Investigators uncovered five propane tanks, a gym bag with personal effects, three phones, three plastic one-gallon gas cans and several lighters. The Solano County coroners office was able to identify Kazi through his fingerprints, though he was badly burned, Ragan said. The office is conducting an autopsy to determine the cause of his death. District 5 Supervisor and mayoral candidate London Breed took the mic at a "March for Our Lives" anti-gun violence demonstration in Civic Center Plaza on Saturday afternoon. Before a crowd of sign-toting San Franciscans, she praised the survivors of the Parkland, Florida, shooting for their efforts to hold public officials accountable. Breed also recounted her own experiences with gun crime, growing up in the city's Fillmore District. When she was 12, she said, she witnessed gun violence for the first time when she watched the fatal shooting of her friend Stacy. NEW YORK The two stone churches near the foot of Broadway, in the shadow of the World Trade Center, have seen fire and calamity and the sweep of American history, and through it all have kept their doors wide open. But in a sign of the times, Trinity Church and St. Pauls Chapel both installed metal detectors this month. Visitors on their way to see Alexander Hamiltons tomb in Trinitys historic graveyard, or who want to sit in the pews at St. Pauls where George Washington prayed and dust-covered rescue workers rested after the Sept. 11 attacks, now have to pass through airport-style security checkpoints. The metal detectors, installed March 1, will be there until this world becomes a safer place, said Trinitys vicar, the Rev. Phillip Jackson. Visitors to St. Pauls passed through them Palm Sunday as they gathered to mark the start of Holy Week, which commemorates the story of Jesus crucifixion and resurrection. Church officials said the decision to step up security was not a response to any specific threat, but Jackson said a terrorist attack in the fall, when a man used a speeding truck to kill eight people on a nearby bike path, was kind of a wake-up call. While no one wants to have to implement such measures, its a reflection of the times we live in and our desire to keep our people parishioners and visitors safe, Jackson said. The neo-Gothic Trinity Church was consecrated in 1846 after previous churches serving the congregation established in 1697 were replaced or destroyed, including a church that burned in a fire that destroyed much of Manhattan after the British occupied the city during the American Revolution. Trinity saw a new surge of visitors after the smash success of Broadways Hamilton, because Alexander Hamilton, his wife, Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton, and Elizabeths sister Angelica Schuyler Church are all buried in the picturesque graveyard. St. Pauls Chapel was built a few blocks up Broadway in 1766. George Washington attended a service there immediately after his 1789 inauguration as the first U.S. president at nearby Federal Hall. The church narrowly escaped being destroyed when the World Trade Center collapsed on 9/11, gaining the nickname the Little Chapel That Stood. For months, it became a center for the relief effort. Volunteers met there to distribute food, water and spiritual counseling to rescue and recovery workers. Ron Aguiar, a Kentucky consultant on church security and the author of Keeping Your Church Safe, said many cathedrals around the U.S. have armed guards, but he hasnt been recommending walk-through metal detectors. The general consensus is were not at that point yet, he said. CHERRY HILL, N.J. The federal government will spend a record $4.6 billion this year to fight the nations deepening opioid crisis, which killed 42,000 Americans in 2016. But some advocates say the funding included in the spending plan the president signed Friday is not nearly enough to establish the kind of treatment system needed to reverse the crisis. A White House report last fall put the cost to the country of the overdose epidemic at more than $500 billion a year. Former Rep. Patrick Kennedy, a Rhode Island Democrat who served on President Trumps opioid commission last year, said there are clear solutions but that Congress needs to devote more money to them. We still have lacked the insight that this is a crisis, a cataclysmic crisis, he said. By comparison, the Kaiser Family Foundation found the U.S. is spending more than $7 billion annually on discretionary domestic funding on AIDS, an epidemic with a death toll that peaked in 1995 at 43,000. States also have begun putting money toward the opioid epidemic. The office of Ohio Gov. John Kasich estimates the state is spending $1 billion a year to address the crisis. Last year, New Jersey allocated $200 million to opioid programs, and the budget proposal in Minnesota calls for spending $12 million in the coming fiscal year. A spokesman for Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker, a Republican who also served on the Trump commission, said the federal government still needs to do more. Gov. Baker encourages members of Congress to work together on a plan forward to fully fund the bipartisan recommendations, spokesman Brendan Moss said. The opioid allocation is part of the $1.3 trillion budget appropriation Trump signed Friday. In a budget deal full of compromises, this was one element both parties heralded. Addiction to opioid painkillers, including prescription drugs such a Vicodin and OxyContin and illicit drugs such as heroin and fentanyl, is causing deep problems across the country. Its being blamed for shortened life expectancies, growing burdens on foster care systems, and strains on police and fire departments. The budgeted response amounts to about three times what the federal government is spending currently to address the epidemic, not counting treatment money that flows through Medicaid and Medicare. The biggest chunk of new money in the congressional appropriation, $1 billion, is to be distributed to states and American Indian tribes. States with the highest overdose mortality rates would receive larger shares. Andrew Kolodny, the co-director of an opioid policy research group at Brandeis University, said he believes it would take a 10-year commitment to funding $6 billion annually to build a system that would make medication-assisted treatment accessible to everyone who needs it. TOLEDO, Ohio The longest-serving woman in the history of the U.S. House, Marcy Kaptur, still returns from Washington most weekends to the modest single-story home where she grew up in Toledo. How the 71-year-old Democrat, a daughter of two factory workers, has managed to stay in office so long can be linked to an unwavering connection to her working-class roots. Now in the House just over 35 years, Kaptur set the mark last week for the longest tenure by a woman surpassing Edith Nourse Rogers, a Massachusetts Republican who served until her death in 1960. It sounds like a lot of time until youve done it, and then it seems like a wink, Kaptur said Friday. Shes perhaps best known for her early backing of a World War II veterans memorial. Kaptur credits the idea to a mail carrier from her district who asked her at a fish fry to explain why Washington lacked a World War II memorial. She then introduced a bill to create a memorial, which opened on the National Mall in 2004. Never much of a fundraiser but willing to go against party leaders on issues such as free trade and abortion, Kaptur sits on the powerful House Appropriations Committee but never ascended to leadership positions in Congress. She also rejected attempts to recruit her to run for Ohio governor in 2006 and turned down Ross Perots offer to be his vice presidential running mate in 1996. Kaptur said she has stayed in the House because on the national level its the closest you can stay to the people. PALM BEACH, Fla. President Trump will not be adding two new lawyers to the legal team defending him in the special counsels Russia investigation after all, one of the presidents attorneys said Sunday. Trump attorney Jay Sekulow said in a statement that Washington lawyers Joseph diGenova and Victoria Toensing have conflicts that wont allow them to represent the president regarding special counsel Robert Muellers investigation. Sekulow had announced diGenovas appointment last week. Sundays announcement came just hours after Trump used Twitter to fight back against reports that hes having difficulty adding to his legal team, saying he was very happy with his current attorneys. Many lawyers and top law firms want to represent me in the Russia case, he wrote, adding: Fame & fortune will NEVER be turned down by a lawyer, though some are conflicted. Neither the president nor Sekulow specified the conflict regarding diGenova and Toensing, who are married to each other and law partners, but their firm has represented other clients in the special counsels investigation, including former Trump campaign adviser Sam Clovis. Sekulow said Trump was disappointed that diGenova and Toensing wont be defending him in the special counsel investigation, but those conflicts do not prevent them from assisting the President in other legal matters. The president looks forward to working with them, he added. On Sunday, diGenova and Toensing released a joint statement, saying, We thank the president for his confidence in us, and we look forward to working with him on other matters. DiGenova declined to answer additional questions about the nature of his and Toensings representation of the president. DiGenova had been expected to usher in a new strategy for the president after Trumps lead attorney, John Dowd, resigned last week. Dowd had touted the cooperation of the White House and Trump campaign with Mueller. DiGenova, a former U.S. attorney, has been a fierce defender of Trump on television and accused the FBI of trying to frame the president for nonexistent crimes. Dowd was the primary negotiator and legal strategist who had been putting together the presidents legal defense in the Russia probe led by Mueller. The legal team shakeup also comes as Trumps attorneys have been negotiating with Mueller over the scope and terms of an interview with the president. Mueller is investigating Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election and whether there was any collusion with the Trump campaign. Later, in a highly anticipated interview with CBS 60 Minutes broadcast Sunday evening, adult film star Stormy Daniels said she was threatened to keep silent about an alleged sexual encounter with Trump in 2006. Daniels said she was threatened by an unidentified man in Las Vegas to keep quiet about her relationship with Trump, an incident that she said happened while she was with her young daughter. She said in the interview that she had one encounter of consensual sex with the future president. He knows Im telling the truth, said Daniels, whose legal name is Stephanie Clifford. Daniels said that in the incident, in a parking lot, the man told her: Leave Trump alone. Forget the story. She said he then looked at her daughter and said, Thats a beautiful little girl. Itd be a shame if something happened to her mom. After years of a highly unusual plumbing problem, a neighborhood outside of Rohnert Park can finally breathe easy. A thorough investigation of a home in Rohnert Park has led investigators to believe they've found the source of the city's constant sewage blockages, which may have also contaminated several private wells serving households, the Press Democrat reported. Carlos Velarde Chavez, the owner of cleaning company Petaluma Septic Services, was arrested Dec. 13 on suspicion of dumping raw waste into the city's sewage system via secret pipes housed in his backyard. Investigators said Chavez routinely drained the contents of his 2,800-gallon commercial tanker into the city's pipes six days a week, on average. At a March 13 hearing in the Sonoma County Superior Court, Chavez pleaded not guilty to two dozen charges which include property theft, using an improper contractor's license number with the intent to defraud, and nearly a dozen malicious commercial discharges. A search warrant indicated Chavez engaged in more than 300 separate incidents of illegal dumping. Chavez has twice been convicted for unlawful dumping of sewage in Sonoma County. The city installed sensors in the sewer lines near Chavez's Rohnert Park home and identified his property as the most likely source of the sewer blockages, according to the search warrant, which date as far back as December 2015. Video cameras positioned on light poles also found the sewage meter spiked whenever Chavez returned from a job and parked his commercial tanker in the back of his property. Santa Rosa police were on high alert after raw sewage was found in wells serving nearby homes in Canon Manor West, an unincorporated area south of Rohnert Park. After residents reported the raw stench of human excrement in their drinking water, the county discovered E.coli bacteria had contaminated the wells and issued a public health alert. Rohnert Park City Manager Darrin Jenkins told the Press Democrat the bacteria found in residents' wells follows a longstanding issue of illegal septic systems in Canon Manor West. Officials at the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board confirmed his statement. The complaint alleges Chavez should have paid nearly $119,000 to dispose of the waste, if done lawfully. A preliminary hearing is set for May 8. Read Annie Vainshtein's latest stories here. Send her news tips at avainshtein@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @annievain 1 Egypt bombing: A bomb placed under a nearby car exploded Saturday in the coastal city of Alexandria as the city security chiefs convoy passed by, killing two policemen and wounding four others, the Interior Ministry said. Local media reports said Gen. Mostafa al-Nimr survived the explosion and he was seen on a local TV channel in good condition while inspecting the area of the blast shortly after it took place. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, which comes just days ahead of Egypts presidential election. 2 Corruption scandal: A Peruvian judge barred recently resigned President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski on Saturday from leaving the South American nation for 18 months while hes investigated for money laundering. The ruling came a day after congress accepted Kuczynskis resignation and swore in Vice President Martin Vizcarra as his successor. Kuczynski, 79, is being probed for some $782,000 in payments his consulting firm received a decade ago from Odebrecht, the Brazilian construction giant at the heart of Latin Americas biggest-ever bribery scandal. The former Wall Street investor has denied any wrongdoing. Evacuation orders for the Moccasin Fish Hatchery and Moccasin Point Marina in Tuolumne County have been lifted and there continue to be no effects on the Bay Area's water supply, utility officials said this afternoon. The evacuation orders went into effect when the Moccasin Dam and Reservoir leaked Thursday, flooding the area. The dam and reservoir are used for regulating the Hetch Hetchy water system, which provides water to about 2.7 million Bay Area consumers. PETALUMA (BCN) Petaluma police are looking for a man who attempted to commit a burglary at a US Bank location on Friday afternoon. The suspect entered a US Bank inside a Safeway at 4:53 p.m. and handed the bank teller a withdraw slip, according to police. The suspect had written someone's name and account number on the slip, and handed the teller a California license with the same identification. The bank teller told police that they were suspicious of the man, and thought the identification card might be fraudulent. Police said the suspect became increasingly nervous while the teller was processing the transaction. The suspect eventually left the bank without taking any money. During the investigation, police said they discovered that the I.D. card had correct information for a victim, but was accompanied by a photo of the suspect. Police are asking for the public's help in identifying the suspect. The suspect is described as a white man, around 60 years old with gray hair, a mustache and beard. Anyone who might recognize the man's photo is asked to call Officer Tom Sawyer (707) 781-1248. ### A 28-year-old man was arrested Saturday evening for allegedly stabbing and killing his father the same morning in Suisun City. Officers received a call reporting a stabbing at 8:47 a.m. in the 500 block of Line Street. The man was found unresponsive inside his home, according to police, and he was taken to NorthBay Medical Center. Police said the man, identified as 48-year-old Alfonso Rodarte, didn't survive. Officials cordoned off Line Street between Main Street and Kellogg Street while they investigated the crime. Police arrested 28-year-old Victor Estrada at about 6 p.m. in his Fairfield home on suspicion of the stabbing. He is Rodarte's estranged son, according to police. Estrada was arrested for murder and booked into Solano County Jail. According to the preliminary investigation, police said Rodarte was stabbed in front of his home. The California Highway Patrol has released information on the victim killed Friday in a fiery crash on southbound U.S. Highway 101 in Mountain View. The victim is a 38-year-old man from Foster City, according to the CHP. His name had not been released as of Friday night. On Friday around 9:30 a.m., the CHP received a call of a multi-vehicle collision on southbound U.S. Highway 101 at the state Highway 85 southbound connector. Investigators said a blue Tesla was traveling south on the highway when the vehicle crashed into the middle barrier. Two other vehicles, a Mazda and an Audi then struck the vehicle. The drivers of those vehicles were not injured, according to the CHP. During the incident, the Tesla caught fire, and the driver suffered major injuries. He was transferred to the hospital where he later died. The incident closed two lanes of southbound U.S. Highway 101 and the state Highway 85 connector until about 3:10 p.m. A man was shot to death in Newark late Friday night, police said Saturday. Officers responded at 10:58 p.m. to a report of gunshots heard in the area of the 7700 block of Wells Avenue and found a man suffering from an apparent gunshot wound, according to police. The man was subsequently declared dead, police said. Newark police detectives are investigating the incident as a homicide, according to police. Officers don't think the incident was a random act. The victim hasn't been identified yet, police said. The investigation is continuing. Anyone with information is asked to contact Newark police Sgt. David Higbee at (510) 578-4962 or via email at david.higbee@newark.org or Detective Jennifer Bloom at (510) 578-4931 or via email at Jennifer.bloom@newark.org. The Solano County Sheriff's Office on Friday announced the arrest of a man in Arizona in connection with trying to solicit sex from a minor stemming from an incident reported in Vacaville. Alden Pascual Cacpal, was arrested on suspicion of several crimes including solicitation of a minor and using a minor for purposes of posing for sexual conduct, according to the sheriff's office. Cacpal is being extradited from Maricopa, Arizona back to Solano County following a four-month investigation. In October, the sheriff's office was called to a Vacaville residence and discovered pornographic photos on a 12-year-old's cellphone. A San Ramon man has been arrested and charged in connection with several crimes related to sexual assault, according to police. Thomas Jon Pancoast, 46, has been charged by the Contra Costa County District Attorney's Office with 11 counts of a lewd and lascivious act on a child under 14, two counts of rape of an intoxicated woman, five counts of lewd and lascivious acts on a minor 14 to 15 and two counts of sexual penetration by object on an intoxicated person, according to the San Ramon Police Department. The case was presented to the Contra Costa County District Attorney's Office on Friday, according to police. Police said Pancoast is currently being held with bail set at $12.7 million. On March 16, the San Ramon Police Department received a report of a man who allegedly committed lewd and lascivious acts on multiple juveniles during the past three years, police said. Investigators were able to obtain search and arrest warrants, and Pancoast was taken into custody. Police said four victims have come forward, and there is a possibility that more victims have not yet been identified. Anyone with information on the investigation is asked to contact the San Ramon Police Department at (925) 973-2763. Evacuation orders for the Moccasin Fish Hatchery and Moccasin Point Marina in Tuolumne County have been lifted and there continue to be no effects on the Bay Area's water supply, utility officials said Saturday afternoon. The evacuation orders went into effect when the Moccasin Dam and Reservoir leaked Thursday, flooding the area. The dam and reservoir are used for regulating the Hetch Hetchy water system, which provides water to about 2.7 million Bay Area consumers. Heavy rain Thursday sent a surge of water and debris toward the dam, causing concerns that it might fail, according to the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission. The dam did not fail, and Utilities Commission officials said the Bay Area's water supply has not been affected and was never at risk. All immediate safety risks have now been mitigated, according to the commission. The Moccasin Reservoir has been emptied so it can be inspected and repaired as needed, the commission said. In what they describe as "an abundance of caution," San Mateo police are asking for the public's help in identifying a man who allegedly threatened to shoot up a school Friday. A customer at a sporting goods store on El Camino Real called police around 5:50 p.m. The customer said he overheard another customer tell an employee he wanted to purchase a firearm and shoot up a school, asking the clerk for a good shirt to wear. Officers responded within minutes and searched the store, but didn't find the man. According to police, the witnesses didn't find the man's statements to be credible, but police said that in an abundance of caution, they asking the public's help in finding the man. He is described as a white man about 35 years old wearing a camouflage sweatshirt and blue jeans. Anyone with information is asked to call 911 or, alternatively, the San Mateo Police dispatch center at (650) 522-7700. ### SAN FRANCISCO (BCN) Thousands of people poured into San Francisco's Civic Center Plaza this afternoon for the March For Our Lives rally, one of many events across the U.S. calling lawmakers to combat what organizers say is an epidemic of gun violence. Drawing on impetus from the Feb. 14 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida that killed 17 people and injured dozens more, the March for Our Lives rally was largely put together by young people and students nationwide demanding that lawmakers come up with tighter gun control laws. While hundreds of thousands of people gathered in Washington D.C., large crowds also gathered for the San Francisco event, which was supported by several organizations, including Glide Memorial Church, the San Francisco Youth Commission, the San Francisco Unified School District and the United Educators of San Francisco. "Year after year we see Sandy Hook, we see Parkland and Washington does nothing. I'm here today to stand with you to say enough is enough. This is about the future of our country, the future of our children's lives," Mayor Mark Farrell said to the large crowd. "There is a bill in the judiciary committee to ban assault weapons with 30 cosponsors," Sen. Dianne Feinstein said. "It is the third bill that we have written ... the problem is the gun industry," she said, accusing the gun industry of backing lawmakers in exchange for their refusal to restrict gun laws. "There is a school shooting almost every month," Sen. Dianne Feinstein said. "Is this the America that we want our children to grow up in? Can we make a better America by getting military weapons of war off of the streets and out of schools?" she said, urging people in the crowd to vote and make sure everyone they know is registered to vote. Christopher Colwell, chief of emergency medicine at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, said he was a physician at the scene of the Columbine High School shooting in Colorado in 1999 and serving at the Denver Department of Emergency during the 2012 shooting inside a movie theater in Aurora, Colorado. "I have seen and continued to see far too often the destruction and the devastation caused by gun violence here in this county. From my perspective, there is no greater public health crisis that we face in this country today. "We are here for one reason and one reason only. To make sure that the people in Washington, D.C., know that we are not going to be quiet," Board of Supervisors President London Breed said. "When I was twelve, sadly, that's when I saw my first incident of gun violence," Breed said, sharing that she witnessed her friend being shot and killed. "Sadly, too often young people are in neighborhoods and schools impacted by violence because of guns, impacted by violence because lawmakers won't make the hard decisions that are necessary to change things for the better," she said. In addition to the San Francisco event, several other rallies were held across the Bay Area, including San Jose, Oakland, Walnut Creek, Santa Rosa, San Leandro, San Mateo and Burlingame. ### 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. Former Pennsylvania Republican Sen. Rick Santorum told CNN Sunday that kids seeking stronger gun control laws should instead be "taking CPR classes" to deal with school shooters. "How about kids instead of looking to someone else to solve their problem, do something about maybe taking CPR classes or trying to deal with situations that when there is a violent shooter that you can actually respond to that," Santorum said on "State of the Union." Santorum also criticized protestors at yesterday's March for Our Lives events around the nation. "They didn't take action to say how do I, as an individual, deal with this problem," he continued. "'How am I going to do something about stopping bullying within my own community? What am I going to do to actually help respond to a shooter?'" When CNN commentator Van Jones suggested he'd rather have his high school-aged child focus on math and not CPR classes, Santorum replied that "everyone should be responsible and deal with the problems that we have to confront in our lives." MORE: NRA host taunts Parkland teens: 'No one would know your names' if classmates were still alive "Ignoring those problems and saying they're not going to come to me and saying some phony gun law is gonna solve it," Santorum said. "Phony gun laws don't solve these problems." Santorum's comments quickly drew rebuke. Erica Lafferty, daughter of the principal slain at Sandy Hook and current program manager of Everytown for Gun Safety, issued this statement: "Rick Santorum's words are an insult to the kids of Parkland, my family and to the countless others who have had loved ones taken by gun violence. My mother was killed while protecting her students at Sandy Hook School. For anyone to suggest that the solution to gun violence is for kids to learn CPR is outrageous, and indicative of the NRA's desire to do or say anything except strengthen America's weak gun laws." WASHINGTON Whats the White Houses word worth? Days of conflicting and misleading statements from President Trump and his top aides have fueled new questions about the White Houses credibility, sowing mistrust and instability within the West Wing and leaving some congressional Republicans wondering if they have a good-faith negotiating partner in the president. One former congressional GOP leadership aide said it is becoming impossible for Republicans to negotiate anything with White House officials, given the presidents willingness to undermine his own teams public and private assurances. In turn, White House officials have found themselves in the bizarre position of urging lawmakers to ignore some of the presidents statements. That was the case Friday, when Trump blasted out a morning tweet threatening to veto a huge government spending bill that the White House had guaranteed lawmakers and the public that he would sign. White House officials privately insisted the president was simply venting after watching news coverage that cast the deal as a defeat for several of his priorities. After hours of uncertainty, Trumps veto threat crumbled, and he signed the legislation. Still, it left some Republicans rattled. The spontaneity and lack of impulse control are areas of concern for lots of members on both sides of the aisle, said Rep. Charlie Dent, a Pennsylvania Republican who has been critical of the president. Disorder, chaos, instability, uncertainty, intemperate statements are not conservative virtues in my opinion. Members of both parties said they were troubled that Trump seems oblivious to how he has undermined his own clout and agenda by staking out positions and then brazenly abandoning them. Where legislators once might have attributed such missteps to the presidents newness to Washington and its ways, not anymore. Trumps vacillating on the spending bill was just one in a series of recent instances that put the credibility of the White Houses words under a microscope. This month, Trump bragged at a fundraiser about having made up facts on trade during a conversation with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. In recent days, he and his staff have issued stern denials about the prospects of national security adviser H.R. McMaster departing the White House and a potential shakeup on the legal team that handles Trumps role in the special counsel investigation into Russian election interference and obstruction of justice. White House chief of staff John Kelly had privately assured his staff that no shakeup was on the horizon. By weeks end, McMaster was out. And the legal team had lost one attorney and appeared to be looking for another one. Peter Wehner, who served Presidents Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush, said Trump has no one to blame but himself. He doesnt even know what his own stance is, said Wehner, a frequent Trump critic. It just devalues his word and his threats and promises and his presidency. CHICAGO DuShon Monique Brown, an actress best known for her performances on the NBC show Chicago Fire, died Friday at a hospital in suburban Olympia Fields, Ill., the Cook County medical examiners office said. She was 49. The cause of death was not disclosed. The Chicago Fire family is devastated to lose one of its own, executive producer Dick Wolf said. Our thoughts and prayers are with DuShons family, and we will all miss her. On the NBC series, Browns character, Connie, was a stern-faced delight and a steadying influence on a group of co-workers prone to getting into one mess or another. On Thursdays two-hour episode, she memorably and wordlessly picked up a non-work-related fax for the firehouse workers and simply gave them a long, withering look before handing over the piece of paper. Brown could do a lot with a look, and the shows writers and producers made the most of that talent. We are devastated by the loss of a very talented and kindhearted soul, said Browns manager, Robert Schroeder. She brought laughter and joy to many, and she will be greatly missed. Cast and crew often talk about the sense of family among those who work on Chicago Fire, and in 2016 Brown, a Chicago native who grew up on the South Side, told the Huffington Post that people are always asking me about my kid and how my day is going, and they are all so very sweet and kind. Noting her masters degree in counseling and background in social work, reporter Andrew Cristi jokingly asked how shed feel about a spinoff called Chicago Ed or Chicago Shelter, to which she replied: Im there! If they pull that show out, I will be an actor and a consultant! Trust me. The website FanSided featured an appreciation earlier this year of Brown, who imbues Connie with not only that dont mess with me kind of authority, but a real personality. The character wouldnt work if she was just a snarky assistant telling everyone what to do. She loves what she does, and she loves the people that she does it with. Last year, Brown told the website Hidden Remote that when she was cast in the role of Connie on the NBC series, my character didnt even have a name. She was a noun. She was Secretary, and it was a one-liner. What was exciting was (I) was auditioning for a Chicago show, but it was also the possibility that she could maybe develop into something. Brown graduated from Whitney Young High School and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, earning a graduate degree from Governors State University. Her previous TV work included the recurring role of infirmary nurse Katie Welch for 13 episodes on Prison Break (2005-07) and one-time guest spots on Empire and Shameless. Chicago theater actress Carla Stillwell remembers meeting Brown in the 1990s shortly after college, when the two became good friends. She was a brilliant actor, Stillwell said, but she was also so goofy. We used to get in so much trouble from the stage managers we worked with because we were cutting up so much. She was just a ham. And she was truly loved. BARCELONA, Spain The speaker of Catalonias Parliament suspended a scheduled vote Saturday to elect a jailed separatist leader as the new regional president of the restive northeastern corner of Spain. Speaker Roger Torrent communicated his decision to the heads of the different parties moments before he announced to the chamber that there would be no vote on the candidacy of Jordi Turull, a former regional minister. Turull was one of five high-profile separatists jailed without bail Friday by a Spanish Supreme Court judge for their alleged roles in a failed independence bid by Catalonia from Spain in October. Judge Pablo Llarena charged 13 Catalans with rebellion, a crime punishable by up to 30 years in prison. The separatist parties used Saturdays parliamentary session to denounce what they considered the heavy hand of Spanish law. Yesterday the Spanish state didnt imprison five good people. It imprisoned 2 million people and spat in their faces, said Sergi Sabria of the Republican Left in reference to the number of Catalan voters who cast ballots for pro-independence parties in December. We received a very hard blow yesterday ... but we must pick ourselves up quickly to build a future for all. The leader of Citizens, a pro-Spain party which holds the most seats in the Barcelona-based house, used the moment to claim the secession movement was crushed. Enough is enough. The independence moment has lost. It has failed, Citizens leader Ines Arrimadas said. I only ask you that you stop thinking only about your voters, because you have generated worry, fear, indignation and shame for what is happening in Catalonia. We have warned you for years that the secession push will only end in a collective sense of frustration. The judge also activated international arrest warrants for six fugitive Catalan politicians, including former regional Catalan president Carles Puigdemont, who fled to Belgium in October. The crackdown on the secession movement provoked protests in Catalonia on Friday night. Emergency services said 35 people were injured in clashes with police in Barcelona. TOKYO Former President Barack Obama said Sunday that negotiations with North Korea on its nuclear weapons program are difficult, partly because the countrys isolation minimizes possible leverage, such as trade and travel sanctions against Pyongyang. North Korea is an example of a country that is so far out of the international norms and so disconnected with the rest of the world, Obama told a packed hall in Tokyo. He stressed that the effort to get North Korea to give up nuclear weapons remains difficult but said countries working together, including China, South Korea and Japan, to pressure the North is better than nations working alone. He noted that past U.S. efforts on Irans nuclear weapons were more successful because there was more leverage, but that theres little commerce and travel with North Korea to being with. That makes them less subject to these kinds of negotiations, he said of North Korea. Obama was speaking at an event sponsored by a Japanese nonprofit group during an Asia-Pacific trip that included earlier stops in Singapore, New Zealand and Australia. Obama, welcomed by a standing ovation, said that the U.S.-Japan alliance remains strong, and that the U.S. is committed to defending Japan. North Korea is a real threat, he said. Our view has always been that we would prefer to resolve these issues peacefully, he said, adding that otherwise the cost in terms of human life would be significant. He acknowledged that progress on a nuclear-free world will probably take a long time as long as Russia and the U.S. cant agree to reduce their stockpiles. Obama reflected on his 2016 visit to Hiroshima, one of two Japanese cities where the U.S. dropped atomic bombs in the closing days of World War II. It was an extraordinarily powerful moment for me, Obama recalled. JERUSALEM West Bank settlement construction surged during the first year of the Trump presidency, an Israeli monitoring group said Sunday, releasing data that added to Palestinian mistrust of the American administration. Peace Now said that Israel began construction of 2,783 settlement homes in 2017. That was about 17 percent higher than the annual average since Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took office in 2009. It said that 78 percent of the new homes were in outlying settlements that would probably have to be evacuated if a Palestinian state is established. And 234 units, or 8 percent, were in tiny outposts that are not even authorized by Israel, it said. The Palestinians and most of the international community consider Israeli settlements to be illegal and obstacles to peace. More than 600,000 settlers now live in the West Bank and east Jerusalem, areas captured by Israel in the 1967 Mideast war and claimed by the Palestinians for their future state. While a string of Republican and Democratic presidents have opposed settlement construction, President Trump has taken a softer line. He has asked Israel to show restraint at times but has avoided the strong condemnations voiced by his predecessors. His Mideast peace team, led by his son-in-law Jared Kushner, is dominated by people with close ties to the settlement movement. Peace Now said its data are collected through aerial surveys and inspections by monitors on the ground. In its report, Peace Now stopped short of blaming the jump in construction exclusively on White House policies. Netanyahu has been a strong supporter of the settlements throughout his career, and his coalition is dominated by religious and nationalist hard-liners aligned with the settlement movement and who oppose Palestinian independence. Facing a growing list of corruption investigations, Netanyahu has also appealed to his hard-line base. The steady pace of construction and building deep in the West Bank attest to Prime Minister Netanyahus steadfast abetting of the settlement enterprise, the report said. It is also apparent that the new U.S. presidency in 2017 had no marginal deterrent effect on these Israeli unilateral moves. The rehabilitation of James Packer has begun in earnest with the billionaire checking himself into a psychiatric hospital in Boston just days after resigning from the board of Crown Resorts due to mental health issues. Mr Packer was photographed entering The Pavilion wing of the McLean Hospital, a $5000 a night, 11 bed facility on the outskirts of Boston. He was accompanied by his mother Roslyn Packer, and one of his close business associates, Guy Jalland. James Packer, who is known to have suffered from depression, has just emerged from a particularly traumatic patch in recent times. Credit:AAP McLean is described as one of the top psychiatric hospitals in the US, with a list of patients that has included Nobel prize winning mathematician John Nash - whose struggle with mental illness was depicted in the film A Beautiful Mind - and novelist Sylvia Plath. Qantas says its must prove the financial viability of its historic non-stop Perth to London service before the airline adds new destinations to its fledgling ultra-long haul network. The first ever commercial service directly linking Australia and Europe touched down in London after a seventeen hour and 5 minute journey at about 3.15pm Sunday, eastern Australia time. Aboard the flight, Qantas chief executive Alan Joyce said the carrier was interested in making Paris the next destination it services non-stop, having been granted regulatory approval to fly to the French capital daily from Perth. When we last did Paris it was from Singapore to Paris and it was three a week and it was hard to make it economically work, Mr Joyce said. So we are keen on it, we are interested in it, but need to bed this one down [first]. Building new trade relationships with emerging markets is the best thing Australia can do to protect itself from the growing dispute between China and the United State which threatens to break out into a full-blown trade war, trade minister Steve Ciobo says. Global markets have been reeling after the worlds two largest economies levelled billions of dollars of punitive tariffs against each other late last week. Minister for Trade Steven Ciobo. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen The Trump Administration overnight on Thursday announced tariffs worth $US60 billion targeting technology products, and that it would restrict Chinese investments and file a case against it in the World Trade Organisation. China, Australias largest trading partner, hit back on Friday announcing plans to implement tariffs worth $US3 billion, targeting 128 US products including pork, fruit, nuts, wine and steel. The Australian citrus industry has had another record-breaking year, with export earnings climbing a staggering 41 per cent on the previous year (also a record) to $462 million. Citrus exports to China have surged in recent years, with China easily the number one export market. Credit:FDC Rising demand in Asia, especially China, saw citrus export volumes jump more than 17 per cent to 273,000 tonnes in 2017, easily eclipsing the previous years record. Market analysis released by Citrus Australia shows that China was the biggest buyer of Australian oranges and mandarins for the second successive year, with exports to the Chinese mainland soaring 73 per cent to a record 72,427 tonnes. The citrus industry, the nations largest fresh fruit export industry, generated the strong result as it rode a wave of momentum underpinned by positive seasonal conditions, water availability, better market access thanks to a number of free trade deals and rising interest in high quality Australian fresh fruit. As a group of alpha males took the moshing to dangerous extremes, Wagner a heavyset, unassuming man who'd earlier admitted to being "more a balcony person" called them out. "Death to the lads," bellowed Will Wagner on the biggest hit for his Melbourne folk-punkers the Smith Street Band, and he proved he meant it at this messy, magnificent gig. "Can the barechested dickheads holding their little circle jerk down there please stop?" he asked, to roars of approval from the sold-out crowd. Wagner is a new breed of Australian rock hero, still happy to get "young drunk", but preferring to spend the buzz on "walking around the streets where I grew up" than on traditional acts of male aggression. "I'll be the one who's probably too drunk / But still offers to carry you", from standout Birthdays, about summed him up. Most of Wagner's songs have hundreds of words, yet this crowd seemed able to yell all of his first-hand, heartfelt lyrics right back at him, to his charmingly genuine delight. These are tales of being young and confused and compulsive, and they resonate, although the fans who hadn't done their homework would have kept losing the thread amid the band's thrash and the acoustic limitations of this theatre. "On Tuesday early childhood educators will be walking off the job to demand the federal government takes action on fair pay." Credit:Fairfax Media How much worth do you put on your childs education? Most parents would rank it pretty highly, yet many would spend more on a pram than an early childhood educator makes in a week. Despite decades of campaigning for fair pay, early childhood educators live on half the average national wage. And in February this year the Fair Work Commission dismissed a case for equal pay. Assistant National Secretary of United Voice Helen Gibbons says that despite being highly trained professionals, many educators earn as little as $21 an hour. 97 per cent of those who work in long day care are women. The care and education of young children has always been seen as womens work and seen as work that people do for the love of it, says Gibbons. But love doesnt pay the bills. And love isnt sufficient to build a career on. Sometimes Professor Darcy has been blocked by a motorcycle parked illegally next to his car and has had to wait until the rider returned before he could get back into his car. There is the trapped bit but theres also the bit where youre quite anxious as to whether you are going to be able to get a parking place [thats big enough]." The details and impact that careless parking has on disabled people are clear in reports sent to the SnapSendSolve app, which allows users to send images of community problems that are then passed on to the relevant authorities to be solved. The below case reports were provided to Fairfax Media. Reported in Annandale: "Hi, I have a 6-year-old disabled girl with severe mobility issues - this guy decided he would take the last disability spot forcing me to carry her from up the road just to get to the playground. He saw me too!" Report of driver parking without a mobility permit in a disabled space in Annandale. Credit:Snap send solve Reported in Gregory Hills: "After almost hitting my son and I twice whilst I was pushing a trolley in the carpark this woman then ignorantly parked across two disabled spots at Masters Gregory Hills.. She even got out of her car and looked, and then kept walking inside. Disgusting behaviour, she even had a young boy of maybe 6 or 7 with her. Turns out she was just in a hurry to return an item she just purchased.. We did check and there was absolutely no disabled sticker on the car. I have never been so appalled at the ignorance of someone in my life." Reported in Punchbowl: "I have a 4-year-old girl with cerebral palsy and could not park in the disabled spot outside the play centre because this person thought they had a right to park in it to collect her dogs from Petbarn. I have never experienced this before and was very angry and upset, I had to carry my child to the play centre because it was too far for her to walk in her walking frame. She saw us and completely ignored us." In Rockdale: "Ignorant drivers parking in disabled spots. Daily issue. Council act now, please." A report of people parking in disabled spots without a permit in Rockdale. Credit:Snap send solve Quakers Hill: "Car was parked in a disabled car park without a permit. My mother cannot walk long distances due to difficulties breathing caused by both heart & lung problems. My father had to park quite a distance away from the restaurant we were going to for a birthday dinner." Wetherill Park: "This person had to park in a disabled spot so he could save himself 10 paces to get to the ATM. I had to park further away to take my 91-year-old mum to the doctor. It has happened before with another driver and when I confronted him he became really aggressive. I can't deal with that and my 91 year old mum and her 75 year old friend who goes to the same doctor so I backed off." Lane Cove: "My sister is disabled hence she has a better chance to get a disabled park if people not disabled get fined & realize it's not for able-bodied people." Report of parking in disabled space without a permit in Lane Cove. Credit:Snap Send Solve Homebush: "The driver was parked in a disabled spot talking on the phone. There was no disabled sticker. We pointed out that it was a disabled spot and he became annoyed and told us it was none of our business and if our 86 [year-old] relative needed the spot she could ask him herself." A young boy pulled from a house fire that killed a Queensland father and two of his sons has been released from hospital as investigators look into whether a cigarette was responsible. A distraught Sarah Bond had relatives by her side in hospital on Sunday after fire destroyed her and Bruce Fishers family home in Kingaroy the previous day. The Kingaroy home was gutted by the fierce fire, which killed three and seriously injured another. Credit:Nine News Queensland - Twitter In a statement released on Sunday night, family said Sarah returned home from shopping to discover the fire, which tore through the home about 1pm. Bruce, 47, and his sons Connor, 2, and Bruce jnr, 11 months, died in the fire, while Sarah's son Zach Bond was rushed to hospital for treatment for smoke inhalation, according to the statement. Approximately 12 months ago, I sat in a meeting of local government and services brought together in anticipation of the likely closure of the Gatwick Hotel in St Kilda. Among the various voices and interests assembled there, a few of us spoke our concern about the broader implications of the Gatwicks closure for an emergency accommodation system under immense strain. In fact, the issues at the Regal are symptomatic of a critical failure within Victorias homelessness service system which no amount of 'shut it down, move them on' will fix, namely the failure to anticipate and supply supported crisis accommodation options for people with complex needs and vulnerabilities. I am a social worker employed in a service that provides support and assistance to people facing immediate homelessness. Over the past weeks my colleagues and I have watched with increasing dismay as the furore surrounding the Regal community rooming house in St Kilda has unfolded. Regrettably, it appears from recent reports that the State Government has chosen a simplistic response to the issue: essentially "shut it down, move the troublemakers on". The concern was no romantic paean for the Gatwick; it was a frank acknowledgement that the Gatwick was woven, by grim necessity in the absence of alternatives, into Melbournes threadbare housing safety net, and its closure would have ripple effects that would be felt in the local area and throughout the homelessness system. I left the meeting feeling that this concern had been too easily dismissed in the rush to capitalise on what most at the table felt to be an unalloyed good news story. The current issues at the Regal are, unfortunately, all too predictable for many of us working in the area. We knew that for all the stellar efforts that went into finding long-term alternative accommodation for those deemed "residents" of the Gatwick at the time of its closure, those with access to the funding and policy levers gave no consideration to the implications of the closure for the Gatwicks "floating" population an innumerable number of people who would, officially or unofficially, pass through its doors for a night or a week at a time. This cohort are easy fodder for talkback radio and the law-and-order brigade, but what we know as workers in support services is that they are men and women whose lives are often marked by significant trauma, by struggles with substance dependence, chronic ill-health and mental illness. They are also survivors many will most often find somewhere, anywhere, to go rather than face the street. "Shut it down, move them on": repeat this endlessly, the story will remain the same. Services like the one I work for are almost entirely reliant on private operators, usually motels, to be able to offer any options at all to those who come to us with nowhere safe to go. Motel operators typically have low thresholds for chaos, and as housing crisis engulfs more Victorians families, young people, older people, people with disabilities, people never homeless before it is often those who present to services with complex needs and histories who will miss out. Matthew Guy's determination to scrap Victoria's renewable energy target will cost him votes in some of Melbourne's most marginal electorates and reduce his prospects of becoming premier, a poll has found. A clear majority of voters surveyed in the four swinging "sandbelt" seats of Bentleigh, Mordialloc, Carrum and Frankston in Melbourne's south-east supported moves to boost the proportion of wind and solar power generated in Victoria at the expense of coal. A ReachTel poll of almost 3000 people in the four electorates found there is strong support for the Andrews governments ambitious renewable energy target of 25 per cent by 2020 and 40 per cent by 2025. The Macarthur wind farm in western Victoria. The Victorian government has set a target of 40 per cent renewables by 2025. The state opposition has promised to scrap the targets, arguing they will cost jobs, push up electricity prices and lead to mass blackouts. West Palm Beach, Florida: When porn star Stormy Daniels appears Sunday night on "60 Minutes," this much is clear: The segment won't be family viewing in the White House. President Donald Trump, who has been spending the weekend at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, is scheduled to return to the White House ahead of the highly anticipated interview. But first lady Melania Trump, who travelled to Florida with the president on Friday, is staying behind, putting 1000 miles (or 1600 km) between the couple. Stormy Daniels in 2007 in Los Angeles. Credit:AP "The First Lady will be staying in Florida as is their tradition for spring break," White House spokeswoman Lindsay Walters said in a late Sunday morning statement. There also is no word on whether Trump will tune in to the broadcast on CBS to hear Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, talk about her alleged decade-old affair with him and the hush money she says she received to keep it quiet. Five fifth-graders in the US state of Louisiana have been arrested after an investigation into allegations that students had sex in an unsupervised classroom, with other classmates present. "After 44 years of doing this work, nothing shocks me anymore," Union Parish Sheriff Bob Buckley said. "But this comes pretty close." The alleged incident took place March 27, at the Spearsville school in rural north Louisiana. Four students - two 11-year-old girls, a 12-year-old boy and a 13-year-old boy - were arrested on charges of obscenity, a felony. An 11-year-old boy who was the alleged lookout was charged with being an accessary after the fact, Buckley said. WASHINGTON The U.S. Air Force this month dropped its annual report on weapon acquisition programs for fiscal year 2017. It provides a snapshot of the service's 465 programs of record, and projects acquisition priorities for fiscal years 2018 and 2019. The report cites $13 billion in cost-savings since 2011 and lists a number of initiatives the Air Force is taking to speed up acquisition timelines and performance. In three of the largest and costliest space programs the AEHF communications satellites, the SBIRS missile-warning constellation and the evolved expendable launch vehicles the Air Force claims to have brought prices down considerably. [The Most Dangerous Space Weapons Concepts Ever] The original per-unit cost of satellites 5 and 6 of the Advanced Extremely High Frequency system, which provides secure, jam-resistant communications for tactical and strategic missions, was $1.7 billion, the Air Force reported. The current cost is $1.3 billion per satellite, a 23 percent drop. For the space-based infrared SBIRS satellites 5 and 6, the Air Force says the per-unit cost went down 12 percent from $1.9 billion to $1.6 billion. The Air Force reports a 23 percent price reduction for EELV launches from $421 million in 2013 to $326 million currently. The Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle program provides space launch services for medium and heavy national security space missions. But budget analysts are casting a skeptical eye on these metrics, suggesting that the Air Force picked favorable data points such as the cost of specific satellites in a constellation, instead of looking at the cost of the entire program. On these three programs, the Air Force's numbers are in sharp contrast to those of the congressional auditors of the Government Accountability Office. In the most recent annual report on space programs, GAO Director of Acquisition and Sourcing Management Cristina Chaplain looked at the expenses in each entire program and came up with results that show soaring costs. GAO estimated the AEHF satellite program grew 118 percent and costs for SBIRS grew nearly 300 percent For AEHF, the original program cost for a five-satellite system was projected at $6.9 billion, compared to the current cost of $15 billion for six satellites, according to the GAO report. And the EELV program's original cost of $18.8 billion for 181 launches ballooned to $59.6 billion for 161 launches. SBIRS at the beginning was expected to cost $5 billion for five satellites, and GAO calculated the total program cost is now $19.2 billion for six satellites. In a statement to SpaceNews, Chaplain said there are "methodological differences" that explain why one report is showing favorable trends while the other not so much. For SBIRS and AEHF, the Air Force is only reporting on the fifth and sixth satellites, which were "block buys" under each program, she said. The Air Force is not including in its report the development and production costs of the first four satellites and highly elliptical orbit payloads in the case of SBIRS which is where the bulk of the cost increases occurred and which make unit costs much higher, noted Chaplain. For EELV, likewise, the Air Force didn't go to the beginning of the program to calculate initial costs. "It's not clear what methodology it used for calculating current costs." The Air Force said the EELV acquisition strategy was amended in November 2016 and is being executed in two parts. The initial strategy set up a "block buy" deal with United Launch Alliance, "resulting in cost savings of $3.6 billion and stabilization of the industrial base," the Air Force report said. The second phase introduced SpaceX as a competitor. "The Air Force continues to transition from a sole-source environment to a competitive environment with two or more launch providers." Compared to previous Air Force acquisition reports, the one for fiscal year 2017 has splashier charts and graphs, and was written in a reader-friendly format. An Air Force spokesman said this was the first time the Air Force purposely sought to deliver a "publicly digestible" report on its acquisition programs. This story was provided by SpaceNews, dedicated to covering all aspects of the space industry. This article was originally published at The Conversation. The publication contributed the article to Live Science's Expert Voices: Op-Ed & Insights. Ever since humans could look up to see the sky, we have been amazed by its beauty and untold mysteries. Naturally then, astronomy is often described as the oldest of the sciences, inspiring people for thousands of years. Celestial phenomena are featured in prehistoric cave paintings. And monuments such as the Great Pyramids of Giza and Stonehenge seem to be aligned with precision to cardinal points or the positions where the moon, sun or stars rise and set on the horizon. Today, we seem to struggle to imagine how ancient people could build and orient such structures. This has led to many assumptions. Some suggest prehistoric people must have had some knowledge of mathematics and sciences to do this, whereas others go so far as to speculate that alien visitors showed them how to do it. But what do we actually know about how people of the past understood the sky and developed a cosmology? A scientific discipline called "archaeoastronomy" or "cultural astronomy," developed in the 1970s, is starting to provide insights. This subject combines various specialist areas, such as astronomy, archaeology, anthropology and ethno-astronomy. Simplistic methods The pyramids of Egypt are some of the most impressive ancient monuments, and several are oriented with high precision. Egyptologist Flinder Petrie carried out the first high-precision survey of the Giza pyramids in the 19th century. He found that each of the four edges of the pyramids' bases point towards a cardinal direction to within a quarter of a degree. But how did the Egyptians know that? Just recently, Glen Dash, an engineer who studies the Giza pyramids, proposed a theory. He draws upon the ancient method of the "Indian circle," which only requires a shadow casting stick and string to construct an east-west direction. He outlined how this method could have been used for the pyramids based on its simplicity alone. So could this have been the case? It's not impossible, but at this point we are in danger of falling into a popular trap of reflecting our current world views, methods and ideas into the past. Insight into mythology and relevant methods known and used at the time are likely to provide a more reliable answer. Cat's Brain long barrow is near the more famous Stonehenge (pictured) but predates it by hundreds of years. (Image credit: Shutterstock) This is not the first time scientists have jumped to conclusions about a scientific approach applied to the past. A similar thing happened with Stonehenge. In 1964, the late astronomer Gerald Hawkins developed an intricate method to use pit holes and markers to predict eclipses at the mysterious monument. However, this does not mean that this is how Stonehenge was intended to be used. Way forward To start understanding the past we need to include various approaches from other disciplines to support an idea. We also have to understand that there will never be only one explanation or answer to how a monument might have been aligned or used. So how can cultural astronomy explain the pyramids' alignment? A study from 2001 proposed that two stars, Megrez and Phad, in the stellar constellation known as Ursa Major may have been the key. These stars are visible through the entire night. Their lowest position in the sky during a night can mark north using the merkhet - an ancient timekeeping instrument composing a bar with a plumb line attached to a wooden handle to track stars' alignment. The benefit of this interpretation is that it links to star mythology drawn from inscriptions in the temple of Horus in Edfu. These elaborate on using the merkhet as a surveying tool a technique that can also explain the orientation of other Egyptian sites. The inscription includes the hieroglyph "the Bull's Foreleg" which represents the Big Dipper star constellation and its possible position in the sky. The use of the two stars Megrez and Phad of Ursa Major to line up with the cardinal north direction (meridian indicated in orange) as simulated for 2562BC. (Image credit: Daniel Brown) Similarly, better ideas for Stonehenge have been offered. One study identified strange circles of wood near the monument, and suggested these may have represented the living while the rocks at Stonehenge represented the dead. Similar practices are seen in monuments found in Madagascar, suggesting it may have been a common way for prehistoric people to think about the living and the dead. It also offers an exciting new way of understanding Stonehenge in its wider landscape. Others have interpreted Stonehenge and especially its avenue as marking the ritual passage through the underworld with views of the moon on the horizon. Fieldwork at one of the passage graves in Portugal, Dolmen da Orca. Next to the stone structure is a replica tent to simulate the view from inside of the passage grave. (Image credit: Daniel Brown) But Silva also drew upon wider supporting evidence. The framed mountain range is where the builders of the graves would have migrated with their livestock over summer. The star Aldebaran rises for the first time here in the year known as a helical rising during the beginning of this migration. Interestingly, ancient folklore also talks about a shepherd in this area who spotted a star so bright that it lit up the mountain range. Arriving there he decided to name both the mountain range and his dog after the star both names still exist today. Current work carried out by myself in collaboration with Silva has also shown how a view from within the long, narrow entrance passages to the tombs could enhance the star's visibility by restricting the view through an aperture. But while it is easy to assume that prehistoric people were analytic astronomers with great knowledge of science, it's important to remember that this only reflects our modern views of astronomy. Findings from cultural astronomy show that people of the past were indeed sky watchers and incorporated what they saw in many aspects of their lives. While there are still many mysteries surrounding the meaning and origins of ancient structures, an approach drawing on as many areas as possible, including experiences and engaging in meaning is likely our best bet to work out just what they were once used for. Daniel Brown, Lecturer in Astronomy, Nottingham Trent University This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article. Follow all of the Expert Voices issues and debates and become part of the discussion on Facebook, Twitter and Google +. The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher. This version of the article was originally published on Live Science. New York, March 24, 2018 (SPS) - United Nations Security Council on Wednesday has expressed full support for the efforts of the UN Secretary General's Personal Envoy, Horst Kohler, for the relaunch of the peace process in Western Sahara. "The members of the Security Council express their full support for the efforts of the UN envoy," said Security Council's President Karel Jan Gustaaf Van Oosterom (Netherlands) at the end of the first briefing with Kohler. The UN body has welcomed the recent bilateral meetings between Kohler and the parties to the conflict and neighbouring countries with a view to relaunching the negotiation process with a new dynamic and a new spirit. In this regard, the Security Council underlined the importance of maintaining a constructive commitment in order to advance the political process in Western Sahara. It also expressed concern over the situation in El Guergarat, stressing the need to maintain the status quo in the buffer zone and to fully implement the resolution 2352 of 2017 on the extension of the mandate of the UN Mission for Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO). 062/SPS/APS STAMFORD While students from Newtown and Parkland met in a dramatic show of resolve in Washington Saturday, thousands of others their age stood in solidarity, in places as far away as Vietnam and as close as Stamford, to demand an end to gun violence. Isaac Bragg, a sophomore at the Pinnacle School in Stamford, was one of them. Bragg, 16, became good friends with a survivor of the Florida school massacre when they previously attended the Villa Maria School together in North Stamford. His friend was close with Alyssa Alhadeff, 14, and Alaina Petty, 14, both of whom were killed in the Feb. 14 shootings at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. paShe told me the saddest thing was five minutes before, they were in the bathroom talking, Bragg told the 2,000 people gathered in Mill River Park at the Stamford March For Our Lives rally. She didnt know in five minutes theyd be killed. Bragg was one of nearly a dozen students who spoke at the Stamford event. They were joined by New Canaan resident and music legend Paul Simon, who performed The Sound of Silence as a comment on Congress inaction in the face of ever-mounting student deaths. The afternoon event, which drew people from across Fairfield County, was one of more than 800 like it to take place across the country and world. In New York, Hartford and Miami, Tel Aviv, Mumbai and Rome, students, families and activists took to the streets to demand lawmakers pass gun legislation to make schools and communities safer. The movement was sparked by Douglas High students after one of their former classmates killed 17 people and injured many others. Never again Im hoping the march itself does make an impact and we do see legislation and policy come out of the march, said Westhill junior Alyssa Goldberg, who was student speaker coordinator for the Stamford event. I hope it sets the stage for future activism and people know were not going to give up on this issue until we do see more gun safety laws in place. Students from Westhill, Stamford High, the Academy of Information Technology and Engineering, Darien High School, Norwalk High, Brien McMahon High School, Rippowam Middle School, Trinity Catholic High School and Our Lady of Fatima School in Wilton gave speeches, performed songs and read poems. They were introduced by local leaders including Stamford Mayor David Martin, state Sen. Carlo Leone and state Rep. Caroline Simmons, D-144. Goldberg was the first student to speak, her voice cracking with emotion as she addressed an equally moved crowd. Her speech touched upon not only her own fears as a student, but how gun violence affects suicide rates and those with abusive partners. Today we are here saying never again, she said, sparking a never again chant from the crowd. Some students performed songs or read poetry. The lead in the bodies of the fallen could have been used to write the law that saved them, read Westhill senior Marcos Pinto Leite in his piece Childrens Constitution. The people in charge didnt inherit the Earth. They only borrow it from us. Victoria Iparraguirre, an AITE senior, sang Imagine by John Lennon, as well as Rise Up by Andra Day, with a short speech between the two numbers. I thought both of them spread the message were kind of done imagining, the 18-year-old said. Were ready to make the dream happen. Signs and symbols While students spoke, attendees showed support by waving handmade signs, many on orange poster board, which is the color used by activists to represent gun safety. Many signs were adorned with rallying cries such as Enough and Never Again. One used lyrics from the musical Hamilton, to make its point: This is not the moment, its the movement while another sought to do so through humor: I go to school for As and Bs, not PTSD. Others were chilling in their directness. Many signs held by students asked Am I next? while one begged Fix it before Im texting my mom under two desks. In the hour leading up to the protest, as people filled the park, students from Stamford High and Brien McMahon lay on the ground with signs touting the names and ages of the Parkland victims. Two memorials were set up in the park, one to commemorate victims of gun violence and the other, a blank wall with markers for people to share their feelings. Ninety-six T-shirts hung on clothes lines to greet people as they walked in to the park. The shirts represented the 96 lives lost to gun violence in America every day. Shira Tarantino, a leader of the Stamford-based ENOUGH campaign, said race and gender also play a role in gun violence which expands beyond school shootings. According to the Everytown Survivor Network, an average of 50 women are shot to death by a partner every month, and black men are 13 times more likely to be shot and killed with a gun than white men. Not everyone was in agreement with the march and its purpose. Scott Wilson, president of the Connecticut Citizens Defense League, said in an interview before the event he feels guns can do a lot of good protecting people when in the right hands. Our Constitution is a marvelous thing, Wilson said. It allows people to have the ability to go out and use free speech. I do find it ironic in this instance that they are using free speech to help diminish their own rights not just the rights of gun owners who currently own guns and Second Amendment supporters. But there may come a day in some of their own lives where they want to exercise Second Amendment rights. There they are clapping and cheering for the elimination of their own rights. Geraldine Uribe, a student speaker from AITE, disagreed. It needs to stop happening, she said before taking the stage. Were old enough to speak up and use our First Amendment rights. Were not trying to take away the Second Amendment. Were trying to make rules and policies to make it stronger. The Stamford march was held in partnership with SUPER, a statewide student organization that began in Stamford to promote school safety. Moms Demand Action Stamford, Everytown Survivor Network, Women on Watch, Connecticut Against Gun Violence and the Stamford-based ENOUGH campaign also teamed up to host the march. Solidarity in D.C. While people young and old demonstrated the world over, the main March for Our Lives event took place in Washington, D.C. Students from Newtown High School carried a message of solidarity to Washington for their counterparts at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. After Parkland, we feel hope, Jackson Mittelman said, as he and others presented a banner Saturday to students from the Florida town, where grief has galvanized into youth activism. After the media trucks leave, we will stand by you. Along with hundreds of thousands, the students had come together in D.C. in a call for action. The banner read: Newtown High School stands with Stoneman Douglas, and featured the image of a red ribbon. Student survivors of shooting at the Florida high school were the primary speakers and motivators at the D.C. rally. We hope our message from Newtown High School will help you through your darkest days, Mittelman, who is co-chairman of the Jr. Newtown Action Alliance, said to the Parkland students. Young people from Chicago, Washington, Los Angeles and elsewhere also stepped to the podium in D.C., recounting lives in turmoil after acts of gun violence. If you listen real close you can hear the people in power shaking, said David Hogg, a Stoneman Douglas student. Were going to make this a voting issue. We will get rid of these public servants that only serve the gun lobby. And we will save lives. Recalling a dark day When it was their turn, Mittelman and fellow co-chairman Tommy Murray recalled being in lockdown in sixth grade on Dec.14, 2012, the day Adam Lanza entered Sandy Hook Elementary School and killed 20 children and six adult staff members with a Bushmaster AR-15 variant, before killing himself. It was one of the worst days of my life, said Murray, whose mother, Po Murray, is the chairwoman of Action Newtown Alliance. While there were rallies Saturday in Hartford, Stamford and elsewhere in Connecticut, Newton students made their case on the days biggest stage, in Washington. The demonstration appeared likely to draw 500,000 participants a massive outpouring by D.C. standards. Sandy Hook was not the nations first mass shooting at a school. But it has stuck in the nations collective consciousness because the 20 childhood victims were ages 6 and 7. Similarly, the Marjory Stoneman Douglas shooting stimulated a movement among teenagers that is widely seen as rejuvenating the push for greater regulation and restriction of guns. The Newtown group chartered eight buses that left before dawn and arrived in downtown Washington just in time for the noon rally on the Mall, four blocks west of the U.S. Capitol. Virtually all of the speakers were high school students whose calls for action guns were punctuated by performances of stars including Ariana Grande, Demi Lovato, and Lin-Manuel Miranda. Inaction by Congress was a common theme, even though the just-passed Omnibus spending bill included Fix NICS, co-authored by Sen Chris Murphy, D-Conn., and language clarifying authority for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to conduct research on gun violence. Together, our stories will create the change we need, Tommy Murray told the cheering crowd, which chanted never again, never again. If these shootings can happen in Parkland and Newtown, they can happen anywhere, he said. Never again The first wave of D.C. arrivals from Newtown was greeted by Avery Gardiner, co-director of the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence, which sponsored the Washington march. Among those in the Newtown contingent was Sue Lach, who stepped off the bus holding a Sandy Hook Promise sign and shouting, Never again, never again! Sandy Hook Promise co-founder Nicole Hockley, whose son, Dylan, was killed in the 2012 shooting, reflected on how far the movement for more gun control has come since then. Im just excited that all these people are here, Hockley said. We havent had a march like this for this issue. Its good to know so many people are here demanding change. Hockley noted a sea change in the wake of the Stoneman Douglas High shooting. Sandy Hook started this (movement) and its been growing ever since, but now the kids are raising their voices, she said. Three busloads of students came from the University of Connecticut, Portland resident Isabelle Guilmett among them. I want people to stop dying, she said. Its time something happened. Guilmett pointed to the failed 2001 shoe bomb attempt that occurred on an American Airlines flight. Security procedures at U.S. airports have since asked people to remove their shoes before proceeding through scanners. But nothing has happened similarly in the wake of mass shootings in schools, Guilmett said. Connecticut Sens. Richard Blumenthal and Murphy have credited youthful vigor for re-stimulating the movement for gun-violence prevention, which has most often faded away after galvanizing in the wake of mass shooting incidents. The National Rifle Association was mostly silent leading up to Saturdays rallies. But there were some counter-demonstrators in Washington. A group of people wearing military-style camouflage and calling themselves the Patriot Picket stood about a block from the main demonstration, holding signs that said, among other things, good guys with guns stand by you. No matter what you want to do, American freedoms are not the enemy, said Jeff Hulbert, founder of the group based in Annapolis, Md., that brought about 45 people. The groups website says it mounts protests to counter anti-gun demonstrators. Looney lefties everywhere, said a posting on its Facebook page Saturday. Since the Florida shooting, President Trump and Republicans on Capitol Hill have called for greater focus on mental health and early pinpointing of troubled students. And they coalesced with Democrats around Fix NICS. But Murphy and other Democrats have insisted that tougher restrictions on guns must be part of any effort to reduce gun violence. At a meeting with lawmakers from both parties last month, Trump appeared to embrace much of the Democratic agenda, only to back off after subsequent a subsequent meeting with NRA leaders. erin.kayata@stamfordadvocate.com; @erin_kayata; (203) 964-2265 STAMFORD Michael Stempien grew up in Greenwich, where his father retired last year as a detective after three decades with the towns police department. Damien Rosa was raised in the South Bronx, where he says his family never appreciated the New York Police Department. While their backgrounds remain different Stempien in property crimes and Rosa a patrol officer who served nine years in the U.S. Marines the two members of the Stamford Police Department have left their mark in the city. Their accomplishments will be recognized in June when they will each receive the 2017 Officer of the Year honor. Sgt. Kris Engstrand, president of the Stamford Police Association, said a vote by the active, former police officers of the year resulted in a rare 9-9 tie. They have a great passion for their job and great passion for the people they take care of, Engstrand said. Rosa, 30, who served in Iraq, Afghanistan and throughout Africa while in the military from 2005 to 2014, said he was surprised about receiving the officer of the year honor. I was in disbelief, he said. I didnt know what to say. Words may not come as easily to Rosa as his actions. Last July, Rosa and Officer Michael Montanaro were the first on the scene to help a drowning boy at Cummings Beach. The two ran down the 450-yard pier and jumped in the water, saving 7-year-old Jadiel Garcia, who was clinging to a buoy 80 feet from shore. I just happened to hear the call on the radio and I decided I wanted to contribute in some way and we were fortunate to be the first officers there, Rosa said. Rosa said he never envisioned becoming a police officer growing up in a poor neighborhood of New York City. But he said his perception of the job changed after his decorated military career that included a Combat Action Ribbon for his service in Operation Enduring Freedom. Growing up, I wasnt and my family wasnt a fan of the police department in New York, he said. Not to say they were doing a bad job, I just didnt understand it. There is a different type of policing that is required in a large city. A financial crimes investigator in the departments bunco squad, Stempien, 33, has blue blood in his veins. Raised in Byram and influenced by his father, Jeffrey, Stempien said he always wanted to be a cop. I grew up watching him going to work every day, Stempien said. You have to be in shape, you have to be smart there are so many aspects. You have to be constantly learning. But he was initially torn when he was offered a job with the Stamford Police Department during his senior year at the University of Delaware where he was studying criminal justice. When Stamford came calling, I was like, oh. I was in school and I wanted to stay, he said. My parents were like, What are you doing? This is the job you want. This is the department you want to work at. And I was like, youre right. After joining the department, Stempien completed his coursework the following year to receive his degree. Since being assigned to financial crimes, Stempien has been matching wits with some pretty imaginative criminals. Last year, he tracked down two Liberian men who police say scammed a retired Stamford developer out of $400,000. Police say the men involved claimed to have millions of dollars in currency that had been coated with black coloring by the government. But the black money bills turned out to worthless colored pieces of paper. In 2015, Stempien and partner Sean Coughlin led New York police to a credit card factory in Co-Op City. Stempien said he was proud to be one in a long line of dedicated police officers who have received the annual distinction. I am so honored. Its unbelievable, he said. Damien is a good guy, obviously hes a hero. I think about all the guys who won it in the past and now Im part of this club. Its unbelievable. Financial Crimes Sgt. Steven Perrotta said this is the third straight time he has nominated Stempien for Officer of the Year. It is his passion, Perrotta said. He really loves investigating financial crimes and spends his personal time learning about new scams and how people are being victimized, resulting in him becoming an expert in the field. STAMFORD Jessica Anderson became an emergency medical technician because she wanted to help people. But as drug overdoses continue to rise locally, and across the nation, Anderson said it can feel like working in a revolving door. It can be very frustrating, especially when youre responding to the same person and the same situation over and over again, said Anderson, a Stamford EMS paramedic. You bring this person back, you hope theyll get help and maybe they do, but a month or two later, were right back where we started and were trying to save that person again. Then there were times Anderson arrived at a scene only to find it was too late nothing could be done. I feel for the family because they are left with all these unanswered questions, she said. And there are times when maybe Ive questioned myself did I do enough? Was there something I missed? But in the end, all I can do is clean up and get ready for the next call. With the rise of opioid abuse, and especially synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, recently released data from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner shows fatal overdoses have steadily increased in Connecticut. The data shows many of those deaths are occurring in Connecticuts bigger cities, including Stamford. The data showed there were 16 fatal overdoses in Stamford in 2017. Two more Stamford residents died of overdoses in Bridgeport last year. Almost all who died, had multiple drugs in their systems. Of those 18 deaths, 13 involved fentanyl, eight involved heroin and six involved a mixture of opiates and benzodiazepines medications often used to treat anxiety. The youngest victim was a 20-year-old Stamford woman who overdosed on a mixture of fentanyl, heroin and other drugs at a friends house in Bridgeport. The oldest victim was a 60-year-old New Haven man who died at a Stamford residence after mixing alcohol, fentanyl and morphine with other drugs. A majority of those who died were white males between the ages of 35 and 55. A lot of the people that are overdosing lead very transient sort of lives, said Capt. Richard Conklin, commander of the Stamford Police Bureau of Criminal Investigations. When you become addicted to heroin or opiates, it becomes your life. So, you go where the drugs are more available, and unfortunately, we have an ample supply here in Stamford, just like Bridgeport or Norwalk or New Haven and all the other larger cities. By the numbers Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that from 2015 to 2016 there were significant increases in overdose death rates in the Northeast, Midwest and South. Connecticut was among those 26 states that saw an increase. In 2016, the most recent year for which data was available, the CDC said, the five states with the highest fatal overdose rates were West Virginia, Ohio, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania and Kentucky. Per 100,000 people, West Virginias 2016 rate was 52, Ohio was 39.1, New Hampshire was 39, Pennsylvania was 37.9 and Kentucky was 33.5. The rate for Connecticut, based on the 2017 data, was 28.93 per 100,000 people. With numbers dating back to 2012, when there were 357 fatal overdoses in Connecticut, the medical examiners data shows a steady increase each year. Population a factor John DeCarlo, an associate professor of criminal justice at the University of New Haven and former Branford police chief, said population is only one piece of the puzzle. There are socioeconomic factors that exist in these cities and towns, he said. Crime and drug use are usually centered in higher populations and poorer areas, which is what we often see in cities. Where there are more people, it follows that there would be more accidental deaths, he added. Basically, the higher the population density, the more things youre going to have whether youre talking about cars, crime or overdoses. Though more overdoses may occur in bigger cities, Dr. Ofer Wellisch, chief of Pain Medicine at Stamford Hospital, said the opioid epidemic is also hurting rural areas. This has not been just an urban type of phenomenon, he said. Really, where overdoses have been most prevalent has been in the more rural areas like the Midwest. But its obviously also an issue here, and theres been an even greater issue with opioids here now that theres been an influx of fentanyl-type products on the streets. Fentanyl, benzos add to problem Fentanyl is a highly potent synthetic opioid that is typically used to treat chronic discomfort and advanced cancer pain. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, fentanyl is up to 100 times more potent than morphine and many times that of heroin. Made in clandestine labs in China, fentanyls increasing prevalence has sent overdose numbers skyrocketing in recent years. Drug users generally dont know when their heroin is laced with fentanyl, Conklin said. So when they inject their usual quantity of heroin, they can inadvertently take a deadly dose of the substance. Dealers add fentanyl to their heroin to improve potency. However, the fentanyl sold on the street is not controlled, making its potency and purity unpredictable. And, because heroin and fentanyl look identical, Conklin said you dont know what youre taking, when purchasing these drugs on the street. But fentanyl isnt the only problem. Conklin said benzodiazepines or benzos have increasingly contributed to overdose deaths in Stamford. Benzodiazepines, such as Xanax or Ativan, are typically prescribed to treat anxiety. A lot of these deaths that were seeing now are associated with using opioids and other types of drugs together, Dr. Wellisch said. And, many of these overdoses involve mixing opioids with benzodiazepines. The mixture of benzodiazepines and opioids makes the respiratory suppression and the sedation more significant, which is why mixing the two can become more of an issue. Conklin said the potent mixture of fentanyl and benzodiazipines is hampering first responders efforts to save overdosing patients. Narcan: A miracle and crutch Opioid overdoses have become so prevalent across the country that most first responders are now armed with kits containing Narcan, a brand name of the opioid overdose antidote. Narcan is a marvelous, miracle-type drug, that has saved countless people, Conklin said. But unfortunately, it has also been a curse. What were now seeing is that addicts are using Narcan as a crutch, he said. Too many times when talking to addicts, encouraging them to get help and warning them of eminent overdose and death, Conklin said the response has been no, theyll just give me the can. The can thats what they call Narcan, he said. They think the Narcan will save them, but its not guaranteed. Narcan is limited in what it can do, Conklin said. The drug has proven less effective in overdoses involving fentanyl, which often require EMS to administer multiple Narcan doses to revive a patient. Additionally, Narcan was designed to treat opioid overdoses, making it ineffective when dealing with benzodiazepine toxicity. Conklin said many addicts are now carrying their own Narcan, but they are still dying. Weve seen so many overdoses who have died and their Narcan was maybe 10 feet away from them, but they were so high or so incapacitated, they couldnt get to it or they couldnt administer it to themselves, he said. And a number of those weve seen brought back by Narcan have already been brought back two or three times before. Its really sad to see. Staff writer Tara ONeill contributed to this story. L ondon is very good at celebrating Pancake Day so why not celebrate Waffle Day too? The foodie festivity began as a Swedish tradition, allegedly due to a mix up between the words Varfrudagen (Our Ladys Day) and Vaffledagen (Waffle Day). Oops. Since then, Waffle Day has been celebrated on March 25, and has caught the imaginations and appetites of plentiful Scandinavians and more worldwide. From traditional Scandi-style offerings to Nutella-slathered treats, this is where you can find some of the best waffles in London. ScandiKitchen Food. Bars. Going out. Delivered weekly Email Sign up Sign up I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice {{message}} {{permutiveUid}} {{message}} If you want to take Waffle Day back to its roots, then ScandiKitchen is the place to do it. Founded by a Dane and a Swede, this Fitzrovia bakery celebrates all things Scandinavian and Waffle Day is no exception. ScandiKitchen will be serving up traditional heart-shaped Frasvafflor all day on March 25, a thin, sweet waffle which hails from Sweden. Can't get there today? They serve them every weekend too. 61 Great Titchfield Street, Fitzrovia, W1W 7PP, scandikitchen.co.uk Duck and Waffle This waffle is so good, they named the restaurant after it. On the 40th floor of Tower 42, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the city while tucking into Duck and Waffles signature dish. The waffle comes topped with a crispy confit duck leg, a fried ducks egg and lashings of mustard maple syrup. Heron Tower, 110 Bishopsgate, EC2N 4AY, duckandwaffle.com Kudu Brunch comes with thoughtful twists at South African-inspired Peckham restaurant Kudu. A sausage bap becomes a spiced boerewors roll, and waffles are made with sourdough for satisfying tang. They are served topped with eggs (duck or poached) and creme fraiche, along with a choice of either trout or bacon, both home cured. 119 Queen's Road, Peckham, SE15 2EZ, kudu-restaurant.com Bubblewrap If you can't resist popping bubblewrap, this Chinatown joint lets you eat it too (sort of). Bubblewrap makes its waffles with a specially designed iron that covers them in perfectly formed bubbles. Inside, you can pack your wrap with a savoury offering of avocado and egg, or pick from myriad sweet fillings including vanilla gelato with strawberry and Nutella. 24 Wardour Street, W1D 6QJ, bubblewrapwaffle.com Berners Tavern Berners Tavern From street food stalls to fine dining, the waffle gets everywhere in London. At Berners Tavern, Jason Athertons breathtakingly designed restaurant at the London Edition hotel, waffles arrive at breakfast with a little bit of elegance. Vanilla waffles come topped with a raspberry and strawberry salad, hung yoghurt and toasted pistachios. 10 Berners Street, Fitzrovia, W1T 3NP, bernerstavern.com Red Rooster Good for the soul: chicken and waffles at Red Rooster The sweet-toothed folk have had their turn: its time for the carnivores to get their fair share. New York culinary sensation Marcus Samuelsson brought a corner of Harlem to Shoreditch with his Red Rooster restaurant, where the Bird Royale Feast does waffles American style: served with a whole chicken, cheddar biscuits, pickled red cabbage and hot sauce. Its a sharing dish, but youll be tempted to polish off the lot solo. 45 Curtain Road, EC2A 3PT, thecurtain.com The Good Life Waffles are nice when theyre naughty, but are also fun when packed with goodness. Healthy eating champion The Good Life Eatery makes its gluten free waffles with chestnuts and almonds, and tops them with coconut yoghurt, blackberry and cranberry chia compote, banana mash and a cranberry sprinkle. Thats our kind of health food. The Modern Pantry Anna Hansens highly praised Clerkenwell eatery always has a fresh take on a favourite. Head down for a weekend brunch and you can pick up waffles made with sweetcorn, feta and spring onion. They come drizzled with maple syrup, and you can even add bacon, which is never a bad idea. 47-48 St John's Square, Clerkenwell, EC1V 4JJ, themodernpantry.co.uk T he child killer Peter Pickering, dubbed the 'Beast of Wombwell', has died at the age of 80 - days after he was found guilty of raping another victim. Pickering was found guilty of killing Shirley Boldy, 14, in the Barnsley area of South Yorkshire in 1972. Last week he was also found guilty of the rape and false imprisonment of an 18-year-old woman, who cannot be named, three or four weeks prior to Shirley's death. He was being held by police in connection with the death of another girl, Elsie Frost, 14, who was stabbed to death in a tunnel beneath a railway line in Wakefield in 1965. West Yorkshire Police said: "Pickering, aged 80, died last night after being taken ill in secure psychiatric accommodation in Berkshire where he was being held. His death is not being treated as suspicious. "His recent convictions for the South Yorkshire rape came about as a result of a renewed investigation by West Yorkshire Police into the murder of Wakefield schoolgirl Elsie Frost who was killed in 1965. "Detective Superintendent Nick Wallen, of West Yorkshire Police Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, said: "We can now formally confirm that Peter Pickering was the man we arrested and interviewed over the last two years as part of the renewed investigation into the murder of 14-year-old schoolgirl Elsie Frost in Wakefield in 1965. "We strongly suspected that Peter Pickering was responsible for her murder. "We had been liaising with the Crown Prosecution Service and it was our expectation that Pickering would be charged in due course. His unexpected death clearly means that will no longer happen. "We have informed all those involved in the case of this development and we will be liaising with the West Yorkshire Coroner as to what proceedings are now necessary in relation to Elsie Frost's death." A man has died after being assaulted on board a bus in south London. Julian Joseph, 36, was attacked by two men on a route 53 bus in New Cross almost two weeks ago. He was taken to hospital with a "severe head injury" but died on Saturday afternoon, police said. Murder squad detectives are investigating the incident in New Cross Road, near the junction with Alpha Road, just after midnight on March 13. A Scotland Yard spokesman said Mr Joseph's next of kin were aware, adding: "A 32-year-old male was charged on Friday, 16 March in connection with this incident and remains in custody." It comes amid an horrific spell of violent crime in London. Eight killed in shocking week of violence in London A new map is unveiled today revealing the most "creative" parts of London. It shows which postcodes in the capital have the highest density of Londoners working in the music, film and photography industries. According to the map, east London has the largest amount of artist hubs. Brixton, Camden, Islington and Soho are other areas with a big population of creatives. The data was collected by Fat Lama, a firm which allows people to earn extra cash by renting their equipment when they are not using it. The map also shows which areas budding creatives appear less keen on. These include much of north and west London, and areas such as North Finchley and Kensington. Fat Lama said its new map, which was made using a sample of 20,000 equipment items on the company's website, also reflects how soaring house prices in these areas have drained them of creative talent. A spokesman for the firm said that, compared with a heat map of average rental prices in London, it is clear that creative hotspots generally appear where rents are lower. It comes after experts warned in December that London artists are leaving the capital in favour of European cities where it is less expensive to work in creative industries. Richard Sant, head of careers and employment at the University of Arts London (UAL), said graduates often look to other cities across Europe where living space is more affordable. However, he insisted artists were still exhibiting their art in the capital despite living in cheaper cities. Best UK postcodes for quality of life Mr Sant told the Standard: Berlin and Lisbon are obvious examples of where graduates look to if they require access to physical space. This outlook is a discussion we often have with our students. Low rent and therefore better access to space is the attraction of cities like these. A disadvantage of this is that its much harder to find other work alongside art to support you. D avid Davis has insisted the issue of Northern Irelands border after Brexit will be much easier to solve after a trade deal with the EU is resolved. The Brexit Secretary said such a deal is now incredibly probable, adding that the government was committed to protecting the Good Friday Agreement "at all costs". "There is a risk in trying to focus just on the downsides because the real likely outcome - the overwhelmingly likely outcome - is option A," he told BBC's Andrew Marr show. "Option A is that we get a free-trade agreement, we get a customs agreement, all of those make the Northern Ireland issue much, much easier to solve." The draft EU withdrawal deal includes a fallback option of Northern Ireland effectively continuing to remain in the customs union, but Mr Davis said either the UK-EU trade deal or new technology could prevent that. When challenged that there were no other borders of that kind in the world, Mr Davis told the Andrew Marr Show: "We have got a whole load of new technology now." He added: "There are ways to do this, you can't just say 'we haven't done it anywhere else', we haven't attempted to do it anywhere else." Although Mr Davis said the progress meant it was now "incredibly probable, very, very highly probable" that there would be a final deal, "you can never stop making arrangements" for a potential no-deal scenario. A Sunday Times report suggested Mr Davis has privately threatened to resign if Britain's fishermen are not handed control of their waters again from 2021. He defended the deal struck with Brussels, saying: We will negotiate with our surrounding states so that we have access to their waters and theirs to ours, and markets and so on, but it will be under our control. "It will not any longer be under the qualified majority voting arrangements we currently have." Mr Davis denied that the UK was ultimately heading towards a Norway-style relationship with the EU. "It will be nowhere like Norway," he said. "This will not really look like any other deal as it stands at the moment, it will be a free-trade deal, a comprehensive one, the most comprehensive one ever - even the European Union is now using words similar to that. "That would deliver us a lot of access, but it will not be like Norway." Meanwhile, prominent Tory Eurosceptic Jacob Rees-Mogg will warn that failure to stand up to Brussels in the talks could leave the UK humiliated on a scale not seen since the Suez crisis. In a speech on Thursday marking a year until Brexit, the European Research Group chairman will say: "It would be an admission of abject failure, a view of our politicians, of our leaders, of our establishment that we were not fit, that we were too craven, that we were too weak to be able to govern ourselves and that therefore we had to go crawling back to the mighty bastion of power that is Brussels." F acebook has experienced a tumultuous week following news of the Cambridge Analytica data leak. Allegations emerged that the data firm had harvested personal details from more than 50 million Facebook users to help swing Donald Trump's 2016 US triumph and potentially the vote for Brexit. The social media network's stock value then plummeted wiping 28bn ($40bn) off its share value and before long the hashtag '#DeleteFacebook' was trending. In an interview with the New York Times, CEO Mark Zuckerberg said the public outcry was "not good" for his company. Facebook data row: What is Cambridge Analytica? He said: "I think it's a clear signal that this is a major trust issue for people, and I understand that. "Whether people delete their app over it or just don't feel good about using Facebook, that's a big issue that we have a responsibility to rectify." The Standard spoke to Londoners of different stripes to find out why they decided to #DeleteFacebook. Mark Zuckerberg: 'sorry' for Cambridge Analytica Facebook 'breach of trust' Lewis Tavernier, 24, a sport science student at London Metropolitan University, says he was "uncomfortable" with the amount of personal information Facebook was acquiring from him. "I didn't use it for much more than scrolling through videos to pass the time when I was bored. "But I knew I was just unknowingly signing away so much information about myself - what I like, where I've been, who I know. "I don't personally feel my politics were influenced by what I saw on there...but I definitely know a few people whose views have been shaped by it. "As a student, it feels crucial to have every form of social media going and to never miss out but I just didn't think it was worth it. "Since deleting it, of course, I have found myself just watching videos on other sites but I feel more comfortable with the amount of personal information I'm actually handing out and I can control that." Rachel Albert, a 29-year-old hairdresser from Ealing, gave up social media long before the Cambridge Analytica scandal broke. She told the Standard she actually felt "more disconnected" from her friends online. "About two years ago, I decided to give up all social media because it just started to feel like it was controlling my life. "You constantly see updates from people you know, there's less of an incentive to actually drop them a message and ask how things are going. "Ironically, I felt like I was actually become more disconnected from all of my 'friends'. "I see a lot of clients every day and so many of them spend their entire appointment on their phones - they totally block out the world around them. "My time off of Facebook has gone really fast and I definitely feel like it's improved my quality of life." Emily Malone, 21, is a marketing executive based in Blackheath. She told the Standard her initial worries about how logging off Facebook would affect her social life were unfounded. She said: "I deleted my account after starting my marketing job because I was uncomfortable with how easy it was to target specific audiences based on their social media profiles. "I was also curious as to whether I could carry out my social life just as easily without it. "I didn't spend a huge amount of time on Facebook but I used the messenger app constantly. "Deleting my account wasn't actually as radical a change as I expected. I still scroll mindlessly when I'm bored but people haven't stopped inviting me to things and I'm still up to date on the important things happening in my friends' lives. "Not being bombarded with memes and autoplay videos is actually amazing. I feel like my attention span has definitely lengthened as a result." Although the full fallout of the scandal has yet to be felt, Mr Zuckerberg says his firm has not seen a "meaningful number of people" deleting their accounts. He announced earlier this week a range of measures to prevent users' data being exploited in the future. J ournalist Frank Gardner has hit out at Heathrow airport after being kept on a plane for nearly two hours after staff claimed to have lost his wheelchair. The BBC correspondent criticised how the airport treated disabled people after he was left stranded on the plane on when staff took his wheelchair to the terminal instead of to the plane door. Mr Gardner was returning from a trip to Ethiopia when he was told staff had lost his wheelchair. Speaking about the incident to the BBC, he said: That is your legs gone. It is a basic human right." According to reports Mr Gardner was kept waiting on the plane for 100 minutes as staff attempted to relocate his wheelchair. In a series of tweets the journalist accused the airline of having a casual disregard for disabled passengers. He said he was utterly sick of airport staff repeatedly losing his wheelchair. Mr Gardner told BBC Radio 4s today programme: There are hundreds, possibly thousands of others who have this experience and all we get is these platitudes from Heathrow Airport, calling me by my first name and saying they have created a case number for you. "Nothing changes, it goes on and on happening and it is just so frustrating." He added: "If you can't walk and your wheelchair has been taken away to the terminal, that is your legs gone, that is your mobility gone. "It is a basic human right so I am pretty seething about it." The BBC correspondent began using a wheelchair in 2004 after he was shot six times by militants while reporting in Saudi Arabia. A spokesman for Heathrow Airport said: We apologise unreservedly if the service Mr Gardner received today fell short of the experience we aim to provide to our passengers. B BC newsreader George Alagiah has said his cancer could have been spotted sooner if England had similar screening procedures to Scotland. The 62-year-old presenter, who lives in London, discovered his stage four bowel cancer had returned before Christmas. In Scotland both men and women are automatically offered screening for bowel cancer every two years from 50 years old - yet in England it starts at 60. The chance of survival for five years or more for those with stage four bowel cancer is less than 10 per cent - however if it is caught at stage one the chances are near 100 per cent, according to Cancer Research UK. PA Speaking to The Sunday Times, Mr Alagiah said: "Had they had screening at 50, like they do in Scotland ... I would have been screened at least three times and possibly four by the time I was 58... "We know that if you catch bowel cancer early, survival rates are tremendous. I have thought: why have the Scots got it and we don't?" The Sri Lankan-born newsman, who is married with two sons, then tweeted on Sunday: "My cancer was caught late, very late. "Earlier screening is the key. Simply no reason why others should have to go through all the treatment that I've had." He was initially diagnosed with the disease aged 58 in 2014 after noticing blood in his stools. It had spread to his liver and lymph nodes and he endured rounds of chemotherapy and several operations, including the removal of most of his liver. In October 2015 he announced his treatment was over and returned to BBC News At Six. Mr Alagiah told the newspaper he was supporting a campaign by Bowel Cancer UK to make screening available to everyone in England from 50. The disease kills nearly 16,000 men and women annually in the UK, the charity said. It is the second most common cause of cancer death in the UK, behind lung cancer. Mr Alagiah joined the BBC in 1989 and spent many years as one of the corporation's leading foreign correspondents before moving to presenting. He has been the face of News At Six since 2007. A self-taught rocket scientist who believes the earth to be flat blasted himself into the air in a home-made rocket. "Mad" Mike Hughes propelled himself about 1,875 feet into the air Saturday before a hard landing in the Mojave Desert. He said apart from an aching back he is fine after the launch near Amboy, California. After being checked by paramedics he said: "I'm tired of people saying I chickened out and didn't build a rocket. I'm tired of that stuff. I manned up and did it." "Mad" Mike Hughes' soared into the sky at approximately 350 mph / AP In order to carry out the launch, the 61-year-old limo driver converted a mobile home into a ramp and modified it to launch from a vertical angle so he wouldn't fall back to the ground on public land. For months he's been working on overhauling his rocket in his garage. At 3pm local time Mr Hughes launched his rocket into the sky without a countdown. He reached an estimated speed of around 350 mph before pulling his parachute. As he began to fall from the sky too fast, he was forced to deploy a second one. The rocket crashed back down to earth with the nose of the ship breaking in two places like it was designed to do. Mr Hughes said he was "glad" he did it / AP Mr Hughes said he had no regrets about the launch. "Am I glad I did it? Yeah. I guess. I'll feel it in the morning. I won't be able to get out of bed. At least I can go home and have dinner and see my cats tonight." The launch is believed to have lasted three to four minutes, with the rocket landing 1,500 ft from the ramp. He got permission to launch on the land owned by Albert Okura, who bought Amboy in 2005 for 307,701 ($435,000.) Mr Okura said that Mr Hughes had rebranded the area as a rocket town." Mr Hughes, who lives in Apple Valley, California has seen a flurry of reaction to his plans, with detractors labelling him a crackpot for planning the launch in a homemade contraption and his belief that the world is flat. He sparred with his critics on social media leading up to the launch through Facebook comments and a 12-minute video addressed to those who doubted him. "My story really is incredible," he said. "It's got a bunch of story lines the garage-built thing. I'm an older guy. It's out in the middle of nowhere, plus the Flat Earth. The problem is it brings out all the nuts also, people questioning everything. It's the downside of all this." Mr Hughes maintained that his mission is not to prove that the earth is flat. "Do I believe the Earth is shaped like a Frisbee? I believe it is," he said. "Do I know for sure? No. That's why I want to go up in space." He said that his long term ambition is to fly into space on a Rockoon- a rocket that is carried into the atmosphere by a gas-filled balloon, then separated from the balloon and lit. T he first direct flight from Australia to the UK has landed at Heathrow airport after an epic 17-hour flight. Qantas 9 (QF9) touched down at Terminal Three at 5.02 am (GMT) after setting off from Perth at 7pm local time (11am GMT) on Saturday covering 9,226 miles. The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner took just over 17 hours to complete the journey, arriving slightly earlier than the scheduled arrival time of 5.10am. The UK's longest non-stop regular passenger flight will set off back for Perth at 1.15 pm local time on Sunday. Perth Airport CEO Kevin Brown, Qantas International CEO Ali Webster, Federal Shadow Transport Minister Anthony Albanese, Qantas CEO Alan Joyce, WA Premier Mark McGown and Federal Trade Minister Steven Ciobo open the Perth Qantas lounge before the first direct flight to Heathrow airport from Perth / EPA The route is almost a quarter longer than the UK's existing longest service, operated by Garuda Indonesia between Heathrow and Jakarta (7,275 miles). The new link with Perth is around three hours quicker than routes which involve stopping in the Middle East to change planes or refuel. The first flight of Qantas 9 between Australia and the UK takes off from Perth It also enables faster journeys to Sydney and Melbourne than flying via Dubai. Western Australia's premier, Mark McGowan, was among more than 200 passengers to arrive on the flight. A British newspaper editor has been found guilty in Dubai of killing his wife with a hammer and sentenced to 10 years in prison. Francis Matthew was not present in the Dubai Court of the First Instance for the verdict read by Judge Fahad al-Shamsi, which is common in courts in the United Arab Emirates. The former editor of the English-language Gulf News had faced the possibility of the death penalty for the July 2017 killing. A brother of Matthew's wife, the late 62-year-old Jane Matthew, was in court for the verdict, but declined to immediately talk to journalists. Matthew's lawyer could not be immediately reached. Matthew can appeal against his sentence. On July 4, Dubai police say they were called to Matthew's three-bedroom villa in the Jumeirah neighbourhood. Jane Matthew suffered fatal head injuries / Facebook There, they say they found the body of his wife of more than 30 years, and the editor told them robbers had broken into the home and killed her. During a later interrogation, however, police say Matthew told them his wife had grown angry with him because they were in debt and needed to move. Matthew said he got angry when his wife called him a "loser" and told him "you should provide financially", according to police. Matthew told police his wife pushed him during the argument. He then got a hammer, followed her into the bedroom and struck her twice in the head, killing her, according to a police report. The next morning, Matthew tried to make it look like the house had been robbed and later went to work like nothing had happened, throwing the hammer in a nearby rubbish bin, police said. Gulf News previously has said Matthew served as its editor from 1995-2005 and then became an editor-at-large at the newspaper. F ormer Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont has been detained in Germany four months after he went into self-imposed exile from Spain. The pro-independence politician faces up to 25 years in Spain for organising an illegal referendum on secession last year. Puigdemont had entered Germany from Denmark after leaving Finland on Friday when it appeared police would arrest him there and begin an extradition process requested by Spain. The detention threatens to worsen the Catalan crisis which flared last year when the region made a symbolic declaration of independence, prompting Madrid to take direct rule. EPA German police said they had arrested Puigdemont in the northern state of Schleswig-Holstein on a European arrest warrant issued by Spain. In a statement, police said Puigdemont was detained near a section of the A7 highway which cuts through the state from the city of Flensburg near the Danish border. Police did not say exactly where Puigdemont was being held but the Spanish press said he was at a police station in the nearby town of Schuby. German magazine Focus said Spanish intelligence informed the BKA federal police that Puigdemont was on his way from Finland to Germany. It gave no source for its report. It is not clear if Puigdemont will be immediately extradited from Germany. Puigdemont had made clear his preference to fight the extradition process from Belgium. The former Catalan regional president was at the time of his detention heading to Belgium, according to Puigdemont's spokesman Joan Maria Pique. "The president was going to Belgium to put himself, as always, at the disposal of Belgian justice," Pique told Reuters. Spain's Supreme Court ruled on Friday that 25 Catalan leaders would be tried for rebellion, embezzlement or disobeying the state. Supreme Court judge Pablo Llarena also sent five separatist leaders to pre-trial jail. Their detention sparked protests across Catalonia. B illionaire entrepreneur Elon Musks father has said it was "God's plan" for him to have a child with his step-daughter. Errol Musk, 72, described the baby boy he had with step-daughter Jana Bezuidenhout, 30, as exquisite. Despite the fact that Mr Musk married Ms Bezuidenhouts mother, Heidi, when Jana was four, he said he does not consider her his step-daughter. Mr Musk and Ms Bezuidenhouts mother had two children together before divorcing after 18 years of marriage. He told The Sunday Times that his stepdaughter had contacted him last year after splitting up with her boyfriend. We were lonely, lost people, he said from his home in South Africa. One thing led to another you can call it Gods plan or natures plan. Two months later Ms Bezuidenhout told Mr Musk she was pregnant and a paternity test revealed he was the father. The news of the baby reportedly caused a rift between Mr Musk and his other children. A source said that Elon Musk was 'outraged' when he found out about the baby / AFP/Getty Images His son, tech billionaire Elon Musk was allegedly "outraged" when he heard about the baby. A relation to the family told the MailOnline: The whole family was outraged when we found out. This is the reason why Elon is so angry with Errol. He is the only father she has ever known. And now he is the father of her child as well. The entrepreneur, who is in a relationship with actress Amber Heard, previously described his father as evil in an interview with Rolling Stone magazine. Elon Musk previously described his father as "evil" (Photo credit should read STR/AFP/Getty Images) / AFP/Getty Images He said his father had committed almost every crime you can possibly think of and done almost every evil thing you could possibly think of. Errol Musk disputed his sons portrayal of him but has admitted shooting dead three intruders in his home in South Africa, for which he pleaded self-defence to a manslaughter charge and was acquitted. Mr Musk senior is a millionaire who made his fortune through engineering. Elon Musk at SXSW He told The Sunday Times that he thought his children were spoilt. A former US senator has come under fire after suggesting the survivors of the Florida Valentine's Day massacre should "take CPR classes" to tackle deaths from gun violence. Rick Santorum, an American lawyer and former high ranking Republican senator, suggested gun control activists were not "dealing with the situation". He told CNN: "[If this is] about keeping our schools safe, then we have to have a much broader discussion than the discussion that's going on right now. "How about kids, instead of looking to someone else to solve their problem, do something about maybe taking CPR classes or trying to deal with situations that, when there is a violent shoorter, that you can actually respond. "They took action to ask someone to pass a law...They didn't take action to say 'How do I, as an individual, deal with this problem?' "'How am I going to do something about stopping bullying in my own community? What am I going to do to actually help respond to a shooter?' "Instead of going and protesting and saying 'Oh, someone else needs to pass a law to protect me'...I think everyone should be responsible and deal with the problems that we have to confront in our lives." His comments provoked outrage online, with Democratic Party senator Ted Lieu writing: "Dear Rick Santorum: CPR is good for heart stoppage. Not good for victims of multiple AR-15 bullets, which typically impart three times the lethal energy upon impact than a 9mm handgun bullet. "AR-15 bullets obliterate organs and cause so much bleeding that victims die very quickly." Another, healthcare specialist Eugene Gu, said: "As a surgeon, Ive operated on gunshot victims whove had bullets tear through their intestines, cut through their spinal cord, and pulverise their kidneys and liver. "Rick Santorum telling kids to shut up and take CPR classes is simply unconscionable." Political commentator Bruce Anderson wrote: "I have to turn off the TV. I just watched Rick Santorum say kids should stop looking for other people to solve their problems, and do things like learn CPR. America, OMG, you've lost the plot." Thousands of gun control activists marched in support of US gun reform around the world on Saturday. A lot of people close to the US president wanted to prevent it at any cost but Donald Trump congratulated President Putin anyway and had a phone conversation with him. The US president said that the two would meet in the not too distant future. Preventing an arms race is one issue on the agenda. Donald Trump knew the move would bring forth a tempest but he did it anyway. The president considered the relationship with Moscow to be important enough to defy his numerous opponents. Serbia has already offered to host a summit. Right after the two presidents conversation, the Russian and American chiefs of staff discussed Syria. Whats even more important is that they have agreed to more military-to-military contacts in the future. Why has it suddenly become so important for Washington to launch a dialog on defense issues? The answer was provided by General John E. Hyten, the Commander of US Strategic Command, who admitted in the Senate that the US is defenseless in the face of the threat from hypersonic weapons. This realization came right after Russian President Vladimir Putin revealed his recent information about the new systems capable of hypervelocity flight that are currently being tested and are soon to be operational. The US is a great military power but its not strong enough to force everyone to dance to its tune. Its defense programs suffer from serious shortcomings. The current arms-control system is in crisis. New challenges keep cropping up. They should be incorporated into the international security agenda but thats not happening. The looming hypersonic race is a burning issue that still needs to be addressed. Its a domain in which the US is lagging behind Russia. When the Russian president announced those breakthroughs in military technology, his revelations were met with some skepticism in the West. But the ensuing events proved him right. Vladimir Putin pulled it off, making hotheads come to their senses and realize the need for talks to address the security challenges. Washington needs this dialog more than Moscow does. So, the Americans coveted leadership in military technology has turned out to be a pipe dream. But their furtive steps to bring NATO right to Russias doorstep are not. The most interesting things often fall off the radar. Moldova is to planning to phase out its draft in order to have a professional military. This month, Moldova, Georgia, and Ukraine formed an anti-Russia alliance. Moving to an all-volunteer force is in keeping with the political goals of this group and is seen as an important step on the path to NATO membership. That reform is scheduled to begin this fall. This is a very costly endeavor, especially when one is talking about the poorest country in Europe. Chisinau cannot afford it. It will be fully dependent on assistance from Romania and other NATO states. Moldovas process of embracing the bloc has accelerated recently. A joint Romanian-Moldovan task force equipped and trained in accordance with NATO standards is on its way. That step was agreed on in February. According to the military cooperation agreement signed by Chisinau and Bucharest in 2012 and ratified by the Moldovan parliament in 2013, Romanian troops and police forces enjoy freedom of movement on Moldovan territory. In other words, a NATO member has a free hand in Moldova, although the region of Transnistria, where Russian peacekeepers are stationed, is part of that country. This is a real hornets nest and the problem remains unaddressed. The fact that Poland has shifted its best military forces, including its most modern tanks, eastward has not gone unnoticed in Russia. The country will receive 70 AGM-158B JASSM-ER long-range air-to-surface missiles from the US by 2020 or a bit earlier. With an operational range of roughly 1,000 km, this stealth weapon boasting a penetrating warhead can hit infrastructure deep inside Russia. One does not have to be a military expert to realize that the JASSM-ERs prime mission is to knock out Russian Iskander short-range missiles deployed in the Kaliningrad region in a first strike. The small Polish town of Powidz is to become a NATO hub for the Baltics and Northern Europe. Construction is underway to build a storage facility for a brigades worth of military hardware and personnel. The US Aegis Ashore BMD system will be operational in Poland this year. This is a highly destabilizing weapon that will become a target for a first strike by the Russian military. Nor has Russia forgotten about the 300 US Marines stationed in Norway, or the construction of a sophisticated new radar system known as Globus 3 in the Norwegian Arctic archipelago of Svalbard. This is a violation of international law, as Svalbard was supposed to be demilitarized under a 1925 treaty. The facility there is an element of NATOs ballistic missile defense (BMD) system. The joint US-Norwegian radar station is viewed by Moscow as a clear provocation. Norway is to be provided with over 50 US F-35 stealth fighters in 2019, enabling it to strike Russian territory. The F-35 is a nuclear-capable plane. All these moves are being closely watched by the Russian military. Even if new weapons are incorporated into the bilateral arms-control agenda, the efforts to create the potential for a first strike near Russias borders are certainly not something Moscow can turn a blind eye toward. This does not create the right environment for a security dialog between Moscow and Washington. Everything is connected. What Russia and the US really need is not just talks about curbing super weapons, but also negotiations addressing a much broader security agenda. China has the largest illegal fishing operation in the world and is a major poacher in foreign waters from Southeast Asia to Africa and South America. The Chinese subsidize several thousand fishing ships to make this poacher fleet profitable and, at least in the South China Sea and other nearby waters, will send warships (heavily armed coast guard vessels (to intimidate local fishing patrol boats to back off. But China has not used their coast guard ships long distances from China (off Africa and South America). In those distant waters subsidized fishing boats will do what they can to protect poachers. These subsidized fishing boats are part of a semi-official naval militia that uses unarmed, but willing. Fishing boats and crews to interfere with armed patrol boats (which Chinese ships are poaching) or to block foreign fishing boats from fishing areas China claims for its own exclusive use. Some other nations (like South Korea and Spain) also have trawlers showing up in areas where a lot of poaching goes on. But the vast majority of these poachers are Chinese. Two of the frequent victims, Indonesia and Argentina, have responded aggressively since 2016 and the Chinese replied by declaring that it was legal for Chinese trawlers to go whatever they wanted in traditional Chinese fishing areas. That is a fiction China began using after several embarrassing clashes off Indonesia and Argentina in 2016 and since then the Chinese trawlers have been less aggressive in these distant waters. In February 2018 there was another clash off Argentina when am Argentine patrol boat caught a Chinese trawler poaching in Argentinian waters. The patrol boat fired warning shots and sought to capture the Chinese trawler before it could reach international waters. Aided by bad weather, turning off its lights and eventually four other Chinese trawlers showing and deliberately coordinating their movements to threaten the patrol boat with collision, the Chinese trawlers got away after eight hours of pursuit. But the patrol boat documented the incident and was able to identify the five trawlers and Argentina has issued an international capture order for the five Chinese trawlers. China has the legal and diplomatic clout to block seizure of these trawlers but that is expensive and embarrassing. In the meantime hundreds of Chinese trawlers, and smaller numbers of South Korean and Spanish ones assemble regularly to fish at the edge of Argentinian controlled waters and take unsustainable quantities of fish, squid and shrimp. This overfishing will eventually deplete the abundant resources long available off the southeast coast of Argentina. The trawlers involved in these incidents are formally called "freezer trawlers." These ships are up to 100 meters (320 feet) long and have facilities on board to store hundreds of tons of frozen fish. These ships normally stay at sea months at a time and have crews of 14-30. The number of Chinese trawlers has expanded enormously since 1985 (when there were 13) and there are currently over 2,500 of them operating worldwide. China helped with this expansion by subsidizing many of the ocean going fishing boats. Those subsidies have since been withdrawn but meanwhile the number of larger (than 100 meter) freezer trawlers has grown and these are meant for use in far distant waters. A Chinese trawler sunk off Argentina in 2016 by a patrol boat was 66 meters long and was in the company of similar Chinese vessels, which picked up most (23) of the crew from the sunk trawler and fled the area. Later a Spanish trawler was seized and released after the owner paid a million dollar fine. In 2017 at least six Chinese trawlers were seized off South America (especially by Ecuador) and Africa and had to pay large fines to get the crews and trawlers cut loose. Apparently the Chinese trawlers that get captured far from China have to absorb most or all of the fines, to encourage Chinese trawlers to try harder to avoid detection and capture. That doesnt work with Indonesia which, since 2016, has been unofficially, but very visibly, at war with foreign trawlers caught engaging in illegal fishing. This poaching has been going on with increasing frequency since the 1990s and Indonesia was a frequent victim because it was relatively close to China. Many of the nations being victimized compared notes, did the math and noted that the most frequent offenders are Chinese ships. These are either Chinese owned fishing ships or ships from other countries that register themselves as Chinese to gain a measure of immunity from being stopped or punished by the nations being plundered. But some nations are not just complaining, they are fighting back. In the case of Indonesia the fighting back consists of shooting at poachers and, since 2014, destroying (via explosives or burning) over 200 ships used by poachers. Indonesia calculates that this poaching costs Indonesia over $2 billion a year and that Chinas worldwide poaching operation brings in over $20 billion a year. Since China does not officially admit it is organizing and controlling this, and the Indonesians are using large warships with orders to fire on any poacher caught and refusing to surrender, the Chinese are taking most of the losses off Indonesia. For a while China sent warships to accompany flotillas (often ten or more ocean going fishing ships) and protect the poachers if caught and keep the police or coast guard boats busy while the poachers escaped. But Indonesia responded by sending out warships (corvettes and frigates) with orders to fire on any foreign warships caught with the poachers. China stopped sending warships but the poachers kept on coming and Indonesia keeps capturing and prosecuting the crews. The poacher ships are often destroyed as media events, with local news being allowed to capture and broadcast videos of the fires and explosions. In desperation Chinese declared the fishing areas poached as traditional Chinese fishing areas and not subject to modern legalities about Economic Zones. No one supported Chinese traditional fishing areas defense, nor did international law. The most frequent site for Chinese poaching off Indonesia is near the Natuna Islands. These are 3,000 kilometers from China and within the Indonesian EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone). Waters 360 kilometers from land are considered the EEZ of the nation controlling the nearest land. The EEZ owner can control who fishes there and extracts natural resources (mostly oil and gas) from the ocean floor. Meanwhile China began developing more forceful methods for supporting its poaching fleet. Since 2015 it has become public knowledge that Chinese commercial ships, particularly freighters and ocean-going fishing ships, are considered part of a military maritime reserve force and are expected to follow orders from navy or coast guard ships whenever called upon. The commercial ships are expected to collect intelligence and even risk damage and injuries by using their ships to block the movement of foreign ships (including warships). In return the Chinese navy and coast guard will come to the assistance if Chinese commercial ships get in trouble with foreign navies or coast guards. But this arrangement does not always work out as it should when stealing fish is involved. And its not just Indonesia. On March 15th 2016 an Argentinian coast guard ship sank a Chinese trawler that was illegally fishing in Argentinian waters. The coast guard rescued five of the crew, including the captain and arrested them. China complained but did nothing else. In fact, within weeks China publicly reaffirmed its growing economic and diplomatic ties with Argentina. Meanwhile the owners of the lost fishing trawler will be quietly compensated by China. This sort of illegal fishing is a worldwide problem and Chinese trawlers are apparently the biggest offenders because these crimes are government organized and coordinated. In waters closer to China there will often be Chinese warships near areas where Chinese trawlers fish illegally. This sometimes becomes a problem as Chinese warships will often try to rescue Chinese trawlers seized for illegal fishing. This doesnt always work but it sets a scary precedent. Chinese efforts to justify poaching with the traditional Chinese fishing grounds excuse often backfires. In the case of Argentina the traditional fishing grounds angle at is absurd and when caught the Chinese do nothing because most South American nations have an illegal fishing problems and would unite in opposition to Chinese bullying. Any Chinese economic threats could backfire because Chinese firms are currently investing a lot money in South America and dont want those investment threatened because of widespread local anger over Chinese poachers. Meanwhile the poachers keep at it, apparently with assurances that the Chinese government will back them up. So far the Chinese government has done just that. Ministry of Defence has refused to provide security to former president General (retd) Pervez Musharrafs upon his return to Pakistan to appear before the special court in the high treason case. According to a letter sent to Musharraf's lawyer "provision of security under the subject case does not fall under the purview of the Ministry of Defence". The former president's lawyer, Advocate Akhter Shah, confirmed the receipt of the letter, stating that he would raise the issue, again, in the special court hearing the treason case against the former president and army chief. Shah also expressed distrust on the interior ministry's ability to provide foolproof security to Musharraf. Responding to a plea by Musharrafs lawyer requesting security, in a notification issued by the interior ministry on March 19, it had said it was willing to provide security to the former president. The defendant's legal counsel said the interior ministry could not be trusted with providing security to his client as the ministry itself had levelled charges against Musharraf. On March 16, the special court hearing the treason case against Musharraf had ordered the federal government to put special measures in place to bring the ex-military ruler back from the United Arab Emirates. The former presidents advocate in his arguments said that an application was sent to the interior ministry for security arrangements. In the petition, it was stated that the former president faced security threats. The court had ordered that the interior ministry should take action for the arrest of the former military ruler through the Interpol. The special court had also asked the interior ministry to take action to revoke National Identity Card and passport of the former military ruler. The bench, formed in 2013, is hearing the case of imposition of extra-constitutional emergency by Musharraf in November 2007. The troops killed the youth, Shafat Hussain Wani, during a cordon and search operation at Khan Mohallah Arizal in Beerwah area of the district in the wee hours, today. A 17-year-old girl identified as Humaira sustained bullet wounds in the firing of the troops. Thousands of people participated in the funeral of the martyred Shafat Hussain Wani in his native Wagoora area of Baramulla district. Eyewitnesses said that thousands of mourners, including men, women and elderly, assembled in the area after the news of Shafats martyrdom reached there. The mourners raised pro-freedom, pro-Pakistan and anti-India slogans as the body of the martyr was laid to rest at his ancestral graveyard. The puppet authorities had suspended mobile internet services in parts of Baramulla and Badgam districts following the killing. The authorities had also deployed Indian troops and police personnel in strength in Wagoora to prevent people from staging demonstrations against the killing. On the other hand, the puppet authorities buried the dead bodies of two unknown youth killed in Dooru area of Islamabad district on Friday night in remote Gantamullah area of Baramulla district. This was done to prevent massive participation of masses in the funeral prayers of the martyred youth if their bodies had been handed over to the local people. Hurriyat leader, Mukhtar Ahmad Waza, visited Balhama area of Srinagar today, and expressed solidarity with noted poet, Madhosh Balhami, whose house was destroyed during a cordon and search operation by Indian forces recently. In New Delhi, a court has granted bail to a Kashmiri youth, Javed Ahmed Butt, who was arrested by Indian National Investigation Agency in a false case. The 24-year-old Javed Ahmed Butt, a resident of Qaimoh area of Kulgam, was arrested by the NIA on September 5, last year, on the charges of pelting stones on the Indian forces during anti-India protests. A group of fitness fanatics are running through mud, swimming over dams and leaping over fires in a gruelling race designed to challenge both physically and mentally. Twelve Kiwis are taking on the intense Brisbane Spartan race on April 28 in support of the NZ Heart Foundation for their 50th anniversary. Organiser Richard Joseph says they set a target of raising a minimum of $5000 for the Heart Foundation, and despite surpassing this total, they plan to keep going. With health and fitness being a major part of our lives, the charity relates directly to our way of thinking and we aim to make as much as we can, says Richard. Team member Stefan McNeely says they are over the moon with the response and the amount of support they have received. You never really know if you are going to make your target, says Stefan. You want to give it a go, but you always question whether you set it too high. It is quite amazing what can happen when you put a bunch of motivated people together. He says the team initially started working together at The Gym because they enjoyed the competitiveness. They then found themselves entering in Tough Girl, Tough Guy, Tough Mudder, leading up to their biggest race yet. The Kiwis will enter the Beast race - one of the three toughest Spartan races, involving a 21km run and more than 40 obstacles. The team will climb ropes, avoid barbed wire, drag concrete blocks, transverse ropes and throw spears, before facing off against gladiators at the end. On top of that, for each obstacle they fail they will have to do 30 burpees. Its regarded as one of the hardest races out there and we have been training really hard and working ourselves up to the challenge, says Stefan. This has been more than just training, it has brought a group of people together who probably would have never met. Its been amazing to see how far we have come and we hope to keep going. How New Zealand can meet the challenge of feeding some of the predicted global population of 10 billion by 2050, will be a major focus at a Techweek event in Tauranga in May. World-leading meat, dairy and horticultural industries have established New Zealands reputation as a producer of food. But NZTech chief executive Graeme Muller says the countrys collaborative agricultural ecosystem is shifting its efforts to developing sustainable ways to feed the world. Will the future of food production rely on robots and data, or a global consumer shift toward alternative proteins? These are just some of the agritech issues that are so important for New Zealands economy that will be discussed in Tauranga on May 23. Techweek, which is being run by NZTech, is a major nationwide festival of tech and innovation events held in many towns and cities around the country. Graeme says exploding populations, sustainability and increasingly unpredictable climates are some of the problems agriculture is facing globally which require urgent answers. Alternatives to traditional food sources and farming methods are revolutionising the way we think about feeding the world, he says. New Zealands reputation as a producer of high-quality meat and dairy products affords us opportunities as the worlds boutique farmer, which New Zealand agritech companies are leveraging in all sorts of imaginative and inspiring ways. New Zealands agritech sector which adds billions of dollars annually to the gross domestic product will be showcased on May 23 as part of the massive national Techweek festival this year. Graeme says New Zealands primary industries are the backbone of the countrys economy and integrating them with technology is the future for a prosperous nation. New Zealand agritech, such as herd improvement software, pasture mapping and management are being merged into on-farm practices, maximising increases in productivity and profitability for the benefit of all Kiwis. Technology has major potential to support higher productivity and more sustainable use of natural resources in farming. Its great that government has a technical advisory group to advise the Ministry of Primary Industries on how to accelerate the use of smart agriculture technology. Reigniting primary productivity in the rural sector is critical for both farmer profitability and New Zealands global competitiveness. Digital agriculture, in the form of precision farming, big data, sensor technology, robotics and drones, delivers a new potential for productivity gains across rural New Zealand, he says. Techweek includes nearly 300 events in more than 30 centres all over New Zealand from Northland to Otago, including tech and innovation ecosystem events, conferences, school activities and business events. Techweek promotes New Zealand tech and innovation to the world and supports the growth of our fastest growing and third biggest industry in New Zealand. Click the image above to watch the video Today we are expecting the weather to be cloudy at times, particularly in the evening. Theres a chance of showers in the afternoon and evening, and we should experience just light winds today. Its a two-clothing-layer day today with a high of 23 and an overnight low of 17 degrees. Humidity is 99 per cent. Low tide is at 8.40am and high tide at 2.50pm. Theres a sea swell of about .3m, with a sea temperature of 21 degrees. Sunset tonight is at 7.16pm. If youre going fishing today the best fish bite time is between 8pm and 10pm. In NZ history on this day in 1896 the Brunner mine disaster killed 65 people. At 9.30am an explosion tore through the Brunner mine in Westlands Grey Valley. Two men sent underground to investigate were later found unconscious from black damp, a suffocating mixture of nitrogen and carbon dioxide. In world history on this day in 1827 German composer Ludwig Van Beethoven died in Vienna. He had been deaf for the later part of his life, but said on his death bed, I shall hear in heaven. In 1885 the Eastman Film Co. manufactured the first commercial motion picture film. In 1942 the Germans began sending Jews to Auschwitz in Poland. In 1953 Dr. Jonas Salk announced a new vaccine against polio. In 1954 the United States set off an H-bomb in the Marshall Islands; the second in four weeks. In 1969 the Soviet weather Satellite Meteor 1 was launched. Today is the birthday of a number of writers and poets. One of these is American poet Robert Frost, who was born in 1874, and went on to become a multiple Pulitzer Prize-winner, once wrote a poem that ends with the lines "Two roads diverged in a wood, and I -I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference." To get involved in some of the many activities happening around the Bay, please check out our Whats on page. Have a great day! if (screen && screen.width < 768) { // replace with your mobile ad unit id 300x250 document.write(''); } else { // replace with your tablet/desktop ad unit id 300x250 document.write(''); }style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont; color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: pre-wrap; word-spacing: 0px; background-color: #ffffff;"> An early weather outlook shows residents in the Bay of Plenty can look forward to a mostly-fine Easter weekend. According to WeatherWatch.co.nz, Easter 2018 is looking fairly decent for most regions with mostly light winds and warm days. In the Bay of Plenty the weather looks predominantly fine, other than some rain on Saturday. Easter is well known for having rough weather, situated at that rough halfway mark between the longest day of the year in late December and the shortest day in late June," says WeatherWatch.co.nz However Easter 2018 is shaping up pretty positive for most if not all regions. Good Friday shows a few showers possible first thing around Hawkes Bay, Gisborne and Northland - and potentially very early in the Auckland region. Its dry everywhere else with mostly light winds nationwide thanks to a large high centred over central New Zealand. "A cold front in the Southern Ocean on Saturday is bringing some rain to the lower South Island, namely the West Coast. It fizzles out by the time it reaches about Westport later in the day. Most other regions are dry but a few spits are possible briefly in Southland and Otago and a few light showers may also hug Coromandel Peninsula to the east and Bay of Plenty. Winds are light in the North Island with a westerly flow over the South Island. Easter Sunday is showing cloud and a few light showers in the western side of both islands, says WeatherWatch.co.nz Mostly the West Coast and the south west corner of the North Island but even then it will be mostly dry there - and dry elsewhere. Winds are light in most places on Sunday. Rain retuns to the West Coast with heavy falls on Easter Monday. A few showers may affect the North Islands west coast. Most other places are dry with fairly light winds. The former president of Catalonia Carles Puigdemont, the subject of an international search and arrest warrant by the Spanish Supreme Court, has been arrested Thursday in Sardinia by the... | Read More Chinas shift away from coal will see demand for LNG surpass 300 million tonnes for the first time ever, raising concerns of short supply. Data from Bloomberg New Energy Finance has forecast a growth of 7.2 per cent in LNG demand, lifting from 285 million tonnes in 2017 to reach 305 million tonnes in 2018 as China shifts away from coal-fired power generation to gas and domestic production slows in Europe, putting pressure on producers to meet demand. LNG demand is expected to continue to grow, as China becomes a larger consumer, particularly during winter. Credit:Leigh Tonkin The BNEF Global LNG Outlook 2018 report predicts demand will stabilise in the short term, at around 314 and 330 million tonnes between 2019 and 2022 before increasing again. "From 2023, imports will rise at a compound annual growth rate of 5 per cent till 2030," BNEF said. You'd think the one place one's man-whore tendencies might be accepted, or at least comfortably glossed over, would be on Bachelor In Paradise, Ten's new island hook-up spin-off. But alas, not for Jake Ellis. The Georgia Love reject was drinking alone by episode's end, burnt by revelations about his off-screen "reputation". "We're both from the Gold Coast... Everyone has been 'there'... So many people," Tara Pavlovic from last season's Bachelor informed onlookers about Jake, including Florence Moerenhout, her fellow Matty J cast-off. Flo, it turns out, has history with Jake they hooked up after a "smashed" night out once, and he's ghosted her since. She's keen to avoid him, she says, and make a move on larrikin Davey Lloyd from Sam Frost's season. To their credit, director Seth Gordon (Identity Thief) and the many, many writers engaged on the remake of the ludicrous and ludicrously successful '90s television series came up with an actual concept. That it was simply to replicate the comic appeal of a prior remake, 21 Jump Street, was not altogether surprising, but nor was it completely limiting. Dwayne Johnson and Zac Efron, as Californian lifeguard legend Mitch Buchannon and bad boy recruit Matt Brody respectively, don't have the comic interplay and psychological perversity of Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum, but amid a satire of male entitlement where the golden gods are sometimes idiots and the female lifeguards call them on it, an investigation of a local drug syndicate, run by Priyanka Chopra's beach club owner, offers intermittent humour as the meta-commentary and outbursts of idiocy make up for the shonky digital effects and the endless swimsuit issue shots. If you have an interest in the history of cinema, an interest in race relations and social justice, or simply an interest in watching cracking documentaries, Birth of a Movement is a must-see. Utilising the insights of a range of both black and white experts in everything from history to Hollywood it explores the way DW Griffith's Birth of a Nation sparked the birth of the US civil rights movement. We get a fascinating biography of William Monroe Trotter, a black intellectual and activist who graduated from Harvard in the late 1800s (an extraordinary event in itself) and went on to establish a major Boston newspaper. There's also the story of Griffiths, and how he went from being poor white Southern trash to the Father of Cinema. Plus a neatly-sketched history of the USA in the 50 years from the end of the Civil War to the debut of Griffith's most famous and most controversial film. Enlightening, thought-provoking, and, ultimately given the state of things in the US at the moment sobering. Melinda Houston If you live near Albert Park, chances are you would have heard the jets fly over on Saturday and Sunday, even if you didn't see them in the sky. Lee Palmer from Albert Park is not a fan of the noise. In today's paper he writes: "I know I am banging my head against a brick wall protesting at the grand prix being held at Albert Park, but what I do most strenuously protest is the waste of taxpayers' money by the RAAF flying its incredibly noisy fighter jets over the suburbs. "The noise level at such a low altitude deafens all who are subjected to it, terrifies small children and pets. And for what? To satisfy the few revheads who believe it essential to the enjoyment of a glorified car race. "In diplomatic terms, this so-called activity should cease and desist, and go back to where it came from." What do you think? Are the jets an annoyance, or do you enjoy the spectacle? See the rest of the letters in The Age today "He was walking talking dead," Ms Askew said. It is one of two cases the hospital has confirmed it has recently reviewed where a brain bleed or aneurysm was possibly missed. Calvary have defended its actions saying it tries to minimise the use of CT scans due to concerns about cancer. Studies have shown a small increase in the risk of cancer linked to CT scans, especially for children and adolescents, which has led to doctors showing caution. But the hospital conceded it should given Mr Askew written information on monitoring his condition when he got home. "My son was sitting waiting for 12 hours and 40 minutes with six breaks in the hand and the arm, a smashed cheek bone, fractured skull, acute bleed and nobody picked up anything but the arm," Ms Askew said. Mr Askew presented at Calvary emergency department at 2am on February 19 with a likely broken arm and visible injuries to his head. Notes say his first observations were taken about 7.30am and he didn't make it past the waiting room until about 11am when he was treated at the recliner chairs. The family said he only had one other observation taken during his time at the hospital. He was discharged about 2pm but given no warnings about the signs to look out for after head trauma. His family believes he showed signs of head trauma at the hospital; complaining of headaches, face pain, vomiting, a severe headache, confusion and not being able to remember the accident. They said little attention was paid to his head injury or exploring the possibility of a concussion. "Nothing was ever really said about my head," Mr Askew said. He and his mother can think of one likely reason - he was dismissed as being drunk. Mr Askew had a few drinks the night of the fall, about three over four hours. On his hospital notes - while no breath or blood test was completed - he was labelled as "intoxicated". "I can't help but feel they've made a judgement call and that judgement call has then affected the whole following processes and protocol," Ms Askew said. Mr Askew went to Canberra Hospital the morning after being discharged to see a specialist about his broken arm. It was here an orthopedic nurse named Rosemary took one look at him - at this stage unsteady on his feet and slurring his words - and told Ms Askew to take him straight to emergency. He was fast-tracked through, given a CT scan and within an hour was in emergency brain surgery. "They said the clot was sizeable and needed to be removed straight away and had I not gone to emergency and instead taken him home to return the following day for surgery for the arm he would never have woken up," Ms Askew said. "There was no could haves or maybes, it was simply he would have died." In a statement a spokesman for the Calvary Public Hospital Bruce emergency department said closed head injuries could be very complex to diagnose and treat and there is clear recognition of occurrences of delayed diagnosis in the medical literature. "In recent times, the issue of overuse of CT scanning with an inherent radiation dose and subsequent cancer risk is deeply considered by clinicians and often difficult to balance in young patients," he said. "There are differing views on the respective benefits and problems arising from either a conservative or intrusive treatment approach, and there is no 100 per cent accurate risk stratification tool to assist in decision making. "In the presence of head trauma, the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) is acknowledged within medicine as a reliable and objective way of recording the conscious state of a person for initial as well as subsequent assessment. "The score helps indicate potential intracranial pressure changes, an observation further informing clinicians around the appropriateness of attending a head CT. "The score also has some level of prognostication capacity, with a repeatedly normal coma score being reassuring. "With respect to the two cases identified, Calvary Emergency Department specialists have met face-to-face with one patient and family members and explained the treatment provided and why that treatment was appropriate given the patient's symptoms at the time of their presentation. "Whilst our doctors provided this patient with advice about monitoring his wellbeing after he left Calvary and returning if his condition changed, we regret we did not provide the patient with written information about monitoring his own condition and remaining observed by others after leaving Calvary." The family dispute the hospital followed the protocol, saying only two observations were ever done - the first one five hours after he arrived. "It wasn't like there was a tiny scratch there was a pretty big graze," Mr Askew's younger sister Kelsey said "You would be willing to take a chance on someone who has fallen off their skateboard at 44km/h and hit their head? "As far as it concerns me when they sent him home they sent him home to pretty much die. "It wasn't just that they didn't do the scan but they didn't seem to do a proper check or consistent observations." In another case also throughout February, a 33-year-old woman said she presented at Calvary twice with symptoms including headaches, dizziness, nausea, loss of consciousness vomiting and pain in one of her legs. On one occasion she was treated for potassium deficiency and on the next she waited a number of hours in the emergency room before going home. Her GP, concerned about her symptoms, later organised a CT scan which showed bruising on the brain. She went to Canberra Hospital where an MRI revealed she had a brain aneurysm and had emergency surgery that night. Calvary has confirmed it also reviewed her case. Canberra Airport bosses are meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack on Monday to discuss cancellation issues plaguing flights between the capital and Sydney. The latest set of government statistics showed cancellation rates on the route have crept up again after falling in January. Airport Chief Stephen Byron will raise flight cancellation concerns with the federal government on Monday. Credit:Dion Georgopoulos The cancellation rate for Canberra to Sydney flights was 3.2 per cent in February, compared to a nationwide cancellation rate of 1.3 per cent. Flights from Broome to Perth had the highest cancellation rate in the country, with 6.1 per cent of flights cancelled in February, according to the infrastructure department's latest domestic airline performance report. Industry concerns have been raised after more than 1000 compliance flaws were discovered in a government energy efficiency audit covering only a small fraction of building approvals. Between July 2016 and June 2017 the government randomly audited 616 separate energy efficiency ratings, discovering a combined total of 1264 non-compliances. Concerns have been raised with an audit of Canberra's energy efficiency rating scheme. Credit:Virginia Star The rating system is used to show a building's energy efficiency when it is either first built, or when it is sold or leased to a new owner. Common issues discovered during the audit process included failures to submit required documents, failures to correctly model a building's air leakage, and the use of the wrong window sizes to calculate ratings. Parmalat, the food giant behind Vaalia and Ski yoghurts, has ranked last in a study that examined the obesity prevention efforts of Australia's biggest food and beverage manufacturers, scoring a derisory three out of 100. With an alarming two-thirds of adults overweight or obese, Deakin University researchers ranked Australia's top 19 food and drink companies based on health-related policies in areas such as product formulation, nutrition labelling and advertising to children. Scores ranged from three to 71 out of 100, with four companies - Parmalat, Goodman Fielder (owner of Helga's bread), Schweppes (Spring Valley juice) and Tru Blu (LA Ice cola) - scoring below 10. Parmalat, the maker of Vaalia yoghurt, ranked last in the Deakin University report. "For sure, we're all responsible for what we buy and eat, but we also know that our environment, which is dominated by heavily promoted, cheap and unhealthy foods, influences our choices," lead author Associate Professor Gary Sacks from Deakins Global Obesity Centre said. Rachael Stevens believes she overcame her severe mental health issues "despite the treatment I was given," and now she's ready to tell the country's most powerful politicians that the system needs to change. Ms Stevens was hospitalised with anorexia at the age of 15, and attempted suicide at the age of 17. Now 26 and campaigning for change, the Canberran says the difficulties in dealing with the mental health system exacerbate the challenges in trying to get better. Canberra woman Rachael Stevens will tell politicians that the mental health system is broken at the launch of Australians for Mental Health on Monday. Credit:Jamila Toderas "The system tells you that you're broken, but actually the system is more broken than you've ever imagined. They really do blame people for so much when so much of the services are uncoordinated or unsupportive," Ms Stevens said. Ms Stevens will speak at the launch of Australians for Mental Health, a new national advocacy body led by Professor Patrick McGorry and television personality Jessica Rowe, which will push for a redesigned mental health system. According to Australians for Mental Health, the system is broken, and the four million Australians with mental health problems need a voice in order to fix it. NSW drivers are being charged a non-refundable administration fee when applying for a refund for a CTP green slip. Following an overhaul of the compulsory third-party car insurance scheme last year by the NSW government, most motorists are now eligible to receive a partial refund on their green slips. Sydney drivers will be slugged a $10 fee when claiming a green slip refund. Credit:Wolter Peeters The reform was welcomed by Sydney drivers who are set to receive an average refund of $70 while country drivers will pocket $30. More than 200,000 refunds, which are capped at $125 for private vehicle owners, were claimed within the first two days of the new online reimbursement scheme. It was a miserable autumn's morning, with steel-grey clouds spitting rain, when 24-year-old Kaitlyn* staggered into Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney believing she had suffered a miscarriage. For seven months she had been in denial about her pregnancy, using crystal methamphetamine, known as "ice", every day and hiding her burgeoning belly under baggy clothes. At the hospital, the ultrasound showed the baby was alive. Kaitlyn, scared and upset, asked for an abortion. But in line with the law, the staff refused. Kaitlyn, pictured with her baby Sam, escaped a life of drugs and took refuge at Kathleen York House. Credit:Louise Kennerley "Then I saw his heartbeat and I was shocked; that's when it all changed for me and I thought, 'I'm done [with drugs]'," said Kaitlyn, whose "disease of addiction" began at 17 with alcohol and escalated with cocaine and ice. "I'm finished." A Gold Coast ambulance has been knocked out of action for about 24 hours after a large rock was thrown and damaged the vehicle's windscreen while it was racing to an emergency situation. Paramedics said they saw a teenager throw the rock from an overpass just before the Smith Street exit on the M1 southbound at Gaven about 12.30pm on Sunday. The ambulance's damaged windscreen. Credit:Queensland Ambulance Service - Facebook Despite shattered glass falling into the cabin, no emergency services personnel were injured. However, the ambulance was forced to pull over immediately and another unit had to be dispatched to respond to the call for help. Buildings have been damaged, schools will be closed and powerlines are down in Queensland's north after severe tropical cyclone Nora crossed the coast - and there is more to come. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the communities of Pormpuraaw and Kowanyama were safe, but "we're not out of this yet". The aftermath of Cyclone Nora in Pormpuraaw, on the western Cape York Peninsula. "We want to make sure that all of the communities around the gulf are still prepared because, as we know, cyclones can change their direction," she said. "There is damage to some properties, with trees, we do want to urge people to stay away from those powerlines because they are not safe because they have come down and we want the families to also listen to the mayors in those local communities." The last home of Australia's oldest fabric business is set to become another apartment building. Clegs, which started trading in the 1920s and sold everything from bridal silk to haberdashery, shut the doors of its Brunswick East store and entered liquidation this month owing $440,000. Clegs owner Ken Maxwell outside his Brunswick East store where significant development was taking place in 2017. The business has now gone into liquidation. Credit:Pat Scala Its 80-year-old proprietor Ken Maxwell, who joined Clegs as a 14-year-old, said the business' closure was sad for Melbourne. The inner-city's shift to residential development from retail played a role, Mr Maxwell said. A Malaysian man has been charged for allegedly bringing child porn into Australia. Credit:Erin Jonasson A 27-year-old man has been charged for allegedly bringing more than 900 photos and videos of child porn into the country. The Malaysian man had arrived at Melbourne International Airport on a flight from Kuala Lumpur on March 22 where he was caught and arrested. Australian Border Force officers searched the mans belongings and allegedly found more than 900 images and videos of child porn on his laptop computer and mobile phone. The man was charged with importing child exploitation material. A suspicious fire has ripped through a block of units in Altona that may contain asbestos, destroying two apartments. Firefighters arrived at the McBain Street units about 10.30pm on Saturday just four minutes after they were called following reports that people were trapped inside. The scene in McBain Street, Altona, on Saturday night. Credit:Goya Dmytryshchak They were unable to account for one woman and spent considerable time searching for her in her burnt-out unit. Eventually they learnt she was not home, and by Sunday morning all occupants of the four units were accounted for. Loading "For us, every day is a waiting game really, to know what the impacts are going to be," she said. Cr Beard said she held concerns about the long-term health effects of the smoke on locals and urged all those who had been exposed to it to seek treatment in Terang, where an emergency relief centre had been established. "I know that a lot of farmers in that area have had to go back to milk cows and such, against the advice of medical experts," she said. "These people need to get back to their livelihood ... and farming is their livelihood." Farmers in the area have essentially faced three emergency events in one. Last Saturday's fire was whipped up by strong winds which caused significant damage, before the fires ripped through leaving many farmers not only homeless but without farming equipment, fences, sheds and food for their surviving livestock. Cr Beard said she was concerned the hazardous smoke could be a last straw for farmers. "The community is doing it tough already, they're going through enough and now this is ongoing," she said. "It is a real concern, it's a worrying time for everybody." Irrewarra farmer and Country Fire Authority captain John Martin said the fires had been the most destructive for the agricultural community in the south-west since the 1983 Ash Wednesday fire. Mr Martin travelled the 50 kilometres from his farm to visit friends affected in the Cobrico area on Saturday when he captured footage of the peat fire. You see no flames, just smouldering and smoke, incredible amounts of smoke, he said. The lake bed is smouldering ... the surface of the swamp is white hot, like white ash. The 35-year veteran of the CFA said he suspected firefighters would be able to do little to put out the pear fire. My gut feeling is it will be left for nature to take its course and it will require significant rainfall, he said. The farmer and firefighter said the peat lakes would need to flood to douse the flames, something which could take three months of rain in a good year. If we have a dry winter that thing could easily be going next summer, he said. In the meantime he said affected farmers would require tremendous support. Theyre trying to rebuild a lifetime of infrastructure, he said. But the dairy and cattle farmer said rural communities were already rallying to support those in need. "There's been people getting up at the crack of dawn to milk their own cows and then driving down to help out complete strangers," he said. Health authorities say people with lung and heart conditions, children aged under 14, people aged over 65 and pregnant women should stay indoors when there was peat smoke about. Windows should be shut, airconditioners should be put on a recycle mode and people in the risk groups should not exert themselves. A man is in hospital with extensive burns after an explosion at his home in Darling Downs, between Armadale and Byford in Perth's south-east. Neighbours rang emergency services around 9.10pm Saturday night saying they had heard an explosion and yelling inside the house, even as police officers on patrol nearby saw the house engulfed in flames. Police found the 42-year-old man at a neighbour's house. The only person home during the explosion, he was badly burnt to the arms and legs, representing about 30 per cent of his body. Paramedics took the man at top speed to Fiona Stanley Hospital, where he remains in stable condition. It took firefighters an hour to extinguish the fire, leaving the house severely damaged. The average full time worker would have an extra $750 in their pockets each and every year. I want to cut taxes; Bill Shorten wants to increase them, even on retirees and pensioners. I want to put more money in your pocket; Bill Shorten wants to pick your pocket. The $750 estimate is based on Treasury modelling on the increase in GDP that flows from a lower company tax rate, but the analysis has been ridiculed by Mr Shorten and Labor treasury spokesman Chris Bowen. The government is backing its claim by citing similar estimates from Labor when it advocated a cut in the company tax rate in Wayne Swan's May 2010 budget. The 2010 budget forecast a 0.4 per cent increase in GDP from the company tax cut, separate from the 0.3 per cent effect of the mining tax announced at the same time. The growth dividend included in the 2010 budget was estimated to flow through to employment and wages, adding $600 million to Commonwealth tax revenue over two years. Labor dropped this when it abandoned the company tax cuts. Asked whether Labor was being hypocritical by dismissing the government's growth dividend when Labor once claimed one itself, Mr Bowen said the government failed to acknowledge that up to 60 per cent of the company tax cut went to foreign shareholders. Mr Bowen also said the government failed to acknowledge the potential for company tax cuts to lead to more share buybacks instead of wage rises. Labor employment spokesman Brendan OConnor on Sunday warned that the government had to explain how it would fund its cuts. Of course, the way the governments looking at funding it is increasing taxes on workers between $21,000 and $87,000 a year, and slashing services, health and education. That's not the way to go, he told the ABC. Mr OConnor rejected the argument that the company tax cut would lift wages. Parliament last year legislated some of Mr Turnbulls company tax cuts but stopped the benefits going to companies with more than $50 million in turnover. The laws already passed cost $29.8 billion in foregone revenue over a decade, while the remainder of the package would cost another $35.6 billion. Treasury modelling suggests the full package would expand the economy by 1.1 per cent, worth about $22 billion each year after a decade, but this is the subject of dispute among economists and is dismissed by Labor and the Greens. The government needs support from nine of the 11 crossbenchers but has only secured seven: David Leyonhjelm, Cory Bernardi, Fraser Anning, Steve Martin and the three votes of Pauline Hansons One Nation. Nick Xenophon Team senator Rex Patrick said he and colleague Stirling Griff had not moved from their stance against the cuts. Im not convinced that following the US in a race to the bottom is a good thing, he said. Senator Storer, who entered Parliament only last week in the wake of the dual citizenship fiasco, is refusing the comment while he waits for the government to make an offer that could swing his vote. Senator Hinch has criticised the way the tax cuts benefit the big banks and is arguing for tougher action against the perpetrators of violence against children. The government decision to spend $70 million on a joint surveillance unit to prosecute paedophiles following pressure from Senator Hinch over months, but the announcement on Sunday made no mention of the independent senator. Fairfax Media was told Senator Hinchs colleagues were surprised and disappointed he was overlooked, given he had successfully pressed the government last year to stop convicted paedophiles travelling overseas. One critic of the governments approach said the announcement in a Queensland newspaper on Sunday seemed to be designed to shore up Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton in his marginal seat of Dickson rather than help the government secure its flagship reform. While Mr Turnbull will step up the political attack on Labor, the negotiations are being left to Senator Cormann. The fact that were at this point is a testament to his skill, one government adviser said of Senator Cormann. The Minerals Council of Australia will throw more support behind the tax reform on Monday by releasing an economic analysis that claims Australia must cut its corporate tax rate to avoid losing investment, growth and jobs. More Australian banks will be required for the first time to sign up to a new code of practice as part of their membership of the Australian Banking Association, marking a strengthening of the scandal-plagued sector's approach to self-regulation. The ABA's move to compel all banks with retail operations to adopt the rewritten code is likely to oblige members such as Macquarie, industry super fund-backed ME Bank and local offshoots of international institutions like the Bank of China who are not signatories to adopt the tougher and legally-enforceable set of rules. The new code will force banks with retail operations to adopt plain English contracts, stop unsolicited offers of credit card limit increases, give customers the ability to cancel credit cards online, and provide more transparency around fees. Customers will also be notified when credit card interest-free periods expire, and statement fees will be waived for those without access to electronic versions. Making the code compulsory is the latest step in the banks' efforts to rebuild trust with the community and convince Australians they are serious about stamping out the kind of misconduct now being scrutinised by the financial services royal commission. The first two weeks of hearings in Melbourne have already exposed allegations of serious misconduct. We are forever being told about how much Australians have to work in order to pay the welfare bill, Anglicare Australia executive director Kasy Chambers said. The report, The Cost of Privilege , to be released on Monday, puts the cost shouldered by each worker at $37 a week, a figure it compares with $6 a week imposed by the Newstart unemployment benefit. The subsidies covered negative gearing, superannuation and capital gains tax, discretionary trusts and exemptions from the goods and services tax for private health and education. Tax concessions for the richest fifth of the population cost the budget $68 billion a year, a new analysis commissioned by Anglicare finds. What we are not told, and what it is harder to find out, is how much it costs in tax concessions for people to go to private schools, private hospitals, to use trusts and to live in homes whose sale proceeds are enhanced by capital gains tax concessions. We hear politicians say all the time that they would love to increase Newstart because it is too low, but that they can't afford it. Our calculations show that what they afford is a matter of choice. When bundled together, the concessions they direct to the richest one-fifth of Australians are substantial. The report details the circumstances of four hypothetical couples. The poorest, Kevin and Andrea, live with two boys aged 11 and nine who go to the local primary school. Andrea left her part-time job when her first boy was born, and is studying accounting. Kevin has been laid off. The support they get from Newstart, family tax benefit A and B and rent assistance amounts to $42,103 a year. The richest, Tim and Michelle, have two children aged nine and seven, both enrolled in private schools. They have provided the family with top private health and hospital cover. Tim owns a business which makes an annual profit of $230,000. Michelle is a director of the company but doesnt work outside the business. Matt Pearson has so many dreams, he has to be careful to order them, so he doesn't lose track. First, he wants to build a flying race car. Then, he wants to build another, and have them race against each other through the desert. This year. Then, he wants to launch a flying grand prix in 2020. The Airspeeder on display at the 2018 Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park. Credit:Paul Jeffers So far, he has succeeded in building a drone. Cairo: A bomb placed under a nearby car exploded in the coastal city of Alexandria in Egypt as the city security chief's convoy passed by, killing two policemen and wounding four others, the Interior Ministry said. Local media reports said General Mostafa al-Nimr survived the explosion on Saturday and he was seen on a local TV channel in good condition while inspecting the area of the blast shortly after it took place. Security members search after a bomb placed under a nearby car exploded on Saturday in Alexandria, Egypt. Credit:AP The Interior Ministry had earlier reported only one policeman killed in the blast which occurred in the vicinity of a police station in the city's central Roshdi district. Health Ministry spokesman Khaled Megahed said two policemen were killed and four others wounded in thes explosion, adding that one civilian was also wounded. So far, the incoming national security adviser, John R. Bolton, has declared that his past comments are "behind me". Hours after his selection was announced, Bolton vowed that he would find ways to execute the policies that Trump was elected on, but that he would not tolerate slow-walking and leaks from bureaucrats he dismissed as "munchkins". Some who know Bolton and his operating style predict titanic clashes. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, the retired general who has argued for keeping the Iran deal intact and warned that military confrontation with North Korea would result in "the worst kind of fighting in most people's lifetimes", has told colleagues that he does not know if he can work with Bolton. The White House chief of staff, John F. Kelly, another retired four-star general, was also unenthusiastic about Bolton's hiring. Bolton's harshest critics mostly Democrats, but their ranks include some members of the Bush administration argue that the odds of taking military action will rise dramatically when he becomes the last person a volatile US president consults. President Bush flashes a "thumbs-up" after declaring the end of major combat in Iraq as he speaks aboard the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln off the California coast, ons May 1, 2003. Credit:AP "John Bolton is not some grey bureaucrat whose views are unknown to us," said Michael McFaul, US ambassador to Moscow under President Barack Obama, and now a Stanford professor and director of the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies. "He's very clear that there should be regime change in Iran and North Korea, and military force should be used to achieve those goals," McFaul said. "If you hire him, you're making a clear signal that's what you want." But others who have worked for years with Bolton argue that Trump knows exactly what he is getting: leverage, not conflict. "I think this notion everybody talks about, that the risks of war have gone up, is wrong," said Stephen J. Hadley, who was Bush's national security adviser and a major architect of the invasions of Afghanistan in 2001 and Iraq in 2003. "This is the peace-through-strength crowd who want to make clear to people that they're tough and that no one should cross them. But the reason for that is to deter war." Bolton not only fervently advocated the attack on Saddam Hussein from his post at the State Department during the Bush administration, but he also defended its aftermath, and has said he remains convinced it was the right decision. Over the past three years, Bolton has advocated bombing Iran, attacking North Korea, and carving a new state out of Iraq and Syria. After a year of insult trading, Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un are ready to meet. But will John Bolton's appointment affect that mix? Credit:AP Mike Pompeo, nominee for secretary of state, said at the Aspen Security Conference in July that the most dangerous thing about North Korea was the fact that its young, moody and reportedly ruthless leader, Kim Jong-un, controls its weapons. "So from the administration's perspective, the most important thing we can do is separate those two. Right?" said Pompeo, who at the time was months into his current job as CIA director. "Separate capacity and someone who might well have intent, and break those two apart." Assuming that Pompeo is confirmed, he and Bolton, the two most forceful, aggressive new members of the policy team, will have to decide in what order they can risk those confrontations. The Trump administration has said it is open to direct talks with Kim by May the same month by which the president has said he will scrap the Iran nuclear accord. "Even if you are going to be a superhawk, you can't do all these at once," said Rolf Mowatt-Larssen, a former CIA station chief in Moscow who later hunted down Pakistani nuclear technology as the Energy Department's chief intelligence officer. "And if you want to go to war with Iran and North Korea, you have to expect to alienate your allies and run headlong into the Russians." William J. Burns, a longtime US diplomat who was Bush's ambassador to Russia and Obama's deputy secretary of state, predicted that if the new team exits the Iran deal and confronts North Korea, the first beneficiary is likely to be President Vladimir Putin of Russia. 'If the new team exits the Iran deal and confronts North Korea, the first beneficiary is likely to be President Vladimir Putin of Russia.' Credit:AP "He looks for splits," Burns said of Putin. "He knows he will benefit if we walk away from the Iran deal, because it will put a wedge between us and our European allies." The unknown factor in the new mix is Gina Haspel, the career intelligence officer who has been nominated to be the first woman to run the CIA. Since she has spent much of her career undercover details of which the agency is just beginning to release, in an effort to lobby for her confirmation her foreign policy views are largely unknown. Loading Donald Trump. Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images On Friday night, hours after another tumultuous week wrapped up in Washington, the Trump administration issued a vaguely worded memo that would bar transgender people from serving in the military, while giving the Pentagon some discretion over how the policy is carried out. The memo, signed by President Trump and filed in U.S. District Court in Seattle, states that persons with a history or diagnosis of gender dysphoria including individuals who the policies state may require substantial medical treatment, including medications and surgery are disqualified from military service except under limited circumstances. The move is an extension of the policy announced impulsively by President Trump on Twitter last July, in which he vowed to ban all transgender people from the military. In August, Trump directed the Pentagon to reverse an Obama-era policy that had allowed transgender people, or those with gender dysphoria, to serve. But in the following months, multiple judges blocked Trumps ban as unconstitutional, preventing it from going into effect. Trump sought input from the military on the matter or at least pretended to. In a report released on Friday, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis wrote that the new policy would place the Department of Defense in the strongest position to protect the American people, to fight and win Americas wars, and to ensure the survival and success of our service members around the world. But Slates Mark Joseph Stern reports that, according to multiple sources, Mattis actually supports open transgender service, but was overruled by Vice President Mike Pence and other anti-trans forces in the administration, which were the real voices behind the report. The new measures provoked a furious reaction from several civil rights and LGBT groups. What the White House has released tonight is transphobia masquerading as policy, said Joshua Block, a senior staff lawyer at the American Civil Liberties Union, in a statement. The policy will face immediate legal challenges, and, given its similarity to last summers version, has a strong chance of being knocked down again in federal court. In a 2016 study, the RAND Corporation estimated that 1,320 to 6,630 transgender people serve in the military, with 830 to 4,160 serving in the reserves. The study concluded that allowing transgender troops to serve would have minimal impact on readiness and health care costs. Though it is often a fools game to read too much into the administrations motives, the announcement, with its odd timing, could be seen as an attempt to mollify Trumps hard-right base hours after he signed a massive spending bill that did not include significant funding for a border wall. Trump made a show of publicly considering vetoing the bill before grudgingly signing it into law. Damage caused by an earthquake in Papua New Guinea is seen in this handout image released March 7, 2018. (MAF International/Handout via Reuters) A Month After PNG Quake and Continuing Aftershocks, Cash-Strapped Government Struggles to Help the Hardest-Hit SYDNEYAlmost a month after a deadly earthquake, Papua New Guinea is struggling to get aid to desperate survivors, having allocated just a fraction of its relief funds, while a rent dispute left disaster officials briefly locked out of their offices. The scale of the emergency is testing the finances and capacity of one of the worlds poorest countries, disaster and relief officials say, after the magnitude 7.5 quake rocked its remote mountainous highlands on Feb. 26, killing 100 people. Thousands of survivors have walked to remote airstrips and jungle clearings, awaiting helicopters bringing supplies of food, water and medicines, aid agencies and authorities say. To date, we do not have any money to do all the necessary things, Tom Edabe, the disaster coordinator for the hardest-hit province of Hela, said by telephone from Tari, its capital. (The) government is trying to assist and have budgeted some money, but to date we have not received anything we have only been given food, and non-food items supplied by other NGOs. Continuing aftershocks rattle residents, who have to collect water brought by daily rainstorms to ensure adequate supplies, Edabe, the disaster coordinator, said. The biggest thing that people need, apart from food, is water, said James Pima, a helicopter pilot and flight manager at aviation firm HeliSolutions in the Western Highlands capital of Mt. Hagen, about 170 km (100 miles) from the disaster zone. They dont have clean water to cook or drink they are standing there staring. The expression on their faces is blank. His firms three helicopters fly relief missions fully flat-out every day, Pima added. Destruction to roads and runways means authorities must rely on helicopters to fly in relief. But while nimble, the craft can only carry smaller loads than fixed-wing aircraft and cannot fly during the afternoon thunderstorms. The logistics problems wind all the way to PNGs disaster center, where officials told Reuters they had been locked out of their office in Port Moresby, the capital, for two days last week after the government missed a rental payment. That was correct, Monday and Tuesday, a spokeswoman said. In a joint report with the United Nations published on Friday, the agency cited lack of quality data about food shortages, limited aircraft assets and significant gaps in sanitation support as being the biggest problems it faced. The office of Prime Minister Peter ONeill did not respond to emailed questions from Reuters. On his website, ONeill has previously said, There will be no quick fix, the damage from this disaster will take months and years to be repaired. Political Games The government had approved relief funds amounting to 450 million kina ($130 million), ONeill said initially, but a later statement mentioned only 3 million kina in initial relief or less than 1 percent had been allocated to the worst-hit areas. In its November budget, the government made plans to rein in spending and trim debt projected to stand at 25.8 billion kina in 2018. The impoverished country is also missing its largest revenue earner, after the quake forced a shutdown of Exxon Mobil Corps liquefied natural gas project, which has annual sales of $3 billion at current LNG prices. The firm is still assessing quake damage at its facilities. ONeill last week hit out at critics of the aid effort for playing political games, while thanking Australia and New Zealand for military aircraft that provided assistance beyond the capacity of PNGs own defense forces. His political opponent, former Prime Minister Mekere Morauta, had called the governments response tardy and inadequate. Relief sources say mobile medical centers and operating theaters are needed urgently, and that only international partners can supply them, Morauta said last week. Foreign aid pledges of about $49 million have come in mostly provided by private companies from Australia, China, the European Union, Japan, New Zealand and the United States, says the United Nations. Exxon and its partner, Oil Search Ltd, say they have provided $6 million in cash and kind for quake relief. Local officials say the scale of destruction, with villages buried by landslides and provincial towns flattened, has overwhelmed authorities in Papua New Guinea, which straddles the geologically active Pacific Ring of Fire. Policemen are still struggling because there is no support flying in and out, said Naring Bongi of the quake-damaged police station in the Southern Highlands capital of Mendi. There is not enough food to supply care centers, they need fresh water, he added. Another large quake registering at magnitude 6.3 struck West New Britain, Papua New Guinea, at 9:23 p.m. local time on March 24, according to the USGS. The quake was again followed by two aftershocks; a 4.6 magnitude quake at 11:20 p.m. local time on March 24 and a 5.3 magnitude quake at 3:09 p.m. on March 25. The extent of the damage remains unknown at this stage. By Tom Westbrook Recommended Video: What You Need to Know About Earths Poles Shift 2018 Car Deliberately Driven Into Group of Children in Scotland, Police Say A car was deliberately driven into a crowd of children in Glasgow, Scotland, it was reported Sunday. A girl was badly injured in the incident. Police have described the collision with a group of five childrenaged between 12 and 14as attempted murder, Sky News reported. The group was standing on the pavement at Stravanan Road in Castlemilk around 3:30 p.m. local time on Saturday, police said. The driver of the silver Vauxhall Astra did not stop after striking the children before it drove off towards another road. Three girls, aged 12, 13 and 14, as well as a 12-year-old boy, were treated for minor injuries. A 14-year-old girl, however, was taken to Hairmyres hospital. There, her condition was described as stable yet serious, according to Sky News. Peter Sharp, a local detective, told Sky, This vehicle was deliberately driven at this group of children and as such we are treating this incident as attempted murder. Extensive police inquiries are continuing to trace the man driving the car, his male passenger and also the vehicle involved. Officers are following a number of lines of inquiry, he said. At this time I would appeal to any witnesses to this incident, or anyone with information that may assist this investigation, including anyone who may have details of the silver Vauxhall Astra involved, to contact police as a matter of urgency. Girl seriously hurt after car drives into group of children in Glasgow https://t.co/gsCOerppqc BBC News (UK) (@BBCNews) March 25, 2018 Five children were struck by a car which was driven at them deliberately in the south of Glasgow https://t.co/wuVsZIn99n pic.twitter.com/frdZPAfGOO STV News (@STVNews) March 25, 2018 He said there will now be additional police patrols in the area to provide reassurance to the local community. I would encourage anyone with information or concerns to approach the officers who will be happy to assist, he said. Other details about the case were not made clear. A spokesperson for Police Scotland told The Express that theres nothing to suggest that the incident is terror-related. She added We have made an appeal for witnesses and the case is very much ongoing. Recommended Video: How Doctors in China Turn into Murderers The LongHorn Steakhouse restaurant where Gregory Kiernan purportedly snatched a woman's purse before being chased down, in Camillus, NY. (Screenshot via Google Maps) Donut Shop Owner Turns Into Superhero After Thief Snatches Womans Purse The owner of a donut shop chased down a thief who outran two women and was about to take off in a car. Paul Valenti, the 46-year-old owner of Glazed & Confused donut shop in Syracuse, New York, was eating dinner with his wife and two children at LongHorn Steakhouse in Camillus when the restaurant went into emergency mode. Alarms went off and everybody was evacuated, Syracuse.com reported. While in the parking lot someone said what happeneda womans purse had been stolen inside the restaurant. Valenti looked over and saw two women chasing a man across three parking lots, according to Syracuse.com. Valenti pursued the group until the women had caught up with the man. As he tried to get in his car, Valenti stepped in front of the women so they wouldnt get hurt, Syracuse.com reported. Im a little bigger than him, so I just stopped him from getting in his car, Valenti told Syracuse.com. I said to him, What were you thinking? and then the guy threw the womans purse back at her and said he was having hard times. Gregory Kiernan was arrested, but his mugshot has not been released because police think he has committed similar crimes in the area, according to Syracuse.com. The woman who got her purse back gave Valenti a hug and tearfully thanked him, Syracuse.com reported. Police told a server at another restaurant in the area that the same man had snatched her wallet a few weeks ago, according to Syracuse.com. I wish I could personally thank the patrons who chased this guy, said Angela Clayton, via Syracuse.com. Im currently waiting for the DAs office to release my wallet back to me. I know my wallet and everything in it could be replaced, but my wallet had a lock of hair in it from my sons first haircut that we had taken him for that Thursday before this happened, she said. From NTD.tv Recommended Video: Huge Crocodile Snags Fishermans Catch at Last Moment Father Confronts Principal for Allowing 12-Year-Olds to Hold Gun Control Walkout A father living in Ventura, California, posted a video of a heated confrontation he had with the principal of his sons school. The video comes after students nationwide walked out of their schools last Wednesday to advocate for gun control in the wake of the Parkland school shooting that left 17 people dead. John Gunn confronted principal Barbara Boggio of the Ventura Unified School District and questioned her about allowing 12-year-old students to hold the protest. I want to know who authorized these kids to go out and leave the class when I wasnt even notified about it, he said to the schools principal, in a video he posted on Facebook. Boggio responded, As our school planned for who and what, we anticipated something But Gunn interrupted asking, 6th graders? 6th graders? When do 6th graders make decisions? When do 12-year-olds make decisions? Youre an adult, youre the school, youre supposed to teach my child. You dont influence my child in any which way. Democrat, liberal, Republican, whatever it is. I want it out of the school system, he continued. So why did my son have to sit in that classbecause he didnt leavebut why wasnt I notified? The principal then explained that if its the students choice to leave then thats their choice. But the father fired back. What do you mean thats their choice? Theyre 6th graders! he said. If this wasnt a protest and this wasnt happening, you would let the kid leave? he continued. She responded, I would make sure they were safe. But the father was not happy with her response. I want to know who let them go? Im going to sue the school district. I already have a lawyer. I wasnt notified that you were going to allow this. he said in the video. Gunn told Independent Journal Review that he called the superintendent of the school but they were in a meeting at that time. They told him that human resources would contact him later. But the father said he has not heard anything in over three days. They should have kept the kids inside the classroom since they are 12 and 13-years-old, Gunn told IJR. They shouldnt be pushing their liberal agenda on kids that know no better. IJR asked Principal Bobbio for a comment on the story but she told them I wont be making any comments. From NTD.tv Recommended Video: Firefighter Going Over 100 mph Before Deadly Crash Father Sentenced to Prison for Trying to Sell His 4-Year-Old Daughter for Sex on Craigslist A father who posted an advertisement on Craigslist to sell his 4-year-old daughter for sex has been sentenced to 60 years in prison on Friday, March 23. Andrew Turley, 30, was convicted for trafficking a child and compelling prostitution of someone under the age of 18 in Harris County, Texas, reported Houston Chronicle. Turley, originally from Wisconsin, caught the attention of Houston Police Department Officers when he posted an advertisement on Craigslist in 2015 under the heading Play with Daddies Little Girl. In emails with undercover officers, Turley described his daughter as younger than 10 and he would give sleep meds before the encounter, according to the district attorneys office, reported the Washington Post. The father told the undercover officer in several emails that he charged $1,000 for two hours with his daughter and wrote that the 4-year-old girl might be too young for intercourse but everything else was OK, the district attorneys office said. The undercover officer arrived at the Houston-area apartment where the girl was staying with her mother at a time set by Turley. The father was in Houston to visit his daughter at the time, prosecutors said. Upon the undercover officers arrival, Turley checked the cash, then escorted him to a bedroom where the girl was lying in bed and appeared to be under the influence of an unknown substance,' the statement said, reported the Houston Chronicle. Assistant district attorney Stewanna Miskell, who was one of the two prosecutors in the case, said that case broke her heart. A father is supposed to be a protector, not a predator. Jurors saw the need to keep him out of our community, she said, reported the news website. The girls mother, who had no knowledge of what Turley was doing, was not charged, reported ABC 13. Turley was sentenced to 30 years in prison on each of the two charges and will not be eligible for parole until he is 75-years-old, reported the Washington Post. From NTD.tv Recommended Video: How Doctors in China Turn into Murderers Saudi Arabias senior government figures and international banking and business leaders will discuss the economic impact of the kingdoms reforms at the Euromoney Saudi Arabia Conference, to be held in May. The event will take place on May 2 and 3, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Running in a new Wednesday-to-Thursday slot, the annual event is organised in partnership with the Ministry of Finance, said a statement. In 2018, the conference will review the progress made so far on key initiatives including the infrastructure development programme, reform of the bankruptcy laws, and the much-anticipated IPO of a stake in Saudi Aramco, it said. In addition, market experts will assess the potential impact that could result from the Tadawul Indexs inclusion in the MSCI Emerging Market Index, which could bring significant additional liquidity into the kingdoms equities. A decision is expected in June of this year, it added. The kingdom has seen a number of new mega-projects and significant investments announced already this year, along with government efforts to reduce subsidies and tackle a predicted deficit of $52 billion for 2018. Speakers from the kingdom will include Mohammed Al-Jadaan, Minister of Finance, Saudi Arabia; Dr Majid Bin Abdullah Al Qasabi, Minister of Commerce and Investment, Saudi Arabia; Dr Ahmed Abdulkarim Alkholifey, governor, Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority; Mohammed El-Kuwaiz, chairman, Capital Market Authority; and Khalid Abdullah Al Hussan, chief executive officer, Tadawul. They will be joined by James Forese, president and CEO, Institutional Clients Group, Citigroup; Samir Assaf, CEO, global banking and markets, HSBC; and Takumi Shibata, president and CEO, Nikko Asset Management. This will be a pivotal year for Saudi Arabia, said Victoria Behn, Euromoney Conferences head of Middle East and Africa (MEA). The shock of subdued oil prices is dissipating, and a clearer picture of the kingdoms economy is now emerging. Initiatives such as the Aramco float and the restructuring of Saudi Arabias Public Investment Fund into a global sovereign wealth fund will be foremost in delegates minds this May, and we expect a lively and informed discussion, she said. Over the two days, keynote speakers will provide insights into challenges and opportunities reshaping the countrys changing economic landscape, from balancing the budget and the impact of VAT, to finding new sources of revenue. The conference will be preceded by two exclusive ticketed executive briefings, offering the opportunity to hear from local and international experts on new listings on the stock market and the rise of real estate investment trusts (REITs), it stated. TradeArabia News Service Thanasi Kokkinakis of Australia (L) shakes hands with Roger Federer of Switzerland (R) after their match on day five of the Miami Open at Tennis Center at Crandon Park on Mar 24, 2018, in Key Biscayne, FL, USA. Kokkinakis won 3-6, 6-3, 7-6(4). (Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports) Federer Upset by Australian Kokkinakis in Miami World number one Roger Federer suffered a shock 3-6 6-3 7-6(4) defeat by Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis in the Miami Open second round on Saturday. It was the second loss in six days for the Swiss, who was beaten by Juan Martin del Potro in the Indian Wells final and is set to lose his top ranking to Rafa Nadal even though the Spaniard is not playing in Miami. Kokkinakis, ranked 175th in the world, used a vicious top-spin forehand to wear down the defending champion and claim an upset victory in front of a stunned near-capacity crowd. This is nuts, Kokkinakis told reporters after beating Federer at the first attempt. Ive trained with him a lot of times. I took what I learned from him and sort of kinda of knew how he played a little bit and just played my game and executed. The match turned in the second set. I finally used a couple of loose errors, the Aussie said. I started getting in the rallies a little bit more and dictating with my forehand. When I feel like I am playing on my terms, I dont think theres too many people who can go with me. Kokkinakis, 21, born in Australia to Greek parents, only got into the Miami qualifiers on a wildcard but he displayed the talent that has long had him earmarked as one to watch, improving the longer the match progressed. Federer looked to be taking care of business as usual when he broke Kokkinakis in the fourth game of the opening set. There were few danger signs for 20-times grand slam champion Federer until he was broken to love in the fourth game of the second set as his first serve deserted him. Sensing vulnerability, Kokkinakis pounced and the whole tone of the match shifted. He won the set on serve to cursory applause and the decider was finely balanced throughout. Kokkinakis displayed poise beyond his years to go toe-to-toe with the 36-year-old Federer and dominated the tiebreak, winning on a second serve that Federer sent into the net. Kokkinakis let out a scream as the small Australian contingent in the crowd celebrated, leaving Federer to walk off the Crandon Park court for the final time before the event moves to a new venue next year. Recommended Video: Is This Thing On? Curious Emperor Penguins Pose For Selfies in Antarctica [/epoch_video] Flowers and messages in tribute to victim are seen in front of the Gendarmerie of Carcassonne, the day after a hostage situation in Trebes, France March 24, 2018. (Reuters/Regis Duvignau) France Mourns Hero Officer Who Took Place of Hostage in Attack PARISFrance will pay a national tribute to a security officer who died from gunshot wounds after voluntarily taking the place of a female hostage during a supermarket siege by an Islamist terrorist, President Emmanuel Macron said on Saturday. Arnaud Beltrame, 44, a gendarme who once served in Iraq, had been raced to hospital fighting for his life after being shot by the gunman during the siege at the Super U store in the southwestern town of Trebes near the Pyrenees mountains. His actions were described as heroic by politicians across the political spectrum. He fell as a hero, giving up his life to halt the murderous outfit of a jihadist terrorist, Macron said in a statement shortly before dawn on Saturday. Macron said France would organize a national tribute in Beltrames honor, the presidents office announced after he met with members of the government and officials involved in the attack investigation. It gave no further details. The attacker was identified by authorities as Redouane Lakdim, a 25-year-old Moroccan-born French national from the city of Carcassonne, not far from Trebes, the tranquil town of about 5,000 people where he struck on Friday. Lakdim was known to authorities for drug-dealing and other petty crimes, but had also been under surveillance by security services in 2016-2017 for links to the radical Salafist movement, Paris prosecutor Francois Molins said on Friday. The attackers rampage began when he shot the occupant of a car he stole and fired on a group of police joggers, wounding one. He then headed to a supermarket where he killed two people, an employee and a client, bringing Fridays toll to three dead and 16 injured, according to a government readout. Beltrames death took the number killed to four. He was part of a team of gendarmes who were among the first to arrive at the supermarket scene. Most of the people in the shop escaped after hiding in a cold storage room and then fleeing through an emergency exit. He offered to trade places with a hostage the attacker was still holding, whereafter he took her place and left his mobile phone on a table, line open. When shots rang out, elite police stormed the building to kill the assailant. Police sources said Beltrame was shot three times. Politicians from the left and right called Beltrame a hero on Twitter, including opposition leader Laurent Wauquiez, far-right National Rally party leader Marine Le Pen and Olivier Faure, set to become the next Socialist party head. #ArnaudBeltrame was a trending topic on the social network where people expressed their respect and gratitude for the officer, and thoughts for his wife. Several cities, the National Assembly and police stations lowered their flags in his honor. The Grand Mosque of Paris, the largest in the country, said the Muslim community joined in mourning for a man who had fallen heroically under the bullets of the terrorist Redouane Lakdim in the exercise of his mission. British Prime Minister Theresa May hailed Beltrames courage and sacrifice on Twitter, saying they would never be forgotten. Arrests and Searches The ISIS terrorist group on Friday claimed responsibility for the attack. Several hundred investigators devoted to the inquiry were still checking the claim on Saturday and looking into possible complicity the terrorist could have benefited from to carry out his attacks, the presidents office said. Police arrested two people as part of the investigation on Friday a woman connected to Lakdim, and overnight a 17-year-old male said to be one of his friends, judicial sources said. Searches at the attackers home showed notes referring to ISIS that appeared to be a will, as well as a phone and a computer, judicial sources said. Investigators also found three improvised explosive devices, a 7.65-millimetre handgun and a hunting knife in the supermarket, a source said. U.S. President Donald Trump condemned the violent actions of the attacker and anyone who would provide him support. We are with you @EmmanuelMacron! he added on Twitter. More than 240 people have been killed in France in attacks since 2015 by assailants who either pledged allegiance to ISIS or were inspired by the ultra-hardline group. France is part of a group of countries whose warplanes have been bombing ISIS strongholds in Iraq and Syria, where in recent months ISIS has lost much of a self-proclaimed caliphate of territory it seized in 2014. One multiple attack by Islamist gunmen and suicide bombers killed 130 people in Paris in November 2015 while another killed close to 90 when a man ran a truck into partying crowds in the Riviera seaside city of Nice in July 2016. Beltrame was a qualified parachutist who served in Iraq in 2005. He also worked as part of the elite Republican Guard that protects the presidential Elysee Place offices and residence in Paris, Macron said. Fridays assault was the first deadly Islamist attack in France since October 2017, when a man stabbed two young women to death in the port city of Marseille before soldiers killed him. Several attacks over the past year or more have targeted police and soldiers deployed in big numbers to protect civilians and patrol sensitive spots such as airports and train stations. By Brian Love and Sybille de La Hamaide Recommended Video: Mesmerizing Venus Flytrap Anemone Found Deep in the Ocean Iowa Family Found Dead in Mexico Died After Inhaling Toxic Gases, Authorities Say Authorities have revealed the cause of death for an Iowa family of four who were found dead in a Mexican resort-town condominium early Friday morning, March 23. Kevin Wayne Sharp, 41, Amy Marie Sharp, 38, and their children, Sterling Wayne Sharp, 12, and Adrianna Marie Sharp, 7, were on vacation in Mexico on March 15. They were reported missing by family members when they did not return home on March 21. The State Attorneys Office of Quintana Roo said the family had died from inhalation of toxic gases and were dead for approximately 36 to 48 hours before they were found during a welfare check, reported CBS News. The type of gas or the source of the gas has not been identified. Mexican authorities said firefighters carried out an inspection of the gas installation of the room. During the initial inspection of the room, there were no signs of injury or violence. Suicide and violence have both been ruled out as possible causes, reported WHO-TV. Authorities said the investigation is still ongoing to determine what gas had caused the familys death, reported the news station. Amys cousin, Jana Weland, told ABC News that the vacation was a surprise for the children for Spring break. WATCH: Jana Weland, the cousin of Amy Sharp, talks to @ABC about Creston family found dead in a Mexico condominium. pic.twitter.com/3yju3Y3gaz We Are Iowa Local 5 (@weareiowa5news) March 23, 2018 The only thing that were thankful for is that hopefully, that maybe [the deaths] were very peaceful, she told the news station. #BREAKING Authorities in both #Mexico and #Creston confirm that a family of 4 from #Iowa was found dead in their complex at the #BahiaPrincipe resort in #Tulum All four bodies are said to have been heavily decomposed. No foul play was evident. @weareiowa5news https://t.co/DTHdevAGUu Angelina Salcedo (@ASalcedoNews) March 23, 2018 Amys sister, Renee Hoyt, told Creston News Advertiser that the couple flew to Cancun, where they planned to rent a car and drive to Tulum. They had rented a condo in Tulum. Nobodys cell phones are on and they didnt land in St. Louis last night, Hoyt said prior to the discovery of the familys bodies. Theres been no Facebook posts and thats not like them. Theyre always posting pictures when theyre on vacation. The U.S. State Department has issued a Level 2 Travel Advisory for Mexico as of March 16, noting that violent crime, such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery, is widespread. NTD Reporter Zack Stieber contributed to this report From NTD.tv Recommended Video: How Doctors in China Turn into Murderers Report: Chicago Fire Actress DuShon Monique Brown Dead at 49 DuShon Monique Brown, an actress who appeared on Chicago Fire, died at the age of 49 this week, according to reports. Brown, who appeared on the long-running NBC show for years, died at Franciscan St. James Health Olympia Fields, said the Cook County medical examiners office, as reported by the Chicago Tribune. 'Chicago Fire' mourns the death of star DuShon Monique Brown https://t.co/ig4ObTiyNI via @usatoday Rock and Network (@walbercrlima) March 25, 2018 Her cause of death was not revealed. The Chicago Fire family is devastated to lose one of its own, said the shows executive producer, Dick Wolf. Our thoughts and prayers are with DuShons family and we will all miss her. Gregory Jones, principal of Kenwood Academy High School, where Brown worked as a counselor, also confirmed her death in an email to the Tribune. We are devastated by the loss of a very talented and kindhearted soul, stated Browns manager, Robert Schroeder, of Grossman & Jack Talent. She brought laughter and joy to many, and she will be greatly missed. She previously played as Katie Welch on Foxs Prison Break and also starred on Philip K. Dicks Electric Dreams on Amazon, according to Deadline Hollywood. In an interview, Brown said that when she was cast initially as Connie on Chicago Fire, her character didnt have a name. She added, She was a noun. She was Secretary and it was a one-liner. What was exciting was [I] was auditioning for a Chicago show, but it was also the possibility that she could maybe develop into something. Recommended Video: How Doctors in China Turn into Murderers People ride in a truck with their belongings in the center of Afrin, Syria March 24, 2018. (Reuters/Khalil Ashawi) Turkey Takes Full Control of Syrias Afrin: Military Source AFRIN, SyriaTurkeys military and its Syrian rebel allies have taken full control of northwest Syrias Afrin region, a Turkish army source said on Saturday, as aid workers distributed food to people in the area. Turkish forces and the Syrian fighters swept into the main Afrin town last Sunday after an eight-week campaign to drive out the Kurdish YPG militia, which Ankara regards as a terrorist group. A military source told Reuters the last remaining villages had been seized and control established overnight. Control has been completely achieved in the Afrin region and search operations are continuing so that local people can return safely to their houses, the source said. State-run Anadolu news agency carried a similar report. In Afrin, people queued to receive hot food which was being distributed by the Turkish Red Crescent while Turkish soldiers kept security and armored vehicles moved along the streets. We are trying to bring back life to normal in the short and medium term here. the aid groups president Kerem Kinik told Reuters. Our mobile kitchens are here, and our crews are in the villages. We want everything to be alright. We want our women and children to come back. They could not come back to their homeland, said Afrin resident Abdurrahman Nahsen Suleymanoglu. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan rejected criticism of the Afrin campaign in a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday, according to a Turkish presidential source. Among Turkeys Western allies, France has been one of the biggest critics of the Turkish military operation, with its foreign minister saying concerns for its border security did not justify the incursion. By Bulent Usta Recommended Video: How Doctors in China Turn into Murderers Recipe: These Cheesy Rolls, Originally From Brazil, Are Easy to Make in Your Own Kitchen Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School student Delaney Tarr speaks at the March for Our Lives rally in Washington, DC on March 24, 2018. White House to Gun Control Marchers: Keeping Our Children Safe Is a Top Priority As thousands of students and parents rallied in Washington to demand stricter gun control laws, the White House sent out a message to applaud those who gathered for exercising their right to free speech, and underscored that keeping children safe is President Donald Trumps top priority. We applaud the many courageous young Americans exercising their First Amendment rights today. Keeping our children safe is a top priority of the Presidents, which is why he urged Congress to pass the Fix NICS and STOP School Violence Acts, and signed them into law, said White House Deputy Press Secretary Lindsay Walters. Walters also said that the Department of Justice issued a ban on bump stocks on Friday, March 23, following through on the Presidents commitment to ban devices that turn legal weapons into illegal machine guns. The gun-control debate reignited in the United States following the deadly shooting at Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. Students from the school on both sides of the debate have garnered national media attention. In addition to banning bump stocks and pushing for the passage the Fix NICS and STOP School Violence Acts, Trump proposed a list of measured to keep schools safe. One prominent proposal seeks to arm properly trained teachers and pay them an annual bonus to carry weapons in school. Organizers of the March for Our Lives protest want Congress, many of whose members are up for re-election in November, to ban the sale of assault weapons like the one used in the Florida rampage and to tighten background checks for gun buyers. On the other side of the debate, gun rights advocates cite constitutional guarantees of the right to bear arms. On Friday, Trump signed a spending bill on Friday that includes a $1.2 billion grant for enhancing school safety. A provision in the bill also tightens background checks for weapons purchases. Parallel rallies took place in Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis and New York. Recommended Video: President Trumps First State of the Union Address Polypipe, one of Europe's largest manufacturers of piping systems, has taken a decision to close its Dubai factory, the company said in its 2017 annual report. The company will pursue alternative manufacturing strategy in the Middle East, it said. The decision follows a decline in the unit's business due to the UAE and Saudi-led embargo on Qatar. The companys overseas revenue was down 5.4 per cent due to the embargo, imposed in June last year, and also due to continuing Middle East project funding issues, Polypipe said in the report. The factory was set up in the middle of 2016 in the Jebel Ali Free Zone, and went on to fulfil orders worth 3.8 million ($5.38 million) that year. But with 60 per cent of its output destined for Qatar, the embargo proved costly and Polypipe ceased operations last year, incurring a charge of 900,000, Global Construction Review said, quoting the annual report. Whilst the Middle East still represents a significant opportunity for the group, we have decided to pursue an alternative manufacturing strategy in the region through use of sub-contractors and to close permanently our Dubai manufacturing facility, said chief executive Martin Payne, ShareCast News reports. All equipment will be relocated back to our Horncastle plant where Polystorm is manufactured for the UK market, enabling us to remove the need for more expensive sub-contract manufacturing in the UK. NORWALK The Norwalk Department of Planning and Zoning will hold this week the last of nine neighborhood meetings aimed at getting residents input on updating the citys Master Plan of Conversation and Development. The Spring Hill/Hospital Hill meeting is set for Monday, March 26, at 7 p.m. in the Community Room of City Hall, 125 East Ave. The NorwalkGreen/Downtown meeting, also set for Monday, March 26, will be held at 7 p.m. at the Main Library, 1 Belden Ave. The South Norwalk meeting will follow Tuesday, March 27, at 7 p.m. at the South Norwalk Library, 10 Washington St. The West Norwalk meeting, also Tuesday, March 27, will start at 7 p.m. in the cafeteria of Fox Run Elementary School, 228 Fillow St. So far weve conducted five of the nine neighborhood meetings. Overall the attendance has been good, said Norwalk Director of Planning and Zoning Steve Kleppin. Were finding that where there is strong neighborhood organization it is much easier to get the word out. Were working on a youth meeting for early May because we dont think weve heard from younger adults in the 16 to 21-year-old segment. Kleppin said Stantec, the consulting firm hired by the city to update the master plan, will assemble the information heard from the public, revise its draft vision statement and release the statement to the 35-member steering committee charged with overseeing the master plan update. From there well begin to focus on key topics such as housing, transportation, economic development, resiliency, etc., which will form the backbone of the plan, Kleppin said. There will be a series of public meetings on these key topics, after which the plan will start to take shape. POCDs, also known as master plans, serve as blueprints for the future, laying out priorities in areas ranging from residential and commercial development to open space and bicycle and pedestrian paths. State law requires municipalities to update their master plans at least once every 10 years. Norwalks current master plan was approved in 2008, making a revision or replacement due in 2018. Kleppin said the updated POCD, once complete, will guide decision-making regarding housing, transit, recreation, infrastructure, conservation, parking, the environment, schools, governance, public safety, employment, urban design, natural resources and much more. For more information, visit tomorrow.norwalkct.org. Currently Reading In Photos: Signs from March for Our Lives rallies Bristow Group Inc. provides industrial aviation services to the offshore energy companies in Europe Caspian, Africa, the Americas, and the Asia Pacific. The company offers helicopter charter services to transport personnel between onshore bases and offshore production platforms, drilling rigs, and other installations, as well as to transport time-sensitive equipment to these offshore locations. It also provides search and rescue services for the oil and gas industry, and governmental agencies; and aircraft support services. The company was formerly known as Offshore Logistics Inc. and changed its name to Bristow Group Inc. in February 2006. Bristow Group Inc. was founded in 1955 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas. Read More Sasol Ltd. is a holding company. The firm engages in the provision of liquid fuels, chemicals, and low-carbon electricity. It operates through following segments: Mining, Exploration and Production International, Energy, Base Chemicals, Performance Chemicals, and Group Functions. The Mining segment secures coal feedstock for the Southern African value chain, mainly for gasification, but also to generate electricity and steam. The Exploration and Production International segment develops and manages oil and gas exploration and production in Mozambique, South Africa, Canada, and Gabon. The Base Chemicals segment involves the marketing of commodity chemicals based on the group's upstream Fischer-Tropsch, ethylene, propylene and ammonia value chains. The Performance Chemicals segment markets commodity and differentiated performance chemicals. The Energy segment sells and markets liquid fuels, pipeline gas, and electricity. The Group Functions segment includes the head office and centralised treasury operations. The company was founded in 1950 and is headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa. Read More The following companies are subsidiares of Occidental Petroleum: 1PointFive Inc., 1PointFive P1 LLC, APC Aviation Inc., APC International Holdings LLC, APC Midstream Holdings LLC, APC Venezuela Srl, ARCO Long Beach, Altura Energy, Amarok Gathering LLC, Anadarko 20-25 Company, Anadarko 20-36 Company, Anadarko 20-47 Company, Anadarko 20-48 Company, Anadarko 20-49 Company, Anadarko Algeria Block 403 c/e Company, Anadarko Algeria Block 406B Company, Anadarko Algeria Company LLC, Anadarko Algeria Oil & Gas Company, Anadarko Brazil Investment I LLC, Anadarko Brazil Investment II LLC, Anadarko Canada E&P Limited, Anadarko China Holdings 2 Company, Anadarko Colombia Company, Anadarko Consolidated Holdings LLC, Anadarko Cote d'Ivoire Block 103 Company, Anadarko Cote d'Ivoire Company, Anadarko DBMOS Operator LLC, Anadarko Development Company, Anadarko Development Holding Limited, Anadarko E&P Onshore LLC, Anadarko Egypt Holdings Company, Anadarko Energy Holding Limited, Anadarko Energy Services Company, Anadarko Exploracao e Producao de Petroleo e Gas Natural Ltda., Anadarko Finance Company, Anadarko Gabon Company, Anadarko Ghana Mahogany-1 Company, Anadarko Global Energy S.a.r.l, Anadarko Global Funding 1 Company, Anadarko Global Funding II Ltd., Anadarko Guyana Company, Anadarko Holding Company, Anadarko International Development S.a.r.l, Anadarko International Energy Company, Anadarko International O&G Company, Anadarko International Trading Corporation, Anadarko Jordan Company, Anadarko Kenya Company, Anadarko LMM S.a.r.l, Anadarko Land Corp., Anadarko Mexico B.V., Anadarko Mexico S.a.r.l, Anadarko Midkiff/Chaney Dell BR Corp., Anadarko Midkiff/Chaney Dell LLC, Anadarko Natural Gas Company LLC, Anadarko New Zealand Company, Anadarko OGC Company, Anadarko Offshore Holding Company LLC, Anadarko Offshore Well Containment Company LLC, Anadarko Oil & Gas 5 LLC, Anadarko Peru B.V., Anadarko Petroleum, Anadarko Petroleum Corporation, Anadarko Realty LLC, Anadarko Rockies LLC, Anadarko Royalty Holdings Company, Anadarko UK Corporate Limited, Anadarko US Offshore LLC, Anadarko USH1 Corporation, Anadarko Venezuela Company, Anadarko Venezuela LLC, Anadarko Venezuela Srl, Anadarko WCTP Company, Anadarko West Texas BR Corp., Anadarko West Texas LLC, Anadarko Worldwide Holdings C.V., Atlantic Rim Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Aventine LLC, Baseball Merger Sub 2 Inc., Bear Branch Exploration LLC, Big Island Trona Company, Bitter Creek Coal Company, Bravo Pipeline Company, Cain Chemical, Cain Chemical Inc., Carbon Finance Labs LLC, Concord Petroleum Corporation, Conn Creek Shale Company, D.S. Ventures LLC, DMM Financial LLC, Deerwood Exploration LLC, Downtown Plaza II, Elk Hills Field, FLAG Development LLC, FP Westport Commodities Limited, FP Westport GmbH, FP Westport LLC, FP Westport Limited, FP Westport Services LLC, FP Westport Trading LLC, Fosters Mill Exploration LLC, Glenn Springs Holdings Inc., Globrep Representaciones S.A., Grand Bassa Tankers Inc., Grupo OxyChem de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Headwater II LLC, Houndstooth Resources LLC, INDSPEC Chemical B.V., INDSPEC Chemical Corporation, INDSPEC Chemical Corporation, INDSPEC Chemical Export Sales LLC, INDSPEC Holding Corporation, Ingleside Cogeneration GP LLC, Ingleside Cogeneration Limited Partnership, Interore Trading Ltd., Joslyn Partnership, KERR-McGEE TT E&P LTD., KM BM-C-Seven Ltd., KM International Insurance Ltd., Kerr-McGee Corporation, Kerr-McGee Natural Gas Company Inc., Kerr-McGee Oil & Gas Onshore LP, Kerr-McGee Shared Services Company LLC, Kerr-McGee Stored Power Corporation, Kerr-McGee U.K. Energy Corporation, Kerr-McGee Worldwide Corporation, Kerr-McGee do Brasil Ltda., Kerr-McGee of Canada Northwest Ltd., Laguna Petroleum Corp., Laguna Petroleum LLC, Liwa Oil & Gas Ltd., MC2 Technologies LLC, Mariana Properties Inc., Marico Exploration Inc., Miller Springs Remediation Management Inc., Moncrief Minerals Partnership L.P., NGL Ventures LLC, Natural Gas Odorizing Inc., New OPL LLC, OEVC Energy LLC, OEVC Midstream Projects LLC, OIH LLC, OLCV CE Holdings ULC, OLCV CE US Holdings Inc., OLCV Net Power LLC, OLCV Services LLC, OOG Partner LLC, OOOI Chem Holdings LLC, OOOI Chem Sub LLC, OOOI Chemical International LLC, OOOI Chile Holder LLC, OOOI Ecuador Management LLC, OOOI Oil and Gas Sub LLC, OOOI South America Management LLC, OPM GP Inc., OPM Holdco LLC, OTCF LLC, OTH LLC, OXY CV Pipeline LLC, OXY Campus LLC, OXY Inc., OXY LPG LLC, OXY Libya E&P Area 103 BR4 B.V., OXY Libya E&P Area 35 Ltd., OXY Libya E&P Concession 103 Ltd., OXY Libya E&P EPSA 102 B.V., OXY Libya E&P EPSA 1981 Ltd., OXY Libya E&P EPSA 1985 Ltd., OXY Libya E&P NC 143 144 145 150 B.V., OXY Libya Exploration SPC, OXY Libya LLC, OXY Little Knife LLC, OXY Mexico Holdings I LLC, OXY Mexico Holdings II LLC, OXY Middle East Holdings Ltd., OXY Oil Partners Inc., OXY PBLP Manager LLC, OXY Support Services LLC, OXY Tulsa Inc., OXY USA Inc., OXY USA WTP LP, OXY VPP Investments LLC, OXY West LLC, OXY of Saudi Arabia Ltd., OXYCHEM (CANADA) INC., OXYMAR, Oakwood Exploration LLC, Occidental (Bermuda) Ltd., Occidental (East Shabwa) LLC, Occidental Advance Sale Finance Inc., Occidental Al Hosn LLC, Occidental Angola Holdings Ltd., Occidental CIS Services Inc., Occidental Canada Holdings Ltd., Occidental Chemical Asia Limited, Occidental Chemical Belgium B.V.B.A., Occidental Chemical Chile Limitada, Occidental Chemical Corporation, Occidental Chemical Export Sales LLC, Occidental Chemical Far East Limited, Occidental Chemical Holding Corporation, Occidental Chemical International LLC, Occidental Chemical Investment (Canada) 1 Inc., Occidental Chemical Receivables LLC, Occidental Chemical de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Occidental Chile Investments LLC, Occidental Chile Minority Holder LLC, Occidental Colombia (Series G) Ltd., Occidental Colombia (Series J) Ltd., Occidental Colombia (Series K) Ltd., Occidental Colombia (Series L) Ltd., Occidental Colombia (Series M) Ltd., Occidental Colombia (Series N) Ltd., Occidental Colombia (Series O) Ltd., Occidental Crude Sales Inc. (Canada), Occidental Crude Sales Inc. (International), Occidental Dolphin Holdings Ltd., Occidental Energy Marketing Inc., Occidental Energy Ventures LLC, Occidental Exploradora del Peru Ltd., Occidental Exploration and Production Company, Occidental Hafar LLC, Occidental International (Libya) Inc., Occidental International Corporation, Occidental International Exploration and Production Company, Occidental International Holdings Ltd., Occidental International Oil and Gas Ltd., Occidental International Services Inc., Occidental Joslyn GP 2 Co., Occidental LNG (Malaysia) Ltd., Occidental Latin America Holdings LLC, Occidental Libya Oil & Gas B.V., Occidental MENA Manager Ltd., Occidental Middle East Development Company, Occidental Midland Basin LLC, Occidental Mukhaizna LLC, Occidental Oil Asia Pte. Ltd., Occidental Oil Shale Inc., Occidental Oil and Gas (Oman) Ltd., Occidental Oil and Gas Corporation, Occidental Oil and Gas International Inc., Occidental Oil and Gas International LLC, Occidental Oil and Gas Pakistan LLC, Occidental Oil and Gas of Peru LLC, Occidental Oman (Block 27) Holdings Ltd., Occidental Oman Block 51 Holding Ltd., Occidental Oman Block 51 LLC, Occidental Oman Block 65 Holding Ltd., Occidental Oman Block 65 LLC, Occidental Oman Block 72 Holding Ltd., Occidental Oman Block 72 LLC, Occidental Oman Gas Company LLC, Occidental Oman Gas Holdings Ltd., Occidental Oman North Holdings Ltd., Occidental Oriente Exploration and Production Ltd., Occidental Overseas Holdings B.V., Occidental PVC LLC, Occidental Peninsula II Inc., Occidental Peninsula LLC, Occidental Permian Ltd., Occidental Permian Manager LLC, Occidental Permian Services Inc., Occidental Peruana Inc., Occidental Petrolera del Peru (Block 101) Inc., Occidental Petrolera del Peru (Block 103) Inc., Occidental Petroleum (Pakistan) Inc., Occidental Petroleum Corporation, Occidental Petroleum Corporation Political Action Committee, Occidental Petroleum de Venezuela S.A., Occidental Petroleum of Nigeria, Occidental Petroleum of Oman Ltd., Occidental Petroleum of Qatar Ltd., Occidental Power Marketing L.P., Occidental Power Services Inc., Occidental Qatar Energy Company LLC, Occidental Red Sea Development LLC, Occidental Research Corporation, Occidental Resource Recovery Systems Inc., Occidental Resources Company, Occidental Shah Gas Holdings Ltd., Occidental South America Finance LLC, Occidental Specialty Marketing Inc., Occidental Tower Corporation, Occidental Transportation Holding Corporation, Occidental West Texas Overthrust Inc., Occidental Yemen Ltd., Occidental Yemen Sabatain Inc., Occidental del Ecuador Inc., Occidental of Abu Dhabi (Bab) Ltd., Occidental of Abu Dhabi (Shah) Ltd., Occidental of Abu Dhabi Holdings Ltd., Occidental of Abu Dhabi LLC, Occidental of Abu Dhabi Ltd., Occidental of Bahrain Ltd., Occidental of Bangladesh Inc., Occidental of Colombia (Chipiron) Inc., Occidental of Colombia (Cosecha) Inc., Occidental of Colombia (Medina) Inc., Occidental of Colombia (Putumayo) Ltd., Occidental of Colombia (Teca) Ltd., Occidental of Colombia PUT-36 LLC, Occidental of Dubai Inc., Occidental of Iraq Holdings Ltd., Occidental of Iraq LLC, Occidental of Oman Inc., Occidental of Russia Ltd., Occidental of South Africa (Offshore) Inc., Occidental of Yemen (Block 75) LLC, Oceanic Marine Transport Ltd., Opcal Insurance Inc., Oryx Crude Trading & Transportation Inc., Oxy BridgeTex Limited Partnership, Oxy C & I Bulk Sales LLC, Oxy Canada Sales Inc., Oxy Carbon Solutions LLC, Oxy Carbon Storage LLC, Oxy Climate Ventures Inc., Oxy Cogeneration Holding Company LLC, Oxy Colombia Holdings LLC, Oxy Colombia TopCo Ltd., Oxy Delaware Basin LLC, Oxy Delaware Basin Plant LLC, Oxy Dolphin E&P LLC, Oxy Dolphin Pipeline LLC, Oxy Energy Canada Inc., Oxy Energy Services LLC, Oxy Expatriate Services Inc., Oxy FFT Holdings Inc., Oxy Holding Company (Pipeline) Inc., Oxy International Ventures Ltd., Oxy LPG Terminal LLC, Oxy Levelland Pipeline Company LLC, Oxy Levelland Terminal Company LLC, Oxy Low Carbon Ventures LLC, Oxy Midstream Strategic Development LLC, Oxy Oleoducto SOP LLC, Oxy Overseas Services Ltd., Oxy Permian Gathering LLC, Oxy Permian Plaza LLC, Oxy Petroleum de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Oxy Renewable Energy LLC, Oxy Salt Creek Pipeline LLC, Oxy TL LLC, Oxy Taft Hub LLC, Oxy Technology Ventures Inc., Oxy Transport I Company LLC, Oxy Vinyls Canada Co., Oxy Vinyls Export Sales LLC, Oxy Vinyls LP, Oxy Westwood Corporation, Oxy Y-1 Company, OxyChem Ingleside Ethylene Holdings Inc., OxyChem do Brasil Ltda., OxyChile Investments LLC, Oxychem Shipping Ltd., Permian Basin JV Tax Matters Member LLC, Permian Basin Limited Partnership, Permian VPP Holder LP, Permian VPP Manager LLC, Phibro, Placid Oil LLC, Ramlat Oxy Ltd., Rio de Viento Inc., Rodeo Midland Basin LLC, San Patricio Pipeline LLC, Scanports Shipping LLC, SequestCo LLC, Stetson Exploration LLC, Sun Offshore Gathering Company, Swiflite Aircraft Corporation, Transok Properties LLC, Troy Potter Inc., Turavent Oil GmbH [in liquidation], Tuscaloosa Holdings Inc., UP Petroleo III Ltd., Upland Industries Corporation, Venezuela US SRL, Vintage Gas Inc., Vintage Petroleum, Vintage Petroleum Argentina Ltd., Vintage Petroleum Boliviana Ltd., Vintage Petroleum International Finance B.V., Vintage Petroleum International Holdings LLC, Vintage Petroleum International LLC, Vintage Petroleum International Ventures Inc., Vintage Petroleum Italy Inc., Vintage Petroleum South America Holdings Inc., Vintage Petroleum South America LLC, Vintage Petroleum Turkey Inc., WGR Asset Holding Company LLC, WGR Canada Inc., Wardner Ranch Inc., Western Gas Resources Inc., Western Gas Resources-Westana Inc., Western Midstream Holdings LLC, Woodlands International Insurance Ltd., and YT Ranch LLC. Lootah Real Estate Development, a key real estate developer in the region, has announced the handover dates of a total of five residential buildings within its key properties - Ewan Residences and The Waves communities - in Dubai, UAE. Ewan Residences is located at the heart of Dubai Investment Park offering a secure and gated community, currently comprising 83 buildings, but by May this year the community will welcome three new two-storey buildings with a contemporary design, premium quality adding 51 new units to the development. The community features an all-encompassing community experience with residential and retail outlets blended with an array of leisure facilities reflecting the forward-looking and community spirit of Dubai, said the statement from Lootah. The Waves is located at the Jumeirah Village Circle, one of the most accessible areas of Dubai, and will provide the essential requirements of communities while ensuring the very highest standards of living. The two residential building will be handed over to customers in August thus offering 135 units in total including studios, one- and two-bedroom and one bedroom loft apartments ranging from areas of 485 sq ft to 2,000 sq ft. Saleh Abdullah Lootah, the executive director of Lootah Real Estate Development, said: "We are pleased to announce the handover dates of The Waves and Ewan Residences' new properties, an achievement that we take pride in as we always honor our on-time handover commitments to our clients." "Each community offers a unique living experience and caters to a specific residential lifestyle, but what all our properties have in common is that they channel Lootah Real Estate Developments culture of excellence and an unswerving commitment to provide the very highest standards of living without missing on affordability," stated Lootah. "The demand in the real estate market is shifting towards affordable homes, and we at Lootah Real-Estate Development understand this trend and aim to accommodate these requirements without compromising quality," explained the top official. "We have a very positive outlook on the future of the property market, and we are committed to delivering unprecedented level of affordable luxury with premium finishing, amenities and high-quality construction," he added.-TradeArabia News Service Chicago-based consortium Global Business Ventures (GBV) has announced plans to build a multibillion-dollar, mixed-use development that could bring as many as 25,000 housing units and 1 million sq ft of commercial space to three sites north of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A consortium of US and Saudi Arabian business leaders dedicated to planning and executing large-scale community developments that align with the Saudi Vision 2030 plan, Global Business Ventures currently has the three parcels under contract. Together, they comprise more than 9.75 million sq m of land area. Led by chairman Randall Langer, GBV comprises a team of US and Saudi business leaders whose combined experience spans various fields, including real estate development, finance, and architecture and design. In partnership with the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (Sagia), local landowners and other stakeholders, GBV is pursuing next-generation developments that seek to fulfil Saudi Arabias Vision 2030 plan. Langer recently joined officials from the US Chamber of Commerce and Sagia in Washington, DC, for a presentation of a Sagia business licence the first step towards the development of the planned multibillion-dollar, mixed-use project. We are delighted to award this licence and look forward to welcoming Global Business Ventures to Saudi Arabia, remarked Ibrahim Al Omar, the governor of Sagia. "The unprecedented programme of reforms being implemented in Saudi Arabia is unlocking an exciting range of opportunities for investors in the Middle Easts largest economy," he stated. "One of Sagias strategic goals is to act as an advocate for investors, enable them to invest, and establish their businesses in Saudi Arabia," observed Al Omar. In its efforts to ease licences procedures, Sagia has extended the licence period for foreign investment from one year to a period of up to five years, renewable, he added. A member of both the US Chamber of Commerce and GCC, Global Business Ventures has retained two global commercial real estate firms to conduct site evaluation and feasibility studies. The pre-development design process, led by GBV master architect Scott Sarver of Chicago-based smdp, is currently under way, with the goal of creating a next-generation development that realises the shared vision of Sagia and the GBV team. When complete, it will create a live-work-play community that is both affordable to Saudi citizens and sustainable. On the new licence, Langer said: "We welcome the opportunity presented to GBV by Sagia and the government of Saudi Arabia to assemble a consortium of the worlds finest companies to provide new and innovative housing projects to the kingdom." Sagias outstanding support of our investments extends across all of the ministries to whom they have introduced us. It is very refreshing to be working with such a collaborative, forward-looking group of government and business leaders who firmly believe in the Vision 2030 plan, he added. Steve Lutes, the vice-president of Middle East Affairs at the US Chamber of Commerce, said: "Receiving the licence from Sagias governor is an important step forward for GBV." "It demonstrates their commitment to doing business and growing in the kingdom. At the US Chamber, we hope more American companies will similarly deepen and expand their work in Saudi Arabia and pursue the vast opportunities made possible through the economic diversification of Vision 2030," he added.-TradeArabia News Service There are plenty of rules in Carmine Guidos old world. One of the key ones is that men like him must be killed. In rare insider testimony, the former York Region resident gave a Toronto jury a ground-level view of life working with the Ndrangheta organized crime group. For the past week, Guido has testified in detail that he was deeply involved in fraud, drug trafficking and enforcement in a local Ndrangheta cell under Giuseppe (Pino) Ursino, 64, of Bradford. He also testified in the Superior Court of Justice that there are definite rules for people like himself who secretly work with police. Court has heard that he was paid more than $2-million as a police agent. If they found out (his location) theyd kill me, right, Guido testified in a flat, raspy voice. Guidos name has been changed and theres a court ordered ban against publication of his image. Guido told the jury there are also dire consequences for the families of those who turn police agent. If they cant find him, theyll go after his family brother, one of his parents, Guido said. And do what? asked Crown Attorney Jeremy Streeter. Hurt him, Guido said. Ursino and Romanian-born Cosmin (Chris) Dracea, of Toronto each face two counts of cocaine trafficking for the benefit of criminal organization and a charge of conspiracy to commit an indictable offense. That makes the structure of the Ndrangheta key to the prosecutions, which stem from a two-year RCMP-led investigation called Project OPhoenix, which ended with 19 arrests in June 2015. Police then seized 8.5 kilos of cocaine at a time when the drug had an estimated street value of $55-$60,000 in Toronto, according to the RCMP. Thats not a huge haul of cocaine by organized crime standards. Streeter quickly tried to establish that the Ndrangheta doesnt just exist to make money, although theyre definitely interested in that. In his opening address, Streeter told the jury the Ndrangheta is a highly structured organization, which uses extortion, loan sharking, theft, electoral crimes, crimes of violence and drug trafficking, among other things, to sustain itself and make members feel respected. Respect. Its something everybody wants, Streeter said in his opening remarks. Guido later expanded on that theme under questioning by Streeter. Does somebody get power when they kill somebody? Streeter asked. Yes, Guido replied. Court heard that the Ndrangheta has offshoots around the world, including Germany, Australia and the Greater Toronto Area, in a report from Leondro Piccoli, a lieutenant-colonel in the Italian national police force, the Carabinieri. People in Italy have to be responsible for their representatives here but the final word comes from Italy, Guido said. Streeters team has produced more than 40 audio and video recordings of Guido while he worked as a police agent. Some of the conversations are in Italian but most are in English. Guido said that he worked as part of Ursinos group and that Ursino introduced him to Dracea to get involved in smuggling cocaine. He said he paid Ursino $1,000 for the introduction because Ursino was a Ndrangheta boss. Guido said he also agreed to split a shipment of 100 kg of cocaine with him once it reached the GTA from the Caribbean. Asked by Streeter what he gained from his association with the Ndrangheta, Guido replied: Just the respect other people give us. In one intercepted conversation, Ursino told Guido: Moneys not everything. The jury heard from Guido and Piccolis report that there are two basic grades of membership: major and minor. Piccoli said different ranks of the Ndrangheta range from picciotto at the low end of The Societara Minore, or lower level group, to Mammasantissima and Cavalairi di Cristo in the Societa Maggiore, or higher level group. Cells are called locali or locale and must have at least 50 members, Piccoli said. The Locali outside of Calabria replicate the structure from Calabria, and are connected to their mother-Locali in Calabria, the agreed statement of facts says. The authority to start Locali outside Calabria comes from the governing bodies of the organization in Calabria. The Locali outside of Calabria are part of the same Ndrangheta organization as in Calabria, and maintain close relationships with the Locali where its members come from. Watching out over GTA Ndrangheta activities is a board of control called the Camera Di Controllo, Guido said. Its the board that makes all of the final decisions, Guido said. While blood ties help, each member must ultimately be selected for membership, Guido said, adding that there are special ceremonies when members are made. Staff Sergeant Brad Trainor told court the project originally targeted four GTA men: Ursino, Cosimo Commisso, Diego Serrano and Carmine Verduci. Commisso was not charged. Verduci was murdered in April 2014 outside the Regina Cafe at 140 Regina Rd., in an industrial and retail plaza near Highway 7 and Martin Grove Rd. The murder remains unsolved. Was he (Verduci) a member of Ndrangheta?, Streeter asked. Yes, Guido replied, adding that Verduci had been on the local board of control. Guido testified that the cocaine at the core of his case was to be transported in chunky jerk sauce from Jamaica through an import-export company he ran. Ursino did his best to stay in the background, Guido said. At one point in the intercepted conversations, Ursino said: Honestly, I dont ever want to touch it. Guido testified it was common practice for a boss not to want to get his hands dirty. Its just the custom that the boss makes the introduction and they step back, Guido replied. Did the drugs ever come? Streeter asked. The drugs never came, Guido replied. Most of Guidos recorded meetings were in a York Region coffee shop. Another was at a bakery and a few were in the parking lot of a bookstore. In one conversation, a baby can be heard screaming from near their table. Court has heard characters in Guidos old world had nicknames like The Chosen One for senior boss and Frank Crutches, for a lesser boss whose legs were crushed in a car accident as a teenager. Guido said he knew another member just as the guy with the coffee truck. Streeter asked why he would kick up profits to his boss, Ursino. Because he was the boss of the family, Guido replied. (If there were) ever any problems it would be him that saves us. There are few things that feel more care-free than enjoying an ice cream cone, and Toronto-based chain Sweet Jesus serves up gigantic, Instagram-worthy soft serve cones or blasphemy, depending on who you ask. The brand, founded in 2015 by Andrew Richmond and Amin Todai, has received attention from some in the Christian community for the religious imagery in their logo and advertising. Richmond told the Star in 2016 that the name stuck after an employee would often declare sweet Jesus, after tasting the ice cream and says the brand has nothing to do with religion. The backlash has followed Sweet Jesus expansion south of the border, where they have opened up shop in Baltimore and the Mall of America. Petitions began popping up in January, after right-wing blog Activist Mommy posted an article analyzing the blasphemous use of religious imagery in the brands logo. A petition hosted on CitizenGO, a site that bills itself as a conservative advocacy group, calls Sweet Jesus offensive and revolting, and accuses the ice cream parlour of hate speech towards Christians. The petition calls for a public apology for openly (attacking) the Christian community, and God. The petition further asks for a name change to eliminate mockery toward our Lord Jesus. Have your say The petition, hosted on CitizenGOs Canadian website, has reached nearly 8,000 signatures as of midday on March 25. Sweet Jesus is all about trashing Christianity and mocking the saving work of our Lord Jesus Christ, the petition reads. CitizenGO has come under fire in the past from groups such as GLAAD for homophobic and anti-choice rhetoric. Sweet Jesus has inserted a disclaimer on their website about their name; our name was created from the popular phrase that people use as an expression of enjoyment, surprise or disbelief. Our aim is not to offer commentary on anyones religion or belief systems, our own organization is made up of amazing people that represent a wide range of cultural and religious beliefs. With files from Annie Arnone Al Thuriah Group, a premier property developer in the UAE, said 70 per cent of the work has been completed at its Sahara 6 tower project strategically located on an area between Sharjah and Dubai. A specialist in high-rise residential towers and communities, Al Thuriah said it will begin handing over residential and commercial units in the tower to the new owners from mid-2019 instead of December 2019 as previously scheduled. Sahara 6 tower is the last jewel in the crown of the Sahara complex located at the main entrance of Sharjah, covering 3.1 million sq ft and comprising 1348 apartments. The 376 apartments in Sahara 6 tower are distributed across two towers of 39 and 21 floors respectively. All these apartments and shops are available for freehold ownership in accordance with the laws and regulations of Sharjah. Al Thuriah Group CEO Raymond Khouzami said: "We are proud to announce that the construction work is months ahead of schedule, as it was set to be completed by the end of next year, thanks to our recent operational restructuring,yielding four efficient departments: Al Thuriah Properties, Al Thuriah Construction, Al Thuriah Leasing and Al Thuriah Services and Facilities Management." He was addressing the gathering at the fifth edition of the Middle East Investment Real Estate Exhibition and Conference (Acres 2018) held at the Expo Centre Sharjah from March 21 to 23. The tower is also attracting a lot of investors and there are now only a few three-bedroom apartments available for sale, it stated. Khouzami pointed out that Acres 2018 had always been a unique opportunity for real estate developers who are executing projects in the UAE to meet prospective customers and investors and learn about the latest projects in this sector, specifically in Sharjah. "We have seen great interest from visitors and buyers in our current and future projects including both residential and commercial units, confirming the credibility and reputation of Al Thuriah Group. We are keen to make our customers happiness our top priority, which entails meeting quality standards and deadlines simultaneously," he added. Al Thuriah Group, said Khouzami, oversees the various stages of the implementation of Sahara 6 tower, from concept development to actual execution. "The group also provides an array of services including facilities management and leasing services, as well as overseeing various real estate related aspects of projects which guarantee the customers happiness with over 20 years of experience in the UAE," he added.-TradeArabia News Service Three people including a firefighter were seriously injured after a three-alarm fire broke out at a home in Christie Pits Sunday morning. Toronto fire says they were called just after 6 a.m. near Dupont and Christie Sts. after smoke was seen coming out the back of the house. When fire crews arrived, one side of the home was engulfed in flames. Chief Matthew Pegg told reporters on scene that the Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM) has been contacted to assist in the investigation. He applauded police and EMS for their assistance in responding to the blaze. The fire departments investigative team will be looking at whether or not there were working smoke alarms in the home. Toronto paramedics say a firefighter was rushed to hospital after falling from the roof of the home. Pegg said that the firefighter is reportedly in stable condition. Three people have been taken to hospital with serious injuries, and five others were assessed for injuries on scene. The injuries all apppear to be due to smoke inhalation. Several residents were evacuated after the fire spread to three other homes. A mother cat and three kittens were also rescued, Pegg said. Councillor Mike Layton tweeted that residents displaced by the fire can go to Faema Caffe for coffee and breakfast. The cause of the fire is unknown. Dupont St. is closed between Christie and Shaw Sts. Some 20 years ago this city region embarked on a forced journey with a latent promise to establish Toronto as a city that is the envy of North America, if not the world. The forced amalgamation of downtown with the suburban cities of East York, Scarborough, North York, Etobicoke and York was undemocratically conceived, brutishly executed and painfully delivered by a hostile provincial government. The pain and despair is only now dissipating and never will disappear for front-line opponents, especially those who fear that, given time, the suburban ethic will subsume downtown progressive sensibilities. Its been an uneasy shotgun marriage. But the new Toronto is such a vibrant, unstoppable force with so much going for it that even the savagery of the Mike Harris government was unable to destroy it. Stultified and hampered and encumbered, yes. But, as the late, great African American author Maya Angelou would say, Still we rise. The city is at another crossroads. Silently, unheralded, we approach the intersection. This is a moment of great opportunity and nascent danger. Mayor John Tory has no real challengers to his title, with a campaign coming this summer and a vote in October. And a new premier with unfriendly intent could soon be ensconced at Queens Park. A few months ago the horizon presented so differently. Incumbent Tory was preparing to face a challenge from Doug Ford, the guy he beat in 2014. In fact, Torys entire four-year mayoralty has been conducted with the Ford challenge in mind. For example, Tory supported the building of a one-stop Scarborough subway in addition to his Smart Track stations in Scarborough an overkill that does not best address the transit needs specifically to short-circuit Fords subways, subways, subways mantra. And rarely has a Toronto politician spent so much time and capital purporting to move traffic (and largely failing) all in an effort to blunt Fords war on the car message. Instead of spending more to reduce poverty, improve the citys housing stock and help the most vulnerable, Tory staunchly restricted property tax hikes at around 2 per cent. This was strategically designed to mute Fords claims that the city was flushing taxpayers money down the drain. Surprise. We turned the corner, and an unexpected vista opened. Suddenly, Ford is on the verge of heading to Queens Park as premier and, by extension, Torys boss. Fords mad musings will then have to be heeded instead of ridiculed and ignored. Strategic, strident resistance from civic leaders, backed by an informed populace will be essential. But whats the cause? What are we trying to preserve, to incubate, to propagate, to grow? At what cost? We dont know. Our mayor has not made the case and drummed it home. He has not rallied the troops to protect the homeland. And now he may be forced to do it under duress, with reflex urgency rather than logic and resolve that takes root deep in the citys consciousness. If Tory had not spent his entire mayoralty fending off the potential ghost candidacy of Doug Ford, he would have mapped out a powerful long-term vision for Torontos future. We would already know the sacrifices we have to make, the cost of getting there, the timeline, and the challenges. Sadly, we dont. In fact, fearful of exposing the impact on our pocketbooks and the unpalatable political decisions he would have to make Tory refuses to let city council debate the future needs of the city. Last week his executive committee considered the future fiscal demands as prepared by the citys top bureaucrats. City manager Peter Wallace told a familiar story. The status quo will land you with a $1.4 billion annual hole in five years. Chop spending in ways few city councillors will stomach, or find new revenue, or increase property taxes. This sounds like the type of discussion and debate and wrangle that city councillors should have with the public observing and taking notes. Then residents would go into the October municipal elections knowing what vision to endorse. And, armed with that mandate, the victorious mayor would be in a strong position to push back against inimical initiatives the province might want to impose. But no. Tory sidelined Wallaces report back to staff for more massaging that will arrive in 2019, well after the municipal election. Tory chickened out when a bold, enterprising outlook is required. But wait. Tory might suddenly find the gumption to summon his nerves. In fact, if Tory had known that his potential nemesis Doug Ford would have been out of the picture this summer, he might have gone about this differently. So, maybe now he can grow some spine. The citizens that appeared before the executive committee last week demanded exactly that. Adina Lebo, speaking for the Canadian Association of Retired Persons, urged council to take this on NOW because the alternative is unacceptable. Solutions must be found for the 101,000 that are on social housing wait lists, and solutions to the dangerous and critical situation of TTC during rush hour, the 189,000 on the recreation waiting list and the three-year waiting list for vulnerable seniors to get dental care, 15,000 children waiting for child care spaces, the 27 per cent child poverty rate (highest in Canada) and the... you get the idea. Why put off a council debate on these critical matters? Must we wait until a new Pharaoh presides at Queens Park with edicts to convert appropriately placed LRT lines into subways, cut spending on social services to the vulnerable, sell off public assets, denude our environment and become a meaner, nastier municipality? The risk of losing the mayoralty to a right-wing axe man is gone. To reclaim the moral authority he abandoned, Tory must act now and establish a City Vision, a beachhead from which Toronto can defend itself against the coming tumult from Queens Park. Royson James is a former Star reporter who is a current freelance columnist based in Toronto. Follow him on Twitter: @roysonjames Read more about: Carmine Guido was a drug abuser, kidnapper, loan shark, con man and muscle for the local mob. He said he even tried to be a hitman. Now, hes the prosecutions star witness in a cocaine trafficking case underway in a Toronto courtroom, offering an up-close insiders view of life with the secretive Ndrangheta criminal organization in the GTA. I was kind of an enforcer, Guido, 47, said last week when asked by Crown Attorney Jeremy Streeter about his reputation. Guidos testimony came in the case against Giuseppe (Pino) Ursino, 64, of Bradford and Cosmin (Chris) Dracea, 41, of Toronto. Ursino and Dracea each face two counts of cocaine trafficking for the benefit of criminal organization and one charge of conspiracy to commit an indictable offense. They were arrested in June 2015 along with 17 others at the culmination of an RCMP led project called Project OPhoenix. Police then seized some 8.5 kilos of cocaine which Guido estimated at being worth $50-$55,000 a kilo in the GTA. This is the first time the Ndrangheta has been targeted by Canadian prosecutors since the offense of participation in a criminal organization came into effect in 1997, senior federal prosecutor Tom Andreopoulos said in an interview. Its the first of its kind in Canada, said Andreopoulos, deputy chief federal prosecutor for the Public Prosecution Service of Canada. Guido now lives under a different name in a witness protection program. He testified last week that he felt uneasy about a lot of professional and personal things and didnt trust anybody in 2012 when he decided to work with police. People getting killed, Guido said. It just wasnt the same anymore. Nobody was close. Against each other. He said he realized why others didnt trust him and might want him dead. Me, I did a lot of things in my past, you know, Guido said. I didnt want them catching up. He said he felt particularly vulnerable after he spat on a person with strong Ndrangheta credentials and pulled a gun on a full-patch outlaw biker. He also angered local mobsters when he defrauded someone around Christmastime, not realizing that the victim was under the protection of a local Ndrangheta member. Making things worse, Guido owed hundreds of thousands of dollars in gambling debts to men in the Ndrangheta. He tried to make good on the debts with stolen fabric that could be used for making suits, but that wasnt nearly enough to satisfy a York Region Ndrangheta boss known as The Chosen One. Since Guido was an associate of the Ndrangheta but not a formal member, he could be killed without much high level discussion, Guido testified. Most of the secretly recorded conversations heard in court took place in a York Region coffee shop. In one of them, Bruce Springsteens Hungry Heart played in the background as Ursino warned Guido that The Chosen One had almost run out of patience. He was referring to all of the problems I had created, Guido said. When its time to do it, theyll just kill me. He was telling me to be careful, Guido said. You cant keep creating problems because hes not going to be able to save me all of the time. Streeter asked about the reputation of The Chosen One. He was very powerful, Guido said. A mountain. Guido said that Ursino would have been obligated to kill him if The Chosen One gave the order. If someone needs to do something to me, its going to be him thatll have to do it, Guido testified. Streeter asked Guido exactly what he was talking about. About killing me, Guido said. Guido said the best way he could stay alive in the organization was to stop irritating people and keep making money for the group. While Im making money for them, its alright, he testified. When Im not More than 40 of Guidos conversations as a police agent were captured on audio and video. Some of them were filmed in his taxpayer-funded BMW X5 nicknamed The Rocket. Guido said he was ready for changes in his life when he agreed to work with police. Ready to move on, Guido said. Didnt want to live life anymore. Staff Sergeant Brad Trainor testified that the undercover project was shut down for four months in 2013 so that Guido could go to rehab for his drug problems. Trainor was grilled by Draceas lawyer Kathryn Wells about Guidos estimated $2.4-million compensation from the government. Wells asked whether Guido was given a pass on domestic abuse and theft charges while working with police. Trainor said that the domestic abuse allegations were investigated by York Regional Police and that the theft victim didnt want to press charges. Wells also wanted to know about Draceas lifestyle as a government agent. Your police agent moved a 19-year-old young woman into the state-funded residence, Wells said. Was staying there, Trainor replied. I think she had her own place as well. With her parents, Wells said. For his part, Guido testified that he never killed anyone, but not for lack of trying. He told court he almost took part in a hit on Peter Scarcella, 67, of York Region, whom he considered a member of the Sicilian mob. He said the idea for murdering Scarcella came from Toronto restaurateur/mobster Sam Calautti in 2004. We were having lunch. Sam said to me, I need to kill Peter Scarcella, Guido said. He said that Calautti said Scarcella was making them all look bad. Mobsters gathered guns, body bags and cleaning products for the murder bid, Guido testified. Two assassins named Pietro and Andreas arrived from Italy to help with the Scarcella murder, Guido said. We got together, sat outside his (Scarcellas) house, Guido said. He never came home. A few weeks after that, Scarcella was arrested for his role in a shooting at a California Sandwiches shop in North York which left mother-of-three Louise Russo paralyzed by a stray bullet intended for another mobster, Guido said. Ironically, Scarcellas arrest may have saved him from murder, court heard. Andreas .. got deported, Guido said. Whole situation went away. Calautti was murdered in July 2013 in a York Region banquet hall parking lot after attending a stag. Guido said he sat at Calauttis table that night but went home early with a headache. The murder remains unsolved. AJAXOntarios new Progressive Conservative Leader Doug Ford talked about cutting red tape for business as he revved up supporters at a campaign office opening in Ajax on Saturday. Theres no reason why we cant have the manufacturing jobs back, Ford told a cheering crowd at the office opening for Rod Phillips, the PC candidate in the redrawn riding of Ajax. Ford said 333,000 manufacturing jobs have left Ontario, and that as premier, he could attract investment by cutting red tape. When I talk to owners of companies, no matter if its small or large, the number one issue is all the bureaucracy and red tape and regulation that they have to face, he said, adding that businesses have to make sure that we dont have a carbon tax, they have to make sure that were competitive when it comes to hydro rates. Phillips, who is former chairman of Postmedia and former president and CEO of the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation, is looking to unseat current Ajax-Pickering Liberal MPP Joe Dickson, who has held the seat since 2007. People are ready for a change from Kathleen Wynne and Joe Dickson, he says. Hydro rates are too high, taxes are too high the cost of living in Ajax is too high. Phillips has been part of the PC party for 30 years, and says he is impressed with how quickly the party came together after Fords win. Its the fastest Ive ever seen he team come back together he says adding that former leader Patrick Browns resignation amidst sexual misconduct allegations could have been very destructive for the party, but ended up being very unifying. Ajax resident Jim Honchar stopped by the rally primarily to see Ford, who he describes as a force to be reckoned with. The local retiree is a longtime PC supporter and says he feels optimistic about his partys chances in Ajax for the first time in years. I think theres more hope now that (Ford) is the leader. Hes someone who can get things done, Honchar said, adding that hydro rates and health care are the election issues most important to him. Read more: Opinion | Lance Copegog: What is the Ford Nation plan for First Nations? Editorial | Doug Fords position on carbon tax makes no sense Your letters: Must we find a way to stop Doug Ford? Also on hand at the Ajax event March 24, were two of the three candidates Ford beat in the party leadership race, Caroline Mulroney and Christine Elliott. Elliott, a former Whitby-Oshawa MPP, says she is planning to run in the provincial election but hasnt determined which riding yet although she confirmed it wont be in Durham. After the Ajax office opening, Ford headed to Oshawa for a rally at the Canadian Army Corps Association. The Ontario provincial election is June 7. Doug Ford visited the Ontario legislature on March 12 for the first time since becoming leader of the provinces Progressive Conservatives. Ford says he plans to be out on the road as much as possible before the June 7 election. (The Canadian Press) Read more about: CAIROA bomb placed under a nearby car exploded Saturday in the coastal city of Alexandria as the city security chiefs convoy passed by, killing two policemen and wounding four others, the Interior Ministry said. Local media reports said Gen. Mostafa al-Nimr survived the explosion and he was seen on a local TV channel in good condition while inspecting the area of the blast shortly after it took place. The Interior Ministry had earlier reported only one policeman killed in the blast, which occurred in the vicinity of a police station in the citys central Roshdi district. Read more: Egypt sets presidential election for March as el-Sissi win virtually guaranteed At least nine dead after gunmen open fire outside Coptic church in Egypt, officials say Survivors of Egypt mosque attack speak as president vows to avenge our martyrs Health Ministry spokesman Khaled Megahed told The Associated Press that two policemen were killed and four others wounded in todays explosion, adding that one civilian was also wounded. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack. The attack comes just days ahead of Egypts presidential election, in which President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi is virtually certain to be re-elected. It also comes during a massive security operation involving land, sea and air forces in areas covering north and central Sinai and parts of Egypts Nile Delta and the Western Desert, along the porous border with Libya. The Interior Ministry said the explosive device had been placed under a car and it detonated as the convoy passed by. State-run MENA news agency said the public prosecutor has ordered an investigation into the incident. Egypt has for years been struggling to contain an Islamic insurgency spearheaded by a local affiliate of the extremist group Daesh, also known as ISIS or ISIL, in the turbulent Sinai region, but attacks on the mainland have also occurred. The country has been under a state of emergency since April 2017, when suicide bombings struck two Coptic Christian churches in Alexandria and Tanta on Palm Sunday in an attack claimed later by Daesh. Read more about: WASHINGTONThe American teenagers who thronged the streets of their capital on Saturday came armed with the boundless hope of young idealists. And, as backup, the threats of savvy realists. They chanted about the guns they want to ban and the lobby group they want to defeat and the politicians they would, ideally, like to persuade. Knowing they might not succeed, not right now, what they chanted most frequently was a promise to punish the officials who refuse to listen. Vote them out! they cried, over and over, on a dozen jam-packed blocks of Pennsylvania Ave., the street that connects Republican President Donald Trumps White House with the Republican-controlled U.S. Congress. Vote them out! Read more: In photos: Across the U.S., Canada and Europe, students are leading the charge for gun control U.S. Congress tiptoes toward narrow gun legislation ahead of March For Our Lives rally March for our lives gun control supporters rally in Toronto The extraordinary turnout at Washingtons March for Our Lives and at sister rallies across the country offered a vivid demonstration of a new student-fuelled momentum for the tightening of U.S. gun laws. The main event was too successful to be an actual moving march. Instead, well over 500,000 people stood shoulder to shoulder, boyish middle-schoolers beside weathered activists awed by them, and listened to the fiery new leaders of the gun control movement, none of whom has turned 20. Famous entertainers performed but did not give extended speeches. The headliners here were the organizers: survivors of the shooting massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida, whose sights were squarely set on the 2018 and 2020 elections. We will get rid of these public servants that only serve the gun lobby, said David Hogg. And we will save lives. Politicians: either represent the people or get out, said Cameron Kasky. The people demand a law banning the sale of assault weapons. The people demand we prohibit the sale of high-capacity magazines. The people demand universal background checks. Stand for us or beware. The voters are coming. The push for change that started with the massacre of 17 people at Douglas in February has already achieved a smattering of legislative success at the state level, and it appeared to prod Trump into action to pursue a regulatory ban on bump stocks. But it seems highly unlikely that there will be any real legislative action at the federal level while Republicans are in control. Have your say Political analysts, and many Republicans, believe a Democratic wave is possible in the 2018 congressional mid-terms. Young people tend to vote at by far the lowest rates. But the young people at the march said their peers are unusually motivated at the moment, furious both at Trump in general and specifically at Republican inaction on guns. Right now there are definitely some obstacles, but if this generations voting turns out anything like this protest did, then I have a pretty good feeling, said Zoe Afful, 23, a university student from Maryland who was persuaded to attend by her 18-year-old sister, Bethel Afful. The Douglas students shared the stage with students who have experienced gun violence of lower-profile kinds. Edna Chavez, a 17-year-old from South Los Angeles, spoke of the murder of her brother in the normal daily fashion experienced by Black and Hispanic young people, normal to the point that I learned to duck from bullets before I learned how to read. Mya Middleton, a 16-year-old from Chicago, spoke of a thief in a store holding a gun to her face and threatening to find her if she ever said something. And yet Im still saying something today, she said. An urban youth group in Boston brought 150 children to the march. Perhaps three quarters of them had personal experience with gun violence, said Sydnee Young-Brown, 26, one of their march guardians. This kind of stuff happens in the inner city all the time. I think were coming not only to stand in solidarity with people that have lost their lives in schools but also that have lost their lives on our streets, she said. The crowd skewed young, but older people marched too, some of them roped into attending by children and grandchildren. Mary Reinman, a 61-year-old from Charlottesville, Va. who was an anti-war protester in her youth, held a sign with a slogan borrowed from a tweet by Douglas activist Sarah Chadwick. I am so inspired by these kids. Theyre fearless. Theyre articulate. Theyre bright. Im just astounded, Reinman said. Almost all Republican members of Congress were silent on the marches. Florida Sen. Marco Rubio commended the protesters but said many other Americans see banning guns as an infringement on the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens that ultimately will not prevent these tragedies. Democratic former president Barack Obama offered encouragement. Michelle and I are so inspired by all the young people who made todays marches happen. Keep at it. Youre leading us forward. Nothing can stand in the way of millions of voices calling for change, he said on Twitter. Students in the crowd carried comedic memes denouncing the National Rifle Association, the countrys chief gun-rghts lobby group, and mocking Trump, who did not immediately comment from his weekend retreat in Florida. But they also carried signs expressing despondence, frustration and fear. We are the future, and we are scared, read Corina Tiptons. Read more: Florida high school where gunman killed 17 will require students to carry clear backpacks Public support for tougher gun control laws soars in U.S., poll shows Students from low-crime small towns and high-crime big cities alike said they had long been frightened at school. Tipton, 16, of a rural and suburban Maryland county, said her classmates have been spending spare moments in class trying to come up with all of the best ways to hide if there were an active shooter. Someone will look toward the stack of textbooks in the corner and will be like, Hey do you think you can remove the ceiling tiles and climb up there if theres an active shooter? she said. Other students had already suffered at the hands of shooters. Zion Foster, 16, took a bus 12 hours from Ohio to march with a sign vowing that his 2020 vote would be taken from his cold, dead hand, a reference to an NRA slogan. His friend JoJo Holloway, 17, was shot dead in her apartment in October. I just want to do what I can for her, Foster said. The most emotional moment of the day was provided by Emma Gonzalez, the Douglas student who has become the most prominent of the accidental activists. Gonzalez named the murdered classmates who would no longer get to do what they had always done: Helena Ramsay would never hang around after school with Max, Gina Montalto would never wave to her friend Liam at lunch Peter Wang would never, Alyssa Alhadeff would never, Jamie Guttenberg would never, Meadow Pollack would never . Then she abruptly stopped talking. She stared straight ahead, occasionally closing her teary eyes, until an alarm beeped to tell her she had been on stage for six minutes and twenty seconds, the length of the massacre. Fight for your life before its somebody elses job, Gonzalez concluded. Thousands of people sobbed. Then, a minute or so later, students watching on one of the screens on Pennsylvania Ave. started chanting again: Vote them out! The past few months have been marked by political scandal and upheaval in Ontario with the dramatic PC leadership race that followed the resignation of Patrick Brown. This was just the preamble to what will be a tumultuous dialogue leading to the June 7 election. As is customary during elections, our political parties have made grandiose promises to appeal to voters. Both the Liberals and the NDP have recently delivered overtures of their platforms, which are heavy on health care. The PCs, meanwhile, have ostensibly no platform after choosing to abandon the Peoples Guarantee. Andrea Horwath introduced elements of her NDP campaign with its hallmark being a $1.2 billion public dental plan. She also criticized the government saying, When we win, we will end hallway medicine inside our hospitals. Premier Wynne responded in the Throne Speech by outlining her governments promises on health care, including the expansion of mental health services and increased investment towards home care. Given the importance of health care to individuals and their families, it is reasonable to ask if the government has kept its promises from years past. During her tenure, Wynne has overseen cuts to front line health-care workers, a freeze in hospital funding and a reduction in residency training spots for medical students. Even her implementation of OHIP+ has drawn criticism from health care leaders who have found patients denied coverage for drugs previously covered. Interestingly, the Ontario Medical Association also unveiled a new campaign called Not a Second Longer. It highlights the growing frustration of patients and doctors, with its central tenet being unacceptable wait times. This grassroots initiative, which has the potential to reach the 320,000 patients seen every day, will become a vocal presence for candidates vying to be premier. Health care spending is the largest provincial expenditure at over $50 billion annually and growing. This means that Ontarians can expect it to be a popular campaign issue. However, no party has offered details on how its health care initiatives would be paid for. This is crucial because Ontario has the distinct honour of being the largest subsovereign debtor in the world, with our province owing over $300 billion dollars and spending over $11 billion annually to service it. Debt repayments alone are the fourth largest spending item and the largest growing spending area in the budget. Undoubtedly, health care will play a central role in this upcoming election, with it being one of the most critical issues affecting voters at the ballot box. While most of the rhetoric leading up to June 7 will focus on partisan politicking, we should collectively understand that this is also a referendum on who to trust with our loved ones care. By rejecting the predictable sound bites and talking points from our politicians, we would send them a clear message that their specifics for health care reform are a matter of life and death. Adam Kassam is the chief resident in the department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation at Western University. After getting home from a pre-campaign bus tour of southern Ontario last week, Kathleen Wynne had take-out Thai and stayed in with her spouse to watch the film Darkest Hour in her North Toronto home. The day she was sworn in as premier of Ontario in February 2013, Wynne woke up for her usual early-morning run in a borrowed basement apartment in Cabbagetown, her own home being under renovation. Which is to say that Wynne in addition to being extremely intelligent, highly articulate, and in command of a very complicated brief; a mother, partner, daughter, sister is a fairly ordinary, down-to-earth, middle-class human being. What hasnt been ordinary is the vitriol to which she has been subjected during her five years as premier. It has been a torrent so sickening and relentless that her staff released some examples last year. @Kathleen_Wynne Wish they would announced that the first death of 2017 is you. Then we would have a real reason to celebrate. @Kathleen_Wynne actually, please hang yourself, or do a shotgun mic, or leave your car running in your garage. Just please end it now. @Kathleen_Wynne it would been so #Inspiring to see you fall flat on your face breaking yr nose & all covered with blood as u spit teeth. On it went, vile beyond description. Wrinkly bitch. Subhuman, dirty dyke. Lying cheating c-. Almost always, tellingly, such messages are unsigned. They are plainly the work of sexist, misogynistic cowards. The authors of such hate sully only themselves. Yet they are far too numerous for Ontarians to look down in smug superiority on anything occurring these days in the United States. The kind of things were seeing on social media undermine civility, Wynne has said. I think it discourages people from even entering politics. In that, Wynne is entirely correct. Female politicians at all levels of government in all parts of the country have experienced similar treatment. In one international survey of women parliamentarians, a respondent said that over one four-day period she received more than 500 threats of rape over Twitter. That Inter-Parliamentary Union report said the characteristics of such abuse is that it targets women because of gender, is exemplified by threats and sexual violence, and is intended to discourage women from becoming active in politics. As Wynne herself has said, young women hearing about this must wonder why they would ever expose themselves to that kind of personal attack. Wynne is as grounded as it is possible to be in public life. She is confident in who she is. She has been through her crucible. She has developed, through her political journey, a thick hide. She needs no one to defend her. Still, Ontario will soon be entering an election campaign where the stakes are high, emotions will roil and the less charming aspects of human nature sometimes show themselves. Most women in political life including NDP Leader Andrea Horwath and others in all political parties have experienced it. To change that, Wynne has said, people are going to have to speak up. Again, she is correct. So heres another voice urging, as the buses prepare to roll, that all candidates party leaders Wynne, Horwath and Progressive Conservative Leader Doug Ford, and contenders in all ridings across the province conduct themselves in ways appropriate to the positions they seek. History has shown that its quite possible maybe even easier to get elected by appealing to selected sections of the electorate and exploiting humanitys worst instincts. But its impossible to govern effectively that way, to build anything that endures, to use high office in the service of our best selves. It would stand as an impressive first act of leadership if all would-be premiers said, in their first statements, that they will run, and will demand from their own supporters, campaigns of civility and respect. Read more about: Time to remove winter tires?, March 23 This otherwise informative article overlooked one critical factor in deciding when snow tires should be removed: your automobile insurance policy. Most insurance companies in Ontario offer a discount of up to 5 per cent if your car has snow tires, often requiring their use from Nov. 1 to April 30. If a driver has an accident during this period without snow tires, even if the temperature has consistently been warm and the snow has long disappeared, I believe the claim will be denied, even if the accident has nothing to do with the nature of the tires. The insurance company could invoke material misrepresentation as a means to refuse the claim: You told us you had snow tires and we discounted your rates accordingly. You dont, so were refusing your claim. Ray Pearo, Mississauga Jaime Watt, who has orchestrated communication strategies behind elections across Canada, is writing a three-part series advising each of the main provincial party leaders on their best path to winning a majority government on June 7. This is part 2. Heading into her third election as leader, Andrea Horwath cant seem to catch a break. After winning her partys leadership in 2009, she led the NDP from the doldrums where it had lived since its crushing defeat in 1995. Her steady and reasonable management approach combined with her charisma and down-to-Earth, approachable style can be credited with much of that. But that hasnt been enough. And, now, should she not at least be able to form the opposition, this election will likely be her last. Politics is rarely fair and to make matters worse, a series of unfortunate events have befallen the New Democrats. For a while, Horwath looked quite competitive. The Liberals were trailing in the polls and she was one of two fresh faces and arguably the more experienced one. But Patrick Browns downfall has roiled the Ontario political scene. The eventful race to succeed Brown as leader of the Progressive Conservatives, and seemingly endless drama that continued to emerge from his former office, managed to capture nearly every inch of column length and minute of TV time. To add insult to injury, Horwaths chief of staff was the subject of allegations that he had mishandled sexual harassment complaints in an unrelated former job. While that has since been cleared up, it created unhelpful upheaval at a time when Horwath was preparing for the election of a lifetime. In spite of these challenges, she was uniquely positioned to be the peoples champion one whom spoke the language of everyday, hardworking Ontarians, the one who was most authentically positioned to fight an out-of-touch Wynne government. Doug Fords election as PC leader changed all that. Ford connects with much of Horwaths audience in a way that few can claim to do. And the polls have already begun to show the result. This leaves Horwath little option but to advance a left-leaning approach to populism. The problem is that Premier Wynne has skilfully been using the power of incumbency to move in on that territory. The premiers policy announcements have been aimed squarely at winning those voters from the NDP. Horwath cant allow herself to be squeezed out of broader debate by the PCs and the Liberals. All though positioned at different points on the political spectrum, both share the strategic advantage that comes from such a narrative. Horwaths coalition, itself, also presents complications: the New Democrats have always had a hard-to-reconcile coalition of urban intelligentsia, blue-collar sensibility and rural co-operation. It allowed them to win ridings like Parkdale-High Park, Hamilton Centre and Essex at the same time. In 2011, Horwath successfully held her own. In the 2014 election, she made gains in Southwestern Ontario but the urban core of her party fell apart: leaving only one seat in each of Toronto or Ottawa. Read more: Opinion | Jaime Watt: Unfiltered Ford is the best chance for a PC victory in Ontario This time out, the party must focus on protecting its turf in rural and blue-collar Ontario, while increasing its share of seats in downtown cores. Ontarians want to hear common sense talk from Horwath that speaks to how she will make their lives more affordable. She has a great opportunity to run a campaign based on who she is and the experiences she has lived. A sandwich generation, career woman from a mid-size market. A single mom. She is the perfect pitch person for an approach to government thats not based on ideology or dogma but rather on making peoples everyday lives better. Horwaths decision on Monday to hold an announcement of a large policy item a $1.2 billion public dental plan to counteract the effects of the governments Throne Speech and the PCs unity rally was an example of how both to keep the focus on themselves and thread the needle of her coalition. The New Democrats refused to cede the stage, and they were rewarded with considerable media coverage. The next 80 days will be more of the same. Balancing coalitions while seizing attention. A high-wire act, for sure, but if one leader has demonstrated the ability to do it, its Andrea Horwath. Jaime Watt is the executive chairman of Navigator Ltd. and a Conservative strategist. Read more about: GFH Financial Group has announced that its 100 per cent owned subsidiary GFH Capital Limited has agreed to sell its 70 per cent stake in the Dubai-based Philadelphia Private School (PPS), which it acquired in October 2014, to well-known businessman Engineer Nashat Sahawaneh, the schools existing 30 per cent shareholder. PPS is a K-12 American curriculum school which was founded in 2006 and is valued at more than Dh130 million. During GFH Capitals ownership, PPS has been accredited by the highly respected New England Association of Schools & Colleges (NEASC) and the school is also accredited by AdvanceEd. The school currently has around 1,500 students, a 20 per cent increase from the time GFH Capital acquired the School and despite slower economic growth in Dubai during the latter part of the holding period. PPS has delivered a return of over 33 per cent during its three-year investment period. Hisham Alrayes, CEO of GFH, said: We are pleased to announce another successful exit for the group and our investors from our well-performing regional education portfolio, which is built on the strong and growing demand in the GCC for international standard education. We believed the education sector in the UAE and the GCC, as a key sector, would be resilient and deliver solid, steady returns despite the recent economic challenges. We are delighted with the value we have been able to create both for the School and our investors during the hold period. We will continue to work to maximise the performance of our remaining education assets and focus on identifying similar income-generating opportunities in defensive sectors for the benefit of our investors and shareholders as we go forward. In December 2017, GFH achieved another successful exit from its education portfolio with the $150 million acquisition of half of the groups regional education assets by Inspired, a leading global group of premium schools operating in Europe, Africa, Latin America and Australia. - TradeArabia News Service Canadians joined the international community this past week in recognition of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. We observe this day in remembrance of the Sharpeville massacre of 1960, where police in the South African township of Sharpeville opened fire on peaceful demonstrators protesting apartheid. The theme declared by the UN for this year is Promoting tolerance, inclusion, unity and respect for diversity in the context of combating racial discrimination. The Canadian federal 2018 budget set aside $23 million over two years aimed to form a new national anti-racism plan informed by disaggregated data collection and cross-Canada consultations on the way forward to combat systemic racism. This is a monumental moment for Canada and this is a reckoning of our institutions one where we take an honest look at how they were built, and in what ways they were designed to negatively impact some of our citizens. There will be attention seekers who look to hijack this discussion; my interest will be in those who are constructive and respectful within this important conversation. Denial that steps need to be taken only hinders our ability to move forward. There is no right way to fight systemic racism. But, the only wrong approach is to go on pretending it doesnt exist so we dont have to hear about it. There are too many Canadians living it to ignore that these experiences are valid. Ontario and Nova Scotian provincial leaders have been steadfast in their commitment to innovative solutions to combating racism, and specifically anti-Black racism in their provinces and public institutions. As municipalities, provincial governments and federal representatives move forward, I hope that best practices will be shared. Keeping in mind that the experiences will be different in every local community, we will benefit from this national sharing of best practices. There wont be any one-size-fits-all solution, but the dialogue will help those newer to the conversation navigate the complex issues at hand. As we embark on this national discussion we must also actively address those timely systematic challenges that require immediate attention. All eyes were on the Senate Canadas chamber for sober second thought this week as Bill-C45 was debated, putting cannabis legalization at risk. Academics, advocates, and legal experts have provided excellent research and thoughtful commentary on the need for amnesty to be proactively pursued alongside legalization. The disproportionality of the communities criminalized by simple possession of cannabis is a powerful reminder of the work ahead in reforming our policing and justice systems. Retired officers who argued for heavier sentences now reap financial benefits within an industry currently closed to those they criminalized. The numbers tell a social justice and economic story that is a stain on our democracy. We should be aggressively seeking a proactive pardoning system to wipe these slates clean. This is emotionally exhausting and draining work. I have an immense amount of respect for the organizations and individuals who have been in this work deeply for many years. It seems speaking out on these issues can make one a lightening rod for more hatred steeped in racism. In his statement marking the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, Prime Minister Trudeau said: We will work harder to emphasize the stories and contributions of all Canadians, through initiatives recognizing the International Decade for People of African Descent. And we will always stand up to racism, xenophobia, and hate in all its forms. Despite the progress we have made, the fight against racial discrimination is far from over. We cannot be complacent. Its up to each of us to make sure Canada lives up to its promise for everyone. There are no political points earned here, mostly criticism by way of disagreement on the words and approaches chosen and the money spent. It takes backbone to lead through issues as complex and emotionally charged as these. I hope our political leaders will continue to press forward consulting, planning and acting on these challenges. This isnt a conversation about whether or not there is racism in Canada and Canadian institutions. This is a debate about how we can be the boldest in addressing it. And the result, if we do it well, is a better Canada. Tiffany Gooch is a Liberal strategist at public affairs firms Enterprise and Ensight and an advocate for increased cultural and gender diversity in Canadian politics. ALTON Another startup company opened at the Milton Schoolhouse where several entrepreneurs operate incubator small businesses. Jessika M. Photography, owned by Alton native Jessika McCain, 23, joined a long list of small businesses that formed in less than a decade by utilizing the vast Milton Schoolhouses spaces, including Maevas Coffee, Massage at Milton and McNelly Farmhouse Love. Like ambitious individuals or groups before her who came to occupy the building, McCain decided to follow her passion and purchased a studio space located 1320 Milton Road in the Milton Schoolhouse basement last December. McCains pursuit of her passion began in 2013. I really started to get into photography after high school. I ended up really liking it, she recalled. My mom bought me a camera. It became a side job and then it took off from there. The self-taught photographer offers sessions for couples, weddings, pets, families, fresh 48s for newborns and boudoir, which all are among her most popular types of shoots, most of which are done outside of her studio. Fresh 48 sessions are a new approach to newborn photography that generally take place within 48 hours of a baby being born. Sessions typically are on location with mother and child to capture the excitement surrounding a newborns birth but also to capture quiet moments. McCain attended nursing school for four years before deciding last year that nursing wasnt her true calling. It was a scary decision to make, she admitted. Because everything (with photography) solely depends on you, but photography was something that I wasnt ready to give up. I was going to school to be an O.R. nurse and they have a lot of crazy hours, so I dont think I would have had the time to continue with it. While McCain does portraits and traditional photos, she enjoys specializing more in lifestyle type of photography. I really enjoy doing more Kodak moment photos and really catching people in the moment, McCain explained. I do have props to use, but I dont do a ton of photos with props. She doesnt use a lot of studio light and depends mostly on natural lighting from several windows in her studio. There are times people want to do shoots at home, but sometimes the light isnt the best, so the photos wont turn out right, she said. Its better to work somewhere with a lot of natural lighting. McCain offers prints through her Facebook page, Jessika M. Photography, as well as custom frames, which is a new offering. For standard sessions, a mini-shoot costs $90 and usually lasts 30 minutes; a full shoot cost $150 and last one hour. A lot of people opt for the shorter session because its easier for kids, who arent able to sit still, but I get a lot of sessions for both mini and full, McCain said. McCains prices vary when it comes to photo shoots such as weddings and newborn shoots. Its beneficial for people to invest in a good photographer, McCain said. Photos are so personal for me, because whether it be your siblings, your parents, your spouse, one day all youll have left is a picture and I really want them to be the best, she said. For more information, visit Jessika M. Photographys Facebook page, www.jessikamphotography.com or email jessikamccain@gmail.com. Reach reporter Kelsey Schulz at 618-208-6452. For the Telegraph EDWARDSVILLE Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Pharmacy (SOP) Dean Gireesh Gupchup, PhD, will step down effective June 30, 2018 for family reasons. He will continue as an SOP faculty member to assist in the Schools continued success. While the School of Pharmacy is in an extremely strong position, I have carefully reflected on my challenging personal circumstances and the demands of the deans position, and have made a career decision to provide more flexibility for my family, Gupchup said. It has truly been an honor to serve as dean since 2010, and to help the School achieve the accolades and prominence that it has rightfully garnered. Google paid tribute to late actor Farooq Sheikh on his 70th birth anniversary with a doodle, styled on hand-painted movie posters of the 1970s. Born on this day in 1948, Farooq grew up in Mumbai, in a simple, middle-class household. Though he studied law, he continued to dabble in theatre on the side and eventually decided to give acting a go. Farooq made his acting debut with Garam Hawa in 1973. He essayed myriad roles in his career, and won over movie buffs with his shy smile in Chashme Buddoor, superb comedic timing in Kissi Se Na Kehna, and his helplessness and loss in Bazaar. He had a wide portfolio in the theatre space, especially with the play Tumhari Amrita with Shabana Azmi. It delighted audiences for over two decades. TV audiences also loved him, be it for his humility in Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai or for his comic wit in Chamatkar. The Google doodle, by Nimit Malavia, features the wide-eyed romantic hero of the 1970s mature into a comfortingly familiar TV presence of the 1990s, bridging the gap between mainstream and art house cinema in India along the way. Farooq Sheikh passed away in 2013 at the age of 65. There cannot be an alliance of opposition parties without the Congress, which would be the fulcrum of any such front to take on the BJP in the 2019 general election, senior party leader Prithviraj Chavan has said. He said the Congress continues to be a dominant force with its presence in almost all states, and if at all anyone could take on the BJP, it would be the grand old party. In no way there can be an opposition to the BJP without the Congress. It is just not possible. Congress is a pole of the equation no matter what. If one pole is the BJP, the other pole has to be the Congress," Chavan told PTI in an interview. Whether the Congress will be able to carry other political parties is a question. But if you say that (there is an alliance) without the Congress or the BJP, that will clearly be a non-starter, he said. Amid the rise of regional players and marginalisation of the Congress, he said there are certain states where the Congress is the dominant force such as Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. However, in states where it is not a dominant force, it can play a secondary role, Chavan said and cited the examples of Tamil Nadu, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. The former Maharashtra chief minister said if the BSP moves along with the Congress it can be a force to reckon with. Chavan said, nationally, it will be a sum of states. Every state alliance has to be stitched state by state and then you add up the total. If somebody says there will be a national alliance with somebody like Mamata Banerjee in it, without the Congress, then that is not possible", Chavan noted. Asked why the Congress was not part of the understanding in Uttar Pradesh where the BSP and SP got together to defeat the BJP in the recent Lok Sabha bypolls, he said the main message of UP was that an alliance of like-minded parties can defeat the BJP in next elections. Broadly speaking, this was an unthinkable alliance. Mayawati and Mulayam and Akhilesh coming together was unthinkablethe caste combination of Dalits and Yadavs coming together. That is a winning formula. Every state has a winning formula. In my state, if the NCP and the Congress come together and if they (BJP and Shiv Sena) don't fight together, then we will get the same result, he said. On whether the bargaining power of the Congress was being reduced following repeated defeats in state elections, he said the Congress continues to be a dominant force in many states even now. Admitting that the Congress has been sidelined in many states, he said, if one looks at the totality of the country and adds up the numbers, we are still the largest, main opposition party. Asked whether the Congress stood marginalised, he said, I don't think you can think of a situation at the moment when the Congress has become irrelevant, and that other parties can come together and give challenge to the BJP." On the formation of a third front, he claimed that most parties that are seeking to play a major role in it do not have a standing beyond a single state and it is only the Congress which can steer everyone along due to its pan-India presence. Uttar Pradesh Police here on Sunday gunned down a criminal with a bounty of Rs 1 lakh on his head. The criminal, Shravan Chaudhry, was injured in an encounter with the police and later succumbed to his injuries in hospital, informed the Director General of Police (DGP) headquarter. An AK-47 and a smooth-bore breech loading (SBBL) gun were also confiscated from the spot. The criminal was wanted in murder cases in Noida and Delhi. A suicide attack near a Shiite mosque in the Western Afghan city of Herat killed at least one person and wounded eight others, police and health officials said on Sunday. Militant group Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack, which followed another blast claimed by the group in Kabul last week, which killed around 30 people near a Shiite shrine as the city celebrated Nawruz, the Persian new year. Deputy police chief Aminullah Amin said two bombers had tried to enter the mosque but were challenged by guards at the site who opened fire on them. Health officials said one person was confirmed dead, with eight wounded but the final casualty figure may change. Herat, one of the most prosperous cities in Afghanistan, has seen periodic episodes of violence but has not suffered the same level of attacks as the capital Kabul. While sectarian violence in mainly Sunni Muslim Afghanistan was previously rare, a series of attacks over recent years, many claimed by Islamic State, have killed hundreds of Shiites, many from the Hazara ethnic minority. The violence has gone on alongside a general deterioration in security in Afghanistan as Taliban insurgents have fought government forces across much of the country, killing thousands of civilians every year. Former President Barack Obama said today that negotiations with North Korea on its nuclear weapons programme are difficult, partly because the country's isolation minimises possible leverage, such as trade and travel sanctions against Pyongyang. "North Korea is an example of a country that is so far out of the international norms and so disconnected with the rest of the world," Obama told a packed hall in Tokyo. He stressed the effort to get North Korea to give up nuclear weapons remains difficult, but countries working together, including China as well as South Korea and Japan, to combine pressure on North Korea will be better than nations working alone. He noted that past US efforts on Iran's nuclear weapons were more successful because there was more leverage, but there's little commerce and travel with North Korea to being with. "That makes them less subject to these kinds of negotiations," he said of North Korea. Obama was speaking at an event sponsored by a Japanese non-profit group during his trip to Asia, which included earlier stops in Singapore, New Zealand and Australia. Obama's work after leaving office has been focused on nurturing young leaders. Obama, welcomed by a standing ovation, said the US-Japan alliance remained strong, and the US is committed to defending Japan. "North Korea is a real threat," he said. "Our view has always been that we would prefer to resolve these issues peacefully," he said, adding that otherwise "the cost in terms of human life would be significant." He acknowledged progress on a nuclear-free world will likely take a long time as long as Russia and the US could not agree to start reducing their stockpiles. Obama also reflected on his 2016 visit to Hiroshima, one of two Japanese cities where the US dropped atomic bombs in the closing days of World War II. His visit was the first by an American president. Almost all American presidents tend to be relatively popular in Japan, which views the US as its most important ally. But many Japanese particularly appreciate Obama's efforts on denuclearization and remember with fondness his trip to Hiroshima and his message of working towards a world without nuclear weapons. "It was an extraordinarily powerful moment for me," Obama recalled. Siemens executives will discuss how digitalisation and technological innovation are making oil and gas operations safer, more efficient, and more reliable, during the upcoming Oman Oil and Gas Exhibition and Conference (OGWA) 2018, in the sultanate. The event which will open tomorrow (March 26) will run until March 28, at the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre, Muscat. Siemens will demonstrate how its digital solutions and services can help the industry reduce costs and enhance operational efficiency, said a statement. In the future, offshore platforms are to be increasingly controlled and operated from onshore locations. With oil and gas companies producing large amounts of data from hardware and process-related activities, Siemens digital solutions portfolio ranges from early feed to abandonment, helping customers collect and convert data into real-time knowledge for faster, smarter decision-making, it said. Jean-Claude Nasr, senior executive vice president of power generation in the Middle East at Siemens, said: Today the oil and gas industry face a number of challenges, including a potentially lower for longer price of oil and gas, intense competition, the need to reduce Capex and Opex, aging assets, the effective management of large amounts of data as well as cyber security concerns. We work with our regional customers to help them maximise safety, efficiency, predictability, and reliability of their operations. Oman represents a really important market to Siemens, and the event is a great opportunity to meet the industrys experts and talk about the latest innovations, he added. Siemens main booth will include a series of scheduled expert dialogues, where the companys executives will discuss key topics and trends in the industry via live demonstrations. These topics include digitalisation, production optimization, automation and cyber security, it added. Additive manufacturing will also be a focus of Siemens participation at the show. The company will showcase a 3D-printed model for Siemens SGT-400 industrial gas turbines, which is a breakthrough success in the use of additive manufacturing in the power generation field. In addition, Siemens will demonstrate a number of solutions designed to reduce capital and operating expenses for companies in Oman. For the oil and gas industry, Siemens supplies a broad spectrum of products, services and solutions that support upstream, midstream and downstream applications. With the recent acquisitions of Dresser-Rand and the operating assets of Rolls Royce Energy, Siemens created the industrys most comprehensive portfolio of high-speed rotating equipment and services for customers in the oil and gas, process and power industries. On the data analytics front, Siemens will demonstrate its software solutions designed to optimise performance across the oil and gas value chain from automated process analysis to seamless data integration, remote monitoring, preventive maintenance, and simulated training. Another innovation featured at the show is Siemens Totally Integrated Power and Control solutions, designed to make projects more economically viable by enabling long-distance subsea tiebacks, processing and heating, it stated. TradeArabia News Service Mohammed Lafeel was once the proud owner of a shop that sold mobile phones and accessories. His shop in Digana, near Kandy, was located in an area where nearly 70 per cent of the businesses were owned by Muslims. Today, charred remains mark the spot where his shop stood. On March 5, a Sinhala mob looted and torched shops owned by Muslims. Shops selling expensive items like mobile phones were specifically targeted. Ten years of hard work has turned into ashes. I never imagined that it [the attack on a truck driver] would turn into a major riot. - Mohammed Lafeel, a shop owner from Kandy Monks from different locations in Kandy worked in unison to ensure that the violence did not spread. - The Venerable Thalpotha Dhamma Jothi Nahimi, the chief monk of the Buddhist centre in Balagolla There have been insinuations by the current regime that former president Rajapaksa and his supporters were behind the instigation to target Muslims. Trouble has been brewing in Kandy district since February 22, when four Muslims attacked a middle-aged Sinhala truck driver following a minor accident. The victim, a Buddhist, succumbed to injuries on March 3. As March 5 was declared a day of mourning, Lafeel and other traders did not open their shops. That, however, did not deter the violent mob. Ten years of hard work has turned into ashes. I never imagined that it would turn into a major riot, said Lafeel, standing in a neighbouring shop, owned by S.B. Ekanayake, a Sinhala. Ekanayakes shop also caught fire in the attack, and was partially destroyed. Hanif Mohammed had a fabric store in the same row. That, too, was burned down completely. We sold denim cloth and different types of material which we bought wholesale from factories, said Hanif. My loss is over seven million Sri Lankan rupees (Rs 30 lakh). The local council said we were eligible for some compensation. But, will it be sufficient to cover our losses? S.H.M. Irshad, a committee member of the Kumbukkadura Civil Society, said at least 200 shops in Digana were destroyed, resulting in losses amounting to 80 million Sri Lankan rupees (Rs 3.3 crore). As violence spread, the government declared a ten-day emergency. By March 18, the security forces managed to take charge of the situation, after which the emergency and curbs on social media were withdrawn. Mohammed Lafeel While the death of the Sinhala driver is said to be the immediate cause behind the riots, ineptitude and inaction by local police also played a role. Anti-Muslim rhetoric by communal elements added fuel to the fire. But, none of these explanations could adequately explain the frequent outbreak of riots in south and east Sri Lanka since the war with the Tamil separatists ended in 2009. There are certain entrenched socio-economic, historic and political factors behind the Sinhala-Muslim conflict. The growing Arabisation of Sri Lankan Muslims is one such issue. Over the past three decades, they have shifted from the traditional sufi Islam to the Saudi Arabian brand of Wahhabi Islam, especially in eastern Sri Lanka. The growing ghetto mentality has driven the Muslims further away from the mainstream. The emergence of militant Buddhist groups such as the Bodu Bala Sena after the civil war, and the manner in which they target Muslims have added to the sense of alienation among Muslims. Such groups have been successful in creating a fear psychosis among the Sinhalas, too, making them worried about the cultural and religious practices of the Muslims and their alleged links to jihadi groups. Even before the recent riots, there was tension in the region because of a series of incidents in southeastern Ampara. Rumour-mongers, especially those on social media, spread word that local Muslims mixed sterilising pills in food being sold in eateries. Although a government analyst later certified that what was found in the food were lumps of carbohydrate, the impact the rumour had on the Sinhalas, especially those from rural areas, was huge. They have now started thinking of Muslims as a cultural and economic threat. The economic angle is significant. In riot-prone areas like Digana, Teldeniya, Ampara and Aluthgama, the Sinhalese fear the domination of Muslims because of the perceived success of the Muslims, especially in trade and business, although a scientific analysis of the economic status of Muslims is unlikely to reveal any significant advantage. The Muslims, however, have started dressing differently, changing from the traditional Sri Lankan attire to Arab dresses, conveying a sense of affluence. So, the Sinhala majority believe that the Muslims are doing better, growing fast and are fostering a culture which is alien to Sri Lanka. The Venerable Thalpotha Dhamma Jothi Nahimi The recent riots broke out immediately after the local elections, which former president Mahinda Rajapaksas party won in a landslide. There have been insinuations by the current regime that Rajapaksa and his supporters were behind the instigation to target Muslims. The charge was supported by military intelligence as well. Rajapaksa, however, said peace and stability could be achieved only by multiethnic and multicultural political parties. People from the riot-hit areas, meanwhile, hope to create something good out of the crisis. We are planning to form multiethnic committees in business societies and interact more regularly with chief monks in temples, said Mohammed H.A. Sameeu, a former school principal from Digana. He said Buddhist monks were working to prevent the violence from engulfing the whole of Kandy. The Venerable Thalpotha Dhamma Jothi Nahimi, the chief monk of the Buddhist centre in Balagolla, came to our mosque and offered us protection during our prayers, said Sameeu. Monk Dhamma Jothi helped protect the Balagolla mosque and the Kumbukkadura mosque and persuaded local Sinhalas not to attack Muslims. On the fifth evening, when it was evident that things were getting out of hand, I used loudspeakers to get all villagers, including Muslims, to come to the temple premises. Over 3,000 people turned up, said monk Dhamma Jothi. I reminded them of the importance of seeking refuge in kindness, understanding and wisdom as preached by the Buddha. The Sinhalas collected rations worth 25,000 Sri Lankan rupees (Rs 10,000) and we handed it over to the Muslims, he said. Monks from different locations in Kandy worked in unison to ensure that the violence did not spread. If it had, the whole of Kandy would have been engulfed in violence, and we would have had a horrendous situation. Wall Street analysts have given iShares MSCI Japan ETF 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 iShares MSCI Japan ETF wasn't one of them. MarketBeat thinks these five companies may be even better buys. View MarketBeat's top stock picks here. Cybersecurity breaches in the Middle East are widespread and frequently undetected, with 30 percent of the regions attacks targeting operational technology (OT), finds a new study by Siemens and Ponemon Institute. The study, which examines the regions oil and gas sector, reveals that while firms have begun to invest in protecting their assets from cyber threats, more needs to be done to increase awareness and the deployment rate of technology if they are to secure their operating environments. Launched in Dubai, the study highlights that until recently, cyber-attacks have generally targeted Information Technology (IT) environments such as PCs and workstations. With the acceleration of digitalization and the convergence of IT and Operational Technology (OT), the region is now seeing a rising amount of attacks aimed at the OT environment. The report investigates the readiness of the Middle Easts oil and gas sector to identify and protect against cyber threats. It also assesses what measures need to be taken to close the gaps, surveying around 200 individuals in the Middle East who are responsible for overseeing cyber security risk within their organizations. The convergence of IT and OT has become a key opportunity for attackers to infiltrate an organizations critical infrastructure, disrupting physical devices or operational processes, said Leo Simonovich, Vice President and Global Head, Industrial Cyber at Siemens Energy. We know that attacks are becoming more frequent and increasingly sophisticated, and firms quickly need to assign dedicated ownership of OT cyber, gain visibility into their assets, demand purpose-built solutions and partner with experts who have real domain expertise. The report found some 60 percent of respondents believe the cyber risk to OT to be greater than IT, and in 75 percent of cases those questioned had experienced at least one security compromise resulting in confidential information loss or operational disruption in the OT environment in the last 12 months. Another important take away from the study was that despite awareness of rising OT cyber risk, budgets for OT cyber services and solutions have not kept up with the threat. At present, oil and gas organizations in the Middle East dedicate only a third, on average, of their total cyber security budget to securing the OT environment. This suggests that organizations are not aligning their cyber investments with where they are most vulnerable and highlights the urgency to address OT cyber security. The report outlines six key principles which underlie the most effective OT cyber programs, beginning with assigning and empowering dedicated ownership for OT cyber security. Organizations must overcome the fear of connectivity and gain continuous visibility into their OT assets, and the operating environment needs to be secured all the way to the edge. Analytics should be leveraged in order to make smarter, faster decisions, and organizations should demand purpose-built OT cyber solutions. Lastly, its crucial to partner with OT cyber security experts with real domain expertise. - TradeArabia News Service BETHLEHEM A Saturday-afternoon blaze struck a Four Corners building that was once the original Delmar Fire Department, affecting the second story of the structure, according to a press release from Bethlehem police Deputy Chief Thomas M. Heffernan, Jr. No injuires were reported. Members of the Delmar, Slingerlands and Elsmere departments quickly suppressed the fire at 388 Kenwood Ave. , which was reported to the Bethlehem Police at 12:16 p.m. The building now houses the Hannigan Law Firm and the Merriman & Pfister gift shop on the ground floor and an apartment on the second. While the shop was open for business, no one was present in the firm or the apartment, the press release said. The cause of the fire is being investigated. The Bethlehem Police Department Cause and Origin Team responded to aid with the investigation. Chicago It's a scandal of privacy, politics and an essential ingredient of business success public trust. Facebook is confronting a costly, embarrassing public relations debacle after revelations that Cambridge Analytica may have misused data from 50 million users to try to influence elections. Among its marquee clients: President Donald Trump's general election campaign. Now a company known as much for reminders of a long-lost friend's birthday and documentation of acquaintances' every whim is grappling with outrage and the possible loss of confidence from users around the globe that have made the social media site a part of their daily routine. "I trust somebody until they give me a reason not to trust them," said Joseph Holt, who teaches business ethics at the University of Notre Dame. "And Facebook has increasingly given me reasons not to trust them." Losing that would be a disaster, not just for Facebook, but for any Silicon Valley company that relies on users to open up their private lives. The amount of trust placed in technology has soared. Cars sync with cellphones. Refrigerators know when there's no more milk and reorder it. Virtual assistants field answers to nearly any inane question. And with each turn of the steering wheel, sip of milk or request for dinner reservations, a trail of digital crumbs is left for companies to collect, analyze and profit off. The public has largely been willing to accept the trade-off, knowing in exchange for giving up some data, Netflix will offer spot-on show suggestions, Amazon will prompt a diaper order and Google will figure out what to search before a user finishes typing it. Not everyone understands the darker side of data brokers in an always-connected society. Every time a person shops online or at a store, loyalty cards linked to phone numbers or email addresses can be linked to other databases that may have location data, home addresses and more. Voting records, job history, credit scores (remember the Equifax hack?) are constantly mixed, matched and traded by companies in ways regulators haven't caught up with. While Facebook let slip data profiles on millions of people, "it's much more than that," said James Grimmelmann, a professor at Cornell Law School. "Trying to pin down any one breach as being the source of all the privacy harms out there is futile." For Facebook, whose power and value are built on being so ever-present in people's lives, the impact has been immediate its share price is down nearly 14 percent since the scandal broke March 16. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. Investors fear that Facebook users will start to think twice before posting the latest snapshots of their puppy, or clicking "like" on a news story or movie trailer. "It's something that's going to remain in people's memory," said Mike Chapple, a University of Notre Dame professor with expertise in cybersecurity. "I think it's changed people's perceptions." After the scandal broke, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg apologized, admitted his company's mistakes and said security needs to be enhanced to protect users' data. He noted that this is a major trust issue for the public. It follows closely on the heels of the company acknowledging it helped spread fake news and propaganda from Russian-linked trolls disrupting the 2016 presidential election. While some disenchanted Facebook users have deactivated their accounts, others point out that breaking up can be hard to do. If a credit card company or an airline's data is breached, it's easy enough to switch allegiances. But for most of Facebook's 2 billion users there's no real substitute, said Aaron Gordon, a partner at Schwartz Media Strategies, a Miami-based public relations and crisis management firm. "It's a lot harder to just up and leave," he said. Holt, the business ethics professor, loved Facebook, but with all that's come out, he feels like he's in an abusive relationship. He estimates he cut his usage from 30 minutes daily to 10 minutes every other day and would flee altogether if a viable alternative emerged. Royal Jordanian (RJ) has entered into a partnership with Tanasuk Technologies, an offshore technical resource provider, to further enhance its website performance. Tanasuk is the first Sitecore Partner in the region specialising in digital transformation and tech execution strategy. Phase 1, which lasted for 10 weeks, saw a complete migration from Royal Jordanians previous content management system to the new and improved Sitecore Experience Platform. This exceptionally sophisticated platform makes it possible for RJ to satisfy its customers with many flexible online touch-points. Additionally, it integrates extremely well with RJs marketing and digital tools, enabling customers to access a much faster and more advanced website. So far, the Tanasuk team migrated over 200 pages across six different languages on RJs website. The next phase will consist of a complete data migration process, whereby all of RJs historical data from various sources and platforms will be consolidated and migrated using different Sitecore omnichannel experiences. RJ president and CEO Stefan Pichler said: We are glad to work with Tanasuk Technologies which provides us with this highly customisable platform that helps RJ achieve its short- and long-term future plans to adopt a dynamic Content Management System, while integrating powerful tools, being in sync with Iatas standards and systems. He added: This cooperation will ultimately lead to bringing in a new experience for our guests who are accessing our online channels. Heath Arensen, Tanasuks founder, said: RJ has demonstrated its strong vision in leveraging technology to drive customer engagement. As the first Jordanian entity to implement Sitecore, RJ is leading the way in digital transformation. He added: Working closely with the RJ team just confirmed to us how committed they are to their customersbeing one of them myself! Were honoured to support them on their journey towards a comprehensive and integrated omnichannel digital strategy that truly positions RJ as one of the most forward-thinking companies in the region. Tanasuk Technologies, headquartered in Amman since 2008, is a leading Sitecore partner focused on enterprise-level web application development and design services. It is the first Sitecore partner in the Mena region and has long been Sitecores go to partner for Arabic language implementations. - TradeArabia News Service A century-old gravel mine with a million-dollar view of the Albany skyline has grown into the state's largest dump for construction and demolition waste, drawing thousands of massive dump trucks that rumble through a Rensselaer neighborhood from dawn to dusk. Arriving from seven different states, trucks come to the Dunn C&D Landfill to dump tons of debris into huge pits that can be seen from Albany. State Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos, whose agency OK'd the dump back in 2012, sees it from his 14th floor office window at DEC headquarters. And Seggos, who this winter noticed a "large dust cloud ... wafting" from the dump, does not like what he is seeing. He said DEC is investigating and is prepared to enforce any violations it finds. "I am not satisfied with this situation now either," he said, when asked Thursday about neighbors' concerns about truck noise, diesel fumes, dirt and blowing debris. "I can see the impacts ... we will be looking at everything." The first trucks started rolling in early 2015, and by the end of last year, nearly 50,000 trucks had gone in and out, according to annual reports filed with DEC. And every truck had only one way to get there through Partition Street, where residents say they are confronted daily with noise, dirt and diesel fumes. Rensselaer city officials, who signed a 2009 agreement to support the dump even before it was officially proposed by the mine's former owner, Michael Dunn, say their hands were tied after losing a lawsuit to Dunn two decades earlier over attempts to limit truck traffic to the mine. Dunn later sold the 99-acre property to Waste Connections, a Texas-based corporation that is one of the nation's largest waste haulers. As part of the $30 million sale, which also included a dump in Texas, Dunn received a $3 million bonus for obtaining the state and city agreements necessary for the dump, according to a report that Waste Connections filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in 2016. The dump can legally accept concrete, sheetrock, asphalt, masonry, roofing materials, plumbing fixtures, insulation (but not asbestos), empty buckets, wood, plastics and "pulverized waste." It cannot take regular household garbage or hazardous waste. Under the 2009 agreement with Dunn, Waste Connections pays Rensselaer $2 per ton of construction waste. Payments to the city have totaled about $2.7 million through 2017, according to annual reports that show the dump has taken in about 1.25 million tons of waste. This tonnage means the Dunn dump is taking more than the Albany and Colonie municipal landfills combined. With disposal fees at comparable construction and demolition dumps elsewhere in the state at about $55 a ton, that debris could have netted Waste Connections about $68 million in revenue. City Attorney Paul Goldman said the city had to support the dump project because it lost a 1991 legal challenge against Dunn to enforce truck weight restrictions on city streets. He said the city at least should benefit financially from a facility that it could not block. However, said Goldman, he was unaware that Dunn ever told city officials that he was going to sell the dump to Waste Connections, or about the $3 million bonus he would get for landing the city and state approvals, including the 2009 agreement signed by Mayor Dan Dwyer. "Mr. Dunn was free to sell his property to whoever he wanted to," said Goldman. Attempts to reach Dunn, who is now president of the Wilton-based Kubricky Construction Corp., and officials from Waste Connections, for comment were not successful. The state permit for the dump issued to Dunn, and now held by Waste Connections, allows for up to 100 truck round-trips a day, between 6:30 a.m. and 4 p.m Monday through Friday. The truck limit was originally part of a 1992 state permit for Dunn to transport sand and gravel out of the mine, although Dunn reported to DEC that fewer than 800 truck round-trips occurred in 2010. Last year, the dump averaged 78 trucks a day, including those that carry sand and gravel from the mine, or leachate, the tainted water that seeps out of the dump. Waste Connections could add thousands more trucks and still be within its permit. Residents like Louis Sebesta, who sees, hears and smells trucks as they thunder past his Partition Street home, question how the city and the DEC could have ever permitted an operation so large and obtrusive. "Welcome to Rensselaer, the Trash City," said Sebesta, a retired DEC forester who bought his home in 2013. Built in the 1820s, it was once a residence of a city mayor. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. Now, vibrations from passing trucks each carrying an average 28 tons of waste are so bad inside his home that pictures on the walls are constantly tilting. "I am worried what this might be doing to the foundations of my home and the other people who live along the street," Sebesta said. He said the city or state should conduct studies on traffic noise, dirt and diesel fumes all of which DEC initially determined would not be a problem when it approved the dump permit for Dunn. And the dump could be there for years to come; in an environmental report that Dunn filed with DEC, he indicated the dump would not be full until 2036, at which point it would cover more than 50 acres. The state permit is due to expire in July 2022 unless it is renewed. Seggos said the DEC permit was properly reviewed. However, that review found the dump would have a "small visual impact" from Albany and that truck noise would be "unnoticed to tolerable." Idling 18-wheel waste trucks start lining up on the street at 6 a.m., a half hour before the dump opens, said Colleen Hulett, another resident. "It is crazy here. You are afraid to back out of your driveway." Her 13-year-old daughter, Monique, waits for her school bus on the street. "You have to dodge the trucks," she said. She attends Rensselaer High School, on the other side of the dump. "You can hear noises from when you are in class. Grinding, rumbling ... it is very distressing." Near the high school, Joanne Farrell has visited her parents' and grandparent's graves in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, which is across from the dump. She routinely finds debris that has blown onto the graves. "I have picked up cereal boxes, medical papers, styrofoam food containers ... stuff is hanging from the trees," said Farrell, who is a co-founder of Rensselaer Community Action, a grass-roots group that wants the dump closed. So far this year, DEC inspectors have visited the dump a dozen times, said Seggos. Earlier this year, DEC caught Waste Connections taking in municipal waste from the Colonie town landfill, which was a violation of its permit at Dunn. The company was told to stop, but was not fined. "If there are issues, we will proceed to enforcement," Seggos said. "The people of the city deserve that, and it is our job." bnearing@timesunion.com 518-454-5094 @Bnearing10 Malta As GlobalFoundries starts making next-generation computer chips using cutting-edge 7 nanometer features at its Fab 8 computer chip factory in Malta, the company is getting ready to turbo-charge its manufacturing line using a new technology. It's called extreme ultraviolet lithography, and GlobalFoundries is buying four of the machines, which print chip designs onto silicon wafers, from a Dutch company called ASML. The price tag: $200 million for each machine. And while final assembly of the EUV machines is done in the Netherlands, a large parts of the machines are made in Wilton, Conn., about a two-and-a-half hour drive from Albany. Due to the integral role that the ASML machines will play at Fab 8 going forward EUV is the only solution so far that the industry has discovered that can add more and more transistors on a chip, making them faster and cheaper ASML recently invited a Times Union reporter to its 300,000-square-foot Wilton facility to see how the machines are made. And ASML didn't just build its Wilton facility recently to serve companies like GlobalFoundries. The factory has been located on Route 7 in Wilton, which is just south of Danbury, since the 1970s. It began first selling chip-making equipment to the Air Force and then IBM and other chip makers. "Our history goes way back at this site," said Bill Amalfitano, the general manager of the Wilton site. "It started with a government contract." Just like at Fab 8, visitors must "gown up" in polyester coverall bunny suits, including hoods and special shoes, in order keep the manufacturing line from becoming contaminated. Among the components that are made at the Wilton plant are so-called reticle handlers that introduce the highly expensive and fragile glass "masks" that contain the chip designs being printed onto silicon wafers using the light source. Unlike Fab 8, where most of the employees are outside the cleanroom because the chip making process is so automated, there are many workers out on the ASML clean room floor. That's because the process that goes into making the lithography machines is extremely time consuming and labor intensive. A total of 1,222 people work at the factory, both in manufacturing and engineering roles, with shifts running around the clock, seven days a week. Research and development is done side-by-side with the manufacturing process, allowing for quick feedback on advancing and perfecting new technologies. The finished modules, which make up about a third of the final product, are shipped to ASML's headquarters and manufacturing facility in the town of Veldhoven in the Netherlands. There, the large machines undergo final assembly before being shipped back to the United States, or to semiconductor fabrication plants in Asia or Europe. ASML has shipped 22 of the EUV machines so far over the past five years, but the order backlog now is already up to 28 machines, meaning the company is getting ready to drastically ramp up production of the machines in the coming year. ASML has announced a $100 million, 45,000-square-foot expansion at the Wilton site that will add 524 jobs. Connecticut has promised up to $20 million in grants and tax breaks to support the project. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. Amalfitano says the expansion into EUV has been one of the most exciting times of his career. The Wilton site was originally home to Perkin-Elmer, a defense contractor that originally developed the lithography technology for the Air Force. In the 1990s, the Wilton plant was sold to a partnership between Silicon Valley Group and IBM. ASML acquired it in 2001. "It's really exciting to see the growth," Amalfitano said. "The technology is exciting to everyone who works here, and it's great to recognize the impact that you have on everybody's lives. Without this capability, how do you keep furthering Moore's Law?" The Wilton plant is not just expanding outward but also upward. The EUV machines, 26 feet tall and 13 feet long, are much larger and heavier than the standard lithography machines that ASML makes, requiring more space and bigger bays to get the completed machines out the door. It's difficult to generate the light source for EUV machines. Those components are made in the Netherlands, but ASML has come up with a solution that works. "It's pretty complicated physics," Gary Patton, the chief technology officer at GlobalFoundries, recently explained as part of a tour of Fab 8 that included the company showing off its new EUV machines being installed. "They take molten tin, they drop it in the tool, then they zap it with a laser to flatten the droplet. They then zap it again with a laser to generate the EUV light. Tin goes flying all over the place, and it has to be collected and removed from the device. Then the EUV light bounces all over a bunch of mirrors and then onto the wafer, and every time it bounces, you lose energy. The trick is generating enough light." The EUV machines also have a much lower tolerance for any contamination, requiring added clean room features and large baths to clean the tools that workers use to put the machines together. "We're putting a huge stake in the ground," Amalfitano said. "When we grow like this, this isn't like building an office building. We are expanding a very customized type of manufacturing. You can see it." Although EUV lithography hasn't been used yet in commercial chip production, GlobalFoundries and others are expecting to start using it soon. GlobalFoundries is planning to introduce it sometime soon after launching its 7 nanometer chip process, where Patton expects it will greatly reduce costs by requiring fewer steps during the lithography process using the current technology. "EUV will be here," Patton said. "We are betting big on it." Sir Paul McCartney joined thousands of people, many of them students, in a march against gun violence Saturday in Manhattan during the March for Our Lives rally in New York. McCartney's Beatles band mate John Lennon was killed by a gunman in 1980 not far from where the march took place. His T-shirt had the message, "We can end gun violence." Associated Press Wenner: #MeToo lacks due process Jann Wenner believes the #MeToo movement shows a "real absence of due process." The Rolling Stone publisher said he feels that mere accusations of sexual impropriety are threatening careers, many times without corroboration, with people losing their jobs over "some of the most harmless (expletive) things." "Honestly, I do believe it's a bit of a witch hunt," Wenner said at his office in New York. "It's difficult to get due process because there's no real place to adjudicate it except in court, which takes forever." The 72-year old Wenner speaks from experience, after a former Rolling Stone employee came forward last year, claiming the media mogul sexually assaulted him in 1983. Wenner doesn't deny something happened between him and his accuser. "There's some truth to it, but it does not fit any illegal, immoral, or unethical, or go in any way that direction," Wenner said. "All you can say is no, not me too, and wait," he said. Wenner also sees violent sexual assault happening on college campuses as being a bigger problem. "This is student-to-student rape. It's different than being harassed on the job or having your butt pinched or whatever you're complaining about. This is a physical violence," Wenner said. Wenner made the comments while promoting the recent documentary by award-winning filmmaker Alex Gibney, "Rolling Stone: Stories From the Edge." The four-hour, six-part documentary which aired last year on HBO makes its way to iTunes and other online services Tuesday. It showcases the magazine's 50-year history, and its remarkable news coverage, including the 1972 presidential election covered by Hunter S. Thompson and the Michael Hastings article that took down Gen. Stanley McChrystal, commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan. Associated Press Witnesses detail Smiley misconduct PBS says more witnesses have detailed sexual misconduct allegations against talk-show host Tavis Smiley, who was suspended in December and later fired. In papers filed in Washington, D.C., Superior Court in response to a breach-of-contract lawsuit by Smiley, PBS said the witnesses spoke to an independent investigator and corroborated initial accounts that Smiley had established a pattern of sexual relationships with subordinates. The filing Tuesday also said he subjected subordinates to unwanted sexual advances including requests for specific sex acts and made lewd jokes. "Over a dozen individuals reported that they were either subjected to or witnessed unwelcome, inappropriate sexual comments or conduct or otherwise inappropriate behavior by Mr. Smiley or were informed of the misconduct contemporaneously," the court filing said. Smiley and his representatives stuck by their denials. Associated Press Simmons hit with $10M rape suit Russell Simmons has been hit with a $10 million rape lawsuit from a woman who says that the hip-hop music mogul forced himself on her in his hotel room following a concert. It is the latest accusation of sexual misconduct that Simmons is facing. Multiple women have accused the Def Jam Recordings impresario of harassment or rape. The lawsuit, filed Friday in Los Angeles County Superior Court, doesn't identify the plaintiff. The complaint also doesn't disclose the date or city of the alleged incident. Associated Press Fla. man gets cat back after 14 years TCPalm.com reports Perry Martin of Fort Pierce said he had assumed his orange tabby named Thomas Jr., or T2 for short, had died in traffic. Martin moved in with a friend after Hurricane Jeanne clobbered the state in 2004. A few days later, T2 escaped the home and never returned. Martin had T2 implanted with a microchip in 2002. He never had news of his missing pet until a Martin County Animal Services officer called him March 9 to tell him T2 was in a shelter in Palm City. Associated Press Albany The state attorney general's office is investigating a nonprofit foundation associated with the NXIVM corporation that allegedly sponsored brain-activity and other human behavioral studies without any apparent oversight, according to court records. The nonprofit Ethical Science Foundation was formed in 2007 by Clare W. Bronfman, an heiress of the Seagram Co. business empire who has described herself as the operations director of NXIVM. Bronfman, who owns a horse farm in Delanson, is listed in public records as the trustee and donor of the Ethical Science Foundation. At the request of the attorney general's office, a state Supreme Court justice recently signed an order directing Bronfman and Dr. Brandon B. Porter, who is involved with NXIVM and conducted the human studies, to turn over all documentation associated with the research, including any written communications, videos, conclusions, consent forms and the names and addresses of "individuals associated with Ethical Science Foundation who participated in any manner with the studies." READ THE TIMES UNION SPECIAL REPORT: SECRETS OF NXIVM The attorney general's office also is seeking financial records from the Ethical Science Foundation, including its annual budgets and bank account numbers, as well as the names and addresses of any board members, trustees or employees. NXIVM's supporters have insisted it is a self-help group focused on business and personal improvement. NXIVM officials and associates have repeatedly denied any wrongdoing and dispute any allegation that it is a cult. Internal Revenue Service records indicate the Ethical Science Foundation acquired more than $145,000 worth of computers, medical equipment and brain-activity monitors several years ago. A 2015 IRS form filed by the nonprofit listed its "charitable activities" as "Tourettes study studying the effects of a specific and innovative method has [sic] on individuals with Tourettes syndrome and obsessive compulsive disorder." The 2015 tax form said its expenses were $32,620. In December, a separate investigation of NXIVM by the U.S. Attorney's office in Brooklyn was revealed when several women who were once associated with NXIVM and its co-founder, Keith Raniere, confirmed they had been interviewed by federal law enforcement officials from that office. The Justice Department's probe, some of the women said, is examining NXIVM's business dealings, including its practice of recruiting members from abroad. The Justice Department has declined to confirm the investigation. Among those interviewed by the Justice Department are women who claimed they were lured into a secret club established by female NXIVM members that required them to consent to being branded with a design that includes the initials of Raniere and a NXIVM associate, Allison Mack. Raniere, in a statement posted on NXIVM's website several months ago, said these women were part of a "social group" and that he is not associated with that group, which he said is "not part of NXIVM." "Over the past months, there have been extensive independent investigations performed, by highly qualified individuals, and they have firmly concluded that there is no merit to the allegations that we are abusing, coercing or harming individuals," Raniere said in the statement. "These allegations are most disturbing to me as non-violence is one of my most important values." The state Health Department faced scrutiny last year when it was reported that the agency had brushed off complaints about the brain studies and the branding, which was done by a licensed medical doctor associated with NXIVM. The office of Gov. Andrew Cuomo said it was reviewing the Health Department's handling of the complaints, but so far has taken no action publicly. The attorney general's charities bureau, which oversees and regulates nonprofit organizations, is leading the probe of the Ethical Science Foundation, according to the court records. The Times Union reported previously that Porter who abruptly resigned from St. Peter's Hospital last year when his involvement with the brain studies became public - had apparently not published a scientific study in a number of years, and there is no indication his private research was being overseen by an independent review board. The attorney general's recent court filings make note of that apparent deficiency in the research. "ESF has funded the research of Dr. Brandon Porter, a physician who has conducted human subject research under the auspices of ESF without oversight by an Institutional Review Board (IRB) or human research committee in violation of Public Health Law," the attorney general's office wrote in support of its application for court intervention. In general, they added, "The failure to comply with human subject protections required by law is a gross violation of public policy." Efforts to reach Porter and NXIVM officials, including Bronfman, were not successful. One of the complaints initially brushed off by the state Health Department was filed in August by a woman in Vancouver, British Columbia, who was associated with NXIVM and said she was traumatized by a bizarre experiment in 2016 in which Porter showed her videos depicting graphic violence. The Vancouver woman, Jennifer Kobelt, said the experiment she was subjected to which had no apparent connection to Tourette's syndrome took place in a small commercial building in Halfmoon that has been used for years by NXIVM for training and seminars. Kobelt said she was recruited for the study by an assistant of Nancy Salzman, who is NXIVM's president, and that she knew of at least four other women who took part. Kobelt said she was not told what the study was for or what would take place, and that she was not asked to sign any documents indicating she had been informed what the study was about and consented to take part. Porter drove Kobelt to the building that day, she said, hooked her up to an EEG machine that monitors brain activity and showed her terrifying images and videos of murder, rape and mutilation. She described her ordeal to the Times Union last year and also detailed her experience in a complaint filed with the state Department of Health last summer. In response to the complaint that Kobelt filed with the state Health Department last summer, the agency sent her a letter saying that what she described was "not medical misconduct." Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. Another woman who was previously associated with NXIVM contacted the state Health Department last year and provided information about her experience in an experiment conducted by Porter. Her attorney confirmed that information. The Times Union is not publishing her name to protect her privacy. The woman also provided the Times Union with a written outline detailing her involvement in the study of obsessive compulsive disorder. She was with NXIVM from 2012 until June 2017 and said she had been diagnosed with OCD in 2000 and took medication to treat the condition. In August 2016, during a NXIVM retreat in the Lake George region, Salzman, who co-founded NXIVM with Raniere and has a nursing background, "informed me they were still interested in using me for the OCD study. She told me that ... Dr. Brandon Porter would connect me to a brain wave cap and measure my brain activity while the (NXIVM executive success program) technology was used on me." The woman said that she had been required to have her psychiatrist write a letter acknowledging her care would be transferred to Porter. She said Porter and Salzman were involved when she took part in two brain-activity studies in the fall of 2016. Later, the woman said, after she had uploaded information about her participation in the study on a Facebook post, Salzman contacted her. "I remember her telling me in that call that I was not to speak of being part of the study," she said. In a follow-up session with Porter, she said, he asked her how she felt about her weight, what part of her body she obsesses about, and about "murder, harming myself, harming others and other more depraved topics." In 2000, during a deposition in a bankruptcy proceeding, Salzman, who records indicate has been a licensed nurse in New York since 1983, described herself as a "psychotherapist," while acknowledging that it is "not an earned degree ... it's a descriptive term." She also testified that beginning in 1985 and continuing through 1992, she had taken "neurolinguistic programming courses." Porter's research on Kobelt and other women involved with NXIVM may be subject to ethical rules governing scientific research, according to medical experts interviewed by the Times Union last year. Kobelt said that Porter routinely monitored the brain activity of her and other women, usually while they were taking part in NXIVM-related "personal development trainings." NXIVM issued a statement on its website last October defending its practices following reports about Porter's experiment and the secret women's group that took part in branding rituals. The corporate statement noted the company's interest in research, saying: "NXIVM has documented an initial case study of ten individuals suffering from Tourette's syndrome, a neurological disease known to be incurable, who were able to radically reduce, and in some cases completely eradicate, their symptoms." blyons@timesunion.com 518-454-5547 @brendan_lyonstu SCHENECTADY The scene at Schenectady's Yoga Bliss on the Boulevard is exactly what you would expect for a yoga studio: earth tones, an array of healthy snacks and incense burning in the background. But at noon on Sundays, the space shifts from the stereotype and transforms into Rachelle Pean's Namaslay class, which aims to be an inclusive space for people of color. "It's so different and unique," said Maddie McCarthy, a senior at Niskayuna High School who has been attending Namaslay regularly for about a year. "You meet so many different types of people, and it's really cool to see everyone coming together in one space." The dominating whiteness of most yoga classes is a topic that has been discussed for years in and out of the yogi community, peppering the internet with articles and blog posts. Pean's class stands in defiance of that lack of diversity. Instead of New Age music, the hip hop and R&B sounds of artists like Kendrick Lamar, Solange Knowles and Mos Def fill the air. Yogis don't refrain from soft chatter and laughter throughout their practice, sometimes singing along under their breaths. On a recent Sunday, over half the class of 11 was composed of people of color. "I started yoga in a neighborhood by New York University, and I remember getting up from shavasana (resting pose) and not seeing any other people of color in the room," Pean said. "I felt like I needed to leave really quickly because it didn't feel like my space." But one day, she said, a yoga instructor had a Tupac song on her playlist. It was, Pean said, a moment where she thought, "You're a person like me and this is a space for a lot of different ways to practice." Pean has been emulating that moment of comfort and inclusivity with her weekly Namaslay class. Karyn Dyer has felt that comfort in Pean's class, which she said has been crucial for her as a black, plus-sized woman. "Sometimes I feel like I can't take a yoga class without sticking out like a sore thumb," said Dyer, who has been attending Pean's class for a year. "In Namaslay, I never feel out of place, because the instructor is a black woman and also there's a space to say, 'Come as you are you need this healing, too.'" That sense of invitation is something Dyer and Pean said is crucial for communities of color, but lacking. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. "One thing I had to battle in my mind ... is what rooms there are for people of color in regards to self-care," Dyer said. "What can be hindering ultimately is not wanting to do things like yoga, or a dance or gym class, because you're the only person that looks like you." The reality, Pean said, is that when people of color are in predominantly white spaces, they feel the need to filter their behavior, words and overall identities to avoid negative perceptions white people may have. "It can be hard to feel like you can just be you, fully, without trying hard to not be too black it can get heavy," she said. "So creating a space where you can take off all those social masks, you can just be, and what happens when you are just being." The music is a key to creating that space. "Music has always been the current that carried our story," Pean said. "So to have the music that holds that story playing while we're collectively creating this space to change a narrative ... we have our bodies, our breath and that's all you need." SARATOGA SPRINGS - The Saratoga County League of Women Voters will host a forum with students who participated in the school walkouts and an attorney with the New York Civil Liberties Union for its final "Making Democracy Work" series. The event will be held at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday in Gannett Auditorium in Palamountain Hall at Skidmore College, 815 North Broadway. ALBANY Over the past 43 years, Whiteman Osterman & Hanna became one of New York's largest and most prominent legal and lobbying firms. In just eight days at the recent political corruption trial of Joe Percoco and three businessmen, it gained a less prestigious distinction: the firm that employed Todd R. Howe, a convicted felon and the bagman for payments to Percoco. Howe, a onetime government insider, testified against Percoco, the former top aide to Gov. Andrew Cuomo, and his three co-defendants. He also inflicted collateral damage to the Albany-based firm, where Howe managed to stay employed for six years even after being convicted of bank fraud. From its subsidiary offices, where his job title was lobbyist, he engaged in widespread chicanery right under the noses of some of the most seasoned legal experts in upstate New York. Percoco was convicted March 13 of three of the six counts against him, including honest services fraud and soliciting bribes. Just as Percoco's crimes have damaged the reputation of his former employer, Howe's misdeeds have bruised Whiteman Osterman & Hanna. In the wake of the trial, people are "certainly going to connect corruption with that law firm," said Vincent Bonventre, a law professor at Albany Law School. "For lawyers, we're puzzled as to how this could happen in that firm, that they could have had somebody like Todd Howe in that firm for such a while," Bonventre said. "I would imagine any lawyer even probably lawyers in the firm are bewildered at how this could have happened." Bonventre offered abundant praise for the ethics, professionalism and legal acumen of others at the firm, which he noted includes senior counsel Howard Levine, a former associate judge of the state Court of Appeals, the state's highest court. Another senior counsel, Bernard "Bud" Malone, served as an associate justice on the Appellate Division's Third Department. The firm, with its main offices just across from the state Capitol at 1 Commerce Place, has included other prestigious legal minds: John R. Dunne, a longtime Republican state senator, was assistant attorney general for civil rights in the administration of President George H.W. Bush; a co-founder of the firm, Michael Whiteman, was counsel to Govs. Nelson Rockefeller and Malcolm Wilson. "They've got to be mortified that the name 'Todd Howe' is associated with Whiteman, Osterman & Hanna," Bonventre said. "I know so many fine lawyers in that firm I mean really good, decent people. It's hard for me to imagine that they would have allowed this to happen." The firm's leaders declined to be interviewed for this story. William Dreyer, a longtime Albany attorney who is representing the firm, said in a statement that Whiteman Osterman & Hanna "was a victim of Todd Howe's fraud." Dreyer noted that after firing Howe after federal agents raided his Maryland home in April 2016, the firm "cooperated with the government by providing witnesses for interviews and thousands of documents to assist the government in putting its case together against Mr. Howe. Under those circumstances, a victim should not be asked to explain later why it was conned and defrauded by a con man." Immediately after his termination, a defiant Howe denied wrongdoing and threatened to sue Whiteman Osterman & Hanna for defamation. But less than five months later, he pleaded guilty to multiple felonies including several related to embezzling from his employers and began cooperating with prosecutors. When Howe first took the stand in early February, his history at the firm was catnip for defense attorneys who sought to undermine his credibility. "From 2002 to 2010, you were convicted of a felony, you've been sued by family, friends and colleagues, you've gone through a bankruptcy, you were stealing from Whiteman Osterman from at least 2009," Stephen Coffey, an Albany lawyer representing Syracuse developer Steve Aiello, asked Howe on Feb. 14. "You had financial problems, past frauds and crimes and that was just in eight years, correct?" "Yes," Howe replied. "Yet even with that, in 2010 you were considered a valuable member of the community by Whiteman Osterman, weren't you?" "Yes," Howe responded. The Troy native arrived at Whiteman Osterman & Hanna in 2002 with a resume of work for Gov. Mario Cuomo and his son, Andrew. Howe had served alongside the younger Cuomo, who led the Department of Housing and Urban Development under President Bill Clinton. More recently, Howe had been fired from his previous job, at the Mortgage Bankers Association. Howe testified the association fired him and Howard Glaser, another Cuomo family retainer who had worked at HUD, because "they didn't want two Cuomo Democrats in this organization when (President George W.) Bush had just pulled into town." But Howe acknowledged that another reason for his firing was because of a "travel expense issue, that I had stayed at a hotel that wasn't approved by the current president at that point, and I didn't listen to him and went ahead and did it anyway." Howe testified that when he approached Whiteman Osterman & Hanna, he "certainly indicated that I left on bad standing at the Mortgage Bankers." It was no roadblock: Howe was hired and became president of a D.C.-based subsidiary of the firm, WOH Government Solutions. In 2010, Howe was charged with stealing $45,000 from a bank. He said Whiteman Osterman & Hanna not only kept him on the job, but the firm also offered to go to bat for him with a letter of recommendation. "I had my lawyer talk to the managing partners," Howe testified. "So after Whiteman Osterman wrote the letter of recommendation, did you stop stealing from them then?" Coffey asked. "I did not, no," Howe said. Indeed, Howe remained employed at the firm after he was convicted, allowing him to continue to steal hundreds of thousands from his employers through sham bank accounts. Coffey, the defense attorney, grilled Howe about his 2010 conviction for scamming the bank, and how it didn't end his career at Whiteman Osterman & Hanna. "Well, you didn't tell them that you had defrauded a bank out of $45,000, did you?" he asked Howe. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. "Yes, I did," Howe said. "They kept you on the job, right?" Coffey asked Howe moments later. "Yes," Howe said. "In fact, counselor, they even said they had represented TD Bank in the past and (asked) would it have helped if they'd called to TD Bank to say, 'Try to get rid of this problem.'" But Howe said the case at that point had already been resolved. "That was unfortunate, then," Coffey said. "Perhaps if they had called before, then you could have gotten out of that $45,000 fraud, right?" A federal prosecutor objected, and Judge Valerie Caproni sustained it. Dreyer, WOH's attorney, said in his statement that at the time of Howe's bank fraud case "the firm ... dealt with Mr. Howe's attorney and understood the conviction to be about a bounced check for college tuition and not an underlying bank fraud, so the information that Mr. Howe provided at trial is not in accord with what the firm understood." "Members of the firm were on the government and defense witness list, but were never called," Dreyer added. "All of the witnesses who were on the witness list were ready, willing and able to appear if called." Howe had made it clear in his testimony that he did not believe Whiteman, Osterman & Hanna wanted any part of Percoco, who according to Howe wanted to be hired at the firm after he left the Cuomo administration in April 2014 to run the governor's first re-election campaign. "I knew it wasn't going to be a possibility because I knew that the law firm would not hire Joe on a temporary basis like that because the law firm had a lot of state business before the state, and they knew Joe's reputation and Joe's position in the campaign, and they probably would think that he might go back to the governor's office," Howe said. "My feeling was they wanted to probably stay as far away from this idea as possible." Howe said Richard Leckerling, his boss at Whiteman, Osterman & Hanna and a person he said he had known for 30 years, "was going to look at me like I had three heads if I raised this idea with him, so I didn't raise it with him." Among other misdeeds, Howe falsely claimed to be an attorney, used an old signature from his boss to falsify paperwork, and served as a bagman for illicit payments to Percoco. Despite the inventory of his crimes described at the trial, Howe presented himself on the witness stand as a clean-cut professional who may have made mistakes but was trying to make amends. That effort was dealt a serious blow when Howe was taken into federal custody mid-trial after he admitted during cross-examination to trying to scam his credit card company out of the cost of a night's stay at the Waldolf-Astoria even after he had signed a cooperation agreement with the federal government that required him to stop committing crimes. Howe's testimony helped convict Aiello, the top executive of Syracuse-based COR Development, of conspiring to commit honest services fraud. Jurors cleared COR's general counsel, Joseph Gerardi, of all charges. They could not reach a verdict on the charges facing Peter Galbraith Kelly, a former executive with Competitive Power Ventures, an energy company that also had business before the state. Whiteman Osterman & Hanna now faces the impact of a second high-profile political corruption trial in Manhattan federal court in June that could also feature Howe as a witness. In that proceeding, Aiello and Gerardi will join former SUNY Polytechnic Institute President Alain Kaloyeros and Buffalo development executives Louis Ciminelli, Michael Laipple and Kevin Schuler in the second and final trial to emerge from the federal probe into upstate development projects. Competitive Power Ventures, LPCiminelli, SUNY Poly and COR Development all were clients of Whiteman Osterman & Hanna or its Howe-led subsidiary, WOH Government Solutions. The second trial "is going to drag the firm in the mud again," said Albany Law School's Bonventre. Still, Bonventre believes Whiteman Osterman & Hanna "will come out fine" due to the fundamental quality of its team with the one notable exception. Tactical Base Gamberi, Afghanistan In fits and starts, for nearly a decade, the U.S. has struggled to build an Afghan military that can take control of its own nation's security and lay the groundwork for a stable government. This time, they think they have it right. After five days criss-crossing Afghanistan, meeting with everyone from the Afghan president to the new American trainers on the ground, Gen. Joseph Dunford headed home Friday with a sense of optimism. Just months after the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan declared the war against the Taliban and other insurgents a stalemate, Dunford chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said he can see a shift. "What we're already starting to see is, I think, momentum is going to favor the Afghan forces," Dunford told the small group of reporters traveling with him, adding that the deployment of 800 new Army trainers "will serve as an accelerant to the Afghans being able to achieve momentum." A recent Afghan military operation in the east, where the Taliban have long been strong, gave him hope. It delivered, in his words, a "eureka" moment. Dubbed Saleb 1-23, the Afghan military operation was launched in mid-February in a move to oust the Taliban from a critical 10-kilometer stretch of valley in Laghman Province. Taliban fighters have used that area as a transit route across the border with Pakistan, where they enjoy safe havens. U.S. Army Maj. Marc Pfrogner, the operations adviser for the Afghans' 201st Corps, said the complex mission took 50 days to plan. He said it lasted until March 9, and got fiercer as the Afghans moved up Sangar Valley. Four Afghan forces died in the fight, and 30 Taliban were killed. Americans were impressed by the battle the Afghans waged, using their own intelligence, gathered partly from the Scan Eagle drone they got last September. With guidance from their American advisers, Afghan commandos launched the initial assaults, supported by Afghan aircraft. The Afghan National Army forces followed, clearing the area, and National Police units moved in to hold the ground, enabling local political leaders to retake the government. U.S. surveillance and strike aircraft provided support, but American military commanders said much of that was invisible to the local people, who saw the Afghan forces as their liberators. The coordination between the intelligence collection, the fighting forces and the police, said Dunford, is what the U.S. has been waiting to see. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. "If you want to talk about what right looks like from the Afghan security force and the government rolling in behind it that operation was about textbook," said Dunford. "I'm trying to restrain my enthusiasm here, but I'm having trouble, because that is the most positive observation that I've had over the last two days. You're kinda like, eureka!" Tempering that optimism, however, are the steep challenges ahead from government corruption and political infighting to regional diplomatic tensions and struggles to build a consistent, enduring military. Too often in recent years, U.S. officials have seized on a glimmer of hope, only to watch the Taliban regroup and surge again, taking back territory and fueling its fight with the profitable poppy harvest. It's all compounded by persistent turmoil with Pakistan, which U.S. officials complain has not eliminated Taliban havens or border crossings by militants. "The military effort is necessary but not sufficient to get us to reconciliation," said Gen. John Nicholson, the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan, referring to the renewed campaign to get Taliban fighters to the peace table. "There's a significant political component and diplomatic component." He and others agree, however, that battlefield wins are key ways to pressure insurgents to surrender. He said the recent influx of several thousand U.S. troops and trainers, additional strike aircraft and drones help Afghans go on the offensive. At Camp Leatherneck in the Taliban heartland of Helmand Province, Marines said Afghan soldiers still struggle with logistics and maintenance but see progress. Dunford also wants Taliban to abandon war for a formal Afghan reintegration program. He'll watch Taliban reaction when they're targeted by Afghan aircraft and Afghan commandos, their toughest enemy, doubles. Swiss-Belhotel International, an award-winning global hotel chain and hospitality management group, will offer Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer miles to members who stay at the brands hotels, resorts and serviced residences around the world. Swiss-Belhotel International hotel guests can 'Stay Happy & Fly Further', earning one KrisFlyer mile for every US Dollar spent during their stay at participating Swiss-Belhotel International hotels. In addition to KrisFlyer miles earned when booking a stay, the more guests enjoy the restaurant, spa, bar or other hotel services, the more KrisFlyer miles they accrue. Singapore Airlines flies to more than 60 countries and territories around the world, including many Swiss-Belhotel destinations. Members can accumulate miles through flights, credit card purchases, hotel stays and more. Gavin M. Faull, chairman and president of Swiss-Belhotel International believes that the new partnership with Singapore Airlines will be a high-flying success because of the way people travel today. The once-a-year family vacation has been replaced by short getaways, longer holidays and more frequent travel. More affordable and better travel routes with companies such as Singapore Airlines are creating a smaller world, one where people travel and stay in hotels more often. Rewarding guests is a great way for us to give something back, inspire them to stay with us again and perhaps fly even further with their KrisFlyer miles and visit more of our Swiss-Belhotel hotels and resorts around the world. It is easy to earn KrisFlyer miles with unique Swiss-Belhotel International stays at high-quality, well-appointed hotels and resorts. Guests can also benefit from a range of tempting offers by booking online. These include last-minute offers; online booking discounts; early bird deals; long weekend, seasonal and sporting event specials; wedding party and special event bookings; hot deals; and weekend, week-long and extended stay promotions. - TradeArabia News Service Washington In a historic groundswell of youth activism, hundreds of thousands of teenagers and their supporters rallied across the U.S. against gun violence Saturday, vowing to transform fear and grief into a "vote-them-out" movement and tougher laws against weapons and ammo. They took to the streets of the nation's capital and in New York, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Minneapolis, Phoenix, Los Angeles and Oakland, Calif., in the kind of numbers seen during the Vietnam era, sweeping up activists long frustrated by stalemate in the gun debate and bringing in a lot of new, young voices. They were called to action by a brand-new corps of leaders: student survivors of the school shooting in Parkland, Fla., that left 17 people dead Feb. 14. "If you listen real close, you can hear the people in power shaking," Parkland survivor David Hogg said to roars from the protesters packing Pennsylvania Avenue from the stage near the Capitol many blocks back toward the White House. "We're going to take this to every election, to every state and every city. We're going to make sure the best people get in our elections to run, not as politicians but as Americans. "Because this," he said, pointing behind him to the Capitol dome, "this is not cutting it." Some of the voices were very young. Yolanda Renee King, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s 9-year-old granddaughter, drew from the civil rights leader's most famous words in declaring from the stage: "I have a dream that enough is enough. That this should be a gun-free world. Period." By all appearances there were no official numbers Washington's March for Our Lives rally rivaled the women's march last year that drew far more than the predicted 300,000. The National Rifle Association went silent on Twitter as the protests unfolded, in contrast to its reaction to the nationwide school walkouts against gun violence March 14, when it tweeted a photo of an assault rifle and the message "I'll control my own guns, thank you." President Donald Trump was in Florida for the weekend and did not weigh in on Twitter either. White House spokesman Zach Parkinson said: "We applaud the many courageous young Americans exercising their First Amendment rights today." He pointed to Trump's efforts to ban bump stocks and his support for school-safety measures and extended background checks for gun purchases. Since the bloodshed in Florida, students have tapped into a current of gun control sentiment that has been building for years yet still faces a powerful foe in the NRA, its millions of supporters and lawmakers who have resisted any encroachment on gun rights. Organizers are hoping the electricity of the crowds, their sheer numbers and the under-18 roster of speakers will create a tipping point, starting with the midterm congressional elections this fall. To that end, chants of "Vote them out!" rang through the Washington crowd. Emma Gonzalez, one of the first students from Florida's Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School to speak out after the tragedy there, implored those of voting age to vote. In her speech, she recited the names of the Parkland dead, then held the crowd in rapt, tearful silence for more than six minutes, the time it took the gunman to kill them. "We will continue to fight for our dead friends," Delaney Tarr, another Parkland survivor, declared from the stage. The crowd roared with approval as she laid down the students' central demand: a ban on "weapons of war" for all but warriors. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. Student protesters called for a ban on high-capacity magazines and assault-type weapons like the one used by the killer in Parkland, comprehensive background checks, and a higher minimum age to buy guns. Gun violence was fresh for some who watched the speakers in Washington: Ayanne Johnson of Great Mills High School in Maryland held a sign declaring, "I March for Jaelynn," honoring Jaelynn Willey, who died Thursday two days after being shot by a classmate at the school. The gunman also died. Among the Capital Region residents attending the march was Anna Sherman, a junior at Mohonasen High School who rode a bus to D.C. with 30 fellow students and 10 adults, her parents included. "Seeing how many people came out to support this was really great you couldn't even see where the crowd ended. It was really amazing to see," she said. Sherman was motivated to attend the march after hearing Florida students on the news. "They can't do it on their own," she said. "And I felt that it was important that even though we're far away from Florida, far away from Washington, it was important that we go down and show our support and we want to change the gun laws also." "Once the march started, it was the most intense thing," said Trevor Luciani, a senior at Schenectady High School who arrived near the Capitol at 8 a.m. and, like Sherman, deemed the experience "amazing." During Gonzalez's turn at the podium, "Nobody spoke at all where I was standing. You could hear a penny drop." Luciani, who collected 200 voter-registration forms at school, characterized the march and the movement as a "kids' uprising" that could yield results in the 2018 and 2020 elections. "It's not like kids want change. Kids are going to get change. ... We're defining what our future's going to turn into." Amy Biancolli contributed to this report. The President, Mr. Michael D. Higgins led the tributes tonight to the late Ceann Comhairle, Tipperary T.D. Mr. Sean Treacy, who has passed way. The Tipperary T.D. was described by Mr. Higgins as a distinguished parliamentarian who oversaw many reforms in Dail Eireann during the 1990's. President Higgins said: "I have learned with great sadness of the death of Sean Treacy, distinguished parliamentarian and a former colleague of mine in the Labour Party. "Sean served with great distinction in public life for nearly five decades, including four terms in office as Ceann Comhairle of Dail Eireann, where he was much-respected by members on both sides of the House for his fairness and knowledge of parliamentary procedure. He led many parliamentary delegations abroad over the years, representing Dail Eireann and building valuable political relationships all over the world. He also oversaw many reforms in Dail Eireann during the 1990's, including the introduction of the televising of proceedings in the Houses of the Oireachtas, a bold innovation at the time which proved to be very successful. "Sean, who started his working life in the shoe factory in Clonmel, represented the people of South Tipperary with great pride, always keen to safeguard and promote the rights of the most vulnerable in his constituency. He served as Mayor of Clonmel, and as a Member of the European Parliament, South Tipperary County Council and Clonmel Corporation "I have many memories of Sean as a colleague over a lifetime in politics and Sabina and I send our deepest condolences to his family and friends and all those who knew him." Fianna Fail Leader Micheal Martin has also extended his condolences to the family and friends of the former Ceann Comhairle. Deputy Martin said, I was saddened to hear of the passing of Sean Treacy earlier today. Sean was a committed public servant at local, national and European level. He had strong personal convictions but was always incredibly fair-minded and independent in his role as Ceann Comhairle. Sean was an extremely popular politician, being returned seven times as a TD before serving as an MEP for Munster in 1981. This impressive record is a reflection of his dedication to public service, his work ethic and his warm personality. I wish to extend my sympathies to his family and friends. Ar Dheis De go raibh a anam. Marriott Downtown Abu Dhabi has appointed Arlette Richter-Picardo as the new director of sales and marketing. Incorporating over 10 years of hospitality and tourism experience in her new role, Richter-Picardo will oversee the sales aspects of the hotels occupancy, events and catering, as well as its marketing and communication strategies. An accomplished and result-focused professional, Richter-Picardo began a dedicated career in the hotel industry as an Events Manager in a variety of UK and UAE-based five-star hotels, eventually stepping up in the ranks to achieve senior management positions. She is most notable for her recent roles such as the project manager for Events Sales at Starwood Central London in 2011, and her journey from being the director of events to assistant director of sales at St. Regis Abu Dhabi in 2012. As the director of sales and marketing, Richter-Picardo will further strengthen Marriott Hotel Downtown Abu Dhabis brand with impeccable sales and marketing efforts that focus on increasing revenue and contributing to the overall business strategy of the property. Commenting on the appointment, general manager David Lance said: We are delighted to welcome Arlette Richter-Picardo in her new position as the Director of Sales & Marketing. Arlettes exceptional record, expertise in the field and knowledge of the region will function as a valuable asset to Marriott Hotel & Marriott Executive Apartments Downtown Abu Dhabi. - TradeArabia News Service how it was done: An example of the Constituent Relationship Management database which SCL Elections was building for the Congress of the People as contained in the companys status report. Do you have a news tip? Want to share good news story, or do you have information that should see the light of day? Then we want to hear from you. More here "We are thinking of when we arrive in Hamburg to take a flight to Rome and work our way up back to Hamburg as we will be departing from Hamburg again." Have you actually checked flights from Hamburg to Rome? As far as I know (this IS the train travel forum!) the only option is Eurowings, which today is at 12:40 hrs, arr. 14:55; and as you will be buying separate tickets, meaning that you need to collect hold luggage off the first flight before you can check in for the second, you need to allow AT LEAST 3 hours between arrival from S. Africa (I didn't even know Hamburg received any flights from there..) and departure to Rome. In order to work your way back up to Hamburg, while covering everything in your list, from Rome you would have to go SOUTH to Naples (but why? if you were thinking of visiting Pompeii and/or the Amalfi Coast, you would need more time!), then backtrack to Rome (1h10 by Frecce) for Venice (3h45 ditto), then (I would say) fly to Paris (otherwise, 12 hrs by train - although there is also a night train, dep. 20:17, arr. Gare de Lyon 08:37) and from there (Paris-Nord), Thalys goes to Brussels (1h22) and Amsterdam (another 2 hrs), which is about 6 1/2 hrs by direct train from Berlin - which is still a couple of hours from Hamburg. You need to start making a daily plan starting with your arrival and departure flight times, and then filling in actual TIMES for each transport connection, which will soon tell you how feasible this is. Because so far, without of course knowing your flight times or what it is you want to do in different places (in particular, Naples, which for most people is merely the gateway to somewhere else), this looks to me like: 1: Sun 24/6: Arr. Hamburg; afternoon (Eurowings), arr. Rome; overnight Rome 2. Mon 25/6: Rome 1; overnight Rome 3. Tues 26/6: Rome 2; overnight Rome 4. Weds 27/6: Rome-Naples (1h10, Freccie); overnight Naples? 5. Thurs 28/6: Naples-Rome-Venice (5 hrs); overnight Venice 6. Fri 29/6: Venice - Paris (flight/train); overnight Paris or train between Venice and Paris? 7. Sat 30/6: Paris 1; overnight Paris 8. Sun 1/7: Paris 2; overnight Paris 9. Mon 2/7: Paris 3; overnight Paris 10. Tues 3/7: Paris - Brussels (Thalys, 1 1/2 hrs); overnight Brussels or continue to Amsterdam? 11. Weds 4/7: Brussels Amsterdam (Thalys, 2 hrs, or IC, 3 hrs); overnight Amsterdam 12. Fri 5/7: Amsterdam or Amsterdam - Berlin (6 1/2 hrs); overnight, Amsterdam/Berlin 13. Sat 6/7: Berlin; overnight Berlin 14. Sun 7/7: Berlin - Hamburg (2 hrs); overnight Hamburg 15. Mon 8/7: Dep. Hamburg You can use for planning train trips and prices of the trips in or to Germany, but will have to switch to Trenitalia ( ) and Belgian Railways ( ) for prices, and possible purchase, of tickets for Italy and trips to/from Belgium, respectively. I'm planning to take a trip with my parents, note my mother uses a manual wheelchair. This will be our first trip to Netherlands and Belgium, so I'm hoping you guys can help me plan this out. We have 2 days in Amsterdam, 1 day in Rotterdam and Brussels each (total 4 days). My question is - is there a train/tram/bus pass that we can buy and use in Amsterdam and Rotterdam for a total for 3 days? What is the difference between metro and train? Will this travel pass cover the train journey from Amsterdam to Rotterdam or do we buy a separate train ticket for this journey? We are planning to take trams (when possible with wheelchair), metro/trains, ferries to do the sightseeing. We take Eurostar train from London to Amsterdam, and will take a flight from Brussels back to London. Any tips for wheelchair users would be greatly appreciated, like if trams and trains are wheelchair accessible in these cities or not. -:- Message from Tripadvisor staff -:- This post was determined to be inappropriate by the Tripadvisor community and has been removed. To review the Tripadvisor Forums Posting Guidelines, please follow this link: http://www.tripadvisor.com/pages/forums_posting_guidelines.html Our staff may also remove posts that do not follow our posting guidelines, and we reserve the right to remove any post for any reason. Thanks for being a part of the Tripadvisor travel community! I was unable to post this in the Review section, but wanted to share feedback from a recent trip via Caravan tours. This trip was recommended and previously had good reviews. However, it is no longer worth taking. ... here is my feedback from my recent 8-day trip 2/2018. Costa Rica is a beautiful country. You don't want to be trapped for hours on a bus to experience it. I was very disappointed with the lack of activity & fresh air, due to the constant driving. There were no stops for taking photos or to stretch. You had to take from inside the bus- looking out decaled windows. DAY 5 was especially taxing - we drove around a beautiful lake - a long windy road - but were not allowed off the bus to take a picture! After the lake we stopped for lunch & then back on the bus for ~3 hours til the next stop which had only 1 working toilet! & then they had us watch a video! I'd rather spend more time on the beautiful beaches. The activities were too short and mostly sedentary. Being on an air conditioned bus like that for hours is just unhealthy with windows that do not open. It seemed as if we were always rushing to get somewhere instead of enjoying the moment. Our guide Jose often said we were behind schedule & he was wrong about the timing. He would say it is only 1.75 - 2 hours til our next stop when it was close to 3 hours! I wish we spent more time enjoying the hot springs, wild life refuge, hiking, & beaches. There were no stops just to shop or walk around the town. My favorite was the free day at the Marriott Beach. The people on the tour were lovely and I enjoyed the farewell dinner and show. Hey guys, I'll be traveling to Hanoi this Friday (I land at 1 PM). I'm staying for 12 days. After a lot of research, I came up with the following itinerary and I wanted to understand if it makes sense or not. Day 1 - Land in Hanoi at 1 PM. Train to Ninh Binh. Check in. Day 2, 3 - Ninh Binh (Tam Coc, Huang Mua, Trang An) Day 4 - Half-day in Ninh Binh, back to Hanoi then overnight train to Sapa. Day 5, 6 - Two full days at Sapa (rice fields, Fansipan). Overnight train back to Hanoi at night. Day 7 - Catch flight from Hanoi to Siem Reap. Day 8, 9 - Siem Reap (Angkor Watt). Day 10 - Evening flight back to Hanoi. Stay in Hanoi for the night. Day 11 - Halong Bay cruise with overnight stay. Day 12 - Back to Hanoi. Souvenir shopping and flight back at night. I'm trying not to stay in Hanoi as I want to spend maximum time in nature (I come from Dubai, we have very little nature and cities don't impress me that much). I'm also open to more suggestions on what I can do in Ninh Binh, Sapa and Siem Reap other than what I listed here. I would really appreciate any feedback. Thanks. Emirates has completed the application of the specially-designed Year of Zayed livery on 10 of its aircraft. This tribute to the late HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan was first unveiled in November 2017 on the fuselage of Emirates 100th A380 aircraft, and commemorates the 100th year of HH Sheikh Zayeds birth. HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and chief executive, Emirates Airline & Group, said: HH Sheikh Zayed was a legendary leader, a true pioneer, and an inspirational figure. His legacy for sustainable development lives on in the spirit of the UAE. Emirates is proud to spread his universal message to global audiences in airports and cities around the globe. Five Airbus A380s and five Boeing 777-300ERs with the Year of Zayed livery have circled the globe on over 1,500 flights to date, and will continue to carry its message of inspiration from the UAEs late founding father throughout 2018. The Year of Zayed is a year-long tribute to HH Sheikh Zayeds remarkable legacy and values which have shaped the formation of the UAE. Through the pillars of wisdom, respect, sustainability and human development, the inspirational leader has created a lasting vision of prosperity, determination and tolerance attributes that remain strongly embedded in UAE culture. Each bespoke decal covers an area of 480-sq-m on the A380 and 312-sq-m on the Boeing 777-300ER. Since November 2017, the 10 aircraft have travelled to 90 destinations across six continents including Rome, Sydney, Hong Kong, Los Angeles, Buenos Aires and Accra. The aircraft have collectively flown more than 4m km. Dedicated Emirates staff at the Emirates Engineering Aircraft Appearance Centre spent a total of 119 days to install the decals. - TradeArabia News Service My wife and I will be traveling to Vietnam next year, arriving February 4 (Tet Eve) at 9:30pm, departing Feb 10 (6th day of Tet) 11:00 am, both from SGN. We like eating and walking, and since we only have 5 days we figured we'd stick to two destinations. For reference we loved Chiang Mai and we're hoping Hoi An will be similar. My current plan is: Feb 4: Arrive Saigon Airport 9:30pm, hope there's no delays, and try to check into hotel and hit the streets in time for the midnight fireworks. Feb 5: Full day in HCMC. It will be very quiet and places will be closed since it's the first day of Tet, but I can see the flower street in District 1 and hopefully find open restaurants. Suggestions for things to do are welcome! Feb 6: Morning flight to Da Nang, drive to Hoi An (possible detour to Marble Mountains), afternoon in Hoi An. Feb 7,8 (Tet days 3,4): Hoi An. From what I've read things should be mostly back in full swing by day 3. Is that true? Will most restaurants be open? Feb 9: Hoi An, late flight to SGN, probably stay near the airport Feb 10: 11am flight out Is this what you'd recommend, or is there a better way to handle Tet? Will HCMC be completely dead on the first day, and if so should I go to Hoi An right away? Thanks in advance for your advice! Edited: 3 years ago Thanks everyone who provided input into our itinerary. I changed a bit the itinerary, as follows, and added more detail. I have these specific questions: 1) what shrines are most interesting to visit in Nikko 2) recommendations for 2-day stay ryokan in Takayama 3) is it advisable to express one of the suitcases from Tokyo directly to Kyoto so we travel light (one carry-on) for the 2 nights in Kanazawa and 2 nights in Takayama; also express both suitcases from Kyoto to Tokyo while travelling for 1 night to Hiroshima? Appreciate any feedback. Thanks. Day 1 (Wed day Tokyo) - arrive in Tokyo (Narita) @ 15:50, take to hotel in Shinjuku; relax and have dinner; Day 2 (Thur full day Tokyo) exchange JR voucher and activate 14-day JR pass (use JR lines in Tokyo); morning - visit Shibuya, Harajuku (Meiji Shrine, Yoyogi Park); afternoon Shinjuku (Gyoen Park, Tokyo Metropolitan Gov Building Free Observatory, Omoide Yokocho) Day 3 (Fri full day Tokyo) morning: Odaiba; afternoon: Ryogoku (Edo-Tokyo Museum) Day 4 (Sat day Kanazawa) morning: take Hokuriku Shinkansen to Kanazawa (2.5 hrs); visit Kenrokuen garden, Gyokusen garden; afternoon Higashichaya Old Town (geisha houses) Day 5 (Sun- full day Kanazawa) morning Omi-cho Market, Myoryuji - Ninja Temple; afternoon: Nomura samurai house, Naga-machi (samurai district) Day 6 (Mon day Takayama) morning: take Nohi bus to Shirakawago (1 hr 20min), leave luggage at the bus center and visit the World Heritage Village for a couple of hours; afternoon: get luggage and take bus to Takayama ( 1hr), explore Takayama; get bus and ropeway tickets for next day at JTB before 4pm; stay at a ryokan Day 7 (Tue full day Takayama) Day trip to Shin-Hotaka Ropeway; stay at ryokan Day 8 (Wed day Kyoto) morning: Takayama to Nagoya on Hida Wide View and then Shinkansen Hikari to Kyoto (3.5 hrs); afternoon: Sanjusangendo Temple, Kiyomizu-dera, Yasaka Pagoda, Kodaji temple, Pontocho Day 9 (Thu full day Kyoto) morning: take JR Nara line (45 min) to visit Fushimi Inari (2 hr); afternoon: JR to Nara: Todaji Temple, Isuien Park, Yoshikien Garden Day 10 (Fri full day Kyoto) morning: Nijo castle, Kinkaku-ji temple, Ninnaji temple; afternoon: Tenryu-ji Temple garden and Bamboo grove, Togetsukyo Bridge Day 11 (Sat day Hiroshima) morning: take JR Hikari from Kyoto to Himeji (1 hr); visit Himeji (2.5 hr); afternoon: take JR Hikari from Himeji to Hiroshima (1hr); visit Hiroshima (Atomic Bomb Dome, Hiroshima Peace Memorial); overnight in Hiroshima Day 12 (Sun day Miyajima and return to Tokyo) morning: take JR Sanyo Line and ferry to Miyajima; Miyajima Ropeway to the top of Mt. Misen (1.5 hr) ; Itsukushima Shrine; afternoon: return to Hiroshima and take JR Sakura to Shin-Osaka and then JR Hikari to Tokyo (5 hr); stay in Tokyo close to Tokyo station Day 13 (Mon full day-trip from Tokyo) Hakone & Mt Fuji: take JR to Odawara and get Hakone 2-day free pass; Hakone Tozan(Climbing) Railway to Gora, transfer to a bus to Togendai to see Mt. Fuji; take a cruise on Lake Ashinoko; return to Odawara and then JR to Tokyo Day 14 (Tue full day-trip from Tokyo) Nikko: take JR Tohoku Shinkansen (Yamabiko or Nasuno) from Tokyo station to Utsunomiya and transfer to JR Nikko commuter line; Kegon Falls and shrines Day 15 (Wed full day in Tokyo) morning: Asakusa (Kaminarimon Gate, Nakamise Dori, Senso-ji Temple, Sumida Park); afternoon: Ueno (Tokyo National Museum, Ueno Park) Day 16 fly home from Narita @16:00. Thanks in advance for your ideas and help. -:- Message from Tripadvisor staff -:- This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. We hope you'll join the conversation by posting to an open topic or starting a new one. To review the Tripadvisor Forums Posting Guidelines, please follow this link: http://www.tripadvisor.com/pages/forums_posting_guidelines.html We remove posts that do not follow our posting guidelines, and we reserve the right to remove any post for any reason. ptsd1999 I have never had a problem with any of the fantastic beaches on the SMALL Mamanuca or Yasawas Island when visiting Fiji over a number of years. You must be visiting the wrong parts of Fiji. ie Denarau or the mainland. Last time I checked Bora Bora was a SMALL South Pacific island with great beaches northwest of Tahiti in French Polynesia too. Hello! I am 18 years old, and I am planning to take a 2-week birthday trip (Jan 1-15) to Japan pretty soon by myself. [May change to April if I can't save up enough in time.] I'm not fully sure of how much I will have to save due to various flight and hotel costs, but I know that I would like to stay in areas such as Shibuya or Shinjuku, because I would like to try out new foods and buy souvenirs for my first trip. My questions are: 1) What are some decent hotels in these areas? Any better suggestions? + I'm not comfortable sleeping with strangers around or near me (capsules and hostels are out of the question), and I don't mind small spaces since I'm a little person myself. 2) What is the best time to take a flight so that I don't waste a day? + I haven't taken a plane at all before, but I live in Macon, GA and my final choice was on Dec 31, take flight at 11-12AM, so that I can I can arrive 12-1 AM (Narita airport) the next day (Jan 1), take the 5-hour train ride from there to Shinjuku/Shibuya, and make it 5-6 Am when I possibly get to my hotel, sleep if needed, and still have time to explore. 3) Will a JP Rail pass cover the full cost of my JR train rides making them free? 4) I can't drink, so what are some other fun stuff I can do within 2-weeks? 5) Best sites to find cheap delta flights? I want to book a flight 3-6 weeks in advance. 6) Which is better so that I can simply text and call my mother? Sim card, pocket Wi-Fi, or Rentafone? 7) Are there any flaws or missing things in my plan? Parts of my neighborhood it is 6 pm and other parts 7pm. Sunday is free. But I am pretty sure you aren't asking about the Forset Ave shopping district on Staten Island. What part of the city are you looking to visit? It really is a big place. - Moses Wetang'ula has declared war against ODM leader Raila Odinga - He has vowed to frustrate the Uhuru-Raila peace pact after being 'betrayed' by Raila - The senator accused Raila of betraying him together with other NASA leaders by meeting Uhuru Embittered Bungoma Senator Moses Wetang'ula has declared war against his friend-turned foe and ODM leader Raila Odinga. Speaking on Saturday, March 24, Wetangula stated that he and other NASA co-principals will make Raila's union with President Uhuru Kenyatta very uncomfortable. Speaking in Chwele market on Saturday, March 24, during the Ng'arisha Sacco AGM, Wetang'ula said his ouster as the Senate Minority Leader after Raila joining Jubilee was a betrayal of the highest order. "Despite us fighting relentlessly and some people losing their lives, the subsequent conduct of our presidential candidate is not only shocking but a betrayal of the highest order, " Wetang'ula said. READ ALSO: Wetangula joins long list of politicians whove been badly bruised after working with Raila Wetangula has vowed to wage war against Uhuru-Raila union. Photo: Titus Otebo READ ALSO: Raila's meeting with NASA senators fails to resolve Wetangula ouster He stated they will not accept to be sacrificed by opposition leader saying they had re- energised to take him and Uhuru head on. "Let him keep off NASA affairs and concentrate on his new relationship with Jubilee, we are ready to move forward," the agitated senator said. The Ford Kenya leader asked Luhya community to unite ahead of 2022 behind him and Musalia. He held that though they had been advocating for national dialogue, it was not carried out in a proper manner. READ ALSO: Makueni, Kitui county lead in number of single mothers in Kenya - Government study He termed the move by ODM to ouster him as highest betrayal. Photo: Titus Otebo READ ALSO: Bungoma deputy governor, Jubilee MP engage bitterly at public function, supporters fight As formerly reported by TUKO.co.ke opposition outfit has faced turbulent times after former prime minister met Uhuru for dialogue on Friday, March 9, without involving other co-principals. Raila's ODM succeeded in ejecting Wetangula from plum position in Senate. The Nasa co-principal was voted out by 22 senators, majority of them being senators from ODM. Despite other NASA co-principals openly disagreeing with the Wetangula ouster, ODM made good its threat. NASA top leaders and senators on Thursday, March 22 failed to agree on an immediate solution concerning Wetangula's fate. This is despite his ejection threatening to tear NASA down the middle after the senator warned of a messy divorce. Additional reporting by Titus Oteba- Bungoma 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 Nairobi floods: Heavy rains rock Nairobi city (Kenya News) | on TUKO TV Source: Tuko - The Wiper party leader has expressed plans to turn NASA into a registered political party - Kalonzo however clarified that it would not mean the end of the affiliate parties - Opposition outfit NASA's foundation has been shaken in recent weeks since Uhuru and Raila's handshake - Bungoma Senator Moses Wetangula was the biggest casualty as he lost his senate minority leader seat to ODM's James Orengo NASA deputy Kalonzo Musyoka has announced plans to turn the coalition into a recognised political party. Kalonzo was speaking during a thanksgiving ceremony for Machakos Woman representative Joyce Kasimbi where he reiterated that despite the visible cracks within NASA, the coalition was still intact. Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens The time has now come to register NASA as a political party. But that will not mean the end of ODM, Ford Kenya, Wiper or ANC, he stated. READ ALSO: Utafanyaje ukimpata bosi wako na mkeo kitandani kwako ukitoka kazini kama huyu jamaa? He cited the formation of retired President Mwai Kibakis propeller party NARC which at the time , brought together several affiliate parties to clinch presidency in 2002. NASA should now be registered as a political party - Kalonzo. Photo: ODM reloaded/Facebook READ ALSO: I have not abandoned reforms agenda, but we still needed to engage Jubilee - Raila On the issue of the Wetangula ouster, Kalonzo refuted claims that the Bungoma Senators fate was sealed after losing the minority leader seat. That is not true. You cannot seal the fate of Wetangula, Kalonzo added. Wetangula was ousted as Senate minority leader to be replaced by James Orengo. Photo: Nation READ ALSO: Incoming Senate Minority leader James Orengo worried of Jubilee moles in Raila-Uhuru deal He further claimed that the recent NASA summit had brought things in perspective and the coalition were ready to move forward with Siaya Senator James Orengo as the minority leader. Barely a day after his remarks, however, Wetangula has come out guns blazing against NASA leader Raila Odinga regarding the minority seat. READ ALSO: Saumu Mbuvi gifted brand new Range Rover as Sonko's granddaughter turns 1 Wetangula, in a press briefing on Sunday, March 25, dented Kalonzos aspirations to make NASA a political party by claiming he did not want the minority leader seat, and Raila should keep it. He also accused Raila of embarrassing him during the NASA summit on Monday, March 19. 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 Kalonzo Musyoka dismisses removal of Moses Wetangula from Senate | TUKO TV: Source: Tuko News Chief Secretary Ancil Dennis says it is not fair to say that hoteliers have not been assiste Putin became Russia's president for the fourth time. Even after Brexit, EU states have not lost confidence in London's position. Hungarian foreign minister has crossed the line. The political struggle French foreign minister visited Kyiv. Poland's Jacek Chaputowicz reiterated his country's interest in a democratic and sovereign Ukraine. Putin's re-election went rather smoothly. Perhaps, only his 77% popular support has somewhat surprised western and few independent Russian journalists. The meeting of the "reappointed" leader with his former opponents was really awkward while, the recent public debate between Alexei Navalny and Ksenia Sobchak showed that there is no reason to count on any democratization in Russia. Many heads of state, government, and international organizations congratulated Putin upon his victory. While Emmanuel Macron recalled international problems where the "Russia factor" is evident, Donald Trump made a phone call seemingly willing to show his personal independence. At the same time, the civilized world did not recognize the results of the elections held in the occupied Crimea. However, the current stage of Russia-West relations is anything but a honeymoon. The spy poisoning by a military-grade nerve agent on British soil has made London's stance significantly harsher. Theresa May might intend to become a new "iron lady" and has already tried to convince her EU counterparts to take a tougher stand toward the Kremlin. It is quite possible that the expulsion of Russian spies with diplomatic status from EU countries will have a domino effect. Head of the EU Council Donald Tusk has already announced new sanctions against Russia. Interestingly, in their attempts to clear themselves of poisoning accusations, Russia also managed to get into a fight with the Czech Republic, traditionally moderate in its relations with the Kremlin. And now PM Andrej Babis does not rule out parting with Russian spies. In the meantime, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto has fully switched to the pre-election campaign mode. It is hard to find any other reasons for the Hungarian top diplomat's new claims toward Ukraine. Now, besides the "peculiar interpretation" of the decisions of the Venice Commission regarding the Ukrainian education law, he expressed outrage over Ukraine's intentions to deploy an army battalion in Zakarpattia's Berehove. There is hope though that once the parliamentary elections scheduled for April 8 are over, the tone of the statements of Hungarian officials will change for the better. The struggle is continuing around the Nord Stream-2 project. Germany and Austria insist on the exclusively economic nature of the gas pipeline project, which not all in the EU and U.S. believe. The European Parliament's profile committee decided to extend the rules of the EU's internal gas market to the ambitious Russian project (and other similar ones). It is interesting that the U.S. position is becoming increasingly harsh as Washington starts threatening with sanctions any companies taking part in the Nord Stream-2 construction. Due to the current situation, it's only Gazprom that continues promoting the project. Incidentally, the Russian energy giant will have to negotiate gas transit via Ukraine even after 2019 when the existing contracts expire. Donald Trump replaced his national security adviser. No one really succeeds in remaining for a long time in the immediate entourage of the impulsive president, but this particular replacement may lead to Washington beefing up its position on many international issues as a former military officer H.R. McMaster was replaced by a typical "hawk" and career diplomat John Bolton. French Minister of Foreign Affairs Jean-Yves Le Drian visited the capital of Ukraine, confirming his country's commitment to strive for the implementation of Minsk agreements. Together with Ukrainian and German colleagues, the chief of French diplomacy will visit Donbas in the near future. While in Kyiv, he met with the former hostages released from the militant captivity to hear about the situation in the occupied territories from first-hand accounts. Polish Foreign Minister Jacek Czaputowicz, while speaking in the Polish parliament, did not dare to call Ukraine-Poland relations a "strategic partnership", at the same time noting Warsaw's interest in the "independent and stable Ukraine". The primary objective in bilateral relations is to reduce the amplitude of the "swings" in the dialogue between Ukraine and Poland and to expand the space and topics for discussion. Yevgeny Magda If you see a spelling error on our site, select it and press Ctrl+Enter Previous recipients include Pope John Paul II, former EU foreign policy high representative Javier Solana and U.S. senator John McCain. Maltese President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca has been named Ukraine's Person of the Year for social and political activity. The award is given to outstanding representatives of politics, culture and arts for their contribution to strengthening the Ukrainian independence, supporting and promoting Ukraine, its people, history and traditions, according to the Times of Malta. Previous recipients include Pope John Paul II, former EU foreign policy high representative Javier Solana and U.S. Senator John McCain, among others. Read alsoMalta can become powerful maritime hub for Ukraine: PoroshenkoIn a recorded message broadcast during the award ceremony in Kyiv, President Coleiro Preca expressed her gratitude and said she was confident ties between Malta and Ukraine would grow stronger in the years to come. She noted that Malta's EU Council presidency during 2017 was instrumental in finalizing a visa liberalization deal between the EU and Ukraine. The Visa Liberalization development is evidence of the closeness and friendship we wish to nurture, not only between our two peoples, but also among the entire European Family, President Coleiro Preca said. At the same time, the Russian president is not ready to make any concessions on Crimea de-occupation. Sources in the Russian foreign ministry say that Putin is ready to make Eastern Ukraine an area controlled by an interim international administrationas was the case in Bosnia and Herzegovina, or Kosovo. However, he is not ready to make concessions on the Crimean issue. Its only fair, Putin responds to all foreign partners when they ask about Crimea, Time reports. Read alsoU.S. analyst looks at odds of UN peacekeepers' success in DonbasAs UNIAN reported earlier, citing Ukraine's chief military prosecutor Anatoly Matios, Ukraine will once again, after Yugoslavia, become a "testing ground" for peacekeeping, diplomatic or other forms of settling military conflicts in the center of Europe. UNIAN memo. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the international administration was deployed to maintain stability in the region after the Yugoslavia war. Initially, the administration relied on NATO forces, and later on the peacekeeping contingent under the EU auspices. Only consuls and a few rank-and-file diplomats remain in Russia's diplomatic institutions across Ukraine. Diplomatic relations between Ukraine and Russia have been reduced to a critical minimum, while expelling Russian consuls would cause a mirror move on the part of Moscow, which would be unacceptable for Ukrainian political prisoners held in Russia, according to First Deputy Chair of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Iryna Gerashchenko. Commenting on Ukraine's intentions in relation to possibly joining the EU and US preparing to kick out Russian diplomats in response to the notorious poisoning in UK, Gerashchenko wrote: "Firstly, there has long been no Russian ambassador in Ukraine as we never accepted his agrement. There is no Ukraine Ambassador to the Russian Federation, either. Our diplomatic relations have been reduced to a critical minimum," Gerashchenko wrote. Read alsoUkraine shows full list of "Kremlin prisoners"According to her, there are only consuls and several rank-and-file diplomats left. "Deportation of Russian consuls will cause the expulsion of Ukrainian consuls - and our political prisoners in Russia will remain face to face with the Mordor, without any chance to see a Ukrainian representative at least once in a few months, to feel minimal support," added Gerashchenko. She recalled Ukrainian citizens imprisoned in Russia: Stanislav Klykh, Mykola Karpiuk, Roman Sushchenko, and Pavlo Hryb. "Do you really want this? Or should we ask Klykh's mother, Karpiuk's wife, families of Sushchenko and Hryb, or other hostages?" Gerashchenko stressed. Read alsoUkraine's Foreign Ministry protests against ban on doctors' visit to Ukrainian teen in Russian jailOn March 1 the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted an appeal to foreign parliaments and parliamentary assemblies of international organizations calling them to condemn political repression in Russia against Ukrainian citizens, noting names of over 50 political prisoners. As UNIAN reported earlier, Russian ex-spy Sergei Skripal, 66, and his daughter Yulia Skripal, 33, remain critically ill in hospital, after they were found unconscious on a bench in Salisbury, UK. The British Government says the two were poisoned with a military-grade nerve agent developed by Russia, while the Russian government denies any involvement in the attack. In response to the poisoning, Britain has expelled 23 Russian diplomats, while Russia made a mirror move immediately. The woman says her husband, a former Crimea police officer turned FSB agent, convinced her to work for the militants. Ukrainian counterintelligence agency detained an operative of the so-called "security service of the 'Donetsk People's Republic'." According to the TSN news service, the woman operated in Donbas and Crimea, promoting the "Russian world" and recruiting the locals from the occupied territories to become part of the illegal armed groups to fight Ukrainian forces. Read alsoTurncoat official from occupied Crimea busted while crossing into mainland Ukraine to get biometric passportWhen questioned by law enforcers, Elina Borozenna admitting that she had been engaged in information support for the "DPR" agenda. The woman said it was her husband who convinced her to work for the terrorists. The husband, Ivan Borozenny, is a former police officer in Crimea who flipped sides during the illegal annexation of the peninsula to become a Russian FSB agent. His new "employers" sent a traitor on a mission to the militant stronghold of Donetsk in eastern Ukraine, to strengthen the local punitive structures, TSN reports. "Family efforts" were directed at convincing the population to join the ranks of Russian-occupation forces. One of the ads produced by the two said: "Men who are fighting for Novorossia! On March 8, don't bring your women flowers! Bring freshly cut chevrons! Don't cut off ears, cut off the chevrons!" However, despite such hatred for the "Kyiv junta", the woman was still willing to obtain a Ukrainian biometric passport allowing for a visa-free travel across the EU. "Let's say it opens up more opportunities, simplifies movements," Elina Borozenna explained, adding that many militants are willing to obtain such documents in government-controlled territories. The president thanked the agency for "skillfully revealing the enemy nest plotting large-scale terrorist attacks in Kyiv". Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko during the celebrations on the occasion of the 26th anniversary of the Security Service of Ukraine commented on the MP Nadiia Savchenko case. The president said it was worth being included in textbooks for security agencies, the TSN news service reports. Poroshenko thanked the special services for "skillfully revealing the hostile cell plotting large-scale terrorist attacks in Kyiv". The Kremlin denies reports that Savchenko is allegedly their agent, calling her case Ukraine's internal issue. "Over the past two months, the SBU carried out two large-scale operations that are worthy of being included in textbooks for future special services. First, the connection between the "protest camp" outside the Verkhovna Rada was brilliantly revealed and legally documented with the Malorossiya political emigrants in Russia acting under control of the Russian FSB.Conclusive evidence was obtained and the financial flow was blocked between the Dnipro River and the Moscow River, used to channel those '30 pieces of silver'," said Poroshenko. Read alsoSavchenko may face life imprisonmentAs UNIAN reported earlier, on March 22 MP Nadiia Savchenko was stripped of parliamentary immunity. On the next day, the court in Kyiv ruled to hold Savchenko in custody for a period of 59 days without bail. The former war pilot, who has become a people's deputy after being released from the Kremlin captivity due to international efforts, has fallen from grace rapidly as her alleged plot in conspiracy with former hostage negotiator Volodymyr Ruban was revealed by the SBU to violently overthrow government in Kyiv, resorting to a massive terrorist act in the Verkhovna Rada hall. Ukraine units came under enemy fire outside Starohnativka, Pavlopil, and the Butivka mine. Over the past day, on March 24, Russian-occupation troops shelled Ukrainian positions 13 times. No casualties have been reported, according to the Ukrainian military headquarters. In the Donetsk direction, militants fired from various types of grenade launchers at the Ukrainian fortifications in the area of Kamenka. Also the invaders employed grenade launchers and large-caliber machine guns against the defenders of Lebedynske and Novotroyitske. Read alsoUkraine reports five enemy attacks in Donbas on March 24Besides, Ukrainian units near Starahnativka, Pavlopil, and the Butivka mine came under enemy fire from small arms. In the Luhansk direction, the enemy fired from grenade launchers and heavy machine guns at the Ukrainian positions near Troyitske, and employed small arms outside Shchastia. The previous day, ammunition mishandling led to non-combat casualties among the Ukrainian troops in Donbas. One soldier was killed and another one injured in the incident. With the "Salisbury poisoning", the Kremlin has added yet another tool to its list of hostile tactics against Western democracies, the experts stress. In an open call, nearly 70 Western security experts have urged Allies to join the UK and expel undeclared contingents of Russian intelligence officers. The Russian Federations international aggression under Vladimir Putins leadership is unprecedented in the post-Cold War era, according to the non-governmental political think-tank European Values (Prague, the Czech Republic). With the "Salisbury poisoning", the Kremlin has added yet another tool to its list of hostile tactics against Western democracies, which the UK government has declared an unlawful use of force by the Russian state against the United Kingdom. Russias use of a military-grade nerve agent in an attempted assassination on UK soil has been condemned by NATO allies as the first offensive use of a nerve agent on Alliance territory since NATOs foundation. "We call upon NATO and EU allies to join our British friends and expel contingents of Russian intelligence officers from their soil," the experts wrote. Read alsoEU recalls envoy from Russia, blames Moscow for spy poisoning in UKThe experts recall Russias recent track record, including the invasion of neighboring countries, massive bombings and killings of civilians, repeated violations of international borders, kidnapping of foreign citizens, highly belligerent disinformation campaigns, harassment of foreign diplomats, extensive cyber-attacks, and the first annexation of foreign territory by force in Europe since World War II. "We believe that it is high time for Western governments to start taking seriously the threat posed by Russia and respond to the Kremlins increasingly audacious aggression with resolute diplomatic and counter-intelligence measures, wrote the experts. The open call has been signed by experts from Poland, Bulgaria, Belgium, USA, Latvia, Georgia, Ukraine, Lithuania, Slovakia, France, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, Armenia, Sweden, Romania, Czech Republic, Canada, the Netherlands and Switzerland. As reported earlier, nearly 20 European states along with the U.S. intend to expel Russian diplomats in a response to the notorious spy poisoning case. He earlier slipped out of Finland on Friday before authorities could arrest him. Catalonia's ex-leader Carles Puigdemont has been detained by German police acting on a European arrest warrant. Puigdemont, who is wanted in Spain for sedition and rebellion, was held crossing from Denmark on the way to Belgium, his lawyer said, according to the BBC. Puigdemont had been on a visit to Finland since Thursday. Read alsoSpanish court annuls Catalonia's declaration of independence - mediaHe has been living in self-imposed exile in Belgium since Catalonia's parliament unilaterally declared independence from Spain in October. The charges of rebellion and sedition that Puigdemont faces in Spain could result in 30 years in prison. He slipped out of Finland on Friday before authorities could arrest him. Tensions in Catalonia are very high and its separatist leaders abandoned plans to name a new president following the arrest of the latest candidate, Jordi Turull, on Friday. Crowds of protesters had clashed with police in Barcelona on Friday night after Spain's Supreme Court ruled 25 Catalan leaders should be tried for rebellion, embezzlement or disobeying the state. Mr Turull was among five people taken into custody in fresh arrests. The plain black text apology on a white background, with only a tiny Facebook logo, appeared in Sunday publications. Facebook Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg apologized to Britons on Sunday over a breach of trust, taking out full page advertisements in British newspapers after a political consultancy got its hands on data on 50 million users. We have a responsibility to protect your information. If we cant, we dont deserve it, said the advert, signed by Facebook founder Zuckerberg, according to Reuters. The worlds largest social media network is facing growing government scrutiny in Europe and the United States, which follows allegations by a whistleblower that British consultancy Cambridge Analytica improperly accessed users information to help elect U.S. President Donald Trump. The plain black text apology on a white background, with only a tiny Facebook logo, appeared in Sunday publications. Zuckerberg said an app built by a university researcher leaked Facebook data of millions of people in 2014. Read alsoU.S. lawmakers formally ask Facebook CEO to testify on user data ReutersThis was a breach of trust, and Im sorry we didnt do more at the time, Zuckerberg said, reiterating an apology first made last week in U.S. television interviews. Cambridge Analytica says it initially believed the data had been obtained in line with data protection laws, and later deleted it at Facebooks request. The consultancy said it did not use the data in work it did for the 2016 U.S. election. On Friday night, investigators from Britains data watchdog searched the London offices of Cambridge Analytica for several hours. Read alsoCambridge Analytica expose: key revelations of investigative journalistsZuckerberg, whose firm has lost more than $50 billion in market value since the allegations, said Facebook would give users more information and control about who can access their data. Thank you for believing in this community. I promise to do better for you, he wrote. (@ChaudhryMAli88) The Supreme Court (SC) Saturday ordered private medical colleges to refund the fee received in excess of Rs 850,000 to students within one month. LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 24th Mar, 2018 ) :The Supreme Court (SC) Saturday ordered private medical colleges to refund the fee received in excess of Rs 850,000 to students within one month. The court also ordered the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to investigate the recognition given to private medical colleges during the tenure of former president of Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), Dr Asim Hussain, and submit a report within one month. The court also ordered private medical colleges to accommodate some students, who deserved admission on merit but could not get admission to any public or private sector colleges. The bench comprising Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar and Justice Ijazul Ahsan passed these orders while hearing a suo motu notice against exorbitant fee structure of private medical colleges at the Supreme Court Lahore registry. As the proceedings began, a representative of Pak Red Crescent Medical College submitted that all fee, received in excess of Rs 850,000, had been refunded to students in compliance of the court orders. He also requested the court to order de-sealing of the college record. At this, the chief justice observed that he would also order all private medical colleges, except for Aga Khan Medical College, to refund the additional fee. He directed the FIA to de-seal the college record, besides restraining the agency from raiding any private medical college without permission from the SC Registrar. To a court query, an FIA representative briefed the court that it had prepared a copy of Pak Red Crescent College record in compliance with the court orders, and the same was being investigated. Dr Asim Hussain requested the bench to exempt the University of Health Sciences (UHS) and the PMDC from refunding the excess fee. To which, the chief justice observed that he also intended to order investigation into private medical colleges' recognition process during his period. The bench then ordered NAB and the FIA to investigate the recognition given to private medical colleges during Dr Asim Hussain's period and submit their reports within one month. UHS acting Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Faisal Masood submitted a report for accommodation of students who fulfilled the merit but could not get admission in any public or private medical colleges. Those students could be accomodated in private medical colleges of Punjab by increasing five seats in each college, he suggested. At this, the bench ordered the colleges to accommodate the students within one week's time. It may be mentioned that the chief justice had ordered for sealing the Pak Red Crescent College record and refunding the fee after a visit of the college two weeks ago. Meanwhile, the bench disposed of an application against construction of a grid station in Journalist Housing Society at Harbanspura after a Lahore Press Club representative informed the court that the body did not have any objection over its construction. Earlier, the bench was apprised that 35-kanal land was sanctioned by the Journalist Housing Foundation board in accordance with the law for the construction of grid station, on the recommendation of Lahore Electric Supply Company. WASHINGTON, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 25th Mar, 2018 ) :Lisa Curtis, Deputy Assistant to the US President on South and Central Asia has underlined the need for cooperation between Pakistan and the United States, saying the two have lot to gain by working together. She made these remarks while speaking as guest of honour at a ceremony to mark the 78th Pakistan Day at the Pakistan Embassy in Washington. Congratulating the people of Pakistan as well as Pakistani Americans on the National Day, she said Pakistan and the United States had a long history of working together. While there were some challenges faced by the relationship, the two countries had a lot to gain by working with each other. Pakistan's Ambassador Aizaz Ahmed Chaudhry, in his remarks, said the two countries enjoyed historic and longstanding ties that had seen many ups and downs but had always remained resilient. He expressed the hope that both countries would work together to attain common objectives and secure shared interests. The ambassador recalled the historic struggle for Pakistan's freedom and emphasized that the democratic ideals and values espoused in the Lahore Resolution of 1940 guided the Muslims of the Sub-Continent to independence in 1947. Those remained relevant even today. He said that in just 70 years since its independence, Pakistan had achieved a lot of successes and it had the potential to achieve even more in the years to come. He highlighted that the country's economy, energy, and law and order situation had improved significantly in the last few years. The ambassador shared with the audience extracts of several messages of felicitation received on Pakistan's National Day from US senators, congressmen, governors, as well as state officials and other US dignitaries. Earlier, Ambassador Aizaz Chaudhry, Mrs. Najia Aizaz Ahmad and senior officials of the Embassy as well as their spouses greeted the guests. The event was attended by a gathering of over 500 guests from all walks of life including the US government, diplomatic corps of Washington DC as well as members of the Pakistani American diaspora. They were served with traditional Pakistani cuisine as well as Pakistani music. APP/zh LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 25th Mar, 2018 ) :The police on Sunday arrested 27 accused for kite-flying and doing a whellie during a crackdown. According to police, on the directions of DIG Operations Dr Haider Ashraf, all divisional SPs formed special teams which took action and arrested the accused for kite-flying and doing a wheelie. The police also recovered 45 kites, a string roll and other material whereas 25 cases were registered against the accused. APP/hsn/asm HYDERABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 25th Mar, 2018 ) :The Chairman Board of Intermediate and Secondary education (BISE) Hyderabad Prof Dr Muhammad Memon has informed that the Secondary school Certificate part I and II exams will commence from March 27. He told a press conference at the BISE's office here on Sunday that some 137,746 students, which were around 7,500 more from the previous year, would appear in the exams which would conclude on April 9.He apprised that the board had set up 232 examination centers in the 9 districts of Hyderabad division and one district of Nawabshah division.According to him, 66 examination centers including 14 in Benazirabad, 11 in Hyderabad and 7 each in Thatta, Jamshoro, Tando Allahyar and Dadu districts had been declared sensitive. The Chairman said that DIG Hyderabad region Javed Alam Odho had assigned duty of the focal person to a police official in each of the 10 districts. He added that Commissioner Hyderabad division Saeed Ahmed Mangnejo and the district administration would also assist the BISE to curb cheating and maintain law and order. The Chairman said the police would be deployed outside each center while at the sensitive centers additional deployment would be made.Dr Memon claimed that the BISE Hyderabad was the first examination board in Sindh which was introducing the printing of center code on the question papers. He explained that if the paper was unlawfully released prior to the examination from any of the 232 centers the BISE would be able to identify that center.The Chairman said the BISE had provided the examination schedule of all the districts to Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (HESCO) and requested to avoid load shedding. The Controller Examination Dr Masroor Zai and other officials were also present. APP/zmb/ali (@rukhshanmir) ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 25th Mar, 2018 ) :The continuity of democratic system was must for economic stability, development and prosperity of the country, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Media Affairs Senator Dr Musadik Malik said. Democracy should continue in the country as Pakistan had already faced martial laws, he said talking to a private news channel. He said the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government was following one-point agenda of continuity of democracy. Former prime minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif was ready to hold talks for supremacy of law and the Constitution which was demand of every person, he added. He urged political parties' leaders to be civilized and refrain from unparliamentary language. RAWALPINDI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 25th Mar, 2018 ) :The deadline given by Rawalpindi and Chaklala Cantonment Boards (RCB) and (CCB) to end commercial activities including schools from residential areas will end on March 31 and both the Boards have clarified that no one will be allowed to continue with their illegal activities. Talking to APP, Cantonment Executive Officer Arslan Haider informed that RCB has issued 1043 notices on un-authorized and illegal commercial activities in cantonment areas which would expire on March 31. He said, the notices were issued to 222 schools/colleges, 14 Saloons, 14 Clinics/Hospitals and 760 for other commercial activities. 85 notices issued for Military Estate Office land including 44 schools and 41 others while lease of 14 plots determined by MoD, he added. To a question he said RCB has taken action on commercial activities including private schools in accordance with the directive of the Supreme Court. Though, there were public complaints against academic institutions being run in residential areas and creating problems for the residents, he added. If the owners of the academic institutions have any problem, they can approach the court for redressal of their grievances and to get the relief. "We would take action across the board," he added. Meanwhile,RCB spokesman, Qaiser Mahmood informed that RCB had canceled lease of 12 plots in Westridge area where illegal commercial buildings were erected to set- up private schools, colleges and other educational institutions violating the rules. He said that the parents of the students, studying in private educational institutions established in Westridge area on leased plots had been informed about the situation. If the buildings are not vacated then action in accordance with the law would be taken against the violators, he said adding, the owners had been issued notices and given time to vacate the buildings. He informed that the parents through newspapers public notices were informed about the situation and those involved in illegal commercial activities were directed to close down their businesses else, lease of the properties could be cancelled or the private buildings be sealed. The administration of the schools and colleges being run illegally in residential areas were informed that they would not be allowed to start new academic year, he said. The board would not bow before the owners of private schools and other commercial buildings illegally erected in residential areas, he added. Chaklala Cantonment Board (CCB) has also clarified that commercial activities in Cantonment residential areas will not be allowed as the CCB had issued 445 notices including schools and 170 leased properties for commercial activities in residential areas. Additional Cantonment Executive Officer (ACEO) CCB, Naveed Nawaz talking to APP informed that the notices would expire in last week of March. To a question he said, those who would not comply with orders would be given final notices under section 256 of the ''Cantonment Act, 1924''. The violators would face the music and signboards of the schools would be removed, their utility services would be disconnected and finally the schools could be sealed, he added. ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 25th Mar, 2018 ) :Mishal Malik, the wife of Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) leader Yasin Malik on Saturday reiterated that Indian occupied forces could not strangle voice of innocent Kashimiris through unabated brutalities in the occupied valley. Addressing at a press conference along member European Union Parliament Afzal Khan here Saturday, she said Kashmiri people were struggling for their right of self determination which was their fundamental right. Even the UN had also passed so many resolution for giving right of self-determination to the kashmiri people, she said. She said the innocent people of the occupied valley had been subjected to severe atrocities by the Indian forces for the last so many decades. Mishal Malik also deplored the international community for giving deaf ear to human rights violations and unabated atrocities by the Indian forces in Kashmir valley. She also appreciated Afzal Khan and other members for raising voice for the innocent Kashmiris people in EU parliament. She expressed the hope that Afzal Khan would continue to highlight the plight of innocent Kashmiri people and Indian forces brutalities in the occupied Kashmir. Afzal Khan while strongly condemning Indian atrocities against Kashmiri people said peace in South Asia could not be restored without amicable solution to the longstanding Kashmir dispute. He said wars were no solution to settle issues rather it could be addressed through meaningful dialogues. He urged India to resolve all outstanding issues with Pakistan through composite dialogue. Afzal Khan also called for resolving the Kashmir issue through UN resolutions and according to the wishes of Kashmiri people. He said right of self-determination was the basic right of Kashmiri people and they should not be deprived of it. Afzal Khan also called upon the UN and international community to play their active role for resolving the longstanding issues of Kashmir. PESHAWAR, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 25th Mar, 2018 ) :The Advisor to Chief Minister, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Shakeel Ahmad Khan Sunday said they have completed various developmental schemes for the public welfare without any personal interests adding they have also made record legislation and its results would have positive changes on the future life of general public. He was talking to various delegations of his constitutions PK-99 at his residence Dheri, District Malakand. He added that they have taken certain steps for improvement of schools and hospitals which he said included provision of huge funds and ensuring attendance of teachers and Doctors by installation of Bio-metric system. He said machineries, equipment's and free medicines have been provided to the hospitals besides posting of paramedics and doctors, adding, "there exists no hospital in the province without a doctor. " He said they have instead of their de-gradation which is the agenda of certain vested politicians. He opined that no political party could compete PTI in the next general elections even then if they make an alliance against it as the people have time and again tested these inherited politicians. He said now there is only a ray of hope in the shape of Imran Khan whose vision, he added, has now bitterly be known by the people. He said Imran wanted the poor people to get rid of these corrupt politicians and lay foundation of a new Pakistan. He asked the people to be united and convey the message of PTI to every nook and corner of the country and in flinched, a crushing defeat upon these so called sympathizers and well wishers of the poor masses, he concluded. RAWALPINDI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 25th Mar, 2018 ) :Rawalpindi Cantonment board (RCB) has imposed a ban on sale of carbonated and energy drinks in all educational institutions under the management of the Federal government. According to RCB spokesman, Qaiser Mahmood, the administration of Cantt Board schools has been directed to furnish a certificate for the implementation of the ban. The students would also not be allowed to bring energy drinks to schools, he added. The administration of the schools directed to check sale, purchase of all kinds of carbonated and energy drinks at schools' canteens. The ban will also be imposed on other schools after prior approval of the Board meeting. Meanwhile, the spokesman informed that the Food Branch of RCB in an effort to ensure supply of quality food to the residents issued 200 notices to food outlets during February while nine restaurants, kitchens of bakeries, hotels and other fast food points were sealed for unhygienic and poor cleanliness conditions. He said total 345 food samples were collected during last month which were sent to lab for quality test while over Rs205,500 fines were also imposed on rules violators. The cases of substandard food items were also sent to the court of the cantonment magistrate which imposed fines on the rules violators. Food inspectors on the directive of the Cantonment executive officer conducted surprise visits of different markets and inspected cleanliness condition with quality of food items. Raids on food outlets would continue, he said adding that the teams were directed to also check the health of workers serving at the food outlets. LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 25th Mar, 2018 ) :The Supreme Court (SC) on Sunday ordered Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) to finalize the applications of three new medical colleges including Al-Aleem Medical College Lahore, Niazi Medical College Sargodha and CMH Kharian Medical College Kharian for recognition in a week's time. The court directed the PMDC to scrutinise the applications of the said colleges in accordance with the new criteria besides allowing three months time to meet the deficiencies and shortcomings as per set criteria. The court also directed the owners/ administration to submit on affidavit that they would be subject to legal and civil action in case of non-compliance. The bench comprising Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar and Justice Ijazul Ahsan passed the orders while lifting a ban on the recognition of new medical colleges to the extent of petitioner-colleges on their applications in suo motu notice against exorbitant fee structure of private medical colleges. At the outset of the hearing, the bench criticised Pak Red Crescent Medical College (PRCMC) administration for not providing required facilities and completing the faculty in the college. However, PRCMC's counsel submitted that due to various reasons, the college faced certain problems and requested the court to grant six months time to overcome the shortcomings. To which, the bench observed that it could not allow six months time and directed the authorities concerned to overcome the shortcomings within three months. A Federal Investigation Agency representative also submitted a report on the investigations, carried out into the PRCMC issue in compliance with the court orders. The counsel, on behalf of Al-Aleem Medical College and Niazi Medical College, requested the bench for directions to the PMDC for finalising their applications for their recognition. At this, the bench ordered the PMDC to finalise their applications in accordance with the criteria while adjourning the further hearing. APP/syh/rsd LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 25th Mar, 2018 ) :Farmers of South Punjab cotton zone are being provided with subsidy worth millionS of rupees on selected varieties of cotton to achieve good yield of the crop. Punjab agriculture department spokesman said this here on Sunday. He said that subsidy was being given under Kissan Package, adding that under the scheme farmers of Multan, Khanewal, Lodhran, Vehari, Bahawalnagar, Bahawalpur, DG Khan, Layyah, Muzaffargarh and Rajanpur would be given subsidy of Rs700 on each bag of selected cotton varieties. He said that selected varieties include IUB-2013, FH-142, FH-Lalazaar and MNH-886. To participate in the scheme, the last date to send an SMS is March 30. Subsidy vouchers would be given in cotton bags in the month of April. These varieties would help increase per acre yield of cotton in South Punjab, he added. APP/yrb/rsd (@rukhshanmir) Quito, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 25th Mar, 2018 ) :Twelve people were killed and another 25 were injured on Saturday when the bus they were traveling in careened off a road in a coastal region of western Ecuador, officials said. "So far there are 25 injured...and 12 people died as a result of the traffic accident," a rescue agency said in a statement. The accident occurred at around 2:00 pm local time (1900 GMT) on the Jipijapa highway, in the area known as "Las Americas" of the Manabi province, according to a report from the Ecuadorian Traffic Commission. Traffic accidents are among the leading causes of death in the Andean country. Last week, a frontal collision between two buses in the neighboring province of Guayas left 11 dead and 54 wounded. (@ChaudhryMAli88) Abidjan, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 25th Mar, 2018 ) :Ivory Coast voted Saturday in its first senatorial elections, boycotted by the opposition who have accused the electoral commission of bias. The commission is due to announce the results by the end of Sunday. However, the ruling Houphouetist Rally for Democracy and Peace (RHDP) coalition are expected to win a comfortable majority of seats in the face of independent candidates. The opposition had called for a reform of the commission and for all votes - including future municipal and presidential elections - to be postponed. The Senate was created in 2016 under a new constitution, following a referendum. About 3,000 people died when rival supporters clashed on the streets of Abidjan following the disputed 2010 presidential elections. Former president Laurent Gbagbo is currently on trial in The Hague accused of inciting the post-electoral violence after losing to bitter rival and current leader Alassane Ouattara. Copenhagen, Denmark (UroToday.com) In March 2016, the European Robotic Urology Section (ERUS) was created with the aim to collect data on robotic assisted kidney transplantation (RAKT). While open kidney transplantation (KT) has been the gold standard of treatment for patients with end-stage renal disease, there has been recent increases in the use of the robot-assisted approach. As compared to the open experience, there have been lower levels of morbidity, complications, but with similar technical successes.Dr. Territo of Fundacio Pigvert Department of Urology in Barcelona, Spain presents an analysis of a prospective database of RAKT performed at 8 European centers. In total, 147 cases were analyzed, of which 77 patients had a minimum of one year of follow-up post-RAKT.Of the 77 patients included in final analysis, 27 patients were female and 50 were male. The mean age, BMI, pre-transplantation creatinine and GFR were 42 years, 26mg/m2, 563 mmol/L, and 11ml/min, respectively. Dr. Territo and study colleagues are commended for their efforts of utilizing the laparoscopic / robot-assisted approach for kidney transplantation, especially upon considering that only 41/77 of the cases were pre-emptive patients scheduled for the robotic technique.At one-year follow-up, the mean creatinine was 143 mmol/L and the mean GFR was 57 ml/min. Overall, only one patient reported no graft function (due to graft versus host disease) and one patient reported ureteral stenosis. These outcomes and complications rates are similar (if not better) when compared to published literature on the outcomes typically related to open kidney transplantation.Overall, this study represents the largest study of RAKT procedures to date. In this study and in general practices, RAKT appears to be a safe and reproducible surgical procedure. As with many other robotic procedures, however, learning curve may be a significant limitation to the wide-scale uptake of the challenging technique and larger studies are needed to confirm its advantage over the open approach.Presented by: Territo A., MD Fundaci, Puigvert, Dept. of Urology, Barcelona, SpainCo-Authors: Breda A., Basile G., Alcaraz A., Musquera M., Doumerc N., Decaestecker K., Desender L., Stockle M., Janssen M., Fornara P., Mohammed N., Siena G., Serni S., Sahin S., Tugcu V.Author Information:1. Fundaci. Puigvert, Dept. of Urology, Barcelona, Spain2. Hospital Clinic, Dept. of Urology, Barcelona, Spain3. University Hospital of Rangueil, Dept. of Urology and Renal Transplantation, Toulouse, France4. Ghent University Hospital, Dept. of Urology, Ghent, Belgium5. Ghent University Hospital, Dept. of Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Ghent, Belgium6. University Saarland, Dept. of Urology, Homburg, Germany7. University Hospital Halle (Saale), Dept. of Urology, Halle, Germany, 8University of Florence, Dept. of Urology, Florence, Italy9. Bakirkoy Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital Center, Dept. of Urology, Istanbul, TurkeyWritten by: Linda M. Huynh, BS, Department of Urology, University of California-Irvine at the 2018 European Association of Urology Meeting EAU18, 16-20 March, 2018 Copenhagen, Denmark Thursday night, March 22, Las Vegas hottest show, Magic Mike Live celebrated their 500th show at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Following the 10:30 p.m. show, the cast and crew gathered for a commemorative champagne toast and cupcakes to celebrate the milestone achievement of the sultry show that was conceived by A-list actor, Channing Tatum. Comedian, writer, actor and producer, Tony Rock, will take the stage at The Foundry at SLS Las Vegas at 8 p.m. on Saturday, May 19. Known as your favorite comics favorite comic, the younger brother of comedian Chris Rock has stepped into a limelight of his own by showcasing his talents on Comedy Central Presents and the 2012 blockbuster film, Think Like a Man. The Brooklyn native first gained recognition from his role on UPNs All of Us, created by Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith. Currently, Rock hosts BETs popular game show Black Card Revoked, and stars in Living Biblically, a primetime comedy on CBS. It would be an understatement to say Doug Hamm had a good day at the race track. The Las Vegas veteran set the NASCAR Modifieds track record in qualifying and went on to win the 35-lap feature for his 48th career victory at The Bullring at LVMS on Saturday (Richie Abbott / Instant Images). Hamm held off opening-day winner Brian Reed and Utahs Lynn Hardy to earn yet another trip to the Winners Circle at the 3/8-mile paved oval. Its awesome, said Hamm, whose 15.474-second qualifying lap established a track record. Ive got luck on my side. My girlfriend flew in from Colorado and sealed the deal tonight. Jimmy Parker Jr. and Tyler Fabozzi split the 35-lap NASCAR Super Late Models races that bookended the evenings racing action. Parker Jr. edged Dennis Rock by 1.167 seconds in the first race to secure the 11th Bullring win of his career. It wasnt me, it was the machine, said Parker Jr., whose last Bullring win had come in 2010. This was a three-year project (we started) three years ago, and we said we were going to put together the nicest race car weve ever got to play with. I just cant thank my guys enough. They make me look good. I feel like a 15-year-old kid all over again. Fabozzi fought his way from the back of the pack to the front, passing six-time track champion Scott Gafforini for the lead with seven laps remaining. He held off the 66-time Bullring winner by 1.771 seconds for the checkered flag. The car was just perfect tonight, said Fabozzi, who won the tracks USLCI Legends season title last year. The cautions definitely helped us, and I just tried to keep it clean as much as possible. I cant thank the crew enough, because that thing was amazing. Kyle Jacks won for the second time this season and fourth consecutive race in the NASCAR Bombers class, crossing the line 2.286 seconds ahead of Vinny Raucci Jr. It was win No. 15 of Jacks career. Its a lot of work to get to where we are now, and Im happy to be able to get there, Jacks said. It takes a lot of work to do this, and I couldnt be more thankful to all the friends and family for all the work they put into this car. That was the first time Ive made a pass on the outside in quite a while, and that was a lot of fun. Chuck DeGuevara, 60 years young, taught the youngsters a lesson in winning the 25-lap NASCAR Super Stocks race. It was the second career trip to the Winners Circle for DeGuevara, who is the patriarch of a family that has produced three generations of Bullring winners. His son, Joe, and grandson, Ethan, also have won races at the LVMS short track. Not too bad for a 61-year-old dude, said DeGuevara, who will celebrate his 61st birthday in May. Im just thrilled to be (in the Winners Circle) again. I never thought Id get her once, and now Ive been here twice, so Im very happy. Sam Jacks, who set a Super Stocks track record of 16.644 seconds in qualifying, challenged DeGuevara for the race lead before a last-lap spin relegated him to a fourth-place finish. In the 25-lap USLCI Legends race, Jason Irwin pulled away for a 6.115-second margin of victory and his 35th career Bullring win. Irwin will split time between racing at The Bullring and competing in the Lucas Oil Modifieds series this season. It doesnt get old, and its always challenging, for sure, Irwin said of the win. We havent brought the Legend car out for a while, so it was fun to do that. Well be back out here with a Lucas (Oil Modifieds) car on May 5 and will be back out here for a big Legends show in April. Landon Gresser won for the second consecutive race weekend in the USLCI Bandolero Bandits division, while Kaden Crouch improved to 2-0 in the Bandolero Outlaws class this season. Racer X won yet again in the Skid Plate Cars division, taking the 15-lap feature by 1.126 seconds ahead of Ben Williams. Next event: Racing returns to The Bullring on Saturday, April 14, with the Canada-based North American Big Rig Racing series kicking off its 2018 season. Kids 12 and under get in free with a ticketed adult to all Bullring events again this season. Tickets are available on www.LVMS.com or by calling 800-644-4444. With the passage of an enormous budget bill, the GOP-controlled Congress all but wrapped up its legislating for the year. But will it be enough to persuade voters to give Republicans another term at the helm? In two big ways, Republicans have done what they promised. They passed a long-sought tax overhaul bill that slashed tax rates. Theyve rolled back regulations, in ways they claim are boosting the economy. In the Senate, they confirmed a justice to the Supreme Court. But there are signs Americans wanted more: immigration reforms, gun control legislation, even an infrastructure plan that President Donald Trump promised voters. Tax cuts, for now, will have to do. Its very clear that tax reform was going to be the biggest legislative crown jewel of this Congress, said Matt Gorman, the spokesman for the House GOPs campaign arm, the National Republican Congressional Committee. That is a massive centerpiece of our campaign. Mixed messages But polls swing wildly these days, strategists said. Voters are rarely focused for too long on single issues that can make or break campaigns, as when Republicans seized control of the House in 2010 amid the economic downturn or Democrats pushed to the majority in 2006 over opposition to the Iraq and Afghanistan wars and congressional ethics scandals. Trumps mixed messages on the GOPs accomplishments only make the campaigning more difficult. At the White House on Friday, he toyed with a veto of the $1.3 trillion budget package, complaining it lacked his immigration deal and smacked of overspending, before ultimately signing it. Such shifting views leave Republicans without a reliable partner as they try to push through political headwinds in whats expected to be a tough battle for majority control of the House and Senate. Lawmakers left town for a two-week recess that marks the unofficial end of the legislating season having shelved resolution of other issues. Leftovers: health care, DACA Congress failed to pass legislation to curb rising health insurance premiums or protect young immigrants known as Dreamers from deportation, two issues that have stirred voters this year. And before the nationwide March for Our Lives protests against gun violence, lawmakers took modest steps to boost school safety funds and improve compliance with the federal gun purchase background check system. Kris Brown, co-president of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, said the measures are just not enough. The American people have been screaming from the rooftops for real, bold change to fight against tragedies such as the Florida and Las Vegas shootings, Brown said. We have seen the consequences of Congresss inaction. A modest agenda Congress spring agenda is thin. It includes modest plans to finish a banking bill that rolls back some of the regulations put in place after the financial crisis and pass a big farm bill that sets agriculture and school nutrition policies. The Senate also has to begin confirmation hearings for Trumps nominees for secretary of state and CIA director. The one legislative lift will be another spending bill when the one Trump signed into law expires at the end of September. But it may bring more political risk than reward for Republicans, since conservatives largely sided with the president against this one, and could pose a more serious threat of voter revolt in the fall. Strategists say it will be up to candidates to make the case that the GOPs signature legislative accomplishment is worth their re-election. Democrats have been hammering on the tax law as a giveaway to big business, in part because the steep reduction in corporate rates, from 35 percent to 21 percent, is permanent while the reduced rates for individuals and other provisions for families, including expanded child tax credits, expire in coming years. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi has derided the lopsided benefits for households as crumbs a quip Republicans eagerly throw back at Democrats. Millions in GOP ads To prop up public opinion of the GOPs top accomplishment, millions are being spent by outside groups. American Action Network, which is aligned with House Speaker Paul Ryan, is unleashing more than $30 million in ads, and the network backed by the influential Koch brothers will spend more than $20 million, heaping praise on lawmakers who voted for the tax cuts and informing voters about those who didnt. And with passage of tax cuts so important to the GOP election effort, Republicans might take the unusual step of trying to pass them again. We think theres more we can do, Ryan said. House GOP leaders are seriously considering legislation this summer Tax Cuts 2 that would try to build on the original bill that became law in December by making the individual tax cuts permanent. A do-over tax cuts bill is not expected to pass this Congress. But setting up another showdown accomplishes political goals for Republicans by turning attention back on the tax law, and pushing Democrats into the uncomfortable position of voting against it, again. Americans for Prosperity, one of the groups in the Koch network, launched an ad campaign urging Congress to fortify the law by making tax cuts permanent. More needs to be done, the group says on a website for its advocacy. Even if there are things that get passed between now and the fall, the bottom line is the single most important piece of legislation is going to be the tax bill, said veteran strategist David Winston, who advises House and Senate GOP leadership. That defines what this Congress is about. At least seven people were killed in a confrontation with police in Rio de Janeiro's Rocinha favela on Saturday and several others were injured, as an army takeover of Rio's security services drags well into its second month. The police said the incident began when a patrol was attacked, though family members of those killed disputed various aspects of that account, according to interviews given to local media. Police said that they had entered Rocinha to search for suspects in the killing of a police officer in the slum earlier in the week and that they recovered various weapons following the incident, including a pair of grenades. In mid-February, Brazil's federal government ordered the army to take command of security forces in Rio de Janeiro in a bid to curb violence driven by drug gangs. The already violent city has seen an uptick in crime in recent years. Slayings climbed 8 percent in 2017 from the year before and 26 percent over 2015. Shootouts are a daily occurrence in Rio's poorer areas, and the violence has increasingly spilled into Rio's more affluent neighborhoods. Drug trafficking in Rocinha is controlled by the Red Command, Rio's most powerful drug gang. The army takeover has not been without controversy. Last week, Marielle Franco, a prominent Rio city councilwoman, was slain in what many suspect was a political assassination, after she heavily criticized police violence in Rio, which many say has been worsened by the army takeover. The first Muslim woman elected to Australia's federal parliament has spoken of how racism and domestic violence has shaped her career. Egypt-born Anne Aly has released an autobiography "Finding My Place," which details religious bigotry she suffered at school and violence at the hands of her first husband. From Cairo to the Australian capital Canberra, "Finding My Place" is the story of abuse, desperation and success. Anne Aly came to Australia from Egypt when she was two years old. She details how she was bullied by fellow students at school because of her Arabic heritage and how she was subjected to abuse and violence by a former husband. Aly, who is 50-years old, went on to forge a successful career as an academic. She became one of the world's leading experts on counter-terrorism and was an adviser to the United Nations. She writes in her newly-released autobiography that after a decade as a well-regarded researcher she was becoming jaded with Australia's political system and its apparent inability to bring about change. She thought the only way to make a difference was to leave her academic career behind and enter politics. In 2016, she was elected by a narrow majority to Australia's federal parliament, where she represents the center-left Labor opposition. She said that her parliamentary office still receives hate mail and threatening phone calls. "One week in parliament somebody decided to call up and say tell Anne Aly if she wants to earn the respect of White Australia then she needs to be quiet. You know, I get a lot of hate mail, I get a lot of hate phone calls but that one was particularly stinging, and it was particularly stinging because as I write in the book I had spent much of my life trying to be this person that in my mind and in my head I am Australian," said Aly. According to official statistics, there are about 600,000 Muslims in Australia, which is roughly 2.6 percent of the total population. Over a third were born in Australia, while others have arrived as migrants from a host of countries, including Lebanon, Turkey, Bangladesh and Fiji. The Australian Federation of Islamic Councils said recently that anti-Islam sentiment in Australia was increasing. A report into Islamophobia in Australia published last year by Charles Sturt University found there was a "disturbing amount" of bigotry at institutional and personal levels across the country. What does it take to build a thriving technology company and an environment in which black techies, their financial backers and their markets can flourish? That question underpins the new VOA documentary "Beyond the Unicorn." Subtitled "Africans Making IT in Silicon Valley," it explores how some Africans and African-Americans are finding their way in the tech sector's global capital in California. The 26-minute documentary profiles several entrepreneurs and venture capitalists and how they overcome hurdles. Its screening Wednesday evening, at a VOA event at the San Francisco campus of the French university INSEEC U., served as a springboard for a panel discussion spanning market potential, funding gaps and hiring disparities. First, a definition for the uninitiated. A unicorn is a private startup technology firm valued at $1 billion or more. Once rare, such companies have proliferated in the last few years, with almost 200 globally as of last May, according to Forbes. Silicon Valley has spawned herds of unicorns, such as Uber and Airbnb. Africa hasn't. With less readily available investment funding, "a unicorn might be quite unrealistic for an entrepreneur in Africa to build very quickly," said venture capitalist Mbwana Alliy, who appears in the documentary. He suggested its counterpart might be a "zebracorn." "Does that mean it's a $100 million startup? Maybe that's more achievable for an entrepreneur," said Alliy, founder of the Africa-focused Savannah Fund. "And it's still a major outcome." Panelist Stephen Ozoigbo proposed another term: gazelle, "something real and indigenous." "If it's a gazelle, then you're sure it would outrun, it would outhustle" the competition, said Ozoigbo, CEO of the African Technology Foundation. Market potential The continent has some fast-growing economies think Ethiopia and Nigeria and the world's fastest-growing population. More than half of its countries are expected to double their head counts by 2050, the United Nations reports. No wonder investment in African tech ventures is surging. Figures vary: The Disrupt Africa news portal says African tech startups raised more than $195 million last year, up from almost $130 million in 2016. Partech Ventures reports even stronger growth. The global venture capital firm, which has offices in San Francisco and Dakar, Senegal, reports that 124 tech startups drew $560 million in equity in 2017, up from almost $367 million for 74 startups the previous year. Still, Africa gets only a very tiny share of global private equity capital, said Andile Ngcaba, a panelist and founder of the African tech investment management fund Convergence Partners. That's just one of the challenges for Africans and African-Americans in tech. Lack of diversity Blacks account for just 3 percent of the workforce among Silicon Valley's top 75 tech companies, an underrepresentation so striking that it has drawn public condemnation and scrutiny by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in a 2016 report. The male-dominated tech sector can be even less welcoming to black females. "Being an African woman in Silicon Valley ... has been very difficult. I actually had an easier time in Nigeria," said Bukola Akinfaderin, a senior developer and the only black female mobile engineer for the genealogy website Ancestry.com. She said her homeland's tech sector has less of a gender imbalance. Akinfaderin, featured in the documentary, finds support in groups such as dev/color, a nonprofit for black software engineers. She gets encouragement to revive Jandus Radio, her app enabling the African diaspora to hear live radio from the continent. It had as many as 500,000 users by 2016, when the hosting company's server malfunctioned and deleted the app's database. She plans to reboot the app as KinFolk. Akinfaderin touts the value of being an African woman engineer working in Silicon Valley. "When you're building a product especially if it's a consumer-facing product, one that's international you are going to need perspective from everyone." Need for helping hands Mentoring and networking can make all the difference in finding opportunities, said Nate Yohannes, a Microsoft business development director for artificial intelligence and the evenings keynote speaker. Coming to the United States as a child of [Eritrean] refugees, he said, he couldnt always rely on his parents guidance because of their unfamiliarity with the new setting. So, he sought out mentors, who helped shape his trajectory from law school to a Wall Street job to the U.S. Small Business Association to Microsoft. Its on us to help each other and connect the continents, Yohannes told the scores of people, including other Africans, in the screening room. Other concerns Africa's rapid population growth heightens the need to educate African youths so they can compete for work globally, said Convergence Partners' Ngcaba. He added that those aspiring to the tech sector will need training in, say, data science, machine learning and artificial intelligence. "That's the only way we can position ourselves in the global landscape," Ngcaba said. Skills, opportunity and capital are vital for entrepreneurs, agreed Yonas Beshawred, founder and CEO of StackShare, an online marketplace for comparing engineering tools and software. But, he added, "I think the most important thing is that you have something that you're passionate about and you start working on it instead of just talking." A VOA showcase The "Unicorn" screening event also served as a showcase for VOA's commitment to "telling America's story" along with providing accurate news and information to countries without independent media, VOA director Amanda Bennett said. "And what is more American than the American diaspora, the people who come here from places around the world looking for something and looking to give something, looking to be someone? And what is more American than technology?" she asked rhetorically in her introductory remarks, pointing out that VOA opened a Silicon Valley office last spring. As President Donald Trumps third national security adviser, John Bolton will help shape Americas response to conflicts around the globe, including those in Africa. Hell have the Presidents ear and the autonomy to work outside the United Nations, an organization Bolton has often criticized. In 2005 and 2006, Bolton was U.S. ambassador to the U.N. and spent some of his time on conflicts in Africa, but appeared to have little impact. His efforts to change the international organization were largely unsuccessful. He left the post with no more faith in the U.N.s ability to shape the world than when he began, and his statements and writing since then continue to reflect the belief that the U.S. must deal with threats unilaterally. Conflict in Africa has morphed since Boltons last stint in government. When he was ambassador, al-Shabab hadnt yet formed, and Boko Haram was still in its infancy. But entrenched conflicts persist throughout the continent, and Boltons time at the U.N. holds some clues for what his new appointment could mean for Africa. New players, old conflicts In his year and half as ambassador to the U.N., Bolton dealt with a border dispute between Ethiopia and Eritrea, a violent insurgency in Somalia, and a years-long war in Darfur that spiraled into a full-blown humanitarian crisis, with hundreds of thousands of civilian deaths. Those conflicts continue to reverberate, and terrorism deaths have spiked in the intervening years. The U.S. also had a less formal military presence on the continent during Boltons ambassadorship. The U.S. Africa Command, which works with African partners to strengthen security and stability, had not been established. Overall, thousands of U.S. troops are now deployed across the continent, mostly in the Horn of Africa. Ineffective UN Bolton has expressed frustration at the U.N.s approach to solving conflicts in Africa, which he characterized as inattentive and ineffective in his 2007 book, Surrender Is Not An Option: Defending America at the United Nations. His efforts as ambassador produced, by his own account, mixed results. At the end of his tenure, some conflicts in Africa were contained but unresolved, and others had festered. Bolton attributes these shortcomings to flawed interventions. U.N. missions, Bolton said, linger long after their purpose has been fulfilled. Bolton framed these issues in terms of African autonomy. Africa needs a concept for graduation from peacekeeping operations, which many African diplomats recognize, to reassert its abilities to resolve its own problems, Bolton wrote. He blames Europe for a preoccupation with moral righteousness. Former European colonial powers are all too willing to lead a new interventionism in their former colonies, helpfully financed largely by others, to show their High Minded concern, and to maintain at least some of their past influence, Bolton wrote in Surrender Is Not An Option. The Trump administration has also been eager to pull back from engagement with the U.N., according to Paul Williams, an associate professor at George Washington Universitys Elliott School of International Affairs. The U.S. makes mandatory assessed contributions of about $2 billion a year to the U.N.s peacekeeping budget, Williams said. Bolton has long advocated replacing assessed contributions with voluntary contributions, but that would require legal changes. The workaround, Williams said, is to shrink the overall budget. The current administration and Nikki Haley at the U.N. have said thats what they want to do they want to reduce the overall U.N. peacekeeping expenditure by closing up some missions, Williams said. Somalia Boltons experiences dealing with the Islamic Courts Union (ICU) in Somalia a confederation of Sharia courts that formed a rival legal authority to that countrys government are indicative of much of his work across Africa. In early December 2006, in one of Boltons last acts as ambassador, the U.S. introduced a resolution to deploy an Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) peacekeeping force to Somalia and lift some sanctions against the country to help the government fight the ICU, which Bolton said threatened the countrys stability. Bolton characterized the force as a key element in preventing conflict. Some questioned the merits of the plan. In response, Bolton said, People criticize us when we take action on the ground, that our taking action makes the situation worse. Okay, so what is the answer, not to take action? Ultimately, the resolution passed, but little changed in the days that followed until Ethiopia, with U.S. air support, mounted a decisive offensive that decimated the ICU, giving the transitional government room to coalesce. The ICU rapidly lost ground in the ensuing weeks, and its leaders conceded defeat by the end of the month. Some members went into hiding but others splintered off into even more hard-line groups, including al-Shabab. WATCH: National Security Adviser explainer More US involvement While Bolton may not have much faith in the U.N.s capacity to mitigate terrorism and other conflict in Africa and elsewhere, he does see a role for the U.S., especially as China and a resurgent Russia attempt to assert more global influence. In an opinion column published in The Hill early this year, he warned that Latin America and Africa are two regions with simmering controversies that could erupt in the next year. While neither region has ranked high as U.S. foreign policy priorities, Bolton said, such eruptions could threaten American security interests. In both of these critical regions, Bolton wrote, we need greater U.S. involvement, hopefully guided by more comprehensive thinking rather than ad hoc responses to erupting crises. But unilateral moves have limitations. If Bolton seeks to resolve conflicts in Africa and elsewhere without the U.N., long-term solutions may prove more elusive. Thats because U.N. peacekeeping isnt just about troops on the ground, said Aditi Gorur, the director of the Protecting Civilians in Conflict program at the Stimson Center, a think tank that focuses on international efforts to make peace. There are other parts of the U.N. that are working on trying to address some of those root causes, so its really about trying to contain the violence and creating the space for political dialogue to happen, Gorur said. A suicide bomb attack Sunday on a Shi'ite Muslim mosque in the western Afghan city of Herat bordering Iran killed at least one worshiper and wounded nine others. Provincial police spokesman, Abdul Ahad Walizada, told VOA two bombers assaulted the mosque during afternoon prayers. He said security guards spotted and killed one of them while the second one managed to detonate his suicide vest. Islamic State through its Amaq news agency claimed responsibility for the bombing. The terrorist group has lately increased attacks against worship places and gatherings of minority Shiite community in Afghanistan. Wednesday an IS suicide bomber blew himself up near a Shiite shrine in the Kabul, killing at least 33 people and wounding more than 60 others. Cameroon's military has arrested several Boko Haram fighters and their 25 female accomplices who were attempting to supply food and weapons through Cameroon to the fighters in Nigeria. Most of the women say their husbands are fighters in Nigeria. Alban Toupo, commander of the Rapid Intervention Battalion, the Cameroon military unit fighting the Boko Haram insurgency in the border town of Kolofata, said 31 people, including 25 women, were arrested while transporting ammunition, food, material to fabricate explosive devices, torches, drugs and medications to Nigeria in small quantities. The commander said the suspects at times involved their children in the smuggling, claiming that they were either going to visit relatives across the border in Nigeria or were simply going to sell food and buy basic commodities. He said after Cameroon military had killed fighters who were using force to transport food and military equipment through Cameroon villages to Nigeria, they could not believe women and children, at times accompanied by men, were carrying supplies to the terror group until they received a tip from the population. He said his troops had protected the women and children without knowing they were either fighters or accomplices. Alban said they were told the women recruited suicide bombers, planted landmines on border zones with Nigeria and served as informants for hostage takings between Cameroon border town of Kolofata and Nigeria. Kolofata has suffered from Boko Haram violence with frequent cross-border raids since fighting started four years ago. The town hosts several hundred Nigerian refugees as well as internally displaced persons who have been forced to flee their homes due to persistent fighting. Tchombai Ibrahi, the most senior Cameroon government official in Kolofata says the suspects have been helping the military in their investigations. He said they have embarked on a tour to educate the population not to collaborate and not to do business with the criminals who pretend to be farmers and business persons but end up terrorizing villagers. Soldiers from Cameroon, Nigeria, Chad and Niger, as part of the multi-national joint task force of the lake Chad Basin Commission, rolled back Boko Haram gains and announced the terrorist group was living its last moments last year, but the insurgency switched to terror attacks and remains a threat. The conflict that began in northeast Nigeria began eight years ago and has left at least 25,000 people dead and forced more than 2.6 million others to flee their homes, according to the United Nations. Two car bombs in the Somali capital killed six people and injured at least five others on Sunday, witnesses said. One of the car bombs exploded at a key checkpoint in Mogadishu, killing four people and injuring at least four others, according to medical sources. Raw video from the scene of the bombings: Witnesses said the car, driven by a suicide bomber, rammed into the checkpoint at high speed after a soldier flagged it to stop. The soldier was killed immediately, according to witnesses. Three civilian bystanders were also killed, as well as the bomber. Ambulances rushed to the scene and evacuated the dead and wounded. The head of the Mogadishu ambulance service, Dr. Abdulkadir Abdirahman Aden, confirmed the the number of casualties to VOA Somali. The explosion occurred in a heavily protected area of the city. The checkpoint leads to a number of key installations, including the Ministry of Interior, Parliament, and another checkpoint used by security forces to defend the presidential palace. Cars and motorbikes using the road were destroyed. The explosion also caused the destruction of several buildings at the Sayidka intersection. Earlier Sunday, another car bomb exploded close to a security checkpoint outside Mogadishu, killing the bomber and injuring a police officer. Police said the car exploded during a chase. Sundays explosions come just three days after another car bomb killed 17 people in Mogadishu and injured eight others on the city's busiest street. Congo's military said on Saturday it had killed 13 militiamen during clashes with an unidentified group after coming under attack in the country's volatile northeastern Ituri province. Ituri is the latest part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to descend into bloodshed since President Joseph Kabila's refusal to step aside at the end of his mandate in 2016 undermined the legitimacy of the state. Army spokesman Jules Ngongo said clashes happened around the villages of Jemi and Penyi, in the Djugu territory. A Congolese soldier had also been killed and two others wounded, he said. "Search operations are still under way and the death toll could change," Ngongo said. Of all Congo's complex ethnic tinderboxes, Ituri has historically been the most combustible. It was one of the places where Congo's civil war began in 1998, drawing troops from Uganda and Rwanda into a five-year conflict in which about 5 million people died, mostly from hunger and disease. Many fear Congo is headed for a repeat of that conflict. After more than a decade of relative peace, an eruption of tit-for-tat killing between the predominantly farming Lendu and the mostly cattle-keeping Hema ethnic groups this year has been fanned by a breakdown of government authority and the failure to resolve a long-standing dispute over land rights. The International Criminal Court has convicted warlords from both sides of the previous Ituri fighting, but that has not prevented further violence. The 23-year-old Texan blamed for a deadly Austin bombing spree described himself as a psychopath and showed no remorse in a confession he taped before blowing himself up as police closed in to arrest him, a U.S. congressman said Saturday. Authorities had not previously disclosed details of the cellphone video in which Mark Conditt admitted being behind the string of bombings that began March 2, killing two people and wounding five others, beyond saying that it showed a troubled young man. No remorse on tape I think the best evidence we have at this point in time is the confession itself. ... He did refer to himself as a psychopath. He did not show any remorse, in fact questioning himself for why he didnt feel any remorse for what he did, U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul told a news conference in Austin when asked about Conditts motive. Its hard to imagine someone whose mind is so sick that they could commit bombings like this and feel absolutely no remorse, he said. McCaul said there did not appear to be anything in Conditts confession that was sort of racially motivated, but I know that is still part of the ongoing investigation. The first several bombing victims, including the two who died, were either African-American or Hispanic. Investigators seeking motive Federal investigators have been hunting for clues about what drove Conditt, who was unemployed and lived with roommates in the Austin suburb of Pflugerville. They also want to know whether he had help building or planting the bombs. Three of the devices were left as parcels outside victims homes, while another was placed on a sidewalk and attached to a trip-wire mechanism. Two more were shipped as FedEx parcels, which helped investigators unmask the bombers identity. The second and third bombs went off while the Texas state capital was hosting its annual South by Southwest music, movies and tech festival, which draws about half a million people. Conditt died after detonating an explosive device early Wednesday as police ran toward his vehicle in an Austin suburb. A British journalist expelled from the country last month did not have valid accreditation and was filming without a permit, Egyptian authorities said Sunday. The State Information Service said in a statement that The Times of London correspondent Bel Trew, expelled after being threatened with military trial, also covered Egypt unfairly and published false information. The move comes as part of a heavy crackdown on media ahead of this week's presidential election, which general-turned-President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi is set to win after all serious competitors were arrested or intimidated into dropping out. Trew, who had been in Egypt for seven years, was expelled in late February after being arrested while reporting in Shoubra, a central Cairo district. The SIS said she had not applied for a temporary press card while awaiting her annual one. Neither The Times nor Trew did not immediately had responses to the claim. The SIS said that authorities had issued Trew with credentials allowing her to cover the election but did not clarify how she could return to the country after being expelled. It also took aim at reporters who wrote about the expulsion, saying they did not ask authorities for their version of events. Trew said in an account on The Times' website that she has been listed as a persona non-grata and that Cairo authorities threatened to re-arrest her if she attempts to return. She said her reporting in Shoubra was part of a story on a migrant boat that disappeared two years ago. An informer seems to have reported her to the police, she added. She was stopped shortly after she left a cafe where she was conducting an interview. "The taxi had just pulled away from the cafe ... when a minibus of plain-clothes police officers cut us off. Five men jumped out and took me to a nearby police station," she said, adding that she provided the authorities with the audio recording of the interview. "It was either ignored and not listened to - or listened to and ignored," she said. Egypt has often detained, jailed and prosecuted journalists under el-Sissi, who led the military's 2013 overthrow of the country's first freely elected civilian President Mohammed Morsi of the Muslim Brotherhood, after mass protests against his one-year divisive rule. Advocacy group Reporters Without Borders ranked Egypt as 161 out of 180 countries on their 2017 World Press Freedom Index. 2 Supporters of President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi dance while they raise signs in Arabic saying we will continue during a rally in downtown Cairo to support el-Sissi for a second presidential term in Cairo, March 20, 2018. Facebook co-founder and chief executive officer Mark Zuckerberg apologized Sunday in full-page ads in nine major British and U.S. newspapers for the massive "breach of trust" at the social media giant that revealed personal information of millions of Facebook users. Zuckerberg did not mention the British firm accused of using the data, the voter profiling company Cambridge Analytica that obtained the cache of information from British researcher Alexsandr Kogan, who had been authorized by Facebook to collect the data as part of an academic study. Cambridge Analytica was paid $6 million by President Donald Trump's successful 2016 presidential campaign for the White House to develop voter profiles. Zuckerberg said in the ads, "This was a breach of trust, and I'm sorry we didn't do more at the time" when Kogan developed an app on which 270,000 Facebook users supplied information about themselves. "We're now taking steps to make sure this doesn't happen again." In all, because of extensive links of friends and associates to the 270,000 Facebook users, 50 million Facebook users may have had their personal data compromised. "We have a responsibility to protect your information," Zuckerberg said. "If we can't, we don't deserve it." The ads ran in six British national newspapers, including the best-selling Mail, The Sunday Times and The Observer, along with The New York Times, The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal in the U.S. Zuckerberg said Facebook, with 2.2 billion users worldwide, is also investigating "every single app that had access to large amounts of data before we fixed this. We expect there are others. And when we find them, we will ban them and tell everyone affected." A new Reuters-Ipsos poll in the U.S. released Sunday showed that 41 percent of Americans trust Facebook to obey laws that protect their personal information, compared to 66 percent of trust in Amazon; 62 percent in Google; 60 percent in Microsoft and 47 percent in Yahoo. Survivors and families of victims of Friday's terror attack in France attended a special mass to honor the four killed and three wounded, including an officer who swapped himself with a hostage in a supermarket in the southwestern town of Trebes. The Bishop of Carcassonne and Narbonne Alain Planet celebrated mass, during which he praised the "extraordinary devotion" of Lieutenant-Colonel Arnaud Beltrame. "I am here to share in people's mourning, but also to warm myself to their profound solidarity. This event was also an opportunity to see an extraordinary act, extraordinary devotion by [Lieutenant] Colonel Arnaud Beltrame," he said. "The whole of France has been touched by this, we were too, especially the Christian community, as he was one of ours. And at the start of this holy week, when we look at Christ take our place to save us from death, well his act takes on a whole new meaning and I'm sure he was aware of that when he did what he did." Planet said Friday's events offered an opportunity to reflect on the suffering felt by countless people around the world. After French President Emmanuel Macron said evidence suggested the gunman's actions were considered terrorism, the Islamic State militant group's propaganda arm claimed responsibility. The Paris prosecutor's office said counterterrorism authorities have assumed control of the investigation. French authorities say two people have been arrested in connection with the shootings, including a woman who is reported to have been close to the assailant. Islamic State extremist attacks have killed more than 200 people since 2015. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump denounced Friday's attack in France in a message on Twitter Saturday. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of the horrible attack in France yesterday, and we grieve the nation's loss," the president wrote, adding "We also condemn the violent actions of the attacker and anyone who would provide him support. We are with you @EmmanuelMacron!" . Pro-separatist marchers clashed with riot police in Barcelona, Spain during a demonstration Sunday against the arrest of Catalonia's former president Carles Puigdemont. Police swung batons to stop protesters from marching on the Spanish government offices. The marchers threw garbage and other objects at the officers. At least 50 people were hurt. Thousands filled the streets of the Catalan capital in support of the ousted president and separatist leader who was picked up on an international arrest warrant in Germany Sunday. He had just crossed the border from Denmark. Puigdemont is expected to appear in court in Schleswig Monday while German prosecutors consider Spain's extradition request. Puigdemont is wanted in Spain on charges of treason and inciting violence. He fled Spain for Belgium in October. He defied the warnings of the central Spanish government in Madrid and held a referendum on Catalonian secession. The Catalan parliament declared independence, leading to a violent crackdown by police and a takeover of the Catalan government by Madrid. Pro-independence lawmakers won a slim majority in December's parliamentary elections in Catalonia. But parliament has been unable to name a new president and the future of independence is murky. Puigdemont had urged the Catalan parliament to choose pro-independence ally Jordi Sanchez as the new regional president. But Sanchez is in jail in Madrid while prosecutors mull over whether to also formally charge him with sedition and rebellion. The Spanish Supreme Court decided Friday to charge 13 Catalan separatist leaders with rebellion. Catalonia, in northeast Spain, and its capital Barcelona are major tourist magnets. It has his own language and distinct culture. But the separatist crisis has hurt tourism and the regional economy. Catalan separatists say the region is a powerful economic engine that drives Spain and have demanded more autonomy. Those who want to stay united with Spain are afraid the region will sink into an economic abyss without the central government, its ties to the European Union, and its numerous existing bilateral relations. Iran has criticized new U.S. sanctions against 10 of its citizens and an Iranian company over their alleged involvement in a state-sponsored large-scale hacking and intellectual property theft scheme. The U.S. Treasury Department unveiled charges Friday against nine Iranians along with sanctions against 10 individuals and the Mabna Institute, which it accused of hacking hundreds of universities on behalf of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps. Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi Saturday called the accusations "false." "Iran condemns the United States' provocative, illegal, and unjustified actions, which are a major new sign of the hostility and animosity of U.S. leaders towards the Iranian people," Qasemi said in a statement on the ministry's website. "They will not prevent the scientific development of the Iranian people." The two founders of the Mabna Institute, Gholamreza Rafatnejad, 38, and Ehsan Mohammadi, 37, were among the nine Iranians indicted in New York and whose assets are subject to U.S. seizure. The Treasury Department said that since 2013, the Mabna Institute carried out cyberintrusions into the computer systems of 144 U.S. universities, and another 176 universities in 21 foreign countries. Mabna Institute employees and contractors "engaged in the theft of valuable intellectual property and data from hundreds of U.S. and third-country universities ... for private financial gain," the Treasury said. "For many of these intrusions, the defendants acted at the behest of the Iranian government and, specifically, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps," Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein said. The U.S. Department of Labor, the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, dozens of private firms and nongovernmental organizations such as UNICEF were also allegedly targeted. Geoffrey Berman, U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, said the Iranians conducted "spearphishing" attacks designed to steal passwords from e-mail accounts in what he called one of the largest state-sponsored hacking schemes ever uncovered. U.S. President Donald Trump has adopted a tough stance against Iran since taking office in January 2017, and repeatedly denounced a landmark agreement that Tehran reached with world powers to curb its nuclear program. Trump said in January that the 2015 deal must be "fixed" by May 12 or Washington will walk away. The Syrian government and its regional and international allies seem to have an upper hand in Syria after recapturing swaths of land and cities from Islamic State and other rebel groups. But experts say the situation is still far from being resolved, as the conflict enters its eighth year this month. Ibrahim al-Assil, a scholar at Middle East Institute, said the odds are shifting in favor of the Syrian regime, but that doesn't mean the regime will emerge the victor. "The conflict in Syria is not only an armed one, it's much deeper than that. The state institutions are weaker than ever, and the regime lost all its legitimacy by killing and detaining hundreds of thousands of Syrians," al-Assil said. But Colin P. Clarke, a researcher on terrorism and insurgency at the Rand Corporation has a different take. "I'd say that Assad has emerged as a victor in some respect, which was that he seems to have achieved his primary objective, which is remaining in power and keeping his regime from being defeated." Clarke said Syria is still in complete chaos and will never be the same, "but Assad has surprised many by fighting the counterinsurgency with all available means. In other ways, he remains an international pariah for his use of chemical weapons and indiscriminate slaughter. So, his days may be numbered. Assad's main benefactor, Russia, could very likely push him aside during future negotiations to bring about a political settlement to the war in Syria." In a testimony before members of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Gen. Joseph L. Votel, commander of the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), told lawmakers that the Assad regime made significant gains in central and eastern Syria in 2017. "The Assad regime has insufficient forces to adequately secure recaptured territory and often faces insurgent counterattacks behind its lines. The regime is highly dependent on billions of dollars in external Iranian and Russian economic and military support, the cost of which presses both Moscow and Tehran to seek an end to the conflict," Votel said. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a British-based rights group monitoring the situation in Syria, said more than 500,000 civilians were killed in the past seven years. Of those, about 85 percent were killed by the Syrian regime and its allied militias. The U.S. State Department has called for the end of fighting in Syria. "So, we continue to call for that cease-fire to be put in force, and that has not happened just yet. Most importantly right now, aside from that cease-fire, is getting the humanitarian aid in that needs to be gotten in," State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said. Militarization of Syria The conflict in Syria started between different factions fighting on multiple fronts, including the Syrian government. Military intervention from external parties provided proxies in Syria with arms, training, airstrikes and troops. A number of local paramilitary forces were established to support Syria's regular troops. The shortage in manpower led the regime to subcontract internal and external militias. "The regime heavily depends on foreign militias in the battles, and those militias are loyal to Iran and Russia, not to the regime. The reason behind that is the lack of manpower. The Syrian army is incapable of continuing the fighting against the opposition alone," al-Assil said. Al-Assil added that this dependence will impose a challenge to the regime in the future to maintain stability and regain a central government. One of the most popular among the regime's supporters is Tiger Forces, led by Suheil al-Hassan, known by his nickname, Al-Nimr. Established in 2013, The Tiger Forces became indispensable working on the ground for Syria and Russia. It is now leading the battle with Hezbollah in eastern Ghouta. "We will provide the needed air support to the forces of Brig. Gen. Suheil al-Hassan. We have real confidence in their ability to accomplish the mission," Alexander Ivanov, spokesman for Russian forces headquartered at the Hmeimim air base in western Syrian, wrote on the base's official Facebook page. Edmond Ghareeb, a professor of International Affairs at George Washington University's Elliott School, told VOA that no one can say what will become of these militias after the end of military operations, but one outcome could be the emergence of a more experienced Syrian army. "Either the foreign militias have to leave, or lay down their arms and join the military. Otherwise, another war might begin," Ghareeb said. Reconstruction The World Bank estimated the losses in Syria at $226 billion in the period between 2011 and 2016. The United Nations estimated the reconstruction in Syria will cost nearly $250 billion. Maintaining security is key to reconstruction efforts because of the millions of displaced people and the spread of military groups in Syria. In a speech this month, outgoing national security adviser H.R. McMaster said the "United States and its partners will not provide reconstruction funding to areas controlled by the murderous Assad regime until there is a political transition away from Assad's rule." West Bank settlement construction surged during the first year of the Trump presidency, an Israeli monitoring group said Sunday, releasing data that added to Palestinian mistrust of the American administration. Peace Now said that Israel began construction of 2,783 settlement homes in 2017. That was about 17 percent higher than the annual average since Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took office in 2009. It said that 78 percent of the new homes were in outlying settlements that would likely have to be evacuated if a Palestinian state is established. And 234 units, or 8 percent, were in tiny outposts that are not even authorized by Israel, it said. The Palestinians and most of the international community consider Israeli settlements to be illegal and obstacles to peace. Over 600,000 settlers now live in the West Bank and east Jerusalem, areas captured by Israel in the 1967 Mideast war and claimed by the Palestinians for their future state. While a string of Republican and Democratic presidents have opposed settlement construction, Trump has taken a softer line. He has asked Israel to show restraint at times, but avoided the strong condemnations voiced by his predecessors. His Mideast peace team, led by his son in law Jared Kushner, is dominated by people with close ties to the settlement movement. Peace Now said its data is collected through aerial surveys and inspections by monitors on the ground. In its report, Peace Now stopped short of blaming the jump in construction exclusively on White House policies. Netanyahu has been a strong supporter of the settlements throughout his career, and his coalition is dominated by religious and nationalist hardliners aligned with the settlement movement and who oppose Palestinian independence. Facing a growing list of corruption investigations, Netanyahu has also appealed to his hard-line base. "The steady pace of construction and building deep in the West Bank attest to Prime Minister Netanyahu's steadfast abetting of the settlement enterprise," the report said. "It is also apparent that the new U.S. presidency in 2017 had no marginal deterrent effect on these Israeli unilateral moves." The West Bank settler movement has issued its own data showing growth in their communities. Last month, a settler leader, using official government data, said the West Bank settler population grew 3.4 percent last year, nearly double the growth rate of Israel's overall population, to more than 435,000 people. For the Palestinians, the Peace Now data was another cause for mistrust of the U.S. administration just as the White House is trying to wrap up a Mideast peace initiative. The Palestinians have severed most contacts with the White House since Trump recognized Jerusalem as Israel's capital in December. The Palestinians view the move as being unfairly biased toward Israel on the most sensitive issue in the conflict, and have already rejected the U.S. peace plan before it has been made public. Nabil Shaath, a top adviser to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, said the figures proved that Netanyahu is "not interested in peace" and is destroying hopes for a two-state solution. "Netanyahu is continuing his settlement project, enjoying the fact that the U.S. is silent," he said. "These numbers are very dangerous. We condemn it, and will continue working politically to stop it." Both Netanyahu's office and the White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Former President Barack Obama said Sunday that negotiations with North Korea on its nuclear weapons program are difficult, partly because the country's isolation minimizes possible leverage, such as trade and travel sanctions against Pyongyang. "North Korea is an example of a country that is so far out of the international norms and so disconnected with the rest of the world," Obama told a packed hall in Tokyo. He stressed that the effort to get North Korea to give up nuclear weapons remains difficult, but said countries working together, including China, South Korea and Japan, to pressure the North is better than nations working alone. He noted that past U.S. efforts on Iran's nuclear weapons were more successful because there was more leverage, but that there's little commerce and travel with North Korea to being with. "That makes them less subject to these kinds of negotiations," he said of North Korea. Obama was speaking at an event sponsored by a Japanese nonprofit group during an Asia-Pacific trip that included earlier stops in Singapore, New Zealand and Australia. Obama's work after leaving office has been focused on nurturing young leaders. Obama, welcomed by a standing ovation, said that the U.S.-Japan alliance remains strong, and that the U.S. is committed to defending Japan. "North Korea is a real threat," he said. "Our view has always been that we would prefer to resolve these issues peacefully," he said, adding that otherwise "the cost in terms of human life would be significant." He acknowledged that progress on a nuclear-free world will likely take a long time as long as Russia and the U.S. can't agree to reduce their stockpiles. Obama also reflected on his 2016 visit to Hiroshima, one of two Japanese cities where the U.S. dropped atomic bombs in the closing days of World War II. His visit was the first by an American president. Almost all American presidents tend to be relatively popular in Japan, which views the U.S. as its most important ally. But many Japanese particularly appreciate Obama's efforts on denuclearization and remember with fondness his trip to Hiroshima and his message of working toward a world without nuclear weapons. "It was an extraordinarily powerful moment for me," Obama recalled. A Pakistani court has acquitted 20 people of charges that they were part of a lynch mob who burned alive a Christian couple that had been falsely accused of blasphemy in 2014. Brick-factory workers Shahzad Masih, 26, and Shama Shahzad, 24, were burned alive in an industrial kiln by a mob that had been incited by accusations the couple desecrated the Koran near the town of Kot Radha Kishan in Punjab by throwing away pages of the Islamic holy book along with the trash. After the attack, it emerged that the couple had been falsely accused. Police arrested scores of villagers in the case. An antiterrorism court in Lahore in November 2016 sentenced five men to death and 10 others were given varying jail terms for playing a supportive role in the killings. That court also acquitted 93 suspects in the case in 2016. Prosecutor Abdur Rauf says the court Saturday acquitted 20 other suspects who had been indicted in the case at a later stage. The killings triggered international criticism of Pakistan's blasphemy laws, which were introduced in the 1980s. Blasphemy is a sensitive issue in Pakistan and a mere allegation can often prompt mob violence. The U.S. State Department has said Pakistans blasphemy laws are often used as justification for mob justice. Almost a month after a deadly earthquake, Papua New Guinea is struggling to get aid to desperate survivors, having allocated just a fraction of its relief funds, while a rent dispute left disaster officials briefly locked out of their offices. The scale of the emergency is testing the finances and capacity of one of the worlds poorest countries, disaster and relief officials say, after the magnitude 7.5 quake rocked its remote mountainous highlands on Feb. 26, killing 100 people. Thousands of survivors have walked to remote airstrips and jungle clearings, awaiting helicopters bringing supplies of food, water and medicines, aid agencies and authorities say. To date, we do not have any money to do all the necessary things, Tom Edabe, the disaster coordinator for the hardest-hit province of Hela, said by telephone from Tari, its capital. (The) government is trying to assist and have budgeted some money, but to date we have not received anything ... we have only been given food, and non-food items supplied by other NGOs. Continuing aftershocks rattle residents, who have to collect water brought by daily rainstorms to ensure adequate supplies, Edabe, the disaster coordinator, said. The biggest thing that people need, apart from food, is water, said James Pima, a helicopter pilot and flight manager at aviation firm HeliSolutions in the Western Highlands capital of Mt. Hagen, about 170 km (100 miles) from the disaster zone. They dont have clean water to cook or drink ... they are standing there staring. The expression on their faces is blank. His firms three helicopters fly relief missions fully flat-out every day, Pima added. Destruction to roads and runways means authorities must rely on helicopters to fly in relief. But while nimble, the craft can carry only smaller loads than fixed-wing aircraft and cannot fly during the afternoon thunderstorms. Lack of information The logistics problems wind all the way to PNGs disaster center, where officials told Reuters they had been locked out of their office in Port Moresby, the capital, for two days last week after the government missed a rental payment. That was correct, Monday and Tuesday, a spokeswoman said. In a joint report with the United Nations published Friday, the agency cited lack of quality data about food shortages, limited aircraft assets and significant gaps in sanitation support as being the biggest problems it faced. The office of Prime Minister Peter ONeill did not respond to emailed questions from Reuters. On his website, ONeill has previously said, There will be no quick fix, the damage from this disaster will take months and years to be repaired. The government had approved relief funds amounting to 450 million kina ($130 million), ONeill said initially, but a later statement mentioned only 3 million kina in initial relief or less than 1 percent had been allocated to the worst-hit areas. In its November budget, the government made plans to rein in spending and trim debt projected to stand at 25.8 billion kina in 2018. Foreign aid pledges The impoverished country is also missing its largest revenue earner, after the quake forced a shutdown of Exxon Mobil Corps liquefied natural gas project, which has annual sales of $3 billion at current LNG prices. The firm is still assessing quake damage at its facilities. Foreign aid pledges of about $49 million have come in from Australia, China, the European Union, Japan, New Zealand and the United States, says the United Nations, most of it provided by private companies. Exxon and its partner, Oil Search Ltd, say they have provided $6 million in cash and kind for quake relief. Local officials say the scale of destruction, with villages buried by landslides and provincial towns flattened, has overwhelmed authorities in Papua New Guinea, which straddles the geologically active Pacific Ring of Fire. Policemen are still struggling because there is no support flying in and out, said Naring Bongi of the quake-damaged police station in the Southern Highlands capital of Mendi. There is not enough food to supply care centers, they need fresh water, he added. A Peruvian judge on Saturday imposed travel restrictions on former President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, who resigned this week while facing near-certain impeachment over ties to a construction firm at the heart of a graft investigation. The order by Judge Juan Carlos Sanchez bans Kuczynski from leaving Peru for 18 months while his links to Odebrecht, a Brazilian construction company that has acknowledged bribing officials across Latin America, are investigated. "The legal argument is well founded to impede citizen Pedro Pablo Kuczynski from exiting the country," the order said. The ex-president's lawyer, Cesar Nakazaki, said Kuczynski would abide by the order and cooperate with the investigation. State security agents, meanwhile, searched two houses belonging to Kuczynski, a former Wall Street banker. Kuczynski, who denies wrongdoing, resigned on Wednesday. Two days later his vice president, Martin Vizcarra, was sworn in as Peru's new leader, promising to fight corruption "at any cost." Vizcarra said he would form a completely new cabinet and asked for lawmakers to help him restore the public's trust in institutions damaged by the political crisis Pope Francis marked Palm Sunday in Saint Peters Square urging young people not to let themselves be manipulated. A large crowd turned out at the Vatican to listen to the popes words and receive his blessing on the first of Holy Week services leading up to Easter. Pope Francis and cardinals dressed in red robes marked Palm Sunday with a long and solemn ceremony in Saint Peter's Square attended by a large crowd, which included many young people who turned out to celebrate the Catholic Churchs World Day of Youth. Carrying a woven palm branch, Pope Francis first led a procession in front of Saint Peters Basilica to commemorate the day Jesus Christ rode into Jerusalem and was hailed as a savior, before his crucifixion five days later. Palm fronds and olive branches surrounded the altar. In his homily, Pope Francis told young people that the temptation to silence them has always existed. The pope said: "There are many ways to silence young people and make them invisible. Many ways to anesthetize them, to make them keep quiet, ask nothing, question nothing. There are many ways to sedate them, to keep them from getting involved, to make their dreams flat and dreary, petty and plaintive." Pope Francis urged young people to keep shouting and not allow the older generations to silence their voices. He urged youth to be like the people who welcomed Jesus with palms rather than those who shouted for his crucifixion only days later. Palm Sunday is the start of one of the busiest weeks for the pope in the Christian calendar. On Holy Thursday he is due to preside at two services, including one in which he will wash the feet of 12 inmates at a Rome prison to commemorate Jesus Christ's gesture of humility towards his apostles the night before he died. On Good Friday, he is due to lead a solemn Way of the Cross procession at Rome's ancient Colosseum. Then, on Saturday night he is scheduled to lead an Easter vigil service before delivering his twice-yearly "Urbi et Orbi" message and blessing on Easter Sunday. About 1,000 people have protested again in Volokolamsk, some 100 kilometers west of Moscow, demanding the closure of a landfill that has been leaking toxic gas that harmed dozens of children this week. The protesters gathered outside the local administration headquarters, many of them wearing pink ribbons as homage to a local schoolgirl who shamed Moscow region Governor Andrei Vorobyov with a defiant gesture during a previous protest. Saturday's protest came despite the fact that Vorobyov the previous day fired the district chief, after dozens of local children were hospitalized Wednesday due to apparently breathing gas that leaked from the Yadrovo landfill near Volokolamsk. Vorobyov's office said that he replaced Yevgeny Gavrilov with another regional official. Some 150 schoolchildren sought medical assistance Wednesday after they felt extremely sick following a suspected leak of noxious gas from Yadrovo. The same day, angry residents scuffled with government officials in Volokolamsk, demanding explanations and the closure of the dump. Vorobyov was pelted with snowballs and confronted by irate residents. During the protest, 10-year-old Tanya Lozova, a local girl who was wearing a pink ski cap and bright jacket, was caught on cameras pointing her finger in a throat-cutting gesture at Vorobyov, who was promising furious residents that he would quickly deal with the problem. Lozova, who instantly became an internet hero in Russia, told Dozhd TV that her gesture was meant to say "You are killing us!" She said she wanted the landfill to close so "people finally could breathe fresh air." On March 7, Volokolamsk authorities declared a temporary state of emergency, saying the level of hydrogen sulphide in the air was recorded as 2.5 times higher and the level of nitric oxide was double usual levels because of a gas leak at the landfill. The Yadrovo landfill was opened in 2008 and is a dumping site for garbage from Moscow and nearby regions. Local residents have been staging protests, demanding the closure of the landfill for some time. The Moscow regional authorities said earlier Friday that the landfill will suspend its operations until April 14, after which the old section of the dump will be closed. In the past, local authorities had promised to "modernize" the landfill but refused to consider closing it. In Russias far north, the city of Vorkuta is slowly being reclaimed by the Arctic tundra. The front lines of this battle between the urban and natural worlds are in the suburbs, where abandoned apartment blocks emerge from the towering snowdrifts. Huge icicles claw over the edges of buildings and emerge through shattered windows, seemingly pulling these brutalist relics deeper into their Arctic grave. Vorkutas population began to plummet in the 1990s as one by one the local coal mines closed, leaving a handful operational today. The suburb of Sovetsky once housed thousands of miners and their families, the pioneers of the Soviet Unions push north to exploit Vorkutas rich coal deposits. The shells of former theaters and ice-bound playgrounds hint at happier times. Now there is little sound apart from the Arctic gales that whistle through the empty streets. WATCH: Pride, Loneliness in the Deep North: Russians Who Refuse to Abandon Arctic City Not quite everyone left. Eduard Parshin, a pensioner at 50, tends to his beloved cars in a garage below his apartment. It is a lonely existence. There are just three people in the block I live in, and I am the only one living in my section where there are 80 apartments. It is pretty much the same situation in the whole town. What can I say? The settlement is dying. You could say it is already dead, Parshin told VOA. Wider far north crisis Vorkutas fate reflects a wider population crisis across the far north. Russias Arctic population is shrinking fast, by around 15 percent since 2000. The collapse of the centralized Soviet system led millions to seek better prospects further south, aided by government resettlement programs and money from the World Bank. Vorkuta authorities want to move the remaining residents into the city center to save on infrastructure costs, and to allow the outlying suburbs to finally succumb to the ice. However, no one will buy the old apartments and there is no money to fund the move so the remaining residents are stuck in their dying neighborhoods. The mayor of Vorkuta wants Moscows help. The costs are really high for a local government budget. That is why our task is really to tighten the settlements with no prospects, to resettle the residents into the center, Mayor Igor Gurlev said. Young population Many of those who fled Vorkuta in recent decades were pensioners, and they left behind a young population. At the local college, mining and geology are top of the curriculum, and many students are fervently proud of their hometown. If it had not been for the coal, Vorkuta would not have existed. I believe it is my patriotic duty to be part of this industry, student Artyom Koltakov told VOA. At Vorkutas School of Art, the cultural talent on display offers a colorful antidote to the bitter extremes of coal and ice outside. Students practice classical music, drama and painting, and many of them hope their skills will lead to an alternative career, very different from that of elder family members toiling in the mines thousands of meters beneath the city. Sergey Gagausov, the principal of the school, is sanguine about his citys survival. Life is certainly not sweet in this city. The oxygen deficiency. The economic situation. But nevertheless, I believe that cities like Vorkuta they are not dying cities, he said. To survive, Vorkuta must offer its young people a reason to stay in its unforgiving landscape. The remaining mines offer some hope, but there are growing doubts that coal offers a sustainable future. The United States has strongly condemned Houthi missile attacks Sunday aimed at cities in Saudi Arabia. The State Department said Monday the United States supports "the right of our Saudi partners to defend their borders against these threats". A fragment from a barrage of ballistic missiles fired into Saudi Arabia, allegedly by Iran-backed Yemeni rebels, killed one person and wounded two in Riyadh. The victims are Egyptian nationals who were in a residential neighborhood of the Saudi capital. The Saudi Air Force says it intercepted and destroyed seven missiles shot over Riyadh and three other cities. Witnesses on the ground said they heard loud explosions and saw bright flashes in the sky. The Houthis have fired a number of missiles into Saudi Arabia since late last year, including one on the international airport in Riyadh, which United Nations experts determined was Iranian-made. Saudi officials said at the time that the attack "may amount to an act of war." Iran has admitted supporting the rebel Houthis, but denies arming them. Sunday's missile launch coincides with the third anniversary of the Saudi-led coalition that has launched airstrikes and a ground operation to try to push the Houthis out of Yemen. Human rights groups said the Saudi rockets have obliterated entire civilian neighborhoods in and around Sana'a. It has also compounded Yemen's humanitarian crisis, including thousands of civilian deaths, a looming famine, fuel shortages, and a cholera epidemic. The Houthis seized the capital in 2014, sending the Yemeni government into exile in Saudi Arabia. U.N. peace talks have been unsuccessful. Tourist numbers in Indonesia swelled last year on the back of overseas advertising and infrastructure development. President Joko Widodo has said he wants to "create 10 tourist destinations like the island of Bali. But the pleasing economic numbers also come with a social and environmental cost as rampant development threatens ecosystems and traditional livelihoods. Jack Hewson has this report. U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday rebuffed the notion he is having trouble assembling a top legal team to defend him in the Russia probe, even as two lawyers announced as joining Trump's defense won't be after all. A former federal prosecutor, Joseph DiGenova, and his wife, Victoria Toensing, agreed last week to help represent the U.S. leader. But within hours of Trump saying in a Twitter remark that he is "very happy" with his legal team, his personal attorney, Jay Sekulow, said that DiGenova and Toensing would not be among the lawyers defending Trump against allegations that his 2016 campaign colluded with Russia to help him win and then obstructed justice to thwart the investigation. "The president is disappointed that conflicts prevent Joe DiGenova and Victoria Toensing from joining the president's special counsel team," Sekulow said in a statement. "However, those conflicts do not prevent them from assisting the president in other legal matters. The president looks forward to working with them." The latest shuffling of Trump's legal team came days after his lead lawyer, John Dowd, quit, while another top Washington lawyer, Theodore Olson, declined to join Trump's defense. On Twitter, Trump said, "Many lawyers and top law firms want to represent me in the Russia case. Dont believe the Fake News narrative that it is hard to find a lawyer who wants to take this on. Fame & fortune will NEVER be turned down by a lawyer, though some are conflicted. Problem is that a new lawyer or law firm will take months to get up to speed (if for no other reason than they can bill more), which is unfair to our great country and I am very happy with my existing team. "Besides, there was NO COLLUSION with Russia, except by Crooked Hillary and the Dems!" Trump added, employing his favorite epithet for the Democratic challenger he defeated, former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Special Counsel Robert Mueller has been investigating the Trump campaign for months. He indicted 13 Russians on charges of carrying out an online campaign to sow discord in American democracy, while securing guilty pleas from two Trump aides, former national security adviser Michael Flynn and foreign affairs adviser George Papadopoulos, for lying to federal investigators about their contacts with Russian officials. Mueller's office and Trump's defense attorneys have been negotiating over terms of possible testimony by Trump about his actions linked to Russia and the ensuing investigation. Trump says he wants to do the interview, but no agreement on his questioning has been reached. Mueller is believed to particularly want to question Trump about his knowledge of a mid-2016 meeting his eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., set up at Trump Tower in New York, with a Russian attorney on the premise that she was going to hand the Trump campaign incriminating information about Clinton, as well as Trump's role while president in helping draft a misleading statement about the meeting. In addition, Mueller's lawyers want to question Trump about his firing of Flynn in the first month of his presidency and later his ouster of FBI chief James Comey, whom Trump fired while Comey was leading the Russia probe. Mueller, another former director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, was named shortly thereafter, over Trump's objections, to take over the Russia investigation. In other Twitter remarks, Trump defended his reluctant approval Friday of $1.3 trillion in funding for government operations through the end of September. Trump had sought $20 billion or more to pay for construction of a wall along the U.S.-Mexican border to thwart illegal immigration, but had to settle for $1.6 billion. "Much can be done with the $1.6 Billion given to building and fixing the border wall," Trump said. "It is just a down payment. Work will start immediately. The rest of the money will come." He blamed Democrats for not agreeing to a bigger wall deal with a companion agreement to block the deportation of 1.8 million young people who years ago were brought illegally into the country by their parents. Trump said with $700 billion in funding for defense, "many jobs are created and our Military is again rich. Building a great Border Wall, with drugs (poison) and enemy combatants pouring into our Country, is all about National Defense. "Build WALL through M!," with Mexico paying for it, Trump implored, revisiting one of his favorite pledges from the 2016 campaign. People in Turkmenistan are to vote in a parliamentary election Sunday, with a choice between three parties and some independents, but all the candidates are ultimately loyal to the gas-rich desert nation's leader, President Kurbanguly Berdymukhamedov. One of the candidates is the president's son, Serdar Berdymukhamedov, regarded by observers as a potential successor to the 60-year-old leader, who is referred to by local people as Arkadag, or Protector. Although the vote takes place against the backdrop of foreign currency shortages brought on by a drop in gas exports, there are no opposition parties in the former Soviet republic of 6 million. There are 284 candidates contesting 125 seats in the single-chamber legislature, the main job of which is to rubber-stamp bills drafted by the Cabinet. Another body in the predominantly Muslim nation is the Halk Maslahaty, or People's Council, which is chaired by the president, has more powers than parliament and consists of deputies elected by local councils. However, the position of parliament speaker is important because they become acting president if the head of state is unable to carry out his work. Some observers have tipped Serdar Berdymukhamedov, 36, to eventually become speaker and the designated successor to his father, who has run the country since 2007 and is the center of an extravagant personality cult. A golden statue of the president riding a horse stands in the center of Ashgabat. In a symbolical move, Serdar Berdymukhamedov, who had worked as a diplomat before becoming an MP in 2016, attended a summit of Central Asian leaders in Kazakhstan this month which his father skipped. Turkmenistan's economy depends heavily on exports of natural gas, and Russia was its main customer for decades thanks to Soviet-era pipelines. But Moscow halted purchases of Turkmen gas in 2016, leaving China, which has built its own pipeline from scratch, as the main buyer. The Ashgabat government is building a new pipeline through neighboring Afghanistan to Pakistan and China in an attempt to open up additional export markets. Britain's information regulator said Saturday that it was assessing evidence gathered from a raid on the office of data mining firm Cambridge Analytica, part of an investigation into alleged misuse of personal information by political campaigns and social media companies like Facebook. More than a dozen investigators from the Information Commissioner's Office entered the company's central London office late Friday, shortly after a High Court judge granted a warrant. The investigators were seen leaving the premises early Saturday after spending about seven hours searching the office. The regulator said it would "consider the evidence before deciding the next steps and coming to any conclusions.'' "This is one part of a larger investigation by the ICO into the use of personal data and analytics by political campaigns, parties, social media companies and other commercial actors,'' it said. Authorities in Britain as well as the U.S. are investigating Cambridge Analytica over allegations the firm improperly obtained data from 50 million Facebook users and used it to manipulate elections, including the 2016 White House race and the 2016 Brexit vote in Britain. Both Cambridge Analytica and Facebook deny wrongdoing. Chief executive suspended The data firm suspended its CEO, Alexander Nix, this week after Britain's Channel 4 News broadcast footage that appeared to show Nix suggesting tactics like entrapment or bribery that his company could use to discredit politicians. The footage also showed Nix saying Cambridge Analytica played a major role in securing Donald Trump's victory in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. Cambridge Analytica's acting chief executive, Alexander Tayler, said Friday that he was sorry that SCL Elections, an affiliate of his company, "licensed Facebook data and derivatives from a research company [Global Science Research] that had not received consent from most respondents'' in 2014. "The company believed that the data had been obtained in line with Facebook's terms of service and data protection laws,'' Tayler said. His statement said the data were deleted in 2015 at Facebook's request, and he denied that any of the Facebook data that Cambridge Analytica obtained were used in the work it did on the 2016 U.S. election. The 9-year-old granddaughter of Martin Luther King Jr. made a rousing appearance at a huge protest for gun control in Washington on Saturday, saying that like the slain civil rights leader she too has a dream -- "a gun-free world." The poised young girl made a surprise appearance at the "March For Our Lives" rally, held near the National Mall where her grandfather delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech calling for an end to racism in the United States in August 1963. WATCH: Yolanda Renee King at March for Our Lives event "My grandfather had a dream that his four little children will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character," Yolanda Renee King told the crowd. "I have a dream that enough is enough," she said. "And that this should be a gun-free world -- period." She then led the rapt crowd in a chant. "Spread the word have you heard, all across the nation, we are going to be a great generation," she said. A crowd estimated to be in the hundreds of thousands attended the March For Our Lives in Washington calling for tougher US gun laws -- less than two weeks before the 50th anniversary of the fatal shooting of Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968. Large rallies were also held in scores of cities across the country. The protests were organized by students at Marjory Douglas Stoneman High School in Parkland, Florida, where 14 students and three adult faculty members were shot dead by a troubled 19-year-old former classmate on February 14. It might be called Cappuccino Catholicism. Young Catholics told their church elders on Saturday that the faith should be spread in the places where they like to hang out, such as coffee bars. "We would like the church to meet us in the various places in which she currently has little or no presence," reads part of a 12-page document written by 300 young Catholic delegates from around the world, who met for a week at the Vatican. "The church should try to find creative new ways to encounter people where they are comfortable and where they naturally socialize: bars, coffee shops, parks, gyms, stadiums and any other popular cultural centers," it said. The delegates met in Rome to share their ideas and concerns with Vatican officials ahead of a synod, or meeting of bishops, in October, on the theme of "Young People, the Faith and Vocational Discernment." At a news conference presenting the paper, which will feed into a larger working document to be used by the bishops, participants said they wanted their church to be more open and transparent and less severe. The document called for a greater role for women in the church, which bars them from the priesthood. "What are the places where women can flourish within the church and society? The church can approach these problems with real discussion and open-mindedness to different ideas and experiences," it said. "If it is difficult for young people to feel a sense of belonging and leadership in the church, it is much more so for young women," the document said. They said they wanted to "encourage the church to deepen its understanding of the role of women and to empower young women." Earlier this month, Catholic women, led by former Irish President Mary McAleese, demanded a greater decision-making role for women in the church, urging the pope to tear down its "walls of misogyny." The document said the 1.2 billion-member church "oftentimes appears as too severe and is often associated with excessive moralism." It called for a church that is "welcoming and merciful ... and which loves everyone, even those who are not following the perceived standards." Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. Sarah Chadwick, a Stoneman Douglas junior who spoke onstage before Chavez, said, We will no longer be hunted down and treated like prey by politicians who simply just dont care about us. She continued: We are fighting. We have been fighting. Weve been fighting since Columbine, since Sandy Hook, since Pulse, since Las Vegas. And we will continue to fight until we put a stop to gun violence in America. Todays Headlines The most important news stories of the day, curated by Post editors and delivered every morning. Email address By signing up you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Kind and caring Breda was always thinking of others If you must be lectured by someone, it might as well be John Cleese. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 25/3/2018 (1278 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. If you must be lectured by someone, it might as well be John Cleese. The formidable comic actor-writer returned to the stage at Winnipeg's Centennial Concert Hall 45 years after first treading its boards as part of a Flying Circus live performance tour. (Yes, as a matter of fact, I was there.) FILE PHOTO John Cleese did not do any silly walks for the audience at Saturday's show. Instead, he wore no socks with his shoes. Cleese's return at the age of 78 was in the capacity of a lecture series: Unique Lives & Experiences. He demonstrated worthy membership to that club, reminiscing of his time helping to create landmark TV (Monty Python's Flying Circus and Fawlty Towers) and movies (Monty Python and the Holy Grail; A Fish Called Wanda, for which he was nominated for a screenwriting Oscar). Ironically, all those successes factor into the theme of his lecture: "Why There Is No Hope." Cleese ruefully recalls how all of those projects met considerable resistance before getting made, and no small degree of dismissal when they were completed. Cleese took to the podium with the practised poise of a venerable instructor, with barely a physical hint of his more outlandish comic personae, save for the fact he was wearing shoes with no socks. On Saturday night, the hour-long lecture was followed by a half-hour question-and-answer period conducted by CJOB host Richard Cloutier. This was not the hair-triggered Basil Fawlty, nor the rude, raspberry-blowing French knight, nor the arrogant pedant teaching sex education in The Meaning of Life. This is the humanist Cleese, the one you may have seen calmly debating Malcolm Muggeridge over the necessary blasphemy of The Life Of Brian in 1979. (If anything, it was Cleese's Python confederate Michael Palin who looked to be the one to surrender to Fawlty-esque rage in that encounter.) It is also the Cleese who explored the realm of psychology partnered with therapist Robin Skynner, with whom he co-authored two books on the subject of relationships. Cleese possesses a keen, inquiring mind. Putting that penchant for inquiry to the state of the world, he finds, alas: we are screwed. The lecture and yes, it really was more a lecture than a stand-up comedy routine posits disturbing statistics that suggest, among other things that only 10 to 15 per cent of people are actually competent at their jobs. Also, the less competent you are, the more overblown your confidence. The more protective you are of your ego, the less likely you are to expose yourself to anything that might challenge your worldview. All this, Cleese asserts, explains the rise of Donald Trump. And so it does in a lucid but funny way. If the evening had a sour note, it arose as a result of Cleese being dismayingly dismissive of youth, citing a study that suggests, because of an addiction to technology, the average attention span of a millennial is seven seconds, two seconds less than a goldfish. It was a disappointing thing to hear on Saturday, which happened to fall on March for Our Lives wherein rallies of millions of people protested the lack of sane gun laws in the United States. The event was driven by high school kids. Cleese's assertion there is no hope rang especially discordant on one of the more hope-affirming days in recent history. Maybe that's just me. I may have been stung. Early in the evening, I was pre-emptively dismissed with a scathing but hilarious quote delivered with aplomb by Cleese: "Critics are like eunuchs in a harem; they know how it's done, they've seen it done every day, but they're unable to do it themselves." Ready, Pet, Go! Leesa Dahl looks at everything to do with our furry, fuzzy, feathered, fishy (and more!) pet friends. Arrives in your inbox each Monday. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. Cleese misattributed that quote to Oscar Wilde. It was another Irish playwright, Brendan Behan, who said it. Wilde was apparently more equaminious on the subject, saying, "The role of the critic is to educate the public; the artist has to educate the critic." In that spirit, one can't deny the benefits of the evening with a tip of the medieval French helmet to Cleese: It was an education. Tickets to today's lecture have sold out. randall.king@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @FreepKing Rick Stoppel spent so many years of his life hating a man because he was convinced the man murdered his little sister; Thomas Sophonow, the man Rick Stoppel hated, spent many years of his life living in a prison cell for a crime he did not commit. This article was published 25/3/2018 (1278 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Rick Stoppel spent so many years of his life hating a man because he was convinced the man murdered his little sister; Thomas Sophonow, the man Rick Stoppel hated, spent many years of his life living in a prison cell for a crime he did not commit. Now, a book written by a retired Winnipeg Police officer is telling the officers story of all he says happened and all that went wrong after the murder of Barbara Stoppel. Barbara Stoppel was strangled while at work Dec. 23, 1981. "I spent so much time hating Tom and it was just such as waste of time and energy and rage, because in the end the guy was innocent," Rick Stoppel, the brother of Barbara Stoppel said. For Rick, the moment that changed everything in his life and brought about that hatred and rage came when he was just 18-years-old in the winter of 1981, days before Christmas. His sister, Barbara Stoppel, a 16-year-old Winnipeg high school student, was working at the Ideal Donut Shop at 49 Goulet St. on the evening of Dec. 23, 1981. Barbara was working alone and was scheduled to finish her shift at 9 p.m. At 8:46 p.m. police were dispatched to the doughnut shop after receiving a call for what was described as a robbery and possible rape. When police arrived at the scene, they found several people waiting for them and flagging them down. WAYNE GLOWACKI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES Rick Stoppels life changed forever when his sister was murdered. They found Barbara unconscious and lying on her back in the womens washroom of the shop. What police would also discover was green and yellow nylon twine had been used to strangle her after being wrapped around her neck twice and then tied into knots. Barbara was taken to the St. Boniface Hospital which was a few blocks from the doughnut shop. Days later Barbara would succumb to her injuries and die in the hospital. For Rick it was the start of more than 36 years of horror he still lives with today. He said it was also the start of so many years of he and his family going in and out of trials, convictions, appeals and exonerations, all the while blaming the wrong person for Barbaras death. "We went through the preliminary hearing, the first trial, the second trial, the third trial, the Supreme Court of Canada and then the inquiry," Rick said "All of that is what Ive had to live with through my life based on people that are in charge and seemed to make such a mess of this in our case." JAMES HAGGARTY / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES Thomas Sophonow is led from the courthouse on March 17, 1983, after he was convicted of second-degree murder in the death of Barbara Stoppel. There were numerous witnesses who came forward with different accounts of what and who they saw that evening. Those witness accounts would ultimately lead to the arrest of 29-year-old Thomas Sophonow, a man who lived in Vancouver, but was visiting Winnipeg in the hopes of seeing his daughter who lived in the city with his ex-wife. 'The things you can't control are overwhelming. You get to the stage that I'm at now where you wonder how life would have been different with not going through all of those phases and not having so much anger. And you wonder how much better life would have been with my sister in it' Rick Stoppel Witness statements from the evening include accounts of a man wearing a cowboy hat seen in the doughnut shop and leaving the washroom moments before Barbara was found. The man with the cowboy hat was described by witnesses as being a white male between 21 and 30-years-old, with brown hair, a scruffy look, scraggly sideburns, and some noticeable acne. One man also claimed to have followed the man and briefly confronted him on the Norwood Bridge. He said the man threw items over the side of the bridge not long after the attack. Twine was later found to have been thrown off the bridge and that twine was determined by investigators to be the same twine used to strangle Barbara. Police said tests determined it was originally believed the twine came from a producer in either Portage La Prairie or British Columbia, and with that, police focused much of their investigation on a belief the killer was possibly from the west coast. A police-artist's sketch of the suspect in the 1981 murder of Barbara Stoppel. Based on that belief and an appearance that matched witness descriptions, police identified Thomas Sophonow as a suspect and he would be arrested for the murder of Barbara Stoppel. While the horror of all that happened haunted the Stoppel family for so many decades, it would also lead to Sophonow living his own personal nightmare. That nightmare would lead him through multiple trials, prison, solitary confinement and a general public that believed he was a cold-blooded killer. The long and drawn out case against Thomas Sophonow started at his first trial. On Nov. 6, 1982 that trial ended with a jury not able to reach a verdict. Sophonow went to trial a second time, and on March 17, 1983 he was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole for 10 years. He said he will never forget how it felt the very first time he heard the doors of a prison cell shut behind him. "The worst feeling of it all is that moment when the cell slams behind you," he said. "Up until that point you still have hope." The Manitoba Court of Appeal later overturned the verdict and that decision would be affirmed by the Supreme Court of Canada. Terry Arnold was a prime suspect in the killing. A third trial that started in February 1985 would end with another guilty conviction and Sophonow back in prison, again with life in prison with no chance of parole for 10 years. He said prison time he served also included solitary confinement, a horror he said is hard to even explain. "After the third trial, I spent time in the hole," Sophonow said. "I sat there for about five months. "It was 23 hours a day in a cell, and you get a half hour or so a day to get a shower and get cleaned up and go outside for some exercise and then you were back in your cell. "That was the daily routine." Once again The Manitoba Court of Appeal reversed the conviction, but also made a decision that would grant Sophonow his freedom, as they also ruled he could not be tried a fourth time. Sophonow was formally acquitted on Dec. 12, 1985, and said he remembers the emotions that overtook him when he realized he was finally free. "I walked out the back door and I collapsed, and I started crying," Sophonow said. "I was totally overwhelmed, I just sat on the stairs and cried for a while and then continued down." SUBMITTED Thomas Sophonow (left) visits with retired Winnipeg police officer Andrew Mikolajewski and his wife. He may have been free, but Sophonow said he now lived with the immense stigma of having a name synonymous with a high-profile murder. He said at one point he tried to rejoin the workforce but that didnt last long after he was humiliated at the only job he tried to hold down after prison, a job that saw him working as a machinist. The humiliation came when a co-worker secretly clipped a tag onto his overalls that had "murderer" written on it. Sophonow still has no idea who did it or how long he walked around work with that tag attached to him. "When I found it, it was just dangling there," he said. "I dont know how many people saw it, but I know people saw it because I noticed it when I went to the washroom after lunch. "How do you not say something after you see that?" He said not long after he quit that job and hasnt worked since. On June 8, 2000, Jack Ewatski, Winnipegs then Chief of Police exonerated Sophonow of any wrongdoing after an internal analysis of the case determined he was not responsible. SUBMITTED Thomas Sophonow enjoys a light moment with family members. A Public Inquiry was also called to determine why the justice system imprisoned an innocent man. The inquiry led to Sophonow receiving compensation of $2.6 million. The many details of the case have now been brought to light by retired Winnipeg Police Officer Det. Andrew Mikolajewski, who was assigned to take another look at the Barbara Stoppel homicide case in 1999. According to Mikolajewski, once he was assigned to the case it did not take him and his partner long to come to their own conclusions about who they believed did and did not murder Barbara Stoppel. "You have numerous tragedies going on here," Mikolajewski said. "You have the Stoppel family who thinks Thomas got away with murder, and you have Thomas who went to jail and now cant even work because so many people think he got away with murder. "And all we had to do was open the file and we knew right away he didnt do it." Mikolajewski is now giving his side of the story in the free online book Stoppel that can be downloaded from the website barbstoppel.com. The book says there was a host of factors, errors and nefarious actions, that led to Sophonows conviction. It claims although the investigation started with the "best of intentions," it eventually evolved into a case where many were only looking at one person as the possible killer and working with the sole intention of getting that man convicted. SUBMITTED Thomas Sophonow is seen with his son in the picture he said was taken approximately four years ago. The book also talks about how Mikolajewski identified Terry Arnold, a man who at first was also considered a possible suspect, as a new prime suspect in the case. Mikolajewski claims for reasons laid out in the book he was held back by his superiors from doing a "hard interview" with Arnold when he first hoped to question him. Arnold would never be arrested or go to trial as he was found dead of an apparent suicide in Victoria, B.C. in 2005. He left a suicide note in which he denied killing Barbara. Mikolajewski said above all else he wants the book to be a tribute to Barb Stoppel and her short life. For Sophonow after all that has gone on, his greatest regret is when he lied because he was told that a lie meant a better chance he could receive financial compensation for all that he had been through. "One of the things my lawyer told me was to say that I am not bitter and that I dont hold any animosity towards anyone for being in prison," Sophonow said. "Thats a lie. "Thats what the lawyers wanted me to say because the public doesnt want to give money to anyone that they think hates them. "I did say it, I lied, and I feel terrible about that because from that moment on I could not move forward. I could not move past what I had said because what I wanted to say was very different." Sophonow now lives with his wife and their two children and works restoring an old home he bought in New Westminster, B.C. "People said I needed something to channel my energy because all of your life youd been fighting to be proved innocent, and now youve proved it and you have to get on with your life," he said. "I like working on the home, it gives me some peace." Want to get a head start on your day? Get the days breaking stories, weather forecast, and more sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. Rick Stoppel works in Winnipeg as a real estate agent, and said he often thinks about how life would have turned out if Barbara were still alive. "The things you cant control are overwhelming," Stoppel said. "You get to the stage that Im at now where you wonder how life would have been different with not going through all of those phases and not having so much anger. "And you wonder how much better life would have been with my sister in it." Dave Baxter is a freelance reporter, photographer and editor who writes about Manitoba crimes for the Sunday Special. crimefilesmanitoba@gmail.com Twitter:@davebbbaxter Bill Murray is having a flashback to the 60s. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 25/3/2018 (1278 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Bill Murray is having a flashback to the 60s. In a recent op-ed for NBC, the comedian compared the Parkland, Fla., students who became warriors for stricter gun-control laws after a shooting left 17 dead at their high school last month to student advocates of a former decade. "I was thinking, looking at the kids in Parkland, Fla., who have started these anti-gun protests, that it really was the students that began the end of the Vietnam War," Murray wrote. "It was the students who made all the news, and that noise started, and then the movement wouldnt stop." Despite the serious nature of his plea, Murray wasnt afraid to get a little cheeky. People thought the world would end if the United States didnt win the Vietnam War, but that wasnt the case, he argued. "And we all survived: they survived, we survived," Murray wrote. "People will survive. If you can just stop shooting at them, they really do pretty well." Murray hasnt been outwardly political throughout his career, but comments hes made in the past have prompted some to believe he leans right. He bashed the Democrats in February, telling CNBC, "I just think the way Democrats handle things is poor." In 2014, Forbes published an article questioning if he was a "closeted Republican." But his praise for the sanguine views of the Parkland advocates favours the views of the left. Want to get a head start on your day? Get the days breaking stories, weather forecast, and more sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. "The thing thats so powerful about students is that, when you havent had your idealism broken yet, youre able to speak from a place that has no confusion, where there is a clear set of values," he wrote. "But there are idealists left over the age of 18, Im sure of it." The comedian didnt push a specific action for changing the United States relationship with guns but rather approached the issue from a place of, well, idealism. "Its the right idea for a human to live in peace, and a peaceful nature is a proper thing," he wrote. "For children to be concerned about going to school, worried about what could happen to them at school, that makes for a horrible moment." Washington Post The following companies are subsidiares of Archer-Daniels-Midland: ADM (Shanghai) Management Co. LTD, ADM (Thailand) Ltd, ADM Ag Holdings Ltd, ADM Agri-Industries Company, ADM Agriculture Limited, ADM Agro Iberica S. L. U., ADM Agro Indust Latur and Vizag Pvt Ltd, ADM Agro Industries India Private Limited, ADM Agro Industries KOTA and AKOLA Pvt. Ltd., ADM Agro SRL, ADM Agroinvestimentos LTDA, ADM Alliance Nutrition of Puerto Rico LLC, ADM Americas S de RL, ADM Andina Peru SRL, ADM Antwerp NV, ADM Arkady Ireland Limited, ADM Asia-Pacific Trading Pte. Ltd., ADM Australia Holdings I PTY Limited, ADM Bio Science And Technology (Tianjin) Co Ltd, ADM Bioproductos SA DE CV, ADM CZERNIN SA, ADM Caribbean Inc, ADM Chile Comercial LTDA, ADM Clinton Bioprocessing Inc, ADM DO Brasil LTDA, ADM Direct Polska SP. ZO.O, ADM Dominican Holdings Inc., ADM Dominicana SA, ADM Edible Bean Specialties Inc, ADM Europe HoldCo SL, ADM European Holdings LLC, ADM European Management Holding GMBH, ADM Export Co, ADM Food Technology (Beijing) Co. Ltd., ADM France, ADM Germany GmbH, ADM Grain River System Inc., ADM Hamburg Aktiengesesllschaft, ADM Holding (Thailand) LTD, ADM Holdings LLC, ADM Hungary Agro Trading LLC, ADM Industries Centers Ltd, ADM International Holdings Inc, ADM International SARL, ADM Interoceanic LTD, ADM Investments LTD, ADM Investor Services Inc, ADM Investor Services International LTD, ADM Ireland Receivables Company Limited, ADM Israel, ADM Japan Ltd, ADM MALBORK SA, ADM Mainz GMBH, ADM Medsofts Sarl, ADM Mexico Inc, ADM Mexico SA DE CV, ADM Milling Co, ADM Milling LTD, ADM New Zealand Limited, ADM Olomouc S.R.O., ADM Paraguay SRL, ADM Protexin Limited, ADM Pura Limited, ADM Receivables LLC, ADM Rice Inc, ADM Ringaskiddy Unlimited Company, ADM Romania Logistics SRL, ADM Romania Trading SRL, ADM Specialty Ingredients - Europe BV, ADM Spyck GMBH, ADM Szamotuly SP Z O.O, ADM Trading Australia Pty. Ltd., ADM Trading Co, ADM Transportation Company, ADM Trucking Inc, ADM Vietnam CO. LTD, ADM WILD Europe GmbH and Co. KG, ADM WILD Ingredients GmbH, ADM WILD Nauen GmbH, ADM WILD Valencia S.A., ADM Wild Netherlands BV, ADM Worldwide Holdings LP, ADMIS Holding Co Inc., ADMIS Hong Kong LTD, ADMIS Singapore Pte Limited, AOR, AT Holdings II Company, Agri Port Services Investments Ltd., Agri Port Services LLC, Agricolas Madagascar SARLU, Agrinational Insurance Co, Agriserve, Agrograin LTD, Alfrebro LLC, Alfred C Toepfer International Netherlands BV, Alimenta USA, American River Transportation Company LLC, Ameriseed, Amylum Bulgaria EAD, Amylum Nisasta Sanayi Ve Ticarek Anonim Sirketi, Archer Daniels Midland (UK) Limited, Archer Daniels Midland Asia Pacific Ltd., Archer Daniels Midland Erith LTD, Archer Daniels Midland Europe BV, Archer Daniels Midland Europoort BV, Archer Daniels Midland Nederland BV, Archer Daniels Midland Singapore PTE LTD, Arinos Unlimited, Aston Foods & Food Ingredients, Balanceados Nova SA Balnova, Barbados Mills Limited, Bela Vista Bio Etanol Participacoes LTDA, Bern Aqua, BioPolis SL, Biopolis, Campa Sued GmbH & Co KG, Cattleman's Choice Loomix LLC, Chamtor, Ci ADM Colombia Ltda., Controladora ADM Sa De Cv, Crosswind Petfoods Inc., Daavision BV, Eaststarch, Eatem Corporation, Eatem Foods, Elstar Oils, English River Pellets Inc., Epicore Bionetworks INC, Epicore Networks (USA) INC, Erich Ziegler GmbH, Evialis France, Fasco Mills Co., Filozoo SRL, Florida Chemical, Florida Chemical Company LLC, GP Blanching Inc., Global Cocoa Holdings LTD, Golden Peanut Company LLC, Golden Peanut and Tree Nut Seed SA (PTY) LTD, Golden Peanut and Tree Nuts SA, Group Lysac, Guyomarc'h - VCN Company Limited, Guyomarc'h Vietnam CO LTD, HFR Shipping Company Ltd, HRA Shipping Company Ltd, HTI Shipping Company Ltd, Harvest Innovations, Hilltop Grain and Feed, Holding P and A Asia Company Limited, Hubei Meiweiyuan Biotechnology, Ilitchevskiy Maslo Extractionniy Zavod (IMEZ), Invivo NSA Asia PTE LTD, Invivo NSA Philippines Inc, Jamaica Flour Mills Limited, Julius Meijer-Alpharma BV, LLC ADM Ukraine, Liquid Feed Commodities, Malta Industries SA de CV, Malta-Texo De Mexico SA de CV, Master Mix of Trinidad LTD, Medsofts Investment Co, Medsofts L.L.C., Medsofts Trading Co, Mepla Comercio e Navegacao Ltda, NRG Inc, Naviera Chaco SRL, Neovia, Neovia Latina SL, Neovia Nutricao E Saude Animal LTDA, North Star Shipping S.R.L., P and A Marketing SA, PJSC ADM Illichivsk, PT Wirifa Sakti, Pancosma (Shanghai) Feed Additives CO LTD, Pancosma France SAS, Pancosma SA, Premiere Agri Technologies of Mexico Inc, Pura Foods LTD, Rodelle Inc., Schokinag-Schokolade-Industrie Herrmann, Sermix, Setna Nutricion SA, Societe Industrielle Des Oleagineux, Southern Cellulose Products Inc, Soy Investors LLC, Specialty Commodities, Specialty Commodities LLC, Sul Mineira Alimentos LTDA, SzSzV Kft, Toepfer International, Toepfer International Trading (Shanghai) Co. LTD., Vantage Corn Processors LLC, WILD Amazon Flavors Ltda, WILD Flavors, Wild Flavors Inc., Wild Flavors International GmbH, Wild Flavors Singapore Pte. Ltd., Wild Intermare GmbH, Wild Russia LLC, and Wisium SA (PTY) LTD. Boyd Group Income Fund operates as an unincorporated open-ended mutual fund trust. The company, through its operating company, The Boyd Group Inc., operates non-franchised collision repair centers. Its collision repair centers offer automotive collision and glass repair, and related services. The company operates its autobody/autoglass repair and related services facilities, as well as auto glass retail facilities under the Boyd Autobody & Glass, Assured Automotive, Gerber Collision & Glass, Glass America, Auto Glass Service, Auto Glass Authority, and Autoglassonly.com trade names in the United States and Canada. Further, it provides Gerber National Claim Services, a claim administrator service, which offer glass, emergency roadside, and first notice of loss services with approximately 5,500 glass provider locations and 4,600 emergency roadside services providers. The company is headquartered in Winnipeg, Canada. Read More Kadant, Inc. is a global supplier of critical components and engineered systems used in process industries worldwide. The company's products, technologies, and services play an integral role in enhancing process efficiency, optimizing energy utilization, and maximizing productivity in resource-intensive industries. It operates through the following segments: Flow Control, Industrial Processing, and Material Handling. The Flow Control segment provides custom-engineered products, systems, and technologies that control the flow of fluids used in industrial and commercial applications to keep critical processes running efficiently in the packaging, tissue, food, metals, and other industrial sectors. It consists of fluid-handling and doctoring, cleaning, & filtration product lines. The Industrial Processing segment provides equipment, machinery, and technologies used to recycle paper and paperboard and process timber for use in the packaging, tissue, wood products and alternative fuel industries, among others. In addition, the firm provides industrial automation and digitization solutions to process industries. It consists of wood processing and stock-preparation product lines. The Mate Read More Ferguson plc distributes plumbing and heating products in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Central Europe. It offers plumbing and heating solutions to customers in the residential, municipal, civil and industrial markets, and commercial sectors for repair, maintenance, and improvement (RMI), as well as new construction markets. The company also distributes pipes, valves, fittings, hydrants, meters, and related water management products, as well as offers related services, such as water line tapping and pipe fusion services. In addition, it distributes heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration equipment, and parts and supplies to specialist contractors in the residential and commercial markets for repair and replacement; and PVF products to industrial customers. Further, the company fabricates and supplies fire protection systems and bespoke fabrication services to commercial contractors for new construction and renovation projects, as well as offers products, services, and solutions to enable maintenance of facilities across various RMI markets. Additionally, it offers supply chain management solutions for PVF; and industrial maintenance, repair, and operations specializing in delivering automation, instrumentation, engineered products, and turn-key solutions. The company also sells its home improvement products directly to consumers, as well as through a network of online stores. In addition, it operates its B2B business primarily under the Ferguson brand; and B2C business under the Build.com brand. Further, the company provides products and services for maintenance of multi-family properties, government agencies, hospitality, education, healthcare, and other facilities. It operates a network of 2,194 branches and 19 distribution centers. Ferguson plc was founded in 1887 and is headquartered in Wokingham, the United Kingdom. Read More The following companies are subsidiares of Triumph Group: Aerocell Structures Inc., Air Excellence International Inc., Emco Fluid Systems Inc., Excel Manufacturing, Fairchild Controls, Furst Aircraft and Instrument, GE Aviation - Hydraulic Actuation Business, General Donlee Canada, HT Parts L.L.C., MEP NAAS Inc., Merritt Tool Company Inc., Mexmil Company LLC, NAAS Aircraft Services International Limited, Nu-Tech Brands Inc., Placas Termodinamicas S. de R.L. de C.V., SBP Holdings Limited, Tank Devils Ltd., The Mexmil Holding Company LLC, The Triumph Group Operations Inc., Triumph Accessory Services - Grand Prairie Inc., Triumph Actuation Systems - Connecticut LLC, Triumph Actuation Systems - Isle of Man Ltd., Triumph Actuation Systems - UK Ltd., Triumph Actuation Systems - Valencia Inc., Triumph Actuation Systems - Yakima LLC, Triumph Actuation Systems LLC, Triumph Aerospace Operations UK Ltd., Triumph Aerospace Systems Group - UK LTD, Triumph Aerospace Systems Group LLC, Triumph Aerostructures - Tulsa LLC, Triumph Aerostructures Holdings LLC, Triumph Aerostructures LLC, Triumph Aerostructures LLC, Triumph Aerostructures Real Estate Investment Co. LLC, Triumph Aerostructures Vought Aircraft Technical Services (Chengdu) Co. Ltd., Triumph Aftermarket Services Group LLC, Triumph Airborne Structures LLC, Triumph Aviation Services - NAAS Division, Triumph Aviation Services - NAAS Division Inc., Triumph Aviation Services Asia Ltd., Triumph Aviations Inc., Triumph Brands Inc., Triumph China Holdings LLC, Triumph Composite Systems Inc., Triumph Controls (Europe) SAS, Triumph Controls - Germany GmbH, Triumph Controls - UK Ltd., Triumph Controls France SAS, Triumph Controls LLC, Triumph Engine Control Holdings Inc., Triumph Engine Control Systems LLC, Triumph Engine Control Systems LLC, Triumph Engineered Solutions Inc., Triumph Engineering Services Inc., Triumph Fabrications - Fort Worth Inc., Triumph Fabrications - Orangeburg Inc., Triumph Fabrications - San Diego Inc., Triumph Gear Systems - Macomb Inc., Triumph Gear Systems - Toronto ULC, Triumph Gear Systems Inc., Triumph Group - Mexico Inmobiliaria S. de R.L. de C.V., Triumph Group - Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Triumph Group Acquisition Corp., Triumph Group Acquisition Financing LLC, Triumph Group Acquisition Holdings Inc., Triumph Group Charitable Foundation, Triumph Group Holdings - Mexico LLC, Triumph Group Holdings - UK Ltd., Triumph Group Inc., Triumph Group Investment - Mexico LLC, Triumph Group Luxembourg Finance S.a.r.l., Triumph Group Luxembourg Holding S.a.r.l., Triumph Instruments - Burbank Inc., Triumph Instruments Inc., Triumph Insulation Systems - Germany GmbH, Triumph Insulation Systems LLC, Triumph Integrated Aircraft Interiors Inc., Triumph Integrated Aircraft Interiors Inmobiliaria S. de R.L. de C.V., Triumph Interiors LLC, Triumph Investment Holdings Inc., Triumph Metals Company, Triumph Precision Castings Co., Triumph Processing Inc., Triumph Real Estate - Mexico LLC, Triumph Receivables LLC, Triumph Structures (Thailand) Ltd., Triumph Structures - East Texas Inc., Triumph Structures - Everett Inc., Triumph Structures - Kansas City Inc., Triumph Structures - Los Angeles Inc., Triumph Structures - Wichita Inc., Triumph Structures International Ltd, Triumph Thermal Systems - Maryland Inc., Triumph Thermal Systems LLC, Triumph Turbine Services Inc., United Aircraft Products, and VAC Industries Inc.. Fortis Inc. operates as an electric and gas utility company in Canada, the United States, and the Caribbean countries. It generates, transmits, and distributes electricity to approximately 433,000 retail customers in southeastern Arizona; and 98,000 retail customers in Arizona's Mohave and Santa Cruz counties with an aggregate capacity of 3,233 megawatts (MW), including 59 MW of solar capacity. The company also sells wholesale electricity to other entities in the western United States; owns gas-fired and hydroelectric generating capacity totaling 65 MW; and distributes natural gas to approximately 1,048,000 residential, commercial, and industrial customers in British Columbia, Canada. In addition, it owns and operates the electricity distribution system that serves approximately 572,000 customers in southern and central Alberta; owns 4 hydroelectric generating facilities with a combined capacity of 225 MW; and provides operation, maintenance, and management services to five hydroelectric generating facilities. Further, the company distributes electricity in the island portion of Newfoundland and Labrador with an installed generating capacity of 143 MW; and on Prince Edward Island with a generating capacity of 130 MW. Additionally, it provides integrated electric utility service to approximately 67,000 customers in Ontario; approximately 270,000 customers in Newfoundland and Labrador; approximately 31,000 customers on Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands; and approximately 15,000 customers on certain islands in Turks and Caicos. The company also holds long-term contracted generation assets in Belize consisting of 3 hydroelectric generating facilities with a combined capacity of 51 MW; and the Aitken Creek natural gas storage facility. It also owns and operates approximately 91,000 circuit Kilometers (km) of distribution lines; and approximately 49,500 km of natural gas pipelines. Fortis Inc. was founded in 1885 and is headquartered in St. John's, Canada. Read More Alio Gold Inc., through its subsidiaries, engages in the acquisition, exploration, development, and operation of mineral resource properties. The company primarily mines for gold and silver. It holds 100% interests in San Francisco open pit gold mine that covers an area of approximately 53,380 hectares situated in the north central portion of the state of Sonora, Mexico; Florida Canyon open pit mine covering an area of approximately 11,886 hectares located in Nevada, the United States; and Ana Paula property situated in the state of Guerrero, Mexico. The company was formerly known as Timmins Gold Corp. and changed its name to Alio Gold Inc. in May 2017. Alio Gold Inc. was incorporated in 2005 and is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada. Read More Reckitt Benckiser Group plc manufactures, markets, and sells health, hygiene, and home products. The company offers acne treatment creams, facial washes, and cleansing pads; disinfection, hygiene, and first aid products; condoms, sex toys, and lubricants; heartburn and indigestion solutions; and cough and chest congestion, multi-symptom, and sinus remedies for adults and children under the Clearasil, Dettol, Durex, Gaviscon, and Mucinex brands. It also provides analgesics; footcare and footwear products; sore throat medications; and women's beauty products under the Nurofen, Scholl, Strepsils, and Veet brand. In addition, the company offers fragrances and devices; water softeners; home cleaning products; dish washes; toilet bowl cleaners; disinfectants; sprays, baits, and plug-ins for pest control; stain removals; and fabric washing products under the Air Wick, Calgon, Cillit Bang, Finish, Harpic, Lysol, Mortein, Vanish, and Woolite brands, as well as infant and child nutrition products under the Enfamil and Nutramigen brands. It operates in the United States, Canada, Europe, Russia/CIS, Turkey, Israel, Australia, New Zealand, and internationally. The company was founded in 1823 and is headquartered in Slough, the United Kingdom. Read More IFG Group plc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the intermediation and administration of financial service products primarily in the United Kingdom. It operates in two segments, Platform and Independent Wealth Management. The company offers platform services in retirement and wealth planning markets, including individual savings accounts and general investment accounts, as well as self-invested personal pension products; pension administration services; and independent financial advisory services to private clients and organizations. IFG Group plc is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom. Read More Valvoline, Inc. is engaged in producing, marketing and supplying of engine & automotive maintenance products and services. The company operates through three segments: Quick Lubes, Core North America and International. The Quick Lubes segment provides services to passenger car and light truck quick lube market through company-owned and independent franchised retail quick lube service center stores and independent express care stores that service vehicles with valvoline products. The Core North America segment sells engine and automotive maintenance products in the United States and Canada to retailers, installers, and heavy-duty customers to service vehicles and equipment. The International segment sells engine and automotive products in more than 140 countries outside of the United States and Canada for the maintenance of consumer and commercial vehicles and equipment. Its products include motor oil, gear oil, pro-v racing and antifreeze and radiator. Valvoline was founded in 1866 and is headquartered in Lexington, KY. Read More The following companies are subsidiares of Molina Healthcare: Aetna & Humana - Medicare Advantage, Affinity Health Plan, AmericanWork Inc., Better Health Network, Camelot Care Centers Inc, Children's Behavioral Health Inc., Choices Group Inc., College Community Services, Dockside Services Inc, Family Preservation Services Inc., Family Preservation Services of Florida Inc., Family Preservation Services of North Carolina Inc., Family Preservation Services of Washington D.C. Inc., Family Preservation Services of West Virginia Inc., Florida NetPASS LLC, Hclb Inc., Magellan Complete Care, Maple Star Nevada Inc., Maple Star Oregon Inc., Mercy CarePlus, Molina Clinical Services LLC, Molina Healthcare Data Center Inc., Molina Healthcare of Arizona Inc., Molina Healthcare of California, Molina Healthcare of Florida Inc., Molina Healthcare of Georgia Inc., Molina Healthcare of Illinois Inc., Molina Healthcare of Iowa Inc., Molina Healthcare of Louisiana Inc., Molina Healthcare of Maryland Inc., Molina Healthcare of Michigan Inc., Molina Healthcare of Mississippi Inc., Molina Healthcare of Nevada Inc., Molina Healthcare of New Mexico Inc., Molina Healthcare of New York Inc., Molina Healthcare of North Carolina Inc., Molina Healthcare of Ohio Inc., Molina Healthcare of Oklahoma Inc., Molina Healthcare of Pennsylvania Inc., Molina Healthcare of Puerto Rico Inc., Molina Healthcare of South Carolina LLC, Molina Healthcare of Texas Inc., Molina Healthcare of Texas Insurance Company, Molina Healthcare of Utah Inc., Molina Healthcare of Virginia Inc., Molina Healthcare of Washington Inc., Molina Healthcare of Wisconsin Inc., Molina Holdings Corporation, Molina Hospital Management LLC, Molina Information Systems LLC dba Molina Medicaid Solutions, Molina Medical Management Inc., Molina Pathways LLC, Molina Pathways of Texas Inc., Molina Youth Academy, NextLevel Health Illinois, Pathways Community Corrections Inc., Pathways Community Services LLC, Pathways Community Support of Texas Inc., Pathways Health and Community Support LLC, Pathways Human Services LLC., Pathways of Arizona Inc., Pathways of Delaware Inc., Pathways of Idaho LLC, Pathways of Maine Inc., Pathways of Massachusetts LLC, Pathways of Oklahoma Inc., Pathways of Washington Inc., Providence Community Services, Providence Human Services, Raystown Developmental Services Inc., The Game of Work LLC, The RedCo Group Inc., Total Care Medicaid plan, Transitional Family Services Inc., Unisys -Health Information Management, and YourCare Health Plan. SunTrust Banks, Inc. operates as the holding company for SunTrust Bank that provides various financial services for consumers, businesses, corporations, institutions, and not-for-profit entities in the United States. It operates in two segments, Consumer and Wholesale. The Consumer segment provides deposits and payments; home equity and personal credit lines; auto, student, and other lending products; credit cards; discount/online and full-service brokerage products; professional investment advisory products and services; and trust services, as well as family office solutions. This segment also offers residential mortgage products in the secondary market. The Wholesale segment provides capital markets solutions, including advisory, capital raising, and financial risk management; asset-based financing solutions, such as securitizations, asset-based lending, equipment financing, and structured real estate arrangements; cash management services and auto dealer financing solutions; investment banking solutions; and credit and deposit, fee-based product offering, multi-family agency lending, advisory, commercial mortgage brokerage, and tailored financing and equity investment solutions. This segment also offers treasury and payment solutions, such as operating various electronic and paper payment types, which comprise card, wire transfer, automated clearing house, check, and cash; and provides services clients to manage their accounts online. The company offers its products and services through a network of traditional and in-store branches, automated teller machines, Internet, mobile, and telephone banking channels. As of December 31, 2018, it operated 1,218 full-service banking offices located in Florida, Georgia, Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Maryland, South Carolina, and the District of Columbia. SunTrust Banks, Inc. was founded in 1891 and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Read More American Consumer News, LLC dba MarketBeat 2010-2021. All rights reserved. 326 E 8th St #105, Sioux Falls, SD 57103 | U.S. Based Support Team at [email protected].com | (844) 978-6257 MarketBeat does not provide personalized financial advice and does not issue recommendations or offers to buy stock or sell any security. Our Accessibility Statement | Terms of Service | Do Not Sell My Information 2021 Market data provided is at least 10-minutes delayed and hosted by Barchart Solutions. Information is provided 'as-is' and solely for informational purposes, not for trading purposes or advice, and is delayed. To see all exchange delays and terms of use please see disclaimer. Fundamental company data provided by Zacks Investment Research. 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 Magna International Inc. designs, engineers, and manufactures components, assemblies, systems, subsystems, and modules for original equipment manufacturers of vehicles and light trucks worldwide. The company operates through four segments: Body Exteriors & Structures, Power & Vision, Seating Systems, and Complete Vehicles. Its Body Exteriors & Structures segment provides body and chassis systems, as well as engineering and testing services; exterior systems, including fascia and trims, front end modules, front integration panels, liftgate modules, active aerodynamics, engineered glass, running boards, truck bed access products, and side doors; and roof systems, such as modular and textile folding roofs, and hard and soft tops. The company's Power & Vision segment offers dedicated hybrid, dual and e-clutch, and manual transmissions; engine drive plates and accessories; AWD/4WD products, rear drive modules, and hybrid and battery electric drive systems; transmission, engine, and driveline components; advanced driver assistance systems, camera systems, ultrasonic sensors, and electronic controllers; interior and exterior mirrors, actuators, door handles, overhead consoles, and camera monitoring systems; head, tail, and fog lamps; signal and other lighting products; and latching systems, door modules, window systems, power closure systems, hinges and wire forming, and handle assemblies. Its Seating Systems segment provides seat structures, mechanism and hardware solutions, and foam and trim products. The company's Complete Vehicles segment offers vehicle manufacturing and engineering services. It also designs, engineers, and manufactures tooling products. Magna International Inc. was founded in 1957 and is headquartered in Aurora, Canada. Read More The largely student-driven March for Our Lives took place Saturday, March 24 across the nation with the main event in Washington, D.C. drawing thousands. Celebrities took to social media to express their support for the rally to end gun violence. Some took to the streets, like Parks and Recreations Nick Offerman, who tweeted alongside a picture of a Leslie Knope-inspired tee, Heading to the #MarchforOurLives in this charismatic blouse thanks to [Chris Ables Art]. LETS DO THIS George Takei posted, Thank you to everyone marching around the world today, you are truly making a difference and saving lives. The kids who are leading this movement inspire me every day. Thank you to everyone marching around the world today, you are truly making a difference and saving lives. The kids who are leading this movement inspire me every day. #MarchForOurLives https://t.co/iwviLCaifp George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) March 24, 2018 Dwayne Johnson wrote, Ill always stand for open dialogue and action its the only way to ensure bad history doesnt repeat itself.Very strong day. Story continues Ill always stand for open dialogue and action its the only way to ensure bad history doesnt repeat itself. When it comes to protecting our children, all bets are off and the responsibility lies with us adults and lawmakers to listen and do. Very strong day. #MarchForOurLives pic.twitter.com/4gJ0QKdMYw Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) March 24, 2018 Julia Louis-Dreyfus posted a picture of her mother holding a sign reading Protect our children from guns, and encouraged her followers to head to the ballots in November. If our elected officials dont act to prevent gun violence, we will #throwthemout. Instagram Photo Noah Cyrus posted a picture of herself with her sister Miley, who sang at the Washington, D.C. rally, and several others wearing March for Our Lives tees, with the caption, #MarchforOurLives. Instagram Photo Amy Poehler posted to the Amy Poehlers Smart Girls account, writing that she stands with young people: I applaud your bravery and your incredible poise, and the fire you have started will not go out. It will only get stronger and we will help fan the flames. Instagram Photo Common performed at the rally in Washington, D.C., and said the event was one of the most powerful marches Ive ever witnessed. "America was paying attention to black, white and Latino kids. It's one of the most powerful marches I've ever witnessed." @Common reacts to today's #MarchForOurLives rally https://t.co/FO27jiTkOj pic.twitter.com/Chgi6o5Lip Variety (@Variety) March 24, 2018 Jennifer Hudson also performed a moving rendition of Bob Dylans The Times They Are A-Changin, backed by a D.C. choir. Miley Cyrus sang The Climb at the Washington, D.C. march. See more posts below. So ready to March today! Landed in DC w North & Kanye. We stand in solidarity with the survivors of gun violence & students who are calling for action on common sense gun safety laws at #MarchForOurLives around the country @AMarch4OurLives @Everytown Kim Kardashian West (@KimKardashian) March 24, 2018 Todays the day!!! If you can't join us at #MarchForOurLives in DC you can watch LIVE starting at 12pm EST on @AMarch4OurLives See you all soon!! pic.twitter.com/tZ27ozQhib Demi Lovato (@ddlovato) March 24, 2018 #MarchForOurLives shows we can come together and make change happen. So proud of everyone, especially the students, showing their strength today. My baby will grow up in a safer world because of you. Thank you. Felicia Day (@feliciaday) March 24, 2018 Instagram Photo Instagram Photo So inspiring to see so many young people across the country marching together to end gun violence. #MarchForOurLives Tony Bennett (@itstonybennett) March 24, 2018 Today's #MarchForOurLives proves that young people are taking the reins and changing the world, & I for one am glad to join them in the fight! pic.twitter.com/zvTa6NhEXk Misha Collins (@mishacollins) March 24, 2018 I stand with the brave, indomitable kids who galvanized a nation, a world, &did not take inaction as an answer. You have put the adults in DC to shame. CS gun laws with finally be enacted, &you will be the Heroes of a generation. TODAY you lead us all. #MarchForOurLives Debra Messing (@DebraMessing) March 24, 2018 All our best to everyone on the #MarchForOurLives today. Some incredible, moving and articulate speeches. pic.twitter.com/nFBShwCD21 BASTILLE (@bastilledan) March 24, 2018 The Los Angeles March for Our Lives is beautiful. Our children did this. All around the country. They cant be stopped. Lena Dunham (@lenadunham) March 24, 2018 Instagram Photo Instagram Photo Instagram Photo Instagram Photo Instagram Photo Instagram Photo Instagram Photo Instagram Photo Instagram Photo Related stories Paul McCartney Joins March for Our Lives in New York City, Remembers John Lennon March for Our Lives: Marchers Flood Streets Across the Nation to Protest Gun Violence How to Watch the March for Our Lives Protest Subscribe to Variety Newsletters and Email Alerts! It has been determined that the Iowa family-of-four who were found dead on Friday in the condo they were staying at on vacation in Mexico died from toxic gas asphyxiation. Although the Attorney Generals Office of Quintana Roo announced in a press release on Saturday that the Sharp family passed away from inhaling toxic gas, forensic doctors have not been able to determine which substance they inhaled. Forensic doctors have suggested that the family of four were dead for 36 to 48 hours before their bodies were found on Friday, according to the press release. According to local police, Kevin, 41, and Amy Sharp, 38, who were traveling with their children Adrianna, 7, and Sterling, 12, had been reported missing just after midnight on Friday by relatives. Authorities found all four family members dead in their Akumal, Mexico, condo on Friday during a welfare check. RELATED: Iowa Family-of-Four Found Dead in Their Mexican Condo While on Vacation Kevin, Amy, Sterling and Adrianna Sharp Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Click here to get breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases in the True Crime Newsletter. After examining the bodies of the Sharp family, authorities did not see any signs of violence and were able to rule out suicide or other violent acts, according to the press release, Additionally, authorities did not find any signs of disturbance in the condo itself. The Quintana Roo prosecutors office said that investigators examined the gas connections in the condo and that the civil defense office of Tulum a popular vacation spot on the Yucatan peninsula 13 miles south of Akumal would be releasing a report on the investigators findings, according to the Associated Press. For more compelling true crime coverage, follow our Crime magazine on Flipboard. A local condo manager at a different complex in Akumal, Mexico, previously told PEOPLE that the local community is reeling from the familys death and also offered up an explanation as to how the family could have accidentally left the gas on in their condo. Its so sad. Were all talking about it, they were such a beautiful family. All of their money and belongings were there so it wasnt a crime. We cant believe this happened, the local condo manager told PEOPLE, adding that we are really shaken up in the community. Speculating as to how the family could have died, the condo manager went on to explain, We all think that they tried to use the stove at night, and when it didnt light they assumed it didnt work and accidentally left the gas on.We dont have pilot lights because of the wind, so you light them. Jennifer Hudson who lost her mother Darnell Donerson, brother Jason Hudson and 7-year-old nephew Julian King to gun violence in 2008 closed out Saturdays March for Our Lives in Washington, D.C. with a rousing gospel cover of Bob Dylans 1964 protest anthem, The Times They Are A-Changin. The 36-year-old Oscar winner was joined on stage by a student choir for the performance. We all came here for change today, right? Hudson asked the crowd inbetween the songs choruses. Weve all lost somebody. Im sure a long time ago, you never thought youd be standing here today. But were all here today for a reason. We all got a story, we all got a purpose, and we all want change. Towards the end of the number, speakers from the D.C. march like Naomi Wadler as well as Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School students Jaclyn Corin, Cameron Kasky, David Hogg, Emma Gonzalez and Alex Wind who planned the march within days of the Feb. 14 mass shooting at the Parkland, Florida, school that left 17 of their classmates dead also joined Hudson on stage. Jennifer Hudson RELATED: March for Our Lives 2018: See the Thousands of Students Taking to the Streets Around the World In 2015, Hudson spoke up about gun violence prevention to W magazine. Its not just the city of Chicago. Its everywhere. Its a bad time right now, no matter where we look. Kids cant go to school, people cant go to church, you cant go to the movies, she said. Its like, what are we doing to ourselves? Whats happening? Were acting like animals. The Grammy winner added that its time to make a change and put a stop to these unfortunate incidents. Those who dont get it, its like, how dont you get it when this is what the issue is? And if you do have a problem with it, have a solution to come along with it, Hudson said. What plan do you have? How do you not try? And what are we supposed to do just kill each other? Its a scary time no matter who you are, where you go, what color you are, where you live, honey. Story continues Vic Mensa Hudson was one of the many performers at the D.C. rally, which saw crowds upwards of half a million take the streets of the nations capital to calling for legislation to effectively address the gun violence issues that are rampant in our country. Rapper Vic Mensa, who performed his anthem We Could Be Free, told CNN afterwards that the march is just the beginning. This is a powerful event, a powerful moment at time, and I believe that this wont stop here, he said in their live broadcast. That this will continue and go where it needs to go. And make politicians afraid to put whatever the NRA must be giving them on the back end, above our lives. So I think this is a galvanizing moment. Its a very American thing that it takes white victims for people to really listen about gun violence. But thats whats interesting about gun violence, it doesnt discriminate, the emcee, 24, added. White, black, brown, yellow everybody bleeds red. Lin-Manuel Miranda and Ben Platt Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda and Dear Evan Hansen alumni Ben Platt came together to perform a live version of their musical mashup Found/Tonight. Portions of the proceeds from Found/Tonight went to fund the March for Our Lives in D.C. In the wake of Parkland, I was awestruck by the strength and leadership of the students and their ability to speak truth to power, Miranda said in a press release for the song. In the midst of their grief, they mobilized the youth of our nation and created a movement. This is their moment. Not just for themselves, but for all of us. This song is my way of helping to raise funds and awareness for their efforts, and to say Thank You, and that we are with you so lets keep fighting, together. Platt added in his own statement, These students are paving the way for future generations and its so inspiring to see young people standing up for what is probably the most important cause right now in this country, and demanding action. I hope that this song can play some small part in bringing about real change. Miley Cyrus Miley Cyrus also performed a version of her 2009 song The Climb, telling the audience, This song has never meant more to me. Other performers in D.C. included Demi Lovato, Ariana Grande, and Common and Andra Day. While attendees proceeded through the heart of the nations capital begging at noon on Saturday, over 800 sibling marches in other cities around the world took off too like one in New York City, where Paul McCartney was photographed. George Clooney, Oprah Winfrey, Jeffrey Katzenberg, and Steven Spielberg all had also pledged $500,000 each to support the rally. WATCH: Amy Schumer addresses crowd at #March4OurLives in downtown L.A. pic.twitter.com/KMI962NkVT CBS Los Angeles (@CBSLA) March 24, 2018 Amy Schumer was one of the speakers at a sister march in Los Angeles. She has been outspoken about ending gun violence in this country ever since a gunman burst into a screening of her movie Trainwreck in Louisiana and opened fire in 2015. It is these moments that define us. What we do in the struggle, she said in her speech. What we do when things are hard and messy and involved doing whats right and not what is clearly wrong, like taking money from the NRA to uphold these laws outdated by hundreds of years. They allow for repeated killings of children. Thank you students and everyone here for standing up and saying no more. Because we know its hard and we know they will twist our words and laugh at us and lie and lie and lie and lie and lie. How do they sleep at night? They are killing children. Many stars also took to social media to share their photos from the march, including Lady Gaga, Dwayne The Rock Johnson, Kanye West, Kim Kardashian West, Glenn Close, Cher, George and Amal Clooney; Julianne Moore, Padma Lakshmi, Kate Capshaw and Steven Spielberg; Christian Siriano and Brad Walsh; Parks and Recreation stars Billy Eichner, Aubrey Plaza, Natalie Morales, Paul Rudd, and Adam Scott; and Liev Schreiber who marched with his kids, Samuel Kai, 9, and Alexander Pete, 10. Im so happy I got to share this moment with these two ???? . I hope North remembers this forever pic.twitter.com/wJRRAvW9tC Kim Kardashian West (@KimKardashian) March 24, 2018 Ill always stand for open dialogue and action - its the only way to ensure bad history doesnt repeat itself. When it comes to protecting our children, all bets are off and the responsibility lies with us adults and lawmakers to listen and do. Very strong day. #MarchForOurLives pic.twitter.com/4gJ0QKdMYw Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) March 24, 2018 RELATED VIDEO: Florida Shooting Survivors Demand Change at Gun Control Rally But the March for Our Lives was not about star power. As Stoneman Douglas Student Ryan Deitsch said in his D.C. speech, Movie stars in the crowd, we might have videos on these screens but this is not the Oscars. This is real life, this is reality, this is whats happening in our country and around the world today. Were done hiding, were done being afraid, he said. Though I know we March today, this isnt the end. This is the beginning. Its time to fight for our lives. Saturday's March for Our Lives protest was a family affair for the Wests. Kim Kardashian and Kanye West attended the march with their 4-year-old daughter, North, landing in Washington D.C. early Saturday morning to stand with the thousands of people protesting gun violence and mass shootings. March for Our Lives was organized after the Feb. 14 massacre at Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, which killed 17 people. "So ready to March today! Landed in DC w North & Kanye. We stand in solidarity with the survivors of gun violence & students who are calling for action on common sense gun safety laws at #MarchForOurLives around the country," Kardashian tweeted before heading to the streets. "@AMarch4OurLives @Everytown." So ready to March today! Landed in DC w North & Kanye. We stand in solidarity with the survivors of gun violence & students who are calling for action on common sense gun safety laws at #MarchForOurLives around the country @AMarch4OurLives@Everytown Kim Kardashian West (@KimKardashian) March 24, 2018 The reality star, who Snapchatted from the protest, later shared a sweet pic of her husband and daughter, writing, "Im so happy I got to share this moment with these two . I hope North remembers this forever." Im so happy I got to share this moment with these two . I hope North remembers this forever pic.twitter.com/wJRRAvW9tC Kim Kardashian West (@KimKardashian) March 24, 2018 While Kardashian headed to march in Washington, D.C., her famous family sent their support over social media. "Today we stand with the survivors of gun violence and student activists who are calling for action on common sense gun safety laws at #MarchForOurLives around the country!" Kourtney wrote. "This is the beginning of a safer future. #MarchForOurLives @AMarch4OurLives #NeverAgain." Story continues Today we stand with the survivors of gun violence and student activists who are calling for action on common sense gun safety laws at #MarchForOurLives around the country! This is the beginning of a safer future. #MarchForOurLives@AMarch4OurLives#NeverAgain Kourtney Kardashian (@kourtneykardash) March 24, 2018 Today marks a moment in history, and the beginning of an incredible journey to protect our childrens futures. I am so proud of the Parkland students for leading this change #MarchForOurLives Kris Jenner (@KrisJenner) March 24, 2018 There is nothing more important than the safety of our children. You make us proud! Stay safe today everyone! #MarchForOurLives Kris Jenner (@KrisJenner) March 24, 2018 we stand in solidarity with the survivors of gun violence and student activists who are calling for action on common sense gun safety laws at #MarchForOurLives around the country#MarchForOurLives@AMarch4OurLives@Everytown Kendall (@KendallJenner) March 24, 2018 Kardashian has spoken out about gun control on several occasions over the last few years. After surviving an armed robbery in 2016, the mother of three wrote a piece about gun violence on her blog, saying that she's not against "people buying guns," she just wants stricter gun legislation. "After what happened to me in Paris, I know how important it is to be safe and to have armed security," she explained. "All of my security team is armed, but they also support stricter gun control laws and believe that we should restrict access to firearms for people with mental illness, anyone previously convicted of a misdemeanor, those who have been subject to a temporary restraining order and those at a higher risk of committing gun violence." "I hope that we won't become numbed by the increasing number of gun-related tragedies we see on the news," she wrote. "We all have a voice and a right to feel safe, to be protected from people who are a threat, particularly when handed a deadly weapon. I want to help build a safer future for my children and I believe together we can find ways to do that, while still protecting the rights of the American people." See more in the video below. RELATED CONTENT: Taylor Swift Makes Donation In Support for March for Our Lives Demi Lovato, Ariana Grande and Miley Cyrus Give Emotional Performances at March for Our Lives -- Watch! George Clooney, Harry Styles & More Celebs Support March for Our Lives Across the Nation Related Articles: The March For Our Lives movement got its emphatic message across Saturday, taking to the streets worldwide and dominating news media, all to demand more gun restrictions from their legislators. In New York, an estimated 100,000 people, including actor Liev Schrieber and musician Paul McCartney, traveled from Central Park West to Midtown; in Washington D.C., protesters filled Pennsylvania Avenue from a stage near the Capitol for ten blocks down to the White House; while in Los Angeles, a bevvy of celebrities gave support to the effort. More than 800 locations worldwide took part in the orchestrated protest, drawing an estimated million participants. Some of todays highlights: Parkland shooting survivor Samantha Fuentes vomits during speech: MSD student Samantha Fuentes vomits on stage during speech at #MarchForOurLives pic.twitter.com/Se77hNVazH Anna Giaritelli (@Anna_Giaritelli) March 24, 2018 Related stories Tens Of Thousands March Through L.A. To Protest Gun Violence; Amy Schumer Praises Student Activists Paul McCartney Remembers Slain John Lennon: Celebrities On The March 'March For Our Lives' DC Rally Joined By Lin-Manuel Miranda And Ben Platt Paul McCartney attended a March for Our Lives sister protest in New York to support those demanding an end to gun violence. Paul McCartney attended a March for Our Lives sister protest in New York, one of the dozens of rallies taking place throughout the United States Saturday. In a brief interview with CNN at the rally, the Beatles legend said, "One of my best friends was killed in gun violence right around here, so it's important to me," referring to the murder of John Lennon in 1980. McCartney, wearing a shirt that read "We Can End Gun Violence," also told CNN that while he didn't know whether the rallies or anything would ultimately end gun violence, "This is what we can do, so I'm here to do it." McCartney added that he attended the New York march "just to support the people." McCarney was one of the many artists and celebrities joining the thousands of students in the streets demanding an end to gun violence and stricter gun control laws. At the main rally in Washington, D.C., Ariana Grande, Miley Cyrus, Demi Lovato, Lin-Manuel Miranda and Ben Platt, Vic Mensa and Common all took the stage to provide musical interludes between the speeches delivered by victims of gun violence, including the students of Parkland, Florida's Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. "One of my best friends was killed in gun violence right around here, so it's important to me," says Paul McCartney, remembering his Beatles bandmate John Lennon at the March for Our Lives in New York City https://t.co/u4aBKWC1Jb pic.twitter.com/8Jnjn8A3xH CNN (@CNN) March 24, 2018 Related Content: Paul McCartney was one of the many stars joining the millions of students protesting for the end of gun violence at March for Our Lives rallies across the country on Saturday. The 75-year-old musician was among those marching on the streets of New York City, blocks away from the site his Beatle bandmate John Lennon was shot and killed 37 years ago. One of my best friends was killed in gun violence right around here so its important to me, McCartney told CNNs Jason Carroll in a live broadcast, while wearing a We can end gun violence T-shirt. I dont know [if we can end gun violence] he added. But this is what we can do, so Im here to do it. Lennon was returning from the recording studio in New York City with his wife Yoko Ono in December 1980 when gunman Mark David Chapman fired five round into his back, killing him in the archway of his home, The Dakota Building. Paul McCartney RELATED: March for Our Lives 2018: See the Thousands of Students Taking to the Streets Around the World March for Our Lives in Washington D.C. was planned by Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School students Jaclyn Corin, Cameron Kasky, David Hogg, Emma Gonzalez and Alex Wind within days of the Feb. 14 mass shooting at the Parkland, Florida, school, which left 17 of their classmates dead. According to the rallys website, the current generation of students has grown up practicing drills and lockdowns at school while repeatedly watching mass shootings play out in other cities and states a pattern of violence unique to America. March For Our Lives is created by, inspired by, and led by students across the country who will no longer risk their lives waiting for someone else to take action to stop the epidemic of mass school shootings that has become all too familiar, reads the events mission statement, in part. In the tragic wake of the seventeen lives brutally cut short in Florida, politicians are telling us that now is not the time to talk about guns. March For Our Lives believes the time is now. Story continues The March for Our Lives in D.C. Students at the March for Our Lives in D.C. A March for Out Lives rally in Paris While attendees proceeded through the heart of the nations capital begging at noon on Saturday, over 800 sibling marches in other cities around the world took off too. There are strength in numbers, and thats why we need so many of you to help, Stoneman Douglas Student Jaclyn Corin said from the D.C. rally. We cannot keep America great if we cannot keep america safe. And 96 death by firearm every day is not what I would call great. Yolana Renee King, granddaughter of Martin Luther King, Jr.s and Coretta Scott King, also took the stage in D.C. My grandfather had a dream that his four little children will not be judged by the color of their skin but of the constant of their character. I have a dream that enough is enough and that this should be a gun-free room, period, she said, asking the crowd to repeat after her. Spread the word, have you heard, all across the nation, we are going to be a great generation. Ill always stand for open dialogue and action - its the only way to ensure bad history doesnt repeat itself. When it comes to protecting our children, all bets are off and the responsibility lies with us adults and lawmakers to listen and do. Very strong day. #MarchForOurLives pic.twitter.com/4gJ0QKdMYw Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) March 24, 2018 Many stars also took to social media to share their photos from the march, including Lady Gaga, Dwayne The Rock Johnson, Kim Kardashian West, and Liev Schreiber who marched with his kids, Samuel Kai, 9, and Alexander Pete, 10. Miley Cyrus, Common, Jennifer Hudson, Lin-Manuel Miranda and Ben Platt also performed at the D.C. march. But the March for Our Lives was not about star power. As Stoneman Douglas Student Ryan Deitsch said in his D.C. speech, Movie stars in the crowd, we might have videos on these screens but this is not the Oscars. This is real life, this is reality, this is whats happening in our country and around the world today. Were done hiding, were done being afraid, he said. Though I know we March today, this isnt the end. This is the beginning. Its time to fight for our lives. Refresh for updates Paul McCartney is among those marching against gun violence in New York City today, and spoke to CNNs Jason Caroll to note, One of my best friends was killed in gun violence right around here, so its important to me. McCartney was referring, of course, to John Lennon, who was murdered by a gunman on Dec. 8, 1980 outside the Dakota apartment building on New Yorks Upper West Side, blocks from where anti-gun-violence protesters were gathering today to begin their march downtown. New York is one of more than 800 cities worldwide where marches will take place in coordination with the massive Washington D.C. March For Our Lives event. Todays events will be covered extensively on television. Celebrities took to social media to express their support (see a sampling below), and the White House issued the following statement: We applaud the many courageous young Americans exercising their First Amendment rights today. Keeping our children safe is a top priority of the Presidents, which is why he urged Congress to pass the Fix NICS and STOP School Violence Acts, and signed them into law. Additionally, on Friday, the Department of Justice issued the rule to ban bump stocks following through on the Presidents commitment to ban devices that turn legal weapons into illegal machine guns. As of mid-day Eastern Time, President Donald Trump had not tweeted his thoughts on the topic from Mar-A-Lago, where he is spending the weekend far away from the D.C. gathering, though he did tweet about yesterdays terrorist attack in France: Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of the horrible attack in France yesterday, and we grieve the nations loss. We also condemn the violent actions of the attacker and anyone who would provide him support. We are with you @EmmanuelMacron! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 24, 2018 Here are some celebrity tweets about the march for gun reform in America. Deadline will update as the day goes on. Story continues Proud to #MarchforOurLives with my daughter Tess in #NYC Many here are not so fortunate. #Enough pic.twitter.com/q4aH26qXk8 Tony Goldwyn (@tonygoldwyn) March 24, 2018 If youre not moved by what these kids are doing, youre dead inside. Ive said it before but whenever a ship is going down, you always hear women and children first. If ever were going to keep this ship of state afloat, were gonna have to look to the women and children. Rob Reiner (@robreiner) March 24, 2018 Michelle and I are so inspired by all the young people who made todays marches happen. Keep at it. Youre leading us forward. Nothing can stand in the way of millions of voices calling for change. Barack Obama (@BarackObama) March 24, 2018 Today our nation's youth are demanding their basic human right to go to school without dying in the name of greed. It's time for Congress to act like adults worthy of their office. PASS TOUGHER GUN LAWS! BAN THE AR-15! STOP TAKING NRA BLOOD MONEY! ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! #neveragain pic.twitter.com/Hhg0Qltnjr Jim Carrey (@JimCarrey) March 24, 2018 Watching everyone marching and speaking up is so inspiring, and so powerful. Keep going. You're changing the world. #MarchForOurLives Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) March 24, 2018 Let me put this in the only terms the @GOP and @NRA can understand from a woman: We're going to clean house. #MarchForOurLives #VoteThemOut pic.twitter.com/1HVe9BrEP0 Elayne Boosler (@ElayneBoosler) March 24, 2018 Id say at least one million people in the streets of DC! Historic! This photo doesnt even show the full breadth of it. Thank you Parkland students and kids everywhere. You have made it clear to the adults: Either join us or get out of the way. We are here & we are coming. pic.twitter.com/pjdBTsyz8J Michael Moore (@MMFlint) March 24, 2018 Proud to march in solidarity. pic.twitter.com/S7nikUz6km Billy Crystal (@BillyCrystal) March 24, 2018 I am joining the March For Our Lives movement because I feel a sense of responsibility to use my platform to bring attention to the issue of gun violence in this country! #March4OurLivesLA ABFoundation (@ABFalecbaldwin) March 24, 2018 When a gun has more rights than you Today I stand in reverence of the students whove experienced such personal tragedy & used their voices to unite and action. Today we March For Our Lives. Today we reclaim our right to safety Hope you can join/support #EnoughisEnoughpic.twitter.com/MIgci6GIa1 Yara shahidi (@YaraShahidi) March 24, 2018 So ready to March today! Landed in DC w North & Kanye. We stand in solidarity with the survivors of gun violence & students who are calling for action on common sense gun safety laws at #MarchForOurLives around the country @AMarch4OurLives @Everytown Kim Kardashian West (@KimKardashian) March 24, 2018 Proud to be apart of the #MarchForOurLives here in DC! pic.twitter.com/ZXKnEFyR28 Miley Ray Cyrus (@MileyCyrus) March 24, 2018 Todays the day!!! If you can't join us at #MarchForOurLives in DC you can watch LIVE starting at 12pm EST on @AMarch4OurLives See you all soon!! pic.twitter.com/tZ27ozQhib Demi Lovato (@ddlovato) March 24, 2018 Live Updates on March for Our Lives as Students Protest Guns, power to the young people!!! #MarchForOurLives https://t.co/ZXsxb9ly5U Martina Navratilova (@Martina) March 24, 2018 Instagram Photo Instagram Photo .@BTWFoundation & I believe in the power of young people to create a better future. Were so proud to stand with @MTV & @NAACP to support the young people marching for safer schools and communities. I am proud to sponsor a bus, heading from Harlem to DC for #MarchForOurLives Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) March 24, 2018 Sending my LOVE and ENCOURAGEMENT to all the young people traveling from NY & across the country to #MarchForOurLives with @MTV & @NAACP. THANK YOU for standing up & speaking out against gun violence #ENOUGH pic.twitter.com/Oe2svCSWvW Jennifer Lopez (@JLo) March 23, 2018 Ill always stand for open dialogue and action its the only way to ensure bad history doesnt repeat itself. When it comes to protecting our children, all bets are off and the responsibility lies with us adults and lawmakers to listen and do. Very strong day. #MarchForOurLives pic.twitter.com/4gJ0QKdMYw Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) March 24, 2018 Instagram Photo Instagram Photo Instagram Photo Related stories 'March For Our Lives' Unites Students And Celebrities For Day Of Protest - Highlights Tens Of Thousands March Through L.A. To Protest Gun Violence; Amy Schumer Praises Student Activists March For Our Lives Livestream: Watch The D.C. Event Here While the Roseanne reboot has made headlines for its political premise, with star Roseanne Barr as a vocal Donald Trump supporter both on and off screen, the cast says theres much more to the new season than the president. Its about the circumstances that led to the current administration, not the current administration, executive producer Whitney Cummings told Variety at the shows Friday premiere. Were not talking about Mueller and Trump and Russia, were talking about not having healthcare and just the circumstances of a heartland, blue collar family. She further explained, Not having a 401(k), having a knee injury that you cant get fixed because you dont have health insurance and Roseanne is driving an Uber because she didnt have a retirement plan. Elgin [Indiana, where the show takes place] is now primarily Mexican and dealing with undocumented workers and that complication because Dan is in construction. Theres a Muslim family that moves in next door and for someone that watches Fox News that can be scary. Its very human problems that get politicized sometimes. The Roseanne premiere, held on the Walt Disney Studio lot in Burbank, Calif., brought together original cast members Barr, John Goodman, Sara Gilbert, Sarah Chalke and Michael Fishman, along with newcomers Emma Kenney and Jayden Rey. While Barr said that the show says a lot about our healthcare system, which is what I wanted to do in this season, Gilbert, who plays Darleen on the series and is now an executive producer as well, echoed that the show means more than its political plots. Theres a lot of blue collar families and not a lot of blue collar shows, she said. I think people who end up in writing rooms sometimes dont come from that background or they lose touch with that background and write stories that tell of more privilege. I think theres a lot of people who dont feel represented on television. Story continues Almost 20 years after the acclaimed comedy series ended, Chalke, who played the second Becky on the original series, says that today the lives and daily struggles of the Conner family feel more relevant than ever. I think its the perfect time for the show to come back, she said. I think where we are in our country right now and what everyone is dealing with, the show never shied away from any issues that were topical at the time and it certainly doesnt now. Roseanne returns to ABC on March 27. Related stories Remote Controlled: 'Roseanne' Cast on Keeping the Comedy 'Real' TV Review: 'Roseanne' Season 10 'Roseanne': ABC Unveils First Trailer for Reboot During Oscar Telecast Subscribe to Variety Newsletters and Email Alerts! A man believed to be the boyfriend of Adea Shabani shot and killed himself Thursday night in a California stand-off with police, multiple outlets report only intensifying the search for the model and actress who disappeared in Los Angeles last month. According to Fox-11 Los Angeles, police pursed the man in a chase from Hesperia to Corona with an unnamed passenger before he used a handgun to put a bullet in his head, dying on the scene. He has been identified by the Riverside County Coroners office as actor Christopher Spotz, 33, of North Hollywood, CBS Los Angeles reported. Spotz was driving a stolen Toyota Tacoma authorities believed had been possibly been used in a homicide which had occurred in Los Angeles County, California Highway Patrol Public Information Officer Dan Olivas told CBS Los Angeles in a statement. No further details about the case were provided. Olivas did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for comment. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Click here to get breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases in the True Crime Newsletter. NBC-4 Los Angeles, citing law enforcement sources, reported Spotz was in a relationship with Shabani. They also reported he had just returned to Southern California from Colorado where he was with another woman: his fiancee. Friends of Shabani had apparently gone to the Los Angeles Police Department saying they had received an anonymous phone call days after Shabanis disappearance, NBC-4 Los Angeles reported. The caller had allegedly seen Shabani placed in the bed of a truck by Spotz. She appeared to be drugged and in danger, the caller claimed. A pubic information officer for the Los Angeles Police Department told PEOPLE on Saturday the search for Shabani is still ongoing and and that her disappearance is still being investigated as a missing persons case, not a murder. Her friends told local TV station KABC that they became worried for Shabani when she stopped responding to their text messages. Story continues Shabani, who is originally from Macedonia, moved to L.A. to study acting. She had been in the area for less than two years, according to KABC. After Shabanis disappearance, her mother flew from Macedonia to help with the search, putting up fliers in the area, KABC reports. Her family has also hired a private investigator. We have no evidence that she is a runaway. Shes not [voluntarily] missing. We dont have any evidence that she wanted to harm herself, private investigator Jayden Brant told the station. For more compelling True Crime coverage, follow our Crime magazine on Flipboard Shabani is described as a white female with blonde hair, blue eyes, 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighing approximately 130 lbs., according to police. She was last seen near the 1700 block of Wilcox Avenue in L.A. Treat it as if it were your own family member, some of your own friends, because believe me if you met this girl, if you knew this girl, she would be a great friend to everybody that knows her, friend Lisjen Jovanovski told KABC. Anyone with information is urged to contact the L.A. Police Departments Missing Persons Unit at 213-996-1800 or 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (during off-hours) or call the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS. Need gun control quotes for your March for Our Lives sign? Here are 15 powerful quotes you can use this weekend, because enough is enough. On Saturday, March 24th, protesters around the country will be participating in March For Our Lives rallies, seeking stricter gun control regulations and supporting the many survivors of mass shootings around the nation. Its going to be a very important day, one that was made possible by the incredible strength of the survivors of the Parkland, Florida shooting. If youre planning on participating, youll probably want to create a sign that gets attention and gets your message out there, and if youre still looking for something to write, weve got plenty of ideas. Below are some gun control quotes for your March For Our Lives sign. The survivors of the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida worked with lawmakers and other shooting survivors to organize March For Our Lives to make sure students voices will be heard. There has never been a more important time to fight for stronger gun control laws. If you want to feel inspired, take a look at these gun control quotes for your March For Our Lives sign, and feel free to borrow them for your own posters and/or social media posts. Even if you cant attend a rally, you can voice your opinions by using one of these gun control quotes on social media. 1We cannot let a minority of people and thats what it is, it is a minority of people hold a viewpoint that terrorizes the majority of people. Hillary Clinton 2How many have to die before we will give up these dangerous toys? Stephen King 3Fear has no place in schools. 4More kids, less guns. Story continues 5So we are speaking up for those who dont have anyone listening to them, for those who cant talk about it just yet, and for those who will never speak again. We are grieving, we are furious, and we are using our words fiercely and desperately because thats the only thing standing between us and this happening again. Emma Gonzalez 6Thoughts and prayers are not enough. When is enough, enough!?! How much bloodshed, how many more deaths!?! My heart breaks at the news from Florida. I mourn the senseless loss of life. This must not be normal, such carnage must not be routine. Thoughts and prayers are not enough. Our nation must act. Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) February 14, 2018 7We will not be next! 8Protect children, not guns. 9Politicians who sit in their gilded House and Senate seats funded by the NRA telling us nothing could have been done to prevent this, we call BS. They say tougher guns laws do not decrease gun violence. We call BS. Emma Gonzalez 10Im asking no, demanding we take action now. Cameron Kasky 11Not one more. We cannot allow one more child to be shot at school. "Not one more. We cannot allow one more child to be shot at school." Stand with us at #MarchForOurLives to make saving students' and teachers' lives a priority. Saturday, March 24th pic.twitter.com/uMpVPwd4vk UTK College Democrats (@utkdemocrats) March 22, 2018 12As a black boy, I hope one I day I have as many rights as a gun. Student sign says: As a black boy, I hope one I day I have as many rights as a gun. #nationalschoolwalkout pic.twitter.com/PuIXpy5yo1 Brett Murphy (@ladybrettgm) March 14, 2018 13Yes, people pull the trigger but guns are the instrument of death. Gun control is necessary, and delay means more death and horror. Eliot Spitzer 14We do not need guns and bombs to bring peace, we need love and compassion. Mother Teresa 15You dont spread democracy with a barrel of a gun. Helen Thomas If youre taking part in the marches tomorrow, good luck. Achille Salvagni's spaceship-inspired Mayfair atelier The idea that ultra luxury in interior design also has to be ultra serious is a silly one. Sadly its too often the case that at the haute end, the stuff of life has to be a little bit, well stuffy, if its to be taken seriously. It is with great pleasure, then, that for spring, superyacht designer to the stars Achille Salvagni has taken a bold move in quite the other direction and transformed his Mayfair Atelier into a spaceship. What a vessel. In Salvagnis sumptuous retro-futuristic space capsule, inspired by set designs from iconic 1960s science fiction films, Stanley Kubricks seminal 2001: A Space Odyssey has landed in Grafton Street. With three new pieces as well as a fine selection of works from the designers classic collection, the playful exhibit shows that far from being kitsch, a little lightheartedness can go a long way. Paneled walls feature portholes seemingly looking out to space Especially when it is as sharply tailored and as obsessively crafted as Salvagnis vision. Set against the gallerys all-white backdrop, paneled walls are dotted with a pair of portholes that look out into space. The earthy and metallic tones of Salvagnis signature pieces, crafted from natural materials such as onyx, 24K gold-plated bronze and European walnut, float weightlessly. Organic textures and soft curves are juxtaposed with geometric forms, exploring the harmony between past and future, tradition and innovation. I admire the ground-breaking production design of 2001: A Space Odyssey and the visionary atmospheres of 1960s science-fiction movies in general, says Salvagni, by way of explanation. As commercial space tourism takes shape, I created my own interpretation of a space capsule. I wanted to imagine a futuristic yet opulent interior with highly crafted pieces, design a personal response to the imminent exploration of this unchartered territory, another marvel soon to be revealed. Organic textures and soft curves are juxtaposed with geometric forms at Achille Salvagni Salvagni, who opened the London Atelier in 2015 but is himself based in Rome, has described his pieces as being closer to fine jewellery than furniture in their construction. Represented by Maison Gerard in New York, key works have also achieved notable results in recent auctions at Sothebys and Piasa and now sit in the collections of luminaries and the likes including Michael Bloomberg, Paul Simon, and Gisele Bundchen. Story continues Back in the space capsule, the first room is dominated by his classic Spider chandelier in white patinated cast bronze and back lit onyx. Emerald and Menhir side tables, conversing with one another, become futuristic emblems, almost carved out of singular blocks of materials from outer space. A pair of cosmic-style wall sconces at Achille Salvagni The softer, lets say slightly alien Papillia armchairs, are a new version of Salvagnis successful dining chair, with delicate six-leg supports. New Bubbles wall sconces revisit the original design conceived for Jeff Koons, while a set of Brancaleone wall sconces are suspended in the space like celestial objects. Two cabinets, Silk and Roma, catapault classic organic forms, noble Roman materials and craftsmanship into the vision. In the Ateliers second room, wood paneled walls give way to a night sky as the Simposio chandelier represents an orbiting moon. The new Pietra coffee table in Alpacca and Lacewood is the key piece of this module: its asymmetric shape alluding to a mysterious meteorite. Atlante and Calipso, a delicate pair of candleholders in a carved onyx block and cast bronze base with a burnished finish, and the Cosmedin side table whose surface recalls planets as seen from space complete the extra-terrestrial picture. What happens next is simple. Its a countdown to blast off. Already, the Cambridge AnalyticaFacebook scandal involves so many layers, angles, and lurid buzzwordsstolen data! bribery! viral entrapment videos! "Ukrainian girls"!that it's already become difficult to distinguish between confirmed facts, educated guesses, and total fiction. At the very least, we know that Cambridge Analytica, which earned a moderate level of notoriety after serving as the digital firm for the Trump campaign, obtained the personal data of some 50 million Facebook users in a way that violated Facebook's privacy policiesand maybe some state and federal laws, too. Facebook found out about the breach in 2015. It wasn't until The New York Times and other outlets published stories on the subject last week, though, that the company delivered anything more than a private slap on the wrist. Confusingly, around the same time the Facebook story broke, UK's Channel 4 News released a video showing Cambridge Analytica officials pitching some of their more nefarious services to a reporter posing as a prospective client. The company, they revealed, could create videos of a political opponent accepting a bribe, or send "girls" to the opponent's house to catch them in a compromising situation. And in a separate clip, the officials brag that their data analysis and/or propaganda-creation methods were instrumental to the Trump campaign's success. The extent to which these claims are anything more than opportunistic salesmanship is unclear, and there is no evidence that the shadily obtained data was used in the Trump digital operation. According to ABC News, though, Robert Mueller wants to find out for himself. The scandal has dominated the news cycle in large part because it crams illicit data leaks, undercover reporters, billion-dollar corporations, political intrigue, and House of Cardsesque plot devices into the same headlines as the name of a president who already operates under a perpetual cloud of suspicion. But for Facebook, the problem laid bare by the Cambridge Analytica story is about more than just Cambridge Analytica. As Facebook evolved over the past 14 years from Harvard novelty to a publicly traded behemoth, it accumulated a near-unfathomable amount of data about its base of more than 2 billion active users, many of whom freely shared their entire lives without thinking about how valuable that information might beor, in the wrong hands, how dangerous. Story continues Today's Facebook is a global, for-profit institution that functions as a hybrid digital directory, online marketplace, instant communications service, video-on-demand platform, civic-engagement tool, virtual public square, and curated one-stop news source. For many people, it is the Internet. It quickly outgrew the relevant regulatory schemes, most of which were built decades ago with only the relatively meager capabilities of its media predecessors in mind. It is now so big that whenjust as a hypothetical exampleit is used to facilitate the deliberate dissemination of fabricated "news" stories in a way that might have helped swing a presidential election, it poses the worst kind of problem: one for which there is no objective, readily identifiable method of fixing. Facebook co-founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg made the media rounds on Wednesday for the first time since the story broke, apologizing for the company's "mistakes" and vowing to more carefully safeguard user data in the future. As noted by The Verge, though, his most interesting comments came when he was asked about the scandal's potential implications for the future of companies like Facebook. For most business executives, the answer to "Should your industry be more closely regulated?" is some polite version of "Hell, no." This time, Zuckerberg didn't seem as confident. I actually am not sure we shouldnt be regulated. I think that in general, technology is an increasingly important trend in the world. I think the question is more what is the right regulation, rather than "Yes or no, should we be regulated?" He may get his wish soon. The Federal Election Commission is considering new rules for political ads on the Internet, and both the Federal Trade Commission and several state attorneys general have opened probes into the Cambridge Analytica matter. Several legislators have called for Zuckerberg to testify before Congress. In the past, he's sent his lawyers to Capitol Hill. This time, he says he's "happy to" do it himself. Regulating any industry is hard, and the nature of this onetransnational tech giants whose products play integral roles in our everyday lives, and evolve far more often than the Federal Register is publishedmeans that legislators and regulators everywhere (and the billions of people who pay their salaries and depend on their competence) are staring down a challenge of unprecedented stakes and scope. Since the 2016 election, Ari Melber has been assiduously covering some of the more troublesome intersections of democracy, privacy, and technology on his show, The Beat with Ari Melber (6:00 E.T., weeknights on MSNBC). As this story continues to develop, I spoke with Ari about why Facebook's reckoning is overdueand what a forthcoming brave new world of regulated social media might look like. GQ: How much trouble are Facebook and Cambridge Analytica in? And... with whom, exactly? Ari Melber: With stories like this, people always look first to what rules have been broken. Here, for example, there are internal rules established by Facebook to which all app developers agree when they offer a product about what happens to users personal information. There are international implications, too, depending on what laws or agreements may be in force in different countries. But the rush to focus on the minutiae of the rules can come at the expense of looking at bigger moral and societal questions, too. Facebook lost $50 billion this week because people are learning about this company's core conflict between its business model and the personal rights and freedoms of its user base. The companys priorities revolve around profiting off their users. While any company can pursue profits, Facebook is facing the strain of an inherent conflict: They claim to treat users as customers, or even a "community," but as many tech experts have shown, the customers are actually the product. Users tend to come not second for Facebook, but something like fourth or fifth. What evidence is there that Cambridge Analytica did anything shady and/or unlawful that actually affected the 2016 presidential election? I don't think there's public evidence that would give us some indication of how these new scandals informed what Cambridge did for Trump. It is entirely possible that most of what they did was lawful or conventional. It may have involved tricks or manipulation, but all as part of the rough and tumble world of politics, whether online or offline. What we know is that this is the group that the campaign chose, and one with which the Mercers and Steve Bannon were more than just involvedthey were running it, as its financials and board activities show. The Mercers were also interested in whether Cambridge Analytica could help boost the impact of material that Wikileaks was releasing in a way that would cause maximum political harm for Hillary Clinton. That gives you a window into the companys mindsetwhether they were observing careful boundaries, or perhaps crossing over the line. Even with all that we dont know, I think its fair to say that this was a major group linked to the Trump campaign at the highest levels. Brad Parscale, who oversaw this relationship, has now been promoted to run the entire Trump reelection effort. The videos show how the company markets itself abroad, and reveal a certain attitude about rules and ethics. The boasting about what they do, and their approaches to online manipulation, and information dominance, and alternative factswhich overlaps with a key tenet of the Trump campaignall of those things together give you a view of what they are doing. Even if this app data wasn't widely used to benefit Trump, if there are profitable dirty tricks being employed by an entity involved with the presidents campaign, thats a big story. If, as some have suggested, Cambridge Analytica's services are less effective than advertised, does the Trump campaigns decision to retain them matter? Anyone who has been around political consultants understands that they play a strange role, vacillating between being supreme, successful Machiavellian strategists and useless, expensive people on the margins of politics. One reason the special counsels probe is so useful is that, in addition to bringing criminals to justice, it might extinguish the claims of people who were, more or less, bragging that they might be criminals. If Cambridgeor anyone else around Trumpinflated what they could do, or who they contacted, or how they did things, and are now withdrawing to the truth, thats useful for all of us who are interested in getting to the truth. Having said that, it is true as a matter of outcomes that the Donald Trump campaign did beat expectations and most of the smart money in Washington. It did it so spending less than Hillary Clinton, and less than his primary campaign rivals. It do so largely on the strength of "earned media"that is, instead of buying ads, you "earn" it by via TV coverage and online buzz. Much of that might stem from Donald Trump's style, and from his tweets. But some of it may also relate to the role played by this firm. Its possible that they inflated their role, but still played a substantive one. What should Mark Zuckerberg's message be going forward? For those of us who hope Facebook will improvewho see this as an issue of social and corporate accountability, and who think that the world would be a better place with a Facebook that is more truthful and more respectful of human rightsZuckerbergs message has to be built on action and substance, not on PR. He needs to acknowledge the business conflict, and lay out a plan for navigating it. Their resistance to this might come from a human place of fear, or from a corporate place of risk aversion. But as the last few days have shown, it isnt in his interests to evade accountability any longer. He needs to demonstrate that he's willing to have a public accounting for this company's actions. He should testify before Congress. He should talk to a range of journalists, not just the tech onesalthough they certainly know what they're talking about, and can perhaps lead the conversation. He should talk to journalists who specialize in law and democracy. I don't think any serious person suggests that they should become a charity. They're a publicly-traded company, and they can pursue their profit. But their increasingly absurd insistence that everything they do is about community and communication and connecting has undermined their ability to have open, transparent discussions with critics and stakeholders about their future. Why havent social media companies like Facebook been regulated to date? Many tech companies are still so new thatsimply by virtue of their youththey have never been subject to the kind of regulation we see in media, or in other industries. That isn't the product of any considered judgment that they don't merit regulation. It's an accidental result of how new they are, and of how long it takes Congress to study issues, respond to problems, create agencies, and write laws. Right now, its just a patchwork of some media regulation, some Federal Trade Commission regulation, and whatever Congress does or doesnt do to update existing election laws. To pick a concrete example, in election law, there are disclosure obligations that apply to other media, like television, but that don't apply online. You're less likely to know an ad's true origins if it runs on the Internet than if it runs on TV. If you're a citizen, that doesn't help you. And if you're like a lot of citizens, who today get more information online than they do from TV, it probably hurts you, because it leaves you in the dark. There's no good reason for this Internet loophole to exist. How is Facebook likely to respond to regulation? What are the possible drawbacks of acting here? Facebook touts their technical acumen for every possible part of the site, except when it comes to resolving problems like these. When they want to fix something, or make a problem go away, theyre pretty good at doing so. When they dont, the lectures come about how impossible it is to do things, or that what happens on the site doesnt matter and doesnt influence anyone. I just dont think that that argument is on the board anymore. Everyone knows how people use this site, and why its so omnipresent. Wall Street has spoken about its value. It touches people every day. Its one of the most influential media/social/utility companies in the world. The greatest drawback to regulation is potential interference with the innovation that is vital to Silicon Valley. If you look back in history, there are examples of very smart people in Congress and in regulatory agencies who were unable to foresee what might be valuable or useful to society, and who made poor regulatory decisions as a result. Tech companies have a point when they say that a rush to enact broad regulation in response to a particular problem of the moment could create more problems than it solves. That's a fair warning. I hope no one mistakes my attempts to highlight Facebook's conflicts as any kind of beef with the good the Valley has done in the world. "If the government were involved in ensuring that there is more transparency and labeling on social media, and less fraud and fakeryand if done rightall users would notice is... more truth and less crap!" Having said all that, the opposite side of that coin is that when you fight any and all regulation so much that you suppress any public-private partnership to address these problems, the backlash you earn can be so great that you actually become a handmaiden to your own overregulation. Facebook may be headed for that. How might regulation change the user experience? Its called the News Feed, and yet its sometimes full of lies and crap. If the government were involved in ensuring that there is more transparency and labeling on social media, and less fraud and fakeryand if done rightall users would notice is... more truth and less crap! When people go into a store to buy a Louis bag, they dont think a great deal about the FTCs enforcement of trademark provisions that stop people from peddling fake Louis bags. They just buy a Louis bag. Well-done regulation should protect the user, but it shouldn't be omnipresent, and shouldn't affect the user that much. What forms might this regulation take? Who or what is qualified to make sure this is "done right"? As a legal matter, you could create a whole agency that regulates social media. I'm not suggesting that that's a good or bad thingbut it's certainly a constitutional possibility. The easiest, quickest thing would be for Congress to modernize election law to reflect the Internet's growing role in elections. These are statutes that the FEC enforces, and honestly, updating them isnt that big a deal. It probably should have happened already, if you think it's good to regulate elections so we know that Americans are participating in them and that foreigners are not. There shouldn't be a loophole for things done on the Internet. There is also the question about whether federal law or the FEC should be dealing differently with the most rampant cases of lies and fraud. I think foreign espionage would be one place to start, because there aren't a lot of constitutional rights implicated by, say, North Korea trying to defraud our citizens. Domestically, though, things get much more complex, because the Supreme Court has held that we generally have the right to lie. That's still a First Amendment right that people can exercise online and off. The biggest-picture issuethe pie-in-the-sky discussionis that today, most people would probably be more concerned about someone rifling through their phone than going through their bedroom drawers. What does it mean to "protect our rights" online? How do you hold accountable companies that know more than the government about what aspects of our personal information they even have, and about how they can best protect it? I don't have a solution, but I think we should be having that discussion. And we cant have it until social media companies are ready to talk. This interview has been edited and condensed. The Million Mom March occurred 18 years ago and the March for Our Lives follows in its footsteps as students demand an end to gun-related violence. The March for Our Lives to end gun violence and mass shootings in schools is taking place in Washington, D.C. on March 24th but 18 years earlier, another march with a similar goal occurred. The Million Mom March on Mothers Day in 2000 was a rally for stricter gun control laws, but while these marches might have had similar intentions, gun control activists should hope for a better outcome when it comes to the March for Our Lives. As USA Today reported, the Million Mom March had 750,000 participants and support from people like Bill and Hillary Clinton and Rosie ODonnell. Still, the publication noted that the Million Mom March did not lead to the results that organizers and participants had been hoping for, and the influence of the National Rifle Association (NRA) in politics has only grown since then. The NRAs power in 2018 can be evidenced by the number of school shootings that only keeps increasing but thats exactly why another march to end gun-related violence is happening. Both the March for Our Lives and the Million Mom March were inspired by tragedy. For the Million Mom March, Donna Dees-Thomases was moved to action by news footage of the Los Angeles Jewish Community Center shooting in 1999. I cried watching those kids cross the street, Dees-Thomases told PEOPLE about watching preschoolers be escorted away from the violence, where a white supremacist killed the JCCs 68-year-old receptionist Isabelle Shalometh and severely injured four children. That was my suburban mom wake-up call that gun violence can be everywhere. The Million Mom March in D.C. was the biggest gun control rally in history, but resulted in unrealized promises. Can the March For Our Lives rally avoid the same fate? https://t.co/Y4IqHLIbXK USA TODAY (@USATODAY) March 22, 2018 For the March for Our Lives, the Stoneman Douglas High School mass shooting in Parkland, Florida, in which 17 people died, sparked the nationwide rally. Story continues And instead of moms, its students who are leading the charge. The Stoneman Douglas student group #NeverAgain and the gun control advocacy group Everytown for Gun Safety have organized the March for Our Lives, and there is something simultaneously heartbreaking and inspiring about teenagers who survived the shooting being the ones to passionately advocate for change. Another difference between the Million Mom March and March for Our Lives is the social media aspect of the current movement. Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter didnt exist in 2000, but the world is more connected than ever now. By using social media, people around the country can participate in and show their support for March for Our Lives even if they cant make it to D.C. or a local rally. Cant attend the #MarchForOurLives in Washington, DC? No worries! There are hundreds of student-led sibling marches happening all over the world. Find one near you today: https://t.co/M0JeMXyAx8 pic.twitter.com/ppVoWXs5Eb March For Our Lives (@AMarch4OurLives) March 23, 2018 Celebrity backing is another difference between the two marches. President Bill Clinton has shown support for both marches, but overall, famous people have been more supportive of the 2018 movement versus the 2000 one which makes sense since the death toll due to gun-related violence has only increased since then. ODonnell was a speaker at the Million Moms March, and there will be multiple performances by huge artists like Lin-Manuel Miranda and Demi Lovato at the March for Our Lives. There are some incredible people lending their voices to the march in DC tomorrow! See you there? https://t.co/zE6Nj7AoMe pic.twitter.com/Hm9OsZOxdm March For Our Lives (@AMarch4OurLives) March 23, 2018 While you can debate how effective marches really are when it comes to making lasting change, as USA Today did in its article, the aftermath of the Million Mom March shouldnt stop the momentum that people are feeling right now for gun control. After all, as Vox outlined, the Womens March has made tangible progress when it comes to women in politics. And in response to the article by USA Today, Dees-Thomases tweeted, The #MarchForOurLives activists will succeed because they call it like it is. The #MarchForOurLives activists will succeed because they call it like it is. https://t.co/yLchtAWk1Z Donna Dees-Thomases (@RealDonnaDees) March 23, 2018 And other original Million Mom Marchers are supporting March for Our Lives too particularly moms who marched in 2000 who now have children marching in 2018. Safe travels to my oldest son Sid! Today he'll start his travels down to D.C. for the March for Our Lives. Here's a picture of my son as a baby at The Million Mom March for gun control. I hope we'll finally see change if we get out into the streets on Saturday #MarchForOurLives pic.twitter.com/hLUkRu0spJ Rachel Coyne (@imrachelcoyne) March 22, 2018 Canandaigua March for our Lives is this Saturday at FLCC. Meet 9:30 at the library flagpole. I attended the Million Mom March in 2000 at the National Mall. Cant believe were still doing this. Columbine. Newtown. Parkland. And so many more. Enough. Barbara Risser (@barbrisser) March 22, 2018 @SenatorLeahy @SenSanders @PeterWelch take notice ... my children have been raised in a society where death by automatic weapon in safe spaces is the norm. They will not be quiet, and I intend to hold the megaphone. Our children are on their way. Be ready to listen. Aelvt (@aelvt) March 13, 2018 @Lawrence -Million Mom March on Mothers Day 2000 was first & largest gun violence protest in U.S. history. We marched again in 2004 to renew the assault weapons ban. March For Our Lives will be 3rd march on this issue. We proudly support our children who are carrying the torch. pic.twitter.com/p8Apm8bIIH Shikha Hamilton (@shikhahamilton) March 21, 2018 Gun control wont happen unless people like these students around the country stand up for whats right. So while the Million Mom March might not have had its intended effect, these teen advocates who have survived gun violence can lead this movement to lasting change. And the original participants of the Million Mom March will be right by their side as the next generation continues their advocacy that began 18 years ago. Doctors are firing back on Twitter over Rick Santorums suggestion that students take CPR classes instead of advocating for gun control following last months massacre in Parkland, Florida. Hundreds of thousands of people, including students from throughout the nation, marched on Washington on Saturday, demanding lawmakers pass stricter gun laws after 17 people were shot to death Feb. 14 at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. Similar demonstrations occurred in other U.S. cities and across the world. On Sunday, Santorum accused students of trying to pass the buck when it came to keeping their schools safe. How about kids, instead of looking to someone else to solve their problem, do something about maybe taking CPR classes or trying to deal with situations where there is a violent shooter, Santorum, a former Republican senator from Pennsylvania and CNN political commentator, said on the cable news network. His comments drew backlash on social media from doctors, including Eugene Gu, a third-year general surgery resident at Vanderbilt hospital in Nashville, Tennessee. As a surgeon, Ive operated on gunshot victims whove had bullets tear through their intestines, cut through their spinal cord, and pulverize their kidneys and liver. Rick Santorum telling kids to shut up and take CPR classes is simply unconscionable. Eugene Gu, MD (@eugenegu) March 25, 2018 The last thing we need is for kids to administer CPR during a shooter situation and then get shot themselves, Gu told HuffPost in an email Sunday. So Rick Santorums comments are not only an assault on our childrens First Amendment rights but are putting our kids in danger with misinformation. Several other health care professionals echoed Gus sentiments and reminded Santorum what bullets do to bodies. Here are some stats made simple for Rick Santorum: Survival rate of pulseless trauma victims who get CPR at the scene: VERY, VERY LOW Survival rate of people who dont get shot in the first place: MUCH, MUCH BETTER Rebecca Bell, MD (@RebeccaBellMD) March 25, 2018 Rick Santorum next: Rather than trying to disarm North Korea, let us just all learn CPR Armand Krikorian, MD (@ENDOUNO) March 25, 2018 Dear Rick Santorum, As a healthcare professional who is certified in CPR, I can confirm that performing CPR cant remove AR-15 bullets from a body. Get a clue. Sincerely, Common Sense Jonny Loquasto (@JQuasto) March 25, 2018 Doctors werent the only ones to rip Santorum for his tone-deaf remarks. Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Calif.) tweeted that CPR would do little to save the victim of AR-15 bullets [that] obliterate organs. Story continues Survivors of the Parkland massacre and others also hit back. Dear Rick Santorum: CPR is good for heart stoppage. Not good for victims of multiple AR-15 bullets, which typically impart 3 times the lethal energy upon impact than a 9mm handgun bullet. AR-15 bullets obliterate organs and cause so much bleeding that victims die very quickly. https://t.co/5E0HBUFT9b Ted Lieu (@tedlieu) March 25, 2018 CPR wont stop the 96 daily deaths due to gun violence. Love, Matt Deitsch CPR certified lifeguard &#MarchForOurLives organizer https://t.co/91xl5wkPIZ Matt Deitsch (@MattxRed) March 25, 2018 I think @RickSantorum might need to learn CPR for the NRA following midterms David Hogg (@davidhogg111) March 25, 2018 I never thought anyone would beat Donald Trump for the stupidest statement of the week award but lo and behold, along comes Rick Santorum with his CPR statement. Steve Redmond (@sjredmond) March 25, 2018 Rick Santorum - who thinks we should reactively revive the dead instead of proactively passing data-proven, lifesaving gun laws - had an A+ rating from the @NRA and took hundreds of thousands of dollars in campaign contributions from their lobbyists as a quid pro quo. https://t.co/8PQo1hDsVG Shannon Watts (@shannonrwatts) March 25, 2018 Serious question: Has @RickSantorum seen images from the slaughter at Stoneman Douglas High? What kind of CPR could have been used to save them? Stop putting this man on television. https://t.co/UDR71Alae0 Ja'han Jones (@_Jahan) March 25, 2018 "CPR wouldn't help victims of a gun massacre" is beside the point. He is literally saying they should expect their classmates to be shot Sarah Cooper (@sarahcpr) March 25, 2018 Its kind of a weird thrill to watch my kids discover how perfectly wrong and terrible Rick Santorum is, like when I played them the Beatles for the first time except the exact opposite Mike Royce (@MikeRoyce) March 25, 2018 Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. Hostages have been taken in a Super U supermarket in Trebes, France. Here's what we know about the developing France hostage situation. Breaking news out of France. On the morning of Friday, March 23rd, a gunman entered a Super U supermarket in Trebes, France and opened fire. He took hostages, and at least one person is reportedly dead, CNN reports. Shots were heard, a man appears to be holed up in a supermarket, probably with hostages, French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe said of the incident, the New York Times reports. A police operation is underway. The gunman reportedly claimed to be acting on behalf of ISIS. Further, a prosecutor says it looks like the attack was ISIS-inspired, a prosecutor told CNN affiliate BFM TV. All of the information we have at the moment suggests that this is a terrorist attack, Philippe continued. Photos of the supermarket show that police are surrounding the building and creating a secure area. French Interior Minister Gerard Collomb tweeted that he was immediately on his way to the scene. #Trebes : je me rends immediatement sur les lieux. Gerard Collomb (@gerardcollomb) March 23, 2018 ?? Intervention de police en cours a #Trebes dans l'#Aude. La priorite est a l'intervention des forces de police et de secours. Plus d'informations a venir sur ce compte, ne diffusez pas de rumeurs ?? pic.twitter.com/M2t4mLccG0 Ministere de l'Interieur (@Place_Beauvau) March 23, 2018 Trebes is located in southern France, about 50 miles south of Toulouse. More to come As thousands of protesters funneled along Pennsylvania Ave. in Washington, D.C., for the March for Our Lives on Saturday, carrying signs and children and the weight of fear and grief over gun violence, there was another, small revolution taking place at the edge of the march route, in tiny Pershing Park. Thats where about 100 activists from the New York Citybased group Gays Against Guns (GAG) had set up camp for the day, transforming the bleak concrete corner with a huge rainbow banner and pink Mylar strips that billowed in the breeze. Also part of the staging was some much-needed levity: a pink-carpeted runway, with folks in drag encouraging passersby to show the NRA, in RuPaul parlance, how to sashay away. Later, a large group struck a more somber tone by wearing all white, having their faces covered with veils, each carrying the photo, name, and short bio of a person who had been lost to gun violence. The silent procession of human beings stopped marchgoers in their tracks. Gays Against Guns reclaimed this politicians swipe. (Photo: Beth Greenfield for Yahoo Lifestyle) Surrounding the activists throughout the day were colorfully spray-painted signs, declaring Not in my school, Stop trans murder, NRA be gone, before we drop the House on you (a pitch-perfect Wizard of Oz reference), and the piece de resistance: Skinhead lesbian. It was, of course, the reclamation of an insult hurled by a Maine legislative candidate toward a magnetic leader of this movement: Emma Gonzalez, the buzzed-headed student who emerged onto the national stage just three days after the deadly Feb. 14 shooting at her Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla. Thats when Gonzalezs riveting 11-minute we call BS speech went viral, energizing a segment of the nation that had had enough of gun violence and catapulting a crew of similarly smart, tenacious Parkland students into an instant media spotlight. People soon tweeted that Gonzalez should run for president. The 18-year-old noted that she already is president of her schools Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA). She then told the Washington Post that she identifies as bisexual, and suddenly her fierce badassery just made that much more sense for a whole lot of people, particularly fellow LGBTQ folks and queer activists for whom self-identity and a willingness to stand up for justice have long been inextricably linked. Story continues We have always been on the defensive as a community. So its a natural fit. We have been fighting for our rights for decades, likely eons, Cathy Marino-Thomas, a GAG organizer and longtime activist in the fight for marriage equality, tells Yahoo Lifestyle, referring to battles over AIDS funding, marriage equality, the right to adopt, the right not to be fired from work and to serve in the military, and a range of other hard-won civil rights. I think that we are a community less afraid to stand up because, in many ways, we have less to lose and everything to gain. Historically, no one has ever stood up for the gays. Weve had to stand up for ourselves, often against extraordinary opposition. Of course, no one would deem this current antigun movement a singly gay issue not even GAG, for whom the two narratives are tightly entwined. But there are deep and undeniable connections, made both collectively such as by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the largest national LGBTQ-rights organization, which had a massive presence at the D.C. march led in party by Queer Eye co-host Karamo Brown, himself a graduate of Parklands Marjory Douglas Stoneman High School and also made individually. That goes for Gonzalez, who tells Yahoo Lifestyle in the days leading up to Saturdays march that she indeed sees a connection between her sexuality and her drive to lead the movement. Theyre definitely linked for me personally. If I wasnt so open about who I was, I never wouldve been able to do this, she says. In ninth grade, I was in a creative writing class where I could actually really effectively communicate what I was feeling, and it especially helped me come to terms with who I was. That definitely was when I really understood who I am, and when I came to terms with it, and when I told most people. Being open, Gonzalez says, helped me understand that everybody, no matter who they are and what they look like, is going through a lot of different things. And being her schools GSA president for three years has fostered her activist skills. Its really helped me get used to shifting plans very quickly, planning in advance, and also being flexible understanding that maybe you organize a club meeting with this one person in mind and they just dont come because they arent coming to school, and you cant get upset, she says. Because most of the kids in GSA either have depression or theyre dealing with a lot of stuff at home, and I can understand that. And there are so many people in the country who are dealing with that, in relation to gun violence. You have no idea. You dont know how many people you talk to on a daily basis that have actually been shot before, or have lost someone through gun violence. With GSA its the same. Everythings incredibly far-reaching and widespread. The pink runway was a draw. (Photo: Beth Greenfield for Yahoo Lifestyle) Gonzalez recalls meeting Gays Against Guns representatives who had come to Parkland to show their support on the day her high school reopened after the shooting. Yaass! she says at the mention of the group, noting that shed felt lucky for the haul of signs, fliers, buttons, and a parasol they gave her that day. But she reaches back further through gay history when she names her latest inspiration: transgender activist Sylvia Rivera, a veteran of the 1969 Stonewall uprising, widely known as the start of the gay-rights movement. Theres this clip of her getting up onstage at one of the Stonewall Pride rallies, a couple years [after the uprising], and everybody boos her because shes trans. But shes like, Are you kidding me? Youre gay. Im trans. Were part of this. Like, I got you here. How many times have I had to fight for you? And youre booing me because Im trans? the teen says. First of all, it was so unfair, unjustified, undignified, like, I was so infuriated by seeing that. But then theres just knowing that there will always be people that hate you, and that theyre always going to be wrong. So its good to use that, and remember that whatever youre doing, if its making people that mad, then its probably a good thing. *** Gonzalez, of course, is far from the only power behind the youth-led antigun movement and March for Our Lives; in the week leading up to the marches, she and the rest of the Parkland crew did a whirlwind media tour, landing, among other places, on the cover of Time, in the studio of The Rachel Maddow Show, and in a Teen Vogue series that included a story in its sister LGBTQ publication, Them, which announced in its headline, Queer Teenage Girls are Leading the Gun Control Movement. Though it may have been a slight exaggeration (only Gonzalez and classmate Sarah Chadwick have identified themselves as being part of the LGBTQ family), there is certainly a shared ethos within the youth-led resistance that makes it ring true. And as nonqueer Parkland student Jaclyn Corin noted in that story, As things get more acceptable in society, like legalizing gay marriage and stuff like that, it shows us that a change from the beginning that seemed so far away can actually happen in the same lifetime. So that gives us hope. Were kind of modeling this like the LGBT movement because, in retrospect, its the same. Were working towards a common goal as a lot of people and its not party-oriented. Thats marriage, and this is lives. One of Gays Against Guns clever signs in D.C. (Photo: Beth Greenfield for Yahoo Lifestyle) To longtime activist Evan Wolfson, whose Freedom to Marry campaign won the fight for national marriage equality in 2015 after a decades-long effort, thats an apt parallel. Its all taken from the Freedom to Marry playbook, where despite people saying that gay people cant marry the courts saying that, the culture saying that, even gay people saying that to ourselves we didnt take no for an answer, and by not taking no for an answer we turned the answer into yes, Wolfson tells Yahoo Lifestyle the day before the March for Our Lives, which he had planned to join in New York City. Its whats so inspiring about these young people and what theyre doing. They believe they can create change and are inspiring millions more with that belief. Gonzalez with a parasol she was gifted by Gays Against Guns (GAG). (Photo: Courtesy of publicist for Gonzalez) Wolfson now travels around the world to consult with activists on issues from antiviolence and immigration reform to environmental protection and animal rights. He notes that, when it comes to activists finding the fire in their bellies, You cant reduce something to just one identity, whether it be black or white or gay or non-gay or Jewish or Christian. Minorities have had an experience of exclusion, oppression, having to form solidarity and work for change but we all have our something, and we have to draw on that something to make the world better. For Gays Against Guns, that something is twofold: queerness and, relatedly, being on the defensive when it comes to violence. As the group states on its website and in literature it passes out at protests, the LGBT community is disproportionately affected by gun violence: first, because most gun deaths in the U.S. are suicides and LGBTQ people are overrepresented among suicide victims (92 percent of transgender adults have attempted suicide by age 25); second, because LGBTQ people are the most likely minority to be the victim of a hate crime. That really hit home with everyone on June 12, 2016, when the Pulse gay nightclub massacre in Orlando left 49 people dead in what was the most lethal mass shooting ever in America (though it was later surpassed by that of Las Vegas). Gays Against Guns formed in response to that tragedy, with individuals from a newly outraged generation joining seasoned activists, some of whom were ACT UP organizers in the early days of the AIDS crisis, and who brought to the group their attention-grabbing direct-action skills die-ins, chillingly clever chants, and sit-in-the-streets civil disobedience moves that often came with the goal of getting arrested. A week after its formation, GAG had a huge and heart-stopping presence in the New York City Pride March, with a contingent more than 750 strong chanting Stop the NRA! and staging die-ins all along Fifth Avenue; since then it has held direct-action protests and had a continued education-based presence at gun shows around the country. I think an intrinsic part of queerness is to have a certain feeling of being outside, and when you harness that, its very powerful, says Kevin Hertzog, a founding member of GAG and someone who lived through the early AIDS crisis, losing many friends in the process. When youre dying, youll do anything, he says on Saturday in D.C., referring to the basic connection between the early days of AIDS activism and the urgency behind todays antigun movement. It became apparent that no one was going to help us, so we had to help ourselves. Karamo Brown, center, and Brandon Wolf march with the Human Rights Campaign on Saturday at the March for Our Lives in Washington, D.C. (Photo: Human Rights Campaign/Facebook) As for Gonzalezs being queer, Its not incidental, he says. Some people are astonished that these kids were able to start this movement. But when you place it in a queer context? Im not astonished at all. GAG co-founder Hal Moskowitz, a longtime activist with the early AIDS organization Gay Mens Health Crisis (GMHC), says, I see some of me in [the Parkland activists]. I see that drive that says, F*** you, youre going to listen to me, and Im going to say it until you do. Student David Hogg, who continuously acknowledges his place of privilege and speaks about the children and people of color whose voices are not being heard, has been particularly impressive, he adds. Gays Against Guns procession of human beings, representing lives that have been lost to gun violence. (Photo: Beth Greenfield for Yahoo Lifestyle) Indeed, with Parkland, a largely white, affluent community known for its safety, the teens leading this cause have been particularly mindful of doing everything in their power to shift the narrative, from interview talking points to including students of color and from poorer communities in various ways. Nadine Smith, executive director of Equality Florida, a gay rights group, took note of that effort recently. I applaud the students for using the enormous platform they have to call out how racism and homophobia impact the response to gun violence. They see clearly the enormous difference in how Tallahassee responded to Parkland compared to Pulse, Smith noted in a statement. Legislators who had to be shamed into permitting a moment of silence for the 49 killed in Orlando quickly allocated funds for a memorial and passed legislation, flawed and incomplete though it is. When the GSA students, including Emma, spoke at our Gala in Miami, she made sure to lift up Pulse. [And] the students have gone to Chicago to meet with other students who have been organizing against gun violence for years to combine efforts. Brandon Wolf, who led the HRC contingent along with Queer Eyes Brown in D.C. on Saturday, was at Pulse when the shots rang out; his friends Drew Leinonen and Juan Guerrero were killed. The experience, he says, turned him into an activist overnight. I think the reason theres this natural marriage of the LGBTQ community and a fight against this epidemic of gun violence is because theres a very real fear from a young age as a gay person and specifically gay people of color that you will be targeted, harmed, or even worse because of who you are, Wolfe, 29, tells Yahoo Lifestyle. So theres this natural sense of, weve got to protect ourselves and each other from that violence, and I think gay people know better than anyone else what it feels like to live in fear all the time. He adds, I think as a young person, I went through so much, dealing with family and community and the process of coming out and all of that. And I think that makes you an advocate, because youve been fighting for your own health and well-being since you were young. Emma Gonzalez addresses the March for Our Lives on Saturday. (Photo: Getty Images) Now, as a whole new generation of young people grow up having to fight for their health and well-being in regard to gun violence, they are finding their own ways to make their voices heard and their demands met with techniques both learned and instinctual. I think one thing we can learn from older generations of activists, which Ive shared with the Parkland students, is the power of patience, Wolf says. We can let the older generation be a testament to the fact that hard work means we may not get it the first time around, but eventually well get it so to not get discouraged that the Florida legislature doesnt care today, because the real change will be made when we vote them out for people who will make a change. On the other side, says Gonzalez, is what her generation might teach the older ones (in addition to the power of social media, of course). One of the main things to be learned is that a lot of people kind of get pushed into an agenda, like Republican or Democrat. But the best way to get things done is to appeal to both sides, and listen, which is what weve been doing, she says. And this is not to knock anyone else, but what weve been really focused on is inclusion, and trying to really combine these communities spread around the United States. Weve been trying to get everyone on the same page, to figure out what everybodys asking for, and see if we can, as a giant movement, ask for that together. Read more from Yahoo Lifestyle: Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day. Meghan Markle and Prince Harry turned up in Northern Ireland on Friday, making a surprise visit to Belfast nearly a week shy of St. Patricks Day. The region bears a history of violencethe Irish Republican Army sought the end of British governance with a series of shooting and bombings throughout the latter half of the 20th century. In fact, Louis Mountbatten, Prince Charless beloved great-uncle, was assassinated during the attacks in 1979. Last September, Prince Harry launched Amazing the Space, a youth-led peace-building initiative in Northern Ireland. Given the strained history between Britain and Ireland, empowering the regions youth in an effort to obtain peace is of great importance to the royal family. During Meghan and Harrys first stop in Belfast, the pair met with young peacemakers to discuss their diplomatic efforts and their vision for the region. Prince Harry and Ms. Markle watch performances by local schools to celebrate how the Arts can unite different communities. #AmazingtheSpace. pic.twitter.com/cmUxJFc37P Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) March 23, 2018 Markle gave a sartorial nod to the country in a green Greta Constantine skirt. Aside from the pop of ruby of her sky-high pumps, Meghan kept the rest of her ensemble neutral, pairing her skirt with an off-white Victoria Beckham sweater (shop a similar style here), a beige Mackage coat (shop a similar style here), and a tan leather Charlotte Elizabeth purse. Markle wore her dark locks in a low and loose bun at the nape of her neck. VIDEO: Right Now: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Visit Pub in Northern Ireland RELATED: Heres What Meghan Markle and Prince Harrys Wedding Invitations Look Like Harry stood by his fiancees side is a gray blazer, navy sweater, and dark slacks. After meeting with members of the Amazing the Space initiative, Markle and Harry visited The Crown Liquor Saloon, one of the citys oldest buildings. The visit will be followed by a trip to Northern Irelands science park, and then a tour of Titanic Belfastthe ill-fated vessel was built in the citys shipyards. First, Michael Avenatti who is representing Daniels in her legal face off with President Trump tweeted this cryptic image of a disc kept in safe: Yet Avenatti shot this speculation down, and seemingly teased the upcoming 60 Minutes interview: Nope. Enjoy Sunday and the days that follow... Michael Avenatti (@MichaelAvenatti) March 23, 2018 Does this mean that whatever is on this disc will be revealed in the telecast? The and the days that follow tease makes the prospect of a Sunday reveal seem rather uncertain. This morning, Avenatti followed this up by retweeting a Washington Post column by a Havard Law professor arguing that the public has a right to hear what Daniels has to say, regardless of her nondisclosure agreement with Trump. Daniels will talk to Anderson Cooper about the relationship she says she had with Trump in 2006 and 2007 in her first and only television interview about the alleged relationship. The president has denied having an affair with Daniels. Daniels has been in arbitration over her $130,000 hush agreement and has filed a lawsuit in California asking the court to toss out the contract because Trump never signed it. Though it should only affect a small percentage of the market This week, Chinas Ministry of Commerce announced its intention to impose a 25 percent tariff on pork imported from the US. That would make it more expensive to enjoy bacon, pork belly, and other choice dishes from American-raised hogs. The gesture is largely symbolic, however. According to data cited by Bloomberg, American pork producers only shipped 165,736 metric tons to China in 2017. That represents roughly 13 percent of the countrys imports and a miniscule 0.3 percent of overall consumption. With an increase in Chinas domestic large-scale pork production thats driven prices to their lowest point in four years, such a tariff would all but ensure the end of American imports if implemented. An importer in eastern China who spoke with Reuters all but confirmed that fact: With those tariffs, we wouldnt import U.S. pork. We would just import from Germany and Denmark. Thats not all, though. The Ministry of Commerce also called for a 15 percent tariff on US fruit, nuts, wine, and ethanol. Those products currently represent another $1 billion in trade between the two countries currently being driven apart. Luckily for the small percentage of Chinese consumers and American exporters who might be affected, such measures would only be implemented "if China and the United States fail to reach a trade compensation agreement within the stipulated time," though the Ministry of Commerce did not stipulate a timetable for such an action. For the average American consumer, theres no cause for concern yet. I guess we can all be glad that Trumps infamous daily McDonalds order doesnt contain any pork products. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Womens Health website has stripped out information pertaining to lesbians and bisexual women. (Photo: Getty Images) The highly trafficked U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Womens Health website no longer contains the pages specific to lesbian and bisexual womens health. A report released this week from government watchdog agency the Sunlight Foundation found that the pages no longer exist; additionally, other pages have been rerouted in ways that make them nearly impossible to access. The removal of this information has not been publicly communicated on the website, as is required by federal guidelines. When asked about this newly deleted material, a spokesperson for HHS tells Yahoo Lifestyle in a statement, The Office on Womens Health strives to provide the most accurate health information on the womenshealth.gov website. As OWH updates its site, the outdated lesbian and bisexual health pages were removed and the health content was integrated into the relevant health topics pages across the website. This aligns with how people search for content. Those within the administration say the deletion of these pages was part of a larger initiative to make the Womens Health website more mobile-friendly. But this erasure is significant and part of a well-documented pattern of erasure by the Trump administration, says Diana Thu-Thao Rhodes, director of public policy for Advocates for Youth, a nonpartisan group that champions programs that recognize young peoples rights to honest sexual health information and services. Thu-Thao Rhodes notes that lesbian and bisexual women of all ages have unique and specific health care and information needs, on topics from sexual education and mental health to pregnancy and parenting, and that those who identify as lesbian or bisexual often face added stigma that serves as a significant barrier to care and to accessing the health information they need. Erasing a government page with that health care information, she says, only makes it harder for these young people to get the information they require to stay healthy and safe. This holds true even if the information is integrated elsewhere throughout the site. Story continues According to analysis done by the Centers for Disease Control on sexual identity and health behaviors among high school-age students, LGBT teens are much more likely to engage in high-risk behaviors; for instance, 26.9 percent of such teens reported attempting suicide. LGBT women also have a higher lifetime prevalence of cervical cancer as compared with heterosexual women and much lower screening rates for cancer. In essence, to be young, female, and lesbian or bi already puts young people at risk and in need of resources. Younger lesbians and bisexual women who may not have had access to a wide range of sexual health classes and classes that address their needs specifically are in special need of fact-based information, Thu-Thao Rhodes says. And for these younger women in particular, they are often dealing with bullying in school that further restricts their access to information. The fact that HHS has removed this information is troubling. The federal government should be more inclusive, not less inclusive. It should be supplying more information about populations that have special needs, not less. And yet thats exactly what were seeing from the Trump administration. Thu-Thao Rhodes says this surreptitious removal of information is consistent with other actions taken by the Trump administration when it comes to sexual and reproductive health and the marginalization of the LGBTQ community. We know that young people access information online from a wide range of sources this could include legitimate sources, but not always. The governments role should be in providing a wide range of fact-based research and statistics that would be helpful for those seeking information about their reproductive health online and looking for credible information, she stresses. She continues, When the government is excluding, removing, and silencing particular communities and prioritizing particular communities health and well-being, they are promoting stigmatization of certain communities from those who take direction from and look towards the federal government as a model. Controlling what people can even Google and look up by limiting the information available through federal resources is this kind of behavior writ large. When people look to the federal government as the highest resource of leadership to provide those resources, young people will be hit the hardest. Read more from Yahoo Lifestyle: Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day. For those who still need to file their 2017 tax return, time is running short. However, in the final rush to finish up forms, you should be careful not to miss any write-offs that could save you money. From state taxes to child care expenses, there are plenty of ways to reduce your federal tax obligation. Here are 10 credits and deductions you shouldn't discount. [See: 7 Most-Missed Tax Deductions and Credits.] 1. State income or sales tax. Taxpayers who itemize deductions can choose to deduct either their state income or state sales tax payments. While state income tax may provide the bigger deduction for many people, Paul T. Joseph, an attorney and CPA in Williamston, Michigan, says a sales tax deduction might make more sense for those who purchased a vehicle or boat last year. "Some of these cars are pretty darn expensive," he says, and high-end cars can mean significant sales tax. What's more, people shouldn't miss deducting tax payments made last year for previous tax years. "Often times, filers only include taxes paid in the current year," says Brian Wainscoat, CPA and tax specialist at online investment advisory firm Personal Capital. "Don't forget to include those state income taxes paid [last year] on the balance due for the prior year tax return." For the 2017 tax year, taxpayers can take an unlimited deduction for their state income or sales taxes. However, for 2018, the deduction for sales, income and property tax deductions is capped at $10,000. 2. Value-based car registration fees. States have a variety of methods to assess registration renewal fees for vehicles. Some assess flat fees while others calculate the amount based upon the weight of a vehicle. These fees are not deductible. However, other states, such as Michigan and California, assess a fee based on the value of a car. In those states, taxpayers can include the amount paid in their itemized deductions. 3. Moving expenses. If you moved for a job in 2017, you may be able to deduct relocation expenses. These include mileage, storage and lodging costs incurred while traveling. Story continues In order to qualify for the deduction, the move has to meet IRS criteria regarding distance and the timing of your move as it relates to the start of your new job. "Basically, it says you can't move from one neighborhood to the one next door," says Dane Dickler, tax partner at accounting firm EisnerAmper in Iselin, New Jersey. Going forward in 2018, this deduction will only be available to active duty military members who move because of a permanent change of station. 4. Medical expenses. For the 2017 and 2018 tax years, taxpayers could deduct medical expenses that exceeded 7.5 percent of their adjusted gross income. In addition to out-of-pocket costs, the IRS allows people to deduct mileage or other travel expenses associated with medical visits. Most people with routine health care needs aren't likely to spend that much. "However, if you paid for an expensive, qualified medical procedure, long-term care services or assisted living, these expenses may put you over the threshold where you qualify for an itemized deduction benefit," Wainscoat says. In the 2019 tax year, the threshold will increase and only expenses in excess of 10 percent of a person's adjusted gross income will qualify for a deduction. 5. Noncash charitable giving. The deduction for cash gifts to charities is well-known, but not all taxpayers are aware they can deduct other charitable gifts as well. Donations of goods made to a local thrift store can be deductible, as can expenses associated with volunteer work. "If you're a Girl Scout leader and driving kids all over, those [miles] are deductible," Joseph says. However, not everything associated with volunteer work is deductible. "You can't deduct your time," says Davey Quinn, vice president of investments for online financial advisory firm United Income. You also can't deduct personal expenses not directly related to your volunteer work. For instance, if you stopped by a restaurant on the way to a volunteer opportunity, you can't deduct the cost of lunch. [See: 10 Tax Breaks for People Over 50.] 6. Mortgage points and property taxes. Property taxes are a major deduction for many homeowners, and taxpayers get an unlimited deduction for them in 2017. However, starting in 2018, there will be a $10,000 cap on deductions for state income, sales and property taxes. However, homeowners may overlook some other deductions associated with their property. "When you buy or sell a home, there are some deductions that are not reported on the traditional IRS reporting Form 1098," Wainscoat says. Instead, these deductions can be found on the closing statement for a home purchase or refinance. They include mortgage points paid and real estate taxes included in the closing costs. 7. Unreimbursed employee expenses. Some costs associated with your job may be deductible as well. "You obviously can't deduct the cost of a suit," Dickler says, "but if you have a uniform, that can be deducted." There may be other costs associated with a job that can provide a write-off too. "It might just be running out to the grocery store because we're out of coffee at the office [that is deductible]," Joseph says. On their own, these small expenses don't seem like much, but Joseph says they can add up to a significant amount over the course of a year. Like some other deductions, the ability to write-off unreimbursed employee expenses has been phased out for the 2018 tax year. Dickler notes that workers with significant out-of-pocket costs may want to approach their employer about reimbursement or a raise to compensate for the lost deduction. 8. Traditional IRA contributions. IRA contributions are unique when it comes to taxable deductions. While taxpayers must have paid for other expenses in 2017 to claim a deduction, they can make a traditional IRA contribution as late as April 17, 2018, and still deduct it on their tax forms. For the 2017 and 2018 tax years, workers younger than age 50 can contribute up to $5,500 per tax year to an IRA, while those age 50 or older can make a $6,500 contribution to a traditional IRA. 9. College tuition and student loan interest. The government provides several tax deductions and credits intended to offset the cost of college. These include the American Opportunity Credit, the Lifetime Learning Credit and a deduction for student loan interest. While students may be aware of the incentives, they may not know if they qualify for them. "What they don't realize is they can deduct interest even if their parent paid the loan," Quinn says. Education tax credits and deductions can be claimed by a child so long as he or she has earned income and is not listed as a dependent on a parent's tax form. Only the parent or the child can claim an education deduction or credit. However, for affluent households, where the total income makes families ineligible for education credits, it could be beneficial to stop claiming children in college, so they can apply for a deduction or credit themselves. 10. Child care. Parents who work may be eligible for a child and dependent care tax credit, and that's not the only day care expense they may qualify for. "Another thing people don't realize is if they send their kid to a day camp, they can claim that as a qualified expense," Dickler says. For child care and any other tax write-offs, it's essential to have proper documentation to justify the deduction or credit. Also, while it affects a relatively small number of people, high-income families should be wary of inadvertently triggering the alternative minimum tax as a result of their write-offs. "We've had people trigger the alternative minimum tax because they have too many deductions," Joseph says. If you've been hit with this tax, it may be wise to consult with a financial professional to determine the cause. [See: 10 Smart Ways to Spend Your Tax Refund.] However, for most people, more tax write-offs means a smaller tax bill. Check with your accountant or review your records to ensure you haven't overlooked these deductions and credits or other money-saving tax incentives. President Donald Trumps unexpected decision to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un has elicited sharply divided responses. The White House has presented the proposed summit as a diplomatic coup, while advocates of engagement have greeted it with guarded relief. Skeptics have described it as naive at best, given Kims atrocious record of abuses, and a disgrace at worst. Yet history will judge the meeting by a simpler metric whether it succeeds. If the meeting between the two mercurial leaders is to be successful, Trump must be willing to delay it or even to forgo it altogether if circumstances warrant. Any summit between heads of state requires intensive preparation, this one more than perhaps any other. That preparation should take three forms. First, lower-level U.S. officials should meet with their North Korean counterparts to gauge Pyongyangs intentions. South Korean officials have asserted that Kim is prepared to sacrifice a nuclear weapons program four decades in the making that is widely regarded as vital to the security of the Kim regime and to its fantasies of conquering South Korea. Such a shift would be stark, and U.S. officials should treat Seouls representations with skepticism until more evidence emerges. Second, the United States will need to consult extensively with its Asian partners in advance of any summit. The outcome of U.S.-North Korea talks will impact the security of not only U.S. allies such as Japan but also rivals such as China and Russia. It is important that the United States maintain a united front with the former to ensure that diplomacy on the Korean Peninsula does not further fragment the U.S. alliance system in Asia and consult with the latter to ensure that it is prepared to play a constructive role in any diplomatic process. Thirdly, the United States needs to engage in internal deliberations to determine precisely what it is seeking to accomplish in a Trump-Kim summit and more broadly what the country is prepared to concede in exchange for what it demands of Pyongyang. Story continues To this end, Washington should hold fast to a goal of North Koreas complete denuclearization. In the Iran nuclear negotiations, the United States incrementally downgraded its ambitions as the talks proceeded. The reason given was that the original aims were simply not achievable, however desirable. Such thinking, however, neglects the fact that U.S. actions away from the negotiating table, whether in the form of sanctions or military posture, can shape the calculations of counterparts. To broaden the range of possible diplomatic outcomes, the United States must take steps to worsen the other sides alternatives to a deal, even if it means suspending negotiations for a time. If instead the United States accepts a partial solution a freeze of North Koreas nuclear and missile programs or their partial dismantlement negotiators would risk simply delaying a crisis while sacrificing U.S. leverage in the process. In considering what the United States is prepared to offer in exchange for North Koreas denuclearization, it is vital that the Trump administration stays focused on the big picture in Asia. As troublesome as the North Korea challenge has been, it is not Americas greatest strategic threat in the region. That honor belongs to an increasingly powerful and ambitious China, and perhaps secondarily to Russia, which has demonstrated a desire to challenge the United States across multiple theaters. The United States would be cutting off its nose to spite its face if, to secure an agreement with Pyongyang, the White House agreed to significant reductions in U.S. military posture in Asia. The biggest beneficiary of such a step would be Beijing, and the biggest loser would be the alliance system that the United States must cultivate in Asia to counter Chinese ambitions. Unless and until the United States is able to adequately prepare for a Trump-Kim summit, it should hold off on finalizing a date. Failure to prepare would carry significant risks. The summit could turn into nothing more than a public relations coup for Kim, who would crow about securing a meeting that was denied to his father and grandfather. Even worse, a failed summit might leave no clear next diplomatic step and ultimately hasten rather than defuse conflict. The good news is that the United States need not be desperate for a deal, as it does not lack alternatives. Kims offer to sit down with Trump may or may not indicate openness to a deal. More certain is that it demonstrates that North Korea does in fact respond to pressure and thus can be deterred. This, more than the summit itself, offers hope for stability in Northeast Asia. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo talks with national security adviser John Bolton prior to a joint news conference between President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, U.S., June 7, Gordon G. Chang Security, Asia Will weaning Kim Jong-un off of his addiction to building nuclear weapons require a second summit? Pompeo Trip to North Korea: the Make-or-Break Moment Secretary of State Mike Pompeo leaves for Pyongyang Thursday, his third trip to the North Korean capital. Pompeos upcoming visit will be the make-or-break moment in President Trumps campaign to disarm the militant regime of Kim Jong-un. When Pompeo returns, the world should know whether the Trump administrations fundamental assumptionthat Kim has made a strategic decision to give up his nuclear arsenalis correct. If that assumption is not correctand at this moment it does not appear to be sothen Trump will have to do something he jokingly said in Singapore that he would not do: admit he was wrong about the North Korean leader. Unfortunately, it appears the president will make no such admission. Instead, it looks like he has chosen to retreat, backing away from demands that the North give up its most destructive weapons. At the moment, color Pompeo optimistic. For decades, the North Korean leadershipChairman Kim, his father, and grandfather alikebelieved the nuclear program was their security out; it provided them with regime stability and security, he said to Hugh Hewitt during his MSNBC interview conducted June 22. And weve now flipped that narrative. I believe we have convinced him that that nuclear program, in fact, presents a threat to him and that giving up that program is the path towards a brighter future for the North Korean people. The deal with North Korea, Pompeo said, is that Kim will fully denuclearize and permit verification in return for security assurances. In response to Kims perceived good will, Trump and Pompeo have made several gestures of their own. First, Trump indefinitely suspended large-scale joint military exercises with South Korea. Second, the administration since the end of May has been holding off designating almost three dozen entities, significantly, some of them Russian and others Chinese, for violations of North Korea sanctions. Story continues The American concessions are especially significant. Take the suspension of the military exercises, what Trump called war games. Trump made that move without getting a reciprocal promise from Kim to suspend his militarys drills. As a result, the Korean Peoples Army will go ahead with its summer training cycle and the U.S. and South Korean forces will forego the crucial Ulchi-Freedom Guardian exercise in August. If the suspension of the American-South Korean exercises lasts, say, a year, there will be a substantial erosion in readiness and the alliance will start to become hollow. The United States and the South will still be able to repel an attack from the North, but casualties, both military and civilian, will be far higher. The decision to hold off the naming of new sanctioned entities will also have adverse consequences. Pyongyang changes front companies all the time, so not designating new ones undermines the sanctions effort quickly. Once Kim believes he has gotten around the American and international prohibitions, Washingtons leverage in denuclearization negotiations rapidly declines. While Trump is permitting Pyongyang to avoid sanctions, he is allowing Beijing to blatantly violate them. The forecast, therefore, is for even more brazen Chinese conduct. These two Trump concessionssuspension of exercises and nonenforcement of sanctionsmean time is now on Kims side. And time is on the North Koreans side for another reason. Instead of stopping production of weaponswhat wed expect if Trump were right about Kims intentionsthe regime in recent days has continued making improvements to its plutonium-producing reactor and other facilities at Yongbyon; it has at various undisclosed sites increased production of nuclear fuel; and it has been finishing construction at the Chemical Material Institute, which makes parts for solid-fuel ballistic missiles. Furthermore, U.S. officials say the North is attempting to hide warheads and whole facilities producing fissile material. And there is one thing Chairman Kim has not done. Despite what Trump said at his postsummit press conference in Singapore, the boy dictator has not destroyed a major missile engine testing site. U.S. officials have subsequently identified that site as the Sohae Satellite Launching Station. It was right for Trump to give Kim a chance to make an historic decision to give up his weapons, but the forty-fifth American president should not give the third Kim dictator too much time. In fact, Trump recognized that Kims opportunity should be limited. I feel that Kim Jong Un wants to do something great for his people, the president said while in Quebec for the G-7 meeting early last month. And he has that opportunity, and he wont have that opportunity again. Trump called that chance a one-time shot. Call that a two-time shot. Kim at the June 12 summit did not make a specific commitment to give up his arsenal. Instead, he signed a vague Joint Statement in which he pledged to work toward complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. So Pompeos visit gives Kim his second opportunity. If Trump and Pompeo are correct that Kim has decided to surrender weapons, then there is no reason for Kim not to make those commitments, fix a specific timetable for disarmament and dismantlement, and agree to an intrusive inspections regime. If Pompeo does not come back with commitments, timetable, and agreement in hand, then why would we ever expect Kim to turn over weapons? And that would mean the basis of Trumps policy is incorrect. In that case, the president and his secretary of state need to go back to the tactics that were successful in getting Kim to the bargaining table in the first place: the maximum pressure campaign. And they need to do this quickly as Sung-Yoon Lee of Tufts Fletcher School pointed out Wednesday to the National Interest. Does the administration ever consider the more than likely possibility that protracted talks, which always entail loosening sanctions, only enable North Korea to buy time and money with which to perfect its own nuclear posture, that is, further advance its fast-growing lethality? he asked. Instead of pressing Kim, however, administration officials are talking about the possibility of a second Trump-Kim summit, this time in New York in September at the time of the UN General Assembly meeting. Talk of a second summit, which would further boost Kim Jong-uns standing, is premature. Yet it is no surprise that American officials are thinking this way. After all, the president is sunny side up. As the Washington Post correctly noted on Tuesday, Trump has offered exuberant assessments about progress with North Korea for weeks. The president famously tweeted on June 13 that the North no longer posed a Nuclear Threat to the United States. In his tweet Tuesday, he declared this: Many good conversations with North Koreait is going well! Going well? Much of what we have learned in recent days about the Norths weaponization efforts comes from leaks from the American intelligence community. This leaking means that there is unprecedented intelligence community concern about the presidents assessment of North Korean intentions. Moreover, Reuters is reporting that the administration is no longer insisting that Kim give up weapons now. In a softening of its stance, it is agreeing to what it said just two months ago it would not do: accept a phased and long process of disarmament. Instead of going for CVIDcomplete, verifiable, and irreversible denuclearizationthe administration appears willing to settle for mutual threat reduction. President Trump late last month seemed to confirm the rumors of retreat when he compared negotiations with North Korea to slow cooking a turkey. And so, we have things cooking now, he told a rally in Fargo, North Dakota. But when people rush ityou know, its like rushing the turkey out of the stove. Its not going to be as good. Cooking large items of poultry takes time; negotiating with North Koreans is best done quickly. It is now or never for the administration, and Pompeos trip will reveal whether Trumps effort to disarm them is on the brink of failure. Gordon G. Chang is the author of Nuclear Showdown: North Korea Takes On the World. Follow him on Twitter @GordonGChang. Image: U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo talks with national security adviser John Bolton prior to a joint news conference between President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, U.S., June 7, 2018. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque Read full article I have a dream that enough is enough. Nine-year-old Yolanda Renee King invoked the famous words of her grandfather Martin Luther King, Jr. and gave them a 2018 twist as she spoke to the tens of thousands of protesters demanding gun control at the March for Our Lives in Washington, D.C., Saturday. In a surprise appearance amid a series of speeches from students impacted from gun violence in Parkland, Chicago, southern California and elsewhere, Yolanda spoke on a similar platform as her grandfather did 55 years early when he inspired generations with his historic I Have a Dream speech at the March on Washington in 1963. My grandfather had a dream that his four little children will not be judged by the color of the skin, but the content of their character, said Yolanda, standing alongside Parkland shooting survivor Jaclyn Corin. I have a dream that enough is enough. And that this should be a gun-free world, period. Will you please repeat these words after me? Yolanda asked the crowd. Spread the word, have you heard? All across the nation we are going to be a great generation. Story continues But one repetition of her rallying cry wasnt enough. Now, Id like you to say it like you really, really mean it, Yolanda said before launching into the affirmation once again. Yolanda was one of many young speakers at the rally in Washington, D.C. and at 800 other protests around the world Saturday to advocate for stricter gun control amid a growing number of mass shootings at schools, churches and other venues around the country. Yolandas aunt Bernice King attended the March for Our Lives in Washington, D.C., as well, and posted tweets that quoted student speakers whose messages echoed those of her late fathers. Powerful, powerful words from #DeAngeloMcDade, #Chicago! Violence cannot drive out violence. Only peace can do that. He also mentioned the first principle of my fathers nonviolent philosophy: Nonviolence is a way of life for courageous people. #MarchForOurLivesDC #MLK Be A King (@BerniceKing) March 24, 2018 In a Facebook post, Bernice King wrote that she was a very proud Aunt after Yolandas speech. My niece, Yolanda Renee King, truly represented the King family. Afterward on CNN, alongside her father Martin Luther King III, Yolanda said her school had a lockdown drill on Friday. We do all these lockdown drills because its unfortunate that people have guns and they use them to hurt people, she said. Hundreds of thousands of people showed up in Washington, D.C. to attend Saturday's March For Our Lives. As you might expect, that kind of turnout makes for some pretty impressive photos even from space. New images from DigitalGlobe's Worldview-2 satellite show the sea of people and their signs gathered to march and rally for common-sense gun reform. They're an astounding reminder of the sheer size of this movement. Isn't that right, NRA? SEE ALSO: Emma Gonzalez's March For Our Lives speech will go down in history See for yourself. Satellite images. Image: satellite image 2018 DigitalGlobe Satellite images. Image: satellite image 2018 DigitalGlobe It's hard to compete with a picture from space, but on-the-ground images from marches across the country aren't too shabby, either. President Trump did not witness any of the historic events personally, as he was at Mar-a-Lago, but we feel confident that if he had, he'd have started comparing the crowd size to his inauguration in no time at all. (He'd be sad.) Here's a look at several cities. Washington, D.C. Seems like common sense gun control is pretty popular #MarchForOurLives pic.twitter.com/Ol6K7J2yx5 Andy Richter (@AndyRichter) March 24, 2018 JUST IN: March for Our Lives crowd tops Trump inauguration, according to organizer estimates https://t.co/byXLnO89rp pic.twitter.com/M2K02K707p Judd Legum (@JuddLegum) March 24, 2018 St. Paul, Minnesota March for Our Lives crowd gathering, as seen through a 3rd floor window of State Capitol pic.twitter.com/S19A5sYLHD John Croman (@JohnCroman) March 24, 2018 Seattle, Washington Story continues SEATTLE - crowd gathered at Cal Anderson Park for March for Our Lives @KIRO7Seattle pic.twitter.com/4UJioFtVmD Rob Munoz (@RobKIRO7) March 24, 2018 Buffalo, New York San Francisco, California March For Our Lives in San Francisco starting soon. The crowd is here#marchforourlivessf @nbcbayarea pic.twitter.com/uaBt8YUMqh Christie Smith (@christies_nbc) March 24, 2018 Atlanta, Georgia March for Our Lives crowd will be on the move soon heading toward the capital. @FOX5Atlanta pic.twitter.com/O4LMB9PHjZ Eli Jordan (@FOX5ELI) March 24, 2018 Asheville, North Carolina Los Angeles, California Thousands protest in Los Angeles in the March For Our Lives pic.twitter.com/m5WoRUHtj5 Sam Blewett (@BlewettSam) March 24, 2018 New York, New York Apple Inc. Chief Executive Tim Cook has called for stronger privacy regulations that prevent the misuse of data in the light of the controversial leak of Facebook user information. Cook called for well-crafted regulations that prevent the information of users being put together and applied in new ways without their knowledge during a session on global inequality at the annual China Development Forum in Beijing on Saturday. His comments will ramp up pressure on Facebook Inc. and other technology companies that rely on the huge reams of data gathered from billions of people to power their products, services and sales. Facebook co-founder Mark Zuckerberg belatedly apologized for failing to better control its customers data following reports that it let Cambridge Analytica amass information on 50 million users. The social networks shares have tumbled 14 percent following the reports. I think that this certain situation is so dire and has become so large that probably some well-crafted regulation is necessary, Cook said after being asked if the use of data should be restricted in light of the Facebook incident. The ability of anyone to know what youve been browsing about for years, who your contacts are, who their contacts are, things you like and dislike and every intimate detail of your life from my own point of view it shouldnt exist. Cook said his company had long worried that people around the world were giving up information without knowing how it could be used. Weve worried for a number of years that people in many countries were giving up data probably without knowing fully what they were doing and that these detailed profiles that were being built of them, that one day something would occur and people would be incredibly offended by what had been done without them being aware of it, he said. Unfortunately that prediction has come true more than once. Industry Leaders Top U.S. executives from Google chief Sundar Pichai to IBMs Ginny Rometty gathered in Beijing this weekend under the shadow of a brewing trade war, as U.S. President Donald Trump prepares to slap tariffs on Chinese goods, potentially affecting more than $50 billion worth of products. Until the U.S. government formalizes the details of the tariffs, the impact on American companies will be difficult to gauge. Cook said that he held passionate views on the issue and that hed personally weighed into the debate. The countries that embrace openness do exceptional and the countries that dont, dont, he said. Its not a matter of carving things up between sides. Im going to encourage that calm heads prevail. By Ahmed Aboulenein CAIRO (Reuters) - Buses with loudspeakers blasting out songs about the importance of voting were touring central Cairo on the eve of the Egyptian presidential election, which analysts say lacks credible challengers to President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Bearing the seal of the Cairo municipality, the buses also displayed printed messages such as "be positive" and "participate in the 2018 presidential election". Polls open on Monday for three days in what is effectively a referendum on the performance of former military general Sisi, who is expected to coast to an easy victory against a little-known candidate who is considered a Sisi admirer. Sisi, who led the overthrow of Egypt's first freely elected president in 2013, wants a high turnout to affirm his legitimacy after all credible opponents dropped out in January, citing intimidation by the authorities after his main challenger was jailed. Opposition figures have called for a boycott of the election, while Sisi's campaign spokesman has said the government had not prevented any candidate from running. Sisi says his first four-year term has brought stability and security and he has urged Egyptians to vote in great numbers. The military said on Sunday that it had dispatched special vehicles around Egypt to assure Egyptians of a "secure climate" for voting, and policemen were seen on Friday handing out posters urging people to vote. Sisi promised to work for stability when he assumed power but has struggled to defeat an Islamic State insurgency in the Sinai Peninsula and contain other militant attacks across Egypt. His supporters argue that the security situation now is better than the unrest that rocked Egypt for years after the Arab Spring uprisings of 2011. MEDIA CENTER Sisi won nearly 97 percent of the vote when he was first elected in 2014, but less than half of eligible Egyptians voted even though the election was extended to three days from two. The military on Sunday also said it would monitor local and foreign media coverage of the vote from a specially created media center that would operate 24 hours a day. Human rights groups say that a crackdown on press freedom has aimed to stifle dissent in the run-up to the vote, with Egyptian authorities calling for legal action against media outlets they deem to be publishing "fake news". Rights activists say that several local journalists have been arrested in recent months. Police and military personnel have taken over polling stations and set up nearby checkpoints to maintain security during the voting process, the military said. Two policemen were killed and five other people wounded in the coastal city of Alexandria in a bomb attack on Saturday that targeted the local security chief. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the blast, though Islamic State released a video last month in which it warned Egyptians against voting and urged Islamists to attack security forces and leaders. (Reporting by Ahmed Aboulenein; Editing by William Maclean and David Goodman) London (AFP) - Britain on Monday urged Iran to stop sending weapons into Yemen and instead use its influence to end the conflict, as the Saudi-led coalition's military intervention enters its fouth year. Saudi Arabia has been leading an aerial bombing campaign in support of the government and against the Iranian-backed Huthi rebels. The United Nations has found Tehran in violation of an arms embargo on Yemen by failing to block supplies of missiles and drones to the Huthis. In a joint statement, Britain's Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson and International Development Secretary Penny Mordaunt urged Iran to change course. "If Iran is genuinely committed to supporting a political solution in Yemen -- as it has publicly stated -- then it should stop sending in weapons which prolong the conflict, fuel regional tensions, and pose threats to international peace and security," they said in the statement. "We question why Iran is spending significant revenue in a country with which it has no real historical ties or interests, rather than using its influence to end the conflict for the good of the Yemeni people." The Huthis expelled pro-government forces from the capital Sanaa in September 2014 and went on to seize swathes of the impoverished Arabian Peninsula country. This prompted the Saudi-led coalition to intervene militarily on March 26, 2015. Since then, around 10,000 people have been killed and 53,000 wounded in Yemen. The war has created what the UN describes as the world's worst humanitarian crisis. It is seen as both a civil conflict and a proxy war between regional titans Saudi Arabia and Iran. Johnson and Mordaunt said: "We support the Saudi-led coalition's efforts to restore legitimacy in Yemen, as accepted by the UN Security Council." Yaounde (AFP) - Senate elections took place in Cameroon Sunday, as tensions continued to soar in the French-majority country's anglophone regions where separatist rebels have been fighting government forces for several months. Senate elections do not take place by universal suffrage in the West African nation. Some 10,000 municipal councillors across Cameroon are voting for 70 members of the upper house for a duration of five years. Appointees to the 30 remaining seats will be named later by President Paul Biya. His party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (RDPC), already holds a large majority in the Senate and is the clear frontrunner in the ballot. The main opposition, the Social Democratic Front (SDF) only has candidates in five of the 10 provinces. The president of the Senate may act as an interim head of state but the chamber only plays a marginal role primarily focused on examining the second reading of draft laws. Authorities closely monitored the ballot in the Northwest and the Southwest provinces, two English-speaking territories that became part of the French-majority country after independence in 1960. Tensions have been flaring in these parts -- accounting for about a fifth of the 23-million-strong population -- since separatists proclaimed the autonomous republic of "Ambazonia" in October last year. The country has had a tortuous colonial history that saw it pass from German rule to French and British hands, and the anglophone minority complain of having long been marginalised by the French-speaking elite. The conflict between rebels and the army has become increasingly serious, as separatists urge the armed forces and government officials to leave the territory. New separatist groups are emerging, while the Yaounde authorities have reduced their communications about the conflict to a minimum. The unrest in the anglophone regions has prompted around 33,000 people to flee to neighbouring Nigeria. Montreal (AFP) - Canada aims to deploy peacekeepers backed by helicopters to join UN Blue Helmets in Mali in August, the country's defense minister said on Sunday. A date had not previously been set by Ottawa, which announced last week that it would send an infantry unit and military trainers along with helicopters to the west African country for 12 months to support an ongoing UN peacekeeping mission (MINUSMA). "We're looking at right now this summer. We're aiming for August," Defense Minister Harjit Sajjan told CTV, acknowledging that Mali "has become a very dangerous mission." The Canadian force will include two Chinook helicopters for logistics and transport, along with four armed Griffon helicopters. The unit will be made up of both men and women, part of a goal previously announced by Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland to increase female participation in peacekeeping. Sajjan has said the Canadians will conduct reconnaissance, facilitate medical evacuations for the 57 UN partner nations already on the ground in Mali, and help plan missions. Canada currently has only 25 soldiers tasked to UN missions and had faced pressure to commit troops to Mali, where there is a need for French-speaking peacekeepers. Created in 2013, MINUSMA has about 11,000 troops. More than 150 have been killed in Mali, making it currently the most dangerous peacekeeping mission in the world. Jihadists have ramped up their activities in the center of the country, targeting domestic and foreign forces in outbreaks of violence once confined to the country's north. Two senior Canadian diplomats were kidnapped and held hostage in northern Mali in 2009. Barcelona (AFP) - Thousands of protesters descended on the streets of Catalonia late Friday after Spain's supreme court detained five separatist leaders for their role in last year's independence bid. The court also issued international arrest warrants for six other Catalan figures who have fled abroad, including former regional president Carles Puigdemont. Twenty-four protesters were lightly injured in clashes with police, emergency services said. Riot police used batons to keep the demonstrators away from the federal government offices in Barcelona. The protest had been called on Thursday, by the radical Committees for the Defence of the Republic (CDR), before the court decisions were announced. Spain's Supreme Court said Friday it would prosecute 13 key Catalan separatists for "rebellion", a crime which carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in jail. Five people were held in custody, including Catalan presidential candidate Jordi Turull who was due Saturday to seek a second round vote in the regional parliament, after failing to be elected earlier in the week. A Supreme Court judge held former Catalan parliament president Carme Forcadell and three former regional ministers alongside Turull. - 'The road to exile' - Judge Pablo Llarena decided that the five posed a flight risk, after Marta Rovira became the latest leading pro-independence figure to flee abroad to escape charges. Rovira ignored the summons and announced she was taking "the road to exile". The deputy leader of the leftwing separatist ERC party, whose chief is currently in jail, is currently in Switzerland, according to Spanish media. Llarena also issued international arrest warrants for former Catalan President Carles Puigdemont, who is in self-imposed exile in Belgium along with four of his former ministers. All five left Spain following a proclamation of independence for Catalonia in October. One of them, Clara Ponsati, has since moved on to Scotland. Story continues Four other separatists had already been detained by the Spanish authorities. In total 25 people, the core of the movement, have been indicted over last year's independence drive. - 'Violent uprising' - The court decisions further inflamed the protesters in Barcelona, some of whom burnt pictures of King Felipe VI, a crime in Spain, as well as photos of judge Llarena. They waved separatist flags and chanted "Freedom for the political prisoners". Another, calmer, rally filled the huge Catalonia Square in central Barcelona. "Catalonia has never felt like part of Spain," said 22-year old Alba Mateu, one of the demonstrators. "There are two million people who want to leave Spain and they can't put us all in prison," his 58-year-old mother Carme Sala added. Catalan television aired footage of more crowds in towns in the region, including Vic and Tarragona. The judicial action in recent weeks has hit the Catalan independence movement, with some of its main players giving up their public roles while others have toned down their rhetoric. Judge Llarena, in announcing his ruling, cited injuries to sixty Spanish policemen who had attempted to prevent an independence referendum from going ahead in Catalonia on October 1. Llarena said he considered that the current "attack on the State" was of a "gravity .. without comparison in neighbouring democracies". The crisis was sparked by a referendum, banned by Madrid, which led to the declaration of independence. That declaration then led to the Spanish authorities imposing direct rule over the region, a situation which has so far lasted five months with Catalonia's autonomy suspended. In his 70-page ruling Llarena set out the reasons for the rebellion charges which imply the existence of a "violent uprising", which some jurists contest. The supreme court judge did not mention the treatment meted out by police on voters queueing by polling stations, images of which were flashed around the world. The separatist parties won regional elections in December called by Madrid after they attempted to secede, retaining their absolute majority in parliament. But they have still not been able to form a government and face growing legal pressures. With numerous leaders abroad or in jail, the separatists have struggled to re-organise or even remain in politics. Three more members of the parliament announced Thursday they were giving up their seats. In a broad alliance swinging from centre-right to far left, the separatists failed to elect a new regional president on Thursday after their most radical faction refused to back Turull in a vote of confidence. A second round parliamentary vote was due to take place Saturday. Barcelona (AFP) - German police on Sunday arrested Catalonia's deposed leader Carles Puigdemont, five months after he went into self-imposed exile in Belgium over his failed bid to break the region away from Spain. Here is a summary of what happened. - Secret escape to Brussels - Madrid is furious when the Catalan parliament votes on October 27 to declare independence in line with a "yes" vote from a banned independence referendum on October 1. It dissolves the parliament, dismisses its separatist leaders, and calls regional elections for December 21. Spanish prosecutors seek to charge Puigdemont and others with rebellion, sedition and misuse of public funds. He and four parliamentarians surface in Brussels on October 30 after reportedly driving to Marseille in France and taking a plane to the Belgian capital. Puigdemont tells reporters he came to Belgium "for safety purposes and freedom". His deputy Oriol Junqueras and other deposed regional ministers are detained on November 2. - Separatists vote back - The December 21 election votes separatist parties back into power with 70 seats combined out of 135. Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy says late December the new regional parliament must reconvene in January and elect a regional president other than Puigdemont. "It is absurd to pretend to be the president of a region when you live abroad," he says. The following day, Puigdemont demands from Brussels that Madrid reinstate his government and "restore all they have expropriated from the Catalans without their say-so". - Puigdemont candidacy backed - Rajoy says on January 15 that Madrid will maintain direct control of Catalonia if Puigdemont tries to govern from exile. He has "to be physically present" in Catalonia to take office, the prime minister says. But on January 22 the speaker of the Catalan parliament formally proposes Puigdemont as president. Interior Minister Juan Ignacio Zoido responds that troops are on alert 24/7 to prevent the Catalan from sneaking home, "even in the boot of a car". Story continues From Brussels, Puigdemont demands the right to return "to contribute to restoring democracy in order to respect election results". - Standoff deepens - Spain reiterates on January 26 that it wants Puigdemont arrested. A "fugitive, someone who is on the run from the law and the courts, cannot be illegitimately sworn in", Deputy Prime Minister Soraya Saenz de Santamaria says. On January 27 the Constitutional Court suspends the official appointment of Puigdemont unless he appears in person. Puigdemont had suggested he could be sworn into office remotely via video conference from Brussels. On January 30 the speaker of parliament postpones a vote to formally re-elect Puigdemont into office. On February 1 the jailed former Catalan vice president, Junqueras, suggests Puigdemont could rule as a "symbolic" president with a fully functioning executive on site. - Abandon and arrest - In a solemn video posted on social media on March 1, Puigdemont announces that he has abandoned his bid for the regional presidency. A Spanish judge on March 23 issues international arrest warrants against Puigdemont and four other Catalan ministers over their role in the region's independence push. German police arrests Puigdemont as he crossed the border with Denmark by car. His lawyer says Puigdemont was on his way back to Belgium from Finland, where he held talks with local lawmakers. By Ryan Woo and Hallie Gu BEIJING (Reuters) - The United States has flouted trade rules with an inquiry into intellectual property and China will defend its interests, Vice Premier Liu He told U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin in a telephone call on Saturday, Chinese state media reported. The call between Mnuchin and Liu, a confidante of President Xi Jinping, was the highest-level contact between the two governments since U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans for tariffs on up to $60 billion of Chinese goods on Thursday. The deepening rift has sent a chill through financial markets and the corporate world as investors predicted dire consequences for the global economy should trade barriers start going up. Several U.S. chief executives attending a high-profile forum in Beijing on Saturday, including BlackRock Inc's Larry Fink and Apple Inc's Tim Cook, urged restraint. In his call with Mnuchin, Liu, a Harvard-trained economist, said China still hoped both sides would remain "rational" and work together to keep trade relations stable, the official Xinhua news agency reported. U.S. officials say an eight-month probe under the 1974 U.S. Trade Act has found that China engages in unfair trade practices by forcing American investors to turn over key technologies to Chinese firms. However, Liu said the investigation report "violates international trade rules and is beneficial to neither Chinese interests, U.S. interests nor global interests", Xinhua cited him as saying. In a statement on its website, the office of the U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said it had filed a request - at the direction of Trump - for consultations with China at the World Trade Organization to address "discriminatory technology licensing agreements". China's commerce ministry expressed regret at the filing on Saturday, and said China had taken strong measures to protect the legal rights and interests of both domestic and foreign owners of intellectual property. Story continues COUNTER MOVES During a visit to Washington in early March, Liu had requested Washington set up a new economic dialogue mechanism, identify a point person on China issues, and deliver a list of demands. The Trump administration responded by telling China to immediately shave $100 billion off its record $375 billion trade surplus with the United States. Beijing told Washington that U.S. export restrictions on some high-tech products are to blame. "China has already prepared, and has the strength, to defend its national interests," Liu said on Saturday. According to an editorial by China's state-run Global Times, it was Mnuchin who called Liu. Firing off a warning shot, China on Friday declared plans to levy additional duties on up to $3 billion of U.S. imports in response to U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminium, imposed after a separate U.S. probe. Zhang Zhaoxiang, senior vice president of China Minmetals Corp, said that while the state-owned mining group's steel exports to the U.S. are tiny, the impact could come indirectly. "China's direct exports to the U.S. are not big. But there will be some impact due to our exports via the United States or indirect exports," Zhang told reporters on the sidelines of the China Development Forum in Beijing on Saturday. Global Times said Beijing was only just beginning to look at means to retaliate. "We believe it is only part of China's countermeasures, and soybeans and other U.S. farm products will be targeted," the widely-read tabloid said in a Saturday editorial. Wei Jianguo, vice chairman of Beijing-based think tank China Centre for International Economic Exchanges, told China Daily that Beijing could impose tariffs on more U.S. products, and is considering a second and even third list of targets. Possible items include aircraft and chips, Wei, a former vice commerce minister, told the newspaper, adding that tourism could be a possible target. SOYBEANS, AUTOS, PLANES The commerce ministry's response had so far been "relatively weak", respected former Chinese finance minister Lou Jiwei said at the forum. "If I were in the government, I would probably hit soybeans first, then hit autos and airplanes," said Lou, currently chairman of the National Council for Social Security Fund. U.S. farm groups have long feared that China, which imports more than third of all U.S. soybeans, could slow purchases of agricultural products, heaping more pain on the struggling U.S. farm sector. U.S. agricultural exports to China stood at $19.6 billion last year, with soybean shipments accounting for $12.4 billion. Chinese penalties on U.S. soybeans will especially hurt Iowa, a state that backed Trump in the 2016 presidential elections. Boeing jets have also been often cited as a potential target by China. China and the U.S. had benefited by globalisation, Blackrock's Larry Fink said at the forum. "I believe that a dialogue and maybe some adjustments in trade and trade policy can be in order. It does not need to be done publicly; it can be done privately," he said. Apple's Tim Cook called for "calm heads" amid the dispute. The sparring has cast a spotlight on hardware makers such as Apple, which assemble the majority of their products in China for export to other countries. Electrical goods and tech are the largest U.S. import item from China. Some economists say higher U.S. tariffs will lead to higher costs and ultimately hurt U.S. consumers, while restrictions on Chinese investments could take away jobs in America. "I don't think local governments in the United States and President Trump hope to see U.S. workers losing their jobs," Sun Yongcai, general manager at Chinese railway firm CRRS Corp, which has two U.S. production plants, said at the forum. (Reporting by Ryan Woo and Hallie Gu; additional reporting by Ben Blanchard, Kevin Yao, Matthew Miller and Cate Cadell; Editing by Richard Pullin) Trebes (France) (AFP) - The bells of the Saint-Etienne church rang out under the grey sky in Trebes on Sunday as hundreds of mourners, both Christian and Muslim, came together to pay their respects to the people who died in the deadly shooting that shook the tiny rural French community two days ago. "Everyone knows each other here. It's a small village, The people who were killed, they were our friends," said a pensioner, Louis, his eyes filled with tears. He was one of more than 100 people who could not fit into the packed church, but stood instead in the biting cold to listen to the mass via loudspeakers on the square outside. Heavily-armed gendarmes patrolled in front of and around the Gothic church and guarded the barriers set up to keep the teams of reporters and camera crews away from the grief-stricken mourners making their way to the memorial service bearing olive or laurel branches. Among the mourners was Sarah, 23, a former employee of the Super U supermarket where the attacker, Radouane Lakdim, shot dead two people on Friday. Wearing a veil and an abaya, she said she feared being shunned, but had decided to attend the service nevertheless. "It's important to be here. I knew the victims," she said. "God is for everyone. We're all human beings. His House is open to everyone," said Rabiha, a Muslim from the nearby village of Carcassonne, where, before laying siege to the supermarket, Lakdim hijacked a car, killing the passenger and leaving the Portuguese driver in a critical condition. An 81-year-old villager called Solange expressed similar sentiments. "It takes a very deep faith to accept all this, this fighting between religions. It is the same god we worship, Muslims, Christians and Jews." Official representatives of the Muslim community were among the congregation inside the church, their faces tight and drawn. "Your presence tell us that the creators of hatred will not win," said the Bishop of Carcassonne and Narbonne, Monsignor Alain Planet, during the service. Story continues - 'Islam has been stabbed' - The Muslim community, and even Islam itself, have been "stabbed by the people who use the symbols that are close to our hearts," said the Imam of the Carcassonne mosque, Mohamed Belmihoub, as he left the service. "'Allah Akbar', is a symbol of the adoration of God. It means that God is greater than hate," he said, adding: "We cannot find the words. We are in shock." The Imam said he attended the service "to prove that France is mother to everyone. We're part of this country. It is multi-coloured, multi-faith France. Everyone has to get this into their heads. We have to live together and fight these lost sheep." The service was held on Palm Sunday, the start of Holy Week for Christians, which culminates in Easter next weekend. Bishop Planet paid tribute to Lieutenant-Colonel Arnaud Beltrame, 44, who was shot and stabbed by Lakdim, after taking the place of a woman hostage whom the attacker had been using as a human shield. "At the beginning of this Holy Week, and as we watch Christ take our place to save us from death, (Beltrame's) gesture takes on a very special meaning, and I'm sure that he was not unaware of it when he made it," the clergyman said. Beltrame "is eternal forever," said Imam Belmihoub. "There are people who know how to die in greatness and people who will remain cowards forever, alive or dead". When the New York International Auto Show kicks off on March 30, the worlds leading manufacturers will showcase a wide range of new high-tech and futuristic vehicles. But there is a downside to all of the smart and connected technology that is finding its way into todays automobiles. While the innovation offers new features and conveniences for consumers, it also makes vehicles more vulnerable to hackers. That is a problem which the auto industry is not fully prepared for and it probably never will be. As cars are increasingly computerized, they are becoming more reliant on software and firmware than ever before. And anyone whos ever owned a PC should know that there is no such thing as 100 percent secure software. Just consider how often computer patches are rolled out. Every software product has some type of inherent vulnerabilities, and even well-designed software still has features and weaknesses which hackers can learn to exploit. As the auto industry turns our cars into computers on wheels and then gives them connectivity via cellular signals, WiFi or Bluetooth, it is enabling new attacks on these systems by malware and remote hackers. Automakers are trying to address these new threats, but there is no way to prevent them completely. A disco-ball mirror covered Electric Drive Smart Car is seen on display at the New York International Auto Show in New York City April 20, 2011. REUTERS/Mike Segar A hacked Jeep Cherokee Adding to the risk, these new vehicle features are managed by technology which has significant underlying vulnerabilities. The CAN bus (controller area network) is essentially the hub for microcontrollers and devices inside the car. This technology dates back to the early 1980s. The ECUs (electronic control units), which are the embedded devices inside the car controlling specific functions, like the engine, suspension, brakes, transmission, speed control, etc., also contain many design weaknesses which can be exploited by a hacker. Security updates and patches are common in the software world. But it is one thing to issue a patch for a vulnerability in a PC and quite another when it is a software glitch in a car that could allow remote access to the transmission. Story continues In 2015, security researchers demonstrated a Hollywood-style cyber attack on a Jeep Cherokee as it drove down a St. Louis highway. The hackers were able to gain remote access from several miles away and control key functions of the car like brakes, steering, and transmission. This is an extreme attack and probably not very likely to occur in the real world at least for now. But it doesnt mean that less sensational threats will be any less worrisome. A smart Jeep being hacker. Photo: Screenshot/Wired. The problem with patching cars Malware and weaponized exploits are a constant issue for every software and firmware company in existence. There is no reason why we wont see them in high numbers for vehicle-related systems as well. The difference, however, is that a vehicle is a critical system interfering with its functionality could mean injury, or even death, for the victim. That means every incident will require a diligent response from the car maker, and government intervention in certain cases is extremely likely. To make matters worse, getting a security patch out to the affected vehicles is not at all easy. At a minimum, for now, drivers will have to install the updates through a USB stick inserted into a dashboard port. In other cases, they may have to physically bring in the smart car to the dealer. Both of those are an imposition on the consumer, which means two things: First, patches will not be implemented as often as they should be, leaving drivers at risk and the automaker liable; Second, every software fix will annoy the consumer, thus harming the brands reputation. There are an estimated 263 technology companies out there that are actively working on various types of automotive products, ranging from in-car software to self-driving vehicle systems. Every one of those software products is likely to have vulnerabilities at some point in its lifecycle that will require a patch to fix. A smart car is seen on a screen while a worker sweeps the stage before the Mercedes-Benz & smart Media Night at the 2015 New York International Auto Show in New York March 31, 2015. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly What investors should consider Last year, the U.S. government set an important precedent for all industries including car makers when it issued a recall for RF-enabled pacemakers. It also set a key precedent for the auto industry when the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched a recall query into Fiat Chrysler Automobiles recall of 1.4 million vehicles for the 2015 Jeep hack. For investors, the key takeaway from both of these incidents is that the U.S. government is taking cyber threats seriously, particularly when they pose a direct danger to a persons physical safety. Given the very nature of the automotive industry, there is a stronger likelihood of government intervention in the aftermath of a significant cyber event than for most other industries. Many investors have grown numb to corporate data breaches since they rarely do much long-term damage to the company. Massive breaches from Target and Home Depot to Yahoo and Uber have come and gone. And while theyve certainly dented the bottom line and in some cases even caused heads to roll at the top, they have rarely disrupted the company to a significant extent. But automakers are different. If a cyber attack succeeds against a particular car model or brand, the results could be extremely disruptive. Consumers could be in immediate physical danger. Injury and/or loss of life could occur. Immediate action will be required. Investors need to think about the cybersecurity issue for car makers because it poses a long-term problem for this industry. How each automaker deals with software security will be critical to its reputation among consumers and to its financial performance. Jason Glassberg is co-founder of Casaba Security, a cybersecurity and ethical hacking firm that advises cryptocurrency businesses, traditional financial institutions, technology companies and Fortune 500s. He is a former cybersecurity executive for Ernst & Young and Lehman Brothers. Minsk (AFP) - Belarusian authorities on Sunday arrested around 30 protesters in Minsk ahead of a banned opposition march while detaining activists across the country, human rights group Viasna said. The Belarusian opposition is marking the 100th anniversary of the short-lived Belarusian People's Republic of 1918-19 that it sees as the foundation of an independent Belarus. It accuses President Alexander Lukashenko of consciously erasing Belarusian identity and "russifying" the former Soviet republic. Viasna said a 90-year-old man was among those arrested. Authorities had earlier in the day detained opposition politicians Mikola Statkevich and Vladimir Nyaklyaev and 12 organisers of the march. Rights groups reported that at least 15 activists were also arrested in the eastern Mogilev region. By Sunday evening most of those arrested in Minsk had been released but Statkevich and Nyaklyaev remained in detention, Viasna said. Lukashenko -- who said Friday that the Belarus republic was a "dismal page of our history" -- did allow March 25 to be publicly celebrated this year for the first time in his 24-year rule. But while the authorities sanctioned a concert in central Minsk the opposition march was banned. Thousands of "Freedom Day" protesters attended Sunday's concert, many carrying the red and white flag of the 1918 republic that has become an opposition symbol. Over 700 people were arrested in last year's March 25 opposition march, prompting warnings from the European Union, which had lifted sanctions on Belarus after Lukashenko freed imprisoned opposition politicians in 2016. Analysts say authorities allowed the holiday to be celebrated to avoid last year's unrest and a possible new reprimand from Brussels. "This topic came up during Lukashenko's meeting with EU commissioners," said analyst Alexander Klaskovskiy. "Europe sent a signal that authorities should let people celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Belarusian People's Republic." Lukashenko, who has ruled Belarus since 1994, had cracked down on the opposition following his re-election in 2010. Cairo (AFP) - Egypt's interior ministry said police on Sunday killed six alleged Islamist militants suspected of involvement in a failed assassination attempt against a security chief. The Alexandria security chief General Mostafa el-Nemr survived a car bombing aimed at his convoy on Saturday, two days ahead of presidential elections. Two policemen were killed. The ministry said in a statement that police tracked down the cell belonging to the militant Hasam movement in Behaira province, killing six of them in an exchange of fire. Police accuse Hasam of being an armed branch of the Muslim Brotherhood, banned after the army ousted the unpopular president Mohamed Morsi, a Brotherhood member, in 2013. The army chief who led the ouster, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, won an election a year later. He is running in this week's election against a little-known rival and is expected to win. CAIRO (Reuters) - Egypt said on Sunday it had deported a British journalist working for the Times newspaper last month because she was working illegally. The Times said on Saturday its correspondent, 33-year-old Bel Trew, who had been based in Cairo for several years, was arrested while reporting on a migrant boat that had vanished two years ago, and forced to leave Egypt with no access to a lawyer. The newspaper described an "increasingly oppressive environment" for media in Egypt ahead of a presidential election starting on Monday. Egypt's State Information Service, which oversees the accreditation of foreign journalists, said in a statement Trew had been expelled partly because she had not applied for a temporary press card, saying this was a "violation". Trew had, however, applied for an annual card, which is required for foreign journalists to work in the country, SIS said. Annual cards for all foreign journalists had been delayed this year due to "technical circumstances", it added. Trew had successfully applied for an annual card for the last five years, SIS said, and criticized her reporting throughout that time as containing "erroneous information". The Times did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Trew went to a Cairo district in February "to practise journalistic work without permission" and "as a result of these two flagrant violations, the Egyptian relevant authorities took its decision to deport the British journalist," SIS said. SIS criticized foreign media for reporting on Trew's expulsion without seeking government comment. Egypt's public prosecutor told state prosecutors last month to take legal action against media outlets found to be publishing false news, statements and rumors following strong official criticism of some foreign media coverage in Egypt. President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said this month any insult by a media organization of the army or police is defamation of the country and treason, rather than freedom of opinion. Reuters sought comment on Saturday from SIS, the interior ministry, and Sisi's office before reporting Trew's deportation but calls and WhatsApp messages were not answered after several hours. Trew said in an article in The Times she was detained by police in central Cairo after conducting an interview with "a man whose nephew, a teenage migrant, had probably drowned at sea trying to get to Italy" and held for hours then was "marched onto a plane" at Cairo airport bound for London. Rights groups say authorities have cracked down on press freedom in the run-up to the March 26-28 presidential election. Egyptian authorities have urged legal action against media outlets they deem to be publishing "fake news", and rights activists say several local journalists have also been arrested in recent months. Egypt says its election will be free and fair and that clamping down on what it deems fake news is necessary for stability. (Editing by David Evans) Elon Musk isn't afraid of a bad idea. In fact, the billionaire CEO recently tweeted, "Creating a rocket company has to be one of the dumbest and hardest ways to 'make money'." Tweet And as USA Today pointed out, the billionaire CEO recently described starting SpaceX and Tesla, the two companies he's best known for founding, as possibly "the dumbest things to do" in terms of new ventures. That's surprising, to say the least, especially considering that Tesla has a market cap over $52 billion, while Forbes values the private rocket company SpaceX at more than $20 billion . "If you were to do a risk-adjusted rate of return estimate on various industry opportunities, I would put building rockets and cars pretty close to the bottom of the list. They would have to be the dumbest things to do," Musk told Jonathan Nolan , the co-creator of HBO's "Westworld," during a SXSW Interactive panel in Austin in March. Musk said he founded SpaceX and became CEO of Tesla because he believed in the companies' abilities to change the world for the better. "I gave basically both SpaceX and Tesla from the beginning a probability of less than 10 percent likelihood to succeed," Musk said, citing the wide array of challenges associated with building rocket ships within the private sector. He also noted the difficulty of launching a mass-market electric car in the ultra-competitive auto industry, where he said there is a "graveyard of companies" that went bankrupt trying to do so. Despite the risks, Musk said he wanted to find solutions for "things that don't seem to be working that are important for our life and for the future to be good." And Musk's career shows that he is nothing if not a risk-taker. Musk has said that a "crazy" number of people tried talking him out of going into the rocket business before he founded SpaceX in 2002. "One good friend of mine collected a whole series of videos of rockets blowing up and made me watch those. He just didn't want me to lose all my money," Musk said on CBS's " 60 Minutes " in 2014. Story continues Musk reportedly earned $180 million in 2002 from eBay's $1.5 billion purchase of PayPal. Musk had been the largest shareholder of the money-transfer service after it merged with his own online payments company, X.com, in 2000. Musk said during his talk at SXSW, that after the sale of PayPal, he was trying to decide between new ventures involving either electric cars (he had planned to study "advanced energy storage techniques for electric vehicles" at Stanford before dropping out of his PhD program at age 24) or space. He felt that space ventures were the least likely to attract a lot of entrepreneurs. "I thought, 'nobody is going to be crazy enough to do space, so I'd better do space,'" said Musk. But instead of focusing solely on what was already an ambitious venture in SpaceX, Musk decided two years later, in 2004, to get involved with Tesla, leading a Series A investment round and joining the company's board as chairman. At SXSW, Musk said it was the "biggest mistake of my career" to think that he could easily balance his time between SpaceX and Tesla. Instead, Musk noted, SpaceX had to endure a series of failures before becoming a viable private rocket manufacturer. In 2008, SpaceX nearly died completely, as the company's first three launches of its first rocket, the Falcon 1, failed. A fourth failure "would have been absolutely game over," Musk said, speaking about that period at the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) conference in Adelaide, Australia in 2017. Luckily, the fourth launch attempt was successful, and the company then landed a government contract from NASA worth about $1.6 billion . Tesla also nearly went bankrupt in 2008, Musk has said , and the company continues to face challenges that include current production delays on the company's Model 3 sedan. Nevertheless, Tesla's shareholders recently approved a $2.6 billion stock compensation plan for Musk. Meanwhile, Musk is still not shying away from taking on further risky ventures, such as the cheekily named The Boring Company's plan to dig tunnels and build an ambitious high-speed, underground transportation system. (Musk has even sold more than 50,000 branded hats at $20 each, as well as 20,000 flamethrowers for $500 a pop, to raise money for The Boring Company.) Musk also confirmed to CNBC Make It that he's looking to get into the media business with a new venture called "Thud," which he's reportedly staffing with former writers for the satirical publication The Onion. "It's pretty obvious that comedy is the next frontier after electric vehicles, space exploration and brain-computer interfaces," Musk recently told CNBC Make It via a Tesla spokesperson. "Don't know how anyone's not seeing this." If Musk is concerned about any of his multiple risky ventures, he isn't letting on. At SXSW, Jonathan Nolan asked the billionaire if he tries to plan around failures based on his experience dealing with SpaceX and Tesla obstacles in the past. "I don't really have a business plan," Musk said at SXSW, noting that he hasn't had a formal business plan since he launched Zip2, his first successful startup in 1995. "These things are just always wrong, so I didn't bother with business plans after that." Don't miss: Elon Musk explains his motivation to succeed: "There need to be things that inspire you" Like this story? Like us on Facebook ! This story has been updated. More From CNBC Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called a group of anti-war students terrorists Saturday in response to demonstrations at one of the countrys top universities. Erdogan also announced an investigation into protests that happened at the public Bogazici University while speaking in Samsun province. We wont give these terrorist youth the right to study at these universities, said Erdogan, according to the Associated Press. Trending: Elon Musk's Father Errol Says Child With Stepdaughter Was 'God's Plan' On Monday a group of students at the school distributed candy to commemorate the deaths of Turkish soldiers killed in operations in northern Syria. Anti-war students then began protesting the stand students had set up to hand out the candy. The incident was the beginning of a week of pro and anti-war demonstrations at the university in Istanbul where at least 12 students were detained, according to state-run Anadolu Agency. GettyImages-934942764 Hakan Goktepe/AFP/GETTY A local television channel reported that three students were taken into custody Sunday morning after their dorms and homes were raided by police. Turkey has cracked down on all kinds of dissent and has even arrested people who have protested the war in Syria on social media, according to the Associated Press. Don't miss: Remington: Gun Maker Files for Bankruptcy Amid School Shooting Protests Turkey began the offensive called Operation Olive Branch into the Afrin region of northern Syria earlier this year. Erdogan previously got into a verbal spat with U.S. forces in the region over operations there. The Turkish president threatened action into the Syrian town of Manbij where U.S. forces were stationed. U.S. Lt. Gen. Paul Funk, a coalition commander in Syria, then told the New York Times that his forces would respond to aggressively to threats. Erdogan responded by taunting him in comments to the Turkish parliament. Story continues It is very clear that those who say we will respond aggressively if you hit us have never experienced an Ottoman slap, said Erdogan last month. Turkish forces announced that they had taken full control of Afrin Saturday, according to state media, an operation which Kurdish forces contend has displaced thousands of people. This article was first written by Newsweek More from Newsweek Brussels (AFP) - The EU's diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini held crisis talks with the bloc's ambassador to Moscow Sunday after he was recalled over the poisoning of a former Russian spy in England. EU leaders summoned envoy Markus Ederer back to Brussels for consultations as international pressure builds on Moscow over the attempted assassination of Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in the British city of Salisbury. At a summit on Friday, the bloc unanimously backed Britain's assessment that the Kremlin was to blame for the incident -- the first offensive use of a nerve agent in Europe since World War 2. In a brief statement on Sunday, Mogherini's office said she had held "consultations with the Head of European Union Delegation in the Russian Federation". No further details were given beyond saying Ederer would "continue institutional consultations in the coming days". A number of European countries are expected to take further steps to punish Moscow on Monday, with the Czech Republic, Lithuania, Denmark and Ireland considering expelling Russian diplomats. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Friday that further coordinated actions were "necessary" to respond to the attack, while French officials have said Paris too was ready to act. Britain and Russia have expelled 23 of each other's diplomats in tit-for-tat exchanges, while Moscow has also shut down the operations of the British Council cultural organisation in its territory. Moscow denies any involvement in the attack on the Skripals and has accused Britain of orchestrating a campaign against it. On Saturday the BBC reported that Skripal had written to Russian President Vladimir Putin several years ago asking for a pardon for selling secrets to British intelligence. Skripal, 66, and his 33-year-old daughter are both in a coma after being poisoned with a nerve agent -- identified as the Soviet-made "Novichok" by the British government -- on March 4. WASHINGTON Before the scandal broke over their improper use of Facebook user data, British consulting firm Cambridge Analytica and its parent, SCL Group, plied their trade of political subterfuge for clients in developing countries. Call it techno-colonialism the idea that the leaner parts of the world are where you go to conduct your beta tests. Like so much else about Cambridge Analytica and SCL, they were merely putting a sinister flourish on something the tech industry does as a matter of course. The most obvious example comes from the company that most wants to distance itself from Cambridge Analytica: Facebook. Back in 2015, the social media giant faced a wave of criticism for deploying a new program in India, called Free Basics, that handed out mobile phones to the poor that operated only Facebook products. One of the companys defenders, venture capitalist Marc Andreessen, blurted out on Twitter, Anti-colonialism has been economically catastrophic for the Indian people for decades. Why stop now? (He would later apologize.) But the kerfuffle didnt stop Facebook from continuing to treat smaller and developing countries as its corporate testing ground. In the fall of 2017, Facebook decided to run a test in six countries Bolivia, Cambodia, Guatemala, Serbia, Slovakia and Sri Lanka that split users feeds into two separate streams of posts. One was devoted to updates from family and friends; the other to official pages of organizations like news sites and political figures. No one from Facebook told anyone in those countries the company would be running this experiment. News publishers were left in dark. So were non-governmental organizations, political parties and activists. (Photo: Luke MacGregor / Bloomberg via Getty Images) The result was a nightmare. News publishers, particularly smaller, independent media, immediately noticed a collapse in traffic to their sites. NGOs that relied on Facebook to communicate with the people they were trying to serve saw their online interactions evaporate. Activists similarly found that their messages had disappeared from the main feed. Story continues Facebooks goal was to see whether filtering news and politics into a separate feed would increase meaningful conversations, a vague metric that has nonetheless guided how the company is changing its algorithm to combat the spread of propaganda on its site. Had the experiment gone well, the product change might have been brought to larger, wealthier nations. But it didnt go well and Facebook ended it on March 1. People in the original six countries were left to wonder why they were the guinea pigs. Fabiola Chambi, web editor for the Bolivian newspaper Los Tiempos, told The New York Times that she wanted to know, Why Bolivia? We dont have any way to hold [Facebook] accountable either, aside from calling it out publicly, Stefan Dojcinovic, editor-in-chief of the Serbian site KRIK, wrote in an op-ed. Maybe thats why it has chosen to experiment with this new feature in small countries far removed from the concerns of most Americans. Filip Struharik, an editor at Slovakias Dennik N, wrote, Facebook would not dare undertake such crazy experiments in big countries like Germany. There it would not only face exponentially larger resistance, but would also risk politicians responding with a push for tough regulation. Cambridge Analytica and SCL went gallivanting about the struggling world, too although unlike Facebook, they were explicit about wanting to affect events on the ground. The company bragged about running a voter suppression campaign for a political party in Nigerias 2007 election, which election observers said suffered from extreme levels of fraud, violence and intimidation. The Guardian reported that Cambridge Analytica was even offered the hacked emails of Muhammadu Buhari, the opposition politician running against their client, President Goodluck Jonathan, in Nigerias 2015 election. The firms leaders have admitted to running a campaign in Latvia to heighten divisions between ethnic Latvians and ethnic Russians for political purposes. An undercover sting by reporters at U.K. Channel 4 revealed the power Cambridge Analytica had in Kenya, where it worked on three successive elections that were marred by a barrage of divisive digital propaganda and disinformation favoring President Uhuru Kenyattas ruling Jubilee Party. Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga (center) lost three successive elections to Uhuru Kenyatta, who had hired Cambridge Analytica. (Photo: Stringer / Reuters) We have rebranded the entire party twice, written their manifesto, done two rounds of 50,000 surveys, Mark Turnbull, managing director of Cambridge Analyticas political division, told undercover reporters in speaking about his firms work for the Jubilee Party. Then wed write all the speeches and wed stage the whole thing. So just about every element of his campaign. The elections on which Cambridge Analytica worked in African nations shared fear-based themes that would now be recognizable to anyone in the U.S. Kenyans were warned in ads that the election of opposition leader Raila Odinga would lead to an invasion of Ethiopian refugees, attacks from Somalian terrorists and an epidemic of disease. In Nigeria, Cambridge Analytica cooked up a video that claimed electing Buhari would mean Sharia for all. Facebook can try to deflect criticism for aiding the actions of Cambridge Analytica by suggesting its perversion of Facebook data was somehow unique. But the history of the two companies and their like-button colonialism suggests otherwise. Now that politicians and regulators in the U.S. and European Union are paying attention to the abusive practices of both Cambridge Analytica and Facebook, perhaps they could examine how these companies are manipulating people abroad before bringing their tactics home. Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. Mexican authorities have announced that the Iowa family of four who were found dead inside of their vacation condo in Akumal died from inhalation of toxic gases. "Any violent act or suicide has been discounted, the prosecutors' office in the Caribbean coast state of Quintana Roo said. Police are now investigating gas connections in the room, they said. The family - Kevin Wayne Sharp, 41, Amy Marie Sharp, 38, Sterling Wayne Sharp, 12, and Adrianna Maria Sharp, 7 were visiting Mexico on vacation when family members got worried. Relatives reported them missing to the U.S. embassy on Friday. The family was supposed to return from their trip on Wednesday. When police went to do a welfare check, they found the parents and their two children deceased inside of thee condo. There was reportedly no sign of foul play. Amys mother, Beth Fry, told the Des Moines Register that half my family is gone. Were determined. We have love and support and family and friends and we will get through this. One way or another, we will, Fry said. RELATED STORIES Mexican Inspectors Find Tiger Cub in Express Mail Package Are Mexican Resorts Serving Up Tainted Booze? Mexican Man Whose Wife Voted for Trump Is Deported: 'They Suddenly Told Me It Was Time to Go' Related Articles: A self-taught rocket man who believes the earth is flat blasted himself 1,875 feet into the air, in an effort to reach orbit and reassure himself the world is shaped like a Frisbee. Mad Mike Hughes, who has been likened to cartoon character Wile E. Coyote, propelled himself into the sky in a homemade rocket on Saturday, landing hard in the Mojave Desert. The 61-year-old limo driver said he was fine apart from his aching back after the launch near Amboy, California. Im tired of people saying I chickened out and didnt build a rocket, he said after being checked out by paramedics. Im tired of that stuff; I manned up and did it. Mr Hughes worked on overhauling his rocket in his garage for months before the launch on Saturday, which was given the go-ahead by Albert Okura, who owns Amboy. Mad Mike Hughes is checked by paramedics after his homemade rocket trip (AP) He converted a mobile home into a ramp and modified it to launch from a vertical angle so he would not fall back to the ground on public land. It appeared Saturday might bring another string of cancellations, given the wind was blowing and his rocket was losing steam. But some time after 3pm, and without a countdown, Mr Hughes rocket soared into the sky. He reached a speed he estimated to be around 350mph before pulling his parachute. The limo driver was dropping too fast, though, and had to deploy a second one. He landed with a thud and the rockets nose broke in two places as designed. This thing wants to kill you 10 different ways, said Mr Hughes, who had an altimeter in his cockpit to measure his altitude. Am I glad I did it? Yeah, I guess. Ill feel it in the morning. I wont be able to get out of bed. Mike Hughes, who believes the earth is flat, said his story has brought out the nuts (AP) At least I can go home and have dinner and see my cats tonight, he added. The launch is said to have lasted three to four minutes, with the rocket landing about 1,500 feet from the ramp. According to Mr Hughes, he also launched a rocket 1,374ft into the air in Arizona in 2014 before collapsing and taking three days to recover. Story continues Social media users mocked Mr Hughes mission, posting messages such as Hell be fine next to a picture of Wile E. Coyote strapped to a rocket. I hope he doesnt blow something up, retired Nasa astronaut Jerry Linenger said as Hughes plans captured widespread attention. Mr Linenger orbited the globe more than 2,000 times during four months in 1997. Rocketry, as our private space companies found out, isnt as easy as it looks, he added. Hughes often sparred with his critics on social media leading up to the launch, through Facebook comments and a 12-minute video addressed to his doubters My story really is incredible, he said. Its got a bunch of story lines the garage-built thing. Im an older guy. Its out in the middle of nowhere, plus the Flat Earth. The problem is it brings out all the nuts also, people questioning everything. Its the downside of all this. The self-taught rocket man added: Do I believe the Earth is shaped like a Frisbee? I believe it is, he said. Do I know for sure? No. Thats why I want to go up in space. In the future Mr Hughes wants to build a Rockoon a rocket that is carried into the atmosphere by a gas-filled balloon, then separated from the balloon and lit which would take him about 68 miles up. He also plans to run for governor of California. Related: Inside a Flat Earth Convention, Where Nearly Everyone Believes Earth Isn't Round Additional reporting by Associated Press Associated Press The boyfriend of Gabby Petito, whose body was found at a national park in Wyoming after a cross-country trip with him, was charged with unauthorized use of a debit card as searchers continued looking for him Thursday in Florida swampland. A federal grand jury indictment filed in U.S. District Court in Wyoming alleges Brian Laundrie used a Capital One Bank card and someone's personal identification number to make unauthorized withdrawals or charges worth more than $1,000 during the period in which Petito went missing. FBI spokeswoman Courtney Bernal declined to reveal the nature of the charges made to the debit card. By Sam Edwards and Jussi Rosendahl BARCELONA/HELSINKI (Reuters) - Facing arrest by Finnish authorities acting on an international warrant issued by Spain, former Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont has left Finland and was headed to Belgium, a Finnish lawmaker and ally said on Saturday. Puigdemont left Finland on Friday after Spain announced its request to have him detained, and was bound for Belgium where he plans to cooperate with authorities regarding Spains attempts to extradite him, said legislator Mikko Karna, who hosted the Catalan leader during his two-day trip to the country. If he returns to Spain, Puigdemont faces up to 25 years in prison on charges of rebellion and sedition for his part in organising a referendum on secession last year. Earlier on Saturday, Finnish police said they had received the arrest order and would begin the normal extradition process upon locating the Catalan leader, who was thought still to be in the country at that time. In an interview with Spanish radio station Catalunya Radio earlier, Puigdemonts lawyer, Jaume Alonso-Cuevillas, had said his client would present himself to Finnish police. Puigdemont went into self-imposed exile in Belgium last year, shortly after the Catalan parliament made a symbolic declaration of independence from Spain. He arrived in Finland on Thursday to meet lawmakers and attend a conference. On Friday, Spanish supreme court judge Pablo Llarena ruled that 25 separatist politicians, including Puigdemont, would face trial on charges of rebellion, embezzlement or disobeying the state. Of those, five were sent on Friday to pre-trial jail, among them Jordi Turull, a close ally of Puigdemont who was due to be put forward for a second vote on Saturday to become the next regional president. With Turull in jail and unable to attend a session for which his presence is obligatory, Catalan parliament speaker Roger Torrent cancelled the vote, holding in its place a debate, which frequently became heated and saw members of one opposition party abandon the chamber in protest. Story continues Speaking after the end of the debate, accompanied by various other heads of parties and in front of a crowd of supporters, Torrent described Madrids legal action as an attack on the heart of democracy. Locking up people for their political ideas and pursuing those that refuse to renounce them is to put an end to the freedom of political thought, Torrent said, urging Catalan politicians to form a coalition to oppose Madrids actions. (Reporting by Jussi Rosendahl and Sam Edwards; Editing by Mark Potter and Dale Hudson) By Sam Edwards and Joseph Nasr BARCELONA/BERLIN (Reuters) - Former Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont was detained in Germany on Sunday, five months after entering self-imposed exile from Spain, where he faces up to 25 years in prison for organizing an illegal secession referendum last year. Puigdemont had entered Germany from Denmark after leaving Finland on Friday when it appeared that police would arrest him there and begin an extradition process requested by Spain. The detention threatens to worsen the Catalan crisis that flared last year when the region made a symbolic declaration of independence, prompting Madrid to take direct rule. Tens of thousands of Catalans, many of them wearing yellow in support of jailed separatist leaders, demonstrated in Barcelona on Sunday afternoon, chanting "Puigdemont, our president" and "freedom for political prisoners." In a smaller parallel protest outside the central government delegation in the Catalan capital, three people were arrested and 50 suffered minor injuries after protesters clashed with riot police. Catalan parliament speaker Roger Torrent called for a broad coalition in defense of civil liberties and sovereign rights in a televised address on Sunday evening. "No judge, no government and no civil servant has right to charge and pursue the president of all Catalans," he said. Torrent called for "calm and responsibility" following the scuffles. Spains Supreme Court ruled on Friday that 25 Catalan leaders would be tried for rebellion, embezzlement or disobeying the state and reactivated international arrest warrants for Puigdemont and four other politicians who went into self-imposed exile last year. Among those subject to the arrest order, Clara Ponsati, a former Catalan minister now living in Scotland, told authorities she would turn herself in, Scottish police said in a statement on Sunday afternoon. The other three Catalan leaders are in Belgium. German police arrested Puigdemont on Sunday in the northern state of Schleswig-Holstein on a European arrest warrant issued by Spain. In a statement, police said Puigdemont was detained near a section of the A7 highway, which cuts through the state from the city of Flensburg near the Danish border. Puigdemont was later transferred to Neumuenster prison, German news agency DPA reported. German magazine Focus said that Spanish intelligence informed the BKA federal police that Puigdemont was on his way from Finland to Germany. It gave no source for its report. He had arrived in Finland on Thursday to meet lawmakers and attend a conference as part of a campaign to raise the profile of the Catalan independence movement in Europe. EXTRADITION ISSUE The Higher Regional Court in Schleswig-Holstein will be responsible for deciding whether to grant Spains extradition request. The European arrest warrant system in place since 2004 makes it easier for EU countries to demand extradition from other EU states, having removed political decision-making from the process. EU nations issue thousands of such warrants each year. Puigdemont will appear in court tomorrow to have his remand extended, German prosecutors said in a statement. Paul Bekaert, who represents Puigdemont in Belgium, where he had been subject to an arrest warrant in December, said his client rang him after being detained in Germany and had appeared calm during the conversation. Bekaert told Reuters TV that his client would have to appear before a German judge within 48 hours to determine whether or not to keep him in custody. Puigdemont will take German legal representation, Bekaert said, with the whole legal process, including possible appeals, likely to take months. Puigdemont could take his case to Germanys highest court, which in 2005 blocked the extradition to Spain on an EU arrest warrant of a German-Syrian al-Qaeda suspect. The case of Mamoun Darkazanli sparked a judicial row between the two countries after Germanys Federal Constitutional court refused to turn over Darkazanli, saying that EU extradition laws designed to speed up the delivery of suspects between member states violated the rights of German citizens. Puigdemont has previously made clear his preference to fight the extradition process from Belgium, where the former Catalan leader was heading at the time of his detention, according to Puigdemonts spokesman, Joan Maria Pique. "The president was going to Belgium to put himself, as always, at the disposal of Belgian justice," Pique told Reuters. The Spanish Supreme Court had issued an international arrest warrant against Puigdemont last year but withdrew it in December to avoid the risk of Belgian authorities granting him asylum. Leaving Belgium had exposed him again to the risk of arrest. Supreme Court judge Pablo Llarena also sent five separatist leaders to pre-trial jail, sparking protests across Catalonia. (Additional reporting by Andres Gonzalez in Madrid and Thorsten Severin in Berlin; Writing by Julien Toyer; Editing by Matthew Mpoke Bigg) Mogadishu (AFP) - At least four people were killed Sunday in a suicide car bomb attack in central Mogadishu, police and witnesses said. "There was a blast at a checkpoint close to the interior ministry. Four people were killed including two members of the security forces," Abdulahi Mohamed, a police officer in the capital, told AFP. The other two victims were civilians. "We dont have the details yet but the indications show that a bomber was involved trying to pass by the security checkpoint," he added. According to the official and witnesses, the car blew up before the security forces were able to inspect it. "I saw the bodies of two soldiers and two civilians," eyewitness Cise Abdurahman said. "The explosion was significant and the car was reduced to pieces. It exploded between two concrete barriers" at the checkpoint, he added. It was the second car bomb attack this week in the Somali capital after one blew up Thursday outside a popular hotel, killing 14 people. Al-Qaeda-affiliated Shabaab jihadists has claimed responsibility for both attacks. Mogadishu is regularly hit by bomb attacks carried out by Shabaab which is fighting to overthrow Somalia's internationally-backed government. In February twin car bombings left 38 people dead in the Somali capital. In October last year, Somalia suffered its deadliest-ever attack in which more than 500 people were killed in a truck bombing in a busy part of the city. In the wake of that attack, Somalia's government declared a fresh offensive against Shabaab. Arnaud Beltrame, the policeman who died after being seriously injured during the siege, was praised by Emmanuel Macron - Maxppp Gunman shot dead after taking hostages in Trebes, France Attacker named as petty criminal Redouane Lakdim, 26 At least two people killed in store and dozen more wounded Attacker also shot a driver in the head and stole his car Gunman 'shouted Allahu Akbar' and 'said he supported Isil' Military officer, 45, dies in hospital after swapping himself for hostage A French policeman shot by an Islamist gunman when he swapped himself for a hostage in a supermarket siege has died. Arnaud Beltrame, a lieutenant-colonel in the gendarmerie, was hailed a hero after the attacker - who killed four people in a shooting spree - was shot dead by police. Mr Beltrame was among the officers who rushed to the scene when the assailant stormed the store in the southwest town of Trebes, firing on shoppers and staff before taking a hostage. Gerard Collomb, the interior minister, announced early on Saturday that Mr Beltrame had passed away after he was reportedly hit by several bullets and one injury to the throat. "Lieutenant Colonel Arnaud Beltrame has left us. France will never forget his heroism, his bravery, his sacrifice." Arnaud Beltrame, the policeman who died after being seriously injured during the siege, was praised by Emmanuel Macron Credit: BOYER Claude In an interview in December with the local Independent newspaper, Mr Beltrame said he had taken part in an attack simulation in Carcassonne that centred around a mass attack in a supermarket. "A mass killing took place in a supermarket. This is the only information that was given to the police," he was quoted by the newspaper as saying, describing the simulation scenario. "We want to be closer to real conditions, so there is no pre-established scenario". Emmanuel Macron, the French President, called Mr Beltrame a hero. "He saved lives and honoured his colleagues and his country," President Macron said of the officer. Arnaud Beltrame poses for a photo in Avranches, western France Credit: AP The gunman was identified as 26-year-old Redouane Lakdim, a petty criminal of Moroccan origin who claimed allegiance to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (Isil). Story continues He opened fire on passengers in a car, killing one of them, then shoot dead another two people at the supermarket. The gunman was eventually killed in the police assault after a standoff of more than three hours. He reportedly shouted "Allahu Akbar" as he burst into the Super U store on the outskirts of the picturesque medieval town of around 5,000 inhabitants. Eyewitnesses told French media that Lakdim demanded the release of Salah Abdeslam, the only surviving member of the 2015 Paris jihadist attacks that killed 130 people, and said he was taking revenge for the international coalition bombing Isil targets in Syria. "He was known by the police for petty crimes, we had monitored him and did not think he had been radicalised," Interior Minister Gerard Collomb told reporters at the scene in Trebes. Radouane Lakdim, who authorities have named as the 26-year-old attacker responsible for the death of at least three people in southwest France Credit: Getty Lakdim was described by a neighbour as a "pleasant young man" who lived with his parents and sisters in a flat in Carcassonne, taking the youngest children to school every day. The incident in Trebes came as France is still on high alert after suffering a string of terror attacks since January 2015. Lakdim began his shooting spree in his home town, whose huge medieval castle makes it a tourist hotspot, around 10 am local time when he hijacked a car, shooting dead a passenger and seriously injuring its driver. Then he fired at a group of CRS riot policemen who were jogging near the castle in Carcassonne and wounded one of them. Gendarmes and police officers at the supermarket after the hostage situation in Trebes Credit: REGIS DUVIGNAU /Reuters The attacker then drove off towards Trebes, about five miles away, where he dumped the hijacked vehicle in the car park of a supermarket before storming into the Super U store, and shooting dead a shop worker and a customer. Other customers and staff fled or hid, with one group hiding themselves in the supermarket's cold store Christian Guibbert was one of them. He described how he heard gunshots when he arrived at the supermarket with his wife and sister-in-law, who hid in the cold room while he called police. He saw the attacker holding a handgun and a knife screaming "Allahu Akbar" and ordering people to get on the ground. "At one point he saw me and took after me with his knife," Mr Guibbert told Reuters. "Then I looked back and he wasn't there any more and I slipped out of an emergency exit. Police arrived shortly after the start of the siege at around 11am. "They managed to get some of the people out," said Interior Minister Collomb, but the attacker kept one woman hostage to use as a human shield. Carcassonne shooing - locator map It was then that Mr Beltrame, the 45-year-old lieutenant-colonel, offered to take the woman's place and remained holed up with Lakdim while negotiations to end the standoff continued. The officer "left his telephone on the table", switched on, to allow police surrounding the building in to listen in, said Mr Collomb. "When we heard shots the GIGN (an elite police force) intervened," the minister said. A team of about a dozen officers entered the building and quickly shot dead the attacker. 'We got him, we got him!," one police officer shouted as he re-emerged from the building, according to an eyewitness account by a journalist from the local newspaper La Depeche. An officer from the GIGN team was also hurt in the operation to neutralise the gunman. 3:37PM Theresa May: We stand in solidarity with our friends and allies in France After the "cowardly" attacks, Theresa May, the Prime Minister, said Britain stands "in solidarity with our friends and allies in France, just as they always stand with us": PM: My thoughts are with the victims of the cowardly attacks in Trebes and Carcassonne. We stand in solidarity with our friends and allies in France, just as they always stand with us. UK Prime Minister (@10DowningStreet) March 23, 2018 3:25PM Elite officer who swapped places with hostage kept phone on so colleagues could hear conversation with attacker The unnamed police officer who volunteered to swap his place with a hostage managed to leave his phone on so his colleagues outside could hear his conversation with the attacker. French Interior Minister Gerard Collomb praised the "heroism" of the 45-year-old lieutenant-colonel, who suffered a bullet wound during the assault in which the hostage-taker was shot dead by police and is seriously injured. Mr Collomb said he managed to leave his mobile phone switched on after the swap, establishing a contact with officers outside the supermarket in the stand-off. Mr Collomb said elite French forces stormed the market and killed the gunman after hearing gunshots inside. He did not say how or when the police officer was injured. French security and police gather outside the Super U supermarket in the town of Trebes Credit: PASCAL PAVANI /AFP France Info radio reported that police at first negotiated with the attacker and persuaded him to agree to swap an unspecified number of hostages - perhaps all of them - for an officer from the GIGN unit present at the scene. The GIGN is an elite tactical unit of the Gendarmerie whose operations include hostage rescue, counter-terrorism, and the protection of top government officials. 3:00PM Isil claims responsibility for France attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (Isil) has claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement, but gave no evidence for the claim. 2:59PM Police officer who swapped himself for hostage suffered bullet wound Interior Minister Gerard Collomb has confirmed that a gendarme who offered himself in exchange for hostages held in the supermarket was injured. He said that the lieutenant-colonel suffered a bullet wound during the assault in which the hostage taker was shot dead by police. Gendarmes of the French special unit GIGN are seen next to the Trebes supermarket Credit: REGIS DUVIGNAU /Reuters 2:48PM Attacker named as 26-year-old Redouane Lakdim The man who killed at least three people in attacks in southern France was a 26-year old known for petty crimes and possession of drugs, Interior Minister Gerard Collomb told reporters, adding that he acted alone. Collomb named the attacker as Redouane Lakdim and said he was from nearby Carcassonne, where the attacks started. "He was known for petty crimes. We had monitored him and thought there was no radicalisation," Collomb said. 2:35PM Attacker was 'radicalised petty criminal under surveillance' The suspect in a supermarket hostage-taking in southern France who killed three people is believed to have acted alone, the French interior minister has said. He described the unnamed attacker as a "radicalised petty criminal under surveillance". Although he was known to authorities, he was "not considered an Islamist threat", the minister added. A military helicopter flies over the village of Trebes during the incident Credit: JEAN-PAUL PELISSIER /Reuters 2:30PM Suspect was 'pleasant young man who... always had a nice word to say' Police have raided the home in Carcassonne of the man suspected of carrying out the supermarket attack in Trebes, Le Parisien newspaper reported. It said police had also raided the homes of his associates and relatives. One neighbour told the newspaper the suspect was a pleasant young man who was "calm, friendly, and always had a nice word to say." He reportedly lived in an apartment block with his parents and sisters, and would take the youngest child to school every day. 2:17PM 'We got him!' shouts police officer after attacker is shot dead A police officer emerged from the supermarket where the hostage-taker was holed up and shouted: "We got him, we got him!" A journalist from the local La Depeche newspaper described the scene as police moved in to put an end to the incident. They wrote: "I saw a dozen police from the GIGN (an elite police corps specialised in hostage and terror situations) go inside the Super U supermarket. "From the outside you couldn't hear any shots being fired. Very quickly after this assault ambulances and a helicopter arrived at the car park. "Then security forces sent sniffer dogs into the building. I saw a police officer come out, shouting: 'We got him, we got him!" French gendarmes block access to Trebes, where a man took hostages Credit: ERIC CABANIS /AFP 2:13PM President Emmanuel Macron: 'All evidence suggests' this is terror attack French President Emmanuel Macron said "all evidence suggests" the shootings in southern France are a terrorist attack. Speaking in Brussels, where he is attending an EU summit, Macron offered his "full support" to everyone involving in the situation. French President Emmanuel Macron speaking on Friday afternoon Credit: Geert Vanden Wijngaert /AP 2:10PM Military officer swapped himself for supermarket hostage Interior Minister Gerard Collomb confirmed that French police killed the gunman who was holed up in the Super U store. It also emerged that a French military officer took the place of a supermarket hostage. The 45-year old lieutenant-colonel swapped himself in exchange of one of the hostages, a source close to the investigation said. 1:50PM Breaking: Police shoot supermarket attacker dead The suspect in the hostage-taking situation has been shot dead by police, a police union official confirmed. 1:30PM Gunman shot motorist in head before stealing car to drive to supermarket Police have found a body in bushes in Carcassonne and another man there who suffered bullet wounds is being treated in hospital, local media reported. The gunman is believed to have shot a motorist in the head - and also injured the passenger - before stealing the car to drive to the Trebes supermarket. Bruno Bartocetti, the regional representative of the SGP police union, said the Carcassonne attacker is believed to the same person who has taken hostages in Trebes. Local media report that the Trebes attacker is a Moroccan man who lived in Carcassonne. 1:19PM Customers escape after hiding in freezer room for an hour One woman who was shopping in the Trebes supermarket when the attacker burst in said she and other customers hid in a freezer room for an hour before managing to escape. "A man started shouting and fired a gun several times," the shopper, who was not named, told France Info radio. "I saw a door into a freezer room and I told other people around me to come and take refuge there. There were ten of us and we stayed there for an hour. "There were more shots and we eventually got out through an emergency exit at the back." Another witness said the attacker was armed with a gun, knives and a hand grenade. Armed police outside the supermarket on Friday morning Credit: REUTERS 1:16PM Attack comes after string of atrocities in France The attacker holed up in the supermarket in Trebes has reportedly claimed allegiance to Isil. If that is confirmed, the incident would be the first deadly jihadist attack in France since last October, when two young women were stabbed to death outside the main railway station in Marseille. The incident in Trebes, a picturesque medieval town of around 5,000 inhabitants, come as France is still on high alert after suffering a string of terror attacks since January 2015, when a gun attack by radical Islamists on the satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo killed 12 people. The deadliest assault came in November the same year, when attackers claiming allegiance to Isil killed 130 people in bombings and shootings at bars, restaurants, the Bataclan concert venue and the national stadium. Paris terror attacks: The 25 images that define the tragedy in France The following July, in another attack claimed by Isil, a man drove a truck through revellers celebrating Bastille Day in the Riviera resort of Nice, killing 84 people. The government put the country under a state of emergency after the Paris attacks. This was was finally lifted in October last year, but soldiers continue to patrol major tourist sites and transport hubs. 1:05PM Car used by man in police shooting found at supermarket - police sources The car of the man who fired at riot police near Carcassonne has been found in the car park of the supermarket where an armed man has holed up after reportedly killing at least one person, AFP has reported citing police sources. This would suggest that - as suspected - the two attacks were carried out by the same man. A damaged vehicle in the spot where police officers were shot at and wounded near the town of Carcassonne Credit: Amenvals Nathalie /PA 12:38PM Police confirm at least two people killed in hostage-taking French police have confirmed that two people have been killed and about a dozen wounded in the supermarket hostage-taking. However, the casualty toll is likely to rise, the regional head of the gendarmes said. "We are unfortunately expecting to find more victims," he told Sud-Ouest newspaper. A spokesman with the national police service said that it is unclear whether there are still hostages inside the store. The spokesman said a police operation to apprehend the assailant is still under way. 12:12PM Attacker reported to be Moroccan national known to French intelligence services The attacker is a Moroccan national known to France's intelligence services, according to La Depeche, a regional newspaper. The authorities have so far given no details about the man's identity. 12:10PM Hostage-taker 'demanding release of Salah Abdeslam' A French TV station reports that the hostage-taker has demanded the release of Salah Abdeslam, the only surviving member of the Isil cell that attacked Paris in November 2015 and killed 130 people. He is currently in a prison near Paris awaiting trial for those attacks. Salah Abdeslam Credit: AFP/Getty 12:03PM French PM: We believe this is a terrorist act French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe said: "The information which we currently have to hand makes us believe that this is a terrorist act." He said he will cut short a visit to the eastern town of Mulhouse and return to Paris to monitor the situation in Trebes and will "remain in constant contact with the president," Emmanuel Macron, who is in Brussels today for a European Council meeting. Meanwhile, around 50 people who fled the supermarket have taken refuge in a Peugeot garage next to the store. 11:46AM Attacker shouted Allahu Akbar as he burst into store - witness The hostage-taker has killed at least one person inside the supermarket, a police union official said, reports Rory Mulholland. The hostage-taking began at 11am local time when a man burst into the supermarket and fired shots, the local prosecutors office said. Local police said they believed one or two people were hit hit by the gunfire. One witness said the attacker had shouted Allahu Akbar as he burst into the store. Police close to the scene of the hostage-taking at a Super U supermarket in Trebes Credit: Sky News 11:34AM Attacker wanted to 'take revenge for Syria' The attacker, who is believed to be in his 30s, has one or more grenades and said that he wanted to "take revenge for Syria", sources told the Depeche du Midi newspaper. Local media said it was the same man who shot the police officers and then took refuge in the supermarket, but this has not been confirmed. 11:25AM Two confirmed injured in supermarket hostage-taking The Mayor of Trebes has told BFM TV that there are at least two people injured in the supermarket-hostage situation. The scene in Trebes as the attack was under way Credit: Sky News 11:17AM Policeman injured after man opens fire on officers A man opened fire on four French police officers before fleeing the scene in Carcassonne. He is reported to have fired five shots. One police officer was injured after he was shot in the shoulder. He is being treated in hospital. It has not yet been confirmed if this incident is linked to the hostage-taking in nearby Trebes. 11:15AM Counter-terror investigation launched into hostage-taking Counter-terrorism prosecutors are investigating the incident, a source in Paris said. The Super U supermarket in Trebes. File picture Credit: Google Street View 11:15AM People urged to avoid area around supermarket The French Interior Ministry said on its Twitter account Friday that police and rescue operations were the priority. Authorities in the Aude region are warning people to avoid the area around the supermarket. Trebes (France) (AFP) - Hundreds of mourners packed a church service Sunday for the victims of France's latest Islamist attack, including a policeman hailed as a hero for taking the place of a hostage. Lieutenant-Colonel Arnaud Beltrame, 45, was shot and stabbed after offering himself in exchange for a woman being used as a human shield by attacker Radouane Lakdim. Members of the Muslim community attended the service in honour of the four killed and three wounded in the attack claimed by the Islamic State group. "Your presence tells us that the creators of hatred will not win," the bishop of Carcassonne and Narbonne, Alain Planet, told the congregation at Trebes' Saint-Etienne Church. Lakdim, a Moroccan-born French national, was shot dead as police moved in to end the siege at a supermarket in the sleepy southern town of Trebes where he holed up after a shooting spree in nearby Carcassonne. Leaving the 14th-century church, Carcassonne imam Mohamed Belmihoub told reporters: "The (Muslim) community has been stabbed, Islam itself has been stabbed... by people who use symbols that are dear to our hearts." - 'All of France is unhappy' - After the mass, which had an overflow crowd listening through loudspeakers outside, pensioner Emile Acco said: "I am very sad. All of France is unhappy. We want this to end." A national tribute will be held at a later date for Beltrame, who President Emmanuel Macron said had "died a hero" and deserved "the respect and admiration of the whole nation". An autopsy has revealed the dramatic circumstances of his fatal wounding. His body was hit by non-lethal bullets and he suffered a very serious knife wound as "his trachea and larynx were slashed," a judicial source said. His death sparked a wave of emotion across France, with people leaving flowers, cards and children's drawings at gendarmes posts in his praise. "Lots of people have come to lay flowers outside barracks" in northwestern Brittany where Beltrame's mother lives, Colonel Frederic Massip told AFP. "People spontaneously approach patrolling gendarmes to express their sympathy." Story continues General Richard Lizurey, chief of staff of France's gendarmes, on Sunday addressed the Aude region's force, of which Beltrame was the third in command. "We... are proud to have counted Arnaud Beltrame in our ranks. His example must inspire us in our everyday duty," Lizurey told reporters afterward. Lakdim, 25, a petty criminal, was on a watchlist, but authorities had concluded that he did not pose a threat. - Macron accused of 'naivety' - Investigators found notes referring to IS at Lakdim's home in Carcassonne, a legal source said, including a hand-written letter in which he claimed allegiance to the jihadist group. Conservative lawmaker Geoffroy Didier criticised what he called Macron's "naivety", saying the worst jihadist attack of his presidency could have been avoided. "We have to stop being naive. The Islamic State is winning minds, we have to wake up," said Didier, a member of the right-wing Republicans party. Trebes, population 6,000, is located on the picturesque Canal du Midi, just eight kilometres (five miles) from the famed medieval walled city of Carcassonne, where a silent march is planned next Saturday, the eve of Easter Sunday. Lakdim, who was armed with a gun, knife and homemade explosive devices according to a security source, was shot dead as police moved in to end his siege of the Super U supermarket where he had holed up after a shooting spree in Carcassonne. He had hijacked a car in Carcassonne and shot the two people inside, killing the passenger and leaving the Portuguese driver in a critical condition. He also shot and wounded a police officer out jogging. Lakdim had already shot dead the supermarket's butcher and a customer when Beltrame offered to take the place of a woman he had taken hostage. Lakdim shot and stabbed the policeman before anti-terror officers killed him. Beltrame died of his wounds early Saturday, becoming the fourth victim in the shooting spree. - Petty criminal - Lakdim fit a familiar profile as a petty criminal who had turned to extremism. A small-time drug-dealer, his rap sheet included convictions for carrying a banned weapon and for drug use. He spent a month in jail in 2016. His girlfriend and a 17-year-old friend were in custody. According to a source close to the investigation, Lakdim had hinted at travelling to Syria in 2014, but did not go. France, part of the US-led coalition fighting IS, remains on high alert following a string of deadly attacks that have killed more than 240 people since 2015. During the attacks, he demanded the release of certain prisoners -- notably, according to a security source, Salah Abdeslam, the prime suspect in the November 2015 Paris terror attacks. IS claimed Friday's attack was in response to its call to target Western enemies, as is customary when the assailant has pledged allegiance to the jihadists. burs/gd/har Zeke Upshaw, seen playing for Hofstra in 2013, collapsed and was rushed to the hospital from a G League game on Saturday. (Getty) Zeke Upshaw of the Grand Rapids Drive was stretchered off the court and rushed to the hospital during a game Saturday. The Drive are the G League affiliate of the Detroit Pistons. Upshaw was standing on the court with 12 seconds left and fell to the floor, team representative Sarah Jbara told Mlive.com. Medics took Upshaw off the court on a stretcher and to a local hospital. Jbara did not know if Upshaw was conscious after he fell. His condition upon arrival at the hospital has not been made public. Upshaw, 26, played three years at Illinois State before finishing his college career at Hofstra in 2013-14. The Chicago native has averaged 8.5 points per game in 41 games with the Drive this season. By Christine Kim and Josh Smith SEOUL (Reuters) - Once rejected by North Korea as "human scum," U.S. President Donald Trump's latest pick for national security adviser has called for regime change in North Korea, prompting worries in Asia ahead of a historic summit between Washington and Pyongyang. Trump announced in a tweet he was replacing H.R. McMaster with John Bolton, a former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations who has advocated the use of military force against North Korea and Iran and has previously been rejected as a negotiating partner by Pyongyang. "This is worrisome news," said Kim Hack-yong, conservative lawmaker and head of the national defense committee of South Korea's parliament. "North Korea and the United States need to have dialogue but this only fuels worries over whether the talks will ever happen." At Seoul's presidential Blue House, which has been forced to navigate between the unpredictable personalities of leaders in both Pyongyang and Washington, officials were circumspect. "Our stance is that if a new road opens, we have to go that path," a senior Blue House official told reporters. "Bolton has much knowledge on the issues regarding the Korean peninsula and most of all, we know him to be one of the U.S. president's aides who is trusted." He said Chung Eui-yong, South Korea's National Security Office head, had not yet spoken with Bolton and that Chung's reaction to McMaster's dismissal was "not bad". Another administrative official in Seoul expressed regret over the loss of camaraderie McMaster had built with his South Korean counterpart as they had tackled North Korea's nuclear issue together. Both officials requested not to be named due to the sensitivity of the issue. "A ROCKY PATH" Bolton had described Trump's plan to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as "diplomatic shock and awe" and said it would be an opportunity to deliver a threat of military action. "I think this session between the two leaders could well be a fairly brief session where Trump says, 'Tell me you have begun total denuclearization, because we're not going to have protracted negotiations. You can tell me right now or we'll start thinking of something else'", he told Washington's WMAL radio station. Former South Korean intelligence official Nam Sung-wook said Trump may not even get the opportunity to deliver that message. "Bolton being tapped for this position makes for a very difficult situation where the U.S.-North Korea summit may not even happen," he said. "Its going to be a rocky path even before the summit." The meeting is supposed to happen by the end of May, but an exact time and place have yet to be settled on. Pyongyang had no immediate comment about Bolton, whose criticism of then-North Korean leader Kim Jong Il and Pyongyang's human rights record in 2003 spurred state media to call him "human scum and bloodsucker." North Korean officials would not recognize him as a representative of the U.S. government or talk with him because of his "political vulgarity and psychopathological condition", state media said at the time. HOPES AND WORRIES IN ASIA Bolton's appointment came 10 days after Trump fired Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, another moderating influence, replacing him with CIA director Mike Pompeo. His appointment will further diminish hope for China and the United States to see eye-to-eye on security issues, according to Shi Yinhong, an expert on China-U.S. relations at Renmin University in Beijing. "What security cooperation with China can there be? Nuclear weapons, North Korea, Taiwan, South China Sea, cyberspace Where is there hope for cooperation?" Shi said. "Trump and Xi Jinping have spoken in public of the logic of cooperation, but with the negative direction of trade and security cooperation, these words seem more and more empty." Zhao Tong, an expert on North Korea and nuclear disarmament at the Carnegie-Tsinghua Center in Beijing, said Boltons previous calls for China to pursue regime change in North Korea, as well as for a reunification of the peninsula under the South Korean government, was "very unrealistic". His views on strategic security issues will reinforce the Chinese convictions that it needs to build up its hard power," Zhao said. Tokyo expressed hopes communication with Washington would go on as normal, with one Japanese government official saying he was "very optimistic" Japan would be able to get along with Bolton as he has many friends inside the Japanese government. Narushige Michishita, a professor at Tokyo's Graduate Institute for Policy Studies, said Bolton's toughness could present a hurdle in dealing with Pyongyang. "The problem is that he doesn't have any flexibility. That's a negative concern that I have," Michishita said. (Reporting by Christine Kim; Additional reporting by Heekyong Yang and Josh Smith in SEOUL, Christian Shepherd in BEIJING and Linda Sieg in TOKYO; Editing by Bill Tarrant) Jakarta (AFP) - Young orangutan Utu clings to one of his rescuers as he is freed from the tiny wooden cage that has been home for five years. The tiny primate, covered in fuzzy auburn hair, is one of three Bornean orangutans saved in Indonesia over the past two weeks. Environmentalists and local officials rescued Utu and another youngster, Joy, from tiny 1.5 by one metre (five by three feet) cages where they were kept as house pets in West Kalimantan on the island of Borneo. A third orangutan named Tomang was moved from a village in the same province where he had been raiding fruit trees, angering local villagers. Joy and Utu will now spend years learning to fend for themselves before being released into the wild, while Tomang has been set free into Gunung Palung National Park. The rescues are a rare spot of bright news for the critically endangered species, after a string of fatal attacks on the great apes that have been blamed on farmers and hunters. Four Indonesian men were arrested over the killing of an orangutan shot some 130 times with an air rifle in February. Borneo police have also arrested two rubber plantation workers and accused them of shooting an orangutan multiple times before decapitating it. Plantation workers and villagers are sometimes known to attack an animal that they see as a pest, while poachers also capture them to sell as pets. A viral video of an orangutan puffing on a cigarette flicked into its zoo enclosure by a visitor this month highlighted Indonesia's abysmal record of animal protection. Conservation workers said rescues like those of Joy and Utu were doomed to be repeated unless forest clearing was tackled. "We need to work with all stakeholders, not just citizens and governments, but also companies that have plantation land in or around orangutan habitat," said Karmele L. Sanchez, programme director for International Animal Rescue. (Adds details, Iran denounces new U.S. sanctions) DUBAI, March 24 (Reuters) - Iran should strengthen ties with Russia and China to counter a tougher U.S. stance expected after President Donald Trump's appointment of John Bolton as national security adviser, a senior parliament member was quoted as saying on Saturday. Some commentators see Bolton's nomination as another nail in the coffin of the Obama-era agreement between Iran and world powers to limit Tehran's nuclear ambitions, already cast into grave doubt by Trump himself. "Americans are pushing for harder policies towards the Islamic Republic of Iran and we need to strengthen our view towards the East, especially China and Russia," Alaeddin Boroujerdi, head of parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, told ISNA news agency. "The use of hardline anti-Iran elements indicates that Americans are pushing for more pressure on Iran, ... mainly as a kick-back to Zionists (Israel) and Saudi Arabia," Boroujerdi said, referring to Bolton who is widely seen as a pro-Israel "hawk" in the Middle East. Separately, Iran denounced U.S. charges and sanctions announced against nine Iranians and an Iranian company for allegedly attempting to hack into hundreds of universities worldwide, dozens of firms and parts of the U.S. government on behalf of Tehran's government. Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi said the move was "provocative, illegitimate, and without any justifiable reason and another sign of the hostility of the (U.S.) ruling circles towards the Iranian nation", the state news agency IRNA reported. "America will certainly fail in preventing the scientific development of the Iranian people through sanctions," Qasemi said. (Reporting by Dubai newsroom; Editing by Mark Potter) Jerusalem (AFP) - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday he hopes to slash flight times between Tel Aviv and India's financial capital Mumbai, days after Air India ran the first scheduled Israel-bound service to cross Saudi airspace. The flight from New Delhi landed at Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion airport on Thursday in a sign of a discreet warming of ties between the Arab kingdom and the Jewish state. "What we have done here is a breakthrough to huge new markets and this is a very big change," Netanyahu told the weekly cabinet meeting on Sunday. "The goal that I hope to reach is that the next flight or flights will also include direct flights from Tel Aviv to Mumbai in five hours," his office quoted him as saying in Hebrew. Israeli national carrier El Al's current Mumbai service doglegs over the Red Sea to avoid flying over Saudi Arabia or Iran, in a journey taking around eight hours. Air India plans to run three flights a week in each direction after Saudi Arabia lifted a decades-old ban on the use of its airspace for commercial flights to Israel. Saudi Arabia, like much of the Arab world, has no official diplomatic relations with Israel. Egypt and Jordan are the only two Arab countries to have peace treaties with the country. During a May 2017 Middle East tour, US President Donald Trump flew from Riyadh to Tel Aviv on Air Force One in a rare direct flight between the two countries. Sunni-ruled Saudi Arabia and Israel have a common enemy in Shiite-dominated Iran. Both are seeking to limit what they view as the Islamic Republic's expanding influence in the Middle East. By Ori Lewis JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile shield was launched on Sunday against Palestinian machine gun fire originating in the Hamas-dominated Gaza Strip, and not against incoming militant rockets, the Israeli army said. Flaming streams of about 10 Iron Dome rockets could be seen rising into the night sky in a spectacular light show, but there was no indication that Islamist militants in Gaza had fired rockets, a military spokeswoman said. A subsequent army statement said: "Following reports of sirens sounding in southern Israel, unusual machine gun fire towards Israel was identified. No rocket launches were identified. The (military) is looking into the circumstances which led to the activation of the Iron Dome system." Abu Ubaida, spokesman of the Hamas armed wing, said no rockets were fired into Israel. Earlier, Israeli media had reported that Iron Dome had intercepted a number of rockets fired from the Gaza Strip. Sirens had sounded around the border area in Israel and smart phone applications that warn of incoming rockets delivered a number of alerts in quick succession. During the Gaza war in 2014, Iron Dome interceptors largely protected Israel's heartland from thousands of incoming rockets fired by Gaza militants. Israeli media said Sunday's multiple launchings were the most intense since then. Heightening tension around the border, Hamas began a military exercise on Sunday in which its fighters set off explosions and test-fired rockets into the sea. Gunfire echoed across Gaza as hundreds of fighters were deployed for the exercise, which is due to continue on Monday. "The enemy (Israel) bears responsibility for any escalation and we will not stand handcuffed against any aggression," Abu Ubaida said in a statement. The army's statement said that, in response to the machine gun fire into Israel, a tank targeted two observation posts in the northern Gaza Strip. It said it held Hamas responsible "for any terror emanating from the Gaza Strip". Palestinian residents of Beit Hanoun said the tank fired two shells into their area at about the same time of the Iron Dome launches, but that there were no casualties. (Additional reporting by Nidal al-Mughrabi in Gaza and Amir Cohen and Ran Tzabari in Ashkelon; Writing by Ori Lewis; Editing by Kevin Liffey and Daniel Wallis) Jerusalem (AFP) - Israeli jets pounded Hamas positions in Gaza overnight after Palestinians staged a cross-border raid into southern Israel, the military said early Sunday. "Israel Air Force fighter jets targeted a terror target in a military compound belonging to the Hamas terror organisation in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip," it said in an English-language statement. A Palestinian security source in the coastal enclave said the planes hit a base of Hamas's armed wing, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, causing damage but no injuries. The strike on the Strip's Islamist rulers came after four Palestinians "carrying bottles filled with flammable material" breached Gaza's border fence on Saturday evening near the kibbutz of Kissufim, Israeli daily Haaretz reported, citing the army. There, they attempted to torch heavy equipment used for work on the frontier barrier, an army spokeswoman told AFP. The machinery was damaged but did not catch fire, and the attackers fled back into Gaza, she said. No casualties were reported. "The incident that took place yesterday is one of many severe incidents that have taken place in the security fence area," the statement said. Israel holds Hamas, which rules Gaza, accountable for all attacks launched from the blockaded coastal territory. Speaking later Sunday, the head of Israeli military intelligence warned that further such incidents would make things worse for Hamas. "Hamas is at a low point, suffering severe civilian and infrastructure crises," Major General Herzl Halevi said at a conference. "Hamas is running into the arms of Iran and exploiting civilians by sending them to the (security fence that divides Gaza and Israel)", he said. "Hamas must understand such conduct will only make its situation worse." Late Sunday in a sign of heightened tensions, air raid sirens went off in southern Israel after the Iron Dome defence system was activated and launched a number of anti-missile projectiles. Story continues A military spokeswoman told AFP that no projectiles were actually fired at Israel, with the Iron Dome possibly set off by machine gunfire in Gaza. Last month there was a surge in cross-border violence, seen as among the most serious since Israel and Hamas fought a war in 2014 -- their third since 2008. After a bomb wounded four Israeli soldiers inspecting the border fence on February 17, Israel responded by pounding 18 Hamas facilities in two waves of air strikes. Israeli ground forces also killed two Palestinian teenagers in cross-border fire. What is the most optimistic take one can offer on President Donald Trumps decision to replace H.R. McMaster with John Bolton, a former official in George W. Bushs State Department? That is the task I assigned to myself, and it is a daunting one. The prevailing reaction I have seen has been sharply negative, both in the private messages I have been receiving and the public commentary dominating the media coverage. The conventional view is that this move: Intensifies the chaos within the White House by bringing in a famously sharp-elbowed bureaucratic warrior who is unlikely to get along with his counterparts (or perhaps even his boss); Underscores Trumps difficulty in recruiting and retaining top talent; Confirms a recent trend of replacing mainstream figures who were trusted and respected abroad with ideologues who are better known for staking out extreme positions on cable TV (i.e., Gary Cohn giving way to Larry Kudlow); Tilts the administration in a sharply hawkish direction, raising the specter of multiple armed conflicts in the Middle East (Iran), Asia (North Korea and possibly China), and Europe (Russia). The conventional view is not crazy, and I would not bet against it. Still, as a congenital contrarian, I am left wondering if the conventional view is not missing any silver linings. I squinted and found a few. Not enough to break out the champagne but perhaps enough to delay heading for the bomb shelter. You be the judge: Trump tried to fire McMaster in a less humiliating way than he did Rex Tillerson and Reince Priebus. This time, Trump followed the customary procedure of a private notice followed by paired, gracious statements by the firer and the firee. The treatment of McMaster over the past year was still fairly shabby overall, but the endgame could have been worse. I recognize this is like commenting on the quality of the popcorn at the Fords Theatre concession stand in April 1865 but perhaps worth mentioning anyway. Story continues McMasters effectiveness was compromised and vanishing quickly regardless the status quo was not an National Security Council that was firing on all cylinders but one that was sputtering and perhaps heading toward a full breakdown. On balance and grading on the Trump curve, McMaster was pretty effective as national security advisor. He restored morale on the NSC staff, no mean feat given the dire situation when he took over. His greatest accomplishment shepherding a serious review of the Afghanistan conflict that ended up with the right answer despite the presidents strong predilection to choose the wrong answer is even more impressive in hindsight, given how mercurial the president has been. His team produced a solid National Security Strategy in record time, one that together with the new National Defense Strategy might have produced more order on the margins. And he helped avert other mistakes, such as blowing up the Iran nuclear deal without a plan for replacing it. But in recent weeks, the death watch around McMaster had become suffocating and the once-hidden interagency struggles too prominent. McMaster had lost the confidence of his boss and his counterparts and, as a result, would not be able to do his job adequately if he stayed much longer in office. Bolton is not incompetent, and his first name is not general. Every administration has individuals who are promoted above their competence, but Trumps team has had more than its fair share. In the first few months, the preoccupying problem in the Trump administration was how to navigate the decision-making process with a gang that could not shoot straight. Even most of Boltons critics concede that he was effective in navigating the bureaucracy. Perhaps more importantly, he is a civilian. Trump has been too quick to reach for the man on horseback to ride to the rescue to fix a personnel problem. Many of those choices McMaster, John Kelly, and above all, James Mattis have been good ones that I have supported. But with each new reductio ad militaris, Trump was politicizing the military and complicating the bedrock principle of civilian control. Bolton is very much in the pattern of a civilian determined to assert civilian control over the military. This augurs for a great deal more civil-military friction in the coming months not unlike what was experienced in the Barack Obama, Bush, and Bill Clinton administrations. So we should not kid ourselves that a man in civvies is an unmitigated blessing as a replacement for a man on horseback. But it is a step back toward what might be called regular order in civil-military relations rather than abnormal order. Bolton does not want to destroy the U.S.-led international order. Bolton is on the hawkish end of mainstream views. One can find more hawkish voices far from the corridors of power but probably not within them. However, unlike the Steve Bannon wing of the Trump coalition, Bolton does not want to destroy the system created by U.S. leaders in the wake of World War II and then reinvigorated in the wake of the Cold War. The Bannon wing had an apocalyptic view that was exponentially more dangerous something closer to hawkishness on heroin, rather than hawkishness on steroids. Boltons hawkishness on North Korea is a strategic concern in the long run but could be a tactical advantage in the short run. As every critic has noted, Bolton has famously advocated for preventive war against North Korea. Clearly, making him national security advisor increases the risks of war on the peninsula. But in the short run, it probably neutralizes the near-term threat raised by Trumps surprise announcement that he would concede to North Koreas long-cherished desire for a face-to-face sit-down with a U.S. president without having to give up anything in return. Boltons greatest strength is as a ferocious arms control negotiator, and this balances Trumps great weakness in this same area. If there is a diplomatic solution to North Koreas nuclear problem a big if then it is more likely to be found with Boltons bad cop paired with Trumps good cop. Of course, if there is no such diplomatic solution to be found, this team is likely to discover that fact sooner than other possible pairings. That is a sobering thought. Bolton corrects even more markedly for Trumps unnerving posture of appeasement toward Putin. Boltons hawkishness extends to Russia, further consolidating the position within the Trump administration of those who recognize that Putin has been exploiting Americas domestic political paralysis and setting back U.S. interests across multiple geopolitical arenas. From Putins perspective, Bolton is probably not seen as another useful idiot who can be toyed with. Hopefully, Bolton can help Trump get onside his own team to create a more effective and responsible Russia policy than the one Trump has hitherto advanced. Bolton did not have to shave his mustache. Trump famously approached personnel recruitment with an insistence that applicants look the part. Whether Trump could ever really afford to indulge the prejudice of lookism, I dont think he can afford to now. Hopefully, this is a harbinger that Trump will focus on more important criteria as he continues to build out the team. Reviewing the list, I can imagine critics saying the proposed silver linings are hard to see for all the clouds. Even though I was trying to be as optimistic as possible, heres hoping, for Americas sake, that I am still needlessly pessimistic. The new national security adviser is an uber-hawk who comes equipped with a war-fighting capacity that goes far beyond mere words Nothing is more chilling than the argument for attacking North Korea that Bolton sketched out in a Wall Street Journal op-ed just a few weeks ago. Photograph: Sopa Images/LightRocket/Getty Images The good news first: Jared Kushner will not be replacing HR McMaster as Donald Trumps third national security adviser. Nor will the clueless education secretary, Betsy DeVos. But that is about the only ray of sunshine surrounding Trumps anointing former UN ambassador John Bolton and his Neville Chamberlain moustache. The explosive Bolton who is the kind of uber-hawk who will always choose conflict over conciliation now steps into the most important national security job in government that does not require Senate confirmation. Granted, it is possible to derive a glimmer of I-told-you-so satisfaction from the total collapse of the establishment theory that a race of bemedaled generals and oil-industry titans could contain Trump. In truth, we now confront the frightening image of Trump Unchained, like a fugitive from a low-rent 1960s movie about Hercules. All signs from the White House suggest that Trump is going to war on multiple fronts. The Bolton bombshell came just hours after the presidents lead attorney, the often conciliatory John Dowd, resigned in frustration over Trumps brass-knuckle attacks on special counsel Robert Mueller. If Trump fires Mueller it would, of course, prompt the biggest constitutional crisis since Watergate. But, at least, on the Mueller front, no nuclear weapons would be launched, except as over-wrought metaphors. Alas, Bolton as national security adviser would come equipped with a war-fighting capacity that goes far beyond mere words. Nothing is more chilling than the argument for attacking North Korea that Bolton sketched out in a Wall Street Journal op-ed just a few weeks ago: The threat is imminent, and the case against pre-emption rests on the misinterpretation of a standard that derives from prenuclear, pre-ballistic-missile times. Boltons why-we-cant-wait approach might have been justified when Nikita Khrushchev was moving Soviet missiles into Cuba. But Bolton, who was a zealot about Saddam Husseins supposedly fearsome arsenal, is now hyperventilating over a brutal, but tin-pot, despot who appears to be reaching a modus vivendi with South Korean president Moon Jae-in. Story continues Maybe if the 69-year-old Bolton had served in the military (he supported the Vietnam war from afar ... at Yale Law School), he might have learned that so-called surgical strikes can quickly degenerate into bloody messes. Instead, it is easy to imagine Bolton pressing for military action against North Korea, Iran and Venezuela all in one go. George W Bush had his Axis of Evil. Bolton comes into the White House with his own Axis of Impatience. In prior administrations, national security advisers like Condoleezza Rice regarded themselves as honest brokers between dueling factions in the cabinet. The only thing honest about Bolton is his ill-concealed contempt for traditional diplomacy. In late 2015, Bolton proposed in the Boston Globe that all future US contributions to the UN should be voluntary, depending entirely on the national mood. With Marco Rubio, the Senates version of a human weathervane, praising Bolton as an excellent choice, not even the terminally naive expect Republicans in Congress to limit Trumps militaristic impulses. A brave bipartisan Senate effort this week to challenge the brutal and legally dicey war in Yemen mustered only 44 votes. I recently asked a senior congressional Republican why Congress is so willing to defer to Trumps clownish foreign policy antics. The honest response: Most of them feel like they dont know enough. The only presidential parallel to Trump is Millard Fillmore, who tried to regain the White House in 1856 as the nominee of the anti-immigrant Know-Nothing party. Trump came into office as the Know-Nothing president and, as his self-confidence has risen, his knowledge base has increasingly been limited to the truth according to Fox News commentators like John Bolton. It is time to pity the permanent staff of the White House, who constantly have to shuffle offices like desk clerks at a hot sheet motel. But maybe it no longer matters who is advising Trump. Caught up in his own fantasy world of unappreciated greatness, the 45th president is prepared to serve as his own chief of staff, national security adviser, press secretary, political director and White House counsel. Anything left over is for Jared and Ivanka. As for Bolton, he was the wild man in George W Bushs tragically misguided, but sane, administration. Under Trump, though, he may end up as the sanest man in the Land of the Crazy. Caracas (AFP) - Jose Antonio Abreu, a musician, politician and economist who created a network of more than 1,500 orchestras and choirs for young people in Venezuela, died on Saturday at age 78. Known as "El Maestro" in his home country, Abreu started the project in 1975, and his internationally-acclaimed "El Sistema" ("The System") has grown to include more than 900,000 children, taught by 10,000 teachers throughout Venezuela. The project began with just 11 musicians in a basement in downtown Caracas -- and flourished to touch the lives of hundreds of thousands of kids, 75 percent of them poor and many from rural areas, according to the institution. "They are boys that we are taking away from drugs and violence. Just sitting a boy in a rehearsal to play, when he could be on the corner smoking marijuana, is already a very important achievement," he told AFP several years ago. The organization's goal is now to reach one million young people. Education Minister Elias Jaua hailed Abreu as "a great Venezuelan." "Thanks to Maestro Jose Antonio Abreu for his beautiful legacy for the boys, girls and young people of Venezuela," Jaua wrote on Twitter. "With devoted love and eternal gratitude to my mentor and father of El Sistema," Gustavo Dudamel, the conductor of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra and a product of Abreu's program, wrote on Twitter along with a photo of himself and "El Maestro." Little is known about the personal life of Abreu, who was born on May 7, 1939 in Valera. His innovative teaching model, which boasts replicas in 50 countries, has earned him a number of prestigious awards, including from UNESCO and the Royal Swedish Academy of Music. In addition to his landmark music program, Abreu also played a role in Venezuelan politics: he was a legislator and also served as culture minister during president Carlos Andres Perez's second term. Its been a rough week for whales. Today, Australians woke up to a shoreline full of 140 dying pilot whales stranded en masse, and just a few days ago, marine biologists published in Scientific Reports the first-ever account of killer whales committing a heinous act: infanticide. Whats even more gruesome is knowing that, in the animal kingdom, its not such an uncommon event. In the paper, researchers from Fisheries and Oceans Canada describe the grim scene that unfolded in December 2016 in Johnstone Strait, a serene, forest-lined channel northeast of Vancouver Island known for its great whale-watching. At first, theyd just heard discrete and aberrant pulsed calls on a whale-monitoring system nearby. Sending out a research boat to check out the scene, they found a group of whales that included a newborn so young that its dorsal fin was not yet entirely erect. A few minutes later, erratic movements and splashing suggestive of a predation event were observed. Amid the chaos, they soon realized that the newborn had not surfaced next to its mother for quite some time. Johnstone Strait: an unlikely scene for a grisly infant murder. Then, they saw it: one of the males in the group, age 32, with an object partially white in colour in his mouth. The neonates mother frantically tried to catch her childs kidnapper, but the kidnapping males mother attempted to manoeuvre between them, suggesting this infanticide was a team effort. The neonate was last seen alive with its tail between its killers teeth. Minutes later, the killer was photographed, rostrum to rostrum, with the dead neonate, whose body was still intact. The killer, nose-to-nose with its victim. The authors, reviewing their observations in the paper, realized that this was not the first time such an attack had been inflicted on the family of the neonate by the other whales in the group. One female, the neonates aunt, appeared to have had been injured before this particular attack. There is no definitive explanation for why this happened, but the authors best guess is that the attacking team consisted of an overbearing mother who was dead-set on finding a mate for her large adult son. Story continues The top-left image shows one whale, injured in the conflict; at top right, the mom and her newborn try to escape. On the bottom left, the killer appears. At the bottom right, the angry mom rams into her child's attacker. As appalling as it may be to humans, infanticide is nothing new in the animal world, though this does mark the first time its been seen in killer whales. While it has been observed in cetaceans in many situations, one leading hypothesis is that it occurs because it can increase a males biological fitness that is, his ability to pass on his genes. Its well known that the mother-son dynamic in killer whales is strong, and previous research has provided support for the theory that post-reproductive female killer whales play a role in finding mates for their sons, as part of an evolutionary strategy to ensure the continuation of the family genes. If this theory applies here, then it follows that the violent whale mother, hell-bent on finding her son a mate, helped organize an attack against the new mothers child so that she would be forced to mate again perhaps with the male that just killed her newborn. This sordid tale may seem better suited for Shakespeare than the sea. However, as researchers consistently demonstrate, humanitys imagination for tragedy barely registers a PG-13 next to the immoral, unbridled barbarism of nature. Photos via Wikimedia, Towers et al./Scientific Reports, Flickr / NOAA Photo Library Photos via Wikimedia, Towers et al./Scientific Reports, Flickr / NOAA Photo Library Written by Yasmin Tayag More articles by Yasmin Twitter tweetshare More From Inverse Make no mistake: March For Our Lives is about curbing gun violence, and the students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School made it happen. But having a few famous faces around never hurts. It wasn't just "a few," however. Celebrities were out in full force, and in a variety of locations, to support stricter gun controls and other legislative efforts meant to ensure that incidents like the school shooting in Parkland never occur again. SEE ALSO: Emma Gonzalez's March For Our Lives speech will go down in history To their credit, attending celebrities didn't try to steal the moment or make it about themselves. Some showed up to put their familiar face behind a powerful movement. Others pointed back at the brave teens who turned their grief into something positive. What stands out most is how many of these well-known public figures opted to add their voice to the mix. Even in this era of Trump, when it feels like there are important, meaningful public demonstrations on a weekly basis, the turnout of famous faces supporting March For Our Lives felt like a lot. Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda and Dear Evan Hansen star Ben Platt performed "Found/Tonight" together at the main march, in Washington, D.C. The song amounts to a medley, featuring Hamilton's "Story of Tonight" and Dear Evan Hansen's "You Will Be Found." Miley Cyrus also performed one of her own songs, "The Climb," at the D.C. march. That song was said to be a favorite of Alyssa Alhadeff, a freshman who was killed in the Parkland shooting. Miley Cyrus just performed "The Climb" at March for Our Lives. The song was a favorite of Alyssa Alhadeff, a freshman who was killed at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School last month. pic.twitter.com/hWl7LdXMYi julia reinstein (@juliareinstein) March 24, 2018 Former Beatle Paul McCartney joined the New York City march. He indirectly invoked the murder of John Lennon, who was shot outside his NYC apartment in 1980, as a reason for his supporting the movement. Story continues Paul McCartney, who is marching in NYC, tells CNN: "One of my best friends was killed in gun violence right around here, so it's important to me.." It's been 37 years since John Lennon was gunned down outside of his apartment in Manhattan. pic.twitter.com/DH0WRc3aY0 Yashar Ali (@yashar) March 24, 2018 Plenty of celebs also attended just to be there. A vast range of famous figures, from comedian Billy Crystal to a large portion of the Parks and Recreation cast, turned out to stand with everyone else in support of stricter gun controls. George Clooney to @mic about why hes excited today: Im excited for the kids, for these youngins. George and Amal donated a reported $500,000 to #March4OurLives pic.twitter.com/ggZxWmFXHU Kendall Ciesemier (@kciesemier) March 24, 2018 So ready to March today! Landed in DC w North & Kanye. We stand in solidarity with the survivors of gun violence & students who are calling for action on common sense gun safety laws at #MarchForOurLives around the country @AMarch4OurLives @Everytown Kim Kardashian West (@KimKardashian) March 24, 2018 Arms are for hugging! This morning we are joining millions of people across the country to #MarchForOurLives and demand stronger gun safety laws. pic.twitter.com/FWQ096FsXu Cynthia Nixon (@CynthiaNixon) March 24, 2018 NEVER AGAIN! We call BS! Love Wins! pic.twitter.com/cfA91u5tm8 Miley Ray Cyrus (@MileyCyrus) March 24, 2018 Proud to march in solidarity. pic.twitter.com/S7nikUz6km Billy Crystal (@BillyCrystal) March 24, 2018 I AM DECEASED pic.twitter.com/uhZLvFpIaI Alyssa Vingan Klein (@alyssavingan) March 24, 2018 Ill always stand for open dialogue and action - its the only way to ensure bad history doesnt repeat itself. When it comes to protecting our children, all bets are off and the responsibility lies with us adults and lawmakers to listen and do. Very strong day. #MarchForOurLives pic.twitter.com/4gJ0QKdMYw Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) March 24, 2018 UPDATED March 25, 2018, 7:07 a.m. ET An earlier version of this story included a tweet from the Verified account belonging to A Wrinkle in Time author Madeleine L'Engle. In fact, Ms. L'Engle passed away in 2007 and the Twitter account is curated by her granddaughter. Mashable regrets the error. Thirty-eight days after the massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, hundreds of thousands of students across the country have taken to to the streets in an anti-gun violence protest of unprecedented size. The marches which consists of a main event in Washington DC alongside sister protests in New York, Los Angeles and hundreds of communities across the country and around the world is the culmination of weeks of planning by student survivors of the Parkland, Florida shooting in which 17 people were killed on Valentine's Day. The focal point was the March for Our Lives rally in Washington DC, but tens of thousands also turned out in New York, Boston, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston and Minneapolis in demonstrations sparked by the survivors of the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida on Valentines Day. Beyond America where there were about 800 events there were protests in London, Belfast, Geneva and a number of other cities across the globe. The marches felt like the culmination of more than a month of political pressure led by the survivors of the massacre in which 17 people were killed including 14 students and more than a dozen others injured. There have been some successes in that time, with some gun control measures having been signed into law in Florida, but the main message was that this was the start of something, not the end. Cameron Kasky, one of the students who lost classmates in the Parkland shooting, told the crowd in Washington: Welcome to the revolution. [This] is the springboard that my generation and all who stand with us will use to jump to a safer future, he said of the call for change. He said that what the students want is action on gun violence, including a federal law banning the sale of assault weapons, a law prohibiting the sale of high-capacity magazines for ammunition and universal background checks for gun sales. Dont worry, we got this, he added. Story continues Read all the updates in our live blog below. Please allow some time for the live blog to load In the weeks since the shooting, the Parkland students have re-energised the call for gun law reform and have rejected the mantra of the powerful gun rights lobby spearheaded by the National Rifle Association (NRA) and a number of the politicians it supports with funds that control is not needed. Bringing signs reading We Are the Change, No More Silence and Keep NRA Money Out Of Politics, protesters packed Pennsylvania Avenue between the Capitol and the White House and cheered every speaker, including Parkland student Emma Gonzalez, the leader of the student organisers, who spent six minutes in silence to illustrate the time it took for the 17 to be killed. Tears streamed down her face as she did so. The marches across the country attracted a diverse range of protesters, young and old, as well as a cross-section of society no matter race or gender identity. Lisa Valley, 59, had come from Grove City Pennsylvania to attend the Washington DC march and praised the student leaders that had organised the rally. The students have inspired me about something Ive felt strongly about for a long time Sensible gun control is a good thing. Its not even something we should think twice about, she said. Sydney Nadler, 21, came from Ohio. She told The Independent she was one of the 50 students and staff her school, Ohio Wesleyan University, sponsored to attend the event in Washington. I find it disturbing how our elected officials are more concerned about receiving finances to be re-elected than those who are electing them. The last time an event attracted so much fanfare in Washington was in January 2017, when around 500,000 people gathered in the nations capital for the Womens March. That march, which took place the day after Donald Trump was inaugurated, was largely viewed as a protest against the new President. Organisers expected a similar number on Saturday, while in New York, Mayor Bill de Blasio tweeted that the March of Our Lives rally in the city today drew 175,000 people. March for Our Lives took place as Mr Trump spent time at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, almost 1,600 km (1,000 miles) away from Washington. While the White House put out a statement applauding the many courageous young Americans protesting across the country, Mr Trump himself was silent on Twitter about the rally as it was going on. His predecessor, Barack Obama, tweeted a message of support. The students said they are aware change may have to come at the ballot box on Saturday Senator Marco Rubio, a Republican from Florida commended the Parkland students and their supporters, but added that many other Americans do not support a gun ban and called any such move an infringement on the Second Amendment rights of law abiding citizens. During the afternoon there were a number of pro-gun rallies in places such as Salt Lake City in Utah, which were attended by thousands of people, but their numbers were small compared to the gun control demonstrations. Another Parkland survivor, David Hogg, said such attitudes towards gun control may not last long. Were going to make sure the best people get in our elections to run not as politicians, but as Americans. Because this this is not cutting it, he said, pointing at the white-domed Capitol. We can and we will change the world! Wrapping up the Washington rally, Ms Gonzalez made their point clear: Fight for your lives before it is someone elses job. Survivors of the Parkland shooting, along with thousands of others gathered in Washington Saturday for March for Our Lives, a demonstration calling for stricter gun laws. The student survivors of from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, where 17 people were shot and killed on Valentines Day, lead a march down Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House at 12 p.m. The group is hoping their march will push Congress and the president to pass a comprehensive gun-control bill that will improve school safety. There are a lot of teachers at #MarchForOurLives. Lots of great signs. Here's my favorite so far: pic.twitter.com/YTAQFAMoPO Denise Clay (@denisethewriter) March 24, 2018 Hours to #MarchForOurLives yet the crowd is hyped pic.twitter.com/T9XcoNQnns Never Again Movement (@NeverAgainMov) March 24, 2018 The march had 20 speakers and performances by Ariana Grande, Common, Miley Cyrus, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Jennifer Hudson among others. Hudson gave a powerful performance to close out the rally. Story continues "Put down the weapons and change your heart. Yeah, I cry from the heart, y'all because I want to have some change," Hudson sang. Sister protests took place in multiple cities, including New York and Los Angeles. Emma Gonzalez, one of the main organizers from Stoneman Douglas, told MSNBC that there were more than 800 marches occurring across the country. "We're so psyched, this is the coolest thing that could've happened and even Antarctica is going to have a march," Gonzalez said. Gonzalez speech at the rally was six minutes and 20 seconds, the same length of time as the Parkland shooting. After calling out 17 names, Gonzalez led a long moment of silence before speaking again. "Since the time that I came out here, it has been 6 minutes and 20 seconds, the shooter has ceased shooting and will soon abandon his rifle and blend in with the students so he can walk free for an hour before arrest," Gonzalez said She ended her speech with, "fight for your lives before it is someone else's job." The White House released a statement Saturday. "We applaud the many courageous young Americans exercising their First Amendment rights today, White House deputy press secretary Lindsay Walters said in a statement. President Trump is in Mar-A-Lago for the weekend. The march comes on the heels of a 17-minute walkout by students across the U.S. calling for stricter gun laws earlier this month. RELATED STORIES Student Is His School's Lone Demonstrator in National Walkout: 'Wow, I'm the Only One' Amid School Walkouts, Students Arrange Backpacks in Shape of Heart on Football Field Arkansas Mom Says 3 High School Students Were Paddled for Joining National Walkout Against Gun Violence Related Articles: By Patricia Zengerle WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Senator John McCain on Friday pressed President Donald Trump's nominee to be CIA director, Gina Haspel, for information about her ties to the agency's past use of harsh interrogation techniques, underscoring challenges she faces winning confirmation. Trump nominated Haspel, currently Central Intelligence Agency deputy director, to become director last week. The announcement prompted objections over connections Haspel, who oversaw a "black site" prison in Thailand, may have had to the use of waterboarding and other brutal interrogation techniques widely seen as torture for years after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. McCain was tortured as a prisoner of war in Vietnam. The Republican lawmaker is a strong opponent of the use of waterboarding, sleep deprivation and other so-called "enhanced interrogation techniques." "We now know that these techniques not only failed to deliver actionable intelligence but actually produced false and misleading information," McCain said in a letter to Haspel. "Most importantly, the use of torture compromised our values, stained our national honor, and threatened our historical reputation." He asked for an account of Haspel's role in the detention and interrogation program, including whether she directed "enhanced interrogation techniques" or could have stopped them, and if she was directed to destroy tapes or other potential evidence of the use of such techniques. Haspel helped draft a cable ordering the destruction of such a videotape, although her backers said another official sent it without consulting her. CIA spokesman Jonathan Liu said Haspel received the letter and would respond directly to McCain. Haspel could have trouble winning enough votes for Senate confirmation. Trump's fellow Republicans hold 51 of the chamber's 100 seats, but one, Rand Paul, has already announced that he will not support her nomination. McCain, who is being treated for brain cancer in Arizona, has not been in Washington to vote this year. Even if he cannot vote, opposition from McCain, a respected former presidential nominee and chairman of the Armed Services Committee, could help solidify opposition to Haspel. Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein, who led the Intelligence Committee's 2014 report on rough interrogation methods and co-sponsored an anti-torture law with McCain, demanded the release of classified CIA documents related to the practice. She released another statement on Friday expressing concern, saying, "To promote someone so heavily involved in the torture program to the top position at the CIA, the agency responsible for one of the darkest chapters in our history, is a move that I'm very wary of." (Reporting by Patricia Zengerle; Editing by Steve Orlofsky and Jonathan Oatis) Adult film star Stormy Daniels, who allegedly had an affair with President Donald Trump, spoke to Anderson Cooper in an interview for the CBS show 60 Minutes. The President and Melania Trump will be in two separate places when the show airs at 7 p.m. EDT Sunday. The alleged affair began in 2006 around one year after Donald Trump married his third and current wife Melania. The alleged affair happened shortly after Melania Trump gave birth to their son Barron, Donald Trumps fifth child. The President and the first lady traveled to Trumps Florida resort Mar-a-Lago over the weekend and Melania Trump and Barron will be staying behind Sunday, according to the White House. Trending: Who Is Albert Belle? Former MLB Star Arrested During Spring Training The first lady will be staying in Florida as is their tradition for spring break, said deputy press secretary Lindsay Walters in a statement. Barron Trump has a week off for spring break, and he and his mom had been slated to stay in Florida. President Donald Trump will be headed back to the White House Sunday, and is set to arrive in Washington D.C. at 6:30 p.m. EDT, according to NBC, about 30 minutes before the interview is set to air. Don't miss: Fake Photo of Emma Gonzalez Slammed as Bid to Discredit March For Our Lives The affair is also the subject of a contentious legal battle. GettyImages-937139372 Brendan Smialowski/AFP/GETTY Trumps personal lawyer Michael Cohen, through a shell company, paid Daniels $130,000 just before the 2016 presidential election to stay quiet about the alleged affair, but Daniels contends that the agreement she signed is null and void because the president did not sign it. She is suing to get out of the agreement. Through lawyers, Trump and Cohens company have filed a court complaint seeking $20 million in damages from Daniels for what they say are at least 20 breaches of the agreement. Story continues Most popular: Elon Musk's Father Errol Says Child With Stepdaughter Was 'God's Plan' The White House has denied that the affair took place. Melania Trump has not spoken publicly about it. Former Playboy model Karen McDougal spoke to CNN Thursday about an alleged affair she had with the president around the same time as Daniels and apologized to Melania Trump. Im sorry. I wouldnt want it done to me, said McDougal The White House could not be immediately reached for comment by Newsweek. This article was first written by Newsweek More from Newsweek First Lady Melania honored the 10 recipients of the International Women of Courage Awards in a ceremony at the State Department in Washington, D.C., on Friday. The first lady delivered special remarks at the event, saying, The women of courage that we honor here today are heroes Courage is the quality most needed in this world but often the hardest to find it takes courage not only to see wrong but strive to right it courage is what sets apart the heroes from the rest. In telling their stories we can teach young women and girls all over the world what it means to have courage and to be a hero, she continued. The first lady was introduced by Heather Ann Nauert, the under secretary of state for public diplomacy and public affairs, who said that from day one, the Trump administration has been committed to empowering women. Melania Trump (left) at the International Women of Courage Awards The first lady remained on stage to pass out the awards to the 10 honorees, which included Aiman Omarova of Kazakhstan, a lawyer who specializes in sexual abuse crimes committed against women and children, Feride Rushiti of Kosovo, the founder and executive director of the Kosovo Center for the Rehabilitation of Torture Victims, and Roya Sadat of Afghanistan, a filmmaker who fights for the rights of women and children in her country. The first ladys relatively rare public comments come as her husband, President Donald Trump, is embroiled in allegations that he had affairs with two women, porn star Stormy Daniels and former Playboy Playmate Karen McDougal, while married to Melania in 2006. The White House has denied both affairs. One day earlier, CNN aired a headline-making sit-down with McDougal, in which she apologized to the first lady for the alleged 10-month sexual relationship. What can you say except, Im sorry? Im sorry. I wouldnt want it done to me, Im sorry, McDougal, 46, said as she fought back tears. I know its the wrong thing to do. McDougal has filed suit against American Media, Inc., owner of The National Enquirer, to get out of an agreement blocking her from speaking about her alleged affair with the now-president. Daniels has also sued Trump to end her 2016 nondisclosure agreement on her own alleged relationship with the former businessman. Story continues RELATED VIDEO: PEOPLE Writer Natasha Stoynoff Breaks Silence, Accuses Donald Trump of Sexual Attack The first ladys appearance also comes two days after PEOPLE published a wide-ranging report saying Mrs. Trump hates the 24-7 tornado her life has become since her husband won the White House. Whats happening is exactly what she didnt want to happen, a source close to the first lady told PEOPLE. Theyve literally become like the Kardashians: scandals, divorces, headlines. On Twitter Friday, many critics pointed out the irony of the first ladys role in the Women of Courage Awards, given her husbands troubling history with women which in addition to the alleged affairs also includes accusations of sexual misconduct from 19 women. Trump has denied the allegations. Melania today was presenting the "International Women of Courage" award. I think it should have gone to all the women of the MeToo movement with special mention of those women speaking out about her husband. I don't feel one bit of sympathy for her, she got what she bargained for Steve Segadelli (@CoachSeg) March 23, 2018 Melania at "Women of Courage Awards?" You know what would be courageous? Dumping Trump American Idealist (@MurcanIdealist) March 23, 2018 If Melania divorces DT NOW then she can talk about women of courage otherwise she's not unlike all the others he screwed while married w a newborn & silenced with hush money. Melania, how much more $ do you need? Think of the talk circuit, the book deals, your regained integrity. https://t.co/4LG1TwOQiK Abbey Collins (@DemInOhio) March 23, 2018 Please...you are the last woman on earth that should be involved in awarding courage awards other deserving women. What do you know about courage? Please just go away Melania. I am so weary of this hypocritical drivel from you. SunshineDay (@Sunshine2348432) March 23, 2018 Wake up America...Melania, is not the person to present an award 4 women of courage. She represents a sorry, weak person who accepts abuse 4 money, a man who cheats time and time again. She has the resources to leave a stays, this is not a positive message for young girls/women! Grace and Blessings (@GraceandBlessi4) March 23, 2018 ????????AMERICA????????@FLOTUS is presenting the 2018 International #WomenofCourage Award to 10 women who have demonstrated exceptional courage, strength & leadership. Two women who demonstrated strength & courage are not on that list: Stormy Daniels Karen McDougal#istandwithstormy ????????USN????Chris???? #VetsResistSquadron (@Chrisvega25) March 23, 2018 I am so weary of this hypocritical drivel from you, seethed one Twitter user. Melania is not the person to present an award 4 women of courage, said another. She represents a sorry, weak person who accepts abuse 4 money, a man who cheats time and time again. She has the resources to leave a stays, this is not a positive message for young girls/women! A third critic nominated two women who demonstrated strength and courage who failed to make the list: Stormy Daniels and Karen McDougal. Mexico City (AFP) - With allegations of Russian interference and a flood of "fake news," the race for Mexico's presidential election is shaping up to look a lot like the last one in its giant northern neighbor, the United States. The campaign for the July 1 polls officially opens Friday, but already the internet is swarming with dubious "news" stories: there are allegations of meddling by Moscow, and attention is fixated on scandal-rocked data miner Cambridge Analytica's local activities. Trying to get ahead of the curve, the National Electoral Institute (INE) recently signed deals with Facebook and Twitter, and is due to sign another with Google, seeking to fight the fake with the true. "We are going to ask all the social networks to let us publish official information" on their platforms, said INE board member Enrique Andrade. That includes broadcasts of the three presidential debates and live election results. The social media giants "are very interested in this election after what happened in the United States and all the things that were said about them," said Andrade. But teaming up with them is a risky bet for the INE. No sooner had its deal with Facebook been announced than a new scandal engulfed the social network over allegations that Cambridge Analytica, a British communications firm, had illegally harvested the data of tens of millions of US users and used it to target potential voters on behalf of Donald Trump. The INE was left scrambling to explain. "Any allegation that we are handing over information (on Mexican voters), which the INE zealously protects, is false," said the head of the electoral authority, Lorenzo Cordova. - Fake news 'almost required' - Besides their deals with the INE, Facebook, Twitter and Google are all partners on a project called #Verificado2018, an alliance of 60 Mexican media outlets, universities and non-profit groups launched to check facts and flag false information about the race. Story continues It already has plenty of work. In a country where corruption runs deep and the truth is often murky, the "fake news" era is particularly loaded. The leading target for doctored videos, fabricated news articles and straight up slander has so far been the presidential front-runner, veteran leftist Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador -- known simply as AMLO or "El Peje," for a less-than-pretty fish native to his home state, Tabasco. On the website PejeLeaks.org, articles accuse Lopez Obrador of corruption, and sinister videos paint his inner circle as a mafia of thugs. The anonymous site's declared goal is to show the world "the dark and unknown side" of the former Mexico City mayor, the founder of the left-wing party Morena. In a similar vein, the Facebook page MorenaNarcos is dedicated to exposing the supposed link between Lopez Obrador and Mexico's powerful drug cartels. "This is the work of professionals. It's well-funded, with no trace of who's behind it," said Morena's social media coordinator, Jesus Ramirez. Indeed, Mexico's fake news has particularly slick production values. The political analyst Roberto Morris says that may be an unintended consequence of the country's strict campaign-finance laws. A 2008 reform bars donors from funding campaign ads -- or attack ads against rival campaigns -- in traditional media. "In Mexico the law is so restrictive that you are almost requiring this kind of thing," he said. - Trolling the troll - Lopez Obrador's strategy has been to turn the insults to irony. Accused of links to Russia, he jokingly donned a Russian-style ushanka hat and called himself "Andres Manuelovich." But not everyone is laughing about fears that Russia could try to interfere in Mexico's election, as it allegedly did in the United States. Outgoing US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said during a visit to Mexico last month the country should beware of Russia's "fingerprints" on elections around the world. "My advice to Mexico would be pay attention," he said. Mexican media have reported there is an unusual amount of traffic from Russia on the INE website where Mexicans living overseas register to vote. The electoral authority denies it has picked up anything out of the ordinary, but says it has bolstered its information security structures just in case. Then there is Cambridge Analytica's presence in Mexico. The company told Bloomberg News last July that it was turning to Mexico in search of a new presidential candidate to get behind, after helping Trump to victory. It partnered with an ad-based free airtime app called Pig.gi to mine users' data. But the firm said Friday it had severed ties with the controversial company. This article originally appeared on The Conversation. After U.S. president Donald Trump fired his secretary of state, Rex Tillerson, many analysts have focused on how this high-level ouster took place: unceremoniously, on Twitter, not in a face-to-face meeting. As a former Middle East analyst at the State Department, though, I think the real drama of replacing Americas top diplomat lies in the foreign policy implications. Trump has tapped Mike Pompeo, the hawkish CIA director and former Kansas congressman, to replace Tillerson. Trending: Orange Snow? Rare Phenomenon Strikes Countries Across Globe [Photos] Mike_Pompeo Getty In 2015, Pompeo voted against a deal that the Obama administration negotiated to remove some international economic sanctions on Iran. In exchange, Iran would significantly scale back its nuclear program and submit to intrusive international inspections. Tillersons departure means the Iran nuclear deal is in trouble. And if Trump scraps it, I fear the whole Middle East could erupt in conflict. Why Tillerson had to go The outgoing secretary of state was fired for a host of reasons, some of them personal. Tillerson and Trump did not know each other prior to the 2016 election, and it seems Tillerson never gained the presidents trust. The president reportedly found Tillerson arrogant, disrespectful and less compliant than other cabinet members. Tillerson earned Trumps ire by disagreeing with him on many substantive policy matters, including the presidents decisions to withdraw from the Paris climate accord, recognize Jerusalem as Israels capital and cozy up to Russia. Tillerson also called his boss a moron after a July 2017 meeting at the Pentagon. Story continues In short, as Trump suggested to reporters on the White House lawn, the two never developed good chemistry. Don't miss: Treefort Music Fest: Boise's Ambitious Festival Showcases its Boom 01_17_Rex_Tillerson Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Iran deal in danger Perhaps most importantly, though, Tillerson defied Trump on Iran. Trump has been highly critical of the international nuclear agreement since his 2016 presidential campaign, calling it the worst deal ever negotiated. He wanted to scuttle it when it came up for recertification in July 2017, but his secretary of state advised against it on both diplomatic and security grounds. Tillerson has been strongly critical of Iran, condemning its regional aggression and its meddling in the Syrian civil war. But I believe he understood, as many other policy analysts did, that backing out of the nuclear deal would destabilize the Middle Eastand potentially put the world at riskbecause Iran would likely react by restarting its nuclear program. Tillerson, a former international business executive, was also more sensitive to the opinion of European allies than his boss. Rather than sour relations with the U.K., France, Germany and other key partners by terminating an agreement that they helped negotiate, he worked with the Europeans to come up with a compromise that Trump might find tolerable. Secretary of Defense James Mattis agreed with Tillerson on Iran. The two of them periodically lobbied the president not to scrap the deal, and their influence got the agreement recertified in July 2017. But Trump resented being pressured. Remember, this is a president who has openly stated that only his views matter when it comes to foreign policy. Tillerson disagreed. As he said in his somber March 13 goodbye speech, he believed his job as secretary of state was to serve the nation and defend the U.S. Constitution. Most popular: Erdogan Calls University Students Protesting Turkish Operations in Syria 'Terrorists' To Trump, Tillersons stance on Iran wasnt just a difference of opinionit was, perhaps, an act of disloyalty. Pompeos dangerous instincts In October 2017, Trump finally decertified the Iran deal, which effectively opened the door for the U.S. Congress to reimpose sanctions. In his January 2018 State of the Union address, he was more direct, calling on lawmakers to address the fundamental flaws in the terrible Iran nuclear deal. The newly nominated secretary of state shares the presidents dim view. As a congressman, Pompeo opposed the Obama-era Iran agreement as unconscionable, and he said after Trumps election that he was looking forward to rolling it back. Pompeowith whom, Trump reports, he has very good chemistryis also on record saying that Iran is intent on destroying America. Congressional aides whove worked with him say that Pompeo is a smart guy, level-headed and reasonable. But if he eggs on Trumps most belligerent instincts, I believe the Iran deal wont last the year. Destabilizing the Mideast This could unleash a dangerous chain of events in the volatile Middle East. If the U.S. reimposes sanctions on Iran, hard-liners therewho have always opposed the nuclear dealwould likely pressure Iranian President Hassan Rouhani to retaliate by restarting the countrys uranium enrichment program. I believe Israel would then feel justified in taking military action against Iran, which has been threatening its national security for decades. In doing so, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would have the behind-the-scenes backing of Saudia Arabia, a regional power and longtime rival of Iran, and possibly other states with a Sunni Muslim majority. Iran is governed by conservative Shiite Muslim clerics. Sunni-majority countries like Saudi Arabia dislike Irans policy of financing violent Shiite militias to push its sectarian agenda in Arab states with significant, and sometimes restive, Shiite populations. Israel and Saudi Arabia never supported the Iran nuclear deal. They feared that lifting sanctions on Iran would merely give Tehran more resources to foment strife in the Arab world. Analysts agree that should some Sunni Arab countries team up with Israel against Iran, Iran would not limit itself to responding with missiles. It could also persuade its well-armed allies like Hezbollah and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad to launch rocket attacks on Israel, too. I doubt Mideast war is the outcome Pompeo and Trump would seek by ending the Iran deal, but it may be just the disaster they create. Gregory Aftandilian, Lecturer, Pardee School of Global Studies, Boston University. The Conversation This article was first written by Newsweek More from Newsweek WASHINGTON Congress should somehow reinstate the line-item veto even though it was ruled unconstitutional two decades ago, Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin said on Sunday without offering any ideas of how the legal objections could be overcome. Appearing on Fox News Sunday, Mnuchin defended President Donald Trumps decision to sign the $1.3 trillion omnibus government spending bill despite opposing much of it. After approving that bill on Friday, Trump called for line-item veto that would allow him to reject specific provisions of a bill without vetoing the entire thing. After Mnuchin reiterated that position, host Chris Wallace noted that after Congress passed such a measure in the mid-1990s, the Supreme Court ruled it unconstitutional. Congress could pass a rule, OK, that allows for the line-item veto, Mnuchin said. Wallace informed him it would actually require a constitutional amendment a far heavier lift. We dont need to get into a debate ... theres different ways of doing this, Mnuchin said, declining to name any of them. He then returned to bashing Democrats for many of the spending increases for domestic programs in the bill Trump signed the provisions that sparked a torrent of criticism from conservative lawmakers and commentators. They expressed deep disappointment that Trump didnt veto the entire bill, which would have caused a government shutdown. Its unlikely that Congress will attempt to resurrect the line-item veto, which was adopted under former President Bill Clinton and used to strike provisions of certain legislation. A federal judge ruled in 1998 that it violated procedural requirements in the Constitution and upset the balance of powers. The Supreme Court upheld that ruling the same year. Since then, former presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama called for Congress to approve versions of a line-item veto that they believed would pass constitutional tests. Neither was successful. Trump said on Friday that he would never again sign a bill like the omnibus, which was approved by a Congress led by his own party in both chambers. Along with line-item veto power, Trump said that the Senate should do away with the filibuster, which prevents most bills from moving forward without 60 votes. Story continues Trump isnt likely to have success on that front, either: His own party opposes changing the filibuster rule. Clarification: Language in this story has been amended to include more detail about the proposals Bush and Obama made for powers similar to a line-item veto. Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. By Alexander Tanas CHISINAU (Reuters) - The former president of Romania Traian Basescu joined more than 10,000 people in the Moldovan capital on Sunday to rally in support of reunification between Romania and Moldova. Union between European Union member Romania and its smaller neighbor to the northeast looks unlikely but the issue highlights a divide in Moldova between pro-Western and Moscow-backed political factions ahead of elections in November. The country that is now Moldova was part of Tsarist Russia during the 19th century and known as Bessarabia. After World War One it joined what was known as Greater Romania but it was annexed by the Soviet Union in 1940. When the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991, it became independent under the name Moldova. It is now split between a Romanian-speaking majority and the breakaway region Transdniestria, which is propped up by Russia in one of a series of "frozen conflicts" that have kept separatist regions in several former Soviet republics under Moscow's wing. "We call upon the deputies of the Moldovan and Romanian parliament to vote in the near future for unification," Basescu said at the demonstration, which was timed to coincide with the 100th anniversary of Moldova joining Greater Romania. There was no official reaction from the Romanian side. The demonstration was peaceful though police said they detained 21 people who wanted to disrupt the rally, seizing gas masks, masks and knives. The Moldovan government, which favors closer ties with the European Union and the United States, often locks horns with the pro-Russian President Igor Dodon, who wants closer ties to Moscow and to join a Moscow-led customs union. If his Socialist party wins elections due in 2018, Dodon has previously suggested passing a law that bans unionist organizations seen to be undermining the integrity of the state because they want to join Romania. Dodon asked those who oppose reunification not to stage a rival rally on Sunday. "I urge all patriots and statesmen not to march against the unionists on March 25. We should not give them an additional reason for demonstrations or provocations," Dodon said. (Additional reporting by Radu Marinas in Bucharest; Editing by Matthias Williams and Matthew Mpoke Bigg) Mount Etna id slowly 'sliding towards the Mediterranean Sea', experts have warned - AP Mount Etna, Europes largest and most active volcano, is slowly sliding towards the Mediterranean Sea, scientists have observed. The entire 3,350m (11,000ft) stratovolcano, located on the east coast of the Italian island of Sicily, is currently moving downslope at an average rate of 14 mm per year - or 1.4 metres over 100 years. Experts have warned the sliding could eventually lead to greater risk of large scale slope failure, which could trigger landslides, however researchers at The Open University emphasised there is currently no sign of that happening. Dr John Murray, lead author of the paper published in the Bulletin of Volcanology, stressed the minute movement currently posed no danger to life, but warned that monitoring the volcano for more significant changes was crucial. At the moment there is no cause for concern from the sliding of the volcano towards the sea, the movement is just too small, Dr Murray told The Telegraph. However, the possibility of things changing in the future needs to be taken seriously, so it is important to keep monitoring the movement. At a glance | Deadliest volcanic eruptions The UK-led team, who monitored the changes using GPS technology placed around the mountain, found the sliding is lubricated by the weak sediments beneath Etna and the slope of the basement. Dr Murray, who has been working for 49 years studying the active volcanoes of Mount Etna, said if a sector collapse were to occur, the results could be catastrophic. Around one million people live on Etna and its immediate surroundings, so the destruction of property and loss of life could be catastrophic; but I cannot emphasise enough that there is no sign of this happening at the present time, he explained. Clearly even the mention of such a dangerous event would be very unnerving for the people who live on Etna, so I am anxious that they don't get the wrong impression. At a glance | Where are the world's most famous volcanoes? It is the first time basement sliding of an entire active volcano has been directly observed, with the team suggesting that similar edging may be taking place at other active volcanoes such as Mexicos Volcan de Colima and Mount Teide in Tenerife. Dr Murray said he did not expect the rate of movement to increase, but added: I regard it as essential to keep measuring our stations, and will be on the lookout for any kind of change in rate of downslope sliding. Harare (AFP) - Zimbabwean police are investigating former ruler Robert Mugabes wife Grace, accused of smuggling ivory worth millions to underground foreign markets, a state-owned weekly reported Sunday. The Sunday Mail said investigators from the parks and wildlife authority handed documents to police showing that the former first lady spirited large consignments of ivory to China, the United Arab Emirates and the United States among other destinations. Police spokeswoman Charity Charamba confirmed receiving a report but declined to elaborate when questioned by AFP. The Sunday Mail said the report accused Grace Mugabe of ordering officials to grant her permits to export the ivory as gifts to the leaders of various countries. Once outside Zimbabwe, the 'gifts' would be pooled together with other consignments of the product and routed to black markets, The Sunday Mail reported. A senior official in the presidency, Christopher Mutsvangwa, told the paper the government was tipped off by an unnamed whistleblower. Police and whistleblowers laid a trap for suppliers believed to be working for Grace Mugabe, Mutsvangwa said. The culprits were caught and that is how investigations started. When we were confronted with so much evidence, there is no way we could ignore. The paper said police may question the former first lady soon. Grace Mugabe was tipped alongside the current President Emmerson Mnangagwa to succeed Mugabe, who ruled Zimbabwe since independence from British colonial rule in 1980 until he was forced to step down in November 2017 following a military takeover. She earned the sobriquet Gucci Grace for her lavish lifestyle. Zimbabwe has suffered rampant poaching of elephants, targeted for their ivory tusks which are used for ornaments and medicines. At least 400 elephants died from cyanide poisoning in Hwange, Zimbabwes biggest national park in the northwest of the country, between 2013 and 2015. But parks director-general Fulton Mangwanya said poaching had declined since Mugabes ouster. Poaching levels have dropped sharply in Hwange because the market has been disturbed, The Sunday Mail quoted him as saying. Two suicide attackers struck a Shiite mosque in Afghanistan Sunday, killing at least one person and wounding eight others, officials said, in the latest assault against the Muslim minority claimed by the Islamic State group. The men stormed the grounds of the mosque in the western city of Herat, but security guards shot dead one of them. The other blew himself up before reaching the hall where worshippers were praying, provincial governor spokesman Jilani Farhad told AFP. At least one worshipper was killed and eight others were wounded in the attack on Nabi Akram mosque, Farhad said, adding all the victims were civilians. The casualty toll was confirmed by deputy police chief Aminullah Amin. The area around the mosque was cordoned off by police and ambulances were seen rushing victims to hospitals in the city, an AFP photographer at the scene said. The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack, saying via its propaganda arm Amaq: "An infiltrator attacked a Shiite husseiniya (mosque) in the Jaharso region in the city of Herat in western Afghanistan." IS regularly targets Shiites in an attempt to stir up sectarian violence in the Sunni-majority country. Its local franchise in Afghanistan claimed an attack in Kabul last Wednesday that killed at least 33 people and wounded dozens more, many of them teenagers. A suicide bomber blew himself up among a crowd of people celebrating Nawrooz, the Persian new year holiday, in a heavily Shiite neighbourhood. Seoul (AFP) - North Korea on Saturday agreed to hold high-level talks with Seoul next week to discuss logistics for a rare inter-Korean summit, the South's Unification Ministry said, as a diplomatic thaw on the peninsula gathers pace. The two sides will each send a three-member delegation to the border truce village of Panmunjom on Thursday for talks aimed at paving the way for a summit due in late April, it said. South Korea on Wednesday had proposed holding high-level talks with the North to discuss details including the summit's dates and agenda. The talks will take place at the Unification Pavilion building on the northern side of Panmunjom, which sits on the border, with Seoul's delegation led by Unification Minister Cho Myoung-gyon and his counterpart Ri Son Gwon heading Pyongyang's. The decision by President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to meet came amid a rapid rapprochement kicked off with the recent Winter Olympics in the South. The United States and South Korea announced Tuesday that their annual joint military drills would go ahead next month, but the main exercise will be shortened by a month. The exercises have caused tensions for years, with Pyongyang condemning them as preparations for an invasion of the North. The inter-Korean summit is due to be followed by a face-to-face meeting between US President Donald Trump and Kim by the end of May. - 'Humiliation and defeat' - Following a period of heightened tensions stoked by the North's nuclear and missile tests last year, a rapid rapprochement has been underway on the Korean peninsula. The North on Wednesday broke its silence on the diplomatic thaw with Washington and Seoul, with its official KCNA news agency saying Pyongyang was driving the peace initiative and rejecting suggestions that sanctions forced it to dialogue table. As diplomats scurry to arrange the North-South talks as well as the proposed Trump-Kim meeting, the North's silence has raised concerns over its intentions. Story continues North Korean state media have not yet directly mentioned the summits. Analysts say the North is carefully watching to see how events -- including the US-South Korea military drills -- play out before making them public to its people. State media in the North have not reported any public activities by Kim since March 6, when they said he held talks with South Korean envoys and made a "satisfactory agreement" on the proposed inter-Korean summit. On Friday, Rodong Sinmun, the official daily of the North's ruling Workers Party, attacked the US for continued sanctions and pressure on Pyongyang despite diplomatic progress. "The good atmosphere appearing on the Korean peninsula has been created by our aggressive efforts and initiatives. It has not been brought about by sanctions by the US and its sycophants," the newspaper said "The United States has miscalculated. The stronger the US pressure, the stronger the DPRK (North Korea)... If the US fails to draw a lesson and continues acting recklessly, it would surely be in for a greater humiliation and defeat." The commentary came as President Trump named John Bolton, a foreign policy hawk, as his new national security adviser. Bolton, a former US ambassador to the United Nations, has championed pre-emptive strikes against North Korea and regime change in Iran -- making him an outlier even among Republicans. Kano (Nigeria) (AFP) - Residents of the Nigerian town of Dapchi were hoping for the release of the last schoolgirl kidnapped by Boko Haram, following encouraging indications from the authorities after the militants returned more than 100 youngsters they had seized. Her released schoolmates said the girl, Leah Sharibu, is a Christian who remained in captivity because she refused to convert to Islam. "There is so much expectation in the town following the news that the last remaining girl will be released," Kachalla Bukar, father of one of the schoolgirls recently freed, told AFP late Saturday by phone from the town in the northeastern state of Yobe. "We were told she was on her way but she has not yet been brought," said Kachalla, who is the spokesman of the abducted schoolgirls' parents union. The authorities had asked shopkeepers to close Saturday afternoon in anticipation of her arrival. National police chief Ibrahim Idris told reporters Saturday in Maiduguri, capital of neighbouring Borno State, the girl "may be released today". Idris said he cancelled a visit to Dapchi to avoid any "security hitch" in the town before Leah's arrival, without providing further details. In all, 105 of the 111 schoolgirls abducted on February 19 from their boarding school in Dapchi were released on Wednesday, raising questions about possible ransom payments. They were brought back by members of Boko Haram in nine trucks and dropped by the school. - 'High spirits' - According to witnesses contacted by AFP, the girls were held on an island on Lake Chad, which is a known stronghold for fighters loyal to Boko Haram factional leader Abu Mus'ab al-Barnawi. Five of the girls died in captivity, according to their colleagues. On Saturday, soldiers deployed in Dapchi disappeared from the town's checkpoints, raising hopes for Leah's imminent release. "We believe the news of the girl's release is true because the body language of the security personnel, police and military, indicates the girl is on her way home," said resident Tijjani Goni. Story continues "The town is in high spirits and full of anticipation," Goni said. "The sudden withdrawal of soldiers from checkpoints is a clear sign the girl is coming," said fellow Dapchi resident Sanda Masida. President Muhammadu Buhari vowed on Twitter to do "everything in our power to bring Leah back safely". The Dapchi kidnapping revived painful memories in Nigeria of the April 2014 abduction of over 200 schoolgirls from Chibok, a town also in the northeast, which caused global outrage. While some of the Chibok girls have been freed in exchange for ransom and the release of top Boko Haram commanders, a total of 112 remain in captivity. Boko Haram has repeatedly targeted schools giving a so-called Western education in the mainly-Muslim region as part of an insurgency that has killed at least 20,000 people and displaced more than 2.6 million since 2009. While a 2015 offensive launched by Buhari successfully reclaimed swathes of territory back from the jihadists in Nigeria, the group still stages deadly attacks on both military targets and civilians. Kano (Nigeria) (AFP) - Residents of the Nigerian town of Dapchi were hoping Sunday for the release of the last schoolgirl, who is also a Christian, from among a group of more than 100 kidnapped and released by Islamists, following encouraging indications from authorities. Her freed schoolmates said the girl, Leah Sharibu, remained in captivity as she had refused to convert to Islam. "There is so much expectation in the town following the news that the last remaining girl will be released," Kachalla Bukar, father of one of the schoolgirls recently freed, told AFP late Saturday by phone from the town in the northeastern state of Yobe. "We were told she was on her way but she has not yet been brought," said Kachalla, who is the spokesman of the abducted schoolgirls' parents union. The authorities had asked shopkeepers to close Saturday afternoon in anticipation of her arrival. National police chief Ibrahim Idris told reporters Saturday in Maiduguri, capital of neighbouring Borno State, the girl "may be released today". Idris said he cancelled a visit to Dapchi to avoid any "security hitch" in the town before Leah's arrival, without providing further details. But on Sunday, a spokesman for the national police said that Idris' comments had been "misunderstood and misquoted". "The misunderstanding may be as a result of the already released Dapchi schoolgirls expected back home in Yobe State today but could not arrive due to weather conditions," spokesman Jimoh Moshood said in a statement. The police "reiterates that it has no information yet on the release of the last Dapchi schoolgirl," he said. In all, 105 of the 111 schoolgirls abducted on February 19 from their boarding school in Dapchi were released on Wednesday, raising questions about possible ransom payments. They were brought back by members of the Boko Haram jihadist group in nine trucks. - 'High spirits' - Story continues According to witnesses contacted by AFP, the girls were held on an island on Lake Chad, which is a known stronghold for fighters loyal to Boko Haram factional leader Abu Mus'ab al-Barnawi. Five of the girls died in captivity, according to their fellow students. On Saturday, soldiers deployed in Dapchi disappeared from the town's checkpoints, raising hopes for Leah's imminent release. "The sudden withdrawal of soldiers from checkpoints is a clear sign the girl is coming," said Dapchi resident Sanda Masida. "We believe the news of the girl's release is true because the body language of the security personnel, police and military, indicates the girl is on her way home," said another resident, Tijjani Goni. "The town is in high spirits and full of anticipation," Goni said. President Muhammadu Buhari vowed on Twitter to do "everything in our power to bring Leah back safely". The Dapchi kidnapping revived painful memories in Nigeria of the April 2014 abduction of over 200 schoolgirls from Chibok, a town also in the northeast, which caused global outrage. While some of the Chibok girls have been freed in exchange for ransom and the release of top Boko Haram commanders, a total of 112 remain in captivity. Boko Haram has repeatedly targeted schools giving a so-called Western education in the mainly-Muslim region as part of an insurgency that has killed at least 20,000 people and displaced more than 2.6 million since 2009. While a 2015 offensive launched by Buhari successfully reclaimed swathes of territory back from the jihadists in Nigeria, the group still stages deadly attacks on both military targets and civilians. By Felix Onuah ABUJA (Reuters) - Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari met 107 schoolgirls on Friday freed by Islamist militant group Boko Haram and promised to secure the release any of their classmates still held in the remote northeast. Their kidnapping in the town of Dapchi hit Buhari politically by undermining his claims a year before an election to have ended Boko Haram's nearly decade-long insurgency. A 2015 military campaign drove the group from most of the territory it controlled but much of the northeast remains beyond government rule and insurgents still stage attacks from strongholds near Lake Chad. "This cheering and hearty development signifies our commitment to the security and well-being of all Nigerians," Buhari said after posing in Abuja for a group photograph with the girls, who spent a month in Boko Haram captivity. The mass abduction from the girls' school was an apparent copycat of the 2014 abduction of 270 girls from the town of Chibok. Boko Haram fighters stunned residents of Dapchi on Wednesday when they drove a line of trucks into the town and released the girls, triggering tears and ululations of joy from relatives. The fighters, who were shouting "God is greatest" in Arabic, gave no reason for their change of heart. The government said it had secured their release "through back-channel efforts and with the help of some friends of the country". It said no ransom was paid. Buhari's administration agreed to pay millions of euros to secure the release of some of the Chibok girls, as well as ransoms for kidnapped university staff, after negotiations with Boko Haram aided by Switzerland and the Red Cross. The kidnapping of the Dapchi schoolgirls may have been carried out by a Boko Haram faction allied to Islamic State in the hope of securing a similar payout, according to one person briefed on the incident. The freed girls said they had been treated well but said five of the group had died during their time in captivity and one girl had not been released. Buhari pledged to continue to work for her freedom, as well as that of the remaining Chibok girls. "While parents of Dapchi girls rejoice because of the reunion with their children, I want to appeal to the Chibok community never to lose hope or despair," he said. "We are determined as never before to bring back our remaining Chibok daughters." (Writing by Ed Cropley; Editing by Andrew Heavens) The short-finned pilot whale is a large species of dolphin with a dark-grey body and a bulbous head. Its an intensely social animal that spends its life in the company of others. And that, sadly, is also how it sometimes dies. On Thursday night, around 150 short-finned pilot whales stranded themselves at Hamelin Bay, a site on Australias western coast around 200 miles south of Perth. If they land on solid surfaces, their chest walls, no longer supported by the weight of the water, start to compress their internal organs. When a fisherman spotted them in the early hours of Friday morning, most were already dead. By 7 p.m. local time, trained staff and volunteers had hauled six survivors back into the sea, but their fate is still uncertain. Rescued whales often re-strand themselves, and nightfall will make their movements harder to track. Western Australia is no stranger to mass whale strandings. Nine years ago, to the day, 80 long-finned pilot whalesa closely related speciesstranded themselves in the very same spot. Three years ago, again almost to the day, around 20 long-finned pilot whales washed up at Bunbury, about 70 miles to the north. And those incidents pale in comparison to the largest mass stranding ever documented in the region. In the summer of 1996, 320 long-finned pilot whales beached themselves at Dunsborough, less than 50 miles to the north. A volunteer touches one of 31 pilot whales euthanized July 30, 2002, on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. (Stephen Rose / Getty) This isnt a uniquely Australian problem. New Zealands Farewell Spit is a notorious whale trap where pilot whales regularly strand; up to 650 long-finned pilot whales beached there last February, of which 400 or so were saved. Cape Cod is another hot spot, and sees an average of 226 stranded whales and dolphins every year. Pilot whales seem especially susceptible, but even larger species will beach themselves. Over 300 sei whales died at a Chilean fjord in 2015, while 29 sperm whales washed up on the coasts of the southern North Sea in 2016. Story continues Recommended: Trump Can't Get What He Wants and Doesn't Know Why The largest mass stranding in recorded history occurred a century ago, when 1,000 whales came ashore at the Chatham Islands. And even older strandings are evident from Chiles Cerro Ballena, a roadcut from which scientists have uncovered the skeletons of at least 40 stranded whales, between 6 and 9 million years old. Given this long history, its unclear if these events have become any more frequent of late, or if theyre simply easier to spot in an interconnected world. Still, there is something deeply unsettling about mass strandings. Cetaceansthe group that includes whales and dolphinsare highly intelligent and beautifully adapted to life in the water. Why would they leave the aquatic world to risk death? And why do so many of them do so at the same time? No one really knows. Theres a multitude of hypotheses and few firm answers. Pilot whales stranded at Farewell Spit on February 10, 2017 (Anthony Phelps / Reuters) Location matters. Stranding hot spots like Cape Cod and Farewell Spit often include hook-shaped pieces of land jutting out into the water. The gently sloping sandy beaches at these sites may not reflect the whales sonar back at them, prompting them to think that theyre actually in deeper water. These regions are also complicated estuarine environments where rapidly receding tides can easily strand inexperienced deepwater species. Perhaps this is why shallow-water cetaceans, which have most experience with such conditions, rarely strand. Perhaps this also explains why pilot whales will often re-strand themselves once theyre rescued. Recommended: Marriage Proposals Are Stupid Whales might enter these traps because theyre pursuing prey into unfamiliar waters (as was possibly the case for the sperm whales that died in the North Sea in January 2016). Or they might be fleeing from predators like orcas, or be sent astray by extreme weather. They might be weakened by injuries, viral infections, or mere old age, and seek shallower waters where they can more easily breathe. They might even be influenced by astronomical events. Many cetaceans use the Earths magnetic field to navigate, and their internal compasses could be vulnerable to magnetic anomalies, of the kind caused by solar storms. The sun occasionally lashes out with streams of charged particles and radiation; these cosmic tantrums produce the magnificent northern lights, but perhaps theyre also responsible for disorienting cetaceans, sending them into dangerous waters. It seems like a far-fetched possibility, but its one that NASA is seriously investigating. Its possible that some stranding cetaceans are the victims of natural poisonings. The sei whales that died in Chile are thought to be victims of toxins released by deadly algae, while similar harmful algal blooms may also be responsible for the fossil whale graveyard at Cerro Ballena. Volunteers help push back a beached pilot whale in Kommetjie, South Africa, on May 30, 2009. (Mike Hutchings / Reuters) Cetaceans can be disoriented by the underwater din of human activity, from naval sonar to the seismic airguns used in oil and gas exploration. Several stranding events have been tied to military exercises near the United Kingdom, Denmark, Greece, the Canary Islands, Hawaii, and most famously, the Bahamas in 2000. As documented in War of the Whales, that last event led to a string of scientific studies, legal injunctions, court cases, and a formal admission of culpability from the U.S. Navy. Naval sonar is so loud that it can cause internal hemorrhaging. It could also cause gas bubbles to form in cetaceans bodies, essentially giving them the bendsthe same condition that afflicts human divers who surface too quickly. Even low levels of sonar could harm cetaceans by distressing them, forcing them to flee into unfamiliar territory. Recommended: 'Wild Wild Country': The Jaw-Dropping Story of the Cult Next Door Finally, many cetaceans live in large groups. They play together, travel together, and hunt together. And perhaps, as a result, they die together. If one faltering individual, whether through confusion, sickness, or naivete, heads toward a shoreline, its possible that the entire group will follow it to their doom, in the way that lemmings have been mythologized to do (but actually dont). Many of these hypotheses are difficult to test, let alone prove, and its likely that many of them are correct. It would be a mistake to let the heartbreaking nature of these events cloud the fact that they vary considerably in the species that are affected, their location, and the circumstances around their deaths. It seems unlikely that there will ever be a Grand Unified Theory of Mass Strandings. Instead, per Tolstoy, perhaps every stranded group of whales is stranded in its own way. Read more from The Atlantic: This article was originally published on The Atlantic. The Facebook data privacy and Russian election interference scandals show that artificial intelligence is still not up to many critical jobs in the technology sector. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg said this week the social media company will be adding another 5,000 jobs before the end of the year, on top of 5,000 recently created positions. A significant number of jobs are in content review, where A.I. still needs a lot of human help in protecting the company from what Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg called "bad actors." Facebook already employs 7,500 content reviewers, which is a larger number of workers than the entire workforce of most companies. More Americans may be deleting Facebook in the wake of the Cambridge Analytica data privacy scandal, but the social media giant is adding people to its ranks in a way that does pay: through thousands of new jobs. Facebook's struggles to contain the privacy and linked Russian election interference headlines underscore a big trend in technology careers that is still being sorted out and spent heavily on by major players. As smart as artificial intelligence gets, it is still not up to many critical job tasks that are required to protect companies from risks that can destroy not only bottom lines but reputations. The number of new jobs being created by Facebook reflects the scope of the challenge. Facebook FB is adding 5,000 jobs before the end of the year in security and community operations. That is on top of 5,000 new positions already added this year. By year-end Facebook jobs in these areas will have increased from 10,000 to 20,000 (the teams involved are at 15,000 currently). One position, content reviewer, is already staffed by Facebook with 7,500 workers. That's roughly the same number of employees as the entire workforce of Twitter TWTR and Snap SNAP combined. The 5,000 Facebook workers still to be added this year is a larger number than either of those companies, and represents 20 percent of Facebook's reported total employee level of approximately 25,000. Story continues Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg told CNBC on Thursday, "We need to do more; we continue to do more. We are massively ramping hiring. We are going to continue to ramp even faster." It was Facebook CEO's Mark Zuckerberg's comments to the New York Times and Wired, though, that laid out the limitations of A.I. and the need for human hiring. "One of the big things we needed to do is coordinate our efforts a lot better across the whole company. It's not all A.I., right? There's certainly a lot that A.I. can do. We can train classifiers to identify content, but most of what we do is identify things that people should look at. So we're going to double the amount of people working on security this year. ... So it's really the technical systems we have working with the people in our operations functions that make the biggest deal," he told the Times. A.I. is not yet 'solved' The Facebook CEO told Wired that when he started Facebook in 2004, "People shared stuff and then they flagged it and we tried to look at it. But no one was saying, 'Hey, you should be able to proactively know every time someone posts something bad,' because the A.I. tech was much less evolved, and we were a couple of people in a dorm room. ... But now you fast-forward almost 15 years and A.I. is not solved, but it is improving." Sandberg told CNBC that A.I. can catch "99 percent" of the "bad actors," but internet watchdogs are less sure, and after a loss of roughly $50 billion in Facebook's market capitalization over the past week, it seems like the responsibility of companies merits more spending on human talent. Simply put, algorithms are not as good as people at context. "What we are learning is that you can't just throw more A.I. at a lot of these problems. You need people who understand how to train these systems so that they have the insight they need, and then how to monitor them," said Natasha Duarte, a policy analyst at the Center for Democracy & Technology. "They have to review flagged content and see what the tools might be missing, and understand how to go back and add training and data and try to improve the tools accuracy." Facebook is looking for workers to fill jobs in content moderation "content reviewers" who are tasked with taking correct action on a reported piece of content based on the company's Community Standards. The focus in hiring for this type of role is language and market knowledge to ensure the company has the most appropriate cultural context to cover content coming from all over the world, according to information provided to CNBC. These people work to detect fake accounts, improve authentication, reduce harassment and scams and promote child safety, among other tasks related to safety. Facebook moderators are paid above average in the industry, according to information provided by Facebook to CNBC, and are offered additional benefits, which include resiliency training (stress-related training) and support. Diversity in hiring is also key, a Facebook spokesperson told CNBC. Duarte said diversity in hiring is critical. "If you ask me what I think is the most important, whoever tech companies hire, they need people from diverse backgrounds, racially diverse and diverse in terms of gender, and especially when we are talking about content moderation, there is a cultural element to that. You want to make sure people working on automated solutions for content are not just all from one cultural background." The exact number of Facebook hires to be made in content review is not known and will be a part of the 5,000 new jobs spread across security and safety. The broader team includes experts in enforcement in areas like child safety, hate speech, counterterrorism and legal specialists. So it would include roles such as engineers or those who work directly with law enforcement. Not all of the new jobs are full-time with Facebook. The 5,000 jobs number includes a mix of full-time employees, independent contractors and outsourced positions managed by vendor partners, at least in part driven by the need to match the work with Facebook's needs across global time zones, languages and markets. Samantha Wallace, who leads the technology practice for Korn Ferry's division that focuses on mid-level search, said the Facebook hiring drive reflects the difficulty companies are having in figuring out how to best take advantage of A.I. and how to not become overly confident in it at the same time. "It is a topic of conversation that comes up with increasing frequency," Wallace said. "It's bleeding edge, A.I. and machine learning and analytics and data scientists, and all of it wraps into this one space with lots of buzzwords, which leads to lots of ambiguity." Wallace said that she can't speak to Facebook's hiring specifically, but the search firm has found that outside of the core competencies related to A.I., which require advanced degrees in science and math, traits like curiosity and persistence and creativity are important for hiring in roles related to the massive amount of data. "Harnessing it is one thing, and there's a technical role, but to make it something useful and strategic in decision-making requires non-technical traits within the A.I. world." Wallace said there is an ocean of data that creates security and content issues, and that requires the subjective perspective from a human being to decide which pieces of data or content make it to the smaller pool that is widely shared. Google has in the past year been hiring more workers to filter terrorism-related content, but this isn't just an issue for social media companies, though they may feel it most acutely. "Across industries the content-management question is real for all organizations," Wallace said. "In social media there is wide audience interacting with the platform on a daily basis, but others could be web-based or product descriptions disseminated through other channels. The content piece is important. ... These challenges are true for any organization, the integrity of data and security." You can't just build an algo to police the algo The Korn Ferry recruiter said there is a huge movement to fill these positions, but there is also ambiguity about the responsibilities of the positions because it's an emerging field. "We're a successful enough company that we can employ 15,000 people to work on security and all of the different forms of community [operations]," Zuckerberg told the Times. "As A.I. tools get better and better, will be able to proactively determine what might be offensive content or violate some rules, what therefore is the responsibility and legal responsibility of companies to do that?" "I think across industries there is a tidal wave of need coming and there is an ongoing shortage of talent coming into the space," Wallace said. Companies aren't only playing catch-up but "over-resourcing" for these positions, she said, because they know they will have to "upscale" certain workers and create new skill sets in the future. "They know there will be a need and know there will be a shortage, so they build a team ... to make sure they have the resources in place when risks materialize in a critical way," Wallace said. She added, "Organizations are moving to the 'We have to add these people now, even if we don't know what they will do, what we will do with them.'" "You can't just build an algo to police the algo," Duarte said. Companies need to have a diverse human pool with different academic backgrounds to come together and decide what a platform is really about and how a company wants it to serve users. Duarte said that if that task is left to A.I. and the engineers who build the code, they will invariably get it wrong. "Hate speech and sarcasm can be confused," Duarte said. "It takes humans who understand the full scope and context to spot issues where we should be worried about an [A.I.] classifier going wrong." She said Zuckerberg's comments about bridging the technical systems with the people in operations speaks to the potential divisions that stand in the way of proper decision-making. There are teams that work on content policy and on privacy policy and make the decisions to advocate for policies to govern platforms, and then there are the engineers who build the tools. "Ideally, you have integration between policy and engineers, so policy goals are then informing tool builds," Duarte said. Even when companies like Facebook try to get it right in response to failings, the responses still have a history of failing themselves. Duarte pointed to her group's efforts to get Facebook to crack down on affinity targeting in ads, for example, routing ads related to homebuying away from minority groups a social media ad version of the unfair mortgage and real estate industry practices that made homebuying for African Americans difficult for much of the 20th century. In 2016 the Center for Democracy & Technology advocated for more rules and guidance around how advertisers could target those ads. Facebook said it was fixing the problem and put out a blog post on its efforts. A subsequent investigation by ProPublica found that the Facebook fix didn't fix the problem ProPublica was able to serve ads in the exact way it shouldn't have been allowed to do anymore. "We can't just throw A.I. at it, and we don't want to have policy team and engineers siloed separately while building tools," Duarte said. One option for Facebook suggested this week by one of the New York Times reporters to interview Zuckerberg was to cut down on data and content issues by opting to go smaller veering away from its free ad-supported model that makes malicious bots' manipulation more possible. But comments from the company's top brass shows that while it considers a version of its platform that could be offered on a paid basis, there are few signs it thinks that's the way to go for the majority of its global business. Sandberg's comments on A.I. could seem to express overconfidence in it, or in the least highlight the tension between man and machine. In addition to "massively ramping" hiring, she told CNBC, "we are massively investing in machine learning and automation. ... There are areas where we've had great success. We take down 99 percent of ISIS or that kind of terrorist content before it even hits the platform. Machines make that possible and our commitment is clear." "Right now A.I. tools need to be thought of like a student. That is where you get the most value," Wallace said. "But right now many actually operate like a 5-year-old. You are getting some benefit and insight but need to teach them, so they are a ways away from full impact. How we teach them will affect what happens to jobs subsequently." More from @Work: Facebook's leadership crisis explained Your next job interview may be with an AI robot AT&T's $1 billion gamble on the job of the future More From CNBC Photo: Facebook A 16-year-old Texas girl ran away from home in hopes of escaping being forced to marry an older man, San Antonio TV station KSAT reports. The teenagers parents, Abdulah Fahmi Al Hishmawi, 34, and Hamdiyah Sabah Al Hishmawi, 33, were reportedly set to receive $20,000 compensation for the arranged marriage. When their daughter Maarib refused, they allegedly began to choke the teen, beating her and pouring hot cooking oil on her. The teenager tried to escape the abuse by running away from home in January. Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar says the mother and father were arrested Friday on family violence charges. This young lady, at various times over that time period was subjected to some pretty bad abuse because she didnt want to be married to this person, Salazar said on Friday at a press conference. Maarib had been reported missing in late January and wasnt found until mid-March. The sheriff said she had been safely in the care of another organization while she was missing. Several times it was reported to us that this young lady was abused with hot cooking oil being thrown on her body. She was beat with broomsticks, Salazar added. At least at one point, she was choked almost to the point of unconsciousness. The teen was found and placed with Child Protective Services alongside her five other siblings, who are between five and 15 years old. The family moved to the U.S. from Iraq two years ago. Police have not confirmed that the other siblings have been subject to abuse, but Salazar believes other charges will be filed in the case. The sheriffs office and the FBI announced they were investigating her disappearance in February, after the teen failed to return home from school on Jan. 30. Police said the man who had arranged to be married to the teen may also be charged. Steps are being taken to protect children from entering these marriages. Earlier this month, a new law was passed in Florida which makes it illegal for anyone under 17 to marry. This was thanks to the efforts of Sherry Johnson, a survivor of rape and child marriage. At the age of nine, Johnson was allegedly raped by a church deacon. After she gave birth at only 10 years old, she was forced to marry him. Story continues My heart is happy, Johnson said afterward. My goal was to protect our children and I feel like my mission has been accomplished. This is not about me. I survived. Read more from Yahoo Lifestyle: Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day. Paul McCartney stood in solidarity with the thousands protesting gun violence across the nation Saturday at the March for Our Lives in New York. One of my best friends was killed by gun violence right around here, so its important to me not just to march today but to take action tomorrow and to have these people to have their voices heard, McCartney told CNNs Jason Caroll. Caroll asked McCartney what he hoped could be achieved by the rally, to which McCartney opened his jacket to emphasize the message on his shirt, which read, We can end gun violence. McCartney said he wasnt sure whether gun violence could be ended on the legislative level, but said that what citizens can do is march. The former Beatle was joined by his wife Nancy Shevell at the rally blocks away from the Dakota Building, outside of which John Lennon was shot in 1980. In the McCartneys native England, its significantly more difficult for private citizens to own guns, a result of a 1996 mass shooting in Dunblane, Scotland, in which a gunman killed 16 children and a teacher. After the shooting, all handguns were banned from private ownership, with over 162,000 being surrendered in a gun amnesty. Only one mass shooting has taken place in the U.K. since, in 2010. Several other celebrities expressed their support for the cause Saturday and attended rallies in their cities. Demi Lovato performed at the Washington, D.C. rally, and others like Kim Kardashian West, Liev Schreiber, and Nick Offerman posted about their intention to rally. Watch the interview with McCartney below. Related stories Celebrities Express Support for March for Our Lives: 'We Will Help Fan the Flames' March for Our Lives: Streets in D.C. Quickly Fill Before Event How to Watch the March for Our Lives Protest Subscribe to Variety Newsletters and Email Alerts! Sergei Skripal with his daughter Yulia - East 2 West The former Russian double agent left close to death after a nerve agent attack in Salisbury had written to President Vladimir Putin asking to be pardoned and to be allowed to visit his home country, a friend has claimed. Vladimir Timoshkov, a friend of Sergei Skripal, said he regretted having spied for the British and wanted to return to Russia to visit his family. In 2006 Colonel Skripal was jailed by the Russian for selling secrets to MI6 and came to Britain in 2010 as part of a spy swap, setting up home in Salisbury. He remains in a critical condition with his daughter Yulia, three weeks after they were poisoned with the highly lethal nerve agent Novichok. The attempted assassination sparked a diplomatic crisis between Russia and Britain. On Friday, EU leaders promised an "unprecedented" diplomatic response to the attack after backing Theresa May's assertion that Moscow was responsible. According to Mr Timoshkov, who says he had known him since school, Col Skripal, 66, did not see himself as a traitor as he had sworn an oath to the former Soviet Union. "Many people shunned him. His classmates felt he had betrayed the Motherland," he told the BBC. "In 2012 he called me. We spoke for about half an hour. He called me from London. He denied he was a traitor... (he told me) he wrote to Vladimir Putin asking to be fully pardoned and to be allowed to visit Russia. His mother, brother and other relatives were (in Russia)." Profile | Sergei Skripal In what is being interpreted as a cynical move Russia's ambassador to the UK sent his well wishes to Mrs Skripal and his daughter on Friday, saying he hoped for their recovery. Alexander Yakovenko also wrote to Wiltshire Police detective sergeant Nick Bailey, who was left seriously ill after he was exposed to the poison as he went to the aid of the Skripals. Detectives are still trying to established whether the nerve agent which left the Skripals fighting for their lives was inserted into Col Skripals car or unwittingly brought from Russia to Britain by Yulia in her suitcase, possibly secreted in a present or item of clothing. Story continues On Friday, police in protective suits and gas masks removed the bench where former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia were poisoned with nerve agent in Salisbury Credit: Peter Macdiarmid/LNP On Friday police officers in chemical protection suits removed the bench onto which Skripals collapsed shortly after leaving Zizzis restaurant in Salisbury following the attack. It is understood the bench has been taken to the Ministry of Defences Porton Down laboratory for closer examination. The move signals the beginning of the end of the overtly visible part of the investigation into who targeted the Skripals, how they did it and, crucially, on whose orders. About | Novichok agent It came as a relief to the people of Salisbury. Im so glad to see it go, said Jennifer McMenamin, 66, a school cleaner from Salisbury, who joined a small group of shoppers to watch. To think what happened to those poor people on that bench. It makes you wonder what else goes on in the world. Perhaps Salisbury can start getting back to normal now. Its been like a ghost town since it happened. Scotland Yard said: The park bench that Sergei and Yulia Skripal were sitting on when they were found unwell in Salisbury is being removed to preserve it as a potential crime exhibit as part of the investigation into the attempted murder. On hearing it had been taken away one nearby cafe owner said simply: "It's gone? Thank God for that." ASHGABAT (Reuters) - Turkmenistan is voting in a parliamentary election on Sunday, with a choice of three parties and some independents, but all the candidates are ultimately loyal to President Kurbanguly Berdymukhamedov, leader of the gas-rich nation. One of the candidates is the president's son, Serdar Berdymukhamedov, regarded by observers as a potential successor to the 60-year-old leader, who is referred to by local people as Arkadag, or Protector. Although the vote takes place against the backdrop of foreign currency shortages brought on by a drop in gas exports, there are no opposition parties in the former Soviet republic of six million. Polling stations greeted voters with national music and dance shows, and snacks. "The election is a real holiday for us, which will bring peace, prosperity and stability," said Maskat Muratdyrdyev, 26, head of a provincial polling station not far from Ashgabat. Official data shows almost a quarter of registered voters had cast their ballots by 9 a.m. (0400 GMT), within the first two hours of voting. Not everyone was enthusiastic, though. "I have three kids to feed, gasoline prices have gone up and everything has become more expensive," said taxi driver Mergen, 36, who said he would not vote. "I think they will deal with the election without me." There are 284 candidates contesting 125 seats in the single-chamber legislature, whose main job is to rubber-stamp bills drafted by the cabinet. Another legislative body in the predominantly Muslim nation is the Halk Maslahaty, or People's Council, chaired by the president, which has more powers than parliament and consists of deputies elected by local councils. However, the position of parliament speaker is important, because holders of the office become acting president if the head of state is unable to carry out his work. Some observers have tipped Serdar Berdymukhamedov, 36, to eventually become speaker and the designated successor to his father, who has run the country since 2007 and is the center of an extravagant personality cult. A golden statue of the president riding a horse stands in the center of Ashgabat. In a symbolic move, Serdar Berdymukhamedov, who had worked as a diplomat before becoming an MP in 2016, attended a summit of Central Asian leaders in Kazakhstan this month that his father skipped. Turkmenistan's economy depends heavily on exports of natural gas and Russia was its main customer for decades, thanks to Soviet-era pipelines. But Moscow halted purchases of Turkmen gas in 2016, leaving as the main buyer China, which has built its own pipeline from scratch. The Ashgabat government is building a new pipeline through neighboring Afghanistan to Pakistan and China in an attempt to open up additional export markets. (Reporting by Marat Gurt; Writing by Olzhas Auyezov; Editing by Clarence Fernandez) Medellin (Colombia) (AFP) - A pinch of powdered chimpanzee bone, some gecko saliva, a dash of vulture brain. These are not the ingredients of a fairytale witches' brew, but some of the prized substances helping drive the multi-billion dollar illegal trade in animal parts touted to cure anything from a hangover or asthma, to cancer and AIDS. Along with better-known products such as rhino horn, pangolin scales, and tiger bone, dealers do a brisk trade in some more obscure ones too -- dried seahorse, sloth claws, manta ray gills, and macaque embryos. Many are creatures listed as endangered or threatened. And while some of the products are key constituents in centuries-old traditional cures prescribed by healers in Asia and Africa, others are fictional cure-alls sold by cynical quacks, experts say. "We do see modern-day snake oil salesman," John Scanlon, secretary general of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species told AFP. While stressing "we will never criticize any traditional practices," he condemned "people who are promoting certain wildlife products as having properties that have no association with traditional medicine." "They're really preying on people in very vulnerable situations." These include peddlers of rhino horn to cure cancer -- an unproven claim that has contributed to the decimation of these majestic beasts. Sudan, the world's last male northern white rhino, died in Kenya this week. In 1960, there were an estimated 100,000 black rhino in Africa -- today there are fewer 28,000 rhinos of all species left in Africa and Asia, according to a 2016 UN World Wildlife Crime Report. "The current rhino poaching crisis, which began around 2007... does have its origins in bogus medicinal use," said Richard Thomas of TRAFFIC, which monitors wild animal trade. - No evidence - A surge in demand in Vietnam is ascribed to a senior politician claiming in the mid-2000s that rhino horn cured his cancer. Story continues "This has no basis in scientific fact, but was almost certainly the urban myth that led to the crisis," Thomas told AFP. As incomes have increased in Asia, so has demand for rhino horn, which can sell for tens of thousands of dollars per kilo. Today, rich people us it as a tonic, even for hangovers, and as a display of wealth. "And although there is a popular myth in Western society (that) rhino horn is used as an aphrodisiac in Asian culture, it was never prescribed as such -- ironically, it has now taken on such a use in Vietnam," said Thomas. Now banned in China, Rhino horn originally was prescribed by traditional healers as a treatment for fever. Some scientific studies have shown that it is somewhat effective for this purpose, though not more so than aspirin. Other traditional medicines have been more successfully assimilated by westerners. Bear bile was found to contain an ingredient called ursodeoxycholic acid, effective in treating a liver disease. It is now produced synthetically. Similarly, the antimalarial artemisinin, was originally extracted from the wormwood plant, and an ingredient of the African Cherry tree is used to make prostate medicine. But demand for many plant and animal ingredients today is driven by nothing other than superstition, the experts say. The scales of the pangolin, or scaly anteater, are sold raw or fried in Asia for as much as $500 per kilogram for treating asthma and migraines, or stimulate milk production in breast-feeding women. Of the eight pangolin species, two are listed as critically endangered, two as endangered and four as vulnerable by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. And according to Thomas, "there is no scientific evidence to supposed any supposed properties" of pangolin scales. Between 2007 and 2013, parts from an estimated 150,000 pangolins were seized every year on average worldwide, but monitors say this is likely just "a fraction" of the illegal trade. There is similarly no support for the alleged AIDS-curing properties of Tokay geckos, or the virility boost provided by tiger bone. There may be as few as 3,000 tigers left in the wild. - Strong message - On Friday, the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystems Services (IPBES) meeting in Medellin, Colombia, warned that biodiversity was declining in every world region. "Superstition, traditional medicine, and viral marketing techniques are aggravating the pressure on animal species," said Charlotte Nithart of French wildlife monitor Robin des Bois. In a recent report, the group recorded illegal trade in products such as giraffe marrow bone for curing AIDS in Africa, and powdered chimpanzee bone to boost virility. The brains of endangered vultures are smoked in South Africa to boost foresight and predict lottery numbers. According to WWF, the illicit trade in wildlife is worth about $19 billion (15.4 billion euros) per year -- making it the fourth largest illegal trade after drugs, counterfeiting, and human trafficking. The solution? "People are increasingly being caught and prosecuted, sent to jail for illegal trade," said Scanlon. "That sends a strong message." But a changing people's minds is key, and difficult. "Being culturally sensitive is important," said Thomas. "If someone is brought up to believe something is a medicine, it simply doesn't work telling them it isn't, especially if that message comes from a complete outsider." Former U.S. senator and presidential candidate Rick Santorum suggested on Sunday that students concerned about gun violence in their schools should learn how to revive wounded people instead of asking lawmakers to solve their problems. Santorum, a Pennsylvania Republican, made the remarks on CNNs State of the Union, one day after an estimated 200,000 people participated in the student-led March For Our Lives in Washington demanding stricter gun control laws. How about kids, instead of looking to someone else to solve their problem, do something about maybe taking CPR classes or trying to deal with situations where there is a violent shooter, he said. Host Brianna Keilar pointed out that the students did take action by organizing the march. It followed a gunman killing 17 people at a high school in Parkland, Florida, in February. Santorum dismissed that point. They took action to ask someone to pass a law. They didnt take action to say how do I, as an individual, deal with this problem? How am I going to do something about stopping bullying within my own community? What am I going to do to actually help respond to a shooter? he said. Fellow CNN panel member Van Jones, who briefly served as an environmental aide under former President Barack Obama, objected to Santorums idea. Ive got a kid whos going to be in high school next year and I want him focused on algebra and other stuff. If his main way to survive high school is learning CPR so when his friends get shot, that to me, weve gone too far, he said. Erica Lafferty, whose mother, Dawn Lafferty Hochsprung, was fatally shot in 2012 at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut while serving as principal and protecting her students, was also quick to condemn Santorums suggestion. Rick Santorums words are an insult to the kids of Parkland, my family and to the countless others who have had loved ones taken by gun violence, she said in a statement released by gun violence prevention organization, Everytown for Gun Safety. Story continues My mother was killed while protecting her students at Sandy Hook School. For anyone to suggest that the solution to gun violence is for kids to learn CPR is outrageous, and indicative of the NRAs desire to do or say anything except strengthen Americas weak gun laws, she said. Santorum, who has touted himself and his wife as lifetime members of the National Rifle Association, in February also suggested that absent fathers and broken homes should be blamed for gun violence. Related... Here Are The Latest Photos From March For Our Lives This Is What The March For Our Lives Looked Like From Space Best Signs From The March For Our Lives The Rest Of The World Showed Up To March For Our Lives Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia's Defence Ministry said more than 105,000 people have left Syria's Eastern Ghouta rebel enclave, including another 700 on Saturday since government forces began an assault to retake it a month ago, RIA news agency reported, citing the military. RIA referred to evacuations taking place during "humanitarian pauses". Russian President Vladimir Putin, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's main ally in the conflict, ordered daily five-hour ceasefires and the creation of a "humanitarian corridor" to allow civilians to leave Eastern Ghouta. In the event, the offensive - among the fiercest of the seven-year civil war - was largely carried out in defiance of international pleas to halt and honor a truce, and about 90 percent of eastern Ghouta is back under government control. (Reporting by Denis Pinchuk; Editing by Mark Heinrich) A school district in Pennsylvania has armed its students with rocks as protection against the possibility of a school shooter. Dr. David Helsel, Superintendent of the Blue Mountain School District, said students are being trained on how to handle emergency situations, and are learning to supplement the school's security systems. Theyve learned to barricade doors and to distract potential shooters so staffers can stop them. But, as part of their protection they have also equipped each classroom with five-gallon river stones. Helsel said anyone entering a classroom with a weapon will face stoning. They are the right size for hands. You can throw them very hard and they can cause pain, which can distract, Helsel said. The effort will reportedly be used as a last resort. Anything helps, rocks are better than books and pencils, one student said. Teachers, staff and students were aslo given active shooter training through a program known as ALICE which stands for Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate and they routinely hold evacuation drills for active shooter simulations. RELATED STORIES Parkland School Shooting: Cops Release Video of Deputy Scot Peterson on Day of Massacre Nikolas Cruz's Brother Cries in Court as Shooting Suspect Appears at Arraignment Hearing Parkland School Shooting: Nikolas Cruz to Face Death Penalty If Convicted Related Articles: (Photo: Aaron Bernstein / Reuters) Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.), the senior Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, says that social media giant Facebook hasnt been fully transparent about its previously unreported data leak. I dont think Facebook has been fully forthcoming, Warner said Sunday on NBCs Meet The Press. I called out Facebook back in December of 16. In the Spring of 17, I questioned micro-targeting and the use of this really sketchy firm Cambridge Analytica. Early on for most of 2017, they blew that off. The social media giant recently confirmed that Cambridge Analytica, a British voter-profiling firm with ties to Donald Trumps presidential campaign, harvested private data from millions of Facebook users in 2016. Last week, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg finally apologized for his companys role in the breach and said it was taking steps to protect user data going forward. Warner, who is helping probe Russias alleged involvement in the 2016 presidential election, said that it may be necessary to regulate large social media companies like Facebook going forward. All of these social media companies have said they have no responsibility for any of the content, Warner said. I think we have to relook at that. I think in many ways theyre media companies. While Democrats have been critical of Facebook and its role in the 2016 election, calling on executives like Zuckerberg to testify before Congress, they do not have the power to compel him to do so. Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) on Monday invited Zuckerberg to testify at a hearing on April 10 to discuss Facebooks past and future policies regarding the protection and monitoring of consumer data. Grassley also announced he had invited Google CEO Sundar Pichai and Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey to discuss the future of data privacy in the social media industry. Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Richard Burr (R-N.C.) hasnt called on Zuckerberg to testify. Zuckerberg took out full-page ads in several American and British newspapers on Sunday to apologize for the breach of trust in the scandal. Story continues This was a breach of trust, and Im sorry we didnt do more at the time. Were now taking steps to ensure this doesnt happen again, read the ads. Warner dismissed Zuckerbergs gesture on Sunday and reiterated his call for the Facebook founder to testify before Congress. I think Mr. Zuckerberg needs to come and testify before Congress, not just put an advertisement in the newspaper, Warner said. He said he would if he was the guy, he is the right guy. He cant send a staff. When Im called upon on an issue, its my name on the door. I mean you wouldnt take a staff member here on your show representing me. He needs to come testify before Congress and explain how theyre going to work with us to both protect privacy; there are 50 million Facebook accounts that were used by this sketchy firm, Cambridge Analytica, and how were going to make sure it doesnt happen again in terms of weaponization of these social media platforms, he added. This article has been updated to reflect that Grassley has invited Zuckerberg to testify. Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. Freetown (AFP) - Sierra Leone's opposition candidate Julius Maada Bio on Sunday accused outgoing leader Ernest Bai Koroma of attempting to derail Tuesday's presidential run-off through the courts to keep his party in power. The High Court on Saturday ordered the National Electoral Commission (NEC) to halt preparations for the vote until an election fraud complaint lodged by a lawyer linked to the ruling party is resolved. Bio, who won the March 7 first round by a slim margin for the Sierra Leone People's Party (SLPP), is due to run against Koroma's hand-picked successor, Samura Kamara, who will represent the ruling All Peoples' Congress (APC). "The motivation behind the APC injunction is very clear: they do not want a runoff presidential election to proceed because they know the verdict of the overwhelming majority of Sierra Leonean electorate will not be in their favour," Bio told a press conference. He said Koroma would bear responsibility "for anything that follows after" a delayed or cancelled election, before evoking fears of "large-scale violence and ethnic cleansing". The APC broadly relies on the Temne and Limba people in its northern strongholds, while the SLPP is more popular in the south with the Mende ethnic group. - Bitter campaigning - Some candidates and supporters have used ethnic slurs at campaign rallies, and the police and international observers have raised concerns over such rhetoric in recent weeks. Bio further urged Koroma to "allow the conduct of the runoff presidential election to proceed as scheduled and accept the results of the election," adding the president would bring Sierra Leone "to the brink of chaos" if he failed to step down at the end of his mandate on March 27. Koroma has served a maximum of two terms, but raised eyebrows last year when he said he would stay on as party chairman of the APC once he leaves the presidency. Story continues The SLPP candidate, who briefly served as head of state in a 1996 junta government, alleged the president wanted to provoke violence in order to call a state of emergency and rule by decree. Sierra Leone emerged from a brutal civil war in 2002 and has remained largely peaceful since then, despite occasional flare-ups around election time, but memories of a conflict in which more than 50,000 died remain potent. A group of civil society organisations said Saturday the court decision was "frustrating and depressing", as the March 7 vote was declared credible by national an international observers. "We expect our judiciary to correct its past," the group said in a statement, evoking a post-war truth and reconciliation commission statement that condemned judges for "failing to stand up to state tyranny". Paris (AFP) - A gunman claiming allegiance to the Islamic State group fired shots and took hostages at a supermarket in southwestern France on Friday, a local prosecutor said. Security forces were responding to two separate incidents, one at a supermarket in the town of Trebes and the second, a 15-minute drive away, in the town of Carcassonne where a policeman was shot. It was unclear if the two incidents were linked. In Trebes, the man "entered the Super U supermarket at around 11.15 am and shots were heard," a security source told AFP on condition of anonymity. The gunman claimed allegiance to the Islamic State group, the local prosecutor's office said. Local authorities tweeted that the area was off-limits to the public. If the link to Islamic State is confirmed, the attack would be the first major incident since the election of centrist President Emmanuel Macron in May last year. The shootings come with France still on high alert after a string of jihadist attacks since 2015, starting in January that year with the assault on satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo that left 12 people dead. France also suffered major attacks in Paris in November 2015 when IS jihadists killed 130 people at bars, restaurants, the Bataclan concert venue and the national stadium. In July 2016, in another attack claimed by IS, a man drove a truck through revellers celebrating Bastille Day, killing 84 people. A state of emergency put in place just after the Paris attacks was finally lifted in October last year, but soldiers continue to patrol major tourist sites and transport hubs under an anti-terror mission. BEIRUT (Reuters) - Syrian rebels began pulling out of several towns in their former enclave of eastern Ghouta on Saturday, surrendering them to the government and leaving the besieged city of Douma as their last bastion there. It comes after a month-long assault that devastated the already battered eastern Ghouta, an area of farmland and towns that was one of the first centers of the uprising in 2011 and the last major rebel stronghold near the capital Damascus. Ten buses carrying fighters along with their families and other civilians started to leave the enclave after dark, the vanguard of a convoy heading into exile in northwestern Syria. It follows the departure of thousands of others on Friday from the town of Harasta in a similar deal for insurgents to depart with light weapons in return for giving up their territory. The buses queued at a crossing point before moving into the enclave along a road on the former front lines that had been cleared of barricades, debris and unexploded ordnance. Some captives held by the insurgents were released and state television showed them leaving in a minibus. The army was advancing into towns the rebels had retreated from in preparation for their exit, state television said. It broadcast pictures of the massive trenches and other fortifications the rebels were leaving behind. It means only Douma is left of the opposition's eastern Ghouta enclave which a month ago the United Nations said was home to 400,000 people. The army offensive to capture it, heralded by one of the heaviest bombardments in the seven-year conflict with warplanes, helicopters and artillery, has killed more than 1,600 people, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a war monitor. Residents and rights groups have accused the government of using weapons that kill indiscriminately - inaccurate barrel bombs dropped from helicopters, chlorine gas and incendiary material that sets raging fires. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his close ally Russia, which has helped his air campaign, have denied using all those weapons and say their offensive was needed to end the rule of Islamist militants over civilians. EVACUATION About 7,000 people - fighters along with family members and other civilians who do not wish to come back under Assad's rule - were to leave the towns of Zamalka, Arbin, Ein Terma and Jobar starting on Saturday, rebels and state media said. They will go to Idlib province in the northwest - the destination for many such "evacuations" after sieges and ground offensives forced numerous rebel enclaves to surrender in the past two years. It will not mean an end to their experience of war. Syrian military and Russian air raids on Idlib have increased in the past week, killing dozens of people. Idlib is also unsettled by fighting between the rebel groups. On Saturday, an explosion at a headquarters for al Qaeda's former affiliate killed at least seven people and injured 25 others. The Britain-based Observatory said there were also negotiations with the Jaish al-Islam rebel group that controls Douma to release prisoners. Russia will guarantee that civilians who remain in the areas recaptured by Assad will not be prosecuted, rebels said on Friday. However, rights groups have said some men were forcibly conscripted after fleeing the fighting. Wael Alwan, spokesman for the Failaq al-Rahman group that was dominant in Zamalka, Arbin, Ein Terma and Jobar, was quoted by al-Hadath television on Saturday as saying he did not trust Russia's guarantees. A Russian military webcam at the al-Wafideen crossing point near Douma showed small groups of civilians continuing to flee the danger of further bombardment into government territory, carrying children and sacks of belongings. Russia's military said more than 105,000 people had left eastern Ghouta, including over 700 on Saturday. Tens of thousands have fled their homes in the past week as the bombardment of Douma intensified and refugees from other parts of Ghouta found the basement bomb shelters too full to take them. (Reporting by Angus McDowall; Editing by Mark Heinrich and Dale Hudson) Arbin (Syria) (AFP) - Residents of a ravaged pocket of Syria's Eastern Ghouta were preparing Sunday for a new round of evacuations from the rebel enclave near Damascus, AFP's correspondent said. Hundreds of rebels, their relatives and other civilians left a string of towns late Saturday after Faylaq al-Rahman, the rebel faction that controls the area around Arbin, agreed to a negotiated withdrawal. The deal is expected to see some 7,000 people bussed from Arbin and Zamalka towns and the district of Jobar to a rebel-dominated part of northern Syria. Arbin residents on Sunday morning were packing whatever they could in anticipation of a new round of evacuations, an AFP correspondent there said. But buses expected to transport the evacuees to Idlib province had not yet arrived, and it was unclear what time the process would start. Since February 18, the Syrian government has waged a fierce air and ground assault on Eastern Ghouta, capturing more than 90 percent of the onetime rebel bastion. At least 1,600 civilians have been killed in the onslaught, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor. Syrian state media says at least 107,000 civilians have fled. Damascus is now using settlements negotiated by regime backer Russia to clear the last three rebel-held pockets of Ghouta. A first deal saw the withdrawal of hardline Islamist rebels Ahrar al-Sham from the town of Harasta last week. The second agreement, with Faylaq al-Rahman, was announced on Friday and evacuations began the following evening. Talks are also underway for a deal over the third and final rebel-held pocket of Ghouta, which is held by Jaish al-Islam and includes the largest town in the area, Douma. China can't afford not to deal with the latest Trump tariffs, says Safanad's John Rutledge. He expects the Chinese to "come back hard." Things like capital goods, technology and agriculture are vulnerable, he says. We have "absolutely not" seen the end of the trade dispute between the United States and China, said John Rutledge, a former advisor to President George W. Bush. On Friday, China responded to President Donald Trump 's new tariffs on Chinese imports by proposing a list of 128 U.S. products as potential retaliation targets. The U.S. goods, including wine, fruit and steel pipes, had an import value of $3 billion in 2017. Rutledge, who has advised government leaders in China , said it comes down to the fact that two individuals are making decisions Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping rather than a group. Groups tend tend to think rationally, he noted However, not only is there uncertainty surrounding Trump, Xi has basically been named "emperor of China" with his recent re-election as president and the removal of term limits on the office, Rutledge said Friday on " Power Lunch ." That means Xi is "in a very politically vulnerable spot where he has to show testosterone to his local audience. And so, they're going to come back hard," said Rutledge, who was one of the principal architects of the Reagan economic plan. Trump targeted China on Thursday, when he signed an executive memo that slapped tariffs on up to $60 billion in Chinese imports. The new measures are meant to penalize China for trade practices that the Trump administration says involve stealing U.S. companies' intellectual property. Rutledge, now chief investment officer at Safanad and a CNBC economics contributor, said China's initial response was seemingly moderate because it doesn't know what other actions Trump is going to take. "We don't see a very firm response here because they're not sure what they're dealing with but they cannot afford to not deal with it, he said. Story continues Things like capital goods, technology and agriculture are vulnerable, he noted. "There's big, big dollars there and we don't know when it all stops." Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross told "Power Lunch" on Thursday that he expects some " ultimate retaliation " from China but "I don't think it's going to be the end of the earth." CNBC's Kevin Breuninger contributed to this report. More From CNBC Ahead of the March for Our Lives rally in the nations capital, dozens of teens gathered at Arena Stage theater in Southwest D.C. to talk about ways to promote a just and equitable society within their own communities. Mikva Challenge D.C. planned the Issues to Action event to give high school students from the district an opportunity to present ideas to make their immediate lives better. The organization develops youth to be empowered, informed and active citizens. At the event, students presented different projects on gentrification, colorism and mental health issues. But none were more poignant than the issue of gun violence just two days ahead of the March for Our Lives rally. The teens said its a normal experience for a lot of them to hear the sound of gunfire or see the ill effects of gun violence all around them. I guess I dont try to go out much, because I see what could happen, said Armando Martinez, a senior at Capital City Public Charter School. I lost six friends in the past five years. According to the Washington Post, there were 116 homicides in the district in 2017. Teens could count on two hands how many friends theyd lost to guns in recent years. I would say seven or eight kids I knew from eighth grade are dead, said Myles Nelson, a sophomore at the Edmund Burke School. But the students say they have not been idle about the issues they face. Instead, the March for Our Lives rally and the increased media attention it has brought have been the only difference in shedding light on their daily plight. Im sure people hear us protesting, they see the hashtags on social media, they see the signs, the shirts, the pins, the badges, said Rukiyah Mack, an 18-year-old senior at Thurgood Marshall High School. But until today it didnt really get the acknowledgment that it deserved. By Matthew Tostevin BANGKOK (Reuters) - More than 300 Thai pro-democracy demonstrators marched to the gates of the army headquarters in Bangkok on Saturday to call on soldiers to withdraw their support for the ruling junta. It was one of the biggest in a new wave of protests against corruption and the government's failure to keep to a promised election timetable. The marchers demanded soldiers end their backing for the junta, which took power following a May 2014 coup. But the protesters also said they did not want another military takeover. "We want a peaceful transition," Rangsiman Rome, one of the protest leaders, told Reuters. "It's time for the army and all of Thai society to stop supporting the junta and side with the people." Soldiers at the army headquarters declined to respond. The march began at Bangkok's Thammasat University, a traditional hotbed of discontent. Unarmed police tried to block the protesters from the street leading to the army headquarters, but gave way and allowed them through. Demonstrators burned incense at the ornate gates and set up a sound system to amplify their message. "Those of you who are at home, join us ... until we can win this war, until we get what we want," said student activist Sirawith Seritiwat, also known as Ja New. Protesters said they wanted the junta to hold elections in November 2018 as it had promised last year. Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha has said the vote would not happen until early 2019, the latest delay to a ballot originally planned for 2015. Protesters have also been angered by corruption scandals, particularly an investigation into the luxury watch collection of Prawit Wongsuwan, a deputy prime minister and defence minister. Last month, a public petition demanded he quit. Prawit has said he borrowed the timepieces from friends, but would resign if that was the public's wish. "There is too much corruption. We need democracy back now," said Mike Pisek, 70, a former Thai marine. Story continues Many of the protesters were in their 60s or 70s, even if the leaders were students. The government has allowed recent protests to take place, but many of the leaders face charges for public order offenses. Protest leaders said they did not plan more marches until May, nearing the fourth anniversary of the 2014 coup. The army took power saying it aimed to end months of street protests in 2013 and 2014 in Bangkok led by the now-defunct People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC), which were aimed at ousting the civilian government of then-Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and counter-protests by her red-shirted supporters. (Additional reporting by Amy Sawitta Lefevre; Editing by Edmund Blair) Adult film star Stormy Daniels will appear in an interview on the CBS show 60 Minutes Sunday night, a move that could cost her a $1 million because of an ongoing legal fight surrounding a nondisclosure agreement she signed to not talk about an alleged affair she had with President Donald Trump. Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Gregory Clifford, allegedly had an affair with Trump more than a decade ago. Two weeks before the 2016 Presidential election Trumps personal lawyer Michael Cohen paid Daniels $130,000 through a shell company to not discuss the incident. Daniels and her lawyer are fighting in court to get out of that agreement, contending its not valid because Trump did not sign it. Danielss lawyer Michael Avenatti has also contended Cohen broke the pact first, because he acknowledged the payment for the agreement, according to the Wall Street Journal. Cohens shell company and Trump, through a lawyer, have filed a court complaint seeking $20 million in damages for the roughly 20 times they believe Daniels has already violated the agreement $1 million per infraction. If Daniels discusses the alleged affair on the show, she could be heaping on another $1 million to that sum. Trending: Transfer News: Manchester United Swoop For Rival Star, Liverpool Plans 87 Million Bid Does it open her up to another million dollars in damages? Absolutely, said Arthur Aidala, a New York criminal defense lawyer and former Fox News legal analyst to Newsweek. Stormy Daniels accepted money and in legal terms what we call the consideration to what she accepted money for was to keep her mouth shut, was to not talk, was to keep her knowledge confidential. theyre buying her silence. GettyImages-911223068 Ethan Miller/GETTY Daniels is making a calculated risk by appearing on the show. Several lawyers Newsweek spoke with think Trumps attorney will have a hard time collecting millions of dollars from Daniels. Lawrence Cunningham, a professor at George Washington University Law School believes its a longshot. Story continues Don't miss: Russian Mall Blaze Kills At Least 64 People, Including Children Is [the contract] valid? Will a court or arbitrator say yep you got to pay? In my own experience with contract law, it would be exceedingly unlikely that a court or arbitrator would say thats valid, Cunningham to told Newsweek. Its an arbitrary number, it sounds much more like a penalty. Contract clauses that say what somebody will have to pay if they breach need be reasonable and they need to look to compensate losses that the other guy will face The likelihood of it yielding millions of dollars in payments is pretty low. Avenatti has pushed back against damages in several television interviews and has derided them as another attempt to silence Daniels. The fact that a sitting president is pursuing over $20 million in bogus damages against a private citizen, who is only trying to tell the public what really happened, is truly remarkable, Avenatti told Reuters. Most popular: Trump Lawyer Michael Cohen Made "Illegal" Campaign Contribution With Stormy Daniels Payoff, Says Former FEC Chairman Another issue Trump and Cohen face is whether the payment to Daniels in 2016 broke campaign finance law. Cohens payment to Daniels, watchdog group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington has argued in a complaint to the Department of Justice, constitutes an undisclosed campaign contribution. Cohen has said that Trump didnt know about the payment and that he would have done it for his friend at any point in time. The 60 Minutes interview begins at 7 p.m. EDT Sunday. The start of the broadcast may be late, however, if the NCAA March Madness game between Duke and Kansas that precedes the show runs long. Avenatti and attorney Brent Blakely who filed the $20 million complaint did not immediately respond to Newsweeks request for comment. This article was first written by Newsweek More from Newsweek President Donald Trumps recent appointments to his legal team and administration were described as the formation of a war cabinet with the intent of not only taking on the special counsels office but also North Korea and Iran, according to a former top Defense Department and Central Intelligence Agency official Friday morning. Jeremy Bash, who respectively served as chief of staff at both agencies between 2009 and 2013, told MSNBCs Morning Joe that Trump systematically tapped attorney Joe diGenova and former ambassador to the United Nations John Bolton for national security adviser in recent days. DiGenova, Bash said, would take on Special Counsel Robert Muellers probe of Russian election meddling and collusion, while Bolton would take the fight to the two nations viewed as the countrys biggest threats abroad. Bash also mentioned incoming director of the National Economic Council Larry Kudlow, a replacement for Gary Cohn, as Trumps sword for a potential trade war with China. Trending: League of Legends Akali Rework Hidden in Plain Sight? I think the president is assembling a war cabinet, Bash said. To take a war to Bob Mueller, hes got Joe diGenova. To take a trade war to China, hes got Larry Kudlow. Bash continued: And now to actually have a real war hes got John Bolton, and the only question is will we find ourselves in a military conflict vis a vis North Korea, or Iran, or both, because John Bolton's rhetoric has been very clear." Trump hired DiGenova, a former U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, Monday to work beside the rest of his legal squad. A frequent guest on Fox News, DiGenova has said he believed a group of FBI and DOJ people created a plot to frame Trump if Democrat Hillary Clinton had lost the 2016 election, a claim the president has repeatedly made. Don't miss: ISIS In France: Suspect Redouane Lakdim Is Latest Islamic State 'Soldier' To Kill in Europe DiGenovas entrance to the team was followed three days later by attorney John Dowds departure, which reportedly stemmed from Dowds belief that Trump was no longer taking his advice. Story continues Bolton, a longtime, hawkish conservative, was named H.R. McMasters successor Thursday. Hes considered a major proponent of U.S. wars and has called for military action against both North Korea and Iran. Bolton previously served in President George W. Bushs administration from 2005 to 2006. He is scheduled to officially take up his role April 9. Most popular: Watch: Deep-sea Anglerfish Mate in Bizarre, Parasitic Ritual Caught on Video for the First Time Trump has alluded to potential military conflicts or strikes with North Korea, heightening fears around the globe. However, the president agreed earlier this month to meet with North leader Kim Jong Un in an attempt to denuclearize the regime. During his campaign, the president ran hard against the U.S.s nuclear non-proliferation deal with Iran, formed under President Barack Obama. He had threatened to cancel the deal but has yet to do so. This article was first written by Newsweek More from Newsweek (Reuters) - A Washington lawyer and Fox News guest who was expected to join U.S. President Donald Trump's legal team this week in the special counsel's Russia probe has yet to be retained, another of Trump's lawyers said on Friday. Joseph diGenova's hiring is pending completion of a review of potential conflicts of interest that may arise from representation of other clients at his law firm, Trump lawyer Jay Sekulow said. On Monday, Sekulow said diGenova would sign on this week to help Trump respond to special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia in the 2016 presidential election. Trump's lead lawyer in the special counsel investigation, John Dowd, resigned on Thursday. DiGenova has not responded to requests for comment. His law firm, DiGenova Toensing, has represented Mark Corallo, a former spokesman for Trump's legal team, and Sam Clovis, a former campaign aide. Sekulow said he had expected the review to be completed by today. Corallo represented Trump's outside lawyers until last summer, when he resigned during another legal team shake-up. Since then, Corallo has spoken with Mueller about what he viewed as a false statement dictated by Trump from Air Force One about a June 2016 meeting at Trump Tower in New York City that included several Russians, according to a person familiar with the matter. That meeting was attended by Trump's son, Donald Jr. Clovis, a former Pentagon official, was a campaign supervisor who wrote "great work" in an email after Trump's foreign policy advisor George Papadopoulos discussed efforts to broker a meeting between the campaign and Russian leaders. Corallo told Reuters on Friday that he had signed a waiver of potential conflicts on Monday. Clovis could not be reached for comment, but a person familiar with the matter said appropriate waivers had been signed. The addition of diGenova may signal a more aggressive strategy by Trump's legal team to discredit Mueller, although Sekulow said this week that the team would continue to cooperate with the special counsel. Trump's lawyers have been negotiating the terms of a possible interview for him with Mueller, sources have said. DiGenova has appeared on Fox News accusing the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Justice Department of trying to frame Trump with false charges of colluding with Russia during the campaign. Trump has had trouble finding outside lawyers to assist him in the Russia probe. Major firms such as Williams and Connolly and Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher have turned him down in the last year, citing conflicts, people familiar with the matter have told Reuters. Trump representatives have reached out to some of those firms again, sources said. (Reporting by Karen Freifeld; Editing by Toni Reinhold) By Idrees Ali and Eric Beech WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Donald Trump signed a memorandum on Friday that bans some transgender individuals from serving in the U.S. military, but gives the armed forces latitude in implementing policies. The memorandum said transgender individuals with a history of gender dysphoria, defined as "those who may require substantial medical treatment, including through medical drugs or surgery," are disqualified from military service "except under certain limited circumstances." It added that the secretaries of defense and homeland security "may exercise their authority to implement any appropriate policies concerning military service by transgender individuals." The White House said Defense Secretary Jim Mattis had found that individuals with a history or diagnosis of gender dysphoria presented a risk to military effectiveness. "This new policy will enable the military to apply well-established mental and physical health standards ... equally to all individuals who want to join and fight for the best military force the world has ever seen," it said. The Democratic National Committee criticized the move as an insult to transgender service members. In a strongly-worded statement, U.S. House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi said the policy would harm the nation. "This latest memorandum is the same cowardly, disgusting ban the President announced last summer," she said. "The Presidents hateful ban is purpose-built to humiliate our brave transgender members of the military who serve with honor and dignity." Trump's decision is less restrictive than his initial comments in a July Twitter message saying he would prohibit transgender people from military service. That blanket ban reversed former President Barack Obamas policy. At the time, Trump said on Twitter, the military "cannot be burdened with the tremendous medical costs and disruption that transgender in the military would entail." However, a number of federal judges have already issued rulings blocking Trump's ban, saying it would probably violate the right, under the U.S. Constitution, to equal protection under the law. On Friday, the Pentagon reaffirmed that it would continue to comply with federal law. "(The Pentagon) will continue to assess and retain transgender service members," Pentagon spokesman Major David Eastburn said. In a February memorandum to the White House, made public on Friday, Mattis said transgender individuals with a history of gender dysphoria were disqualified from military service. But he added that those currently serving could continue to serve if they had been diagnosed with gender dysphoria since Obama's policy took effect. Mattis also recommended that transgender individuals who require or have undergone gender transition be disqualified from military service. "In my professional judgment, these policies will place the Department of Defense in the strongest position to protect the American people, to fight and win America's wars, and to ensure the survival and success of our service members around the world," Mattis wrote. A court filing by the Trump administration said 8,980 service members reportedly identify as transgender, but only 937 active duty service members were diagnosed with gender dysphoria since June 30, 2016. At least one openly transgender recruit has already signed a contract to join the U.S. military since a federal court ruled late last year that the military would have to accept transgender individuals. The Department of Justice said it would continue to defend the defense department's authority to create and implement personnel policies. "Consistent with this new policy, we are asking the courts to lift all related preliminary injunctions in order to ensure the safety and security of the American people and the best fighting force in the world," it said in a statement. Advocates have said they believe dozens, if not hundreds, of transgender people will seek to join those already serving. The Human Rights Campaign, a lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender advocacy group, condemned the Trump policy. "There is simply no way to spin it, the Trump-Pence administration is going all in on its discriminatory, unconstitutional and despicable ban on transgender troops," Chad Griffin, its president, said in a statement. (Additional reporting by Brendan O'Brien in Milwaukee; Editing by Clarence Fernandez and Richard Pullin) United Nations (United States) (AFP) - President Donald Trump's pick of the hawkish John Bolton as national security advisor is seen as the latest sign the United States is ready to slam the door on multilateralism, UN diplomats and experts say. UN diplomats were shaken by the news of Bolton's rise to the key White House post, which came with the world body under pragmatist Secretary-General Antonio Guterres still struggling to put relations with the Trump administration on a steady keel. Since Trump took office, the United States has made major cuts to UN funding, announced its exit from the UN-backed Paris climate agreement and quit the UN cultural agency UNESCO. Bolton, who served as UN ambassador under George W. Bush in 2005 and 2006, has advocated military action against North Korea and Iran -- at odds with the UN's diplomacy-first view. The mustachioed rightwinger has laid bare his contempt for the United Nations, once remarking that the UN headquarters in New York had 38 stories but "if it lost ten stories, it wouldn't make a bit of difference." "Few people have less faith in the idea of an international community than Bolton," said Richard Gowan, an expert on the United Nations at the European Council on Foreign Relations. "There has been a false sense of relief that Trump did not attack the multilateral system quite as fiercely as he could have last year. Now he's going on a delayed offensive," he said. After Bolton's name was floated as US ambassador to the United Nations last year, diplomats breathed a sigh of relief when Nikki Haley was picked instead. While less experienced, Haley has been credited with keeping the US administration engaged, in particular on North Korea, where Security Council sanctions have been key to the US push to confront Pyongyang. - Iran test - Bolton's arrival along with that of another hardliner, Mike Pompeo to replace Rex Tillerson as secretary of state, is raising questions about whether Haley will be reeled in. Story continues Bolton could "push Haley to start dismantling elements of the UN system" because he has a solid grasp of how it works, said Gowan. A first big test on the horizon is the Iran nuclear agreement and whether Bolton, Pompeo and Haley -- all hawks on Iran -- will band together to bring down the historic deal. The 2015 agreement on curbing Iran's nuclear program is enshrined in a Security Council resolution and strongly defended by permanent council members France, Britain, Russia and China, who signed the deal along with Germany. Bolton's moves will be watched closely by Russia and China, which see the US retreat as an opportunity to step in while Europe debates how to fill the vacuum. "Bolton is among the most radical in the administration. He is viscerally anti-UN," said a Security Council diplomat, who asked not to be named. The appointment "should encourage Europeans to mobilize," he said. At the UN helm, Guterres mourned the departure of HR McMaster from the White House and took a clear-eyed approach to the arrival of Bolton. "The secretary-general developed a very constructive and positive relationship with US national security advisor HR McMaster and he looks forward to continuing that relationship with John Bolton," said UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric. The United States remains the UN's biggest financial contributor, providing 28 percent of the peacekeeping budget as well as big voluntary contributions to key agencies. President Donald Trump on Sunday lashed out at suggestions that he was having difficulty hiring lawyers to help him handle the Russia probe even as news emerged that he would not be hiring two attorneys whod recently been tapped to join his embattled legal team. The New York Times reported on Sunday that lawyers Joe diGenova, who is known for his aggressive style and was supposed to replace Trumps top attorney, and diGenovas wife, Victoria Toensing, would not be joining the legal team because of unspecified conflicts. Jay Sekulow, one of Trumps lawyers, said in a statement that the president was disappointed by the development, but that the conflicts do not prevent the two from assisting in other legal matters. Sekulow did not detail what those other matters might be. DiGenova has questioned the legitimacy of special counsel Robert Muellers investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 election, and Trump allies had applauded the prospect of him coming to the presidents defense. Before the news broke about diGenova and Toensing - and after a conspicuous Twitter silence on Saturday as hundreds of thousands of protesters nationwide called for tougher gun laws Trump returned to his usual prolific posting on Sunday to lambast the coverage of his alleged attorney troubles. He called such reports Fake News. Many lawyers and top law firms want to represent me in the Russia case...dont believe the Fake News narrative that it is hard to find a lawyer who wants to take this on. Fame & fortune will NEVER be turned down by a lawyer, though some are conflicted. Problem is that a new...... Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 25, 2018 ....lawyer or law firm will take months to get up to speed (if for no other reason than they can bill more), which is unfair to our great country - and I am very happy with my existing team. Besides, there was NO COLLUSION with Russia, except by Crooked Hillary and the Dems! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 25, 2018 Several news outlets, including the Times, The Washington Post and Reuters, reported late last week that the president was struggling to find good defense lawyers as Mueller intensifies his probe. Story continues The Post reported that several top attorneys, including former Solicitor General Theodore Olson, had refused to represent the president whose legal team appears to be in disarray following the resignation last week of its lead lawyer, John Dowd. In his Sunday tweets, Trump said many lawyers and top law firms want to represent me in the Russia case. He added that fame & fortune will NEVER be turned down by a lawyer, though he did acknowledge that some are conflicted. Besides, there was NO COLLUSION with Russia, the president concluded, except by Crooked Hillary and the Dems! Also on HuffPost Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. This article originally appeared on The Conversation. President Donald Trump is set to become the first sitting U.S. president to meet with a North Korean leader after accepting Kim Jong Uns invitation for direct nuclear talks. This will put Trumps ability as a self-professed deal-maker to the test. Although the North has agreed to refrain from any nuclear explosive and ballistic missile tests leading up to and during the talks, any larger agreement on a nuclear freeze or roll back will require patient diplomacy. Trending: Who Are Stormy Daniels' Ex-Husbands, Michael Mosny and Pat Myne? Trump Kim Jong Un REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque, KCNA/Handout Ive worked on issues related to nuclear diplomacy and nonproliferation at the State Department and Department of Defense, and in academia. In my view, it is clear that the United States will have to make significant concessions to achieve a comprehensive permanent agreement. Negotiations at this high a level present an opportunity, but it will be challenging. We can gain important insights from past negotiations. Negotiating with North Korea North Koreas Kim Jong Ilthe current leaders late fatherand Kim Il Sung, the founder of North Korea, have frequently been characterized as crazy, irrational and unpredictable. But both negotiated with the United States and other parties. During the Clinton and George W. Bush administrations, they did what rational actors do tried to get the best deal they could that satisfied North Koreas interests. Some analysts argue that Pyongyang didnt honor the agreements that were achieved in those negotiations. This is only partially true. What happened is more complicated than many critics of diplomacy often admit. In 1994, President Bill Clintons administration negotiated what was dubbed the Agreed Framework. In return for freezing operation of its nuclear reactor and plutonium reprocessing plant at Yongbyong, North Korea would get two more proliferation-resistant light water nuclear power reactors, the removal of sanctions and a commitment to eventually normalize relations between the two countries. While the reactors were being built, a U.S.-led consortium would provide North Korea with shipments of heavy fuel oil to address its power needs. Story continues Don't miss: Parkland Shooting Survivors Slam Santorum's CPR Comment But Congress was slow to remove sanctions on Pyongyang, as they had agreed to do. Movement on construction of the light water reactors was hampered by a number of factors, which infuriated North Korea. The deal fell apart when the Bush administration took over and accused North Korea of clandestinely developing a uranium enrichment program or another route to the material necessary for a nuclear weapon. While a uranium enrichment program did indeed signal that North Korea might still be pursuing a nuclear weapons option, it was not technically a violation of the Agreed Framework. Had the Bush administration addressed the uranium enrichment issue separately, I believe it might have saved the agreement and frozen the Norths nuclear program. Instead, the entire deal collapsed in 2002. North Korea withdrew from the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty the following year and continued to develop its weapons, testing its first in 2006. As a former senior George W. Bush official told me in 2007, the ABC policyanything but Clintonwas the initial major motivator for abandoning engagement as a policy with North Korea. Kim Jong-Un Getty Negotiations today Much like with the Iran nuclear deal, American hard-liners argue that the only acceptable outcome with North Korea is complete nuclear disarmament with little offered in return. In my view, however, the U.S. will have to make concessions to curb Pyongyangs nuclear program, as it did before. Most popular: Jose Abreu, Legendary Venezuelan Musician and Founder of El Sistema Youth Orchestras, Dies With Iran, the Bush administration adhered to the hard-liner approach for much of the 2000s, and was unable to reach a deal. By contrast, the North Koreans have even more leverage than Iranians, who did not have nuclear weapons, but only aspirations. North Korea already has at least two dozen nuclear weapons acquired despite being the target of international sanctions since the early 2000s. That is why I believe a hard-line approach would likely not be successful. The North has apparently agreed to refrain from missile and nuclear tests during talks. But the U.S. must be careful not to let other provocative actions, not directly related to the specific issues under negotiation, derail negotiations. North Korea has tried the patience of negotiators before. For example, after the conclusion of the Agreed Framework, North Korea flight-tested a Taepodong-1 missile in 1998. Adding to the provocative nature of that move, the missile flew over Japan, angering the U.S. Congress and prompting Japan to cut off food aid. But North Koreas test was technically not a violation of the Agreed Framework. Eleven years later, during the Bush administration, the North launched a satellite, which was likely a test of ICBM capability than an actual attempt at putting a satellite into orbit. The launch was condemned by the United Nations, which subsequently promised sanctions as punishmentprompting North Korea to leave the talks for good. While it is true that the launch violated U.N. resolutions, missile tests were not part of the ongoing Six Party Talks on denuclearization. Trump as lead negotiator Trump engaging directly with Kim Jong Un may be both an opportunity and a liability. Trump has no experience with delicate negotiations. He is not averse to taking bold positions (as a candidate, he welcomed direct talks with Kim Jong Un, suggesting they eat hamburgers over discussions). He has also backtracked on agreements when they are negatively viewed by Republicans or when media coverage makes it appear as if hes giving in. Experienced negotiators could help. Veteran diplomat Robert Gallucci, former Defense Secretary William Perry and Ambassador Christopher Hill were instrumental in previous nuclear talks. But the Trump administration has appointed few top-level East Asia experts. Trumps special representative for North Korea is leaving government and his nominee for ambassador to Seoul recently withdrew. Whatever the makeup of the negotiating team, the United States will have to adjust its expectations and be creative in dealing with a country with a more advanced nuclear weapons and missile program than the North Korea of 1994. The past indicates that negotiating with North Korea is not an impossible or fruitless endeavor. However, at this point, a complete rollback of Pyongyangs nuclear weapons and program is highly unlikely. Only one state, South Africa, has ever given up its nuclear weapons. But that does not mean the U.S. shouldnt try or that a summit that does not yield such a sweeping agreement is a failure. After all, the Agreed Framework took one year of talks and the Iran nuclear deal took almost two years to negotiate. This article is an updated version of an article originally published on August 15, 2017. Jeffrey Fields, Associate Professor of the Practice of International Relations, University of Southern CaliforniaDornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences. The Conversation This article was first written by Newsweek More from Newsweek By Jonathan Landay and Warren Strobel WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Incoming White House national security adviser John Bolton's history of clashes with U.S. intelligence agencies suggests how he might handle North Korea and Iran, two of the thorniest challenges he and U.S. President Donald Trump face. Bolton takes over on April 9 from retiring Army Lt. Gen. H. R. McMaster. Based on his public statements, he shares Trump's dislike of the Iran nuclear deal and often-bellicose stance toward North Korea. However, his pronouncements on both issues are at odds with the assessments of U.S. intelligence agencies. In a 2017 article in the conservative National Review, Bolton accused Iran of "significant violations" of the 2015 nuclear accord curbing the Islamic Republic's nuclear program. U.S. Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats, however, told Congress in February that Tehran has been in compliance with the deal, which is working as designed. Bolton has characterized North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programs as a threat best eliminated by a pre-emptive military strike. U.S. intelligence analysts have warned that such a strike would trigger a North Korean counterattack that would kill tens of thousands of South Koreans, American troops and civilians, and others as far away as Japan. As a senior State Department official from 2001 to 2005, Bolton exaggerated what the U.S. government knew about weapons programs in Iraq, Cuba and Syria, and retaliated against analysts who differed with him, according to intelligence officials involved in the events. "The question is, is he (Bolton) going to be like that, and start with the answer and shoehorn the intelligence to fit," or take a more balanced view, said a former CIA official with more than 30 years' experience. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, reflected many intelligence veterans' wariness at Bolton's appointment. Bolton declined comment via a spokesman. A CIA spokeswoman also declined comment. Bolton, 69, is known as a dedicated hawk who marries bureaucratic savvy with belligerent rhetoric. The decisions the White House confronts on North Korea and Iran require, officials say, complicated judgments based on imperfect information about the status of secret weapons programs, conditions that Bolton's critics say he has seized on in the past to promote his own agenda. 'NOT REFLECTED BY INTELLIGENCE' During President George W. Bush's first term in office, Bolton was the State Department's top official on weapons proliferation. In a May 2002 speech, he declared that Cuba had "at least a limited offensive biological warfare research and development effort," and was sharing the technology with other countries. Greg Theilmann, a top State Department intelligence official at the time, recounted how Bolton tried to retaliate against one of Theilmann's analysts for disputing that conclusion. "Bolton wanted to make charges about Cuban biological warfare capabilities which were not reflected by the intelligence," Theilmann said in a telephone interview. Bolton tried to have analyst Christian Westermann reassigned for challenging him, but he and Carl Ford, the head of the State Department's intelligence bureau, refused, Theilmann said. In his 2007 memoir, "Surrender is Not an Option," Bolton wrote that the language on Cuba's bioweapons programs had been approved by U.S. intelligence agencies. Westermann, he wrote, "was attempting to impose his own policy views," which intelligence analysts are not supposed to do. Fulton Armstrong, who was the intelligence community's top Cuba expert, said Bolton and several of his associates in government also tried to have him removed over the biological weapons issue. Bolton "showed every despicable trait of an obsessed policy person who, when frustrated in his attempts to cook the intelligence, lashed out at the person delivering the news," Armstrong said. Bolton crossed swords with U.S. spy agencies again in July 2003, when the CIA and other agencies objected to testimony he planned to give describing Syria's development of biological, chemical and nuclear weapons as a threat to Middle East stability. (Additional reporting by Mark Hosenball; Editing by John Walcott and James Dalgleish) Istanbul (AFP) - Turkish police on Sunday were holding seven students from a prestigious Istanbul university after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused them of behaving like "terrorists" for staging an action opposing his military campaign in Syria. Police stormed a students' dormitory and a house at Bogazici University around dawn Sunday and detained three students -- two men and one woman, lawyer Inayet Aksu told AFP. With the latest detentions, the number of students being held by the police rose to seven, he added. Erdogan on Saturday had slammed anti-war students at Bogazici University as "terrorists" as tensions rose on the campus over divided views of Turkey's cross-border military campaign in Syria. A group of students this week opened a stand handing out sweets or Turkish delight they had dubbed "Afrin delight" in memory of the fallen soldiers in the army's almost two-month operation to capture the city from a Syrian Kurdish militia force. In a show of protest, another group of students unfurled anti-war banners. Aksu told AFP the detentions began on Thursday, based on the video recordings. "An (anti-war) expression could disturb certain quarters but it cannot be considered a crime under the Turkish penal code," he said. In his blistering attack, Erdogan labelled the anti-war students as "communists" and "terrorists" and the other group as "believers". "While this youth was distributing sweets there, that communist, traitor youths dared to storm their stand," Erdogan said to his Justice and Development Party (AKP) at a provincial congress in Samsun on the Black Sea. Erdogan said an investigation was being launched and vowed to identify the anti-war students. - 'Dangerous endeavour'- Ankara in January launched an offensive in the enclave of Afrin in Syria to root out the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) militia, which Turkey brands a terrorist group. Story continues On March 18, Turkish forces and their rebel allies took full control of Afrin, with the YPG largely withdrawing without a fight. In Turkey, police have detained over 500 people for social media posts and protests speaking out against the military offensive in Syria. The crackdown -- which has also targeted the national medical association -- has raised alarm bells over the state of freedom of expression under Erdogan who has blasted opponents of the Syria campaign as "traitors." Kati Piri, the European Parliament's Turkey rapporteur, took on Twitter to protest Erdogan's latest salvo targeting anti-war students. "Anti-war protesters labelled 'terrorists' by President Erdogan. Critical thinking dangerous endeavour in 'new Turkey'", she wrote. Gonul Tol Security, Middle East Representative Mike Pompeo (R-KS) arrives to testify before a Senate Intelligence hearing on his nomination of to be become director of the CIA at Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., January 12, 2017. REUTERS/Carlos Barria The sacking of Tillerson is likely to complicate efforts to resolve the crisis with Turkey. Turkey Prepares for a Pompeo Problem The tension between Turkey and the United States appeared to have diminished after the outgoing Secretary Rex Tillersons visit to Turkey in February. The two countries had been at loggerheads over a number of issues, particularly U.S. support for the Syrian Kurdish YPG militia, seen as terrorists by Turkey. The tension reached new heights after Turkey launched a military incursion into the northwestern Syrian Kurdish enclave of Afrin. The United States voiced concern that Turkeys operation jeopardizes the fight against the Islamic State as the YPG is withdrawing forces from the fight to help the Kurdish forces in Afrin against Turkey. Turkey has repeatedly warned that it will also drive the YPG militia from Manbij, east of Afrin, where there are around two thousand U.S. military personnel. Ankara has called on Washington to pull back from the town. Despite Turkeys warnings, the U.S. Central Command chief General Joseph Votel said the United States has no plans to withdraw troops stationed near the town. The once unthinkable prospect of a direct clash between the two NATO allies became alarmingly real. Tillersons visit to Ankara calmed tensions down. After the meeting, Tillerson and his Turkish counterpart announced that they had reached an understanding to normalize the relations and set up a mechanism to address outstanding issues. The sacking of Tillerson is likely to complicate efforts to resolve the crisis with Turkey. The outgoing U.S. secretary has led efforts to ease tensions and is known for favoring coopting Turkey over confronting. Mike Pompeo, President Donald Trumps pick for secretary of state, on the other hand, has a hard-line approach on foreign policy and is not a big fan of Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. In a tweet posted the day after the failed coup in Turkey in 2016, Pompeo labeled Erdogans Turkey a totalitarian Islamist dictatorship. Ankara is concerned that Pompeo, with his military background, might support Pentagons policy of closer engagement with the YPG. The U.S. Central Command, which oversees coalition operations in Syria and Iraq, has worked very closely with the YPG and is unwilling to severe ties with a group that it thinks is the most effective fighting force. Pompeo wants the United States to play a more assertive role in Syria. If he chooses to take the CENTCOMs advice to keep working closely with the YPG to achieve that goal, Turkey-U.S. relations will remain strained. Story continues Pompeos track record as an Iran hard-liner could become another complication in Ankara-Washington ties. Pompeo agrees with Trump that the 2015 nuclear deal is a disaster. Even after the accord was signed, Pompeo warned European leaders against investing in Iran. Turkey, on the other hand, has become one of the principal beneficiaries of the deal. Turkey and Iran are close trading partners. Turkish officials repeatedly said that Irans nuclear program was peaceful and opposed unilateral sanctions. A recent court case in Manhattan in which a Turkish banker working for a state-owned bank was convicted of taking part in a billion-dollar scheme to evade American sanctions against Iran highlighted the diverging views. A U.S. decision not to extend U.S. sanctions relief on Iran will put Turkey in a difficult spot and further complicate Turkey-U.S. relations. Turkey and President Trump found themselves on opposing front in the Qatar crisis that erupted after Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt cut ties and blockaded Qatar in June, accusing it of supporting terrorism and fostering ties with their rival Iran. The Turkish president has supported Doha while President Trump has accused the Gulf country of sponsoring terrorism at the highest levels. Tillerson had a moderating effect on Trumps stance and steered U.S. policy toward a negotiated settlement of the conflict. If Pompeo reinforces Trumps hardline instincts, Turkeys Qatar policy could become more a big problem for Washington. All the issues haunting Turkey-U.S. relations aside, Pompeo will find a NATO partner that is at odds not only with the West but also with the U.S. allies in the region. Ties between Turkey and Egypt have been frosty since the toppling of the Muslim Brotherhood-based government of President Mohammed Morsi. The two countries withdrew ambassadors and have kept the diplomatic relations at charges d'affaires level since. Relations suffered another blow after the Egyptian media affiliated with the regime celebrated the attempt to unseat President Erdogan in July 2016. The two countries remain skeptical of each others moves in the region. Turkey-Saudi ties are tense as well over Turkeys support for the Muslim Brotherhood, Ankaras close ties to Iran and Erdogans support for Qatar. In a recent press statement, Saudi Arabias Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said that Turkey belongs to an axis of evil in the Middle East, along with Iran and extremist religious groups. For reasons similar to those that strained Turkey-Saudi ties, the United Arab Emirates has been at loggerheads with Turkey. Turkish and UAE officials have been trading accusations. The UAE foreign minister Abdullah bin Zayed al-Nahyan took to Twitter in December to accuse an Ottoman commander of stealing Islamic manuscripts during the siege of Medina in 1916. Erdogans response was equally harsh. In a closed-door meeting with U.S. officials in January, Jordans King Abdullah II apparently accused Turkish government of enabling the infiltration of Islamist terrorists into Europe and encouraging a radical Islamic solution to the crises in the Middle East. Turkey-Iraq relations are uneasy as well. The two have found common ground in opposing the Kurdistan Regional Governments independence referendum but sharp differences remain between Ankara and Baghdad. There is a deep sense of distrust toward Turkey in Baghdad. Suggestions in pro-government circles that Turkey could stake a claim to Kirkuk and Mosul, former Ottoman lands, is deeply disturbing to the Iraqi government. The Trump administrations recognition of Jerusalem as Israels capital has exacerbated existing tensions between Turkey and Israel. After the move, President Erdogan threatened to cut ties with Israel and called it a terrorist and child-murderer state. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu fired back that Erdogan is responsible for the bombing of Kurdish villages. The outgoing secretary Tillerson had the trust of his Turkish counterpart and led the efforts to engage Turkey. Whether the new boss at the State Department will follow his predecessors route remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: even if Pompeo decides to coopt Ankara, it will be an uphill battle. Gonul Tol is the director of Turkish Studies at the Middle East Institute. Image: Representative Mike Pompeo (R-KS) arrives to testify before a Senate Intelligence hearing on his nomination of to be become director of the CIA at Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., January 12, 2017. REUTERS/Carlos Barria Read full article Istanbul (AFP) - Turkey on Sunday said the northern Syrian town of Tal Rifaat would be the next target of its cross-border campaign after the capture of Afrin from Syrian Kurdish militia. "God willing, we will ensure this operation achieves its goal after taking control of Tal Rifaat in a short period of time," President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in the Black Sea city of Trabzon. Ankara launched an air and ground offensive in the enclave of Afrin in Syria in January to root out the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) there. Turkey has branded the YPG a terrorist group but it is seen by the United States as a key player in the fight against Islamic State jihadists. On March 18, Turkish forces and their rebel allies took full control of Afrin, with the YPG largely withdrawing without a fight. Afrin's capture is seen as a major step forwards for Turkey as it seeks to bolster control along its border in northern Syria. Erdogan has repeatedly suggested that the Turkish campaign in Syria could now extend up to Qamishli -- the most easterly Syrian town held by the YPG before the Iraqi border. Tal Rifaat lies in a strategic area right in the middle between the city of Afrin and the town of Marea -- which is a key rebel-held town to the east. Taking it could connect rebel territory between Afrin and Marea. Tens of thousands of people fleeing the Afrin offensive have travelled to Tal Rifaat, which is also very close to the key Minnigh airport, also held by the US-backed Syrian Democratic Force (SDF) dominated by the YPG. Tal Rifaat has changed hands several times in Syria's war. The SDF captured it from Syrian rebels in February 2016, despite Turkey's efforts to keep them back. burs-fo/har ISTANBUL (Reuters) - President Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday that Turkey had begun operations in Iraq's Sinjar region, an area where it has threatened a military incursion, two days after sources said Kurdish PKK militants would withdraw from the area. "We said we would go into Sinjar. Now operations have begun there. The fight is internal and external," Erdogan told a crowd in the Black Sea province of Trabzon, without elaborating on what operations he was referring to. Iraq's Joint Operations Command denied that any foreign forces had crossed the border into Iraq. "The operations command confirmed that the situation in Nineveh, Sinjar and the border areas was under the control of Iraqi security forces and there is no reason for troops to cross the Iraqi border into those areas," it said in a statement. Sources in Sinjar said there was no unusual military activity in the area on Sunday. The Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) has waged an insurgency against the Turkish state for decades. President Tayyip Erdogan said last week they were creating a new base in Sinjar, and that Turkish forces would attack if necessary. Sources in northern Iraq said on Friday the PKK would withdraw from Sinjar, where it gained a foothold in 2014 after coming to the aid of the Yazidi minority community, who were under attack by Islamic State militants. The PKK, considered a terrorist organization by Turkey, the European Union and the United States, has for decades been based in Iraq's Qandil mountain range, near the border with Iran. Turkish troops and their rebel allies swept into northwest Syria's Afrin town this month, the culmination of an eight-week campaign to drive Syrian Kurdish YPG fighters from the region. Turkey sees the YPG as terrorists and an extension of the outlawed PKK. Erdogan has vowed to extend the military operation along the Syrian border and on Sunday said the Turkish-led forces would take control of the town of Tel Rifaat. Many civilians and YPG have gathered in and around Tel Rifaat after Turkey seized control of Afrin. It is a Kurdish-controlled enclave, cut off from a larger expanse of Kurdish territory in the northeast of Syria. The United Nations said last week that around 75,000 people had been displaced to Tel Rifaat and surrounding areas from Afrin, and more were expected to come. (Additional reporting by Lisa Barrington in Beirut and Raya Jalabi in Baghdad.; Writing by Daren Butler; Editing by Matthew Mpoke Bigg and Kevin Liffey) (Reuters) - Two firefighters died and three were injured when a fire truck flipped over while racing to a triple fatality car wreck in West Virginia on Saturday night, officials said. A car from Michigan was driving the wrong way on the West Virgina Turnpike about 7 p.m. when it hit an oncoming car, a West Virginia State Police dispatcher said. Three people died in that wreck. The cause of both wrecks was not immediately known. Further details were not immediately available from the West Virginia State Police. (Reporting by Rich McKay; Editing by Clarence Fernandez) Warfare History Network History, Asia Hanoi had top of the line weapons to kill U.S. fighters and bombers. Here's how Washington punched back. How the U.S. Military Went to War against Vietnam's Radar and Air Defenses Captain John E. Donovan, an electronic warfare officer, monitored the equipment in his F-100F Super Sabre fighter. It was December 22, 1965, and his plane was part of a strike mission searching out enemy antiaircraft sites. Two days earlier, a similar mission had gone badly, resulting in the loss of a plane and its crew. As the F-100F in which he was flying raced through the skies over North Vietnam, Donovan detected a signal from enemy radar known as a Fan Song. He notified the pilot, Captain Allen T. Lamb, who began maneuvering the plane to help locate the radar. Lamb took the plane down until the signal disappeared and then ascended until they picked it up again, using the mountains and valleys to help them avoid becoming a target themselves. The two men were flying over the southwestern section of the Red River Valley, which was situated northwest of Hanoi. Streaking around a hill, Lamb took the F-100F up to 4,500 feet and began looking for the radar and its attendant SA-2 surface-to-air missiles (SAMs). He saw the SAM deployed in the middle of what looked like a village. He noted the tips of three missiles bristling out from beneath a thatched hut, which afforded the missile battery good camouflage. Wasting no time, Lamb radioed the accompanying F-105D Thunderchief fighter bombers to follow his lead. The F-100 swooped down on the enemy position and fired rockets to mark the target for the bombing runs. The F-105 strike succeeded in knocking out the battery. Debris from the destroyed SAM site flew 400 feet into the air amid a column of smoke. Recommended: 5 Worst Guns Ever Made. Recommended: The Worlds Most Secretive Nuclear Weapons Program. Recommended: The Fatal Flaw That Could Take Down an F-22 or F-35. Story continues The American aviators had little time to enjoy their triumph. Donovan detected another Fan Song radar. He could tell this one was already well into its attack cycle, detecting what was known as a high-pulse repetition frequency. This meant that the enemy was only about 30 seconds from launching. The operator would double the frequency at this point to provide a sharper radar image. The entire flight turned back toward its base in Thailand, dropping to low altitude to avoid the Fan Song. One victory was enough for the day. The team had successfully proven a new concept of air warfare designed specifically to target the radars that were vital for modern guided missiles to track their targets. The concept, which was code-named Wild Weasel, was coming of age. As air warfare evolved during the latter half of the 20th century, aircraft had more to worry about than just enemy cannons and machine guns. Advances in rocketry led to powerful new antiaircraft missiles, and developments in electronics greatly increased the capability of radar and guidance systems. The antiaircraft missiles of the World War II-era could barely be counted on to strike a large area target, but by the 1960s much smaller versions could track aircraft in the sky. The pace of progress was accelerating and air forces around the world struggled to counter each new improvement. In the first months of the Second Indochina War, commonly known as the Vietnam War, American aircraft began to suffer losses from North Vietnamese SAMs, which were supplied by the Soviet Union. The SAMs covered medium-to-high altitudes, up to 60,000 feet in the case of the SA-2. When U.S. aircraft came in at low altitude to avoid the missiles, they were vulnerable to traditional antiaircraft fire. To counter this threat, the U.S. Air Force initiated a program called Wild Weasel. The program became so successful that the name has since been applied to every U.S. Air Force aircraft developed for this sort of mission. The mission of a Wild Weasel aircraft is to locate enemy antiaircraft radar and either destroy it or target it for attack by other aircraft, usually accompanying ground attack planes. Radar systems send out waves of energy that reflect off targets, such as aircraft, and return to the radar device, allowing radar operators to track and target the aircraft. But these waves can themselves be detected and tracked back to their source, revealing the position of the radar and allowing the hunted to become the hunters. Accomplishing this task requires specialized equipment and weapons not carried by regular aircraft. The U.S. Air Force began the Wild Weasel program in October 1965, just a few month after the North Vietnamese SAMs, crewed largely by Soviet advisers, began taking their toll of American planes. By early November the basic equipment had been tested and field testing began. Electronic Warfare Officers (EWOs) learned how to operate the electronics and read the displays that would lead them to enemy radar. Those radars not only had to turn on to lock onto a target, but also had to stay on long enough to track it and then home in on it. The test missions were flown against American radar systems that were similar to the Fan Song. EWOs learned that their equipment worked best at medium altitudes flying directly toward the radar beams point of origin. Results were poor when flying at low altitude or parallel to the source. The Wild Weasel proved able to detect the Fan Song radar signals beyond the 17-mile range of the SA-2, but it had to get closer to pinpoint the exact location. Once the signal was detected a device called a panoramic scan receiver gave an initial direction the plane could follow to close the range. As the distance grew shorter the signal grew stronger. The shorter range vector homing and ranging set could then start detecting it. The EWO could compare readings to ensure they were on the proper heading and roughly gauge the distance. With that determination made, the crew could search visually for the SAM position. The field testing ended on November 18 and the crews were sent to Southeast Asia for operational testing. There, they would have three months to figure out how to best take the fight to the SAMs. The new Wild Weasel F-100F aircraft arrived at Korat, Thailand, along with their crews, mechanics, and support personnel on November 24. They soon began flying missions over North Vietnam. By late December Donovan and Lamb had knocked out their first SAM site, and the program was on its way to becoming a staple of the U.S. Air Force in Vietnam. The U.S. Air Force dubbed the initial missions Iron Hand. The missions were made up of one F-100F and three or four F-105D Thunderchief fighter bombers, affectionately known as Thuds. The Thuds were faster than the older F-100s and therefore had to fly in a weaving formation to avoid passing the slower lead aircraft. The evaluation period ended in January 1966. While the concept was sound, it was recognized that the F-100F was too obsolete to perform effectively. To replace it, the Air Force tested the two-seat F-105F as a Wild Weasel and the first five planes arrived in Korat in May 1966. Another half dozen aircraft arrived a month later. While the Air Force was steadily improving its aircraft, the U.S. Navy designed a new weapon to make the risky job of destroying SAM sites easier. The AGM-45 Shrike was a modification of the Sparrow air-to-air missile designed specifically to home on radar. It was the first of a series of antiradiation missiles that would allow the Wild Weasels to engage the SAMs with more than just unguided rockets. It carried a 149-pound warhead that could easily destroy a radar unit such as the Fan Song. To target a particular radar, the Wild Weasel pilot had to fly directly at it until he was close enough for the homing system to work. The initial versions of the Shrike could not do that until they were within range of the SA-2. Since the Shrikes rocket motor burned out after 10 seconds, this meant that the missile continued its flight unguided. Still, as long as the missile was aimed accurately it would still detonate within 20 feet of the radar. As a countermeasure, the radar operators would turn their system off, which often threw the missile off track. This was not a complete loss, though, as a switched-off radar was useless for guiding SA-2s. The first U.S. Air Force use of the Shrike missile occurred on April 18, 1966, when a Wild Weasel used one to target a SON-9 radar that was used to direct the fire of 57mm and 100mm antiaircraft guns. The missile disappeared into some haze before striking the target, but the EWO noted the radar stopped functioning, indicating it had been damaged. Nevertheless, Wild Weasels remained vulnerable to gunfire and enemy fighters. By August 1966 only four of the 11 F-105Fs in Thailand were still operable. Other fighter wings operating the F-105Fs had lost five aircraft with two other damaged beyond repair. In October a half dozen replacements arrived and were split between the various units to allow them all to operate. As missions continued, the limitations of the Shrike were noted by the aircrews. The North Vietnamese radar operators realized the Wild Weasel aircraft had to fly straight at their target so they would turn off their radars whenever they saw a plane coming directly toward them. They also recognized that Wild Weasel hunter-killer teams operated in groups of four or five aircraft. Since this was smaller than the normal strike missions, they would simply shut down while the Americans were nearby. In addition, they started operating their radars for shorter periods. The U.S. Air Force aviators noticed the North Vietnamese counters and developed new tactics of their own. They would fly threateningly toward enemy SAM sites just to get them to shut down. Sometimes they would bomb suspected radar sites just to keep their opponents off balance while strike missions were in the area. If a radar crew was bold enough to start transmitting, the Wild Weasels would quickly and aggressively attack it. They would also fly close to the strike missions to avoid standing out so the enemy would switch on their radars long enough to be targeted. Over time simply suppressing the radars became more of a priority than actually destroying them. One of the most famous Wild Weasel mission of the war took place on March 10, 1967, against the Thai Nguyen Steel Works 40 miles north of Hanoi. This factory complex was protected by an extensive radar-controlled antiaircraft network. F-105 pilot Captain Merlyn Dethlefsen took off carrying a load of bombs in addition to a pair of Shrike missiles. The young pilot wondered how much damage the Shrike could do by itself and hoped that by attacking with heavier weapons he might inflict substantial damage. Dethlefsen was flying with another F-105 Wild Weasel and a pair of F-105D bombers. Together they made up a standard Iron Hand flight. They flew 30 to 45 miles ahead of the main strike force, which equated to about five to seven minutes of flying time. Once over the target, the aircraft would have to stay in the area, otherwise the enemy radar operators would just wait until they were gone and switch their sets back on when the strike force arrived. The factory was defended by both SAMs and traditional antiaircraft guns. As Dethlefsen and the other flyers of the Iron Hand force approached the target they encountered heavy fire from the ground. It was so dense he soon lost sight of the other aircraft in his flight; the smoke from bursting shells was so thick it obscured them. The sky was just black, said Dethlefsen. You know youre not bulletproof when explosions are rocking your wings and you can hear metal hitting metal. Captain Kevin Gilroy, his EWO, soon located a Fan Song radar despite the deluge of steel they were enduring. The pilot quickly launched a Shrike at it, but just as he did so a pair of MiG-21 interceptors attacked them from behind. One MiG-21 launched a heat- seeking missile at the F-105 and Dethlefsen dove to avoid it, flying straight through the layer of flak from the enemy antiaircraft guns. Despite the danger, Dethlefsen stayed over- head until his fuel finally ran low. Gilroy detected another Fan Song and Dethlefsen used his other missile to attack it. Destroyed or not, it went quiet. Minutes later the pilot saw a radar van sitting amid another SA-2 missile site. Diving on it, he strafed the van with his 20mm cannon and blanketed the area with bombs. When they returned to base they expected some recognition for their actions, but some fighter pilots had shot down some MiGs and all the celebration was focused on them. Their skilled flying did not go unremembered, though. In early 1968 Dethlefsen was awarded the Medal of Honor and Gilroy received an Air Force Cross for their accomplishments over Thai Nguyen. Both would complete more than 100 missions over Vietnam. Based on experiences such as those at Thai Nguyen, the U.S. Air Force began changing its tactics. It tightened the flying formations; now the strike force flew one minute behind the leading Iron Hand flight. A second Iron Hand group followed just behind or beside the strike force to deal with other enemy radar-guided weapons. Two flights could cover more area and continue covering the strike force throughout its attack and subsequent withdrawal. One flight could also serve as a decoy, tricking the radar crew into switching on after the first Iron Hand flight passed. In March 1968, the U.S. Air Force also introduced the AGM-78 Standard Anti-Radiation Missile, which boasted a 219-pound warhead. It also had an improved guidance system that would allow the missile to continue tracking even if the radar was switched off after launch. The Standard Anti-Radiation Missile could turn up to 180 degrees after firing, so that the firing aircraft did not have to be flying directly at the radar to target it. The missile had a range of 75 miles, though Wild Weasel aircraft usually flew too low to fire them at that range and acquiring radar at that range was difficult at best. In August 1967 another Wild Weasel flight covered a hazardous mission against a well- defended target. Lt. Col. James McInerney and his EWO Captain Fred Shannon flew against the defenses of the Paul Doumer Bridge. This mile-long structure was a key piece of infrastructure in the North Vietnamese railroad network. McInerney and Shannon destroyed two missile sites and suppressed four others, allowing the strike force to hit the bridge. During their attacks they dodged three SA-2 missiles and heavy gunfire. The strike force did not suffer a single loss during the mission. Both received the Air Force Cross for their heroism. In the final years of the Vietnam War, American forces began the process of Vietnamization by which U.S. combat forces were withdrawn and the South Vietnamese took on the responsibility for defending their country against North Vietnamese incursions. This applied primarily to U.S. ground forces, although it also included the U.S. Air Force. The North Vietnamese Armys 1972 Easter Offensive, though, required substantial U.S. Air Force assistance to prevent the collapse of South Vietnam. To assist the South Vietnamese in defeating the offensive, the U.S. Air Force initiated Operation Linebacker. By this point, though, the North Vietnamese had built a large and integrated air defenses system over most of their country, including 200 SA-2 missile sites. Some of the SA-2s could even cover airspace over South Vietnam. In response, the U.S. Air Force deployed a squadron of the improved F-105G Wild Weasel along with the new F-4C. The F-4C had encountered a longer development period but was finally coming into its own. During Operation Linebacker II, the F-4C flew 460 sorties around Hanoi without a single loss. Most of the targets struck were within 25 miles of Hanoi, meaning they were surrounded by what was then the densest air-defense network in the world. During the period of the Linebacker and Linebacker II operations, the North Vietnamese launched more than 4,000 SA-2s at U.S. aircraft, but they downed only 49 planes. This meant it took 81 missile launches to bring down a single aircraft, a ratio partly due to the efforts of the Wild Weasels. After the war the Wild Weasel program was evaluated. Its record with early weapons such as the Shrike was mixed because many of the missile strikes could not be confirmed as having actually destroyed the target. It was recognized that even when they did not destroy a radar site, however, they disrupted its operation sufficiently to dramatically reduce its effectiveness. The Air Force continued the program and it is still in effect. Related Video: New US stealth fighter jets offer a message to North Korea and China For more news videos visit Yahoo View. This article by Christopher Miskimon originally appeared on Warfare History Network. Image: Wikimedia Commons Read full article LONDON (Reuters) - Britain's military research facility at Porton Down said it could not have been the source of the nerve agent that poisoned Russian ex-spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter in the city of Salisbury this month, the BBC reported on Friday. The BBC quoted Porton Down Chief Executive Gary Aitkenhead as saying there was "no way" the substance could have come from its laboratories as Russia has suggested. He said the laboratory had the "highest levels" of controls and security, the BBC said. Russia denies any involvement in the attack on the pair who have been critical in hospital since they were found unconscious on March 4 on a bench in Salisbury. Russia's EU ambassador Vladimir Chizhov noted in an interview with the BBC earlier this week that the Porton Down lab is only eight miles (11km) from Salisbury, insinuating that may have been the source. The Foreign Office has said there was "not an ounce of truth" in his implication the nerve agent could have been linked to Porton Down. (Reporting by Stephen Addison; editing by Michael Holden) Amman (AFP) - The UN urgently needs $350 million for humanitarian projects in Yemen, a senior official said Sunday, insisting it was mere "peanuts" compared with the cost of the country's war. Geeet Cappelaere, Middle East and North Africa director at the UN children's fund UNICEF, made the comments in Amman, Jordan after a visit to Yemen. "UNICEF is asking for 2018 alone for its humanitarian programme close to $350 million. That is peanuts compared to the billions of dollars that are currently invested in fighting war," Cappelaere said. "We are asking for peanuts," he told reporters. Cappelaere appeared to be making a jibe at US President Donald Trump. On Tuesday Trump hosted Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the White House and told his guest the oil-rich kingdom would be spending "peanuts" to purchase billions of dollars worth of military equipment, including aircraft, from the United States. At the meeting Trump held up a cardboard with pictures of the items and topped with the words "12.5 billion in finalised sales to Saudi Arabia", telling a smiling Salman "that's peanuts to you". Saudi Arabia leads a coalition in Yemen fighting the Iran-backed Shiite Huthi rebels. More than 9,200 people have been killed and tens of thousands wounded since the coalition intervened in March 2015. The United Nations says the war in Yemen has triggered the world's largest humanitarian disaster, with 8.4 million people facing imminent famine, as the country also battles cholera and diphtheria outbreaks. Cappelaere gave a dire report on conditions in Yemen, and called for the "brutal senseless war on children to stop now". He said children are bearing the brunt of the conflict in many ways. "Five children were killed every single day in Yemen in 2017," he said, while "every single girl or boy in Yemen is facing acute humanitarian needs". Story continues In addition, an estimated 80 percent of all Yemenis are living in poverty, Cappelaere said. "I was shocked last week in Sanaa by the hundreds... thousands of children who are begging in the streets," he said. "It is incredibly heartbreaking to see very small children stretching out their hands" for some food or money, he said. The UNICEF regional head said "none of the parties, or those who have influence over the fighting parties, have for a single second... shown the slightest respect for the protection of children". He also called for the flow of humanitarian aid into Yemen to be unimpeded. "We are losing precious time discussing conditions that are imposed from all sides, conditions that are preventing us from delivering humanitarian assistance," he said. By Katanga Johnson WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Voter registration activists fanned out among young Americans who marched for tighter gun laws on Saturday, signing up thousands of first-time voters who vowed to eject lawmakers who oppose gun controls. With mid-term Congressional elections eight months away, the activists flocked to some 800 marches across the country to enroll young voters likely to back Democratic and independent candidates who tend to favor tougher firearms laws. In Washington, volunteers for the HeadCount voter-registration effort raised their fists and chanted "demonstration without registration leads to frustration" before heading out with clipboards to sign up some of the nation's newest voters. "Parkland's Emma Gonzalez called for more Americans to vote and that is why Headcount is here today," volunteer Aaron Ghitelman, 26, said of the student who along with classmates forged a national, youth gun control movement following the Feb. 14 massacre at her high school in Parkland, Florida. Hugh Williams from Ypsilanti, Michigan, was among many 18-year-olds who answered her call. "The more I see people marching and standing up for a cause I believe in, I want my voice to matter, too," he said at the Washington march, adding that gun violence was a menace in his community. A student survivor of the Parkland massacre had a simple message for lawmakers. "If there is no assault weapons ban passed, then we will vote them out," Delaney Tarr, a senior at the school, told marchers in Washington. Organizers of the registration drive hoped to sign up at least 25,000 people on Saturday, a potential boost for Democrats who back stronger controls on assault-style weapons, bump stocks that let semiautomatic rifles fire like automatic weapons, and tighter access to guns for young people and the mentally ill. By 8:30 p.m. ET (0030 GMT) they had signed up 4,000 nationwide, with the number climbing as groups across the country reported. At a rally in Chicago, 17-year-old Kara Sharp from Island Lake, Illinois, carried a sign reading "Protect students not guns - 2020 Voter" after traveling to the event with her father, a 53-year-old machinist. Volunteers from a local chapter of lobbying group Indivisible435, which backs progressive political candidates, told her how to register to vote once she got home, as she did not have her driver's license with her. "It's time to disarm hate. I'll be looking at NRA ratings of politicians and also how they treat LGBQ issues," said Sharp, a junior at Wauconda High School, referring to the grade the National Rife Association gives members of the U.S. Congress for their voting record on gun rights. 'TOOLS TO MAKE A CHANGE' Participation in U.S. elections by young voters is often low. Registration activists are targeting the four million Americans turning 18 this year, as well as many 19- to 21-year-olds who have never voted. In Parkland, Florida, Sari Kaufman was among students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School -- where the mass shooting took place -- who urged peers to get involved in politics, register to vote and turf out lawmakers who did not protect them. "With this movement, we will ensure record-breaking turnout not just in the next presidential election, not in the next midterm election, but in all elections," Kaufman told a crowd of thousands at a rally in Parkland. "We're here today to give you the tools to make a change." (Additional reporting by Robert Chiarito in Chicago and Zachary Fagenson in Parkland, Florida; Writing by Andrew Hay; Editing by Daniel Wallis, Nick Zieminski and Sandra Maler) John Bolton, the incoming White House national security adviser - REUTERS Donald Trumps new national security adviser has said America should prepare for war to secure peace amid signs a more hardline US foreign policy is emerging. John Bolton, the former US ambassador to the United Nations, made the comment just hours after being appointed to the role via a tweet from Mr Trump. "The surest way to avoid conflict is to have a strong military capability, Mr Bolton told Sky News. As the ancient Romans used to say: Si vis pacem, para bellum - if you want peace, prepare for war." Mr Bolton will replace HR McMaster, the retiring general, on April 9 to become Mr Trumps third national security adviser in 14 months. The 69-year-old, who served in the UN under George W Bush, is known for his hawkish foreign policy views and no-nonsense approach to diplomacy. John Bolton, left, and HR McMaster Credit: REUTERS/Joshua Roberts, Jonathan Ernst He has said a pre-emptive strike against North Korea would be legitimate and played down the chance of talks being successful. Mr Bolton is also a fierce opponent of the Iran nuclear deal and has suggested regime change should be America's goal. Those stances broadly align with the presidents views, but there are difference too. Mr Bolton backs punitive sanctions on Russia and believes the Iraq War was justified, unlike Mr Trump. His appointment split Washington as Democrats painted Mr Bolton as a warmonger and Republicans pointed to his years of foreign policy experience. Christopher Murphy, the Democrat senator for Connecticut, said: The person who will be first in first out of the Oval Office on national security matters passionately believes the U.S. should launch pre-emptive war against both Iran and North Korea with no authorisation from Congress. My God. But Lindsey Graham, the Republican senator from South Carolina, said: Selecting John Bolton as national security adviser is good news for Americas allies and bad news for Americas enemies." John Bolton | In his own words Story continues Mr Trumps decision to oust HR McMaster came after weeks of growing tensions and amid reports the pair had a troubled personal relationship as well as policy differences. The Washington Post reported that the president found Mr McMasters delivery style in briefings grating and would tell him he understood an issue just to make him stop talking. Mr Trump initially considered Mr Bolton for a role in his administration before inauguration but was convinced otherwise - partly, it is said, because of Mr Boltons handlebar mustache. However over recent weeks Mr Trumps frustration with his national security team and Mr Boltons Fox News regular appearances eventually saw a change of heart. Stories from Mr Boltons past under Mr Bush have re-emerged as fierce debate broke out about the impact he would have on foreign policy direction. Mr Boltons appointment to UN ambassador in 2005 was rejected by the Senate - one ex-official dubbed him a kiss-up, kick-down sort of guy" - but pushed through by Mr Bush. The pair later fell out, with Mr Bush dismissing Mr Bolton as not credible after the latter attacked the then-presidents total intellectual collapse in 2008. Mr Boltons stint at the UN, which lasted a little more than a year, saw repeated clashes with foreign diplomats and a reluctance to give ground in negotiations. I am pleased to announce that, effective 4/9/18, @AmbJohnBolton will be my new National Security Advisor. I am very thankful for the service of General H.R. McMaster who has done an outstanding job & will always remain my friend. There will be an official contact handover on 4/9. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 22, 2018 He once said of the UNs 38-floor headquarters in New York: If it lost 10 stories it wouldnt make a bit of difference. Mr Bolton, who studied law at Yale University, also offered a hint of his outlook in his memoir's title: Surrender Is Not an Option. The Republican hardliner also has links to senior Conservatives in Britain. He has visited the partys annual conference and knows Liam Fox, the International Development Secretary. Luke Coffey, the foreign policy director for the right-leaning think tank Heritage, told The Telegraph the appointment could benefit the UK. I think it will be very positive for Britain, especially at this time of Brexit, said Mr Coffey, who was once an adviser to Mr Fox. Mr Bolton has expressed his concerns about the European Union. He is very Eurosceptic and a supporter of Brexit. John Bolton speaks at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in 2017 Credit: AP Photo/Alex Brandon Mr Boltons recent comments on policy, not least North Korea and Iran, have at times been even more hardline than Mr Trump's views. Earlier this year he said our goal should be regime change in Iran and wrote a piece outlining how a pre-emptive strike on North Korea would be perfectly legitimate. Speaking after his appointment, Mr Bolton told Sky News: Despite the view of many people at the end of the Cold War that we'd come to the end of history, unfortunately we haven't. "It's important for the US to protect its civilian population, protect its alliances [and] protect its economy. Robert Kelly, professor of political science at South Koreas Busan University, said the hiring of Mr Bolton made it look like the president is assembling a war cabinet. He said that "people are genuinely nervous about an upcoming meeting between Mr Trump and Mr Kim. Mr Kelly added: "Trump is going to walk in in nine weeks with a staff that is all up in the air right now and that means hes going to have to put a lot of it together on the fly. "That means that the possibility to go wrong is much higher than during a normal summit." Mr Bolton reportedly promised "he wouldn't start any wars if Mr Trump appointed him as national security adviser and would go along with the White House's diplomatic effort towards Pyongyang. But experts said they doubted Mr Bolton would ever fully give up on the idea of toppling the North Korean regime. Bolton said he would set aside his own views and implement Trumps policy. But count me sceptical. Bolton has long pushed for regime change in North Korea and I doubt he will refrain from promoting a policy that leads to North Koreas demise, said Bonnie Glaser, senior Asia adviser at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies. By Gabriela Baczynska BRUSSELS (Reuters) - With Brexit a year away, European Union leaders made a point on Friday of embracing Theresa May, with some treating her troubles with Russia and the United States as an opportunity to show Britain who its friends are. The prime minister won a display of continental solidarity in her push to punish Moscow for the nerve agent attack in Salisbury. It surprised some British officials and contrasted sharply with the past two years of frosty summitry since Britons voted to quit the bloc and seek a better global role alone. Summit chair Donald Tusk, so often a prophet of doom for Britain's prospects after Brexit, hailed the warm atmosphere: "In these difficult circumstances, I am personally especially pleased that, despite the tough Brexit negotiations, the European Union has demonstrated unanimous and unequivocal unity with the UK in the face of this attack," he said. British hopes of closer bilateral relations with its similarly free-trading former colonies have been challenged by fears of a trade war with Washington. President Donald Trump has slapped new tariffs on steel imports, but offered respite on Friday to the EU after a fierce collective response from Brussels. May made a point of staying in Brussels overnight in order to join the 27 remaining EU leaders in a joint affirmation of their belief in free trade, reminding voters back home that blocking U.S. tariff barriers was in the interest of British steelworkers. Elsewhere in Europe, Norway's important metals exporters got less comfort than May. Outside the European Union, Oslo was left complaining that it was not covered by Trump's exemption order. May's peers, who after her departure confirmed their plan to give Britain an "ambitious" post-Brexit free trade pact, hoped she took away a message from a summit for once dominated by external challenges rather than Brexit. "In a perverse way, Russia and the United States help us," said one senior EU diplomat hoping to keep the British close. "Britain has a chance to see who their real friends are." Few believe the British can be persuaded to change their minds on membership before March next year - though some would like that. But the approach of that deadline prompted some summiteers into wistful musings on what they saw as the ironies of Brexit. "With the state of the world today, from Trump to Putin," said a second EU diplomat, "this summit shows again what madness Brexit is." Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, one of May's closest allies on the continent, summed up the mood of regret: "It's so strange, isn't it, that when this is going on in the world, Salisbury, the situation with the United States, and we are all standing together in solidarity ... that we now have to talk about the departure of the United Kingdom from the EU. "Bizarre." (Editing by Alastair Macdonald and John Stonestreet) John Dowd, who had been President Trumps lead lawyer in the Russia investigation, has left the legal team. Dowd says he loves the president and wishes him well. (Photo: Richard Drew/AP) Lawyers were very much on Donald Trumps mind early Sunday morning, as he fired off a couple of tweets ostensibly about his defense in the Russia probe, but with a clear subtext about the profession in general, stopping just short of calling them all crooks who intentionally run up their bills: Many lawyers and top law firms want to represent me in the Russia casedont believe the Fake News narrative that it is hard to find a lawyer who wants to take this on. Fame & fortune will NEVER be turned down by a lawyer, though some are conflicted. Problem is that a new Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 25, 2018 Trumps defense team has been in turmoil recently, with the resignation of John Dowd, his lead lawyer in the investigation by special counsel Robert Mueller of possible collusion between the presidents 2016 campaign organization and agents for Russia. Joseph diGenova, a frequent commentator on Fox News and a fierce defender of Trump, had been recruited to join the presidents defense team, but he was gone before he even started, along with his wife and law partner, Victoria Toensing. The president is disappointed that conflicts prevent Joe diGenova and Victoria Toensing from joining the presidents special counsel legal team, Trumps personal lawyer, Jay Sekulow, said in a statement on Sunday morning, as reported in the New York Times. However, those conflicts do not prevent them from assisting the president in other legal matters. The president looks forward to working with them. .lawyer or law firm will take months to get up to speed (if for no other reason than they can bill more), which is unfair to our great country and I am very happy with my existing team. Besides, there was NO COLLUSION with Russia, except by Crooked Hillary and the Dems! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 25, 2018 Trumps observation that Fame & fortune will NEVER be turned down by a lawyer seemed intended to rebut stories that he is having trouble hiring top-flight legal talent. Yahoo News reported that at least four top law firms turned down Trump as a client last year. The New York Times said on Thursday that the president tried last summer to hire some of Washingtons top lawyers to represent him. But many shied away, aware of the presidents history of ignoring his lawyers advice and frequent failure to pay his legal bills. Story continues But his remark about legal bills was an obviously heartfelt complaint by someone who has paid more than his share of them over the years. The going rate for top-tier Washington and corporate lawyers was $2,000 an hour in 2016, and, yes, you do have to pay them for the time it takes to get up to speed on your case. Obviously Trump is frustrated by the ongoing special counsel investigation, since he ends every tweet on the subject with the catchphrase NO COLLUSION. But its hard to avoid the suspicion that there was another legal matter on his mind, hours before 60 Minutes is expected to air its interview with the actress Stormy Daniels, who reportedly plans to discuss her affair with Trump and the efforts to silence her. That is according to her lawyer, Michael Avenatti, who spent a half-hour last week arguing on CNN with David Schwartz, the lawyer for Trumps personal lawyer, Michael Cohen. Cohen says he paid Daniels $130,000 as part of a nondisclosure agreement that prevents her from speaking about her relationship with Trump. It is not known how much all these lawyers are being paid. Read more from Yahoo News: San Francisco (AFP) - Mark Zuckerberg rose to wealth and fame with a mission of connecting everyone through Facebook, but now faces the wrath of users outraged he isn't doing more to defend their data. The latest crisis laying siege to the leading online social network has raised the specter that he has lost control of his creation and been naive about the unintended consequences of people sharing so much about themselves. "If Facebook was a typical company, and Zuckerberg was the founder, he would probably be gone," said tech industry analyst Rob Enderle of Enderle Group. "He looks like a guy who really doesn't know what he is doing. He is not the hero that a lot of people had viewed him as; his reputation and image are badly damaged." Facebook has prospered on digital advertising that benefits from being able to use what people share about themselves to target ads. If Facebook was betting on people's better natures when it came to truthfully sharing, respecting others, and being able to connect with anyone, it wasn't always a winning wager. The California-based social network has been a flashpoint for controversies about bullying, harassment, free speech, extremist propaganda, election meddling, privacy, and more. "They don't put enough effort into making sure the user is protected and the experience is assured," analyst Enderle said. "They only care about the advertisers, and the user is basically a digital slave." - Dropout to billionaire - A public apology by Zuckerberg failed to quell outrage over the hijacking of personal data from millions of people, as critics demanded that the social media giant go much further to protect user privacy. Belatedly speaking out about the harvesting of Facebook user data by a British firm linked to President Donald Trump's 2016 election campaign, Zuckerberg admitted Wednesday to betraying the trust of its more than two billion users, and promised to "step up." Story continues Vowing to stop data leaking to application makers and to give users more control over their information, he also said he was ready to testify before US lawmakers following -- which a powerful congressional committee promptly asked him to do. Zuckerberg has grown from a Harvard dropout who changed what it means to be social into a billionaire philanthropist bent on shaping a better world for his daughters. Zuckerberg and his doctor wife, Priscilla Chan, have pledged to give away their Facebook fortune to make the world a healthier, happier place for children. "Having kids changes a lot," Zuckerberg said this week in an interview with CNN. "I used to think that the most important thing to me by far was having the greatest impact across the world as I can; now I just really care about building something my girls are going to grow up and be proud of me for." Zuckerberg cemented his fortune, and a place in Silicon Valley history, by leading Facebook to a historic Wall Street debut in 2012. The $16 billion IPO was structured to keep control of Facebook in the hands of Zuckerberg, who has been Time's "Person of the Year" and cracked the Forbes list of 20 richest people in the world. The hoodie-wearing 33-year-old, depicted in the Hollywood drama "The Social Network" as a socially challenged computer geek, has evolved into a confident chief executive. Zuckerberg still favors t-shirts, jeans and sneakers, topped off by his trademark hooded sweatshirt and a mop of curly hair. He is known for setting annual goals, which have included wearing ties every day; only eating meat of animals he kills himself; and learning to speak Chinese. His personal goal this year is to fix Facebook, making sure it fosters real-world community. - 'Thefacebook' - Born on May 14, 1984, Zuckerberg was raised in Dobbs Ferry outside New York, one of four children of a dentist father and a psychiatrist mother. He began writing computer programs at the age of 11, including one said to resemble Pandora's musical taste program which reportedly drew the interest of AOL and Microsoft. He went to high school at the prestigious Phillips Exeter Academy, where he was captain of the fencing team, before entering elite Harvard University. Zuckerberg launched Thefacebook.com, as it was then known, from his dorm room on February 4, 2004 with some of his roommates and classmates. Facebook's early years were not without controversy, however. In 2008, a $65 million settlement was reached with three Harvard classmates -- twins Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss, and Divya Narendra -- over their charges that Zuckerberg had stolen the idea for Facebook from them. The conflict was at the heart of "The Social Network," the Oscar-winning film written by Aaron Sorkin and directed by David Fincher. Zuckerberg left Harvard in May 2004 for Silicon Valley, where he received his first major funding -- $500,000 -- from PayPal co-founder Peter Thiel. He has been referred to by some as being struck in the mold of late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs. Zuckerberg has praised Jobs as a friend and a role model. Four Palestinians entered Israel from the Gaza Strip near Kibbutz Kissufim and attempted to torch heavy engineering equipment used for the construction of the underground anti-tunnel barrier. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter An IDF force approached them and the four fled back to the Gaza Strip. There were no casualties and only minor damage was caused to the heavy equipment. Palestinians try to sabotage IDF engineering machinery X Israel Air Force fighter jets attacked a target at a Hamas training camp in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip overnight Saturday in response to the incident. The IDF "warned of any incidents in which civilians are called to hold 'protests' used as cover to damage security infrastructure and to attempts to hurt Israeli citizens or IDF soldiers." One of the tools used in the barrier's construction (Photo: Barel Efraim) A preliminary investigation revealed that the four arrived at an engineering complex near the border, were large IDF heavy equipment used to build the new subterranean Gaza barrier are kept. They then tried to set the tools on fire with gasoline tanks they brought with them, fleeing when they saw an IDF patrol team headed their way. Damage caused to the heavy equipment The footage of the incident shows the Palestinians were able to infiltrate dozens of meters into Israel and enter the engineering complex, which was unguarded since no construction work is done on Shabbat. It is possible, however, that the four didn't know the place would be unguarded and merely took the risk. Damage caused to the heavy equipment The IDF sees this amateurish and brazen attempt as mostly a symbolic one, meant to inflame the tensions in the area ahead of the large protest organized by Hamas, which is set to take place at the border this coming Friday. Nevertheless, the IDF still sees this incident as severe compared to other past Palestinian infiltrations. A military engineering force that arrived at the scene ruled out the possibility the four planted an explosive device there, while the IDF said the group only spent a short time at the complex and was unable to cause any damage to military infrastructure or vehicles. (Photo: Barel Efraim) The IDF's Gaza Division will be reinforced as part of the preparations for the mass protests. The Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), Maj. Gen. Yoav Mordechai, slammed Hamas ahead of the planned demonstration, warning the terror organization of exploiting it for their own ends. "Hamas has failed to manage the Gaza Strip and puts its needs ahead of those of its citizens," he wrote in a Facebook post. "Because of its distress, it encourages the population to demonstrate and disrupt order along the border." Mordechai then warned Hamas of using the demonstrations to damage border infrastructure and attempt to infiltrate Israel, saying the IDF will "work hard" against any such attempt. Some 25,000 anti-expulsion demonstrators gathered in Tel Aviv's Rabin Square Saturday to protest the government's plan to deport asylum seekers to Uganda and Rwanda. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter The demonstration is held under the banner of "Against the Expulsion of Asylum Seekers and for the Rehabilitation of the Neighborhoods of Southern Tel Aviv," and was organized in cooperation with the Sudanese and Eritrean community organizations, the Stop the Expulsion movement, the South Tel Aviv Movement Against the Expulsion group, the Aid Organization for Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Israel and The Hotline for Refugees and Migrants. The anti-expulsion rally (Photo: Motti Kimchi) "At the age of 12, the Sudanese government tried to murder me and my family because I was from the wrong tribe," he began. "No one dreams of leaving his home, his country and his family, and to go to seek shelter in a place he does not know. "I am from an area in Sudan, where genocide has been going on for decades. The area where I grew up was attacked in the past year with chemical weapons by the Sudanese government. For 14 years the government has deliberately attacked its citizens with chemical weapons. Last Wednesday, just this week, again, the area where I was born and raised was attacked, and again dozens of people were killed, most of them children and women. "For you it's a newspaper headline, but for me it's family. These are my brothers and sisters, and my cousins. This is my father and my uncle and my aunt, and a mother who has already been murdered. There are many more like me in Israel. Asylum seekers who got up this morning without knowing whether their relatives are alive or not. They ride with you on the bus, they wash the dishes in the restaurant where you eat, they clean the streets where you walk. And all this time they are in daily fear about the lives of the people they love." 'Every person, is a person' (Photo: Motti Kimchi) Harun then fumed at the government's relegation of asylum seekers as illegal immigrants, calling to question who, if not them, are truly asylum seekers. He noted his request for asylum has not been answered for five years. "We thought that the State of Israel would understand us more than anyone else, but the Israeli government does not want us here, saying we are not refugees. "So I want to ask the Government of Israel: A person who escaped from forced labor under a dictatorial regimeis not a refugee? A person who is persecuted only because of his religion or ethnic originis not a refugee?! A person who has suffered violence, rape and torture in his countryis not a refugee?! A person who had his village burned and his family killed in front of his very eyesis not a refugee?! A person who has survived genocideis not a refugee?! So who is a refugee?!" he shouted, is impassioned words drawing laud cheers and claps. Shula Keshet, the leader of the South Tel Aviv against the Expulsion group and a resident of the Neve Sha'anan neighborhood in south Tel Aviv, backed Harun's assertion, saying referring to asylum seekers as illegal immigrants is racist, and so is that imprisoning them or deporting them. Keshet then called for the investment of funds for the rehabilitation of asylum seekers and south Tel Aviv, claiming apathy and money in politics prevented this so far. "Routing tens of thousands of migrant workers and asylum seekers to one place and creating inhuman population density is racist, and so is to deport them, whether it be 'voluntarily' or forcefully. "A voice calls from the neighborhoodsto dismantle the ghettos. A voice calls on the neighborhoodsto stop the expulsion policy of asylum seekers, to immediately stop the policy of evacuating residents from their homes, to stop the gentrification process in the neighborhoods." Paz, surrounded by policemen before being dragged outside the event Sheffi Paz, leader of the pro-expulsion South Tel Aviv Liberation Front, along with several others from her organization reportedly tried to break into the stage and were removed by police. They denied doing so. "We did not come to demonstrate; we stood in front of the stage and filmed, and suddenly 15 policemen came and violently pulled us out." "Infiltrators are shouting on the stage, demonstrators from all over the country have come to the show of hatred towards the neighborhoods of south Tel Aviv, and us activists are being forced out to the sound of applause of the crowd." Paz said ahead of the rally her organization does not intend to stage a counter-protest. Siding with Paz, Interior Minister Aryeh Deri dismissed the mass protest as a deceitful attempt to pressure the government against its decision, and reiterated that "the migrant workers will be removed; war refugees and children will remain." "I will continue to care for the residents of the neighborhoods and the character of the State of Israel despite the pressures and lies," he tweeted. TOKYO - Former President Barack Obama said Sunday that negotiations with North Korea on its nuclear weapons program are difficult, partly because the country's isolation minimizes possible leverage, such as trade and travel sanctions against Pyongyang. "North Korea is an example of a country that is so far out of the international norms and so disconnected with the rest of the world," Obama told a packed hall in Tokyo Sunday. He stressed the effort to get North Korea to give up nuclear weapons remains difficult, but countries working together, including China as well as South Korea and Japan, to combine pressure on North Korea will be better than nations working alone. He noted that past US efforts on Iran's nuclear weapons were more successful because there was more leverage, but there's little commerce and travel with North Korea to being with. "That makes them less subject to these kinds of negotiations," he said of North Korea. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi announced Saturday that she is going to lead a delegation of House Democrats to Israel and Jordan. The delegation will focus on "global and regional security and cooperation issues." "Our delegation is pleased to be able to extend the congratulations of the American people to the people of Israel as we celebrate the 70th anniversary of Jewish state this spring," Pelosi said in a statement. A 36-year-old Israeli Arab man was found dead on Saturday night in Bethlehem with signs of violence on his body. The circumstances behind the death are not yet clear, but the Palestinian police, which launched an investigation, suspect foul play. A controversial ethical code, which was met with strong opposition from Israeli academics, has been approved by a subcommittee of the Council for Higher Education, moving it another step closer to becoming binding. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter The ethical code, written by Prof. Asa Kasher at the request of Education Minister Naftali Bennett, includes a clause barring lecturers in academia from expressing political views in class unless it is relevant to the course, such as in political sciences. While Education Minister Bennett claimed the code "is not against any political side," academics claimed it is an attempt to silence left-leaning political views. File photo (Photo: Shutterstock) Despite the strong disagreements, a subcommittee of the Council for Higher Education has decided to adopt the ethical code, instructing universities and colleges in Israel to incorporate most of its clauses into their disciplinary code. The ethical code will be enfoced, and lecturers who violate the code could face disciplinary action. The subcommittee of the Council for Higher Education examined the ethical code written by Kasher, while holding discussions with representatives of the different academic institutions and hearing their reservations. The discussions ended with a statement that the Council for Higher Education recognizes that academic freedom and academic excellence are of utmost importance and completely rejects politicization in the academy. The new ethical code will now be sent to the heads of the universities for their input. After they provide their notes, the ethical code will be returned to the subcommittee for further discussion, following which it will release an amended version based on the comments from the academic institutions. The amended version will then be brought to the Council for Higher Education for discussion and final approval. Prof. Asa Kasher (Photo: Motti Kimchi) It is still unclear whether universities and colleges will be required to include in their disciplinary code the contentious clause that states that "A lecturer is prohibited from abusing the teaching platform given to him by systematically and inappropriately preaching a political view that clearly exceeds that which is required in the course's syllabus in its broad context." However, academic institutions will most likely be required to include a prohibition to discriminate against or take action in favor of lecturers or students because of their political views, as well as a prohibition from taking part in an academic boycott against Israel or in any activity that promotes such a boycott. The Council expects universities and colleges to enforce the clause barring lecturers from expressing political views in class, even though it might not include it in the list of clauses it requires academic institutions to adopt. If this clause is not enforced, the Council will consider making it a requirement for the disciplinary code in the future. "We must keep the world of academic free of politics and foreign interests," Bennett said over the weekend. "Complete academic freedom - yes. Promoting political agendas and calling for a boycott - no. We are in fact limiting the freedom of condemnation and increasing the freedom of expression, so the academic discourse in Israel remains free of politics and discrimination. At the gates of academia, leave politics outside." Education Minister Bennett (Photo: Hillel Meir/TPS) On Sunday morning, the education minister posted the ethical code that was approved, writing: "Read it. Every word makes sense." Ethical code will harm academic freedom VERA, the Association of University Heads, issued a strong condemnation of the Higher Council for Education's decision to adopt the ethical code. "The Council subcommittee's interim decision leaves the ethical code as one that creates political censorship, tramples the most basic principles of academic and research freedom, and is meant to silence," VERA said. "This is a 'Big Brother' for the government meant to turn higher education into a pawn for politicians." "We can already see dangerous deterioration of the freedom of expression and academic freedom towards the abyss, something that is common in dark countries and not in countries that pretend to be democratic," the VERA statement continued. "The universities will not accept the diktats from 'above' and have no intention of being used as pawns to serve narrow political interests. We will continue fighting for free academia, free research and the freedom of expression in the democratic State of Israel." Prof. Joseph Klafter, the head of VERA and the president of Tel Aviv University, dubbed the ethical code "an effort to silence" and "political censorship," and stressed "We won't let there be a 'thought police' here, this is something we cannot accept." Prof. Alberto Spektorowski of the Department of Political Science at Tel Aviv University said, In general, Im not in favor of the ethical code. I dont believe universities need an ethical code. People in academia can and should say what they want. The ethical code can spill from one thing over to another, and at the end of the day its a tool for limiting freedom of speech. Its a bad move that contributes nothing. Lecturers will think twice on how to word what they want to say, and thats not a good thing. Academia should be a free place to express what we think. As soon as the ethical code is introduced, it will harm academic freedom. Dr. Gal Ariely from the Department of Politics and Government at Ben-Gurion University, agreed: The people promoting the ethical code are supposed to have national pride, and they are using the states tools to silence other people. On the fundamental level, I feel sorry for the people who came up with this ethical code, because they have no confidence in Zionism. A person with self-confidence isnt afraid of words like 'Nakba' or 'occupation'; he is willing to deal with them in an opinion marketplace. I was sure Zionism is stronger than this, and its sad. This entire move is the result of insecurity. Students in the State of Israel are capable of dealing with a wide variety of opinions. The ethical code wasnt formed to stop the class from turning into a stage for political opinions. Its part of a wider move to limit and restrict academias power. 'An important step towards a decent academia On the other hand, there were lecturers who spoke in favor of the ethical code. Dr. Tal Sadeh of the Department of Political Science at Tel Aviv University asserted that academia should remain as apolitical as possible. The university is a national institution living on public funds, its not private property, so I personally avoid promoting my political views in class. If I do so, I announce it in advance. I have no problem, with the principle of the code. Academics' job is to express their political opinion outside class." I know its hard, and I know Im a minority opinion, Dr. Sadeh added. Clearly, we have political opinions, and theyll have an impact in different ways, but the class shouldnt be turned into a stage for the lecturers personal political views. A person who engages in the instruction of politics isnt teaching. As for the students, those who come to hear what they believe in wont learn anything. The students have a duty here too, which includes listening to intolerable opinions. The right of expression should be completely free in the university, but the lecturers are responsible for teaching, not for turning class into a stage for personal political opinions. Ram Shefa, chairman of the National Student Union, stressed that The reports are misleading and miss the real pointthere is no code. There is freedom of speech, for students and lecturers. Almost every article worded by Asa Kasher at the time wasnt included in the ethical principles that an institution must choose how and whether to adopt. There is no enforcement from above and academic freedom remains in the hands of the institutions. I had the privilege of being part of the narrow panel that outlined the principles, and I can wholeheartedly say that its pro-students, pro-academia and nowhere near the silencing that was expected. I recommend that every person read the document before issuing distorted, festive statements. Matan Peleg, chairman of the right-wing Im Tirtzu organization, said: The final wording of the ethical code in academia touches on the most important points concerning the wild political activity of lecturers and institutions in Israel, and we see that as a great success. Matan Peleg, chairman of the right-wing Im Tirtzu organization, said: The final wording of the ethical code in academia touches on the most important points concerning the wild political activity of lecturers and institutions in Israel, and we see that as a great success. This code should be seen as a first step, but definitely not a final one. The last school year was a record year in terms of anti-Zionist political activity. Lecturers compared Israel to Nazi Germany, others openly promoted a boycott of the University of Ariel, and other institutions were enlisted for the political campaign against the governments policy on infiltrators, abusing publicly-funded media outlets and means of publication, so the education minister still has a lot to deal with. In the reality of politicization in academia, the wording of the current code are almost too late. Allowing institutions to word their own ethical code and leaving the enforcement in the hands of the institution is like letting the fox guard the henhouse. The lack of financial sanctions against institutions that fail to meet the demands may take the edge off the entire move. This is an important step in the battle for a decent, sane academia, but we still have a lot of work to do. Tehran woke up Friday morning to an unfavorable situation for the Iranians. The dismissal or resignationits not entirely clear yetof General H.R. McMaster from the position of US President Donald Trumps national security adviser, and his replacement with former US Ambassador to the United Nations John Bolton , points not only to the disorder in the top echelon of the American administration and in the White House, but mainly to a foreign and security policy that favors conflicts over settling disputes through diplomacy. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter The national security adviser who was dismissed or stepped down on Thursday evening, a decorated general with extensive experience in the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan, was against a US withdrawal from the nuclear agreement with Iran. Bolton, on the other hand, has publicly called on the administration several times to abandon what he defines as a bad agreement. From left to right: Benjamin Netanyahu, Ali Khamenei and John Bolton (Photos: AP, AFP) He isnt the only one. The new secretary of state, Mike Pompeo, who replaced Rex Tillerson several weeks ago, is a diplomatic and security hawk who has also called for a cancellation of the nuclear agreement with Iran and for a conflict with North Korea. Pompeo, who came to the State Department from the leadership of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) of the United States, was replaced by Gina Haspel, who shares his thoughts and is possibly even more radical than he is. The current makeup of the Trump administration doesnt bode well not only for Iran but also for North Korea and China, and likely for Russian President Vladimir Putin, Syrian President Bashar Assad and leaders of the European Union countries as well. The Iranians are facing a clear dilemma now. They will have to agree to restrain their ballistic missile program and make amendments to their nuclear agreement with the world powersor suffer harsh economic sanctions, which will badly affect the Iranian economy. On the other hand, they may decide to stop playing by the rules and move forward towards a nuclear bomb, risking an American airstrike on their nuclear facilities and missile. Iranian missile test in 2016. Will Iran reconsider its ballistic missile program? (Photo: EPA) These are basically the two strategic alternatives that will be have to be considered now by Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei and the ayatollahs. The Europeans will also have to double their efforts from now on and convince Iran to accept the compromise they are working on with the US, in a bid to prevent Trump from walking away from the nuclear agreement. The Iranians will likely become more attentive to Europe's leaders, after they realize that the alternative could be a military conflict with the US. Assad should prepare himself Another equally important strategic issue which will likely be reexamined in light of the changes in the US administrations foreign and security policy is the planned meeting between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The new national security adviser, who served as ambassador to the UN under President George W. Bush, argued recently that the meeting with the North Korean leader was a waste of time, based on the experience of previous US administration that had reached agreements with Pyongyang and then saw them violated. A cancellation of the meeting, which is scheduled to take place in late May, could create a new explosive situation in East Asia, in the Korean Peninsula and in Japan. But thats not all. The Trump administration recently announced new sanctions on Russia. Bolton and Pompeo will likely demand an even more hawkish policy. The Chinese president should be as concerned as Putin. The recent US announcement on tariffs on steel and other products imported from China is essentially a first step towards a trade war with China under the America First slogan. Assad with his fighters in Ghouta. A real cause for concern Assad, who is using chemical weapons against his own citizens, has a real cause for concern too. Rex Tillerson was a moderating factor in the American administration. Secretary of Defense James Mattis represents a level-headed approach too, not now he is a minority in the administration, and if Assad uses chemical weapons once again, he should take a harsh American response into account. In fact, Assad has already started preparing for such an option in after being told by the Russians that the Americans could attack him at any given moment. If US is perceived as unreliable, Israel suffers too Jerusalem allegedly has a cause for celebration. Bolton, the new national security adviser, is a clear friend of Israel. So is US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley and new Secretary of State Pompeo. They are all in favor of moving the embassy to Jerusalem and they all support Trumps oppositional approach towards Americas enemies in the international arena and towards its economic competitors. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu can be satisfied, therefore, as his approach towards the nuclear agreement with Iran seems to be supported now not only by the president but by the entire American security-diplomatic echelon, perhaps excluding Secretary of Defense Mattis, who listens to the what the Pentagon generals tell him. My advice to IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot, however, is to check the war reserve stores, so we dont accidentally find ourselves involved in a war we didnt initiate as a result of the unpredictable, zigzagging conduct of the US president and his senior administration officials. Netanyahu can be satisfied with other issues as well, like the approach towards the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In the current state of affairs, Trump likely wont rush to present his plan for peace in the Middle East. There is a good chance that he will shelve it for a long time, perhaps even a year. Trump (R) and Pompeo (Photo: MCT, Reuters) But the current Israeli government and Israels citizens should have a cause for concern, not so much because of Presidents Trump conflict-seeking policy and his walk on the edge when it comes to international and strategic issues, but because of the disorder in the White House. In his 14 months in office, Trump has replaced three national security advisers. This is something that has never happened in US history. The national security adviser in the American administration is as important and sometimes even more important than the secretary of state, and is almost equal in status to the secretary of defense. He is the man who whispers in the presidents ear and briefs him every morning. He is the man the president trusts. The replacement of three national security advisers indicates, therefore, that Trump is incapable of taking advise and, most importantly, that he has no self-discipline and no willingness to accept organized strategic planning that presents him with all the options from which he must pick out one. He has zero attention span and works according to intuition rather than according to strategic planning and discretion. Another problem is that there is no one in the administration now to present an opinion that contradicts the presidents opinion. Contradicting opinions are important, as they force all sides to reconsider and reach optimal decisions. In Israel, we experienced a similar situation in the Second Lebanon War, when a prime minister who had just taken office, and had appointed a defense minister and chief of staff with little experience, entered a war without realizing he was entering a war. He and his cabinet were convinced that they were initiating a limited battle, and we all know what happened next. The same thing could happen with Trump, but at a much larger scale and with major ramifications. If were already making comparisons, I should say that while the Second Lebanon War was managed terribly, we have been enjoying a relative calm in the north for the past 11 years thanks to the Israel Air Force. President Trumps unreasonable conduct and the chaos in his administration could have positive results too. The Iranians may, for example, reach the conclusion that they shouldnt get involved in a conflict with an unpredictable American president at this time. But thats a gamble, and no one wants matters of war and peace, of life and death, to be in the hands of a man who is an obsessive tweeter and who declares war and then changes his mind, and so on and so forth. We must remember that Americas international standing has a direct effect on the State of Israels security. The US is our patron. That doesnt mean were incapable of defending ourselves, but Americas strength is an important component in Israels deterrence against its enemies, primarily Iran. If the US is perceived in the world as an unreliable country that cant be trusted, Israel suffers too. A 33-year-old Shfar'am resident who ran over four people in Acre three weeks ago, including a police officer and two soldiers, will remain in custody for five more days, the Haifa District Court decided Sunday. He has not yet been charged. Former IDF chief Shaul Mofaz said Sunday that US President Donald Trump's new National Security Adviser John Bolton "tried to convince me that Israel should attack in Iran," while he was serving as Washington's ambassador to the UN. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter "I don't think it's a smart actnot for the Americans today, and not for anyone, until this threat is realized," Mofaz said at a conference organized by Ynet and Yedioth Ahronoth to celebrate 70 years of Israeli success. Mofaz took part in a panel of former IDF chiefs at the conference, which also featured Moshe Ya'alon, Benny Gantz and Dan Halutz. All four said they were against canceling the Iranian nuclear deal. Former IDF chiefs Mofaz and Ya'alon (Photo: Motti Kimchi) "Iran aspires to have nuclear weapons, which it believes will provide it with strategic immunity. The world needs to ensure Iran won't get there," Gantz said. "A country that wants to get nuclear weapons will eventually get nuclear weapons," Halutz warned. According to Mofaz, "the Iranian threat is a significant threat to Israel's security. Iran is already on Israel's bordersin Syria and Lebanon. We cannot ensure a future for the children of Israel if Iran gets nuclear weapons." Ya'alon explained that "the leaders of the region have realized their armies cannot defeat the IDF, and as a result went in two different directionsthe one is terrorism, guerrilla fighting, rockets and missiles; the other is an unconventional threat, mostly nuclear." He added that it's important to try to thwart Iran's nuclear ambitions without using military force, noting however that "if there is no choice, we need to use force." Former IDF chiefs Gantz, Halutz, Mofaz and Ya'alon (Photo: Motti Kimchi) When asked if Israel is facing a war in the summer, Gantz said "I don't think there should be, but I think there might be." Halutz believed an internal conflict is more likely. "There will definitely be a war between the Jews. With the Arabs, I don't know," he said. Mofaz asserted there won't be a war in the summer. "I think all of our enemies know what the IDF's capabilities are," he said. Ya'alon, the former minister of defense, argued that "the IDF and the political echelon's job is to postpone the next war as much as possible," saying they're successful in that at present. All four were in favor of the integration of women in combat roles in the army. "Early on, I opened the door for women's service in all branches, all corps and all roles. There are a lot of jobs women can do better than men, including that of the defense minister," Mofaz asserted. Halutz noted that "One of the State of Israel's biggest successes is the integration of women in military roles. I don't rule outand I wish it would happenfor a woman to head the defense establishment." Five anti-Israel resolutions have created once again, and rightfully so, a feeling that the entire world is against us. But a meticulous examination of the distribution of the votes actually points to a small positive change. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter We already know there is an automatic majority against Israel in the United Nations Human Rights Council. Thats a given situation. But last Friday, the number of opposing and abstaining states was higher than in previous votes. One of the resolutions, which condemned the occupation in the Golan Heights, was supported by 25 countries and opposed by 24, and seven countries abstained. All European Union countries voted against the resolution and were joined by countries in South America, Asia and Africa. This hasnt happened in the past. In the resolutions concerning the Palestinian issue, the European countries split and more Third World countries abstained than in the past. In spite of the small change it has gone through, the UNHRC remains one of the most unenlightened UN institutions (Photo: AP) In spite of this small change, the UNHRC remains one of the most unenlightened UN institutions. It deals with Israel more than any other international body, and the level of hypocrisy there has reached heights which cancel the need for satire shows. When the Human Rights Council treats Israel worse than North Korea, Iran, and Syria, it is the council itself that is foolish and unworthy of its name, US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley said in the statement, reiterating the American threat to quit the council. It has happened in the past. Before the council, there was a commission that had chosen Libya to lead it. It was so ridiculous, that the UN decided to replace the commission with a council. But the problems repeated themselves. The US quit during the Bush era and returned during the Obama era. And who knows, we may soon see another US withdrawal from the council. The UN institutions arent impressed by Americas threats, although they are being realized. For example, the UNESCO budget cuts following the American withdrawal are expected to seriously affect the organizations budget. But the anti-Israel resolutions, over which the US is withdrawing, have no effect on the automatic majority. There isnt much logic there. There is no need to rush into leaving the council, as the number of anti-Israel resolutions wont be reduced. The council provides an open stage to bodies like the UN Watch, whose speakers are heard all around the world and who serve the Israeli interest. Furthermore, despite the adoption of hostile resolutions, we are seeing signs of change. So theres no need to give up. We must expose the lies and hypocrisy. And for that purposeat least for nowIsrael must remain in the council and take advantage of the stage it is being given. Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman vowed Sunday that Iran will not be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter "Iran won't have nuclear weapons. The State of Israel is determined not to allow nuclear weapons for Iran," Lieberman said at a conference organized by Ynet and Yedioth Ahronoth to celebrate 70 years of Israeli success. He also said Israel won't allow Iran to establish a military presence in Syria. "We're not just saying it, we mean what we say," he added. Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman (Photo: Motti Kimchi) When asked if the Israeli home front was ready for a possible war, the defense minister noted that "the better (preparedness) is in the south, on the Gaza border. It's bad in the north." Lieberman also advised Israelis not to be alarmed by Hamas plans to march Gaza's citizens towards Israel starting Friday. "We need to handle everything with cool and determination. We're prepared for any scenario, we're raising the level of alert, and we will deal with any event that takes place." Bennett: Ethical code is balanced Education Minister Naftali Bennett, who also took part in the conference, rejected criticism that a contentious new ethical code recently adopted by the Council for Higher Education was meant to "silence" lecturers. "The ethical code is balanced and passed unanimously at the Council for Higher Education. People are jumping (to conclusions) without reading it," the education minister said. "According to the code, during class a lecturer won't promote a certain (political) party. I believe that's a pretty reasonable thing." "I think if they check Israeli public option, they'd see there's a pretty overwhelming majority for it," Bennett added, further stressing that "this is a document that prevents silencing." Education Minister Bennett (Photo: Motti Kimchi) Bennett agreed with Lieberman that Israel "must not accept a nuclear Iran," noting that he did not think the United States will remain party to the "bad deal" with Tehran. "I hope we could deal with Iran with paralyzing sanctions, really paralyzing," he said. The Bayit Yehudi leader also sought to clarify some aspects of the government's plan to deport asylum seekers from Eritrea and Sudan in the wake of a massive protest against it on Saturday night. "Those who are refugees will not be expelled. Those who are infiltrators will be returned," he stressed. "It is immoral to take in illegal work migrants," Bennett further asserted. "I see in the media a massive campaign that created a distortion of reality. We're not expelling refugees who escaped danger, but we're definitely saying: Israel is not where you come to upgrade your income." He called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to "fold" on the deportation plan, saying "We will stand behind him; we'll make sure the plan that was approved will be implemented." Education Minister Bennett (Photo: Motti Kimchi) He also stood behind the prime minister with regards to the investigations against him, saying he won't quit the government if Netanyahu is merely indicted. "The man enjoys the presumption of innocence. There were countless of public officials who were also charged and got thrown out," he said. "If the indictment is about trifles, breach of trust over something minor, do we really want to go against the will of the people and bring down a government over this?" Bennett wondered. "I think my position is the most reasonable, it's to the point. It doesn't give sweeping support, but on the other hand I'm not throwing Netanyahu out as long as he hasn't been convicted of anything. I know there are many who want to see Netanyahu go, but this is not the way," the education minister added. Bennett noted he was in no rush to run for prime minister, saying "the day after Netanyahu, I plan to run for the premiership and win." Edelstein: We should consider limiting the PM to two terms Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein, from Netanyahu's ruling Likud party, asserted the government should consider limiting the prime minister to two terms. "In our regime, it's not a simple decision," Edelstein said at the conference, adding "We need and should consider this seriously, but there are no easy solutions here." He argued that such a step would "actually tell a party, 'Even if you believe this candidate could lead you to power, you must not appoint him prime minister.' We need to seriously consider how to reach a similar situation to that in the US and France, where the president's terms are limited." Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein (Photo: Motti Kimchi) Edelstein was asked to comment about Prime Minister Netanyahu's attacks against law enforcement authorities and the left wing. "Sometimes there is a speech that is more or less stately. But why does the prime minister speak like this? Because that is what is expected of him by the media, social media and even his voters," he said. BENGHAZI - The US military says it has launched an airstrike in southwestern Libya, killing two militants. Africa Command said Saturday's airstrike was conducted near the town of Ubari as part of efforts to "disrupt and destroy terrorist organizations." AFRICOM said no civilians were killed. Videos and photos circulated online showed shrapnel-riddled cars outside a severely damaged house. The footage, purporting to show the aftermath of the strike, appeared to be authentic. Flyers that have been distributed in the Gaza Strip called on Palestinians to keep a distance of at least 300 meters from the border fence. According to the Palestinians, the flyers say: "Anyone who goes near the fence is endangering himself. The IDF will take all necessary measures to distance him, including the use of live fire if the need arises. Beware, so you won't regret it." The IDF denied that it was behind the flyers. Hamas's military wing launched a large-scale military exercise in the Gaza Strip on Sunday. The exercise, which is set to end Monday morning, is accompanied by the sound of gunfire and explosions. Eye-witnesses in Gaza said Hamas launched at least one rocket into the sea as part of the exercise. Several models of Israeli-made Merkava tanks are being used in the exercise to simulate IDF forces. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the US government on Sunday for passing a law that suspends some financial aid to the Palestinians over the stipends paid to families of Palestinians terrorists. The Taylor Force Act, named after an American murdered in Israel by a Palestinian in 2016, was folded into a $1.3 trillion spending bill signed by President Donald Trump. On Sunday, Netanyahu called the law a "powerful signal by the US that changes the rules" by cutting "hundreds of millions of dollars for the Palestinian Authority that they invest in encouraging terrorism." The Palestinians say the families are victims of violence. Palestinian official Nabil Abu Rdeneh condemned the law, saying it doesn't "allow for the creation of an atmosphere conducive to peace." Hamas's military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, launched a large-scale military exercise in the Gaza Strip on Sunday morning. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter The exercise, which is set to end Monday morning, incorporates several replicas of the Israeli-made Merkava tanks to simulate IDF forces. Palestinian flag atop a replica of an Israeli Merkava tank Eye-witnesses in Gaza said Hamas launched at least one rocket into the sea as part of the exercise. Hamas fighters charging with a rocket Tensions have been on the rise on the Gaza border ahead of a Hamas-organized Great March of Return, which will see Palestinians in the strip marching en masse toward the border with Israel starting this Friday, Land Day, with protests expected to continue until May 15, Nakba Day. Replica of Israeli tank Ahead of the march, the Palestinians claim the IDF scattered flyers into the Gaza Strip warning them to keep at least a 300 meter distance from the border fence. According to the Palestinians, the flyers say: "Anyone who goes near the fence is endangering himself. The IDF will take all necessary measures to distance him, including the use of live fire if the need arises. Beware, so you won't regret it." The IDF denied that it was behind the flyers. Hamas fighters training Also on Sunday morning, tractors began flattening the ground near the border fence on the Gazan side to prepare the area for a city of tents the Palestinians plan to erect there to house the protesters who arrive for the march. The tractors also created mounds of dirt to protect participants from Israeli fire. Tractors prepare the area for Palestinian tent city near the border X The IDF's Gaza Division is also making preparations for the march, including reinforcing the obstacles on the border with pyramids of barbed-wire. The army also plans to use advanced measures against rioters. The Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), Maj. Gen. Yoav Mordechai, slammed Hamas ahead of the planned demonstration, warning the terror organization of exploiting it for their own ends. "Hamas is and will continue exploiting the demonstrations in front of the fence to incorporate Hamas members, who will blend in with the protesters in civilian clothing. A transparent and obvious move." On Saturday, four Palestinians entered Israel from the Gaza Strip near Kibbutz Kissufim and attempted to torch heavy engineering equipment used for the construction of the underground anti-tunnel barrier. There were no casualties and only minor damage was caused to the heavy equipment. The four fled back into the strip when they saw an IDF force approaching. Israel Air Force fighter jets attacked a target at a Hamas training camp in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip overnight Saturday in response to the incident. The IDF "warned of any incidents in which civilians are called to hold 'protests' used as cover to damage security infrastructure and to attempts to hurt Israeli citizens or IDF soldiers." BERLIN - German police said on Sunday they had arrested former Catalan secessionist leader Carles Puigdemont in the northern state of Schleswig-Holstein on a European arrest warrant issued by Spain. In a statement, police said Puigdemont was detained near a section of the A7 highway which cuts through the state from the city of Flensburg near the Danish border. Police did not say exactly where Puigdemont was being held. "Schleswig-Holstein police are at this point in time unable to provide more details," it said, other than that Puigdemont was taken into custody at 11:19am. Benny Yaakobiyan, whose wife police officer Tzipi Yaakobiyan was left paralyzed after a terror attack , was arrested on Thursday after threatening to harm himself and a police officer with a knife. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Tzipi Yaakobiyan served at the Shalem Police Station near Herod's Gate in east Jerusalem. In September 2016, she was walking on her way to the police station with fellow officer Koby Krudo when the terrorist Ayman Kurd attacked her and Krudo and stabbed Yaakobiyan in the neck multiple times. She was rushed to the Shaare Zedek Medical Center, where she was hospitalized for several weeks in serious condition under sedation. Yaakobiyan is undergoing continued rehabilitation in Hadassah Medical Center in Jerusalems Mount Scopus, but she has been left paralyzed from her neck down. She and her husband are waging a campaign against the Defense Ministry in an effort to receive funding that will enable them to purchase an accessible house. Tzipi Yaakobiyan (Photo: Alex Kolomoisky) When Uri Shechter, a social activists and educator who met the family at the hospital, heard about the problems they say they are facing, he launched a crowdfunding campaign dubbed to release Tzipi . At the end of the campaign he raised NIS 31-32 million. On Thursday night the police received a report that Benny Yaakobiyan was holding a knife in his home and threatening to commit suicide. Officers who arrived at the house, and afterward left the place, received another report that he was threatening to stab a police officer if he approaches his home. After the policemen managed to subdue him, he was taken to the police station and later underwent a psychiatric examination. Afterward, the police requested that his arrest be extended by three days for fear that he may disrupt the investigation and constitutes a risk. Yaakobiyan claimed that he threatened to harm himself because of the troubles he had experienced since the wounding of his wife and the disappointment in the fact that they do not receive assistance from the Defense Ministry and the police. He therefore wanted to raise awareness, he claims. Yaakobiyan turned to Judge Shmuel Herbst and explained his troubles to him, which he said began after the attack. She received an electric wheelchair only after a year and three months. She was using a Yad Sarah (voluntary organization) wheelchair, they didnt give psychological treatment to the children for half a year. Nothing helped. I begged the Defense Ministry to help me, we were with the Minister for Public Security Gilad Erdan and to this day he never got back to us, the police commissioner also said he would help. What they promised they should give, he said in his emotional appeal. Scene of terror attack A police representative said during the discussion: There is no doubt that this is a sensitive issue. The court needs to pay attention to the fact that the police acted with sensitivity, with tolerance until the real danger called out to the sky. He wouldnt be sitting here if it wasnt for that danger. Its true that there is a background that cannot be ignored, and its true that there are no words to describe the complexity of this incident. With all due respect, the conduct and behavior of Yaakobiyan broke all barriers and we were forced to arrest him. He brought this on himself. Judge Herbst rejected the request by the police to extend his arrest, saying that he did not believe that the investigation justified his continued remand. The situation arising from this request is illogical and absurd. The person who has been seriously affected in the terror attack is being defined as dangerous," he lamented. "In my opinion, after studying the case, I think this is a protest caused by despair, and not by a desire to attack policemen or harm anyone. I think that the cries of troubles that are being described in the request have to be answered and treated swiftly and appropriately. The police voiced their opposition to the decision and asked that his release be delayed or that he be placed under house arrest so they can appeal the decision. Demurring however, the judge said that "In this case, I dont see the need to grant the request. In response, the Defense Ministry issued a statement insisting that Tzipi Yaakobiyan had received intensive treatment since the day she was wounded in the terror attack. The rehabilitations department is involved in Yaakobiyans rehabilitation and as such, she has received and continues to receive all the assistance she is entitled to according to the law, the statement read. It should also be noted that Tzipi Yaakobiyan and her family received from the Defense Ministry additional assistance of NIS 1.9 million for purchasing an appropriate apartment for their needs. Head of the IDF's Military Intelligence Directorate (MID) Maj.-Gen. Herzi Halevi provided his first public comment on the split with former Mossad head Tamir Pardo, who claimed that the late discovery of the Syrian nuclear reactor in 2007 was an abject intelligence failure, saying it was "improper to present success as failure." Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter "MID has a strategy of partnerships, and we don't have the privilege of working alone. Even after removing the blackout, I'm proud MID is at an all-time flourishwith Israel's citizens as benefactors," Halevi said, speaking Sunday afternoon in a conference organized by Ynet and Yedioth Ahronoth to celebrate 70 years of Israeli success. "Disagreements have always existed and will continue to do so, and we'll be all the richer for it. It is, however, improper and unfair to take a successful result and present it as an alleged failure," he protested. MID chief Maj.-Gen. Halevi downplayed perceived intelligence failures in the discovery of the Syrian nuclear reactor (Photo: Motti Kimchi) It was only thanks to this information that the State of Israel had the knowledge that there actually was a reactor in Syria," Tamir Pardo said at the Netanya Academic College, noting that the information had been received more than five years after Syria had started building the reactor. "On the one hand, there was a spectacular failure here. We're lucky that a handful of fighters managed to bring this information which no one knew existed. We're very lucky," he stressed. According to Pardo, the Mossad was placed in the shadow of a shadow for reasons relating to censorship. Fmr. Mossad head Pardo protested the fact that his organization was placed in 'the shadow of a shadow' (Photo: Yair Sagi) MID chief Halevi provided his own take on the reactor and its destruction Sunday, saying, "Knowing what happened then, everyone did their part and there are certainly lessons to draw from it. Even if the process could have gone better, the end result would have been the same. "As intelligence, our natural inclination will be not to divulge and some details will hopefully remain obscure. Those who know on the other side are deterred, and I presume that censors' considerations were topical and sound ." Maj.-Gen. Halevi commented at the beginning of his speech on the Islamic State's activities and Iran's influence on the region, saying, "The Islamic State has not disappeared in 2018, it's transforming. We've seen an example of that this past weekend in France "The region's chief formulator will be Iranian activity, and the countermeasures to said action. There's also the issue of the drone , which may well tell the entire storythe Iranian military complex that knows how to take an American drone and clone it," he added. "The drone was not intended to protect (Syrian President) Assad's regime, it was sent into Israel's territory and its intentions are most likely not positive," he further expounded. Syrian President Assad (center). The Iranian drone was not meant to protect his regime, Halevi said 'Israel has no belligerent intentions towards Lebanon' Speaking on Hezbollah, the MID head said it was "continuing to procure Iranian-made strategic weapons. The Lebanese leadership claims it's defending Lebanon from Israeli aggression, but Israel has no belligerent intentions towards Lebanon." Differences between Israel anfd Lebanon, he continued, are small and they may be bridged. "The state of Lebanon must consider its economyone of the largest in the regionand not Iran or Hezbollah's interests," he said. Circling back to Syria and Iran, Halevi said, "Throughout the fighting in Syria we have maintained a policy of non-interventiononly humanitarian intervention. Iranian entrenchment (however), is threatening to tip that balance and the world's efforts to stabilize Syria. Iran is sending a Shi'ite arrow that is ripping the Sunni Middle East asunder." Further on the Islamic republic, the intelligence head said that "beyond problems with the nuclear issue and under the auspices of the agreement it reached, it's bolderin both rockets and propping up terror in our region. The Islamic republic was growing bolder, Halevi alleged (Photo: EPA) "Iran is in distress and does not seek investments too far away, instead seeking to improve its internal situation. This is the best opportunity since the signing of the (nuclear) agreement to correct its behavior. This change will not be achieved in negotiations rooms but will necessitate a crisiseconomic, political or otherwise. The more united the front the world presents, the better the prospects of change are." The intelligence service's head then went on to speak on the defense establishment's handling of the possibility of Palestinian terrorism. "Potential conflagration in the Palestinian arena will be less destructive, but inhibitors in that area have weakened," he continued. "This coming May encompasses three significant factors: the West Bank has signs of increasing complexity surrounding (Israel's) 70th Independence Day, but May also contains Nakba Day and the beginning of Ramadan, both of which entail increased combustibility," he warned. "When we examine the Palestinian outlook, there are expressions of frustration among the public," he added. "During this period, unyieldingly combating terror is greater than ever, (but) we must distinguish between civilians and terrorists and preserve security mechanisms and ties for the post (Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas) era. "Hamas is in a nadir at the moment, with both civil and infrastructural crises. Hamas is running into Iran's arms and must under understand that doing so will only exacerbate things." Hamas was currently in a nadir, Halevi claimed In his previous statements, Mossad chief Pardo lamented a "war of egos" in light of the operation's success. "The problem, usually, with successful operations is that Jewish or Israeli intellect tries to take the success and begins an exceptionally ugly war of egos. But that seems to be our character and everyone tries to dwarf the other. I think that then-Prime Minister Ehud Olmert did exceptional work as a leader of the state and in bringing its abilities to the fore at the right moment." While Pardo made no specifics references to competing intelligence bodies, it appears some friction may have developed with the IDF's Military Intelligence Directorate. Former head of MID, Amos Yadlin, told Ynet last week that, "intelligence is a puzzle. To get an intelligence picture you need to connect a thousand pieces. Some of them come from human intelligence, some from satellites and eavesdropping. In 2006, in MID, and not in any other place, a young major came and said, 'Head of MID, there's suspicion of a nuclear program in Syria.' "When I first became head of MID in January 2006, I said to them, 'Friends, please check all the states in which there is no logic in them having a nuclear program and whether there is a nuclear program.' Regarding Syria, the assumption was that it didn't have any nuclear infrastructure, that it had no abilities, that it was occupied with other things and that the strategic balance with Israel was achieved by heavy chemical weapons," Yadlin said. "Then in the summer of 2006, the same young major comes to me and says 'Amos, I am not sure. I have 50 pieces out of 1,000.' A part of a picture about some strange building that MID pointed to first, no one else," Yadlin emphasized again. Fmr. MID head Yadlin said Mossad provided some of the pieces to the reactor's puzzle, despite the fact that some of its people refused to believe its existence (Photo: Matan Turkia) "Logic said after 1981 that no one would create a reactor, and the Syrians and North Koreans pursued a very interesting program that no one had thought of at the timeto build a large hangar that resembled an agricultural building and a storage site, inside which they would build a reactor that a satellite was unable to detect, to hide it without anything protecting it." The "exceptional" Mossad operation the MID chief referred to was copying photographs and documents relating to the reactor from the computer of a high ranking Syrian official during a Vienna conference, according to foreign publications. "Despite many in that same organization (Mossad)including the head thereofwho said, 'Nothing of the sort, where did you come up with that idea?' but to their credit, they filled in 500-600 pieces of the puzzle's thousand pieces, with some serious intelligence challenges remaining." Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat officially announced last Wednesday that he will forego running for a third term as mayor and instead run on the Likud party's national ticket in the coming elections. "I have decided to serve Israel on the national level and strengthen the Likud movement, whose path I wholeheartedly believe in," he said. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter "I intend to ask for the support of its members in the coming elections," Barkat said in a video published on Facebook. On the matter of the upcoming Jerusalem municipal elections, Likud's Moshe Lionwho ran against Barkat in the last electionswill make another mayoral bid. In his announcement video, Barkatwho has been the capital's mayor for the past ten yearssaid, "Sixteen years ago, I left all of my businesses and gave my all, for one shekel a year, to the saving of Jerusalemthe city in which I was raised and where I started my family. Jerusalem Mayor Barkat said he was bowing out of municipal politics in favor of the national stage (Photo: AP) "At the conclusion of the coming term," Barkat continued, "I will be leaving city hall, but will never leave Jerusalem. The success of Jerusalemunited, the eternal capital of the Jewish peopleis the success of Israel. Now, I have decided to serve Israel on the national level and strengthen the Likud movement, whose path I wholeheartedly believe in and there I aim to seek its members' support in the coming elections." The battle to succeed Barkat is well underway, it seems, as following the incumbent mayor's official announcement, city council member and holder of the community management portfolio Moshe Lion announced he will be running in the coming municipal elections. "Five years ago, I decided to place my old life aside and have directed all of my efforts, abilities and skills towards the betterment of Jerusalem," said Lion, an accountant by trade and former director-general of the Prime Minister's Office as well as former chairman of Israel Railways." City council member Moshe Lion announced he intended to run for mayor again (Photo: AFP) "I have invested my all for the capital as city council member and have deepened my involvement in managing the city's affairs," he added. "I have worked alongside Barkat in the past few years and thank him for the period of joint action we have enjoyed," Lion added. "We have worked together to march the city forward. I have contributed much to the city's development and am readier than ever today to push Israel's capital farther still." Chairman of the Hitorerut (Wake-up Jerusalem) movement Ofer Berkovitch, who is also running for mayor, said, "I'd like to thank Nir for his years' long work on behalf of Jerusalem, but it's now time to unite around the city's largest Zionist movement. Hitorerut Chairman Ofer Berkovitch thanked Barkat and said it was time for his generation to take the lead (Photo: Sharon Gabay) "I call upon all of the city's residents to unite behind Hitorerut, headed by me, and to elect usthe natural choicein the coming elections. Together we'll march Jerusalem to the bright future it deserves," he promised. "We'll create a true inter-sectorial partnership that will strengthen Jerusalem. Jerusalem is a national task, something both I and those of my generation understand. Now's our time to rise to the responsibility and take the lead in Jerusalem." Karmiel Mayor Adi Eldar announced his retirement after 30 years (Photo: Doron Golan) Karmiel mayor announces retirement Municipal news also came from the northern city of Karmiel, where longtime mayor Adi Eldar announced Wednesday morning he will not be seeking reelection after thirty years at City Hall. During his stewardship, the city has grown from 17,000 to 55,000 residents. "For a generation, I have had the immense privilege of heading Israel's most successful and most beautiful city, which can compete with any otherin Israel or abroad." ABUJA Nigeria's government is in talks with Islamist militant group Boko Haram about a possible ceasefire and the talks have gone on for some time, the information minister said on Sunday. "Unknown to many, we have been in wider cessation-of-hostility talks with the insurgents for some time now," said Lai Mohammed in a statement emailed to Reuters about the background to the release on Wednesday of more than 100 schoolgirls that the group abducted last month. Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked said Sunday that Israel could look on its 70 years of independence as a success story and that she hoped that by the time she concludes her term in her current post, the Supreme Court will be more conservative. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Speaking at a conference in Jerusalem organized by Ynet and Yedioth Ahronoth to celebrate 70 years of Israeli success, the Bayit Yehudi minister also refused to grade the law-enforcement bodies on their handling of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus corruption investigations. You wanted to revolutionize the Justice Ministry. To what extent to you think you have done that? When I entered the Justice Ministry, I made the first goal for myself making changes to the justice system by appointing judges, As someone who heads a committee, I knew this is an extremely effective tool. I wanted to diversify the system and I think that on this aspect, after three years, together with all members of the committee, we absolutely carried out the task. Minister Ayelet Shaked (Photo: Motti Kimchi) Is the Supreme Court after your term a more right-wing court? It is a more mixed court, more conservative. I had an opportunity that I think no justice minister had. That is to be responsible for the appointment of 40 percent of the Supreme Court. Six judges out of 15. We absolutely put an emphasis on variety and changes. During your term, of all terms, the High Court of Justice intervenes more and more in legislation: The migrants law, home demolition in Netiv Ha'avot, taxes on a third property. Is it possible that the High Court is signaling something to you? Like, Restrain yourselves and not us. After I got to know the Supreme Court justices well, I think that their considerations are relevant. I dont agree with them, I dont think that their involvement in the law against infiltrators was unnecessary, or their involvement in property taxes, but their ruling was not motivated by extraneous considerations. They intervene because thats what they think. I think differently and very much hope that after we have appointed six judges, this big aircraft carrier will tilt in a slightly different direction. What do you think of the polices handling of the Netanyahu investigations? I dont want to grade the police or the law-enforcement bodies. In my ministry, there is the attorney general and the state attorney and both of them are honest people. The attorney general, who in the end will need to make the decision, is a statesman and as straight as an arrow. He understands the responsibility that he has on his shoulders. He doesnt concern himself with protests or headlines. When you hear the attacks by the prime minister on the law-enforcement bodies, why dont you come out with a sharp statement against it? I dont tell politicians how to express themselves. There is freedom of expression in the state and at the end of the day, the public must judge on the elections every politician, according to his deeds and behavior. I fully support the heads of the law-enforcement bodies in my ministry. Interviewed immediately after Shaked, Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon (Kulanu) was asked about his recently passed 2019 state budget, his personal lifestyle, and how it compared with Netanyahus. Minister Moshe Kahlon (Photo: Motti Kimchi) Everyone has his own lifestyle. I personally dont smoke or drink, he said, before explaining his next goal is to reduce taxes, but that will have to wait until after the holiday. Asked whether he saw himself as a candidate for the prime minister, he said that he was certainly capable. Being prime minister is a big job with responsibility. I think that every person needs to go into this job with reverence. I am no less qualified than anyone else. I I think that in terms of my political resume, I have done the most jobs, with modesty, for my mother, and I succeeded in all of them. The Lod District Court convicted Sunday Youssef Kamil and Mohamad Abu al-Roub of the murder of Elkana resident Reuven Shmerling in Kafr Qasim last year, to which they confessed as part of a plea deal. The court also convicted Ismail Abu Aram of attempted murder under terror-related circumstances for the stabbing attack at a Yavne supermarket last year. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter According to the amended indictment that Shmerling's murderers were charged with, the tworesidents of the town of Qabatiya located in the Jenin Governorate in the northern West Bankentered Israel illegally as laborers in September, 2017. Kamil intended to use his time in Israel for a stabbing attack against Jews, and suggested for Abu al-Roub to join him in this endeavor, but the latter initially declined. Reuven Shmerling's murderers were convicted in the Lod District Court The pair then purchased a butcher's knife, which Kamil hid in the warehouse under a mattress in the room in which they were staying. In addition, to ensure they would be able to escape Israel after the murder, they obtained a phone number of a person able to drive them from Kafr Qasim to their previous residence. Later, as part of their joint to decision to plot the nationalistic murder of a Jew, and on the backdrop of feelings of resentment towards the deceased, the two settled on murdering Shmerling. On October 4, Shmerling arrived at the warehouse where the attack took place and knocked on the door. When the terrorists opened it to let him in, they were reprimanded for only being "good at sleeping and eating." Against a background of disputes, the two had already resolved that Shmerling would be their victim. Kamil was asked by Shmerling to load a forklift battery onto his vehicle. After doing so, Kamil returned to the room when the two decided to carry out the attack. Demolition of one of the two terrorists' Qabatiya home (Photo: IDF Spokesperson's Unit) According to the plan detailed in the indictment, the two culprits agreed that Abu al-Roub would lead Shmerling into the room pretending that the fridge was broken and distract him while Kamil would stab him with the 18-inch knife they had purchased. Kamil called the driver and had him come to pick them up, to ensure they would be able to escape immediately after the murder. Shortly thereafter, while Shmerling was checking the fridge, Kamil pulled out the knife from the mattress and stabbed Shmerling behind his left shoulder. In an attempt to defend himself, Shmerling picked up a chair in the room and hit Kamil with it in the leg. Abu al-Roub then pushed Shmerling and beat him around the head with a fan nearby while Kamil continued to stab him repeatedly in his stomach, chest and elsewhere. Abu al-Roub then left the room and returned shortly after with a pickax by the door and stuck Shmerling with it in the stomach. The indictment highlights that due to the knife bending in the process of the attack, Kamil threw it on the floor and took the pickax from al-Roub and used it to strike Shmerling in the head. The scene of the attack (Photo: MDA) Abu al-Roub then entered the shower room where he changed his clothes while Kamil photographed Shmerling on his cellphone before he also took a shower and changed his clothes. Afterwards, the two left Shmerling lying in a pool of blood and fled the scene. In an effort to conceal their crimes and destroy the evidence, the two terrorists smashed their phones and threw them away. The plea agreementreached with the consent of the victim's familywas minorly amended on two facts pertaining to actions taken by the defendants after the murder. Sunday, before a panel of judges chaired by Judge Avraham Tal, the two defendants admitted to all charges attributed to them in the amended indictment and were convicted by the court. Their sentence will be pronounced at a later date. Yavne supermarket terrorist also convicted The Lod court also convicted Ismail Abu Aram, 20, of the town of Yatta near Hebron, of the attempted murder of an assistant manager of a Yavne supermarket in early August of last year. Terrorist Ismail Abu Aram (Photo: Yariv Katz) Abu Aram seriously wounded Niv Nehamia, then assistant manager of the supermarket, the indictment said. the terrorist admitted to the attack Sunday and will be sentenced at a later date. The indictment, served by the Central District Attorney's Office, said the terrorist was inspired and encouraged to uphold the edit of "jihad against the Jewish-Israeli occupation." The Yavne stabbing attack X As part of his religious awakening, the defendant performed "umrah" (a pilgrimage to Meccaed) during the last month of Ramadan and stayed in Saudi Arabia for 12 days. In order to further carry out the commandment of jihad, Abu Aram decided to stab to death an Israeli Jew inside Israel. The charge further stated that the terrorist left his home on August 2 and headed to Israel without a legal permit to enter the country. He decided to carry out the attack against a former employer of his using a knife he planned to procure and a canister of pepper spray he brought along with him. He arrived to the central city of Yavne by public transportation, and having failed to locate his intended victim at an events hall where he was previously employed, he decided to carry out the attack against another victim using a knife he planned on stealing from a nearby supermarket. The indictment details how Abu Aram entered the supermarket and stole a 15cm knife, which he concealed in his pants. Searching for his victim, the terrorist found the assistant manager of the supermarket Nehamia as he was stacking shelves when suddenly he produced the knife and proceeded to stab him multiple times. Abu Aram's arrest (Photo: Matan Tzuckart) Nehamia's response to the attack was praised in the indictment. "Despite his serious wounds, the victim struggled with the accused, while throwing items at him located nearby." During the violent encounter, the knife was broken and fell out of the terrorist's hand. At this point, he pulled out his pepper spray canisters and began spraying his victim in the face while he tried to flee his attacker. Eventually, Abu Aram managed to escape from the supermarket, leaving Nehamia in critical condition before being evacuated to hospital. Before being taken for treatment, Nehamia screamed out the word "terrorist," prompting passersby to pursue Abu Aram and eventually subdue him until the arrival of security forces. Nehamia's condition has since improved and he has made it a point to arrive to all of the terrorist's court dates. Nehamia, a 44-year-old father of five, fought off the terrorist and threw different products at him before collapsing. He was taken to the Kaplan Hospital in Rehovot in very serious condition with stab wounds to the chest, neck and head. His condition later improved and he was released. Niv Nehamia (center) with his parents in hospital (Photo: Efrat Srara, Kaplan Hospital) "I feel a little better," he said after leaving the hospital. "I know that I'm going to have a difficult recovery, but we'll get through it. I thank the Creator who gave me these days and saved me from this situation, and also the doctors who labored (to help me recovered)." "I don't remember much about that day," Nehamia added. "I saw the video, which refreshed my memory a little bit. I was moved by all of the dignitaries who visited me, but I was more moved by the fact that people I didn't know have come in." "My case has united the people a little bit, and gave people mental strength. If that was the case, I'm glad," he concluded. The Spacecom company has notified the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange that it signed an agreement with the Loral company of California to construct the Amos 8 communications satellite. Spacecom chose the American firm over the Israel Aerospace Industries. The latter previously warned that if the satellite was not manufactured in Israel, "it may signal the end of Israel's satellite industry." Arab media reported Sunday evening that Israel has attacked Hezbollah outposts in the Lebanese Beqaa Valley region of Baalbek adjacent to the Syrian border. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter The Al Arabiya network reports were denied by the Hezbollah-affiliated Al Mayadeen network. The terror-affiliated network cited what was described as a trustworthy source to prove that there was no basis for the reports of an Israeli attack. File photo of Lebanon border (Photo: AFP) Hezbollahs military public relations site also insisted that the reports were without foundation and that no attacks were launched either on Lebanese or Syrian soil. The reports come days after Israel confirmed that it was responsible for the 2007 destruction of a Syrian nuclear reactor Earlier in Sunday, head of the IDF's Military Intelligence Directorate (MID) Maj.-Gen. Herzi Halevi provided his first public comment on the split with former Mossad head Tamir Pardo, who claimed that the late discovery of the Syrian nuclear reactor was an abject intelligence failure , saying it was "improper to present success as failure." "MID has a strategy of partnerships, and we don't have the privilege of working alone. Even after removing the blackout, I'm proud MID is at an all-time flourishwith Israel's citizens as benefactors," Halevi said, speaking Sunday afternoon in a conference organized by Ynet and Yedioth Ahronoth to celebrate 70 years of Israeli success. CAIRO Egypt's police killed on Sunday six militants belonging to the group the interior ministry accuses of carrying out a bombing in the coastal city of Alexandria that targeted a security chief a day earlier. "The interior ministry has dealt an effective blow to the armed wing of the Muslim Brotherhood, the Hasam movement, on the dawn of March 25. The ministry uncovered a terrorist den ... and exchanged fire with its elements which led to the killing of six," it said in a statement. The Muslim Brotherhood says it rejects violence. Police identified three of those killed. The ministry said its investigations showed the same group had carried out Saturday's bombing, which killed two policemen and targeted the Alexandria security chief, but did not indicate if those killed on Sunday took part in the bombing. Multiple Code Red false alarms were blasted in the Hof Ashkelon and Sha'ar HaNegev Regional Councils and in the southern city of Sderot Sunday evening as the Iron Dome missile-defense mistook bullets from the Gaza Strip for a fusillade of rockets. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter The regional councils originally reported that the Iron Dome anti-missile system was said to have intercepted every rocket rocket. However, the IDF later confirmed that no salvo had been fired at Israel. No salvo was fired at territory in the State of Israel. The situation in the Gaza region is usual. The interceptions by the Iron Dome system were activated because of the firing of bullets from the strip. Nothing fell in Israeli territory. It is being checked whether mortars or rockets were even fired at all, the statement read. Before the IDF clarification, the regional councils instructed the southern residents to remain in sheltered rooms. Iron Dome intercepts rockets from Gaza X The incident comes as Hamas's military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, launched a large-scale military exercise in the Gaza Strip on Sunday morning. Eyewitnesses in Gaza say that Hamas launched at least one rocket in the direction of the sea as part of the exercise. The exercise, which is set to end Monday morning, incorporates several replicas of the Israeli-made Merkava tanks to simulate IDF forces. Tensions have been on the rise on the Gaza border ahead of a Hamas-organized Great March of Return, which will see Palestinians in the strip marching en masse toward the border with Israel starting this Friday, Land Day, with protests expected to continue until May 15, Nakba Day. Other border incidents have increased friction between Israel and the Hamas-ruled Palestinian enclave. Just over a week ago, an explosion was heard in the eastern portion of the Gaza Strip, in the vicinity of the area in which two explosive devices detonated two days before (Photo: Roee Idan) The incident marked the fifth time in three months a device was detonated near the Gaza fence. The latest rocket attack is the first to have taken place since the beginning of February, when a rocket exploded in open territory inside Israel. No one was injured. In response, the IDF attacked a Hamas observation post in the northern Gaza. - The maiden edition of the 3Music Awards came off at the Accra International Trade Fair Centre Saturday - Patapaa beat off stiff competition from some of the best acts in the music industry, including Shatta Wale and Wutah to win the Viral Song of the Year with One Corner The event reward musicians for their great work in the last 12 months. It was attended by musicians, stakeholders and lovers of music. Full list of award winners at the maiden 3Music Awards READ ALSO: Stonebwoy to feature in a new movie titled My Name Is Ramadan The event kicked off with a creative performance from spoken word artiste Chief Moomen who wove words to chronicle Ghanas rich music history. All the photos and glitz from the maiden 3Music Awards Stonebwoy was one of the performers on the night who electrified the stage with an energetic performance that injected life and more energy into the event. Stonebwoy performed on the night The highlight of the night was the winners of the various awards. Below are some of the award winners. The maiden edition of the 3Music Awards came off at the Accra International Trade Fair Centre Saturday. Patrons of the event enjoying the performances on the night Join YEN on Instagram to be always informed and entertained! The event reward musicians for their great work in the last 12 months. It was attended by musicians, stakeholders and lovers of music. Kumi Guitar of Zylofon fame picked up an award too Swedru-based hip-life artiste, Patapaa Amistry, who shot into the limelight last year with the sensational hit song one corner, won his first-ever national award in his musical career. He was winner of Viral Song of the Year. Bullet and O'Gee of Rufftown Records on the red carpet READ ALSO: Thousand troop to Osu Cemetery as Ebony Reigns is finally laid to rest Stonebwoy was one of the performers on the night who electrified the stage with an energetic performance that injected life and more energy into the event. Full list of award winners at the maiden 3Music Awards The highlight of the night was the winners of the various awards. Below are some of the award winners. DJ OF THE YEAR - .DJ Mic Smith GOSPEL ACT OF THE YEAR - Joe Mettle HIPLIFE/HIP-HOP ACT OF THE YEAR - Sarkodie VIRAL SONG OF THE YEAR - One Corner by Patapaa FAN ARMY OF THE YEAR - Shatta Movement BEST GHANAIAN INTERNATIONAL ACT OF THE YEAR - Stormzy (UK) AFRICAN ACT OF THE YEAR - Davido (Nigeria) HIGHLIFE ACT OF THE YEAR - Kumi Guitar REGGAE/DANCEHALL ACT OF THE YEAR - Stonebwoy MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR - Sarkodie feat. Jesse Jagz MALE ACT OF THE YEAR - Shatta Wale INSTAGRAM STAR OF THE YEAR - Stonebwoy FACEBOOK STAR OF THE YEAR - Shatta Wale MOST EVENTFUL SNAPCHAT CHANNEL - Becca READ ALSO: Ghanaians are wailing watching video Ebonys lifeless body lying-in-state BEST TWITSTAR - Stonebwoy BEST COLLABORATION OF THE YEAR - Total Cheat by Fancy Gadam feat. Sarkodie BREAKOUT ACT OF THE YEAR - Maccassio FEMALE ACT OF THE YEAR - Ebony Reigns SONG OF THE YEAR - Ayoo Shatta Wale HONORARY AWARDS OUTSTANDING EVENT HOUSE 1.CharterHouse Winner OUTSTANDING MUSICIAN 1.Kojo Antwi In memory of Ebony Reigns READ ALSO: PHOTOS: Ebony Reigns look-alike causes stir at funeral grounds Know someone who is extremely talented and needs recognition? Your stories and photos are always welcome. Get interactive via our Facebook page Source: Yen.com.gh - Prophet Nigel Gaisie says an influential Ghanaian musician is seeking to kill Stonebwoy through accident - The Prophet says the only thing that has saved Stonebwoy's life is his mothers covenant with God Self-acclaimed Ghanaian Prophet of God, Nigel Gaisie has disclosed that an influential Ghanaian musician operating with Illuminati spirit is seeking to end the life of respected Ghanaian dancehall artiste, Stonebwoy. Prophet Nigel Gaisie READ ALSO: More photos of Ghanaian Celebrities who attended Ebony's funeral According to Prophet Nigel Gaisie, the secret has been arranged in such a way that Stonebwoys untimely death will come in a form of motor accident. In a video a latest video which is gaining momentum on various social media platforms, the Prophet, who claimed to have prophesied the untimely death of Ebony was seen prophesying to Stonebwoyb's wife, Louisa at his Achimota Church. The Nigel Gaisie in his prophesy told Stonebwoys wife, Dr Louisa that an influential Ghanaian musician has nurtured an evil intention to cut life short for the popular dancehall artiste. READ ALSO: Obinim speaks in latest Church video; narrates his journey to Heaven and meeting with Angels The prophet in his delivery continued that the evil thoughts was orchestrated long time ago, but has not been able to materialize because he Stonebwoy's mother was very prayerful and had a covenant with God. Nigel Gaisie in his spiritual exercise maintained that, although he has never met Stonebwoys wife before, God revealed the death prophecy to him to minister to her. However, the Man of God said there is hope as the evil intentions of the wicked illuminati musician will never come to pass. READ ALSO: Wanlov the kubolor pulls crowd at Ebonys funeral Watch Prophet Nigel Gaisie prophesy to Stonebwoy's wife in new video 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 now Source: Yen Experts consider strengthening of ethnic separatism to be one of the main factors negatively affecting regional and international security. One of the best example of this in the post-Soviet space for almost three decades is the conflict over Karabakh. Initially, the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan was artificially provoked from the outside, and different people had levers that helped them to put pressure on the situation. They needed this confrontation after the collapse of the USSR, and then they needed it so that the Karabakh clan would come to power. In addition, this conflict helped large players who wanted to strengthen their presence in the region. Finally, confrontation made it possible to pressure Baku to sign more profitable oil contracts. According to this scenario, the events began in Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region and in Yerevan - Azerbaijanis were fired from work, and people were forced to leave for Azerbaijan. Then there were pogroms in the Armenian districts of Sumgait and in Baku, which, by the way, was the most international city of Transcaucasia. Political scientist Sergey Kurginyan said that when Armenians were brutally killed in Sumgait, it wasn't done by Azerbaijanians, but by outsiders, hired by representatives of international private structures. "We know these representatives by their names, we know which structures they belonged to and which structures they belong to now: these people killed Armenians, blamed Azerbaijanians for this, and then they killed Azerbaijanis, and blamed Armenians for this. Then they forced confrontation between Armenians and Azerbaijanis: we saw it all, we all saw who was behind it," political scientist said. According to Kurginyan, at that time "democratic and liberal myths that had nothing to do with this situation were already perceived as ultimate truth, as something self-evident, as something absolutely right. They already controlled everyone's consciousness. All these viruses were already inside people's consciousness, and crowds walked towards the right direction, towards their own end, towards their own misfortune, towards their own ultimate unhappiness." Later, this tactic was used to stir up other conflicts. Mamikon Babayan, Vestnik Kavkaza's columnist, outlined ways to resolve this conflict. The Karabakh war became one of the most bloody wars in the post-Soviet space. Nations with close languages and culture, which lived side by side for centuries, were divided into two warring camps. Over a long period of conflict, more than 18,000 people died, and this figure is constantly growing. Population of both sides lives in constant tension due to frequent shootings, and the danger of resumption of large-scale war still exists. And it's not just about the war with use of firearms. This conflict manifests itself in division of common historical and cultural heritage, including national music, architecture, literature, cuisine. It's been 25 years since Azerbaijan and Armenia agreed on ceasefire in Karabakh, , and it's becoming increasingly difficult for Azerbaijani leadership to explain to its society why richest country of the region continues to experience difficulties in restoring its territorial integrity. Today there's a real information war unfolding in the region. Although full-scale military operations are no longer being conducted (with the exception of escalation in April of 2016), the war has become a mental phenomenon. Armenia and Karabakh live in constant tension, which is supported by forces interested in destabilization of the region. The atmosphere of militarization can be seen in educational programs of school and preschool institutions in Armenia and the unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh Republic. Media constantly talk about a threat, which they see in Azerbaijani politicians' statements. The Karabakh issue divides Armenian society into two camps: those who insist on accepting current situation without any concessions, and those who agree that it's necessary to make painful compromises in order to be able to overcome post-war crisis consequences, including economic blockade of Armenia. It's important to note that veterans of the Karabakh war, who are now in power in Yerevan, don't even consider liberating occupied areas. Armenia's ruling elites understand that an attempt to transfer even some disputed territories under direct control of Baku will lead to rallies in the Armenian capital, and, perhaps, to conflict inside the country. Moreover, many veterans categorically refuse to return "trophy" territories that they managed to occupy in the 1990s. Despite obvious crisis in relations, both Armenia and Azerbaijan have common awareness about negative consequences of current situation. Until 1987, peaceful coexistence was supported by interethnic marriages. There is no "eternal war" between Armenians and Azerbaijanis, since there were no conditions in Karabakh that made Azerbaijani population leave the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region. Meanwhile, representatives of Armenian diaspora who were born and grew up in Baku don't hate their friends and acquaintances from Azerbaijan. "Nation can't be the enemy," a phrase often said by older generation of Azerbaijanis when they talk about Karabakh. Nevertheless, the Karabakh issue is still used to pressure Armenia and Azerbaijan. This problem creates wrong impression among Armenians and Azerbaijanis live outside the South Caucasus, which, in turn, creates negative stereotypes about relations between the two peoples. To put it simply, the Karabakh issue hinders attempts to resolve energy security problems in the region and implement joint transport projects, which would be beneficial for the entire region. But no one can make the first step towards settlement, fearing the end of political career if concessions on the Karabakh issue will be made. In Baku's understanding, beginning of the peace process means taking specific steps towards liberation of its lands. Azerbaijan considers these territories to be occupied, referring to resolutions of the UN Security Council, adopted at the times of the Karabakh war of 1992-1993. In Armenia, return of these lands is an extremely painful topic, due to the issue of safety of local civilian population. In the post-war years, occupied territories became a "security belt", and that's why liberation of strategic heights and territories is unthinkable for Armenian field commanders. But the most massive expulsion of civilians occurred right after occupation of territories that were not part of the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region. Almost 45% of Azerbaijani refugees come from Agdam and Fizuli districts, and Agdam itself still remains a ghost town. Whose territory is this? It's impossible to answer this question, since archeology and architectural monuments point out at both Armenian and Turkic presence in the region. This is a common land and common home for many peoples, including those that are in conflict today. For Azerbaijanis, Karabakh is a matter of national importance. For Armenians, Karabakh is a fight for the rights to these lands. It's hard to find a person in Karabakh who is willing to agree to the return of adjacent territories, because this topic is associated with security issue. There are still ethnic tensions in the region, overcoming them won't be possible if the Karabakh issue won't be resolved soon. The U.S State Department has sold an estimated $1076.8 million of military equipment to Saudi Arabia according to the Defense Post. The recorded arms deal, which includes 6,600 missiles, Howitzers, parts for M1A2 Abrams tanks, Humvees, M2 Bradley Fighting Vehicles, and maintenance services was reported by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency on Thursday. As The Region writes in an article "United States sells $1.1 billion worth of arms to Saudi Arabia, fuelling Yemen crisis", the deal also sees Saudi Arabia dealing with a contractor named DynCorp International, which will provide Riyadh with maintenance and technical support -- including training, blueprints for engineers and custom requests. Also on Thursday, U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis told Saudi Prince Mohammed bin Salman that he hoped for an end to the conflict in Yemen. "We must also reinvigorate urgent efforts to seek a peaceful resolution to the civil war in Yemen and we support you in this regard," he told the Prince. According to Reuters, he also praised Saudi Arabia for the "significant amounts of humanitarian aid" it was providing to Yemen. Saudi Arabia began an aerial bombing campaign against Houthi rebels in 2015. The war in Yemen is estimated to have caused the displacement of over 2 million people. The country is at a high risk of nation-wide famine, and already nearly 1 million people have been diagnosed with cholera. The war in Yemen has often been called the worlds largest humanitarian crisis by the United Nations. The head of the UN office for the coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said that "The situation in Yemen -- today, right now, to the population of the country -- looks like the apocalypse," On Tuesday, President Donald Trump of the United States praised the arms trade with Yemen. Trump, who negotiated $200 billion worth of Saudi investments with the United States (which included military gear), said to reporters that "Saudi Arabia is a very wealthy nation, and they're going to give the United States some of that wealth", He also credited military sales with Saudi Arabia for producing 40,000 American jobs. Also on Tuesday, the U.S Senate failed to pass a resolution seeking an end to U.S support for Saudi Arabian involvement in Yemen. Many Democrats voted in favour of the resolution, but some Democrats joined the Republicans in killing the motion. As of today, the United States is still supportive of Saudi Arabia's efforts. Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, a senior American official said that Washington's commitment to Saudi Arabia partially stems from its need to curtail the "threatening behaviour" of some "dangerous" regional players, referring to Iran. "Saudi Arabia is a primary partner and old friend" he told the outlet, "We look forward to bolstering ties further in joint security and economy," he concluded. The UKs former ambassador to Russia Antony Brenton believes that the diplomatic hostility between the Kremlin and the West will "erode away" within "a few months," because both sides require a functioning relationship, the Independent newspaper reported. "As part of our sanctions, we are not going to have any high-level contacts with the Russians for a while. This will begin to erode in a few months because you need to have high-level contacts on things," Brenton said. "We will be slow to resume our ties, but we will in a few months time as we need to get back to being able to do business with the Russians," the diplomat added. According to the Independent, although Brenton said he supported the actions taken by the government, he warned that the language that had been used thus far by government ministers had been "unnecessarily virulent." GENEVA Chairwoman of the National Assembly Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan said that the Vietnamese legislature regards joining Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) activities as an important task in multilateral parliamentary diplomacy to protect Viet Nams interests. The participation also aims to show Viet Nams viewpoints on global issues, thus contributing to improving the position of the legislative body and Viet Nam in the international arena, the NA Chairwoman told IPU President Gabriela Cuevas Barron during their meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, on Saturday. The meeting took place after NA Chairwoman Ngan and her entourage arrived in Geneva the same day to attend the 138th IPU Assembly (IPU-138) which opened on Sunday. Chairwoman Ngan described the IPU as a venue for Viet Nams NA to learn from the experience of parliaments worldwide and called for more support of IPU President Barron during the process. She expressed her belief that President Barron and the IPU will continue to co-ordinate and assist IPU member parliaments, including the Vietnamese NA, in implementing commitments to sustainable development goals (SDGs). She also praised the contributions of the IPU leader to the unions operational reform. For her part, President Barron applauded Viet Nams participation in IPU activities, noting her hope that the country will continue to raise its voice and participate in multilateral forums such as the IPU and the APPF. The union has drafted the IPU Strategy for 2017-2021 with many action programmes and inclusive policies, she said, urging the Vietnamese legislature to continue its support for the organisation. Barron, who is also a Mexican Senator, highlighted the fruitful relationship between Viet Nam and Mexico which are both members of the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). She pledged to promote co-operation between the IPU and member parliaments, including the Vietnamese NA. Meeting with Indonesian Lower House Speaker Chairwoman Ngan met with Speaker of Indonesias House of Representatives Bambang Soesatyo on the sidelines of the IPU-138 on Saturday. She said the Viet Nam-Indonesia strategic partnership has served the interests of their people, while contributing to peace, stability and development in the region and connecting members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). In reply, Bambang Soesatyo suggested the Vietnamese and Indonesian legislative bodies intensify the exchange of delegations and supervise the implementation of signed agreements. He noted his hope for enhanced legislative ties, contributing to boosting the Indonesia-Viet Nam relationship. In economics, the Speaker said Indonesia wants Vietnamese investment in oil and gas exploration and exploitation, expressing his wish that Viet Nam will be a big trade partner of Indonesia. His view was echoed by Chairwoman Ngan, who said that Viet Nam and Indonesia have substantial potential for co-operation in trade and investment, urging the two countries to raise bilateral trade to US$10 billion. Regarding legislative ties, Chairwoman Ngan suggested the two sides step up delegation exchange, with co-operation between specialised committees through information and experience sharing, as well as co-ordination at international parliamentary forums, especially the IPU and APPF. She invited Speaker Bambang Soesatyo to visit Viet Nam. The same day, Chairwoman Ngan met with the Vietnamese mission in Geneva, the staff of the Vietnamese Embassy and representatives of the Vietnamese community in Switzerland. VNS QUANG TRI The central provincial Womens Union, in co-operation with PeaceTrees Viet Nam (PTVN), has put into operation a kindergarten in Ta Lenh village of akrong district the 12th of its kind with funding from donors. Pham Thi Hoang Ha, of PTVN, a non-governmental organisation that has been searching for unexploded ordnance (UXO) in Quang Tri since 1995, said the kindergarten was built with funding from Jeff Nielsen and his friends in memory of Arthur Bustamante who died in Quang Tri in 1968, at the age of 21. She said the school provides safe and clean facilities including sleeping areas, tables, a playground, kitchenware and clean water well for kids of the ethnic Van Kieu group living in the area. Ha said the Van Kieu community living in the remote mountainous areas in Quang Tri lacked clean water and kindergarten facilities for years. As planned, PTVN will add two more kindergarten schools in the remote communes in 2018. These schools will be built on land which has been cleared of UXO. According to the latest report, PTVNs Exploded Ordnance Disposal teams have found over 106,513 pieces of unexploded ordnances and cleared 163ha of land contaminated by landmines, especially in remote mountainous areas such as Huong Hoa, Cam Lo, Gio Linh and Vinh Linh and akrong former sites of battles and the Demilitarised Zone during the war. The PTVNs Danaan Parry Landmines Education Centre in ong Ha has provided landmine awareness education to more than 65,000 people in the province, 17,500 of them children. In 2014, teams also cleared UXO on area of 90ha to resettle 50 households in Ba Long commune in Huong Hoa district with funds from the US veteran Dan Gilman and his friends in Washington. VNS TRA VINH Deputy Prime Minister Trinh inh Dung has asked the Transport Ministry to review transport planning in the Mekong Delta and seek better links among modes of transport in the region. Dung called for further connectivity among inland waterways, marine routes and inland ports when he visited Quan Chanh Bo Canal and Tat Canal on Hau River in Tra Vinh Province on Friday. He asked the Transport Ministry to study and develop transport options on connecting Tien River and Hau River. The 250-kilometre-long Tien and 200-km-long Hau, tributaries of the Mekong, are two major rivers in the delta, which is the countrys largest rice, fruit and seafood producer. According to experts, a coastline that is more than 700km long as well as numerous canals and rivers that crisscross each other make the Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta an ideal location to develop an efficient waterway transport system that will boost commerce and ease road traffic congestion. Under a national plan on sea port system development, Hau River is among key projects that will receive priority investment to be completed by 2020. In 2007, the Transport Ministry approved the project on dredging and deepening the Hau River to make it navigable for vessels of up to 10,000 tonnes. Work began in 2009 in Duyen Hai District, Tra Vinh Province. The 46.5 km of deepened river consist of four parts 12.1 km on the Hau River, 19.2 km on the Quan Chanh Bo Canal, 8.2 km on the newly dredged Tat Canal and 7 km of marine route. Other work includes dykes, signal systems, sheltering areas and three ferry stations. By the end of 2011, around VN1 trillion ($50 million) had been spent on the work when it came to a halt and could not be completed in 2013 as planned due to financial difficulties. Following a two-year delay, work to dredge and deepen the Hau River restarted after the National Assembly approved a VN6 trillion (US$300 million) Government bond issue to fund it. By April 2017, almost all of the work had been completed and operations begun. The Transport Ministry reported that of some items had not been completed due to landslides along Quan Chanh Bo Canal and local residents refusing to move from the projects area because of disagreements over compensation. Previously, since only vessels of between 4,000-5,000 tonnes can navigate the Hau River, 80 per cent of cargo transported by sea to the Mekong Delta transits through ports in places like HCM City, ong Nai, and Ba Ria-Vung Tau. Deputy PM Dung said that the project on dredging and deepening Hau River passage was among efforts to help large vessels access inland ports, thus reducing transport costs. It is expected that when the Hau becomes navigable for large vessels, 50 per cent of cargo headed for the delta will come through it, reducing import costs and also boosting the competitiveness of the regions exports. Dung emphasized the need for continued efforts in further connecting waterways in Tra Vinh Province and other Mekong Delta provinces as well. Problems such as funding shortages, land clearance, compensation should be reviewed and tackled to ensure benefits of State, investors and local residents, he said. VNS HA NOI Reducing electricity countrywide for just one hour Saturday night saved the equivalent of more than VN800 million. Vietnam joined the world for Earth Hour. A global awareness day held each year to reduce energy costs. Viet Nam saved 485,000 kWh of electricity, equivalent to VN834 million (US$36,610), between 8:30pm-9:30pm of Saturday, according to the National Load Dispatch Centre. During the hour, many people from 63 provinces and cities nationwide switched off unnecessary electrical devices. This years figure represented a slight rise against the 471,000 kWh of electricity saved during the Earth Hour 2017. Speaking at a ceremony held by the Ministry of Industry and Trade in response to the Earth Hour in Ha Nois August Revolution Square the same day, Deputy Minister Cao Quoc Hung said the Vietnamese Government has issued a lot of strategies and policies on thrift energy use and environmental protection in order to show the countrys determination to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Earth Hour is the largest social event in the world, which has been observed in 7,000 cities of 172 countries and territories. Viet Nam first joined the Earth Hour campaign, which is an initiative of World Wide Fund for Nature, in 2009 to cut greenhouse emissions by eight per cent come. The country launched the Earth Hour campaign 2018 at a ceremony held in Ha Noi on March 3. Together with the symbolic action of turning off unnecessary electrical devices for an hour on Saturday, many other power-saving activities have been launched at businesses, households, schools, together with competitions and Flashmob performances during March, the month of the campaign. VNS World cities switch off - see page 10 Big crowds: The screening of Giay (Paper) in HCM City attracted the attention of many of the citys youth and historical experts. Photo courtesy of Viet Su Kieu Hung Viet Nam News by Luong Thu Huong Since its introduction to the public early this year, Giay (Paper) has caused a stir among the Vietnamese youth, as it is the first animation ever on Vietnamese history. Paper is the first among the three episodes of Tu Chien Thanh a Bang (Mortal Combat at a Bang Citadel), the first part of Viet Su Kieu Hung (Valiant Vietnamese History) film project. A team of young producers have invested in the scripts, the characters, graphic designs, music and dubbing. The film project aims to recreate significant battles, typical historical characters or mysterious stories in Vietnamese history through animation. Specifically, its first part, Mortal Combat at a Bang Citadel recreated the country as it was in the 1400s and the historical combat between Vietnamese Emperor Ho Quy Ly, who reigned from 1400-1401, and the Chinese Ming invaders from the north. I was really astonished with what I was watching, writes Nguyen Phung on Valiant Vietnamese Historys Facebook. I have very little knowledge about the short reign of Emperor Ho Quy Ly in Viet Nam. The film seems to unveil gradually the mystery of history, so that the audience can have in-depth and diverse views, and each historical lesson is not an exercise in boredom for the youth. Drawing history: An artist of Viet Su Kieu Hung (Valiant Vietnamese History) sketches the image of Truong Phu, a general of the Ming Dynasty and also a character in the Giay (Paper) animation. Photo courtesy of Viet Su Kieu Hung The Paper episode, lasting 17 minutes, is the fruit of more than 80 days of relentless work of nearly 30 young people. Although working in different fields some are still students every member of the project shares the same passion for Vietnamese history. Our chief aim is to ensure the project works as tinder, igniting and inspiring the love for history among the youth, so that the Vietnamese people, both at home and abroad, develop more interest in the countrys history, says 30-year-old Tran Minh Tuan, who is also the initator of Valiant Vietnamese History film project. The idea for the project came to Tuan after talking with actor/director Nguyen at Phi, who is managing Hung Ca Su Viet (Epical Vietnamese History) channel. I regret his channel could not develop the animation due to his tight schedule and shortage of time and labour. Thankfully, I am acquainted with many directors and artistes, who helped me create my first seven-minute demo clip titled Vo Tanh (an 18th-century Vietnamese military commander, best known for his role as a general of Nguyen Anh, who unified modern-day Viet Nam and ruled as Emperor Gia Long). As it was well received by the audience, I started to look for more cooperators to create more such professional clips. I was fortunately able to find many others who shared my passion and volunteered enthusiastically to join the project without seeking payment, he adds. The production team chose the topic for each episode by keeping in mind not the significant victories that have been noted down in Vietnamese history books, but by delving into those battles that have been rarely mentioned in the textbooks. Top guns: The poster for Giay (Paper), the first episode of the animated film Tu Chien Thanh a Bang (Mortal Combat at a Bang Citadel), features the main characters of the film. Photo courtesy of Viet Su Kieu Hung By hand: The artists of Viet Su Kieu Hung (Valiant Vietnamese History) sketch the characters in Giay (Paper) animation. Photo courtesy of Viet Su Kieu Hung The history in Viet Nam mainly focuses on the successes and seems to neglect the failures, Tuan says. Therefore, Mortal Combat at a Bang Citadel will be about Viet Nams defeat, and the takeaway message is that everyone should review their failures and draw lessons from them to ensure success in the future. Winning or losing, failure or success, they are all part of the valiant history of the nation that no one must forget, he says. Besides this, the project iniator believes the battle of a Bang Citadel will reveal other aspects of the Vietnamese that was hitherto unknown. What has helped us to regain the nation after thousands of years of subjugation without being assimilated? We want to give the answer to this question via this animation, Tuan adds. Furthermore, the obscurity of this battle in history is also an advantage to the production team, as it not only rouses the curiosity of the community but also weakens pressure from criticism. Before embarking on an animation project, the team has to compile documents about each characters, including the details of their birth and death, family background, life events and personalities. Based on such details, the artistes will sketch the image of the characters, before working with the director to fine-tune the sketches. After the hand paintings are approved, they start painting on computers. According to Tuan, Valiant Vietnamese History project was undertaken in consultation with ai Viet Co Phong, a group specialising in ancient Vietnamese culture, including Phan Thanh Nam, a reputed name among Viet Nams history enthusiasts, who has conducted many historical projects such as Hoa Van ai Viet (Vietnamese Patterns) and Nguyen Phuong Anh, who is a lecturer in the Peoples Security Academy and has a PhD in Vietnamese studies. The production of Valiant Vietnamese History animations follows three rules: respecting historical facts, not defending the characters and running no propaganda. To make the historical film attractive, there must be some adaptations, which, however, still have to strictly follow these rules, he says. He aslo reveals that during the production of Paper, which is the first one of its kind and cost VN100 million (US$4,400), the team encountered countless difficulties, such as shortage of labour, finance, equipment and time. Even though the team and its partners are supporting the project financially without seeking remuneration, the long-term implementation of the project might be another story. The biggest success for Paper, Tuan says, is the audiences warm response, which was beyond expectation. Many viewers said they have been waiting for such film products about history for a long time. Paper has evoked much emotion, and they are willing to contribute to the project. Just a week after it released, the projects funds rose to VN190 million from VN40 million, he reveals Besides compliments, the team has also received many suggestions from both the audience and experts, who have pointed out the shortcomings, which are very valuable for us to draw the experience and do better in the next part, Tuan says. Moreover, many new cooperators have offered to give us a hand to complete the project, Tuan adds. Currently, the whole team is utilising all efforts to produce the next part of Mortal Combat at a Bang Citadel, entitled Sat (Iron). The second part will work on the shortcomings of the previous one, and add sophistication to the characters outfits, designs and background. We hope to integrate more Vietnamese features into our next productions, so that they not only become historical products but also contain the culture of our predecessors, he says. Paper can be watched online for free on two official channels of the project, facebook.com/vietsukieuhung and youtube.com/duoc-moi with English subtitles. VNS Authentic European and Asian cuisine with contemporary flair are on offer at the Movenpick as it celebrates its 70th anniversary, Ha Nguyen finds. In honour of the 70th anniversary of the Movenpick Group, Chef Hoang Nguyen at the Mangosteen Restaurant inside Ha Nois Movenpick Hotel has reimagined the menu to pay tribute to the companys founding principle: doing ordinary things in an extraordinary way. I was honoured to be invited to try the new dishes last week. Chef Nguyen said that to celebrate seven decades of culinary excellence and innovation, Thomas Hollenstein, Food & Beverage Director Europe, and his team of chefs unveiled a menu of seven healthy dishes that update popular classics for the modern palate, inspired by cuisines and gastronomy trends from around the world. The dishes are served at Movenpick hotels worldwide until April 20. Our seven inventive dishes also aim to pay tribute to Ueli Prager, who redefined the European restaurant scene and paved the way for a new style of modern hospitality when he founded the Movenpick brand in 1948, said Nguyen. Just as Prager introduced diners to unpretentious cuisine with a twist, such as curry-based Riz Casimir a first in Europe 70 years on, Movenpick chefs have created an inspiring menu of uncomplicated but surprising creations, all of which use fresh, authentic and healthful ingredients, he said. I highly recommend selecting the full-course menu in order to taste all the best creations from Nguyen, who said he used Hollensteins recipes and tweaked them to suit the ingredients available in Ha Noi. First we were served scallops and avocado tartare (VN200,000), a dish I had never had before. It stood out for its rich, creamy texture and light taste. I asked Nguyen about history of the dish. Our reinvention of Movenpicks popular beef tartare has been influenced by Mediterranean cuisine, with an emphasis on ingredients that are big on flavour and health giving benefits, he said. The beef is replaced with succulent scallops, accompanied by avocado and olives, which together make for a wholesome dish. Infused with just the right balance of fresh garlic, basil and chilis, this is a modern classic in the making. We continued with the salade belle fermiere (VN160,000). Ingredients included BBQ seasoning (ready made), chicken breasts, sea salt, rapeseed oil and seasonings such as mayonnaise, sweet pepper, lemon and ginger. The salad was comprised of mesclun leaves, olive oil, cherry tomatoes, colourful heirloom tomato slices radish and horseradish. 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it. Since domain transfers are a manual process, it can take up to 5 days to transfer the domain. Domains purchased with payment plans are not eligible to transfer until all payments have been made. Please remember that our 30-day money back guarantee is void once a domain has been transferred. For transfer instructions to GoDaddy, please click here. The United Nations Human Rights Council resolution argues "such measures prevent the full realization of economic and social development of nations." The United Nations Human Rights Council (OHCHR ) has adopted a resolution proposed by the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries (NAM) condemning economic sanctions against Venezuela by the United States, Canada, the European Union and their allies. The document, put forward at the OHCHR meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, on Friday, urged "states to refrain from imposing unilateral coercive measures (and) condemn(s) the continued unilateral application and enforcement by certain powers of such measures as tools of political or economic pressure," reminding all states that "such measures prevent the full realization of economic and social development of nations." The resolution acknowledges Venezuela's position: economic sanctions "disproportionately" affect "the poor and most vulnerable classes," threatening the realization of human rights. Rather than the application of unilateral coercive measures, which are against international law, the resolution urges states "to resolve their differences through dialogue and peaceful relations." Last week, the United States imposed a new round of sanctions against Venezuela, this time against the new cryptocurrency launched by the Bolivarian Republic, known as the Petro. The sanctions target all transactions "by a U.S. person or within the U.S. with any digital currency" issued by the Venezuelan government. The Petro was adopted by Nicolas Maduro's government to bypass the financial blockade the United States and its allies has imposed on Venezuela, limiting its capacity to import goods. Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza shared the resolution and the vote via Twitter. Western nations, including Germany, the United States, the United Kingdom and Spain were among those who rejected the decision. The Human Rights Council, meanwhile, said the measures "threaten the sovereignty of states... with a view to preventing these countries from exercising their right to decide, of their own free will, their own political, economic and social systems." Mar 25, 2018 | By Tess The upcoming Salone del Mobile in Milano, a world-class furniture and design showcase, will be a thriving hub for all types of 3D printed design. Not only will a 3D printed house be on display in the Italian citys Piazza Cesare Beccaria, but we recently learnt that visitors will also get the chance to behold (and maybe sit on?) a series of innovative 3D printed chairs. The 3D printed chairs are being presented by Spanish design group Nagami and were designed in collaboration with a number of renowned designers and design studios, including Zaha Hadid Architects. The project, entitled Brave new world: re-thinking design and large-scale robotic 3D printing, comprises four avant-garde chair designs: Rise and Bow by Zaha Hadid Architects, Robotica TM by Ross Lovegrove, and Peeler by Daniel Widrig. What do they have in common? Theyre all 3D printed. "Bow" by Zaha Hadid Architects Rise and Bow were 3D printed using a pellet extrusion robotic printer and are made from a biodegradable PLA material. Their respective designs are both optimized for function and evoke a natural blooming structure while integrating color and shape in an interesting and innovative waytheyre not your typical dining room chairs, in other words. Zaha Hadid Architects, the firm founded by the late Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid, has long been exploring the use of 3D printing for interior and furniture design. At last years Milan Design Week, for example, the architecture firm presented its impressive 3D printed Thallus structure, and famously created the 3D printed Zaha Hadid Chair. "Rise" by Zaha Hadid Architects Ross Lovegroves Robotica TM, for its part, is a multi-purpose stool that integrates a 360, mathematically inspired structure. The 3D printed stool also draws from nature in its design and thus combines botany and robotics in a unique and stylish way. Because the stool includes heat-proof silicone inserts in its seat, the versatile 3D printed piece can also be used as a table for hot dishes, and more. "Robotic TM" by Ross Lovegrove The last chair, Peeler, is notably less colorful than the other 3D printed chairs, but is just as striking. Designed by Daniel Widrig (who also collaborated on Stratasys The New Ancient project), the chair consists of a single PLA-based 3D printed shelled structure. With walls just 7 mm thick, the 3D printed chair reportedly only took a few hours to print. As the designer says, the 3D printed chair not only takes the human sitters form into consideration but also the robotic arm that is building it. "Peeler" by Daniel Widrig The 3D printed seats will all be showcased by Nagami in Milans Brera Design District later this April. We design products that until now were just waiting for the right technology to come to life, said Manuel Jimenez Garcia, Miki Jimenez Garcia, and Ignacio Viguera Ochoa, Nagamis founders. Not only objects that you can hold, but also that you can feel and experience as part of your environment. The Salone del Mobile is hosted in Milan from April 17 to 22. Posted in 3D Design Maybe you also like: Artists in Canada's North are learning to integrate 3D printing and other tech into their work Mar.14, 2018 - Artists from the Canadian town of Inuvik have been given the chance to learn digital technologies such as 3D printing for the purpose of integrating tech elements into their art. The initiative is part of a 10-week course organized by the Inuvialuit Community Economic Development Organization. More Amy Chozick in The New York Times: DEAR MADAM PRESIDENT An Open Letter to the Women Who Will Run the World By Jennifer Palmieri 180 pp. Grand Central Publishing. $20. Not long after Hillary Clintons unexpected defeat to Donald J. Trump, her campaigns communications director, Jennifer Palmieri, shopped around a book idea. I was advised that if I didnt have something juicy to share about Hillary, there wouldnt be interest in me, she writes in Dear Madam President: An Open Letter to the Women Who Will Run the World. But, she adds, using Clintons frequent description of herself, there arent any juicy things to share about Hillary because shes a simple and serious person. In any other election year, an advice book from a high-ranking campaign official on the losing candidates side wouldnt have much coin. But 2016 wasnt like any other election year, and as it turns out Palmieri has plenty of wisdom and even a little dish about Clinton to dispense. In this slim volume, Palmieri neatly weaves her heartbreaking personal story of losing her sister to Alzheimers weeks after losing the election with lessons learned from her long career in Democratic politics and Mitch Albom-style wisdom (When the unimaginable happens, imagine what else may be possible). Palmieri had been President Obamas White House communications director when she agreed to join the Clinton campaign. She (like most of us) thought Clinton would win and didnt think her gender would be much of an obstacle, especially after Obama had broken racial barriers. Clinton warned Palmieri otherwise. Before the race started, Clinton held forth for more than an hour to recap each scandal, from the uproar in Arkansas when she resisted taking Bill Clintons name to the White House and her doomed 2008 presidential campaign. She was as bewildered as anyone by the phenomenon of Hillary Clinton, Palmieri writes. More here. ASTORIA, Ore. - An Oregon woman was arrested this week after police say she killed her pet Chihuahua by cooking it. The Oregonian reports Noelle Georgia Moor, 28, faces animal abuse charges in the death of her 7-year-old pet. An officer discovered the dead dog inside Moor's oven on Tuesday. A person close to the suspect alerted police to the incident. "The smell of burnt hair and flesh was still in the air," a probable cause affidavit reads. The woman told police she put the Chihuahua in the oven because she believed her ex-boyfriend was inside the dog. Mental health professionals had multiple contacts with Moor in the past month, according to The Daily Astorian. The dog's corpse was transported to Clatsop County Animal Control for further investigation, according to KATU. By Cathy Jameson The kids had a snow day last week. While they usually do better with a routine, I will always welcome an alarm-clock free day in the middle of the week. With no need for any of us to leave the house, I wondered what I could do with the oodles of hours I had in front of me. I could catch up on bills and emails. I could make a double batch of gluten-free pancakes for Ronan. Or I could clean out my closet. Since it had been a while since I went through my closet, I decided to start some spring cleaning there. Tossing aside clothing I didn't care for or fit it into anymore, by lunchtime I had a nice stash of giveaways to bring to the thrift shop. I had half the day still ahead of me, so I decided to deep clean my closet. That meant pulling out some storage bins I'd stashed in a dark corner under some dresses. On the floor, hidden behind some full-length gowns I have, the bins were filled with old IEP notes, copies of old medical records, and countless years worth of old EOBs. Only I knew about those papers, and for years, I let them bother me. I know I should've chucked much of what was in those storage bins a long time ago, but for several reasons Id saved every single piece of paper in them. I knew I had a big job ahead of me, so I lugged everything to the dining room to start to go through it. Some documents were originals while others were copies. The earliest reports went back to 2001 and to my first pregnancy. All my life, I couldnt wait to be a mom. When I saw my old medical record, I was whisked back to happy memories. With that textbook pregnancy and a healthy baby resulting, I was as equally excited when we learned that child number 2 was on the way. As I continued to go through each file folder, I was fast-forwarded in time. Files related to Ronan were now at my fingertips. My emotions changed. In that next stack, I came across handwritten notes mixed in with therapy reports from Ronans preschool days. I found food diaries I'd kept when Ronan was being seen at a feeding clinic. I found emails Id printed out from other moms. Some were encouraging, Cat, you can do this! Others were littered with terms Id yet to fully comprehend Look up the Omnibus, vaccine injury tables, and mitochondrial disease. Reading through some of those pages was hard. I knew so little back then. What I did know at the time, that my once healthy child now needed intensive care, didnt make any sense. Some days, it still doesnt make sense. The more Ronan-related papers I found, the slower I started to sort. Therapy suggestions, educational goals, medical emergencies, and outdated treatments plans brought me back. They brought me back to a very dark place, but I continued. One page at a time. One painful memory at a time. I read everything. It was not easy, but if I was going to get this spring cleaning job done right, I needed to go through each page Id saved. After reading each page, I then needed to decide something: keep it, recycle it, or toss it. Even though some of the paperwork brought back memories that are now part of an unfortunate reality, I decided to save several forms and statements. My save pile was small, but later, something in it would become quite significant. If I decided not to save the paper, I recycled what didnt have any identifying information on it and created a pile of things to be shredded. Another hour. Another file. Another stack to read. As the day wore on, I was happy to see my shred pile growing. Toward the end of the day, I pulled out a file that was filled strictly with medical papers. That file contained pharmacy print outs and medical encounter reports. Id stapled the reports to the accompanying Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from our old insurance company. Save, recycle, toss. Save, recycle, toss. Id gotten into a groove, but I then cringed. I saw the term "Preventative" on one of Ronans EOBs. Next to it was a dollar amount. $102.42. If I could get a refund on those vaccines, I would. Christianity on the Brink: Religion Decimated From Birthplace A devastated Assyrian church in Iraq, 2017, following a raid by Islamic extremists. Christianity, a leading Catholic charity has warned, could be reduced to a "token religion" in the country unless worshippers receive urgent aid. Islamic extremists have driven tens of thousands of Christians from their homes, with Islamic State (ISIS) destroying towns and churches. As the sick death cult retreats further and further in Iraq and Syria, some Christians are returning home to find devastation and destruction, with urgent funds needed to rebuild communities. However despite this, foreign governments are giving "no help" to Christian communities, leading to tens of thousands of believers to abandon their homelands. One priest said believers could leave Iraq for good unless desperately needed aid was given to help rebuild nine Christian towns. Father Salar Kajo of the Churches' Nineveh Reconstruction Committee said: "We have to rebuild now -- if we take more time families will leave and Christianity will disappear from Iraq." He told anti-persecution charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) help "is urgently necessary", with many Christians spending "the last three years as refugees in their own country, Iraq". Father Kajo said: "If the Christians do all go home this will only be because of help from organisations like ACN -- because we are getting no help from governments. "After a year of rebuilding, the only channel of aid has been through the Church." Father Kajo said the few Christians who had returned home immediately made a point of checking on their Muslim neighbours. He said Christian worshippers told the, they wanted to "live in peace" in mixed communities and not be forced to flee their homes and possibly their country. He said: "The first thing these families did on returning to their villages was to go and visit their Muslim neighbours, to ask them how they were. "And they told them that they wanted to return to live in peace and recover the spirit of mutual coexistence." Many Christians returning to their towns often found their homes and churches destroyed. He said: "In Batnaya, the first place I visited was the church and I could see that everything had been destroyed. "Lying on the ground there were Bibles and lectionaries that had recently been burnt. "Before leaving the village, the militants of Daesh made a special point of ransacking the churches. "We want to return, to recover our dignity and to work and live as we did before Daesh. This is our land, this is our identity." Alabama's Samuel Swanson will make his debut on "American Idol" tonight, searching for a golden ticket to Hollywood. Swanson, 28, is from Pine Level, a small town near Montgomery. He attended Jefferson Davis High School, according to his Facebook page, and has worked as a cosmetologist and production assistant. Swanson, who auditioned in New York City, was featured in an "Idol" promo video, showcasing his backstory and hopes for stardom on the ABC reality series. "I was homeless. I had $60 to my name," Swanson says in the clip. "Just broken and abandoned. But there was something inside of me that wouldn't let me give up." On his Instagram profile, Swanson describes himself as a " 1.) professional event coordinator, 2.) interpersonal genius, 3.) personal assistant, 4.) NYC socialite." Swanson is no stranger to reality TV; he appeared on an MTV singing competition, "Copycat," in 2014, according to the Montgomery Advertiser. In a YouTube clip, he's also listed as the first-place winner of "Amateur Night at the Apollo" in June 2017. Two other contestants from Alabama have been featured on "American Idol" this season: Dominique Posey, 26, of Birmingham, and Brandon Elder, 23 of Arab. Both impressed the judges on the show's March 19 episode, earning golden tickets that allow them to move on to the Hollywood round. If Swanson joins Posey and Elder in Hollywood, he'll compete in a fast-moving segment of the series that usually includes solo and group performances for the judges. Cuts are likely to be brutal at this point in the competition, as Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan trim the list of hopefuls. If you watch: "American Idol" airs on Sundays and Mondays at 7 p.m. CT on ABC. The shrinking counties of Alabama More than 75 years ago, writing in The Atlantic magazine, an essayist named Arthur Morgan said that small American towns were "an orphan in an unfriendly world despised, neglected, exploited, and robbed." His point was that a modern society had largely abandoned places that he contended were a vital fabric of American society. Populations were in rapid decline. Morgan said back in his 1942 essay, "The CommunityThe Seed Bed of Society," that small towns had been "submerged by modern technology, commercialism, mass production, propaganda, and centralized government." Three quarters of a century later, American towns are still shrinking, according to latest Census data predictions. Many of these places are in crisis, facing economic decline, drug addiction, despair, while also being unable to replace an ageing population. And Alabama's small towns are no exception. Between 2010 and 2017, 45 of the state's 67 counties saw a decrease in their population. Four of those counties saw a population loss of more than 10 percent over the same period. And while many of the state's largest counties are growing, small counties, mostly in the Black Belt are experiencing swift declines. However, Alabama did see a small increase in its population, increasing two percent over that seven year span. There are now a little over 95,000 more people than back in 2010, bringing the state's population to approximately 4.86 million. Here are the 15 fastest shrinking counties in Alabama: Don't Edit Mark Kent AL.com 14. Hale County Along with Washington County below, Hale is joint 14th. Between 2010 and 2017, Hale County lost 948 people, 6 percent of the population, leaving it with a little under 15,000 people. Don't Edit Calvin Beale, USDA 14. Washington County Courthouse Located along the Mississippi border and 53 miles north of Mobile, Washington County lost 1,050 people between 2010 and 2017, six percent of the population. The county has about 16,500 living in it today. Don't Edit Sharon Steinmann 13. Choctaw County Directly north from Washington County, Choctaw saw a 6.6 percent drop in population between 2010 and 2017, representing a loss of 914 people. Don't Edit Clayton Langley Wikicommons 12. Coosa County With a 2010 population of 11,539, Coosa County has lost about 6.6 percent of its population, dropping to 10,754. Don't Edit Don't Edit Kelly Kazek 11. Clarke County Like Coosa County, Clarke saw a decrease of 6.8 percent between the seven year time frame of the Census estimate. The population dropped by 1,750 from nearly 26,000 to just above 24,000. Don't Edit Amber Sutton 10. Monroe County Monroe County has lost 1,741 people since 2010, a 7.5 percent decrease. The population dropped from 23,068 to 21,327. Don't Edit Wikicommons 9. Sumter County Another county on the border with Mississippi, Sumter's population dropped from 13,763 to 12,687 in seven years, representing a 7.8 percent drop. That's a loss of over 1,000 people. Don't Edit Contributed by Wil Elrick 8. Greene County Greene County, one of the least populated in the state with 9,045 people in 2010, dropped to 8,330 in 2017. A loss of 715 people or 7.9 percent. Don't Edit Tamika Moore 7. Marengo County Marengo County lost 7.9 percent of its population over the last seven years, dropping from 21,027 to 19,375 (1,652 people.) Don't Edit Don't Edit Clayton Langley Wikicommons 6. Barbour County Barbour County is one of the most populace counties of the 15 top shrinking counties in Alabama. Over the last seven years it lost 2,187 people, around 8 percent of its population. It dropped from 27,457 to 25,270. Don't Edit Courtesy of Rural Southwest Alabama Organisation 5. Wilcox County Wilcox is an other county that could hardly afford to lose more people. It's population dropped from 11,670 in 2010 to 10,719 last year. That represents 951 people or 8.1 percent. Don't Edit Pete Souza, via White House. 4. Dallas County Dallas County, the most populated county on this list with a population of 39,215 last year, saw a decrease of 10.5 percent since 2010 when it's population was 43,820. That's a loss of more than 4,500 people. Don't Edit Wikicommons 3. Lowndes County Lowndes County, situated just outside Montgomery, lost 10.8 percent of its population between 2010 and 2017, around 1,200 people. It went from 11,299 to jsut over 10,000. Don't Edit The Birmingham News Vintage 2. Perry County A stones throw from Selma, Perry County has experienced a 11.8 percent loss over the last seven years. The county's population went from 10,591 to 9,339, a loss of 1,252 people. Don't Edit Don't Edit Kelly Kazek 1. Macon County Macon County is the fastest shrinking county in Alabama. Between 2010 and 2017, it lost 12.6 percent of its population, or 2,697 people. The population dropped from 21,452 seven years ago to 18,755 last year. Courtesy Mobile Symphone Orchestra Things to Do in Mobile March 25-31 Resurrection with Mahler The Mobile Symphony Orchestra is celebrating its 20th anniversary season with a performance of Gustav Mahler's Symphony No. 2 "Resurrection." The concert is billed as the MSO's biggest and boldest ever, featuring three choirs, two soloists and almost 100 orchestra musicians. The "Resurrection Symphony" explores Mahler's views of renewal and resurrection and will feature the University of South Alabama Concert Choir, Mobile Opera Chorus, Eastern Shore Choral Society, soprano Martha Guth and mezzo-soprano Susan Platts. The "Resurrection Symphony," March 25 at 2:30 p.m., Saenger Theater, 257 Dauphin St., $15-$75. For tickets, call 251-432-2010 or visit mobilesymphony.org. Don't Edit Courtesy SethFest Things to Do in Mobile March 25-31 Killing Cancer with Music Venues across downtown Mobile are uniting to support one of their own, and the Anchor Cross Cancer Foundation. Seth Maness, manager of the Soul Kitchen in downtown Mobile, is battling an aggressive form of cancer and the community is responding with live music and other events. SethFest kicks off at the Brickyard on March 29 and over the next two days dozens of bands and acts will perform at the Merry Widow and Soul Kitchen. SethFest, March 29-31, weekend passes are $30, a full list of acts can be found here. Don't Edit Courtesy Azalea Manor Things to Do in Mobile March 25-31 Women's Leadership Lunch The Women's Business Alliance is hosting its annual Women's History Luncheon & Forum in downtown Mobile. This year's theme is "Nevertheless She Persisted" and the event will feature topics like business team building, leadership, making art your business, starting your own business, marketing and branding. The Women's Business Alliance Woman Entrepreneur of the Year and Kathryn Cariglino awards will also be announced. Women's History Luncheon & Forum, March 29 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Azalea Manor, 731 Dauphin St., $50. For tickets, call 251-660-2725. Don't Edit Courtesy Historic Blakeley State Park Things to Do in Mobile March 25-31 Delta Cruising and Cuisine Historic Blakeley State Park is offering a special spring lunch cruise through the delta from Blakeley to the Causeway, featuring wildlife such as alligators, osprey, bald eagles and numerous other species of plants and animals unique to this area. The cruise docks at the Bluegill Restaurant shortly before noon, where guests will enjoy lunch before taking an alternate route back to the park, arriving about 1:30 p.m. This special adventure will be aboard the Delta Explorer, the park's 50-passenger covered pontoon boat, piloted by licensed captains and equipped with bench seating and a restroom. Blakeley State Park Spring Lunch Cruise, March 29 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Historic Blakeley State Park, $39.99 for adults and $29.99 for kids ages 6-12. For more information or to register for the cruise and make your lunch selections, please call 251-626-0798 or visit the events page at Blakeleypark.com. Don't Edit Stock photo Things to Do in Mobile March 25-31 Free Yoga Among the Arts Recharge and refresh with free yoga at Alabama Contemporary Art Center. This free one-hour class is led by certified yoga instructors and open to participants of all levels of experience. Location for classes will alternate between the Terrace Room -- where yogis will enjoy a panoramic, third-story view of Downtown Mobile -- and the Main Gallery, where classes will be complemented by the world-class artwork of Back to Havana. Yoga at Alabama Contemporary Art Center, March 31 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., 301 Conti St., free. Don't Edit undefined Connor Sheets | csheets@al.com undefined Don't Edit Wikimedia Commons I wasn't prepared Born in Long Island, N.Y. in 1985, I spent most of my childhood, teenage years and early twenties in Maryland. In 2009, a couple of years after graduating from the University of Maryland, I moved to New York City. None of these life experiences prepared me for life in the South. Don't Edit Connor Sheets | csheets@al.com LGA > BHM As the nation's "melting pot," New York did in fact manage to teach me a little bit about the South. I heard someone say "Roll Tide" for the first time in a West Village bar, and had good greens for the first time at soul food joint in Harlem. But I had no clue what Alabama had in store when I boarded a plane for Birmingham for the first time in December 2014, eventually moving here in January 2015. Don't Edit Joe Songer | jsonger@al.com Two years later After nearly two years in Alabama, I'm still nowhere near an expert on the South, as coworkers and friends here love to remind me. But I do feel qualified to take a few minutes and jot down a few things that I would have liked to know about the South before I moved here. Maybe it will help a Connecticut couple or a Flint family with their decision about whether to move far below the Mason-Dixon Line, or maybe it will just provide some laughs this holiday season. Either way, here goes... Don't Edit Wikimedia Commons (left) / File photo Chow chow isn't just a breed of dog Apparently it's a super-tasty relish-y type condiment, too. I wouldn't make tuna salad without it nowadays. Don't Edit Don't Edit Connor Sheets | csheets@al.com You don't miss the snow Sure it looks nice, so take a trip up North if you want a few days of snowmen and skiing. But the minor disappointment of not having a White Christmas is far outweighed by the priceless pleasure of knowing you'll never have to shovel a driveway again. Don't Edit SHNS photo by Tom Sweeney / Minneapolis - St. Paul Star Tribune Cockroaches fly in the South This is one undeniable drawback about southern living. We've got tons of roaches in the North, but they haven't learned to grow wings and FLY. Don't Edit Tamika Moore | tmoore@al.com There's no such thing as good barbecue up north Facts are facts. Don't Edit Wikimedia Commons Real men really do wear pink here And salmon, and lavender, and dark pink, and light salmon, and... This is another one I don't think I'll be adapting anytime soon. Don't Edit Sharon Steinmann | ssteinmann@al.com Only southerners know how to make Sweet Tea I capitalized "Sweet Tea" to emphasize just how sweet that tea really is. Makes my teeth hurt just thinking about it. Wish 90-10 was an acceptable iced tea order because half-and-half is still way to sweet for us northerners. Don't Edit Don't Edit Tamika Moore | tmoore@al.com Meat & three isn't a crummy band name While some may be disappointed that the meat & three ins't a Prattville punk quartet, Southerners with taste buds (and who aren't sticking to a post-Holidays diet) know that there is no better food to be had for $10 in the lower 48. My moderately educated vote for best in Birmingham goes to Eagle Restaurant in Bessemer, which makes up for what it lacks in the decor department by offering some truly excellent homemade food. Don't Edit File photo You should never schedule a wedding in the fall By getting married on Sept. 19, 2015, my wife and I broke a sacrosanct rule of the South. If you're an uninitiated northerner reading this, football is the reason you don't get married in autumn in SEC country - your relatives may even skip the ceremony if you do. Luckily we got married in Maryland, which though it's technically below the Mason-Dixon Line, is by no means a southern state, for better or for worse. Don't Edit Joe Songer | jsonger@al.com Go shopping on Saturdays during football season You may never go to your local Trader Joe's in Philly or Pittsburgh, but in The South you can have the place to yourself if you go during a big SEC football game. My wife said she was the only soul in a Birmingham-area Target during this year's Iron Bowl. Don't Edit File photo You actually want to eat your greens Whether turnip, collard or spinach, people truly have no idea how to make greens up north. Don't Edit Connor Sheets | csheets@al.com Y'all is a way of life I'm still not saying it though. Sorry, you guys. Don't Edit Don't Edit File photo Nothing is open on Sunday Or Monday, or after 10 p.m. - basically many of the times you may be used to if you move to the South from a major northern city. It seemed like a major drawback at first, but it really just makes you appreciate Friday and Saturday nights. Don't Edit Ben Flanagan | bflanagan@al.com Remember Waffle House Alright, because Waffle House's empire now reaches all the way up to my hometown of Frederick, Md., I've been a big WH fan ever since my brother worked there in high school. But people who are from the vast American wastelands that don't have Waffle Houses should know that this is the best place to get a tasty breakfast or burger at 3:00 a.m. on a Tuesday in an Alabama town of 3,007 people. Don't Edit AP Photo/Frank Franklin II No one likes basketball R.I.P. conversations about my Knicks and Terps. Don't Edit Sharon Steinmann | ssteinmann@al.com Everything Mardi Gras Mardi Gras is one of the great American experiences. But most of us don't realize just how great a tradition it is until we move to the South. And even then, most southerners aren't aware that it started in Mobile, not New Orleans. Don't Edit File photo The weather is all over the place You can experience sweltering heat, bitter cold and driving rain all in the same day in many parts of the South. And you often do. Don't Edit Don't Edit Matt Wake | mwake@al.com Grits are amazing My grandmother was from Baton Rouge, so I've known this for my whole life. But if you, like most northerners, are not yet aware of how good grits are, save up $1.50 and buy yourself a container of them and some butter and get boiling. You won't be let down. Get a bayou chef to add some perfectly grilled shrimp and cajun seasoning and you'll be in absolute bliss. Don't Edit Wikimedia Commons The South makes some of the world's best music To misinformed northerners, southern music may be all "Achy Breaky Heart" and "Sweet Home Alabama," but the music scene in the South is one of the most vibrant in the country with innovative, exciting bands from St. Paul & the Broken Bones (Alabama) to of Montreal (Georgia) pushing the sonic envelope and continuing to bring new southern sounds to the world. Don't Edit Connor Sheets | csheets@al.com The pest situation is serious Snakes, spiders, gators, roaches and seemingly all other pests are bigger and more scary in the South than they are in the North. And there are scorpions in these parts. Don't Edit Joe Songer | jsonger@al.com "Roll Tide" has more meanings than any other phrase "Roll Tide" is the most versatile pair of words in any Alabama fan's repertoire. In the right setting it can be used to express everything from exuberance to derision; it can mean everything from hello to goodbye; and it can just be used to fill just about any gap in a conversation. It's the phrase that the rest of the country didn't know it needed. But that doesn't mean any of the rest of use will be adopting it anytime soon. See also: War Eagle. Don't Edit File photo Tailgating is a serious life path People in the North think they know what tailgating is. They are wrong. Don't Edit Don't Edit File photo There's more butter in the veggies than on the bread And that's definitely not a bad thing. Don't Edit Raul Rubiera/Miami Herald/KRT Shorts and flip flops are the summer uniform Though southerners love to dress up for even the least formal affairs, they also love to wear shorts with sandals, flip-flops or boat shoes every day for months on end in the summer. It's just a fact of life. Don't Edit Tamika Moore | tmoore@al.com People actually listen to Garth Brooks And get super-excited about his shows, to this very day. I just seriously wasn't aware of this, and I'd bet most people from the Northeast aren't either. See also: George Strait, Alan Jackson, the Dixie Chicks, etc. Don't Edit Joe Songer | jsonger@al.com Alcohol isn't as easy to come by Depending on where you are in the South, you'll have varying levels of difficulty scoring hooch. Some counties still bar alcohol sales entirely, while others limit sales on Sundays, at certain times of day, and in certain settings. It's one more difference between the South and places like New York City, though so-called blue laws actually aren't rare in New England and other less booze-friendly parts of the North. Don't Edit Free image via Pixabay The many meanings of "bless your heart" I still don't understand this one, but I know it's not always a positive saying. But I've been told that I should, and you probably should, too. Bless your heart. Don't Edit Don't Edit Still from Tornado Alley at Exploreum IMAX Tornadoes are a serious concern Every once in a while in the North, a twister will tear some shingles off Grandma's garden shed or knock a couple trees over. In the South, tornadoes are no joke, ravaging entire communities and killing scores of people each year. Don't Edit File photo Say goodbye to good bagels Be aware: there are no good bagels in the South. And don't even ask about lox, gefilte fish or whitefish salad. Like the fact that there is no good barbecue in the North, this is just the way it is. If it's any consolation, there really aren't any good bagels left in Manhattan (you gotta go to Long Island or Queens for the good stuff nowadays, in my pretentious opinion.) Don't Edit Tamika Moore | tmoore@al.com The pizza is surprisingly good! Though the Southern bagel scene is severely lacking, there is legitimately excellent pizza to be found in some parts of the South. If you don't believe me, try Trattoria Centrale and Davenport's Pizza Palace, both in the Birmingham area. Don't Edit Dave Dieter Southern hospitality really is a thing And, yes ma'am, it is pretty great. Don't Edit HAL YEAGER People watch NASCAR here It just isn't a thing up north. Don't Edit Don't Edit File photo There aren't enough brunch places In many social circles in northern cities like Washington, D.C. and New York, brunch is a weekly institution that no one misses. In Birmingham and some other southern cities, that simply isn't the case. But brunch is apparently growing on southerners, and it's always excellent when you can find it. Here's some unsolicited and totally uninformed financial advice: if you want to make a bunch of money, open a good brunch place in downtown Birmingham. It'll be slammed every week. Don't Edit Dennis Pillion | dpillion@al.com What "I appreciate you" actually means Upon first arriving in the South, many visitors and transplants may be heartened to hear "I appreciate you" from strangers in restaurants, grocery stores or gas stations. But it takes a little while to realize that the saying isn't the big warm gesture it may sound like, it's more of a general "thanks." But it still never hurts to hear it now and then. Don't Edit Joe Songer | jsonger@al.com And finally: that it's an amazing place to live Ask many jaded, pretentious northerners about the South and they'll tell you it's a terrible place. Tell them you're moving there and they'll call you crazy. But actually have them visit you once you once you've moved here, and they'll likely be sold for life on the South's charms. I know I was. Holy Week begins this morning with the observance of Palm Sunday, when Christians carry palm branches to recall the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem before his crucifixion. Here are five things to love about Palm Sunday: The Palms Commemorating Palm Sunday with palm branches goes back to the early Christian church. It remains a favorite among parishioners, who are handed palm branches as they enter the church at many services. Palms were a symbol of royalty and nobility in Jesus' day. Those welcoming him to Jerusalem expected a messiah who might overthrow the Romans. The palm is a symbol of the arrival of Jesus in Jerusalem just before his crucifixion, as crowds waved palm branches, sang ''Hosannah,'' and covered his path with the branches. Jesus was later crucified by the Romans with crowds shouting approval, according to Gospel accounts. Donkeys Jesus rode a donkey into Jerusalem. Unlike the Roman emperors, who rode horses and led military parades, Jesus rode in on a donkey in a statement of peace, humility and solidarity with the people. Processions Jesus led a procession into Jerusalem before his Crucifixion, so many Christians take part in processions to commemorate his triumphal entry into Jerusalem. At many churches, parishioners will carry palms in their outdoor processions. Holy Week begins Palm Sunday begins the most holy week on the Christian liturgical calendar, leading to Easter, the celebration of the resurrection of Christ. Holy Thursday or Maundy Thursday commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus and his disciples. Good Friday marks the day of the crucifixion. Catholics and Protestants will celebrate Easter this year on April 1. Eastern Orthodox Christians celebrate a week later, on April 8. The Gospels The story of Palm Sunday and Jesus' last Passover is told in the Gospel of Matthew, starting in Chapter 21, and in the Gospel of Mark, starting in Chapter 11. Catholics have a reading of the Passion narrative in the Palm Sunday service. The priest reads the words of Jesus, a narrator reads most of the texts, and the people in the pews read aloud the words of the crowd. A 24-year-old Birmingham man charged in the death of a toddler was found not guilty after a week-long trial. D'Juan Lovell Steen stood trial for murder and aggravated child abuse for the January 2015 death of Jaremiah Mason Hayes in Jefferson County Circuit Judge Virginia Vinson's courtroom. Steen was found not guilty on all charges by a jury. Steen's attorney Emory Anthony said his client was pleased with the jury's verdict, "but still sad about the death of Mason." Mason turned 2 just two days before he died. On the day Mason died, he was at home with Steen-his mother's boyfriend. Mason's mother, Kristal Hayes, said in a previous interview with AL.com that her child was injured while jumping on the bed. She said Steen walked out of the room to throw away a dirty diaper when he heard a noise, and found Mason hurt. Steen and his mother took Mason to Princeton Baptist Medical Center just before 1:30 p.m. that day, and the child was later transferred to Children's of Alabama where he was pronounced dead. At the time of the incident, police said Mason died from severe head trauma that could not have happened how Steen told them it happened, and he was charged with capital murder. The charge was made capital because of the victim's age, but a grand jury later returned an indictment amending the charge to murder. The indictment charging Steen said he "recklessly" caused Mason's death by inflicting blunt force trauma to the child's head. Deputy District Attorneys Leslie Schiffman Moore and Will McComb prosecuted the case. Birmingham's March for Our Lives took place in Railroad Park on Saturday afternoon, with an estimated crowd of 5,000 wearing blue shirts and carrying signs with slogans like "I wish gun laws were as strict as dress codes" and "Books not guns." Hundreds of thousands of teenagers and their supporters rallied across the U.S. against gun violence Saturday. Large rallies unfolded in such cities as Boston; New York; Chicago; Houston; Fort Worth, Texas; Minneapolis; and Parkland, Florida, the site of the Feb. 14 attack at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School that left 17 people dead. Students who organized the Birmingham march were happy with the turnout, they said, telling AL.com, "We're ready to vote and we're not going away." Before the march, speakers rallied the crowd, calling for common-sense gun reform including background checks, bans on semi-automatic weapons, and raising the age to buy firearms. Multiple organizations were there to register young voters as well. Forward Alabama representatives said they registered around 60 new voters, and most all were students. Nineteen marchers led the march: 17 wearing red for the victims of the Feb. 14 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., one wearing purple to memorialize 17-year-old Huffman High School student Courtlin Arrington who was shot and killed at school on March 6, and one in green in honor of 62-year-old UAB Highlands nurse Nancy Swift, shot and killed while at work on March 14. Marchers chanted "Not one more," and "Vote them out," as they walked in the streets around Railroad Park with a police escort. Attendees shared similar reasons for marching, with a laser focus on keeping children safe in school. The signs held by the marchers reflected that focus. Kathleen Deganis, a 1992 Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School graduate living in Madison, Ala., drove with her family to Birmingham's March for Our Lives on March 24, 2018. Kathleen Deganis is a 1992 Marjory Stoneman Douglas graduate living in Madison. She drove to Birmingham with her husband and three children to participate in the march. Deganis said an alumni group of 11,000 graduates of Stoneman Douglas are working to support the students who are leading the national conversation on reforming gun laws in the wake of the Parkland shooting. Hers was the first graduating class from the school. "As the founding class," she said, "we feel compelled to be a part of this mission with the kids and support them." Deganis said she drive to Birmingham only to support her fellow graduates, though. Her 7-year-old son's school recently held a lockdown drill, she said. "He said, 'Mommy, I'm afraid to die,'" Deganis said. "It just broke my heart." Children shouldn't have to worry about dying at school, Deganis said. Shelby County resident Cathy Wells Cathy Wells, a Shelby County resident, said, "I came out to stand in solidarity with our children." Wells said the children were "thrust into this" movement due to lack of action by lawmakers. She was at the march because her grandchildren are in school and she wants schools to be safer. Connor Welch is a junior at Spain Park High School and the state leader for Students Demand Action, the student offshoot of the gun law reform group Moms Demand Action. Welch said he wants lawmakers to ban assault rifles. "We need to protect our children in school," he said, adding, "This is the beginning." Spain Park High School student Connor Welch. J'Corion Johnson is the Student Government Association president at Birmingham's Phillips Academy and was one of the speakers at the rally. Johnson, an 8th grader, told marchers about how students organized during the Civil Rights Movement. "I believe it is time for us to come up with our own solutions," Johnson said. Johnson said his school is only 20 minutes away from Huffman High School where Arrington was shot and killed. "That could have been us," he told the crowd. J'Corion Johnson, an 8th grader at Birmingham's Phillips Academy, with his grandmother and great-grandfather at the March for Our Lives at Railroad Park on March 24. Before the rally, Johnson told AL.com, "I'm glad to see that it's not just young people, that people are finally paying attention to the cause." Rachel Ross-Davis, a Homewood High School junior who attended the march, said, "We're going to be the ones to vote and change the government and the perception of Alabama." Though she is only 17, she will be 18 before Alabama's general election in November and has already registered to vote. Sadie Farmer, a junior at Jefferson County's International Baccalaureate school said she and her friends attended because, "Enough is enough." "All the killings and the school shootings are absolutely unacceptable and we need to put a stop to it," saying gun laws need to change. Hope Smith of Alabaster created a sign with the names of victims of school and church shootings to honor them. Heather Imhof, a Homewood resident, brought her four children to the march "to show them their voice does matter." Imhof said common-sense gun laws are a good place to start to make schools safer. "I love [my children] dearly," she said, "and I don't want them to die at school." Hope Smith, a sophomore from Alabaster, made a sign with the names of mass-shooting victims from recent school and church shootings. Smith made the sign, she said, because, "They were real people with real lives, and they were killed by this issue that we're talking about today, so I thought it was important that their names be present." Some of the student organizers of Birmingham's March for Our Lives held March 24, 2018, in Railroad Park. Student organizers began planning the march in late February after the survivors of the Parkland shooting planned a march in Washington, D.C. Students here raised money needed for permits for the march and additional security through a fundraising campaign set up on GoFundMe. Ashley Causey, a senior at Helena High School in Shelby County, lead students' efforts to organize Birmingham's march. This was Causey's first lead role in organizing an event like this, but she said it won't be her last. Causey and a team of students from across the Birmingham area planned the march from start to finish. U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell, D-Birmingham, spoke during the rally, telling marchers she attended Courtlin Arrington's funeral earlier in the day. Sewell called for a moment of silence for Arrington and others who have been harmed by gun violence. Sewell drew cheers from the crowd for encouraging activists to continue to push elected lawmakers for reform to gun laws. If lawmakers refuse to change the laws, Sewell said, "Vote them out." Sewell told AL.com "These students are not alone. There are lawmakers that know that every school needs books, not guns. It's going to be because of these students that we get gun safety reform." After the march, Causey said the group of students plans to stay together and work with other groups across the country to stay focused on gun law reforms. "We're going to keep going after this. We're not just going to go home." Milton McGregor -- the Alabama gambling magnate who owned the Birmingham Race Course and VictoryLand casino -- has died, according to his public relations firm. "Milton E. McGregor, 78, Montgomery entrepreneur and developer of VictoryLand and the Birmingham Race Course, died peacefully at his home Sunday, March 25, 2018," read the statement from Direct Communications. "Mr. McGregor is survived by his wife of 50 years, Patricia Turner McGregor, daughter Kim McGregor and husband Dan Hix, daughter Cindy and husband Lewis Benefield and seven grandchildren. Further details of funeral arrangements will be announced." McGregor's family and attorneys were not immediately available to confirm initial reports of his death that surfaced on social media Sunday morning. Milton McGregor passed away at his home in Montgomery last night around 11:30. He was beloved by a lot of Alabamians, including me. Ill miss my friend. #alpolitics Steve Flowers (@SteveFlowersAL) March 25, 2018 According to his web site, McGregor was born in Hartford, Ala. in Geneva County in 1939. His education at Troy State University and Auburn business schools was interrupted by two stints in the military, and for a time his web site said he worked as an engineer for Boeing in Huntsville. In 1981, McGregor left a job at Fort Rucker to enter the video gaming business full-time, opening a string of Happy Tymes video arcades in Enterprise, Dothan and Ozark and placed video machines in businesses throughout south Alabama and northwest Florida. McGregor opened a greyhound dog racing track in Macon County in 1983, which eventually became VictoryLand, and purchased the Birmingham Race Course in 1992, adapting it to accommodate both horse racing and greyhound racing. He was a controversial figure. McGregor was acquitted in 2012 on charges that he had illegally bribed state lawmakers to influence gambling legislation, and he frequently clashed with state authorities on whether his electronic bingo machines were legal. The VictoryLand casino in Shorter, Ala. was shut down for more than three years after state law enforcement agencies raided the casino and seized electronic gambling machines in 2013. This story will be updated as more information becomes available. I'm starting to think they're reading from a different Bible up in Etowah County. Maybe Roy Moore thumped the thing so hard the words got mixed up. "Let us prey." Something's lost in translation. Like in Matthew when that pious dude has a come-to-Jesus moment and is shocked to learn he's not booked for salvation. "Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison?" he asked, incredulous that his tickets to Heaven weren't waiting at Will Call. Most of you know the response he got. Contempt. Condemnation, and one of the strongest messages of the gospels. "Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me," Jesus said. I wonder where all those words fell out. Those pages. Because it seems like Etowah County - and much of the Bible Belt, for that matter - only got part of the point. "Do it to one of the least of these." Do it to 'em. Without remorse. I don't know this Etowah abridgment. I didn't know it when Moore rained judgment with a redwood sticking out of his eye, when he preached loathing in the name of Jesus or when he forever tainted the passage "let the little children come to me." But public officials - those who thump that Bible even if they don't follow it - put politics above right and wrong, pinning the blame on the poor and sick and strange and imprisoned. Etowah County Sheriff Todd Entrekin answered questions Friday, attempting to explain away pocketing a quarter million dollars a year from the inmate food fund in his jail. He was not convincing. Etowah County Sheriff Todd Entrekin. He stood by his nutrition plan, boasting that "several meals are above the (recommended) calorie count." "Eat what you are served and you will get a balanced meal," he said. Eat what you're served and the sheriff gets a vacation home. Politicians could fix it. The Etowah County Commission could assume authority for the food program, but they're too busy passing the buck or praying they won't get tainted by Entrekin's buffoonery. Rep. Mack Butler, a Republican, filed a constitutional amendment in the Alabama Legislature that sought to end it, to have leftover food money deposited in a bank and spent only for official use. But that turned into a food fight. Rep. Craig Ford, a longtime Democrat who will run against Butler as an Independent in a senate race, failed to sign onto the local bill, thereby killing it. He pointed to Republican Sen. Phil Williams, whose questions about the bill also would have killed it. Everybody points at everybody and nothing changes. Not just in Etowah County, but across the state, where sheriffs in almost 50 counties are incentivized to profit from food funds, and most won't say how much they feed inmates or how much they take for themselves. Give Butler credit for trying. He said he's fully on board to propose and pass a statewide bill to change all that, to end the antiquated practice once and for all. "I'm committing to you, we're going to fix it," he said. If he can cut through the piety. The Alabama Legislature won't make it happen this year, but the House did approve a constitutional amendment to let the state and public schools display the Ten Commandments - assuring that state money will be spent on lawsuits and not education, or help for the poor, or for the hungry, or thirsty, or strangers, or the naked or sick or in prison. I don't know if they're missing words. But they sure do miss the point. John Archibald's column appears in The Birmingham News, the Huntsville Times, the Mobile Register and AL.com. Write him at jarchibald@al.com. Much has happened in the last week related to pro-life advocacy. Mississippi signed into law a 15-week abortion ban that was quickly challenged and temporarily blocked by the courts, pending further review. Of even greater consequence, perhaps, were the oral arguments heard by the Supreme Court on Tuesday in the case of NIFLA v. Becerra, which challenged the constitutionality of a California law requiring pregnancy resource centers, many of which are funded and run by faith based pro-life organizations, to advertise for free or low-cost government funded abortions. Pro-life organizations in that state pushed back against in the law, asserting that it essentially places an undue burden on their right to free speech. They were right to do so. I know a great deal about what goes on in a pro-life pregnancy resource center because every Tuesday, I give my morning to one as a volunteer. I serve as a counselor to women who come to our center seeking information or resources. First, let me dispel the myths that some in the pro-choice community perpetuate about centers like ours, namely that we misrepresent ourselves as healthcare providers when we're not, and that we manipulate women by offering inaccurate or incomplete information. If a woman calls our center (which is affiliated with the national Care Net organization) and asks if we provide abortion services, we tell her up front that we do not, but that we offer free pregnancy testing and free ultrasounds performed by a licensed ultrasound technician, all with the oversight of a licensed ob/gyn physician. We're licensed by the Alabama Department of Public Health to provide these services. The diagnostic-quality pregnancy test and ultrasound are things that would be required to obtain an abortion, so even abortion-minded women often come to our facility first to take advantage of those free services. In the intake process for a new client, we have the opportunity to ask questions about the woman's current health and circumstances, her feelings about the potential pregnancy, and her plans for the pregnancy should the test be positive. It's a whole lot of listening on the part of the counselor. If testing confirms the pregnancy and the client is unsure about next steps, we offer her a chance to see her baby with a free ultrasound, along with basic information about three options: parenting, adoption and abortion. Why? Because we want her to know she has options. Real options. You'd think a movement with "choice" in its name would be down with that. Many women who seek our services live below the poverty line or lack family support. The paralyzing fear they often feel in the face of an unintended pregnancy is understandable, and we respond by conveying that she is cared for, listened to, and supported. We don't just care about her baby. We care about her. All of her--her physical, emotional and spiritual health. We don't sugar-coat the challenges of keeping her baby and parenting (parenting is hard work), but we tell her we have a comprehensive parenting program she can participate in to learn how to be a great mom, and earn free clothing, diapers and even a car seat along the way. We tell her about the choice of placing her baby for adoption, and the pros and cons of that path. We can refer her to adoption service providers for more information. And finally, abortion. We describe, using an animated video presentation, what that procedure entails. It's all very cut and dried. No gory images or emotionally manipulative language. Just the facts. Most importantly, as a faith-based organization, we take the opportunity to tell her about a God who loves her and her baby, and offer to pray with her. But do we draw the line at handing her a referral to an abortion provider, telling her how to get her abortion paid for, essentially promoting--on our dime and our time--a choice that is conflict with our religious and moral values? Yes. The law should not be able to compel us to verbally endorse or otherwise facilitate a procedure we don't agree with. It tramples the First Amendment. Fortunately, the questioning during oral arguments for NIFLA v. Becerra on Tuesday showed a majority of the court agrees with me and is likely poised to strike down the California law. Even left-leaning justices commented that the law seemed to be written to unfairly target pro-life clinics and organizations. After all, the law doesn't require Planned Parenthood to notify women about the presence of nearby pro-life pregnancy centers and the scandalous amounts of prenatal care, material help and emotional support available there. There's no reciprocity. As long as abortion is legal, advocates for life should be free to help people without being forced to facilitate that which we find wrong. ComebackTown is published by David Sher to begin a discussion on a better Birmingham. David Sher is Co-Founder of AmSher Compassionate Collections and past Chairman of Birmingham Regional Chamber of Commerce, ONB, and CAP. Let's turn Birmingham around. Click here to sign up for newsletter. There's power in numbers. (Opt out at any time) Governor Ivey, you can do better than this. Ivey, who's campaigning for a full four year term as governor, addressed the Rotary Club of Birmingham on March 7th. In her prepared remarks she bragged about $6 billion of new investments in Alabama since April of last year...including the $1.6 billion Huntsville Toyota-Mazda plant. Since Birmingham has fallen behind other areas of the state like Mobile and Huntsville in economic development, it was likely someone in the audience would ask about Birmingham's lack of success during questions and answers at the conclusion of her talk. Question: "What does Birmingham need to do in order to further attract investment here in our city and community?" This was an easy softball pitch to give Governor Ivey an opportunity to brag about Birmingham's successes or give some insight as to what has worked elsewhere. Shockingly she chose to attack Birmingham. Governor's response: "I think Birmingham may have suffered from time to time with some corruption or whatever in different boards or commissions around. Y'all get your act cleaned up and let your reputation shine-because there are some opportunities that would fit well for Birmingham in my view." Think about her response for a moment. Governor Ivey criticized Birmingham's lack of economic success on corruption after Alabama's top three elected officials left office for corruption or ethics violations. Corruption charges against our previous governor are why Ivey is our sitting governor. You can't make this stuff up. It appears unethical behavior by Alabama officials hasn't hurt the Alabama economic victories that Governor Ivey had just taken credit for. What's worrisome is that it might be difficult for Governor Ivey to promote Birmingham to others when she sees Birmingham as corrupt. Birmingham is not alone Birmingham is one of many cities that have suffered from political corruption, but we have such low self-esteem, we let it hold us back. Nashville's mayor just resigned after pleading guilty to felony theft. And in 2014, Charlotte's mayor resigned, after facing corruption charges. Nashville and Charlotte will continue to prosper. Their political indiscretions will not be used by Tennessee or North Carolina as an excuse. I do agree, however, with Governor Ivey's suggestion that we should 'get our act together,' and that's why I'm optimistic when I see some of our mayors meeting and working together. Here are Ivey's answers to other questions... Governor Ivey says 'no' to the lottery Question: "We're one of six states without a lottery and would the governor be willing for us to have a lottery if those resulting funds would be used for education?" Governor's response: "The solution should not be that we need more money for education. I think we can get more money for education and everything else if we get more people working, which we are doing. They're paying taxes and the revenues can continue to be up. I'd like to see us pursuing private enterprise that works--putting people to work and let them earn and pay taxes and go that way. The lottery is very popular among people if you could have a simple lottery, but that would have to start with the legislature and I don't know whether it's likely at this junction." Governor Ivey says 'no' to constitutional reform Question: "Our constitution is antiquated and large. Are you open to a discussion about constitutional reform?" Governor's response: "What is the constitution as long as it is that prevents you from doing what you want to do? Just 'cause it is big and thick doesn't necessarily mean that you want to open it up and you have to be very careful about opening it up. Who's going to serve on the panel? So be careful. That's not always the best thing to do." Listen to the entire Rotary speech including questions and answers: https://soundcloud.com/bhamrotary Jeremy Corbyn: Jews and your racist friends know what you are If youre still unsure whether or not the mural painted on an east London wall (see above) was anti-Semitic, you are either: a) possibly not fully aware what anti-semitism is (see Shami Chakrabartis absurd report into anti-semitism in the Labour Party) b) unaware that the artist, Mear One, said of his 2012 creation: Some of the older white Jewish folk in the local community had an issue with me portraying their beloved #Rothschild or #Warburg etc as the demons they are. c) did not hear Lutfur Rahman, the Tower Hamlets mayor at the time, say he wanted it removed because the images of the bankers perpetuate antisemitic propaganda about conspiratorial Jewish domination of financial and political institutions. d) have yet to hear a Corbyn spokesperson tell everyone last week: In 2012, Jeremy was responding to concerns about the removal of public art on grounds of freedom of speech. However, the mural was offensive, used antisemitic imagery, which has no place in our society, and it is right that it was removed. Before this was news, Jeremy Corbyn rather liked the mural called Freedom of Humanity. When the artist wrote on Facebook, Tomorrow they want to buff my mural. Freedom of expression. London calling. Public Art, Corbyn replied: Why? You are in good company. Rockerfeller destroyed Diego Vieras mural because it includes a picture of Lenin. Corbyn was, apparently, referring to an incident in 1934, when a work by Mexican artist Diego Rivera was removed from New Yorks Rockefeller Centre. This might be tricky one to spin, then, even for nuanced and slippery Corbyn. As Rod Liddle puts it in the Times (Nothing proves Jeremy Corbyn is anti-semitic just everything he says and does): I suspect most Jewish people will take the view that if it walks like an anti-semite and repeatedly quacks like an anti-semite, then it probably is an anti-semite. Over in the Jewish Chronicle, Stephen Pollard (There is only one word for Jeremy Corbyn) writes: Mr Corbyn is a liar. Yeah, I thought he was going to call him something else, too. Pollard thinks Corbyn is a liar because of what he said then and what he said this week dont really tally. Heres Corbyns latest apology for having friends who dabble in anti-semitism: In 2012 I made a general comment about the removal of public art on grounds of freedom of speech. My comment referred to the destruction of the mural Man at the Crossroads by Diego Rivera on the Rockefeller Center. That is in no way comparable with the mural in the original post. I sincerely regret that I did not look more closely at the image I was commenting on, the contents of which are deeply disturbing and anti-Semitic. I wholeheartedly support its removal. I am opposed to the production of anti-Semitic material of any kind, and the defence of free speech cannot be used as a justification for the promotion of anti-Semitism in any form. That is a view Ive always held. But thats not what he said before. How closely do you have to look at the image to think it anti-semitic, especially when you are as sensitive to anti-semitism as Corbyn says he is? Maybe everyone is wrong? Maybe the Guardian is right to cast the whole thing as a matter of opinion. The paper uses inverted commas to soften the racism, saying Corbyn is in an antisemitism row after backing artist behind offensive mural. Are you offended by what the Guardian calls a mural that pictured several apparently Jewish bankers playing a game of Monopoly, with their tabletop resting on the bowed naked backs of several workers? Corbyn wasnt. The Guardian is unsure if its readers are. But blessedly some Labour MPs have backbone. Labour peer Stewart Wood said: The German Social Democrats had an expression in the 1890s: antisemitism is the socialism of fools. Sadly, Labours leadership now faces the challenge of having to convince our party and country that they will not tolerate those who confuse the two. Dudley MP Ian Austin said: Jeremy would never have defended racist imagery aimed at any other group. But some Labour MPs are just as slippery as their leader: Corbyns Deputy Tom Watson, you know the bloke who takes money from Max Mosely (not a Jew) and who called dead Tory Leon Britton (was a Jew) as close to evil as any human being can get (he later apologised for that error) was shown the mural on BBC TV and asked for his reaction to it. My reaction is that is a horrible anti-Semitic mural that was rightly taken down You are showing it to me on a 32-inch screen on national television and I have seen it about 100 times on social media. Its very different from seeing it on Facebook when you are on the move. Theres only move that chills us: Jeremy Corbyns relocation to 10 Downing Street. And he clearly doesnt care if Jews vote for him are not. It was Corbyns old mucker Ken Livingstone who explained Labour Party thinking on BBCs Newsnight programme in 2012: People vote according to their income. Now that can change it might be a generation before people catch up. If we were talking 50 years ago, the Roman Catholic community, the Irish community in Britain, the Jewish community was solidly Labour. Still the Irish Catholic community is pretty still solidly Labour because it is not terribly rich. As the Jewish community got richer, it moved over to voting for Mrs Thatcher as they did in Finchley. And were back to those Jewish bankers. Stephen Pollard is right. Jews know what you are, Jeremy Corbyn. The terrifying thing is that not enough of your colleagues think its all that big a deal. The oldest prejudice is back. And it is rampant. Paul Sorene Posted: 25th, March 2018 | In: Key Posts, News, Politicians Comment | TrackBack | Permalink She survived 10 days in her vehicle after a wrong turn on her way home to Marysville trapped her in mud; flagged down her rescue According to the Sri Lanka Guardian newspaper website, Sri Lanka Defense Ministry is under negotiations with Russia to acquire new air defense systems S-300 and Buk. Currently Sri Lanka armed forces don't have any air defense missile systems. S-300PMU 2 TEL (Transporter Erector Launcher) mobile unit (Picture source Army Recognition) Sri lanka armed forces would like to increase their capacity against fighters aircraft and UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Systems), by the use of missiles able to destroy these types of threats in addition to provide some cruise and ballistic missile defense capacities. The S-300 (NATO reporting name SA-10 Grumble) is a series of initially Soviet and later Russian long range surface-to-air missile systems produced by NPO Almaz, based on the initial S-300P version. The latest version, the S-300PMU2 was introduced with the Russian army in 1997. The S-300PMU2 Favorit was show for the first time during the Air Show Exhibtion MAKS edition 1997, in Moscow. Like the S-300PMU-1, 12 launcher units can be controlled, with any mix of 5P85SE2 self propelled and 5P85TE2 trailer launchers. The S-300PMU2 Favorit can engage targets flying from 10 m to 27 km above the surface at a speed of up to 10,000 km/h. It is claimed that it has a kill ratio ranging from 0.8 to 0.93 against aircraft and from 0.8 to 0.98 against Tomahawk-class cruise missiles. The S-300PMU2 can engage up to 6 targets simultaneously while providing guidance for up to 12 missiles - two missiles per target ensuring target kill. Buk-M2 medium-range mobile air defense missiile system (Picture source Vitaly Kuzmin) The Buk missile system is a family of self-propelled, medium-range surface-to-air missile systems developed by the Soviet Union and its successor state, the Russian Federation, and designed to counter cruise missiles, smart bombs, fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft, and unmanned aerial vehicles. The BUK-M3 is the latest variant in the family of Buk medium-range air defense missile system. The Buk-M3 uses the new 9R31M missile radar-guided surface-to-air missile (SAM) with increased range and enhanced overall performance compared with the 9M38 used on the Buk-M1 and Buk-M2. The Buk-3Ms target-destruction probability has reached 0.9999 and its maximum destruction range has been increased by 25 kilometers and now stands at 70 kilometers. The Buk-M3 is able to destroy any types of air targets from a range of 2.5 to 70 km, with a speed of 3,000 m/s at an altitude from 15 m to 35 km. The Buk-M2 is the current variant in service with the Russian armed forces, also called with the NATO code name of SA-17 Grizzly. The Buk-M2 can engage a wide variety of targets from aircraft to missiles flying at an altitude of between 10 and 24,000 m out a maximum range of 50 km in given conditions. The SA-17 Grizzly can engage simultaneous of up to 24 targets flying from any direction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ARTESIA POLICE DEPARTMENT March 22 ARREST 12:06 a.m. Jesus Torres, 28, of Artesia, arrested on two municipal warrants for failure to pay fines. SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY 1:18 a.m. Officer dispatched to Artesia General Hospital in reference to suspicious activity. BREAKING AND ENTERING 4:24 a.m. Officer dispatched to 3314 W. Grand Ave. in reference to breaking and entering. UNWANTED SUBJECT 7:56 a.m. Officer dispatched to Artesia General Hospital in reference to an unwanted subject. March 21 ALARM 8:07 a.m. Officer dispatched to 1802 W. Briscoe Ave. in reference to an alarm. GRAFFITI 8:24 a.m. Officer dispatched to the Abo Apartments in reference to graffiti. SHOTS FIRED 10:55 a.m. Officer dispatched to Country Club Estates in reference to shots fired in the area. ACCIDENT 11:42 a.m. Officer dispatched to North First Street and West Richey Avenue in reference to a motor vehicle accident. ALARM 12:40 p.m. Officer dispatched to Brewer, 2601 W. Main St., in reference to an alarm. TRESPASSING 2:08 p.m. Officer dispatched to the 700 block of West Lolita Avenue in reference to trespassing. SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY 2:15 p.m. Officer dispatched to the 900 block of South Roselawn Avenue in reference to suspicious activity. ALARM 3:37 p.m. Officer dispatched to 1504 W. Dallas Ave. in reference to an alarm. VANDALISM 4:29 p.m. Officer dispatched to North Park Trailer Park in reference to vandalism. ACCIDENT 5:29 p.m. Officer dispatched to the 2600 block of North 26th Street in reference to a motor vehicle accident. THREATS 7:48 p.m. Officer dispatched to the 3100 block of West Missouri Avenue in reference to threats. SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY 7:44 p.m. Officer dispatched to South Eighth Street and West Washington Avenue in reference to suspicious activity. DISTURBANCE 7:57 p.m. Officer dispatched to Yucca Mobile Village in reference to a disturbance. SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY 8:45 p.m. Officer dispatched to the 900 block of West Chisum Avenue in reference to suspicious activity. 9:14 p.m. Officer dispatched to South Ninth Street and West Hermosa Drive in reference to suspicious activity. OPEN DOOR 10:41 p.m. Officer dispatched to 2103 W. Jacobs Ave. in reference to an open door. DISTURBANCE 11:48 p.m. Officer dispatched to the Abo Apartments in reference to a disturbance. EDDY COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE March 22 ALARM 6:45 a.m. Deputy dispatched to 2711 N. 26th St. in reference to an alarm. March 21 SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY 1:24 p.m. Deputy dispatched to Heath Street and Billy Drive in reference to suspicious activity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ARTESIA POLICE DEPARTMENT March 23 SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY 1:11 a.m. Officer dispatched to South 24th Street and West Ray Avenue in reference to suspicious activity. INTOXICATED SUBJECT 1:48 a.m. Officer dispatched to the 700 block of West Runyan Avenue in reference to an intoxicated subject. SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY 3:23 a.m. Officer dispatched to the Canyonstone Apartments in reference to suspicious activity. March 22 THREATS 8:59 a.m. Officer dispatched to the 800 block of West Texas Avenue in reference to threats. BURGLARY 9:06 a.m. Officer dispatched to 312 W. Logan Ave. in reference to burglary. FRAUD 12:17 p.m. Officer dispatched to 1811 W. Runyan Ave. in reference to fraud. ACCIDENT 12:35 p.m. Officer dispatched to North First Street and East Richey Avenue in reference to a motor vehicle accident. 2:29 p.m. Officer dispatched to the 300 block of South 39th Street in reference to a motor vehicle accident. ALARM 4:04 p.m. Officer dispatched to 505 S. Ninth St. in reference to an alarm. 4:07 p.m. Officer dispatched to First American Bank in reference to an alarm. HARASSMENT 5:21 p.m. Officer dispatched to Roselawn Manor in reference to harassment. ALARM 6:48 p.m. Officer dispatched to the Artesia Animal Shelter in reference to an alarm. SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY 8:10 p.m. Officer dispatched to the 1200 block of West Missouri Avenue in reference to suspicious activity. 8:28 p.m. Officer dispatched to the 1400 block of West Chisum Avenue in reference to suspicious activity. 9:06 p.m. Officer dispatched to 13th and Main streets in reference to suspicious activity. 10:22 p.m. Officer dispatched to South 20th Street and West Bullock Avenue in reference to suspicious activity. 10:26 p.m. Officer dispatched to the 1100 block of West Bullock Avenue in reference to suspicious activity. 10:33 p.m. Officer dispatched to the 1000 block of South Sixth Street in reference to suspicious activity. ALARM 10:44 p.m. Officer dispatched to 4002 W. Missouri Ave. in reference to an alarm. EDDY COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE March 23 OPEN DOOR 1:06 a.m. Deputy dispatched to 912 W. Richey Ave. in reference to an open door. March 22 ALARM 9:46 a.m. Deputy dispatched to 176 Lakewood Road in reference to an alarm. FRAUD 11:12 a.m. Deputy dispatched to R530 N. 26th St. in reference to fraud. Aviation regulator DGCA was also aware of the problem and held meetings to discuss the issue in which P&W participated too. The DGCA recently stated that preliminary findings indicate that the affected engines, which have high pressure compressor aft hub modification embodied from ESN P770450, are more susceptible to IFSD and that this condition, if not corrected, could lead to dual engine IFSD. The sudden cancellation of Indigo and GoAir flights over faulty engines may have plunged the aviation sector into a crisis, but its the passengers who are facing the brunt of it. New Delhi: It is being described as the latest crisis to hit Indian aviation and it could get worse. Indias aviation market leader IndiGo had to cancel hundreds of flights this month due to a major fault in some of its P&W-1100 engines manufactured by global manufacturer Pratt and Whitney (P&W) that were fitted in its Airbus A-320 Neo aircraft. Thats when all hell broke loose. It meant that thousands of passengers were suddenly faced with uncertainty on whether they would be able to reach their travel destinations in the days to come. IndiGo isnt just another Indian carrier. It is the popular choice of most Indian passengers who travel by air and commands about 40 per cent of the domestic market. Added to this was the fact that another low cost carrier which was using the same engines GoAir also had to cancel scores of flights. GoAir too commands nearly 10 per cent of the market. But why did it have to come to this? The saga began exactly two years ago when IndiGo started inducting the A-320 Neo into its fleet. GoAir started the induction about two months after that, in May, 2016. Documents show that in the next one and a half years, from March 2016, to September, 2017, there were 69 cases of engine failure in these engines in IndiGo alone. Aviation regulator DGCA was also aware of the problem and held meetings to discuss the issue in which P&W participated too. But top DGCA sources told this newspaper that there were broadly two issues. The first pertained to mainly two defects that were initially dogging the engines and which were responsible for the overwhelming majority of engine failures in 2016-17. These were problems in the combustion chamber of the engines while the other pertained to a oil chip warning arising from the failure of a bearing number 3 in the engines. Shockingly, as per DGCA documents, Pratt and Whitney had apparently informed the DGCA way back in February last year that the problems in the bearing number 3 were known before the aircraft were delivered in India (to the two airlines). But it was the second issue that appeared far more serious. The second issue pertained to In-flight Shut Down (IFSD) of faulty PW 1100 engines that was broadly observed from only the beginning of this year. To say that the DGCA did not act in time is incorrect. The DGCA is proactive and very conservative when it comes to air-safety, top government sources maintained. The IFSD that triggered panic in aviation circles pertained to a technical condition stemming from the high pressure compressor aft hub modification embodied from Engine Serial Number (ESN) P770450. The DGCA recently stated that preliminary findings indicate that the affected engines, which have high pressure compressor aft hub modification embodied from ESN P770450, are more susceptible to IFSD and that this condition, if not corrected, could lead to dual engine IFSD. The alarm bells were soon rung by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) that directed in February this year that aircraft having both such engines should not fly while those having at least one engine could fly but not undertake Extended range Twin-engine Operations (ETOPS) which in common parlance refers to long flights over the sea. The DGCA immediately followed the EASA line and grounded three IndiGo aircraft that had both such engines fitted. It however, in a controversial move, followed EASAs precedent and allowed the aircraft with at least one such engine to fly provided there were no ETOPS. But a rude shock lay in store. Three incidents of shutdowns of an engine mid-air in a span of just 16 days shook the aviation authorities. On February 24 this year, a GoAir A-320 Neo aircraft suffered a shutdown of a PW-1100 engine after take-off from Leh while the same thing happened on an IndiGo aircraft after take-off from Mumbai on March 5. But the last straw was the serious incident on March 12 when it happened in an IndiGo A-320 Neo aircraft shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad. A panic-stricken DGCA swung into action and ordered grounding of 11 eight IndiGo and three GoAir Airbus 320 Neo aircraft having at least one P&W 1100 engine fitted with a serial number of 450 and beyond. This took the total number of grounded aircraft in India to 14. But critics didnt think enough had been done. Noted lawyer Yeshwanth Shenoy known to take up aviation-related issues filed a case in the Delhi high court, demanding the grounding of the entire IndiGo fleet of 32 A-320 Neos and GoAirs 13 A-320 Neos. The DGCA had not grounded the entire fleet since it felt the IFSD problem only stemmed from engines that had a serial number of 450 or beyond. Why did the DGCA not take action last year when there were so many incidents of engine failures? The DGCA is taking care of the commercial profit of these airlines, Mr Shenoy has alleged. Predictably, these allegations gave been denied by DGCA sources as baseless. But Mr Shenoy adds, "Why did the DGCA wait for a month between February 9 and March 12 this year to ground aircraft with at least one faulty engine? Why did they wait till three incidents of IFSD occurred during this period?" These are questions that will perhaps haunt the DGCA. Capt. S.S. Panesar, an experienced pilot who retired from the erstwhile Indian Airlines after more than 25,000 hours of flying, also feels the aviation regulator did not take adequate action. These engines have manufacturing defects. Is there anything more precious than the lives of passengers? he asks. The DGCA however in a recent statement pointed to the steps taken by it in the past two years. During operations of A320neos, following repetitive defects were reported on these aircraft by IndiGo and Go Air: i) Distress in Combustion Chamber; and ii) Oil chips warning due to wear of No. 3 bearing. After examining the defects, following stringent mitigation measures were introduced by DGCA, which resulted in planned removal of engines to contain the failure during flight: Reduction of periodicity of boroscopic inspection on Combustion Chamber against the recommendation of Engine Manufacturer i.e. M/s Pratt & Whitney, so that distress in combustion chamber is detected well before its failure. Grounding of aircraft from commercial operations on illumination of "oil chip lights" due to No. 3 bearing failure on aircraft display panel as against the manufacturer recommendation of 10 flight hours. The Government aviation regulator added, Therefore, all the engine removals were done in a planned manner before the impending failure of engines and DGCA ensured that there is no compromise on safety of aircraft operations. The engine manufacturer has taken series of remedial actions to address the above issues related to combustion chamber and No. 3 bearing issues. Both the issues have now been addressed with modification of No. 3 bearing and incorporation of new combustion chambers. Following the developments earlier this month, Pratt and Whitney (P&W) recently said, We are working closely with our customers to minimise disruption. The corrective action has been approved and we have already begun to deliver production engines with the upgraded configuration. We are working to mitigate the AOG situation by the end of the second quarter. According to the DGCA, worldwide, there are 113 A320/A321neos with PW 1100 engines operating worldwide by 18 operators. But all this is of little consolation to passengers whose concerns about safety while flying have sky-rocketed and flight schedules have gone completely awry. Five others who are alleged to be involved in several criminal cases in UP were injured during gunfights with the police. An AK-47 and a smooth-bore breech loading (SBBL) gun were confiscated from encounter spot in Noida. (Photo: Representational/File) Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Police in a span of 24 hours, gunned down two criminals wanted in murder cases, carrying rewards on their heads. Five others who are alleged to be involved in several criminal cases in UP were injured during gunfights with the police, an NDTV report said. In Noida, a criminal with a bounty of Rs 1 lakh on his head was shot dead on Sunday morning. He was wanted in murder cases in Noida and Delhi. The criminal, Shravan Chaudhry, was injured in an encounter with the police, later succumbed to his injuries in hospital, informed the Director General of Police (DGP) headquarters. An AK-47 and a smooth-bore breech loading (SBBL) gun were also confiscated from the spot. A wanted criminal, carrying a bounty of Rs 25,000 on his head, was killed in an encounter with police on Saturday night in UP's Saharanpur, However, another criminal managed to escape during the encounter, according to the police. A motorcycle, Rs 1 lakh and a pistol were recovered from the criminal. A policeman also sustained injuries. He was later admitted to a hospital for treatment. Meanwhile, a manhunt has been launched for the absconding criminal. Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Police in a span of 24 hours, gunned down two criminals wanted in murder cases, carrying rewards on their heads. Five others who are alleged to be involved in several criminal cases in UP were injured during gunfights with the police, an NDTV report said. In Noida, a criminal with a bounty of Rs 1 lakh on his head was shot dead on Sunday morning. He was wanted in murder cases in Noida and Delhi. The criminal, Shravan Chaudhry, was injured in an encounter with the police, later succumbed to his injuries in hospital, informed the Director General of Police (DGP) headquarters. An AK-47 and a smooth-bore breech loading (SBBL) gun were also confiscated from the spot. A wanted criminal, carrying a bounty of Rs 25,000 on his head, was killed in an encounter with police on Saturday night in UP's Saharanpur, However, another criminal managed to escape during the encounter, according to the police. A motorcycle, Rs 1 lakh and a pistol were recovered from the criminal. A policeman also sustained injuries. He was later admitted to a hospital for treatment. Meanwhile, a manhunt has been launched for the absconding criminal. Paintings of acclaimed artists like Amrita Sher-Gil, M.F. Hussain and K.K. Hebbar valued at Rs 10 crore have been seized. New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has made a fresh seizure of antique jewellery, costly watches and paintings of Amrita Sher-Gil and M.F. Hussain worth Rs 26 crore from the sea-facing Mumbai apartment of diamantaire Nirav Modi as part of its investigation into the multi-crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case. Sources said the ED along with the CBI launched fresh searches on March 22 at the Samudra Mahal luxury residential flats of Modi in Mumbais Worli area which resulted in the recovery of fresh valuables. Antique jewellery worth Rs 15 crore, costly watches valued at Rs 1.4 crore and paintings of acclaimed artists like Amrita Sher-Gil, M.F. Hussain and K.K. Hebbar valued at Rs 10 crore have been seized over the last three days under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), they said adding that a lone diamond ring in this cache is valued at Rs 10 crore, they added. The Central agency has filed two money laundering FIRs against Nirav Modi and his uncle and Gitanjali Gems promoter Mehul Choksi to probe the alleged over Rs 1,200 crore fraud in the PNB. The ED has also notified the Interpol for a global arrest warrant against the two as they have left India early this year and have not appeared before the agency after summonses were issued to them. A Mumbai special court has issued non-bailable warrants against them on the request of the ED. It has conducted a total of 251 country-wide searches in this case after it began the criminal probe against the accused in February. The total seizure and attachment of diamond, gold, precious and semi-precious stones and other movable and immovable assets in the case stand at Rs 7,664 crore. The move is being initiated to promote tourism, create employment for the locals and generate revenue for the state, an MHA official said. 'Discussions are on with the state governments to relax the Restricted Area Permit provisions for some areas for foreign tourists,' Union minister of state for home Kiren Rijiju said. (Photo: File) New Delhi: Foreign tourists, except those from Pakistan and China, may soon be allowed to visit some of the most pristine locations of the country, kept out of bound so far for them without a special permit. The Union home ministry is examining whether to relax the six-decade-old Restricted Area Permit regime, under which foreigners must obtain a special permission to visit Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and parts of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan and Jammu and Kashmir among others. "Discussions are on with the state governments to relax the Restricted Area Permit provisions for some areas for foreign tourists," Union minister of state for home Kiren Rijiju said. Rijiju said the Ministry of Home Affairs will coordinate with other agencies and the state governments to identify the possible locations for which the Protected Area Permit and the Restricted Area Permit provisions may be relaxed. An MHA official said the citizens from Pakistan and China, however, are unlikely to be given these relaxations. Also Read: Want dragon, elephant to dance together, but no to China's BRI: India The move is being initiated to promote tourism, create job opportunities for the locals and generate revenue for the state, he said. Under the Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, 1958, all areas falling between the Inner line and the International Border of some states have been declared as protected areas. The protected areas currently include whole of Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland and Sikkim, besides parts of Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand and Jammu and Kashmir. Some parts of Sikkim fall under the protected area regime while others under the restricted area. As per a December 30, 2010 circular of the MHA, Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland were excluded from the protected area regime initially for a period of one year from January 1, 2011, subject to some conditions. As per the guidelines, a foreign national is not normally allowed to visit a protected or restricted area unless the government is satisfied that there are extra-ordinary reasons to justify his or her visit. Every foreigner, except a citizen of Bhutan, who desires to enter and stay in a protected or restricted area, is required to obtain a special permit from a competent authority having the power to issue such permits to a foreigner, seeking it. In cases, where the power to issue such permits has not been delegated to a subordinate authority by the Union government, the application for the special permit has to be referred to the Ministry of Home Affairs for prior approval, at least eight weeks before the date of the expected visit. With an aim to promote tourism, the government, time to time by notification, exempts some of such restricted or protected areas from the need of special permission for foreigners to visit them. Necessary powers have been delegated to various authorities to issue such special permits without the prior approval of the Union home ministry to facilitate foreign tourists subject to the certain exceptions. In cases of foreign diplomats, including the members of the United Nations and international organisations holding diplomatic or official passports, the special permits to visit such protected or restricted areas are issued by the Ministry of External Affairs. In cases of the citizens of Afghanistan, China and Pakistan and foreign nationals of Pakistani origin, no permit, however, can be issued without the prior approval of the Union home ministry. The Bharatiya Janata Party has alleged that the Trinamool Congress was behind the incident. Mamata Banerjee had directed the police not to permit any organisation to hold processions displaying arms during Ram Navami on Sunday, barring those who have been doing it for a long time. (Photo: PTI) Kolkata: Four people were injured after a Ram Navami pandal set up by BJP workers was attacked by miscreants in West Bengal's Bardhaman district on Saturday night. The Bharatiya Janata Party has alleged that the Trinamool Congress was behind the incident. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had earlier on Wednesday warned that "Hooliganism will not be tolerated". The ruling Trinamool Congress and the Opposition BJP organised rallies and colourful processions to celebrate Ram Navami in various parts of the state on Sunady, with the saffron party dubbing these rallies as the first step towards "uniting the Hindus" of Bengal. The TMC in a bid to counter the rallies by the BJP and Sangh affiliates took out colourful processions and organised Ram Puja in various parts of the state and said, "BJP won't be able to use Ram Navami as an excuse to divide the people of the state". Banerjee had earlier directed the police to take strong immediate action against those trying to disrupt peace. Mamata Banerjee had also directed the police not to permit any organisation to hold processions displaying arms during Ram Navami on Sunday, barring those who have been doing it for a long time. "I know that there are only a couple of organisations in Howrah and Asansol which traditionally hold Ram Navami processions with arms. Those who have been celebrating Ram Navami for more than a decade will be given special permission to hold processions with arms," the chief minister said. (With PTI inputs) Prime Minister Modi lauded Ahmed Ali, a rickshaw-puller from Karimgunj district of Assam, who has established nine schools in his area. Prime Minister praised one doctor, Ajit Mohan Chaudhary, from Uttar Pradesh's Kanpur district, who has been treating patients for free for past one month. (Photo: ANI) New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday thanked the ordinary hard-working Indians for inspiring many through their selfless service and mentioned the names of some of such personalities in his monthly radio address, 'Mann Ki Baat'. Addressing the nation, the Prime Minister praised one doctor, Ajit Mohan Chaudhary, from Uttar Pradesh's Kanpur district, who has been treating patients for free for past one month. Prime Minister Modi said, "When I heard the story of Kanpur based Dr. Ajit Mohan Choudhary, of how he visits the underprivileged on footpaths and offers free medicines to them, it gives one an opportunity to feel the sense of brotherhood that prevails in the country." Prime Minister Modi also lauded Ahmed Ali, a rickshaw-puller from Karimgunj district of Assam, who has established nine schools in his area. "When I read in letters sent by you that how a rickshaw puller from Assam's Karimganj, Ahmed Ali built nine schools for poor children, it gives me a glimpse into the nation's willpower," the Prime Minister said in his 42nd monthly radio address to the nation. Prime Minister Modi also hailed a taxi driver, Mohammad Saidul Laskar, who had built an affordable hospital at Punri village nearly 40 kilometres from Kolkata, after Saidul's only sister Marufa Khatoon died a few years ago since they could not afford treatment in a hospital. "13 years ago, Kolkata's cab driver Saidul Laskar lost his sister as she could not get the medical facility in time. He then decided to build a hospital so that no poor ever die due to an absence of medical facility. In this mission, Saidul sold jewellery from his home and collected money through donations. His customers also donated to him generously. After 12 years, Saidul built a 30-bed hospital in Punri village near Kolkata. This is the power of new India," he said. Mentioning an example of women power, the Prime Minister said, "In Uttar Pradesh, when a woman builds 125 toilets after overcoming steep challenges, inspiring women to exercise their due rights, it gives us a glimpse of 'Matri-Shakti', the power of maternal love and caring." Prime Minister said innumerable shining examples like these are the hallmark of our country. Venkaiah Naidu said that India and Germany share similar perceptions on most of the issues confronting the world. New Delhi: German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Saturday held wide-ranging talks with Indian leadership, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and vice-president Venkaiah Naidu, who stressed that the world community must be unanimous in curbing and rooting out terror in all forms. Mr Steinmeier, who is on a five-day visit to India, and Mr Modi discussed ways to strengthen the strategic partnership during their meeting at the renovated Sunder Nursery, a 90-acre heritage park in central Delhi. Had the honour of taking the President of Germany, Mr Frank-Walter Steinmeier to Delhis Sunder Nursery. We had wonderful discussions on a wide range of issues, Mr Modi tweeted. Vice-president M. Venkaiah Naidu and external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj also called on the German president, who has visited India several times in the past in his capacity as the foreign minister and vice chancellor of Germany. Engaging discussion on broadening and deepening our strategic partnership. The two sides attach priority to the relationship, bilaterally and also in the global context, Raveesh Kumar, spokesperson of ministry of the external affairs, tweeted after Ms Swaraj met the President. While interacting with Mr Steinmeier, Naidu said that India and Germany share similar perceptions on most of the issues confronting the world. Without naming Pakistan, Mr Naidu decried the activities of Indias neighbour which is encouraging, abetting and aiding terror groups. Terror has no religion, a statement quoted Mr Naidu as saying during the meeting. The vice-president suggested that the world community must be unanimous in curbing and rooting out terror in all forms, it said. Earlier in the day, Mr Steinmeier was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. The German President had arrived on Thursday and had visited Varanasi. He also had an interaction with students at the Delhi university. On Sunday, he will travel to Chennai. His engagements there include a visit to IIT-Madras and addressing a group of business leaders. The NIA officials feel that the confessional statements will hold the key in nailing the culprits in the case. The NIA, while submitting the chargesheet in the case on January 18, 2018, appended the eight confessional statements and code named those who have given the statements as 'Charlie', 'Romeo', 'Alpha', 'Potter', 'Pie', 'Harry', 'Gama' and an unidentified person. (Photo: Representational | File) New Delhi: Confessional statements by 'Charlie', 'Romeo', 'Alpha' and five others are expected to be key evidence in the chargesheet filed in a court by the National Investigation Agency against 12 people, including Lashker-e-Taiba chief Hafiz Saeed, for funding anti-national activities in the Kashmir Valley. The NIA, while submitting the chargesheet in the case on January 18, 2018, appended the eight confessional statements and code named those who have given the statements as 'Charlie', 'Romeo', 'Alpha', 'Potter', 'Pie', 'Harry', 'Gama' and an unidentified person. The NIA officials feel that the confessional statements will hold the key in nailing the culprits in the case. The probe agency, which registered a case against separatists in the Kashmir Valley on May 30, 2017, managed to secure confessional statements on the flow of money, especially from Pakistan, from eight people accused in the case related to the funding of terror activities in Kashmir. A confessional statement is recorded before a judicial magistrate. The accused confirms in it that he or she is giving a statement without any pressure from the probe agency. The entire process was video-graphed and no investigation officer was present in the court premises during the proceedings when the accused gave their statements before a magistrate, in 2017. In case of retraction later, the agency can file a case of perjury. The statements, made before a judicial magistrate, are aimed at tightening the case against separatists who allegedly funded stone-pelters and spread unrest in the Valley, the officials said on the condition of anonymity. The host of witnesses listed by the NIA in its chargesheet included Naim-ul-Zaffar Geelani, son of separatist Syed Ali Shah Geelani, and Yasir Gaffar Shah, son of arrested businessman Zahoor Ahmed Shah Watali. While Naim-ul-Zaffar Geelani has given a four-page recorded statement, Yasir Gaffar Shah has recorded an eight-page statement with the NIA. Both have been named as prosecution witnesses. The probe agency, which arrested 10 people in connection with the case, filed a chargesheet against 12, including Saeed and Hizbul Mujahideen terror group's chief Syed Salahuddin, who are both in Pakistan. The chargesheet also names 42 protected witnesses in its list of 232 people who would be examined during the proceedings. The witnesses have been protected under section 43(3) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act under which the name and address of the person is not mentioned during the court proceedings. The 42 protected witnesses are also covered under section 17 of NIA Act which provides that the proceedings shall be held 'in-camera'. Among those arrested by the NIA included Altaf Ahmed Shah, the son-in-law of Geelani, Watali, Geelani's close aides Ayaz Akbar, who is also spokesperson of the hardline separatist organisation Tehreek-e-Hurriyat, Peer Saifullah, Shahid-ul-Islam, spokesperson of the moderate Hurriyat Conference, Mehrajuddin Kalwal, Nayeem Khan, Farooq Ahmed Dar alias 'Bitta Karate', photo-journalist Kamran Yusuf and Javed Ahmed Bhat. The NIA had registered a case on May 30 against the separatist and secessionist leaders, including unknown members of the Hurriyat Conference, who have been acting in connivance with active terrorists of proscribed organisations Hizbul Mujahideen, Dukhtaran-e-Millat, Lashkar-e-Taiba and other outfits and gangs, officials said. The case was registered for raising, receiving and collecting funds through various illegal means, including hawala, for funding separatist and terrorist activities in Jammu and Kashmir and for causing disruption in the Valley by way of pelting stones on the security forces, burning schools, damaging public property and waging war against India, the probe agency had said in the FIR. The FIR had also named organisations such as the two factions of the Hurriyat, one led by Geelani and the other Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, the Hizbul Mujahideen and the Dukhtaran-e-Millat, an all-women outfit of the separatists. Kamran Yusuf and Bhat were released on bail last week by a special court. The CPEC traverses through the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The South Asian countries are free to have ties with any country including China, India's Ambassador in Beijing Bambawale said. (Photo: PTI/Representational) New Delhi/Beijing: India is not worried about China's attempts to establish close ties with South Asian countries as New Delhi has strong relations with its neighbours, India's envoy Gautam Bambawale has said. The South Asian countries are free to have ties with any country including China, India's Ambassador in Beijing Bambawale said. "India has its own relationships with all these countries. These are very strong relationships and India is also doing a lot of projects in all these countries, such as the Maldives, Nepal or Sri Lanka," he said in an interview to Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post. "Our relationships with these countries are very strong, they are historical, people-to-people contacts," the envoy said, citing example of India and Nepal having open borders. There is an open border between Nepal and India so people can come to India without any visa, and the reverse is also the case, he said. "So, we have very strong relationships with all these countries and we are confident that this relationship will become even stronger and richer in the coming months and years. I don't think we are worried about what China is doing. Those countries are free to have relationships with any third country including China," Bambawale said. He also spoke of India's strong reservations about China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) which is a part of China's multi-billion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). "When we talk about development projects or connectivity projects, they must be transparent, fair and equal. There are certain internationally accepted norms for such projects," he said, in an apparent reference to the criticism that the BRI projects lack transparency. "If a project meets those norms, we will be happy to take part in it. One of the norms is the project should not violate the sovereignty and territorial integrity of a country. Unfortunately, there is this thing called CPEC, which is called a flagship project of BRI, violates India's sovereignty and territory integrity. Therefore, we oppose it," he said. The CPEC traverses through the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. India follows the principle of not "letting differences of opinion becoming disputes, of doing projects which are not opaque but open; transparent and meet ecological and environmental standards; does not violate anyone's territorial integrity, then we will find a situation where the Chinese dragon and the Indian elephant will actually be dancing together," Bambawale said. He played down the talk of India-China rivalry saying: "As far as India is concerned, India does not look upon China as a rival or a competitor. We look upon China as a partner in progress and development". He referred to historically high bilateral trade between the two countries which touched USD 84.5 billion last year. Bambawale also cited examples of Bollywood films like Dangal becoming a huge hit in China while Chinese phone maker Xiaomi becoming the largest mobile handset seller in India. The success of the films shows that Chinese people are open to watching Bollywood movies, the envoy said. "I think from watching those movies they understand India better and by understanding each other better, we will be able to have greater trust between each other. That's why these examples are very important," he said. India has no concerns about China's rise. "In fact, India looks at China's rise as something which also gives us encouragement that India can also do at least some of the things that China has done, which is to develop economically and develop rapidly," he said. To a question about China's concerns over the US, India, Japan and Australia forming a quadrilateral grouping, Bombawale said India is too big to be a part of any alliance. "As far as the four countries are concerned, India has never been a part of any alliance. Countries like India and China are too big to be a part of any alliance. We both have very independent policies; domestic policies as well as foreign policies," the envoy said. India will work with all countries in the world to improve and increase its interests. "Wherever our interests converge, we will work together like on climate change and environment protection. India and China work very closely together on many international issues like environmental protection and counter-terrorism. We will continue to work with anyone, where we find that there is a synergy. We will work with China definitely," Bambawale said. He also declined to comment on the constitutional amendment removing the two-term limit for Chinese President Xi Jinping, paving the way for a life-long tenure. "The removal of the term limits and new team for foreign affairs and all that is China's internal matter; I don't want to say anything on that. That is for China and the people of China to decide. We only look upon it as something which encourages us to do better in India's economic development, India's economic progress and social progress," he said. Both China and India are re-emerging on the international stage and becoming very important players, Bambawale said. "Many centuries ago in the 1600 and 1700s, both China and India were very important economic powers in the world. Now in the 21st century, we are seeing a re-emergence of both China and India to some extent on the world stage from a geo-political and geo-economic point of view," he added. WhatsApp group called Forest Fire Alert has been created; blazes pushing animals into human habitation. An elephant calf which strayed into human habitation in search of water and fell into a well at Khurda near Bhubaneswar. Bhubaneswar: With lessons learnt from the recent forest fire tragedy in Tamil Nadu that claimed 20 lives, the Odisha government has prepared an action plan to not only prevent such tragedies but also save the precious flora and fauna that contribute to maintaining ecological balance. If we can track the fires immediately through satellite, a lot of damage can be prevented. We will be able to prevent damage as currently we act only after fires spread. So, I think we are taking a rigorous approach this time, Odishas principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife) Sandip Tripathy said. In 2015, Odisha recorded 1,467 forest fire incidents, which jumped to 2,763 in 2016 and 4,017 in 2017, according to official data. Although no official figure on forest fires is available for 2018, sources said it has already reached the 1,500-mark. Forest fires have destroyed 3,675.784 ha of forest in 45 divisions during the three years (2014 to 2016). The figures for 2017 and 2018 are now under compilation. Once the figure is available, it will be more than 5,000 acres, said a forest official. Banigochha and Daspalla forests in Nayagarh to buffer zones in Similipal National Park, including Dengam, Matihudi and Badakhaman regions in Mayurbhanj and Dandakaranya forests in Malkangiri districts have reported recurrent wild blazes this year. The environmentalists, however, do not think the measures are adequate enough to protect forest fires. Forest fires in Odishas Dandakaranya region. Forest conservation committees comprising locals should be actively involved with forest personnel in dealing with the forest fires. They should be trained and provided orientation for the same. Even though we have suggested several such measures, the government is not using them properly, environmentalist Biswajit Mohanty said. Wildlife experts have pleaded for proper forest fire management plan. Though the state government had, in principle, agreed to create a state-level control room to disseminate information about forest fires and mobilise manpower and resources to douse them, but no such control room has been set up till date. Wild animals in almost all forest ranges in Odisha are now being annihilated due to rising number of fire incidents. Water sources inside the forest are fast drying up due to the heat conditions. Wild animals, which stray into human habitations get killed by local people, says Dr Gouranga Charana Rout, honorary wildlife ward, Rayagada. Fires have caused widespread damage to valuable medicinal plants and timber wood and are a threat to the flora and fauna. Not only that, air pollution also looms large on nearby regions. Recently, the state government has devised an innovative approach for efficient and effective tracking and prevention of forest fires. The state forest department has designed a special app to quickly track and effectively fight forest fires during summer. A WhatsApp group called Forest Fire Alert has been created for sharing alerts and information to facilitate tracking, preventing and fighting such fires. The adverse impact of a forest fire has resulted in wild animals such as leopards, elephant, wild boars and bears straying into human habitation, including the village on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar, in search of food and water. According to Mr Mohanty, raging forest fires close to national highways, state highways or major roads are unpardonable. The state government must take advantage of the road connectivity to effectively extinguish fires before they spread to wider areas and wreck havoc. It is shocking that along several national highways and state highways criss-crossing the province, one can invariably find forest fires during summers. The government must fix responsibility on field-level officials at least for roadside forest fires, Mr Mohanty added. Fighting infernos Netizens pointed out how the eyes and mouth of the 18-year-old capuchin looked a lot like that of humans. The video has been viewed at least eight million times (Photo: YouTube) Monkeys have been fascinating wildlife enthusiasts for a long time as behavioural patterns of different species have often aroused curiosity. In the past few years monkeys seen caring for a robotic primate and a monkey crying for her child that collapsed have gone viral on the internet. The latest video to create a buzz on the internet is that of a monkey which has astonishingly human-like facial features and expressions. The monkey in Tianjin zoo has taken Chinese social media by storm with its confused look which managed to amuse everyone. Netizens pointed out how the eyes and mouth of the 18-year-old capuchin looked a lot like that of humans. Police apologises, assures probe in journalist molestation case. Photo journalists keep cameras on ground outside the police headquarters in protest against alleged attack by the police in New Delhi. (Photo: G.N. Jha) New Delhi: A group of journalists on Saturday engaged into a heated argument with the police outside Delhi police headquarters over alleged molestation and assault of female journalists during Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) protest march. The altercation happened when the journalists gathered outside Delhi police headquarters in protest against alleged molestation of woman journalist by Delhi Cantt. SHO and manhandling of another female journalist by police during JNU protest march on Friday. A video of the incident has also emerged showing police personnel purportedly roughing up two female journalists during the rally. Earlier in the day, the Delhi police said that an investigation has been initiated into the matter and further action will be taken accordingly. Calling the incident unfortunate, the police tendered deepest apologies for the alleged harassment of two media personnel and called for constructive and corrective measures. Yesterdays (Fridays) incident was a very unfortunate one. Our deepest apologies to the media. Our intention wasnt to obstruct the media from doing its job, said DCP and Delhi police spokesperson Madhur Verma in a statement. As a mark of protest, the agitating journalists kept their cameras on ground and refused to budge. No FIR has been registered against the errant cops. However, senior officials took to microblogging site Twitter and said that the probe has been initiated by vigilance team. The ban proposal was cleared by the Maharashtra cabinet on March 15. State's Environment Minister Ramdas Kadam on Saturday said the use of plastic is the major cause of diseases; hence the government took this decision.(Photo: Representational) Mumbai: The Maharashtra government has imposed a complete ban on plastic carry bags and thermocol cutlery, becoming the 18th state of the country to impose such ban. State's Environment Minister Ramdas Kadam on Saturday said the use of plastic is the major cause of diseases; hence the government took this decision. In case of violation, the manufacturers and users will have to pay fine of Rs 5,000. "Maharashtra produces 1,100 tonnes of waste everyday. Today, there is tonnes of waste in the state. This is a major cause behind diseases, sometimes life threatening diseases. Plastic is banned in 17 states across India, we are the 18th state," Kadam told ANI. He said the thermocol used for decoration also stands banned and urged the plastic manufacturers to produce cotton bags instead. Kadam also said the Devendra Fadnavis-led government has decided to levy a refundable charge on plastic items like PET bottles and milk pouches which have been exempted from the ban. "The government will be implementing the ban from the date of issues of notification, but has given traders, manufacturers and even consumers a time period of one month to dispose of the banned items in their possession," according to a government note. The ban proposal was cleared by the Maharashtra cabinet on March 15. As for Palghar, it goes to the polls as BJP MP Chintaman Vanaga recently passed away in Delhi. In 2014, the NCP contested the Bhandara-Gondia seat but with sitting MP Nana Patole having joined the Congress recently, party insiders claim that it will not contest the seat. Mumbai: Though the byelections for the two Lok Sabha constituencies in the state have not yet been announced by the Election Commission (EC), sources claimed that the Congress would contest both the seats of Palghar and Bhandara- Gondia with the NCPs support. In 2014, the NCP contested the Bhandara-Gondia seat but with sitting MP Nana Patole having joined the Congress recently, party insiders claim that it will not contest the seat. As for Palghar, it goes to the polls as BJP MP Chintaman Vanaga recently passed away in Delhi. After resounding defeats for the BJP in Uttar Pradeshs Gorakhpur and Phulpur bypolls, the buzz surrounding the by elections in the state has heightened. There are talks of an alliance between the Congress and the NCP as leaders of both parties have indicated that they would fight the 2019 general as well as Assembly indicated that they would fight the 2019 general as well as Assembly elections hand in hand and would take smaller parties on board. Hence, the coming elections to the 21 Legislative Council and the two Lok Sabha seats has assumed great siginificance. In 2014, the Congress had fought the Palghar constituency and the NCP had contested Bhandara-Gondia. But this time around, Congress is set to claim Bhandara-Gondia also as its sitting MP has joined the party now. At the same time, NCP sources have indicated that senior leader and former minister Praful Patel, who had represented the constituency in 2009, is not eager to contest the election as of now. Praful has made it clear to our leadership that he is not keen to contest by poll. So it is possible that the NCP would support the Congress in Bhandara. Palghar is already with the Congress and so it is clear that party will contest there, said senior NCP leader, who is participating in alliance talks with Congress. In Palghar, Hitendra Thakurs local party, the Bahujan Vikas Aghadi, is the main contender. It had won the elections in 2009. The BVA must be with us if Congress wants to win the election here, the NCP leader said. The raids were conducted and items were seized in connection with an ongoing probe into the Rs 12,600 crore Punjab National Bank fraud case. Mumbai: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has seized valuables worth over Rs 36 crore of absconding diamantaire Nirav Modi over a three day long search/raid, that was conducted from Thursday to Saturday at his palatial home, Samudra Mahal, in Mumbai. The items seized include jewellery, watches and paintings. The raids were conducted and items were seized in connection with an ongoing probe into the Rs 12,600 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case. According to the ED officials, a diamond ring worth Rs 10 crore, antique jewellery worth Rs 15 crore, high-end watches valued at Rs 1.40 crore, and paintings valued at Rs 10 crore including the works of top artists including M.F. Husain, K.K. Hebbar and Amrita Sher-Gil were seized under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). An official added, During the course of the investigation, which began in February this year, a total of 251 searches were conducted all over India. It led to seizure of diamonds, gold, precious, semi-precious stones and pearls. Attachments of immovable properties belonging to the Nirav Modi Group and Mehul Choksi Group have been provisionally attached. The central probe agency has filed two money laundering FIRs against Modi and his uncle Choksi, the Gitanjali Gems promoter, to probe the PNB fraud. The ED has also notified the Interpol about a global arrest warrant against the two as they had left India early this year and have not appeared before the agency after summonses were issued to them. The total seizure and attachment figure of diamonds, gold, precious and semi-precious stones, among other movable and immovable assets, in the case stands at Rs 7,638 crore. The diamonds seized during interception weighed 3290.8 carat and were valued at Rs 6.63 crore. The diamonds that were concealed as chocolates Mumbai: Customs officials at Mumbais Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport busted a major diamond smuggling racket at Mumbai airport on Saturday night, seizing diamonds worth Rs 6.6 crore from an Indian national who was scheduled to catch a Dubai-bound flight. The precious stones were concealed inside chocolate wrappers for easy transportation. According to the officials, on the basis of profiling of Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) officials intercepted an Indian national identified as Saleem Basha, who was flying to Dubai on the Mumbai-Dubai Jet Airways flight. During the search, the officials found several packets of chocolates in the baggage. Upon further checks, the packets of chocolates were opened, and precious stones and diamonds were found wrapped in the chocolate wrapper. Diamonds were found concealed in the wrappers of well-known chocolate brands, was mixed with normal chocolates. The diamonds seized during this interception weighed 3290.8 carat and were valued at Rs 6.63 crore. Upon questioning the accused passenger, Saleem Basha, an Indian national who works in Dubai, confessed to his crime of possession, and said he was offered a hefty commission on the transportation of packages from Mumbai to Dubai, without anybody noticing any faults. Basha was arrested under relevant sections of the Customs Act. The police is now trying to trace the sender and receiver of the package, and also looking out for the person who set up Basha to commit the crime of transporting assorted stones from Mumbai to Dubai. The police is trying to ascertain if this diamond haul is a part of the bigger racket. The regulator said it will consider the evidence before deciding the next steps and coming to any conclusions. Britains information regulator said it was assessing evidence gathered from a raid on the office of data mining firm Cambridge Analytica, part of an investigation into alleged misuse of personal information by political campaigns and social media companies like Facebook. More than a dozen investigators from the Information Commissioners Office entered the companys central London office, shortly after a High Court judge granted a warrant. The investigators were seen leaving the premises after spending about seven hours searching the office. The regulator said it will consider the evidence before deciding the next steps and coming to any conclusions. This is one part of a larger investigation by the ICO into the use of personal data and analytics by political campaigns, parties, social media companies and other commercial actors, it said. Authorities in Britain, as well as the US, are investigating Cambridge Analytica over allegations the firm improperly obtained data from 50 million Facebook users and used it to manipulate elections, including the 2016 White House race and the 2016 Brexit vote in Britain. Both Cambridge Analytica and Facebook deny wrongdoing. The data firm suspended its CEO Alexander Nix this week after Britains Channel 4 News broadcast footage that appeared to show Nix suggesting tactics like entrapment or bribery that his company could use to discredit politicians. The footage also showed Nix saying Cambridge Analytica played a major role in securing Donald Trumps victory in the 2016 US presidential election. Cambridge Analyticas acting chief executive, Alexander Tayler, said that he was sorry that SCL Elections, an affiliate of his company, licensed Facebook data and derivatives from a research company (Global Science Research) that had not received consent from most respondents in 2014. The company believed that the data had been obtained in line with Facebooks terms of service and data protection laws, Tayler said. His statement said the data was deleted in 2015 at Facebooks request and denied that any of the Facebook data that Cambridge Analytica obtained was used in the work it did on the 2016 US election. Television images showed officials entering the properties with boxes, a day after Congress accepted Kuczynski's resignation. Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, a former Wall Street banker, 79, is under investigation over bribes he allegedly accepted from Brazilian construction firm Odebrecht to secure public works contracts. (Photo: AP) Lima: Authorities in Peru raided two houses owned by former president Pedro Pablo Kuczynski as part of a money laundering probe, the public prosecutor's office said on Saturday. Both homes are in Lima, the office announced on Twitter. Television images showed officials entering the properties with boxes, a day after Congress accepted Kuczynski's resignation. In another development, Kuczynski's defense team said it accepted a request from the prosecutor's office to ban the ex-president from leaving the country. The former Wall Street banker, 79, is under investigation over bribes he allegedly accepted from Brazilian construction firm Odebrecht to secure public works contracts. The bribes were allegedly paid to consulting companies linked to Kuczynski when he was finance minister under President Alejandro Toledo, who governed from 2001 to 2006. Toledo is himself accused of receiving USD 20 million in kickbacks in return for awarding the Brazilian construction giant a contract to build a road in the Amazon. Kuczynski offered his resignation Wednesday, a day before Congress was due to vote on impeaching him for lying about his ties with Odebrecht. He had denied all links with the company until it revealed it issued the bribes in exchange for contracts in December. On Friday, new President Martin Vizcarra, Kuczynski's vice president, was sworn in to replace him. Hafiz Kazi, 51, originally from India, was living in the US since 1993 and was a legal resident, FBI Special Agent said. Around 7pm on Wednesday, Kazi drove his minivan through the main gate of Travis Air Force Base in Northern California. The vehicle soon veered, crashed and started burning. (Photo: AP | Representational Image) New York: The man, who drove through the main gates of a major US air base carrying propane tanks and gas cans on Wednesday and died as his vehicle caught fire, has been identified as an Indian-origin American, the FBI said Saturday, denying any terror angle in the incident so far. Hafiz Kazi, 51, was living in the US since 1993 and was a legal resident, FBI Special Agent Sean Ragan said at a news conference, adding that he was originally from India. He apparently lived in the San Francisco area and had worked as a cab driver, Ragan said. Around 7pm on Wednesday, Kazi drove his minivan through the main gate of Travis Air Force Base in Northern California. The vehicle soon veered, crashed and started burning and by the time first responders broke through its locked doors, Kazi was dead, Regan was quoted as saying by the CNN. No shots were fired during the fiery crash, he said, adding investigators discovered five propane tanks, three phones, gas cans, several lighters and a gym bag inside the car. "Authorities have not announced a motive but the security breach does not appear at this point to be terrorism-related," Ragan said. "We don't have any nexus to terrorism at this point," he said but added that Kazi's phones and social media were being searched for any possible connections. Officials said the investigation is ongoing and there are no current known threats to the base or community. "The main gate has reopened and all other facilities are operating as normal," the base officials added. Travis Air Force Base is home to 10,000 military personnel and is a major hub for logistics and military cargo in the Pacific. It's the largest military aerial port in the United States and includes facilities for airlift and aerial refuelling, according to the report. The base is located in Solano County and is midway between Sacramento and San Francisco. The former editor of the English-language Gulf News had faced the possibility of the death penalty in the July 2017 killing. Francis Matthew was found guilty of bludgeoning his wife to death with a hammer and was sentenced to 10 years in prison. (Photo: Representational | File) Dubai: A British newspaper editor in Dubai was found guilty on Sunday of bludgeoning his wife to death with a hammer and was sentenced to 10 years in prison. Francis Matthew was not present in the Dubai Court of the First Instance for the verdict read by Judge Fahad al-Shamsi, which is common in courts in the United Arab Emirates. The former editor of the English-language Gulf News had faced the possibility of the death penalty in the July 2017 killing. A brother of Matthew's wife, the late 62-year-old Jane Matthew, was in court for the verdict, but declined to immediately talk to journalists. Matthew's lawyer could not be immediately reached. Matthew can appeal his sentence. On July 4, Dubai police say they were called to Matthew's three-bedroom villa in Dubai's Jumeirah neighborhood. There, they say they found his wife of over 30 years dead, and the editor told them robbers had broken into the home and killed her. During a later interrogation, however, police say Matthew told them his wife had grown angry with him because they were in debt and needed to move. Matthew said he got angry when his wife called him a "loser" and told him "you should provide financially," according to police. Matthew told police his wife pushed him during the argument. He then got a hammer, followed her into the bedroom and struck her twice in the head, killing her, according to a police report. The next morning, Matthew tried to make it look like the house had been robbed and later went to work like nothing had happened, throwing the hammer in a nearby trash can, police said. Gulf News previously has said Matthew served as its editor from 1995-2005 and then became an editor-at-large at the newspaper. He was still with the newspaper at the time of the killing, though the Gulf News now refers to him as a former employee. by Loula Lahham Polls open tomorrow. The choice is between Al-Sisi, a former general, and Moussa Moustapha Moussa, an obscure last-minute candidate. Others who wanted to run have either pulled out or been arrested. A low turnout and violence by the Islamic State are major concerns. Yesterday, an attack in Alexandria left two people dead and five seriously wounded. Cairo (AsiaNews) A news blackout started yesterday in Egypt ahead of the countrys three-day presidential elections set to start tomorrow. Polling stations will be open Monday through Wednesday from 9 am to 7 pm. Some 60 million people (out of a population of 100 million) will be eligible to vote, with the opportunity of choosing one of only two candidates: the outgoing president, Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi, who has led the country for the past four years, and a certain Moussa Moustapha Moussa, head of a small political Al-Ghad party. Observers have already concluded that, without any real opposition, President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi will be a shoo-in for a second four-year term. For him, the only issue is how many voters will stay away since they already know the outcome. The only major unknown factor will be the turnout. Who is Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi? He is a former army general who took over the reins of power in June 2014, following a popular uprising against the Islamist regime under the Muslim Brotherhood. Between 30 and 35 million Egyptians took to the streets for three days in late June 2013 to challenge the sectarian regime that had strengthened Muslim fundamentalism at the expense of national unity and on the backs of Coptic Christians. In order to revive the countrys troubled economy, al-Sisi embarked on grandiose plans of infrastructure construction. The latter has had some important successes but also led the Treasury to devalue the Egyptian lira in 2016 pushing prices up considerably, affecting increasingly impoverished Egyptians. His adversaries have also criticised him for the lack of freedom of expression and for the police state he runs. Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi, 63, gave orders to restore security and stability in the Sinai Peninsula, to end a jihadist insurgency that has hurt the region for the past five years. The operation did weaken the Islamic State (IS) in the Sinai, which has a thousand radical militants, but, according to some observers, it did not lead to any decisive victory nor end IS attacks. Moussa Moustapha Moussa, last-minute candidate He is the only challenger since all other serious contenders have been arrested or forced to pull out. Khaled Ali, one of the emblematic figures of the revolution of 25 January 2011, was forced to drop out under intense pressure. Former General Ahmad Chafiq announced his candidacy after a visit to the United Arab Emirates. On his return to Egypt, he gave up. General Sami Annan, a former chief of staff, was charged by military justice. Colonel Ahmad Konsowa, also a candidate, was imprisoned for "behaviour that harms the needs of the military system". A candidate was thus needed to give the election a pluralist flavour. According to some, Moussa Moustapha Moussa was hand-picked by the regime, a claim denied by the authorities. He heads a small liberal party that has no seats in parliament and does not represent a serious challenge, given that before putting his name forward, he supported the outgoing president. Moussa filed his candidacy papers 15 minutes before the official deadline for nomination, on 29 January. Unexpected twist of the Islamic State Yesterday around 11 am, 48 hours before the election began, a car bomb exploded when a convoy carrying Police General Moustapha Al-Nemr drove by. The general is head of security in the Governorate of Alexandria, Egypts second largest city some 220 km north-west of Cairo, on the Mediterranean. He was unharmed, but two officers were killed and five others seriously injured. Prosecutor General Nabil Sadek opened an urgent inquiry into the terrorist act that was claimed by an Islamic State branch that has infiltrated the country. The authorities expect violence to rise during voting. For this reason, thousands of police officers and soldiers will be deployed to secure polling stations in major cities, from the north to the south of the Nile valley, as well as in the cities of the eastern and western desert and the Sinai Peninsula. All governorates are ready to ensure that the final results are announced on 2 April. In any case, voters are caught between voting and boycotting. Meanwhile, non-governmental organisations and human rights groups are increasingly worried, especially over the lack of freedom, as epitomised by the recent expulsion of Bel Trew, the correspondent of the Times of London in Cairo. During Palm Sunday celebrations, which fell on the 33rd World Youth Day, Pope Francis stressed "the joy that Jesus awakens" in young people and the "anger" and "irritation" it provokes in many, to the point of manipulating the crowds and get them to shout "Crucify him". For the pontiff, There are many ways to silence young people and make them invisible. Many ways to anesthetize them, to make them keep quiet, ask nothing, question nothing. The pope was given the document drafted during the pre-synodal meeting on youth. Vatican City (AsiaNews) Christ died crying out his love for each of us: young and old, saints and sinners, said Pope Francis in the homily he delivered today during the Mass marking Palm Sunday, in front of about 40,000 people. Many of those present were young people. Today in fact is the 33rd World Youth Day (WYD) celebrated at the diocesan level, centred on the theme Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God (Lk 1:30). During the procession of the Palms, which began at the obelisk in the square, the various representatives of the recent pre-synodal meeting could be seen: Indians, Koreans, Africans waving branches of olive and palm. In the homily that followed the long narration of the Passion of Jesus according to Mark, Francis referred to "the joy that Jesus awakens" as he enters Jerusalem and the "anger" and "irritation" that it causes in many. Jesus enters the city surrounded by his people and by a cacophony of singing and shouting. [. . .] It is the cry of those men and women who had followed Jesus because they felt his compassion for their pain and misery [. . .]. But All this joy and praise is a source of unease, scandal and upset for those who consider themselves righteous and faithful to the law and its ritual precepts [. . .] How hard it is for those who trust only in themselves, and look down on others, to share in this joy. From this opposition comes another cry: Crucify him! This is not spontaneous but already armed with disparagement, slander and false witness. It is the voice of those who twist reality and invent stories for their own benefit, without concern for the good name of others. The cry of those who have no problem in seeking ways to gain power and to silence dissonant voices. This is The cry that comes from spinning facts and painting them such that they disfigure the face of Jesus and turn him into a criminal. It is the voice of those who want to defend their own position, especially by discrediting the defenceless. It is the cry born of the show of self-sufficiency, pride and arrogance, which sees no problem in shouting: Crucify him, crucify him. And so, the celebration of the people ends up being stifled. Hope is demolished, dreams are killed, joy is suppressed; the heart is shielded and charity grows cold. Addressing the young people, the pontiff said: Dear young people, the joy that Jesus awakens in you is a source of anger and irritation to some, since a joyful young person is hard to manipulate. The temptation to silence young people has always existed. The Pharisees themselves rebuke Jesus and ask him to silence them. There are many ways to silence young people and make them invisible. Many ways to anesthetize them, to make them keep quiet, ask nothing, question nothing. There are many ways to sedate them, to keep them from getting involved, to make their dreams flat and dreary, petty and plaintive. The pope concluded the homily with an appeal to young people. On this Palm Sunday, as we celebrate World Youth Day, we do well to hear Jesus answer to all those Pharisees past and present: If these were silent, the very stones would cry out (Lk 19:40). Dear young people, you have it in you to shout. It is up to you to opt for Sundays Hosanna!, so as not to fall into Fridays Crucify him! . . . It is up to you not to keep quiet. Even if others keep quiet, if we older people and leaders keep quiet, if the whole world keeps quiet and loses its joy, I ask you: Will you cry out? Please, make that choice, before the stones themselves cry out. At the end of the celebration, some young people gave the pope their report of the recent pre-Synodal meeting. A young man from Panama, venue of the 2019 WYD, spoke on their behalf. The meeting was held in preparation for the 15th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops scheduled for October 2018, on the theme Young People, the Faith and Vocational Discernment. Introducing the Angelus, before the final blessing, Francis thanked all the participants and spoke again about the WYD. Today's World Youth Day, he said, which takes place at the diocesan level, is an important step on the path towards the Synod of Bishops on young people in the upcoming month of October, as well as on the path of preparation for World Youth Day that will take place in Panama in January 2019. In this journey, we are accompanied by the example and intercession of Mary, the young woman of Nazareth whom God chose as the Mother of her Son. She walks with us and guides the new generations on their pilgrimage of faith and fraternity. May Mary help us all live Holy Week well. From her we can learn inner silence, the gaze of the heart, the loving faith to follow Jesus on the way of the cross, which leads to the joyful light of the Resurrection. The pope then thanked Card Lorenzo Baldisseri and the Synod Secretariat for the work they did during the week and then recited the Angelus with all the faithful. Add Your Answer Im talking to an deployed sa milary wants to come to canada do i hae to pay his ticket to canada since hes niit going to usa? I`m talking to a usa man deployed in Nigeria since hes from usa he said hes gotta pay full flight fair to come to Canada is this true OK OK Post to Facebook Post to Twitter Subscribe me How are you all I hope you all going well, I would love and appreciate to get some advice from you guys. Long story short I am in schedule 3 criteria, compelling and compassionate circumstances. my previous case was remitted back to the tribunal meanwhile I applied for a partner visa I got married to Australian Citizen in Sep 2017 and I have baby also but we been living together since December 2016 and our relationship started from mid 2015. My first question is will my Australian child will overcome the schedule 3 bar ? My Second question is will I have to go through immigration interviews? My third question is how long will it take to get my visa ? Thank you so much. May God bless you all. Contact The Californians Robert Price at 661-395-7399, rprice@bakersfield.com or on Twitter: @stubblebuzz. His column appears on Sundays, Wednesdays and Saturdays; the views expressed are his own. Mainly Jem's Birding & Ringing Exploits in the Eastern Province & Ringing Trips to Bahrain Rejecting the recommendations of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Medical Commission bill, the Indian Medical Association, the largest body of private doctors in India, today called for an indefinite strike from April 2. More than 25,000 doctors from across India on Sunday held a 'mahapanchayat' at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in Delhi and opposed the parliament panel's recommendations and the bill. The NMC bill proposes to allow practitioners of alternative medicines - such as homoeopathy and Ayurveda - to practice modern medicine once they complete a "bridge course". It also proposes that the Licentiate Examination (NLE) be made compulsory for any MBBS doctor, including a foreign graduate, to make them eligible to practice medicine in India. The parliamentary panel has recommended that the "bridge course" should not be made a mandatory provision. It has also suggested integrating the NLE with the final year MBBS exam. The doctors say the panel's suggestions are "deceptive". IMA president Ravi Wankhedkar said all medical students and doctors will go on an indefinite strike on April 2. He said there was no need for the government to make any law if they want to boost only AYUSH, homeopathy, pharmacists and dentist. "The PSC report is deceptive to such an extent that it will open up the floodgates to allow back-door entry to cross-pathy, thereby promoting quackery legally. Even after the cosmetic amendments, the core issues still remain where it is," Wankhedkar said. Declaring hospitals "safe zones" was one of the issues discussed at the mahapanchayat. Vinay Aggarwal, coordinator of the mahapanchayat, emphasized on the issue of violence against doctors and insisted that the "problems faced by doctors are enough, now it's time to payback". People should understand the meaning of medical negligence and that a doctor never intends to perform a wrong surgery, the IMA said. It demanded no criminal prosecution for "minor clinical errors". R N Tandon, honorary secretary-general of the IMA, said: "The NMC is a pro-private management bill paving the way for widespread corruption... All arguments of the government are hollow and its intention is malafide and harmful." Wankhedkar said the provisions to open new medical colleges are ambiguous and the provisions to begin PG courses are unregulated. "Recommendation to increase the regulation of fee in private medical colleges from 40 to 50 per cent does not make a material difference. However, lack of clarity on implementation may jeopardise the decision itself," he added. Maharashtra government has written to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, directing it to probe 2,001 civic staff and officers accused of corruption. An official from the Urban Development department said investigations were pending against these 2,001 employees, related to 261 different departments. He said that corporators had written to the state government, complaining that files of around 1,000 officials had been intentionally misplaced, so that the investigation against them could not be completed. "However, when asked for an explanation, the has conveyed to us that none of the files have been misplaced," he added. "The corporators demanded that the state government take cognisance of the delay in investigations and ask the BMC to finish them at the earliest," the official said. On receiving the complaint, the state government had, on March 8, directed the BMC to complete pending inquiries at the earliest. Unsatisfied with the government's directive, the opposition Congress claimed it was unlikely that the inquiry would bear any result. "The entire country knows that the BMC is a centre of corruption which thrives on the nexus between the ruling BJP-Shiv Sena and corporation officials. This nexus cannot be broken till these parties are thrown out of power," MPCC spokesperson Sachin Sawant said. He added it would not be surprising if the BMC, in future, changes its stand and says the files pertaining to the investigation against its officials have been misplaced. When I took the clipper to Tim's full head of lush shiny black hair Friday evening, I didn't hesitate. After all, I'd done this since he ever started to need a haircut. It must be over 50 times. I didn't feel anything different. The blades went smoothly and left a stripe of skin covered by a perfectly cut patch of fur. Only the patch seemed short. For the first time, I forgot to put on a guard (guide comb)! I saw what happened right away and realized, to my horror, there was no turning back. There was a moment of panic but I kept shaving while apologizing and explaining in a very calm voice to the boy what was happening. Tim didn't over-react; it did not fully sink in. "Don't worry. Dad. Everyone makes mistakes." It must be a shock once he saw himself in the mirror. He didn't cry but pouted his lips. Afterward, he insisted that I send an email to Mr. F, his teacher, about this. Schoolyard cruelty was nothing new to me. Growing up, I went through it all. The movie "About A Boy" showed it was probably worse in the West. I started to imagine the bad things that could happen to Tim and think of ways to ready him for the coming onslaught. I sent the email first thing the next morning and Mr. F replied within an hour. I felt better but something seemed missing. I wanted to protect my boy but he had to face this, let alone the future, himself. It's fine to talk common sense and cite the great Jocko inspiration, i.e., his magic "GOOD." But Tim was only 11 and I felt something else could be done. In the afternoon, while Tim was away attending Chinese school, I went to the barber's shop and shaved my head. Monday morning, I'm going to take him to school, say thank-you to Mr. F and hello to the students. The Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) of the Uttar Pradesh police has arrested ten persons, who it claimed were linked with Lashker-e-Taiba and allegedly involved in terror-funding activities. "Ten persons were arrested from Gorakhpur, Lucknow, Pratapgarh and Rivan (MP) Saturday by the ATS. These persons were involved in terror-funding on the directives from Pakistan," ATS IG Asim Arun said. The arrested men were identified as Naseem Ahamad, Naeem Arshad, Sanjay Saroj, Niraj Mishra, Sahil Masih, Uma Pratap Singh, Mukesh Prasad, Nikhil Rai alias Musharraf Ansari, Ankur Rai and Dayanand Yadav, he said. "A member of Lashker-e-Taiba used to remain in contact with them and ask them to open bank accounts in fake names and direct them as to how much money is to be transferred to which account. Indian agents used to get 10 to 20 per cent commission for this. Till now transactions of over Rs one crore have come to the fore," he said. He claimed the arrested persons had links with the LeT and some of them even knew what was happening. "Some them clearly knew what they were doing, while some considered it as a lottery fraud," the officer said, adding a detailed probe was on and more arrests likely. The role of the bank staff too would be probed, he said. ATM cards, Rs 420,000 cash, swap machines, magnetic card readers, three laptops, passbooks of different banks, a country made pistol and cartridges were recovered from the possession of the accused, he said. Guo Shuqing, head of Chinas new regulator for the banking and insurance sectors, has been named as Communist Party chief of the Peoples Bank of China (PBOC), the New York Times said on social network Twitter on Sunday. Guo, who was appointed last week as chairman of the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission, will be above governor Yi Gang at the countrys central bank, the paper said in a tweet, citing three people it said were familiar with the decision. Yi only took over as PBOC governor earlier this month, replacing Zhou Xiaochuan, who held the ... German police today arrested Catalonia's former president as he crossed over by car from Denmark. Puigdemont "was arrested today at 11:19 am by Schleswig-Holstein's highway patrol force," a German police spokesman told AFP, adding that the detention was based on a European warrant. "He is now in police custody", added the spokesman. Puigdemont's party spokeswoman Anna Grabalosa also separately confirmed that he was detained on arrival in Germany from Denmark. "It happened as he crossed the Danish-German border. He was treated well and all his lawyers are there. That is all I can say," she said. Puigdemont is wanted by Spain on charges of "rebellion" and "sedition", over his independence bid for Catalan. He had been visiting Finland since Thursday, but slipped out of the Nordic country before Finnish police could detain him. Puigdemont's lawyer Jaume Alonso-Cuevillas, said on Twitter that Puigdemont was picked up by German police as he was travelling back to Belgium where he has been living in self-imposed exile. People detail their interests and obsessions on Facebook and Google, generating a river of data that could be collected and harnessed for advertising. The companies became very rich. Users seemed happy. Privacy was deemed obsolete, like bloodletting and milkmen. Now, the consumer surveillance model underlying Facebook and Googles free services is under siege from users, regulators and legislators on both sides of the Atlantic. The recent revelation that Cambridge Analytica, a voter profiling company that had worked with Donald Trumps presidential campaign, ... Saudi Arabias National Agricultural Development Co., part owned by the sovereign wealth fund, will acquire Danone SAs venture in the country, creating one of the kingdoms largest dairy producers. Nadec, as the company is known, will fund the acquisition of privately held Al Safi Danone through a capital increase of 536 million riyals ($143 million), it said in a statement to the Saudi stock market Sunday. Once the deal is completed, existing shareholders will own 61.25 per cent of the company, and Al Safi shareholders will hold 38.75 percent. The transaction will allow both to better serve customers and realize benefits not available on a standalone basis, Abdulaziz Al Babtain, managing director of Nadec, said in the statement. It will create a platform for future growth and, importantly, drive significant value creation for shareholders. shares rose as much as 8.4 per cent to 40.70 riyals. They closed at 39.38 riyals, the highest since September 2014. Merger and acquisition activity in Saudi Arabia is picking up as slower economic growth encourages to combine to save costs, while new takeover rules make it easier to complete deals. Sahara Petrochemical and Saudi Petrochemical Co. said they were evaluating a merger earlier this month. HSBC Holdings Plc-backed Saudi British Bank and Alawwal Bank, in which Royal Bank of Scotland Group Plc owns a 40 percent stake, are in talks to merge, as are hospital operators Al Hammadi Co. for Development & Investment and National Medical Care Co. Nadec, which is 20 percent owned by Kingdoms Public Investment Fund, was advised by Morgan Stanley, while Al Safi was advised by Goldman Sachs. President Donald Trump is poised to take his most aggressive actions yet against Russia on Monday, when hes likely to announce the expulsion of dozens of diplomats in response to the nerve-gas attack on a former Russian spy living in the UK The move, all but certain to provoke retaliation by President Vladimir Putins government, comes as Trump has tried to maintain at least the semblance of a constructive relationship with the Russian leader. But the expulsions will align Trump with European allies who feel threatened by Russia and have had a turbulent relationship ... In last blog, I explicitly pointed out that we should avoid making new feel-good laws at federal and state level. But in reality this is almost impossible to resist. With all the MSM coverage of the March, passionate testimonies of the survivors, innocent kids tearfully pleading, and so many votes on the stake, which politician would risk his/her career to stand against the current? It doesnt cost his money anyway. So we see that Florida passed a new gun control law soon after the school shooting. Even President Trump tweeted: Obama Administration legalized bump stocks. BAD IDEA. As I promised, today the department of Justice will issue the rule banning BUMP STOCKS with a mandated comment period. We will BAN all devices that turn legal weapons into illegal machine guns. How neat! There is indeed a law that the government can make which could reduce mass shootings with very low economic cost. That is: all mass shooters are tried as adults and, once convicted, are executed in a public, painful and humiliating way. But this wont be popular. How could we lower ourselves to do such cruel and inhumane thing? People say. Of cause, to live with such a moral standard is not without cost. If the next mass shooting would have been prevented by such laws, thats the cost of acting humane to mass shooters. In my opinion, the price is way too high. As we can see, when emotions run high and the public opinion is dominated by such voices, our political system generates results completely opposite to whats desirable: it introduces useless laws to increase our burden, and fail to enact laws which are more likely to achieve our goal. Low-cost carrier Air Asia issued a statement confirming that two of its flights on March 23 were diverted to Kolkata. Flight I5 767 from New Delhi to Bagdogra was diverted to Kolkata owing to a technical requirement, the statement said. Another flight I5 545 from New Delhi to Ranchi was diverted owing to unusual congestion at Ranchi. Further, the flight to Bagdogra departed with a total delay of less than two hours. Guests bound to Ranchi were offered alternate arrangements by the airline staff, the company said. The aircraft that is currently grounded at Kolkata is undergoing recovery. AirAsia reinstated that the airline always prioritises the safety of its passengers and regretted the inconvenience caused to them. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) At least eight police officers were killed in a suspected ambush by the terror outfit Islamic State (IS) at the Baghdad-Kirkuk highway on Saturday, according to a local police officer. Diyala Police Captain Habib al-Shammari told Anadolu Agency that the group ambushed the vehicle of the policemen, where they were later taken to a hill and shot dead. Lieutenant Semir al-Hamidi added that the federal police and Hashd al-Shaabi forces have been sent to the area for an investigation following the incident. Established in 2014, Hashd al-Shaabi is an umbrella group of pro-government Shia militias formed for tackling the IS. In December last year, the Iraqi government declared that the group was completely "eliminated and decimated" from the country. However, it appears that the IS maintains "sleeper cells" in parts of Iraq and Syria. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) At least 63 militants including 14 belonging to the terrorist organisation Islamic State (IS) had been killed in operations by the Afghan security forces in the past 24 hours. Tolo News quoted Afghanistan's Ministry of Defence (MoD) as saying that the operations were launched in Nangarhar, Uruzgan, Farah, Kandahar and Paktia provinces on Saturday. Afghan forces also discovered several weapons and explosive devices during the operations, MoD Deputy Spokesman Mohammad Radmanish said. No insurgent group has commented on the incident so far. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya on Saturday said Bahujan Samaj Party Supremo Mayawati has been unable to accept the defeat in the Rajya Sabha polls. Maurya's statements comes after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) earlier in the day raked up the infamous VIP guesthouse incident in Lucknow to discredit the SP-BSP alliance and the BSP supremo retorting to the jibe backed former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh. The BSP supremo had said that it will be unnecessary to drag Akhilesh Yadav in the VIP guesthouse incident as he was not into at that time. "Mayawati ji has lost her cool after BSP's defeat. She said today that Akhilesh Yadav wasn't active in during Guest House incident, my question is those people who were in during that incident are with Akhilesh Yadav, what are her views on that?," KP Maurya told media. It was in June 1995, when Mayawati was forced to spend hours in a VIP guesthouse in Lucknow, fearing for her life, as alleged Samajwadi Party goons waited outside. After the guesthouse episode, she went on to form the government with the BJP's help. The Rajya Sabha polls saw the BJP bag a total of nine out of 10 Rajya Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh, while the SP-BSP backed SP won a solitary seat. While eight out of the nine BJP candidates were assured to get through, the ninth seat was still in contention, with a SP-BSP candidate being one of the frontrunners. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) National Rifle Association, a lobbyist group which opposes restrictions on gun sales and ownership in the US, has criticised the anti-gun protest, 'March for Our Lives' rally and said it was a movement supported by billionaires to strip the right to protect one's family. In the wake of last month's shooting at a Florida school, which claimed 17 lives, thousands of people flooded the Pennsylvania Avenue in the American capital of Washington for the "March for Our Lives" on March 24 to support tougher gun controls. Students from the Florida school, Marjory Stoneman Douglas (MSD) High School, and people from all walks of life, including Hollywood celebrities, came out in huge numbers to participate in the march. CNN reported that NRA, however, posted a video and said that it is the 'gun-hating' elites who are 'exploiting children' to destroy second amendment (which is the right of the people to keep and bear arms) and are trying to strip the means of defending one's family. The video also urged citizens to join NRA for the safety of children across America, further reported CNN. Earlier on March 15, in a clarion call for action against gun violence precisely one month post the Florida shooting which claimed 17 lives, students from more than 3,000 schools took to the streets from Washington to Los Angeles and from New York to Parkland, reported the Independent. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Anti Terrorist Squad (ATS) in Uttar Pradesh arrested 10 people on Sunday in connection with an illegal money supply network involving Pakistan nationals. "An illegal money supply network has been detected where Pakistan based people were in touch with two people from Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh and asked them to open bank accounts based on fake identification documents. 10 people have been arrested, further investigation is being done," said Asim Arun, Inspector General (IG), ATS. According to the IG, funds worth around Rs. 10 crores were wired into those bank accounts, with the inflow of money coming from Nepal, Qatar and Pakistan He also mentioned that the flow of money was controlled by people in Pakistan. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Border Security Force (BSF) jawan was found dead under mysterious circumstances in Uttar Pradesh's Bahraich. The deceased who has been identified as Narayan hailed from Mihipurwa village of the district and was posted in Jammu. The deceased was at his home for a vacation. As per reports, the body was recovered under suspicious circumstances at a distance of 500 metres from his home in Mihipurwa village. When the passerby spotted the body they informed the family members of the deceased. The reason behind the death is yet to be ascertained. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A group of doctors under the banner of Indian Medical Association (IMA) on Sunday protested against the Medical Commission (NMC) bill in Delhi. Last month also, doctors took out a protest march from AIIMS hospital to Parliament against the bill. The bill, which seeks to replace and subsume the Medical Council of India (MCI) with a new body, was tabled in the Rajya Sabha in January by Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda. According to the bill, practitioners of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy, can practice modern medicine once they complete a short-term "bridge" course. The bill is also aimed at bringing reforms in the medical education sector which has been under scrutiny for corruption and unethical practices. However, the IMA has termed the bill as "draconian and undemocratic" and called for its withdrawal. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Tesla CEO Elon Musk justified his decision to delete his SpaceX and Tesla Facebook pages amid the Cambridge Analytica scandal, claiming that the social media giant gives him the "willies". "It's not a political statement and I didn't do this because someone dared me to do it. Just don't like Facebook. Gives me the willies. Sorry," Musk wrote on Twitter. Musk deleted the SpaceX and Tesla's Facebook page on March 23. Both the SpaceX and Tesla Facebook pages had over 2.6 million likes and followers and super high engagement rates, prior to their deletion. Musk, who occasionally posts photos and videos on Instagram, admitted that Facebook's influence was creeping into the photo-sharing site. The Tesla CEO has slammed Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg earlier on their views on the dangers of artificial intelligence, describing it as a potentially existential threat to the human race. Brian Acton, the co-founder of popular messaging service, WhatsApp, whose product was bought by Facebook in 2014 for a whopping USD 16 billion, took to the microblogging platform and said - "It is time. #deletefacebook", after concerns were flagged on data privacy in the wake of revelations about Cambridge Analytica's alleged misuse of user data. Cambridge Analytica, a London-based analytics firm is accused of harvesting personal data of Facebook users to influence elections in several countries including the US presidential elections. It has been accused of breaching private information of more than 50 million Facebook users. The company, founded by Stephen K. Bannon and Robert Mercer, a wealthy Republican donor who has put at least USD 15 million into it, offered tools that could identify the personalities of American voters and influence their behaviour. The so-called psychographic modeling techniques, which were built in part with the data harvested from Facebook, underpinned the company's work for then Republican nominee and US President Donald Trump's campaign in 2016. On Wednesday, the Indian Ministry of Information had sent out a word of caution to Zuckerberg regarding any incident of data theft of an Indian citizen if found. Meanwhile, Cambridge Analytica on Tuesday suspended its chief executive, Alexander Nix over the same issue. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) To mark the 45th anniversary of the famous Chipko Movement, search engine giant Google on Monday dedicated its doodle to the movement. The doodle portrays a colorful design where a group of women are standing around a tree, representing their fight against deforestation which was the main objective of Chipko Movement. The word Chipko means 'to stick' or 'to hug' and the name of the movement has been derived from these words. Though the Chipko Movement dates back to 1730 AD when in khejarli village of Rajasthan, 363 people sacrificed their lives to save khejri trees. In modern India, the movement began in 1973. Sunderlal Bahuguna, a renowned environmentalist took the initiative to protect the beautiful regional forests in Uttar Pradesh. Chipko Andolan was to preserve the nature from being mercilessly destroyed on accounts of setting up of factories or roads and constructing dams. Sundarlal Bahuguna was awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 2009. One of Chipko's most salient features was the mass participation of female villagers. The armed wing of Palestinian group Hamas on Sunday launched military exercises in the Gaza Strip. According to Anadolu Agency, hundreds of armed members of the Ezzeddin al-Qassam Brigade have been deployed across the Palestinian territory. "The exercises have been planned in advance," Hamas said in a statement on Saturday. Hamas, which remains in control in the Gaza Strip since over a decade, has called for a new Palestinian uprising or intifada over Trump's Jerusalem move, along with other Gaza militants. Jerusalem is considered a sacred place, which is home to Jewish, Christian and Muslim holy sites. However, it is also a disputed territory, contested by both Israel and Palestine, which sees it as a capital of its future state. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan in series of tweets lambasted Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi for his recent remarks claiming that horse trading and money played a key role in the outcome of the recent Senate elections. "So now PM Abbasi is crying abt horse-trading & money deciding Senate elections! If his party was so concerned why didn't they support PTI's proposals to change Senate election format to prevent exactly these shenanigans?" the PTI chief tweeted. Following his tweet, Khan posted a list of four questions over Abbasi's statements and asked him to clarify whether the Prime Minister felt a money launderer should be above the law because of "some imagined ongoing development". "4 Qs for PM Abbasi after his histrionics yesterday 1: How cld Panama case & it's verdict have derailed development when it indicted NS for money laundering? Does PM Abbasi feel a money launderer shd be above the law bec of some imagined ongoing development?" he tweeted. Khan also attacked the Prime Minister for ignoring the corruption in the ruling party. "Does PM Abbasi regard the debilitating USD 10 billion money laundering per year that is destroying Pakistan a non-issue?" Imran asked in another tweet. Following this, the PTI chief said Abbasi is a fool if he thinks that former prime minister Nawaz Sharif was not guilty of money laundering. "If he thinks he is, then how can Abbasi as PM condone crime of money laundering? If Abbasi thinks Nawaz Sharif is not guilty of money laundering then he is more foolish than one thought," Imran posted on Twitter. In his fourth question, Imran said, "How others expected to accept and respect the judgement of the Supreme Court when the Prime Minister of the country himself not ready to accept." Earlier on Saturday, Abbasi said, "An election where votes were sold and purchased got us a chairman who was not known in the political circles before. It is sad to have such a person as chairman of the Senate, an institution that represents the federation. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Inspector General of Police (Home Guard and Civil Defence, Bengaluru) D Roopa IPS has refused to accept 'Namma Bengaluru Award' as it also carries a high cash reward In a letter written to the chairman of Namma Bengaluru Foundation, a non-profit organisation based out of Bengaluru, IPS Roopa had said her 'conscience' does not permit her to accept the reward. "Every government servant is expected to maintain neutrality and equidistance from all quasi-political bodies and associations that have even the bare minimum political overtone. Only then a public servant can maintain a clean and fair image in the eyes of the public," read Roopa's letter. "It becomes all the more relevant now in the view of the ensuing elections," added Roopa. Roopa was nominated for the Government Official of the Year category. Eight government officers including Roopa have been shortlisted for the award and the winner will be announced at an event in Bengaluru. Namma Bengaluru Awards are given to multiple personalities across categories by the foundation funded by businessman and BJP Rajya Sabha MP Rajeev Chandrasekhar. This is the ninth edition of the awards. Last year, Roopa created headlines when she exposed the VIP treatment meted to influential prisoners at Bengaluru prison during her stint as the DIG Prisons. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Maharashtra government has imposed a complete ban on plastic carry bags and thermocol cutlery, becoming the 18th state of the country to impose such ban. State's Minister Ramdas Kadam on Saturday said the use of plastic is the major cause of diseases, hence the government took this decision. In case of violation, the manufacturers and users will have to pay fine of Rs. 5,000. "Maharashtra produces 1,100 tonnes of waste everyday. Today, there is tonnes of waste in the state. This is a major cause behind diseases, sometimes life threatening diseases. Plastic is banned in 17 states across India, we are the 18th state," Kadam told ANI. He said the thermocol used for decoration also stands banned and urged the plastic manufacturers to produce cotton bags instead. Kadam also said the Devendra Fadnavis-led government has decided to levy a refundable charge on plastic items like PET bottles and milk pouches which have been exempted from the ban. "The government will be implementing the ban from the date of issues of notification, but has given traders, manufacturers and even consumers a time period of one month to dispose of the banned items in their possession," according to a government note. The ban proposal was cleared by the Maharashtra cabinet on March 15. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday thanked the ordinary hard-working Indians for inspiring many through their selfless service and mentioned the names of some of such personalities in his monthly radio address, 'Mann Ki Baat'. Addressing the nation, the Prime Minister praised one doctor, Ajit Mohan Chaudhary, from Uttar Pradesh's Kanpur district, who has been treating patients for free for past one month. Prime Minister Modi said, "When I heard the story of Kanpur based Dr. Ajit Mohan Choudhary, of how he visits the underprivileged on footpaths and offers free medicines to them, it gives one an opportunity to feel the sense of brotherhood that prevails in the country." Prime Minister Modi also lauded Ahmed Ali, a rickshaw-puller from Karimgunj district of Assam, who has established nine schools in his area. "When I read in letters sent by you that how a rickshaw puller from Assam's Karimganj, Ahmed Ali built nine schools for poor children, it gives me a glimpse into the nation's willpower," the Prime Minister said in his 42nd monthly radio address to the nation. Prime Minister Modi also hailed a taxi driver, Mohammad Saidul Laskar, who had built an affordable hospital at Punri village nearly 40 kilometres from Kolkata, after Saidul's only sister Marufa Khatoon died a few years ago since they could not afford treatment in a hospital. "13 years ago, Kolkata's cab driver Saidul Laskar lost his sister as she could not get the medical facility in time. He then decided to build a hospital so that no poor ever die due to an absence of medical facility. In this mission, Saidul sold jewellery from his home and collected money through donations. His customers also donated to him generously. After 12 years, Saidul built a 30-bed hospital in Punri village near Kolkata. This is the power of new India," he said. Mentioning an example of women power, the Prime Minister said, "In Uttar Pradesh, when a woman builds 125 toilets after overcoming steep challenges, inspiring women to exercise their due rights, it gives us a glimpse of 'Matri-Shakti', the power of maternal love and caring." Prime Minister said innumerable shining examples like these are the hallmark of our country. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) US First Lady and wife of President Donald Trump, Melania will remain in the Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, while the former will return to Washington D.C. on Sunday, the White House said. The first lady will be staying in Florida as is their tradition for spring break," White House deputy press secretary Lindsay Walters said in a statement. President Trump and his wife spent the weekend at the Florida resort. He is scheduled to return to the White House on Sunday evening, The Hill reported. Amidst this, American TV programme "60 Minutes" will air its interview with adult-film star Stormy Daniels at 7 pm (local time), who claims that she had a sexual encounter with President Trump, shortly after Melania gave birth to their son, Barron. However, the US President has denied the affair with Daniels. His wife has also not commented on the allegations. Daniels's account of her alleged affair with President Trump has remained in the spotlight since The Wall Street Journal reported in January that President Trump's attorney, Michael Cohen, paid Daniels USD 130,000 in October 2016 as part of a nondisclosure agreement. Cohen acknowledged making the payment and added that it had nothing to do with the US President's campaign in the 2016 election, as it did not violate campaign finance laws. On March 6, Daniels filed a civil lawsuit against President Trump claiming the nondisclosure agreement, which contains details about her alleged nine-month affair with the latter is "invalid" because the US President had "never signed it." In response, President Trump's team sued Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, claiming that "she violated the agreement." On Friday, former Playboy model named Karen McDougal in a CNN interview claimed that President Trump had tried to offer her money after they allegedly went intimate. Further, McDougal expressed regret and apologised to Melania for her alleged encounter with the US President. However, the White House refuted claims that President Trump had an affair with the Playboy model. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Soon after the 'March for Our Lives' rallies across the nation, Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown has shown her support for the movement at the Kids' Choice Awards. Millie Bobby Brown wore a jacket that featured the names of the 17 people who lost their lives in the Parkland school shooting last month, quoted The Hollywood Reporter. Brown, who won favorite TV actress for her role as Eleven on 'Stranger Things,' wore a custom Calvin Klein denim outfit with the words "Never Again" on the front and "March for Our Lives" and the names of the Parkland shooting victims on the back. At least 17 people died when a gunman opened fire at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on Feb 14. She dedicated the award with a shout-out to the victims by saying, "For the angels among us, your spirit lives on. This is for you," referring to the back of her outfit. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Acknowledging the importance of farmers for the economy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday that the new Minimum Support Price (MSP) announced in the Union Budget 2018, will ensure farmers get a fair price for their produce. Interacting with the nation through the 42nd episode of the monthly radio programme 'Mann ki Baat', the Prime Minister said adequate technical support is being provided to the farmers which would boost their output. "To ensure adequate return to farmers, a major decision was made in this year's budget. It was decided to give 1.5 the input costs as MSP for the scheduled crop. Minimum Support Price will ensure farmers get a fair price for their produce," Prime Minister Modi said. He further said with the help of Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) and electronic Agriculture Market (e-NAM) platform, the farmers do not have to go far enough to sell their products. "Farmers do not have to go far enough to sell their products - this will be integrated with Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) and e-NAM platform, upgrading the country's 22,000 rural haat with the required infrastructure," the Prime Minister said. He also recalled a quote of Mahatma Gandhi for the farmers and said the latter's attachment to the soil was known to all. The prime minister also recalled Lal Bahadur Shastri and Ram Manohar Lohiya's efforts to improve the situation of the farmers of the country. "I feel that each farmer should get connected to Kisan Channel of Doordarshan, view it and adopt those practices in his or her own farm," he suggested. He even congratulated the farmers of Meghalaya for achieving record production in the year 2015-16. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi's official app, NaMo that got caught up in the controversy relating to a series of recently exposed cases of data breach, does not ask for a blanket access to the users' personal data, the government sources said on Sunday. "Narendra Modi App is a unique app, which unlike most apps, gives access to users in 'guest mode' without even any permission or data. The permissions required are all contextual and cause-specific," sources said, adding, "Each function asks for the specific permission when access is required. The app does not ask for blanket permissions when the app is started." On Friday, a French security researcher, in a series of tweets, claimed that the Narendra Modi app sends all the device info and personal data including email IDs, photos, gender and names of the users without consent to a third-party domain belonging to an American company. However, the sources clarified, "The data exposed by the French Twitter user is the data entered by the user on his own device. This is not a security breach. The person does not have access to any data apart from his own data. "Data is being used for analytics using third party service, similar to Google Analytics. The data in no way is stored or used by the third party services," it further explained. The Narendra Modi App provides a platform for Prime Minister's follower and party cadre to connect directly with him. Users can create their own profiles, earn points and win special awards for their activity levels. Users can also connect with MPs, MLAs of their constituency and interact with them. Referring to French security researcher's claim, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi also accused Prime Minister Modi of leaking details of users to US firms through the NaMo app. "Hi! My name is Narendra Modi. I am India's Prime Minister. When you sign up for my official App, I give all your data to my friends in American companies," Rahul tweeted. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Cadet Corp (NCC) Cadet on Saturday said leaders of stature of Congress President Rahul Gandhi should possess knowledge about the NCC. Earlier today, while interacting with the students at Maharani's Arts College for Women in Mysuru, Karnataka, Rahul said that he doesn't know about the NCC certification. While asserting that the NCC was the second line of defence in 1965 and 1971 wars NCC Cadet, Sanjana Singh expressed astonishment over Gandhi referring the line of defence as 'other stuff'. "Surprised he doesn't have details of NCC. It isn't "other stuff". It was second line of defence in 65' and 71'.Hope Rahul Gandhi learns about it. It's important for a leader to know," said Sanjana Singh, NCC Cadet. During the interactive session, a student asked Rahul about the benefits to NCC Cadets if he/she passes the examination with 'C' certificate. Responding to the question, the Congress chief said that he is unaware of the details of the NCC training. "I don't know the details of NCC training and that type of stuff, so I won't be able to answer that question," he said. Rahul's response also gave fodder to the social media users who trolled the Congress chief. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Security personnel on Sunday neutralised a terrorist in Budgam district of Jammu and Kashmir. The terrorist was killed in an encounter with security forces in Arizal village of the district. Earlier on Friday, two terrorists belonging to Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) were gunned down in the encounter that broke out between security personnel and terrorists in Shistargam Dooru area of Anantnag district in Jammu and Kashmir. The encounter began late on Friday night, which continued for quite some time. The operation ended without any collateral damage. Further details are awaited... (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) United States President Donald Trump is reportedly planning to expel a group of Russian diplomats from the country, in the wake of the poisoning of an ex-Russian spy and his daughter in the United Kingdom earlier this month, according to a source. "It is believed that the US had been waiting to see what members of the European Council would do, a source with knowledge of the discussions told CNN. On Friday, 10 European Union (EU) countries announced they would follow the United Kingdom's lead by also expelling Russian diplomats from their respective countries. "Germany, France, Denmark, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Czech, Netherlands, Bulgaria, Ireland and several others will "likely" expel the Russians on Monday, said a senior foreign diplomat. The National Security Council's recommendation to President Trump, made on Friday, comes after a high-level meeting at the White House on Wednesday, in which the council drew up a range of options to take action against Russia, according to multiple US State Department officials and a source familiar with the discussion. During the meeting, it was recommended that the US President should take the decision to expel the Russian diplomats from the country. Last week, UK suspended 21 Russian diplomats back to Moscow after the former said that Russia was "highly responsible" for the poisoning attack. On Tuesday, a senior US State Department official, speaking on background, supported the UK's own decision to kick out 23 Russian diplomats, "We stand in solidarity with our Allies in the United Kingdom, and we fully supported the UK's decision to expel diplomats and take other actions to respond. The United States is considering a range of options to respond to this outrageous incident, both to demonstrate our solidarity with our Ally and to hold Russia accountable for its clear breach of international norms and agreements." British Prime Minister Theresa May called the incident "a brazen attempt to murder innocent civilians on our soil." and has accused Russia for carrying out the attack. However, Moscow has denied any wrongdoing. President Vladimir Putin described the accusations as "delirium" after he won another six-year term as president. The EU on Monday strongly condemned the poisonous attack on the spy Sergei Skripal, while stating that it takes the UK assessment of Moscow's possible involvement in it "extremely seriously." Retired military intelligence officer Skripal, 66, and his daughter, Yulia, 33, were found slumped on a bench in Salisbury city centre on March 4. However, they remain in a critical but stable condition in hospital. According to media reports, Skripal was convicted by the Russian government of passing secrets to UK's Secret Intelligence Service MI6 in 2004, but was given refuge in the UK in 2010 as part of a "spy swap. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Two criminals and one sub-inspector of police suffered injuries while exchanging fire in Uttar Pradesh's Muzaffarnagar on Saturday. All three of them were sent to a nearby hospital for medical treatment and now are said to be out of danger. The incident happened yesterday night when the bike-borne criminals fired upon a police party after being asked to stop for checking. The goons were identified as Rahees and Javed, who have at least a dozen cases of dacoity and murder registered against them. During the search, police recovered eight cartridges, one motorcycle and .315 bore rifle from their possession. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Uttar Pradesh Police here on Sunday gunned down a criminal with a bounty of Rs 1 lakh on his head. The criminal, Shravan Chaudhry, was injured in an encounter with the police and later succumbed to his injuries in hospital, informed the Director General of Police (DGP) headquarter. An AK-47 and a smooth-bore breech loading (SBBL) gun were also confiscated from the spot. The criminal was wanted in murder cases in Noida and Delhi. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The White House has 'applauded' the historic and gigantic "March for Our Lives" rally which is underway in Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington D.C. and elsewhere in the US. Thousands of people flooded the Pennsylvania Avenue in the American capital for the anti-gun movement on March 24 to support tougher gun controls, in the wake of last month's shooting at a Florida school, which claimed 17 lives. Students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas (MSD) High School in Parkland, Florida are organising the massive protests in collaboration with the nonprofit organisation, "Everytown for Gun Safety." The motto of the protests is Never Again MSD. In a statement, White House spokesperson Lindsey Walters said, "We applaud the many courageous young Americans exercising their first amendment rights today." "Keeping our children safe is a top priority of the president's, (Donald Trump) which is why he urged Congress to pass the Fix Nics and Stop School Violence Acts, and signed them into law. Additionally, on Friday, the Department of Justice issued the rule to ban bump stocks following through on the president's commitment to ban devices that turn legal weapons into illegal machine guns," she added. The Fix Nics 2017 Act would tighten the country's background checks system. Nics stands for the National Instant Background Checks System. The legislation provides federal agencies with a few more incentives to submit records to the background check system, The Guardian reported. The Stop School Violence Act would authorize USD 50 million in grant funding for campus safety improvements, including training for local law enforcement and faculty and the development of an anonymous reporting system to identify early warning signs of potential threats. Both the laws were part of USD 1.3 trillion omnibus government bill that President Trump signed on Friday. Meanwhile, the US President is yet to react to the anti-gun-violence demonstration, which is being conducted by the survivors of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, where a suspended student went on a shooting rampage, killing 17 students on February 14. President Trump, who championed himself as a strong supporter of gun rights, has taken several different positions on new legislation in the aftermath of the Florida shooting. He has proposed arming teachers while backing away from earlier statements about raising the legal age to purchase a semi-automatic weapon from 18 to 21. On Friday, President Trump ordered the Department of Justice (DOJ) to issue a new rule banning the use of bump stocks, which are generally used to modify semi-automatic weapons so that they can fire more rapidly. The decision comes after a letter was sent by the Republican senators in October last year urging the administration to review the decision after a mass shooter used the device in killing 58 people at a country music concert in Las Vegas. It was the deadliest attack to ever take place on US soil, since the 9/11 attacks in 2001. Last month, President Trump recommended a ban on 'bump stocks' gun devices and directed his Attorney General, Jeff Sessions to make the proposed changes in the country's gun control law. 19-year-old Nikolas Cruz, a former student, claimed responsibility for the shooting in the Florida school and was expelled from the school for disciplinary reasons. He has been booked on 17 counts of premeditated murder. Following this, massive protests were held by students across the US to pressurise the Trump administration for tougher gun measures. Last week, students from more than 3,000 schools took to the streets from Washington to Los Angeles and from New York to Parkland on National Walkout Day to call for action against gun violence. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) At least three people were killed and two others were injured in a suicide blast in Afghanistan's Kandahar city on Tuesday. The casualties could be higher as the bombing hit a residential area of Aino Mina town in the city, Xinhua news agency reported. Provincial government spokesman Aziz Ahmad Azizi confirmed the attack without giving any details and said an investigation was underway into the incident. --IANS soni/ (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.) Cleaning the Ganga and training unemployed youth were some of the initiatives taken up at Cognizance, the annual three-day technical festival of IIT Roorkee. Growth Development Programme, Ganga rejuvenation project and eliminating darkness were the key themes of Cognizance 2018. "We also collaborated with Pritham Foundation to help a number of unemployed youths to develop skills by offering three-month training to them," M.K. Barua, Associate DOSW (Students Activities) Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee, told IANS on Sunday. Besides these, many other initiatives were adopted with 75 companies sponsoring the festival that began here on Friday. In collaboration with Uttarakhand Renewable Energy Development Agency, under its social initiative programme "Let's Eliminate Darkness", the students also distributed LED bulbs in remote regions of Kundi and Lakhnauta in Uttarakhand. "We distributed 46 LED bulbs in Kundi district and 72 in Lakhnauta village with the aim to eliminate darkness from these areas," Barua said. "I think we have to use advancements in technology and the capabilities of international majors to deploy solutions which can brighten the lives of our countrymen." He said Cognizance is an initiative to aware people from across the country to consider it as a sacred duty, give support and contribute their time and efforts toward this mission. IIT Roorkee Director Ajit Kumar Chaturvedi said Cognizance was a platform aimed at enhancing entrepreneurship skill among students. "Becoming a successful entrepreneur requires concentration, innovation and communication... all these essential skills students learn at the tech fest," he said. (Umer Rashid is in Roorkee at the invitation of Cognizance organisers. He can be reached at umer.r@ians.in) --IANS umer/him/sar (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) To curb fake news, Egypt has announced a new hotline for citizens that will run on WhatsApp and will allow them to report news that aims to "to endanger the nations security or public interests", the reported. Egypt's citizens can report any of the fabricated news violations by sending messages to the General Prosecution office via the WhatsApp hotline, The Next Web reported. It was launched on March 12 and the announcement was made through a statement by Egypt's General Prosecution office. "This comes to apply the orders of the Prosecutor General Nabil Sadek to monitor what is being published on different outlets and social websites," the statement said. This comes as the communications committee of the Egyptian Parliament has been discussing articles of a government draft law to counter IT-related crimes, the report added. Reports coming from Egypt were that the committee has agreed to its article seven, which regulates the blocking of websites based inside and outside of the country. Many people continue to criticise Egypt's stance regarding news websites saying it amounts to media censorship. Since 2017, Egyptian authorises have been blocking Qatar-linked online publications such as Al-Jazeera, The Huffington Post Arabic, Qatari News Agency and more, the reason given by the country's government is that the publications "fabricate news" and also incite terrorism, the report said. This has continued in 2018 where the government has come under criticism for continue to block a number of news outlets which include The New York Times, The Washington Post, and CNN, these have been inaccessible to mobile users in Egypt since the beginning of the year, the report added. The new law now also likely gives authorities carte blanche on websites to ban citing fake news and state security as a reason, whether that is actually the case or not, is debatable. It also remains to be seen how they will be able to enforce this given how citizens can use VPNs to bypass this. --IANS vc/ksk (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India on Sunday nominated former Director of NCERT, Prof. J.S. Rajput as India's representative to the Executive Board of Unesco, said an official statement. An eminent educationist with rich experience in various fields, he is also known for his contributions in reforms in school and teacher Rajput has recently completed the project aimed at achieving religious amity through and his edited book "Education of Muslims in India" was released by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in June 2015. He also proposed valuable changes in the school education curriculum as Director NCERT, popularly known as five Sai values - Truth, Peace, Non-violence, Righteous Conduct (Dharma) and Love. Rajput is also known for regulating the B.Ed correspondence courses as the first Chairman of NCTE and for starting the two-year B.Ed course. According to the statement, Human Resource Development Minister Prakash Javdekar, during his participation in the general conference of UNESCO from October 30-November 4 last year, actively mobilised support from various nations for India's membership to the the organisation's board. --IANS sid/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) AFC: MANILA, Philippines - March 23, 2018 - The Philippines survived a late scare but will head into their AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 qualifier against Tajikistan on a high after beating Fiji 3-2 in a friendly at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila on Thursday. Philippines only need a draw against Tajikistan in their final Group F tie on Tuesday to seal a first-ever appearance in the AFC Asian Cup and they were dominant against Fiji. After several missed attempts, Philippines took the lead in the 29th minute through James Younghusband. Eight minutes into the second half, Hikaru Minegishi doubled their lead and their fans were rewarded again in the 61st when Kevin Ingreso found the back of the net. A lapse in concentration, however, saw Fiji pull one back through Ame Votoniu in the 74th minute. Seven minutes later, Roy Krishna pulled another one back for Fiji from the penalty spot and that set the stage for a nervy closing minutes for the Azkals. However, they held firm and with the win in the bag, they can now prepare for Tajikistan. Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia and Mongolia played to a 2-2 draw in a friendly match at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Thursday. Turbat Daginaa turned the ball into his own net in the 31st minute to give Malaysia the lead but Mongolia drew level 11 minutes later through Enkhbileg Purevdor. Akhyar Rashid gave the hosts the lead again in the 64th minute but it was, again, a shortlived advantage as Gankhuyag Ser-Od-Yanjiv equalised for Mongolia in the 70th. Malaysia will face Lebanon in their final AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 Group B qualifier on Tuesday. Ong Kim Swee's team are already out of the running for a place in the Finals. Manama: Bahrain and Palestine settled for a 0-0 draw as both teams enjoyed a good warm-up ahead of their final AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 qualifying ties on Tuesday. Having already sealed qualification for UAE 2019, Bahrain and Palestine will be looking to win their respective groups on the final qualification matchday. Five police personnel were injured as clashes broke out during a Ram Navami rally in in West Bengal's Purulia district on Sunday, police said. The injured police personnel included an officer of the rank of Deputy Superintendent, the police said. The violence erupted in Beldi village in Arsha over the route of the Ram Navami procession. --IANS ssp/qd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Spain's former Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont was arrested on the entry of Germany from Denmark on Sunday, German police confirmed. A German police spokesperson confirmed the arrest, saying that based on a European warrant, Puigdemont was arrested by the Autobahn police force of Schleswig-Holstein, on the Federal Highway 7 in the direction toward Hamburg, from where he wanted to return to Belgium, Xinhua reported. In the meantime, the local newspaper Kieler Nachrichten cited judicial circles as saying that Puigdemont was apparently considering applying for asylum in Germany. "Should he do so, the asylum application will be examined as any other by the Federal Office for Migration," said a spokesman for the Schleswig-Holstein Ministry of Interior. In Germany the prosecution or the execution of a European arrest warrant takes precedence over an asylum procedure. The judiciary in Schleswig-Holstein is now examining whether Puigdemont will be placed in extradition. The decision of the district court is expected on Monday. Lawyer Jaume Alonso-Cuevillas said on his Twitter that Puigdemont was held on Sunday when he crossed the border from Denmark to Germany. He also confirmed that Puigdemont had been on his way back to Belgium where he lives in exile since fleeing Spain. Puigdemont has been a fugitive since Catalonia's failed bid to become independent from Spain last October. The Spanish Supreme Court on Friday issued fresh arrest warrants against Puigdemont and some other individuals behind the independence bid. --IANS qd/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, who is on a two-day visit to Tamil Nadu, on Sunday visited Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV) truck plant in Oragadam near here, a statement said. DICV Managing Director & CEO Erich Nesselhauf and his team gave the delegation an insight into truck production and the company's vocational training programmes inspired by the German model, a company statement said. Daimler's wholly-owned subsidiary DICV has been active in the strategic Indian growth market since 2012 and has delivered more than 60,000 vehicles to Indian customers under its BharatBenz brand. Meanwhile Germany's First Lady Elke Buedenbender visited an NGO here involved in fighting against child abuse and labour and striving for their rights. The couple were accorded warm welcome at the Chennai Airport with a group performing Bharathanatyam, as per a tweet in germanyinindia. Steinmeir will visit Mamallapuram near here famous for rock sculptures. --IANS vj/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A wanted criminal, arrested here after a brief gunfight in which he and a police officer were injured, succumbed to his injuries in hospital here on Sunday, police said. Superintendent of Police, City, Akash Tomar said that the criminal who was identified as Sundar, carried a reward of Rs 25,000 on his head. His record showed that he was involved in five criminal cases of heinous nature. Sundar was arrested on Saturday night after a police patrol in Pratap Vihar area under Vijay Nagar police station came across some persons appearing suspicious and asked them to stop for checking but came under fire from the criminals who tried to escape. One of the bullets hit Vijay Nagar police station incharge Naresh Kumar Singh in the stomach. Police retaliated, hitting one of the criminals in his leg and apprehended him. Both the taken to a nearby hospital, where doctors then said both were out of danger. "Though the doctors declared them out of danger but on Sunday, the criminal succumbed to his injuries. The cause of death can only be ascertained only after the postmortem report reachs us," said Tomar. --IANS sps/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A massive protest, led by top opposition leaders from various parties lines, was held here on Sunday to support the demand for a realignment of a by-pass near here, with participants asserting that they would not allow paddy fields to be sacrificed to build it. Among those who led the march were former State Congress President V.M. Sudheeran, Bharatiya Janata Party MP and superstar Suresh Gopi, six-time Independent legislator P.C. George, Aam Aadmi Party leader C.R. Neelakandan and several environmentalists. The protest came a day after top leadership of the ruling Communist Party of India-Marxist's local unit, which is strongly supporting the by-pass, took to the streets here shouting slogans against the protesters, saying they have an "anti-development" agenda and calling to isolate them. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and the district CPI-M leadership however contend that a total of 11.5 acres of paddy fields is being taken and all, except four people, have agreed to it. They accused "vested interests behind the protesters of misleading the hapless local populace". However, in Sunday's protest, Sudheeran said he is surprised to see that while the CPI-M lead protests against taking over farm lands for development in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, here they are the biggest supporters for it. "What must be noted is that no environment and social impact assessment study was undertaken nor was an expert opinion sought for this proposed alignment. The National Highways Authority of India and the Kerala government have joined hands to destroy the paddy fields, which is the source of employment for many here. In no way will we allow this paddy lands to be taken over for the by-pass," he said. Asking Chief Minister Vijayan to intervene and settle this issue as the protesters have a genuine case, Gopi said: "My state party president has briefed a cross section of the Union Ministers stating that the present alignment has to be changed as the demands of the protesters are genuine". "The Union government is only willing to help resolve this issue as the protesters are not against the by-pass but are against this present alignment," he added. George went a step forward and asked Vijayan to explain the fact that arrangements have been done with a group for Rs 70 crore as eight lakh lorry loads of mud are required to fill up this paddy field for constructing the by-pass. "If the CPI-M leadership here do not learn from what happened in West Bengal and Tripura, then they are in for bad times. No one is against development at all... it's the manner in which development is forced on hapless people, that is being opposed," he said. Incidentally , the protest is taking place at one of the strongholds of the CPI-M in Kannur and most of the protesters are all hardcore CPI-M activists. But with the Vijayan government adamant, they decided to seek the support of all people who support the environment. Meanwhile, sensing that the protest could turn out to a problem for the CPI-M in Kannur, state PWD Minister G. Sudhakaran, who had attacked the protesters, has written to the NHAI to see if an elevated highway is possible through the present alignment, in a bid to quell the public anger. --IANS sg/him/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday urged the people to be more conscious about preventive healthcare because prevention was not only beneficial for a person but also for his or her family and society. Modi also said the government has set a target to free India from tuberculosis by 2025 and that the government and insurance companies will jointly provide Rs 5 lakh insurance cover to about 10 crore families per year. In his monthly radio programme "Mann Ki Baat", the Prime Minister said: "Preventive healthcare is the least costly and the easiest one as well. As much as we are conscious about preventive healthcare, it will be beneficial for the person, his family and society." Modi also stressed on the need for sanitisation because "a healthy India is as vital as clean India". "I believe that healthy India and clean India are supplementary to each other. The country has moved ahead in the health sector with a conventional approach. "Earlier, every health related work was the responsibility of the Union Health Ministry only. But in the current scenario, every department, state governments and other departments are working together for a healthy India." He said the first necessity for a healthy life is cleanliness. "As all of us took up the responsibility, the result is that in the last four years or so, sanitation coverage has almost doubled and risen to around 80 per cent." Modi said yoga has attained worldwide recognition as a measure of preventive healthcare and urged people to start a movement right now. "Yoga Day will be celebrated on June 21. Can we start working from now to encourage people for Yoga?" He said the government had opened over 3,000 'Jan Aushadhi Kendras (people's medicine centre) and was working continuously to open more such centres. More than 800 medicines are being made available at these centres at an affordable price, he said. Citing some key steps of his government for patients, the Prime Minister said: "The cost for heart stent for the patients has been reduced to 85 per cent. Knee implants cost has also been regulated and reduced by 50-70 per cent. "Under 'Ayushman Bharat Yojana', the Indian government and insurance companies will jointly provide Rs 5 lakh for treatment to about 10 crore families or say 50 crore citizens per year." He said MBBS seats in present 479 medical colleges have been increased to about 68,000 and new All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) are being opened in various states with a view to provide better treatment to people across the country. "One new medical college will be set up for every three districts." The Prime Minister said the government is working to make the country TB-free by 2025. "This is an enormous task. Your cooperation is needed to create public awareness. All of us will need to make united efforts to become TB-free," Modi added. --IANS rak/him/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.) India's many paradoxes - including its large number of people with health problems but a medical infrastructure that draws in a large number of foreigners - also provide an avenue to do large-scale innovations and produce great innovators, say experts. "Given the situation we live in, we are people most suited for doing innovations. There is an inherit ability among people of India to save money which people of developed countries don't possess," said Prashant Jha, a former IITian and a Fellowship Director of one of the oldest Medical Technology Innovation programmes at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, during the Cognizance festival at the Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee here. Jha also said there exists a confusion among people about how health care and economics operate. "It is known that no one cares about investing in health. In fact, the whole world doesn't want to spend on health care so India remains no exception. "Almost 40 million people in India fall below the poverty line which means most of them don't avail of quality health care." Citing a recent survey conducted by his team of innovators across different states in India, he said: "We found 80 per cent of pregnant women are not being monitored before operations which is disgraceful. Doctors operate these women on guess only by looking at the intensity of the labour pain." However, he said that interestingly, there is another side to this disparity as many as four million foreigners (from the Gulf, Africa and Europe) visit India for medical tourism. About other paradoxes existing in India, Jha said that there are laws which restrict innovators from doing studies on animals, but when it comes to conducting human studies, it is not considered "unethical". "There is another intrinsic belief among Indians that anyone who is after money is viewed to be a bad person. This approach is actually making Indians a lazy, moronic and stupid people," he said. According to Debashish Purkayastha, Executive Director, Head EXCOM and a former IIT Roorkee alumni, India might have moved from socialism to liberalism after it opened its gates to globalisation in the 1990s, but the "situation however remains that there is huge content that exists only as archives and is yet to be digitised". For him, the legacy of sixty years that exists in analogue form often becomes an impediment for conducting research on artificial intelligence and other similar subjects. "The role of the new breed of IITians thus becomes a great resource for young minds with their unique ideas which often help institutions redraft innovations and build technological terrain. At the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd. we are facing a decline in field production,drilling technology and geophysical data that needs to be addressed," Purkayastha told IANS. (Umer Rashid is in Roorkee at the invitation of Cognizance organisers. He can be reached at umer.r@ians.in) --IANS umer/vd/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India would negotiate a FTA (Free Trade Agreement) with the AfCFTA (African Continental Free Trade Agreement) which "will be unique in nature and will be beneficial to Africa's needs", Commerce and Industry Minister Suresh Prabhu said on Sunday. In his address at the inaugural session of the 13th CII-Exim Bank Conclave on "India-Africa Project Partnership", he said the current bilateral trade between India and Africa of $53 billion was "far below potential and efforts needed to be made to step up the volume of trade" as well as to diversify the trade basket. In this connection, Prabhu highlighted that the Indian government was "revamping export insurance and the Project Export Promotion Council" to provide a boost to exports to Africa. In addition, the government was seeking to set up a new India-Africa Development Fund which would seek to synergise the 'Lines of Credit' as well as other export promotion and development programmes to bring about a more holistic development of the continent, he said. Prabhu added that India intends to strengthen air connectivity links with Africa. --IANS rv/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Manipur government employees, on a ceasework strike since last week, on Sunday demanded a timeframe for the implementation of the 7th Pay Commission recommendations. Out of the 19 BJP ruled states, Manipur is the only where the recommendations have not been implemented. The strike was jointly called on March 22 by the All Manipur Trade Unions Council and the All Manipur Government Employees Organisation. L. Biken, general secretary of the Joint Administrative Council (JAC) of the striking employees, said: "We are not saying that the enhanced pay should be given now. "All what we want is that the government should give a written commitment on when the recommendations of the 7th Pay Commission will be implemented in Manipur." Referring to Chief Minister N. Biren Singh's "excuse" that being a resourceless state, Manipur depends mostly on the central government and so it cannot implement the higher pay, Biken said the state government had implemented the 4th, 5th and 6th pay commission. --IANS il/ksk/sar (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Manipur government on Sunday signalled a tough stand against the striking employees, with Deputy Chief Minister Yumnam Joykumar saying the "no work, no pay" rule will be used against the employees do not report for duty by Monday. One employee however said that all employees are attending office though they are not doing the official work. Joykumar, who holds charge of finance, said that the employees' demand for the implementation of the Seventh Pay Condition's recommendations is legitimate but requested them to wait for some time since the enhanced pay scale for over 85,000 employees and 45,000 pensioners will require an additional Rs 1,400 crore annually, which the state government simply does not have. However, he stressed that it is not that the government has no intention of implementing the recommendations, but is waiting for the 15th Finance Commission report as Manipur could get some additional funds by then. He said that with the financial year is fast-ending, it is time for all sections of employees to sit together for sanctioning available funds and that "It will be good for the state if the striking employees understand it". He also said that the government has already set the ball rolling to engage retired persons to dispose of the time-bound files ahead of the financial year ending on March 31. Representatives of the striking employees however said that the matter cannot be settled by going to the media. "We are not saying that the enhanced pay should be paid from today. But the government must make a written commitment on the time table on the payment of the 7th Pay Commission," said one of their leaders. Meanwhile police sources said that some members of the Joint Administrative Council, which is spearheading the strike, may be picked up if the stir is not suspended. --IANS il/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that "many lawyers" want to help him in the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election amid speculation suggesting that the president is having difficulty finding a new attorney after the departure of one of his top legal representatives last week. "Many lawyers and top law firms want to represent me in the Russia case...don't believe the Fake News narrative that it is hard to find a lawyer who wants to take this on," said Trump on Twitter. The statement comes after his main attorney, John Dowd, stepped down on Thursday from his position representing Trump in Special Counsel Robert Mueller's Russia probe, Efe reported. The Washington Post suggested this past week that Trump was having difficulty finding top-quality attorneys to represent him in the case, citing multiple advisers to the president familiar with the negotiations. "Fame & fortune will NEVER be turned down by a lawyer, though some are conflicted," Trump continued in a pair of tweets on the subject. According to The Post, some law firms have said that they "do not want the controversy of representing a divisive and unpopular president" while others have claimed that they have existing clients presenting conflicts of interest should they also take on Trump as a client. In any case, Trump said that the "Problem is that a new...lawyer or law firm will take months to get up to speed (if for no other reason than they can bill more), which is unfair to our great country -- and I am very happy with my existing team." "Besides, there was NO COLLUSION with Russia, except by Crooked Hillary and the Dems!" he concluded. Last week, Trump's attorneys provided documents to Mueller on the Russia matter with the aim of avoiding having the president personally interviewed as part of that investigation, The Post reported. The daily, citing two sources familiar with the facts, said that the documents included written descriptions of key moments and incidents under investigation in the hope of reducing the possibility that Mueller might question the mogul. Trump's legal team, according to the same sources, is concerned that the magnate might expose himself legally in a lengthy interview, above all because of his well-known tendency for making imprecise and/or factually inaccurate statements. --IANS qd/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) As more than 1,000 delegates from over 100 countries, including several from the African continent, discussed crucial issues ranging from maritime to food security and energy in this city in the Moroccan Sahara, the underlying factor was Morocco's emergence as a gateway for the world to look at investments and projects in Africa. Leaders, officials, investors and others participated in the Crans Montana Forum (CMF) here in the past week to discuss the scope that African nations offer and the need to make efforts to ensure that development reaches some of the remotest corners of one of the least developed continents. CMF president Pierre-Emmanuel Quirin highlighted the role being played by Morocco to provide a platform to the world to reach out to African nations. "We offer a free platform to be able to create this exchange of experiences on themes such as agriculture, fishing potential, renewable energies and responsible eco-tourism. I think that somehow the city of Dakhla -- at least for a few days -- has become the capital of the continent," Quirin said, adding that the CMF was "happy to find the big African family in Morocco" to discuss issues related to the continent's development. At Dakhla and on-board the Italian cruise ship 'Rhapsody', delegates debated economic, social and environmental development concerning Africa. The themes discussed included the role of youth, women's empowerment, food security, sustainable agriculture, public health and renewable energy. Nearly 50 African countries participated in the forum this time, highlighting the growing importance of issues related to Africa and the CMF providing a platform to discuss solutions. Moroccon Prime Minister Saadeddine El Othmani was the first head of the government to participate in the CMF, which is annually being held in this city since 2015. "There is a new African awakening leading to relations between African countries in several areas, be it at the level of economic cooperation, cultural cooperation, and trade; we must increase cooperation at all levels between African countries. Unfortunately, trade and investment exchanges in Africa are still very weak," Othmani told EuroNews TV channel. With poverty, lack of infrastructure, health and malnutrition, women's issues, food security and other problems that grip most of the African nations, delegates at the CMF discussed ways and means to overcome these with global participation. "Africa can become the leader of the world if its resources are used carefully. The continent and its people have vast potential," Souleymane Fall, special advisor to Senegalese President Macky Sall, told IANS during the conference. The conference this time laid special emphasis on youth and women's empowerment. Youth leaders from various countries debated issues and were honoured at the event. "It is good to see that the role of the youth is being recognised in a big way by the Forum. The youth hold the key to the future," Manasvi Atrey, an entrepreneur from India, told IANS. (Jaideep Sarin was in Dakhla at the CMF's organisers. He can be contacted at jaideep.s@ians.inVoicing an opinion telling African Americans To own and train with fire arms in a country that allows public servants to kill them is stupid now... ok https://t.co/aoTqfYrLxm
Killer Mike (@KillerMike) March 24, 2018